Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 19, 2022 i New Idea

In this issue, former TV host Mike Whitney shares with us his amazing new career after quitting TV – and it got me thinking… If you could be anything you wanted, what would it be? I asked the super-talented New Idea team and some of their answers were surprising! If he had his time over, our pic editor Matt would try his luck on Broadway or as a dancer, while our copy editor Sarah says she’d like to give Sonia Kruger a run for her money as a TV presenter. Fellow copy editor Carla would like to be an actress (I hear Summer Bay calling!), and deputy editor Leigh went one step further by admitting he’d love to be a time traveller… or Nicole Kidman’s personal assistant! Keep those dreams…

Shannon Noll says that living in the city cost him so much work that his family has now relocated to rural NSW. The former Australian Idol star told The Daily Telegraph that he’d based himself within close proximity of Sydney in the hopes of making travelling to gigs easier. However, the circumstances of the past year meant the 46-year-old wound up losing work, simply because of where he lived. “I was 500 metres inside Greater Sydney last year and lost like 20 gigs out of it,” the ‘What About Me’ singer said. During the pandemic in 2021, Greater Sydney residents were in lockdown for several months and weren’t permitted to travel interstate. “People from Tasmania were flying over the top of me to replace me on gigs in Queensland, so…

While Tina Brown’s new book is somewhat sympathetic to Meghan’s plight as an American celebrity who couldn’t quite find her feet in palace life, the author’s sources claim she was reluctant to give up the trappings of her previous modest fame. “[She was] hungry for luxury freebies, even after joining the royal family,” the book alleges. “[Meghan] thought [the royals] needed her more than she needed them.” Before meeting Harry, Meghan scored all manner of beauty, fashion, food and travel goodies through her lifestyle blog, The Tig. “She won a reputation among the marketers of luxury brands of being warmly interested in receiving bags of designer swag,” Tina writes. The Sun newspaper reports Meghan allegedly told a PR team, “Make sure [the publicist] knows that she can still send me…

Rita Ora has made herself right at home ever since she moved to Australia in 2021 to work on The Voice Australia. Now, sources tell New Idea that the British songstress is seriously considering making the move permanent. “The more Rita works in Sydney, the more committed she is to her dream of buying her own slice of Aussie paradise,” the insider spills to New Idea. “She combs the real estate websites all the time, and is tossing up between somewhere in [Sydney] in the Eastern Suburbs or the Northern Beaches.” Rita, 31, has continually gushed about her “love” of Australia. “I have really found a great home here,” Rita told a local publication earlier this year. “The weather, the beach, it is such a lovely community. “I can walk…

With his famous mop of curls growing wild and sporting his first-ever beard, Mike Whitney is barely recognisable as he grabs a microphone and takes to the stage to fulfil his childhood dream of being a rock’n’roll king! “It’s so much fun,” laughs Mike, whose 27-year-old triplets, Fergus, Madeleine and Juliet, think it’s fantastic that their old man has started a crazy new career, just when his fans thought they had seen the last of him after he sensationally quit TV earlier this year. “I was never allowed to grow a beard when I was on TV, so this is the real me now,” former cricketer Mike continues. “I’ve always been this person, but you have to conform when you’re a TV host. If I never had to wear a…

This Mother’s Day, Erin’s throwing her support behind a special initiative from Australia’s biggest bookstore, Booktopia, which is encouraging mums to take some well-earned downtime for themselves. “Mums are constantly juggling a million things … we forget to check in on ourselves,” says Erin. “So, I’m focusing on doing something I miss in my life – reading one of the many books I’ve stockpiled. Thankfully, Eliza also loves books. She’s inquisitive and constantly asks questions – it’s a wonderful way to bond with your bubba.” To find out more, as well as the best buys for mum, visit booktopia.com.au…

Kellerman fans rejoice! In Jennifer’s latest interview with People magazine, she hinted that a long-awaited sequel to the 1987 film is in the works – and she’s heavily involved in the project. “We’ve been working on it for a couple of years,” Jennifer revealed. But don’t expect the new film to be a carbon copy of the original. Instead, Jennifer hints what they’ve set out to do is recapture the spirit of the original. “[Dirty Dancing] was lightning in a bottle,” Jennifer reflects. “And I know in my heart, I would love to give fans or a young, new audience an experience that would never replicate that, but has the same kind of underpinnings.”…

‘I DONATED A KIDNEY TO MY DAUGHTER’ When Laura Di Scala noticed that her daughter’s eyes were puffy, she thought it was an allergic reaction. But the following day when she lifted up Aleia, then 3, Laura noticed the tot was much heavier than usual. A urine test and hospital examinations quickly diagnosed Nephrotic syndrome – Aleia’s kidneys weren’t functioning properly. “She went to hospital and didn’t come out for several months,” says Laura, 37, from Melbourne. Aleia gained as much as half a kilo of fluid a day and eventually had a seizure. Then, her kidneys collapsed and Aleia began hours of dialysis. “We tried to make things fun, but she was confined to bed for hours. We tried to reassure her that it wouldn’t be like this forever.…

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED • Assorted paper mâché gift boxes • Burlap • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Pencil • Wooden flourishes • Black fine liner pen • Faux floristry and leaves • Twine • Scissors INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 Decide on which box size you need for your gift. STEP 2 Cut the burlap to desired thickness and glue on the inside of box lid with the hot glue gun. This way, it is easy to open the box without ruining the look of the box. STEP 3 Choose what words you would like to put on your presents and use a pencil to lightly draw that word onto a wooden flourish. Draw over that word with black fine liner pen to make it stand out. STEP 4 Pull apart the faux floristry and leaves, and create little…

It’s likely you might have never heard of it, but every three days a child in Australia is born with Neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a set of three complex genetic conditions that causes tumours to form on nerve cells throughout the body. May is NF Awareness Month, and the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF) want to shine a spotlight on and educate Australians on the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. To find out more, donate or order your awareness ribbon, visit ctf.org.au…

THE PSYCHIC MEDIUM ANSWERS YOUR BURNING LIFE QUESTIONS Q Can you please tell me what you see for me in regards to career and love? MELISSA A DEAR MELISSA, You certainly have a lot of changes going on around you. I can see the last three years have been challenging for you – there have been a number of finalisations in your life. I am seeing the image of doors. I see you standing before them and trying to decide which one is the right one to open. I know you are strong and can make decisions quite quickly, however, I am also seeing that you are hesitating as you worry about making the wrong choice. I feel you have had friendships and relationships that have made you question if…

Welcome to mum-of-nine Claire Hooker and her must-read new column, the Thrifty Mum! In these difficult and uncertain times, we can all use some wise and practical advice when it comes to providing for our families. Whether you have a busy family of 11 or just a couple trying to negotiate the fluctuating costs of living, there are always new ways to make our dollars go further – and still squirrel a little aside for special treats. I’m in awe of Claire and how she calmly manages the challenges that come with caring for her large family. Claire’s an inspiration, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this thrifty mum! JUDITH CAINE, DONVALE, VIC.…

The love Jane Fonda has for her Grace and Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin was on full display when Lily had her hands and feet immortalised at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre. Jane spoke at the ceremony and teared up as she gushed about Lily’s pioneering contributions to the entertainment industry. The pair’s four-decade friendship began on the set of 9 to 5 in 1980. Meanwhile, Lily scrawled ‘Edith Ann’ into the cement alongside her own signature, acknowledging the 5-year-old character she created on ’60s sketch show, Laugh-In. Cute!…

He’s not so little anymore! Prince Louis is quite the livewire, according to his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and chomping at the bit to start ‘big school’. To celebrate Louis’ 4th birthday on April 23, Prince William and Duchess Kate shared photos of their cheeky son playing on the beach near their Norfolk home. “He’s very quick running around,” Kate recently said of her youngest child. “I can’t keep up with him.” It’s expected Louis will soon join his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at primary school. Currently, Louis attends Willcocks Nursery School in London, while George, 8, and Charlotte, 6, are students at Thomas’s Battersea. But it’s believed all three will be enrolled in the same school when the family relocates to Windsor in…

Olivia Wilde remained the consummate professional last week when she was served legal papers from her ex – while she was hosting an event attended by thousands of fans! A yellow envelope marked “private and confidential” was placed at the star’s feet during CinemaCon. Olivia, 38, picked it up, peeked inside and continued promoting her second directorial effort, Don’t Worry Darling. The papers are said to involve custody of her kids, Otis, 8, and Daisy, 5, with Jason Sudeikis, 46. The Ted Lasso actor is believed to be “mortified” over the incident. “Mr Sudeikis had no prior knowledge of the time or place that the envelope would have been delivered, as this would solely be up to the process service company involved,” a source told TMZ, adding: “He would never…

One month after he went to ground following that Oscars slap, Will Smith has re-emerged into society. The actor was seen arriving into Mumbai, India on April 23. Sources say 53-year-old Will is there for spiritual purposes, to practise yoga and meditation. Immediately after the Oscars incident, which saw Will assault Chris Rock shortly before he won Best Actor, the remorseful star announced he would be taking time out to “work” on changing his behavioural tendencies.…

Three-year-old Madeleine McCann smiles for the camera, her fair hair in a tousled bob and her blue-green eyes open wide. It’s an image that’s instantly recognisable. On May 3, 2007, Madeleine was taken from her bed at a holiday resort in Portugal, and this photograph appeared in newspapers and on TV channels around the world. Parents Kate and Gerry were enjoying an evening meal with friends at the resort restaurant, while Madeleine and her younger siblings, Sean and Amelie, slept. ‘WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP HOPE OF FINDING MADELEINE ALIVE’ But at 10pm when Gerry did a quick check on the children, he discovered Madeleine’s bed was empty. Fifteen years later, the McCanns are still waiting to be reunited with their little girl, who would be turning 19 next week.…

Cherry Ripe Croissant Cheesecakes Serves 6, Prep and Cook 45 mins 670g jar morello pitted cherries 6 mini croissants 52g bar Cherry Ripe, cut into 1cm pieces, plus extra to decorate Whipped cream, to serve CHEESECAKE FILLING 250g cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ¹/ ³ cup caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla bean paste ½ cup sour cream 1 egg 1 Grease a 6-hole Texan muffin pan (¾-cup capacity). 2 Strain cherries through a sieve over a bowl. Set aside 24 cherries on a plate. Pat dry with absorbent kitchen paper. Reserve juice and remaining cherries for another use. 3 To make filling, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in small bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sour cream and egg. Beat until combined. 4 Using a rolling…

Simply freeze any leftover bread rolls. Once frozen, remove and place on a chopping board. Stand for about 10 minutes to thaw slightly. Using a box-style grater, grate the frozen bread carefully. You can now use the crumbs to make crispy schnitzels and meatballs. To make toasted, dried breadcrumbs, spread them on an oven tray and cook in a slow oven (150C), turning crumbs halfway, for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove and cool on the tray.…

MINI ME Love your lips with these matching mother-daughter rose tint lip balms. A thoughtful gift for someone special, these duo balms come in little and large, both rich in nourishing oils and flavoured with zingy organic peppermint. Angel Wings Certified Organic Lip Balm Duo Pack, $55, angelwingscosmetics.com.au SOFTEN YOUR SKIN Get your mum onto multi-use products – and you’ll be able to use them, too! The latest multipurpose cream from Lanolips has a creamy, whipped texture ideal to soothe dry areas on your face and body. Those with sensitive skin will love it. Lanolips Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream, $19, sephora.com.au CAFFEINE FIX Using all the leftover grinds from their countless coffee orders each year, 7-Eleven has come up with the genius idea of repurposing them into a…

There are some people in the world that just make everything better and brighter. I’m so incredibly lucky that I have one of those people as my mum. She has always gone through life with a smile on her face and an incredible amount of love to give. Anyone that meets her soon realises that she’s as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. LESSONS I’VE LEARNT Mother’s Day is upon us again and it makes me think about the bond I have with Mum and how much I desperately hope to have that relationship with my children. It has changed over the years as I have married and had children, but throughout it all, it’s Mum I always look to for guidance, comfort, support and friendship. Especially over…

Joining an elite club that includes Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke and Jessica Mauboy, Sheldon Riley says it is “the greatest honour” to represent Australia in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest. New Idea caught up with the former Voice finalist before he flew out to Turin, Italy, where this year’s contest will take place. My earliest Eurovision memory is… watching Conchita Wurst win in 2014. It changed my life. The one thing I’m most looking forward to about performing at Eurovision is... just being there and being a part of such an inclusive, important event. To represent Australia at Eurovision feels… like the greatest honour. I hope I do Australia proud! My song ‘Not the Same’ is important to me because… I wrote it when I was really young. I’m so…

Newly engaged Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were spotted looking unusually tense following a lunch date in Los Angeles recently – and with good reason, according to insiders. Friends say J.Lo, 52, “almost called off the wedding” after claims surfaced that not only was Ben, 49, still active on the celebrity dating app, Raya, but he’d also “matched and messaged” US reality star, Emma Hernan. As it turns out, Ben’s flirtation with Emma occurred before he reconnected with J.Lo in 2021. Raya also confirmed the actor has not been active on the app “for years”. But friends say J.Lo didn’t calm down until Emma, 30, and Raya issued statements. “Jen was badly triggered by this,” says the source. It’s understandable. When Ben and J.Lo called off their original engagement in…

Andrew Symonds claims “money” played a part in the breakdown of his friendship with former Australian Test captain, Michael Clarke. In a new interview on Brett Lee’s podcast, Andrew, 46, said he “really looked after” Michael, 41, when he first came into the Australian team, which “built a bond”. But he says that things soured when Michael became jealous of a lucrative Indian Premier League contract offered to Andrew. “Money does funny things. I reckon it may have poisoned our relationship,” Andrew explained. “My friendship with him is no longer and I’m comfortable with that.”…

As Prince Harry’s spectacular fallout with his father and brother continues, with a new chapter written seemingly every week, there’s one forgotten victim of their feud – the Duchess of Cambridge. Before things started going pear-shaped between Harry and the House of Windsor circa 2018, Kate and her brother-in-law were what most royal watchers describe as “very much in cahoots”. “They could often be seen giggling naughtily together at royal events,” says a palace source. “Harry was grateful to have another person around who could help him make sure Prince William didn’t take things too seriously. Kate and Harry were wonderfully close and it’s such a shame that has fallen by the wayside since Harry and his wife fell out with the family.” Not that Kate hasn’t tried to mend…

For Sashi Cheliah, winning MasterChef in 2018 changed his life, with the former security guard creating a very successful food business empire. But when the Season 10 champ was offered the chance to return to Kitchen HQ as part of this year’s Fans & Favourites competition, Sashi was surprisingly hesitant. “I was not sure if I would be able to do what I did again,” Sashi, 42, tells New Idea with a laugh. “It took me some time before I got back to them. But I thought it would be good to go back.” After a “lot of discussion” with his family, Sashi finally agreed to come back. But unlike his laser-focused first appearance, Sashi says this time around he also had to be across his multiple food ventures, including…

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s youngest daughter has decided to expedite her wedding in the hope her action-hero dad can be fully present when she ties the knot. Tallulah Willis got engaged to director Dillon Buss in May last year. But the 28-year-old is now rushing through the wedding planning following the family’s recent revelation about Bruce’s health. In March, the actor’s loved ones took to Instagram to announce that the 67-year-old has aphasia. This is a cognitive disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand or express speech. Now that the family has officially and publicly acknowledged Bruce’s health condition, a source close to Tallulah says the next priority is to speed up the nuptials so that Bruce can play an active role on the big day. “It was…

Dirty Dancing gave Jennifer Grey worldwide fame, with the actress becoming the envy of women everywhere thanks to her on-screen romance with handsome leading man, the late Patrick Swayze. ALL FOR SHOW? Now, ahead of the release of her memoir, Out of the Corner, Jennifer has made an interesting elation about her chemistry with the heart-throb – who passed away from cancer in 2009, aged 57. Chatting to People magazine, Jennifer, 62, admitted that the on-screen sexual tension between her character, Baby, and Patrick’s bad boy, Johnny, actually stemmed from a surprising place of “friction”. “We weren’t a natural match,” Jennifer told the publication. “And the fact that we needed to be a natural match created a tension. Because normally when someone’s not a natural, you … both people move…

‘I HID MY DIAGNOSIS’ It’s a mother’s first instinct to protect her children. That’s why, when Susanne Novak was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, she decided to hide it from her sons, Lucas, 8, and Austin, 4. “I walked around for three months thinking I was going to die. To have been processing that and to be strong for my children, I just couldn’t do both at the same time,” Susanne tells New Idea. The Melbourne mum felt a 2.3-centimetre lump in her right breast when she was showering. Six days later, she was diagnosed with cancer. “Within three weeks, on my 44th birthday, I was on the operating table having a mastectomy,” says Susanne, who had nine tumours in total. Susanne admits that not telling her sons did…

Spanish Potato Wedge Schnitzel Serves 4, Prep and Cook 45 mins ½ x 750g packet frozen potato wedges 2 tsps smoked paprika 600g packet (4) crumbed chicken breast schnitzel 125g chorizo, sliced 420g jar Whole Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce –Arrabbiata 1 cup grated mozzarella 1 Place wedges in a single layer on a large oven tray. Sprinkle over paprika. Toss to coat. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through, or until golden brown. Remove. 3 Meanwhile, arrange schnitzels on a separate oven tray. Cook in same hot oven for 15 minutes. Remove. 4 Heat a small non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. 5 Spread half…

Spinach and Haloumi Triangles Makes 15, Prep and Cook 1 hour, 10 mins 4 green spring onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 200g baby spinach leaves 180g packet firm haloumi, grated ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint 2 tblsps finely chopped fresh dill 1 egg, lightly beaten 15 sheets filo pastry 75g butter, melted Mixed salad leaves, to serve 1 Lightly grease two large oven trays. 2 Heat an oiled, large, deep frying pan. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add spinach. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Cool. Add haloumi, mint, dill and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. 3 Layer three sheets of filo together, brushing each with some butter. Cover remaining filo with a damp tea towel. With a short side facing you,…

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Picture this: you’ve picked your children up from school after doing the shopping, you rush into the house and get straight into cooking dinner. It isn’t until you sit down two hours later that the panic hits – you’ve left the groceries in the car. If you’ve ever been in a situation like this, you’re not alone. Between juggling tasks and constantly being on call, distractions are almost impossible to avoid. Founder of the Heavily Meditated app Caitlin Cady says meditation can help bring your focus back to the things that matter most. “Being a distracted mother is the surest way to a shame spiral at the end of the day,” Cady says. “Meditation helps me multitask less, listen more and has expanded my reserves of patience. It has trained…

You landed that interview. Amazing! Let’s ensure you’re as prepped as possible, so you absolutely crush it. Here’s what to do: »» Make sure you research the company and the role thoroughly. »» Re-read the job description and make sure you have examples for how you demonstrate the skills and attributes they’re looking for. »» Think of some questions you’d like to ask the hiring manager. »» Think about your salary expectations ahead of time. »» Check the interview dress code. »» Pre-plan the journey there. »» Make sure you’re in a calm and focused headspace the day of the interview. »» Arrive around 10 minutes early (and definitely don’t be late). »» Remember to be nice to the receptionist/ anyone else who might greet you! For more on career…

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 Let yourself lean on others. As you reach out and join forces, the power of teamwork will be clearly demonstrated. Many couples will find themselves reconnecting over shared passions or projects, while singles might see someone in a positive new light. Why not organise a get-together? That sentimental streak needs satisfying. LUCKY GEMSTONE: EMERALD GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21 You’ve got energy to burn this month, so why not confront a health-related problem or sort out a messy situation at work? If those stress levels are spiking, exercise should keep you grounded. As a bonus, social pursuits like tennis or bowls might rekindle a flagging friendship. On the spending front, remember the adage: all that glitters is not gold. LUCKY COLOUR: ORANGE CANCER…

Ryan, Matt and Lucy love spending time on the Mitchell River. MICHELLE BONDESAN, BENTLEIGH EAST, VIC.  Nothing cuter than a duck with a flower hat! JENNA KENTWELL, GERALDTON, WA. My daughter, Londyn, 4, at a cupcake decorating session. She was quite pleased with her results! KRISTEN HANSEN, BROADBEACH, QLD. Kaspar looking grand as he soaks up the late afternoon sun! ANTHONY ACHJIAN, BONDI JUNCTION, NSW. Send us a funny story about your children and mere males, a letter about an interesting piece you’ve read in our mag or a pic of your child/pet. The best entry of the week wins $100. Post your original letters and photos (sorry, photos cannot be returned) to Children’s World/Mere Male/Letters/Pets, New Idea, GPO Box 7814, Sydney NSW 2001 or email newideachildrensworld@aremedia.com.au, newideameremale@aremedia.com.au, newidealetters@aremedia.com.au or…

BOOK LISA BY LISA CURRY Heartwarming and extremely life-affirming, swimming great MOVIE THE DROVER’S WIFE Starring, written and directed by Leah Purcell, this film is the latest adaptation of Henry Lawson’s short story by the actress – she previously turned it into a play and novel. Bold and unflinching, it is a brutal depiction of rural life in the late 19th century, with Jessica De Gouw, Sam Reid and Rob Collins in supporting roles. OUT THU. TV THE STAIRCASE Colin Firth and Toni Collette act their socks off in this chilling miniseries. Crime novelist Michael Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Kathleen, after she’s found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home. The case has been heavily analysed since it occurred in 2001 – and was…

He may have hung up his riding boots and Driza-Bone, but Tom Burlinson is very much in the public eye 40 years on from his first film role. Although Tom, now 66, went on to star in another horse-centric film, Phar Lap, these days he’s known more for his vocal cords than his roping technique. Since 1990, Tom has been performing swing songs with a band and appearing in musicals such as Chicago. He also did a three-year judging stint on Australia’s Got Talent. The father of three is currently touring his Now We’re Swinging show.…

Madonna has split from her boyfriend, Ahlamalik Williams, after three years of dating. Sources insist the pair’s 35-year age gap wasn’t a factor in the break-up, but rather it was their increasingly separate lives. “They are still on good terms and there are no hard feelings, but they are at different places with their lives,” says one source. “[Madonna] has a packed schedule, working on her upcoming biopic, new music and looking after her family. “Things have been on and off for a while. There’s a lot of love, but for now they have decided to separate.”…