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Editorial

A bit of housekeeping for our first Christmas issue! Take note of the Christmas on sale dates on the page opposite, as there’s a change this year due to Thursday falling on Boxing Day. It means issue 1 will be in the shops on Monday Dec 30 instead. This one has pages of bonus puzzles, with all cash prizes, so you won’t want to miss it! Also don’t miss your last chance to enter our stocking stuffed with cash comp. There’s a whopping $3k up for grabs for one lucky reader. Even if you entered last week, you can double your chance with another mail entry now. You’ll find your coupon on page 26. We’re obsessed with the Christmas smash cake recipe on p61 this week. If you make it,…

Editorial

Away... And A Stranger

Away... And A Stranger

A handsome man sat next to me on the plane and changed my life Alison Wainwright, 47. Placing my hand luggage into the overhead locker, I sat down. I hoped the seat next to mine would stay empty but seconds later a man checked out the numbers above my head and stopped. “Looks like this is me,” he said. Great! I groaned silently. He’s going to take all the elbow room. But when he sat down and I saw his face close up, I soon changed my tune. He can have all the elbow room he likes, I thought. He was handsome and tanned, with warm, friendly eyes. “Hi my name is Helder,” he said, smiling. “I’m Alison,” I replied. It was December 18, 2017, and I was…

Holiday heroes

Holiday heroes

The holidays and healthy eating aren’t things that normally go together, but it may be time to take a closer look. A number of popular Christmas foods are good for us when eaten in moderation. In fact, you could even go so far as to call them superfoods! Gabrielle Newman, nutritionist and recipe developer for The Fast 800, reveals her top picks to add to your table this year… TURKEY Turkey is a classic Christmas meat. It’s a good source of protein and B vitamins (B3, B6 and B12), as well as zinc and magnesium. Fill your plate with a protein, such as turkey, and non-starchy vegetables first. This helps to crowd out available space and avoid that extra serving of roast potatoes. STUFFING For most families, stuffing is…

Clarissa’s Last Gift

Clarissa’s Last Gift

My fiancée went for a nap and never woke up Brian Olman, 39, Adelaide, SA. I took one last gulp of beer for Dutch courage, before slamming the glass down on the table. “Right, lads, I’m going in,” I said. I was on a night out, in 2016, and there was a girl I wanted to talk to. She was beautiful, and I’d made it my mission to get her number. Striding towards her, my path was suddenly blocked by her friend. “Let’s dance,” she said, grabbing my hand. After a few minutes of dancing, I had to be honest. “I actually like your friend,” I told her, sending her off in a huff. But when I introduced myself to the girl I liked, she fobbed me off. “Get…

Sweet Jesus!

PINE-ING FOR DECORATIONS If you see a Christmas tree in Ukraine, you’ll likely find cobwebs or a spider web ornament, called ‘pavuchky’, hanging from it. That’s because, in Ukraine they believe Santa’s sleigh is pulled by a team of spiders. Ha! Got ya! The real legend behind it is that, once upon a time, there was a poor widow who lived in a small hut with her children. One day, a pine cone fell from the tree outside and took root. The children, hoping they might grow a Christmas tree, took great care of it. The tree grew, but when Christmas Eve arrived, they could not afford to decorate it. The children went to bed crying, and hearing them, the spiders in their home, decided to adorn the branches of…

Sweet Jesus!

It’s Stone Fruit season!

Nectarine and elder f lower granita SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS + 6 HOURS FREEZING ½ cup caster sugar ½ cup water 10 yellow nectarines (approx 800g), halved, plus 2 extra, thinly sliced, to serve 1⁄3 cup elderflower cordial 2 tbsp lemon juice Small mint leaves, to serve 1 Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan on low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to boil, not stirring. Remove from heat as soon as liquid reaches boiling point. Set aside to cool completely. 2 Roughly chop nectarines and place in a food processor. Pulse until pureed. Transfer to a large jug and combine with sugar syrup, cordial and juice. Transfer to a large shallow freezerproof tray. Freeze 1-2 hours until half frozen. Using…

It’s Stone Fruit season!

Maintaining The Magic

Maintaining The Magic

Hi Take 5ers, My daughter’s a single mum to four under the age of eight. While she works full-time as a carer, I know she’s struggled since splitting with her partner earlier this year. She recently told me that with the cost of living, she’s barely keeping her head above water and although her kids aren’t greedy, there’s no way she can buy even half of what they’ve asked for on their Santa lists. When she said the only solution was that she’d just have to tell the truth about Santa, I was horrified. I’ve told her she’ll do no such thing and that I’ll dip into my savings, but I know she’s likely to refuse. I’ve asked her for the lists, but she won’t hand them over. Now, I’m…

Our Christmas Miracle

Our Christmas Miracle

IVF was crippling us and then a stranger saved the day Britta Jordan, 41, Campbelltown, NSW. Glancing out of my car window, I spotted yet another pregnant woman. They were everywhere I looked. Why is everyone having babies except me? I thought, frustrated. It was 2018, and I’d been married to my husband, Marc, 35, for four years. We’d started trying for a baby straight after the wedding, but hadn’t had any luck conceiving. “It’s time we considered IVF,” I said to Marc later when I got home from my job as a property manager. “You’re right,” he agreed. I visited my GP who referred me to a private fertility clinic. Tests and scans revealed no obvious problems but, as we’d been trying for so long, it was…

I’ll be Home(Less) for Christmas

I’ll be Home(Less) for Christmas

Living on the streets, toasty toes meant everything to me Cat Delaney, 63, Newtown, NSW. I searched the tunnel for a dry spot to sleep, before lying down on the cold ground and clutching myself tightly. But as I drifted off, I felt something crawl up my pants. “What’s that?” I screamed, kicking my leg out frantically. Looking down, I saw a rat scurry into the darkness. How has it come to this? I wondered in dismay. At the age of 41, I’d been left homeless, after a random violent attack had put me in hospital for months and I’d been unable to pay my rent. I came out of hospital to find my lease had been terminated and my things dumped on the street. All my valuables were…

Tiny Tales

My miniature books are having giant success! Andrea Boltresz, 55, Wildes Meadow, NSW. Carefully unwrapping the tiny collection of books, I squinted to read the words within. It was 2014, and my partner, Paul, and I had recently opened a secondhand bookshop. We were always on the lookout for rare books so as soon as I’d spotted the Little Leather Library on eBay, I had to buy it. “These are hard to find in Australia,” I told Paul, as he inspected their intricate covers. As a trained book authenticator, I knew publishing history. Miniature books are no more than 7.5cm in length and, prior to WWII, were a popular way to enjoy literature on the go. “They were the Kindles of their day,” I explained. ‘They were the Kindles…

Tiny Tales

Let It Grow

Let It Grow

Move over Santa’s elves, I plant my own presents! Ellen Schindler, 59, Sandringham, NZ. Looking out at the lovely, big backyard, I smiled. “This is going to be fun,” I said to my partner, Ricky, 47. We’d moved from Germany to New Zealand in 2003 and now three years later, had just bought our first home, a small two-bed house with a large yard in the heart of Auckland. I worked as a teacher but was passionate about gardening and couldn’t wait to get my hands dirty. “Look, there are already some mature orange trees,” Ricky observed. “Great, why don’t we plant a few more fruit trees,” I said, excitedly. I went on a gardeners’ course and soon spent every spare moment out there. At first, I planted four…

Big Flavour, low cost!

Crispy pork belly with mango salad SERVES 6 PREP 30 MINS + OVERNIGHT REFRIGERATION COOK 1HOUR 30 MINS 1.5kg piece boneless pork belly (see Tip) 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp five-spice powder 1 large onion, thickly sliced, skin on MANGO SALAD 2 continental cucumbers, halved, seeds removed, shredded 1 mango, thinly sliced 2 carrots, peeled, shredded 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander 1⁄3 cup sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar Fried shallots, to serve (optional) 1 Place pork, rind-side up, on a baking paper-lined tray. Refrigerate uncovered overnight. 2 Preheat oven to 240°C. Turn pork over and score meat at 3cm intervals. Rub combined oil and five-spice into meat only (not into rind). Season meat with pepper.…

Big Flavour, low cost!

The Gift Of Company

The Gift Of Company

I wanted to help her, but she’s helped me more Fiona Archer, 55, Turners Beach, Tas. I wiped a tear from my eye. “That’s so moving,” I said to my son, Tom, 19. We were watching a TV show called Old People’s Home for Teenagers, where teens with mental health issues were paired with people living in aged care. As a high school teacher, I was fascinated to see the connection between adolescents and the elderly. After doing some research, I discovered that the Red Cross offered a scheme that matched volunteers with residents in aged care. “Maybe I’ll volunteer,” I said to my daughter Meg, 15. I filled out the online form and a short while later met with Louise from Red Cross for a coffee. “I need to…

Stars

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 22 You’re one of the most social signs, but right now, your stars are strongly advising you to take some time out from your crowd. Allow yourself some ‘me time’ for self-expression, fun and even hanging out with your kids or your inner child. ★Get your creative juices flowing. PISCES Feb 20 –Mar 20 We’d all love a little ‘no-strings’ financial help at times. But if you want to feel good about yourself, life and your finances, your stars strongly suggest you go your own way when it comes to cash. Rely on no-one. ★You’ve got this. GEMINI May 22 – June 21 You are famously expressive and that’s a very good thing. However, right now, if you can consider what the people around…

Stars

Santa’s little Pervert

He was the Christmas elf with a twisted plan Adele Birch, 45. Christmas lights twinkled in the doorway of the social club. “Isn’t this lovely,” I said to my little boy, Isaac. We were off to enjoy one of our favourite festive traditions – seeing a stage show. This year it was Aladdin. Reaching the doorway, we were greeted by one of the social club regulars, a man called Mark. He was dressed head to toe in green, complete with big fake ears and a Christmas hat. “Are you meant to be an elf?” I laughed, handing over our tickets. “Thought I’d get into the Christmas spirit,” he replied. “Enjoy your night!” My ex-partner had told me he was a bit of a loner, but he seemed harmless. Time…

Santa’s little Pervert

Keep calm and Christmas On

There’s an old saying that no-one knows how to push your buttons like your own family. So, as much as we love them, it’s pretty common to head into the Christmas season with a mixture of excitement and dread. Along with turkey and Christmas cake, another mainstay of these gatherings are the inevitable questions from relatives, who are on an endless quest to know why you’re (still) not married. Carly Dober, a psychologist from Enriching Lives Psychology, says it’s important to remember that many of these questions come from a well-meaning place, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. “Often, family members may ask us curious questions because they want to connect with us, are worried about us, are interested in our lives, or maybe they don’t know…

Keep calm and Christmas On

Your tips

Spray your measuring spoon with cooking oil when you’re baking, then honey won’t stick to it. Elsie Smith, Timaru, NZ. When I’m making cheese sauce for veggies, I add a bay leaf for extra flavour. Suzanne Cole, New Plymouth, NZ. I wrap my Christmas gifts in cute tote bags instead of gift wrap, so that everyone gets a great bag to use later. Anna Wu, Greensborough, Vic. I add blueberries and mint leaves to my water bottle every morning, so that I enjoy drinking water throughout the day. May Liang, Penrith, NSW. I always carry mints in my handbags when I’m going to Christmas parties. Nothing worse than wine breath! Helen Rogers, Mackay, Qld. Every Christmas I gift my family members vouchers for local restaurants. People love being given a…

Your tips

From woof to Whoof!

My cosy Chrissy with my pooches went up in smoke Kendra Corning, 38. Sinking on to the sofa, I turned on my favourite Christmas film, Love Actually. I usually watched it with my boyfriend, Michael, but after an argument a few days earlier he’d gone to his parents for the festive period. Meanwhile, I stayed at home with my three dogs – Boston terrier Charlie, Pomeranian Bailey, and my “Oh my God!” I four-month-old Rottweiler screamed. I quickly threw called Rory. it on the ground, but my After a quiet Christmas trousers were on fire. Eve dinner, I wrapped Frantically, I tried to pat a blanket around myself out the flames as they and sat in my doorway spread up my legs. watching my pooches The heat was intense…

From woof to Whoof!

Wow the crowd

Christmas smash cake SERVES 12 PREP 45 MINS + COOLING COOK 1 HOUR 1¾ cups self-raising flour ½ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup caster sugar 1 cup milk 2 eggs, lightly beaten 125g butter, melted, cooled 400g tub chocolate frosting 1½ x 200g pkt chocolate finger biscuits 2-3 cups assorted lollies Coloured sprinkles, mini candy canes, to decorate 2⁄3 cup white chocolate melts, melted Spearmint leaves, red M&M’s, to decorate CHOCOLATE DOME 250g dark chocolate melts 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a deep 20cm round cake pan. Line base and sides with baking paper. 2 Sift flour and cocoa into a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Make a well in centre. Add milk, egg and butter. Whisk until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, spreading to level…

Wow the crowd

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland

Christmas celebrations don’t come much more authentic than in Finnish Lapland. Considered the official home of Santa Claus, this northern European nation transforms into a winter wonderland come Christmas time. These are the must-see attractions to add to your bucket list! STAY COOL While the prospect of staying in an igloo or an ice hotel may sound uncomfortable to say the least, it’s guaranteed to be an experience you won’t forget! If you opt for an igloo, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the starry night sky and northern lights. Heated interiors keep you warm as you drift off to sleep beneath the vibrant sky. Meanwhile, the SnowHotel in Kemi is entirely crafted from snow and ice – think ice-carved furniture and ice sculptures. You’ll sleep in a…

Living My Best Life!

I knew a traditional life wasn’t for me Lisa Jansen, 40, Christchurch, NZ. I loaded up the car to head home. I can’t believe it’s over, I thought with a sigh. It was January 2017 and for the past week, I’d had the time of my life, camping at Opoutere, a breathtaking beachside spot on the Coromandel Peninsula, NZ, as part of an extended wedding for two friends. Most of my mates were now married or headed that way. But at 32, I didn’t see myself settling down soon. I was happy to date, but I wasn’t looking for anything serious. Maybe I just want something different, I mused. His words struck a chord I loved my job as a digital marketer for a software company, but whenever I…

Living My Best Life!

Masthead

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Kate Kirsten, Editor Rachel Williams, Deputy Editor Kim Bonett, Art Director Fiona Parsons, Picture Editor Vanessa Mckenzie ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Andrew Cook, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. Take5 is a registered…

Masthead

Your Letters

Your Letters

Super sleuth When I asked my grandson what he was getting for Christmas, he said “a you know what”. I asked him what that was and he replied, “I don’t know, but Mummy asked Dad if he picked up the ‘you know what’ from the store for me.” G. Clements, Albany, WA. WE PAY $100 FOR EACH LETTER PRINTED New tradition Last year, my dad fell off a ladder on Christmas Eve. He was okay, but Mum and I stayed at the hospital most of the night while he got scans and stitches. Then, Christmas morning, our youngest son Rebi, four, fell off his new bike face first and put his teeth through his lip. As my hubby, Pat, ran to help, he slipped and fell on the driveway, breaking…