Sophie Al-Bassam

Managing Editor

Sophie Al-Bassam is the managing editor of Better Homes and Gardens. In her 20-year career, she has interviewed leading chefs, managed omnichannel projects for some of Australia’s biggest brands, overhauled websites and taught the next generation about magazines at Sydney University. She has written for Guardian Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald, National Geographic Traveller, Wellbeing, and many more. She cares about commas, deadlines and chocolate.

Garden

This common winter gardening habit could be damaging your skin

You’ve pulled on your gardening gloves and grabbed the secateurs, but have you reached for the sunscreen? Even in winter, Australian gardeners are exposed to UV levels that can cause damage. “Sunscreen is crucial in Australia. Decades of research has shown that using sunscreen, along with other sun-protective measures, helps reduce the risk of sunburn, […]

mitchell library reading room in state library for state library stories

Lifestyle

3 Aussie celebrities on the local libraries that shaped their lives

The State Library of NSW shares stories from libraries around Australia.

Lifestyle

Plate It Forward: The social enterprise serving up good food and even better care

This Sydney-based enterpise runs 4 restaurants, and cares for people in need while they do it.

Jimmy Barnes and Jane Barnes drinking tea togerther outdoors at their home

Food & Recipes

Jane and Jimmy Barnes’ seasonal recipes are the heartfelt home cooking we all need right now

He’s known for powerful performances and singing legendary songs like Working Class Man, Flame Trees and Khe Sanh. While still touring at age 69, Jimmy Barnes has also embraced a slower pace, and his favourite place to “contemplate life” is sipping tea in his rose garden. Jimmy and his wife, Jane, live on a property on […]