Innehållsförteckning för 18 December 2017 från New Idea

Does anyone feel organised for Christmas? Please tell me you do, because right now I am panic-buying the wrong sized presents on the internet and still wondering whether to serve turkey or pork. But the icing on my (non-existent) Christmas cake this week was that I found our dog, Barney, lying on my daughter’s bed chewing her advent calendar and looking very pleased with himself (and no, he didn’t get any chocolate!). There were tears and tantrums – and that was just me! Oh well, hopefully next year I’ll finally get Christmas right, eh? Have a lovely week…

The staircase was narrow and steep, but Portia Thanjekwayo took her time and descended slowly, her veil billowing in the gentle breeze. Waiting excitedly below, hubby-to-be Brendan Clark wiped a tear as his stunning girl strolled towards him, grinning. A small but dedicated guest list had flown in to watch the Perth couple say ‘I do’, but on the day their attention was split between the bride and the unusual-looking marriage celebrant in the dark cap and sunglasses. ‘We’re an unconventional couple, so we decided to ask Gene Simmons if he’d marry us!’ laughs Brendan, 33, who knew the long-tongued rock star from KISS was also a marriage celebrant. ‘We met Gene and his wife Shannon five years ago in Zambia and we just clicked. I was there doing work…

Easy Lime Tiramisu Serves 8–10, Prep 30 mins 300ml tub thickened cream 2 x 250g tubs mascarpone 395 g can Nestle Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 tsp finely grated lime rind 500 g packet sponge finger biscuits ½ cup bottled premium lime juice cordial 2¾ cups cold water 3 x 125g punnets fresh raspberries Icing sugar mixture, to decorate 1 Beat cream in small bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. 2 Combine the mascarpone, condensed milk and rind in a large bowl. Stir until just combined. Fold in cream. 3 Working with half the biscuits, dip one at a time in cordial diluted in cold water in a shallow dish, for about 5 seconds. Arrange over base of a large, rectangular serving dish (14-cup capacity). 4 Spread half…

O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold him Born the king of angels! O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord Sing choirs of angels Sing in exultation Sing all ye citizens of heaven above Glory to God In the highest REPEAT CHORUS Yea, Lord, we greet Thee Born this happy morning Jesus, to Thee be glory given Word of the father Now in flesh appearing REPEAT CHORUS Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful all ye nations rise Join the…

Pull-Apart Brie and Quince Cob Serves 4-6, Prep 10 mins, Cook 30 mins 1 large plain cob loaf (450g) 100g tub quince paste, chopped 125g brie cheese, chopped ¼ cup walnuts, chopped 2 tblsps honey 1 Using a serrated knife, cut cob crossways into 3cm-wide slices, about three-quarters of the way through, without cutting through to the base. Repeat the process, cutting cob lengthways into 3cm-wide slices. 2 Place a 60cm sheet of foil onto a large oven tray. Place cob in the centre. Spread quince paste in between cuts, at random intervals. Repeat with cheese. Sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle with honey. Fold over foil to enclose. 3 Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Open foil and scrunch around the base of the cob.…

FRIENDLY FROSTY Staple two circles together at the ends. Wrap a ribbon around the middle to make the scarf. Cut out a top hat from black cardboard and stick it on the top circle. Stick on black pompoms for buttons, googly eyes, an orange paper carrot nose and use twigs for arms. HANGING WREATH Cut out the inside circle of the plate. Rip up a green serviette or crepe paper and glue them around the ring. Stick on some pompoms and a bow, and it’s ready to hang over your doorknob! ANGEL TREE-TOPPER Cut out a quarter of the paper plate and then cut the quarter in half. Fold the remaining plate around to make a cone and staple it together. Staple the two triangles to the back of the…

I lost my beautiful girl in June. Could you please tell me if she passed over safely, is she okay? Annie was a frightened dog when I first got her. I need to know she is safe and not scared anymore. DIANNA, VIA EMAIL. As I tune in to Annie’s energy I can see she has crossed the rainbow bridge and is now living on the other side. Annie has no pain and certainly no fear where she is now. She is at peace and shows me she passed over quickly without even being aware what had happened. It was as though someone turned out the lights and when they were switched back on Annie found herself in new surroundings, in the beauty of the spirit world surrounded by nature,…

SHORT AND SWEET Showing MM grandpa how to shorten his texts (‘U’ instead of ‘you’ etc.) as they read like a long letter, he was silent for a while, then said, ‘What a relief, as I was worried that you were dyslexic!’ He’s such a sweet, funny man. J. HOBBS, SEVEN HILLS, NSW. ROYAL MISTAKE At a fancy dress party, MM complimented a woman dressed as the queen, telling her she looked ‘corpulent’. A large-ish lady, she was far from amused. Poor MM had meant ‘opulent’. ALISON CHALMERS, HIGHTON, VIC. DOUBLE DUTCH Dutch MM was telling me his daughter was overdue with her second baby. ‘She is not going to let the doctor seduce her this time. Last time the doctor seduced her and it was no good,’ he informed…

They’ve been close friends for years and are two of Hollywood’s biggest names – so it’s no surprise that Justin Theroux and Nicole Kidman are ‘very excited’ to team up in a new blockbuster TV project. But there are two people who’ve been left red-faced and jealous by the shock casting development – the pair’s respective spouses, Jennifer Aniston and Keith Urban. Sources tell New Idea that Jen has become ‘very nervous’ at the thought of her husband Justin spending long days filming with Nicole, anxious that feelings could develop between the potential co-stars. Meanwhile, Keith too has voiced his concern over his wife’s plans to team up with Justin – worried that even more time apart could have a lasting effect on their marriage. ‘For Jen, she just worries…

In an extraordinary rant, Sophie Monk has lashed out amid allegations that she and The Bachelorette winner Stu Laundy have secretly called time on their budding romance. ‘I’m just done with it [public opinion]... we can’t win,’ she said on the No Filter podcast. From awkward body language to persistent rumours they are faking their relationship – despite confessing their love on The Bachelorette – Sophie and her millionaire beau Stu have been subject to constant break-up whispers. On the AACTAs red carpet last week, the 37-year-old went into meltdown mode when asked why Stu wasn’t with her. ‘He’s not well tonight and people are going to think we’re broken up again,’ she snapped, before turning to a publicist and refusing to speak with any more media. It appears the…

TOM FLETCHER, 1990 Tom was the first major character to die on Home And Away . He was driving home from a football game when he suddenly clutched his chest and veered off the road – crashing the car. Paramedics attempted to revive him, but he passed away due a heart attack, leaving family devastated. BOBBY SIMPSON, 1993 Bobby was a fan favourite and no-one saw her death coming. While enjoying a day out on a boat, tragedy struck. The driver, Adam Cameron, lost concentration, hit a log and they were thrown into the water. With Bobby in a coma, attempts to save her failed. When it became clear she was brain dead, her family made the tough decision to turn off life support. SHANE PARRISH, 1996…

Welcome to our 35th Woolworths Carols In The Domain. The NSW Government is delighted to support this special Christmas event. Carols In The Domain marks a time of celebration, community and sharing of the festive spirit. Around 60,000 people are expected here this evening, and last year, these festivities were watched by millions of Australians. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this annual tradition, and to the many talented artists performing tonight. I wish you all a safe, peaceful and wonderful Christmas. Every year the New Idea team look forward to creating our annual Carols Songbook – it’s our chance to catch-up with our beloved Aussie performers and the Sunrise team, as well as to sing our hearts out. So grab your favourite people, roll out…

THE STARS WILL TAKE TO THE STAGE TO SING THEIR FAVOURITE CAROLS TODD MCKENNEY What’s the best/worst Christmas you ever had? One of the best I ever had was the year Mum and I decided not to have Christmas lunch at home, but go to the Sheraton Hotel on the Gold Coast for their seafood buffet instead. No-one was a slave to the kitchen and we all relaxed together and ate stacks of great food. It was brilliant! The worst time was my first Christmas without my little schnauzer, Barbra. She passed away on Christmas Eve and I was devastated. What’s the best/worst present you ever received? I’ve received too many great presents to single one out. However, the worst one ever was a bottle of shampoo! What’s your favourite…

Gluten-Free Mango and Fig Fruitcakes Makes 6, Prep 30 mins, Cook 1 hour, 10 mins 425g can mango slices in syrup 375g packet dried mixed fruit 1 cup chopped soft and juicy figs 150g unsalted butter, chopped ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup shredded coconut 1¼ cups gluten-free plain flour TO DECORATE 250g ready-to-roll white icing 1 tblsp glucose syrup Aqua ribbon 1 Grease six 10cm round springform cake pans. Line bases and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edges. 2 Process mangoes and syrup in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. 3 Add mixed fruit, figs, butter and sugar. Stir over a medium heat until butter is…

BE SUN SMART Heat from the sun can really dry out hair. However, what most people don’t know is that UV destroys keratin in the cuticle by breaking down the amino acids. This impacts almost everything related to the hair’s structure – strength, colour and smoothness.UV rays attack keratin protein, which weakens hair and can make strands feel rough and dry. PROTECT AND PREVENT Research from Pantene shows that hair is three times more exposed to UV rays than skin. Incorporating sunscreen into your skincare regimen is pretty much a given, yet few people think about UV protection in their haircare routine, when in fact it’s really important for hair health. SAY GOODBYE TO DRY My top tip is to use hair products that are intensely hydrating and provide extra…

Of course we want to take our pets on holidays with us, they’re part of the family. Around two in three Australian households own pets, so it’s no surprise that finally the travel industry is realising what we already know – our well-loved furry family members like holidays as much we do. Here’s some options that roll out the welcome mat for Fido or Fluffy over summer... HOME STAY With the rise of Stayz and Airbnb comes more options for places to stay with pets. Holiday rental website Stayz recently announced the finalists of its 2017 Holiday Rental Awards in the pet category. There was tough competition across all states, with properties offering secure and gated fences and interiors that are comfortable, but also open to slight wear and tear…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Travel plans or a change of scene will offer expanding possibilities. There will be new places to explore, fun people to meet and unusual experiences to embrace. Exciting arrangements with a relative or friend far away will gather momentum. Pinning down the details will ground them to practicalities. Complex financial dealings will bring money in and take it out in large, challenging issues and paperwork. LUCKY NUMBERS: 6, 15, 32 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 Financial business will have many layers – there will be both cheaper and more expensive options and easier or more complicated pathways to evaluate. Keep the big picture in mind when making advantageous choices. A complex relationship will be challenging. Working out differences will test negotiating skills. An…

Q I have been married for nearly three years and neither my mother-in-law nor my sister-in-law like me. I do like to speak my mind but think they have misinterpreted my forthrightness as rudeness. My husband says not to worry about it but it really bothers me. ANNETTE, VIA EMAIL. A If the strained relations bother you, then do something about it. You presume your forthrightness has been interpreted as rudeness. Maybe mixed messages? Although it is not mandatory to get on with your in-laws you could make an effort and invite them over. Tell them you are disappointed you haven’t clicked and ask if there is a reason. Depending on the outcome either your mother-n-law and sister-in-law will make you feel a welcome member of the family or they…

She’s never been afraid to stand up for what she believes in, so it’s no surprise that Pink is teaching her kids to do the same! The singer recently told People she doesn’t want to impose traditional gender roles on six-year-old daughter Willow and 11-month-old son Jameson. ‘We are a very label-less household,’ said Pink, 38, who is married to former professional motocross star Carey Hart, 42. ‘Last week, Willow told me she is going to marry an African woman. I was like: “Great, can you teach me how to make African food?”’ Pink says. This isn’t the first time the star has spoken out. Earlier this year, Pink gave a rousing speech at the Video Music Awards, in which she explained the true meaning of beauty to Willow after…

HOW DID IT ALL GO SO WRONG, SO QUICKLY? BACHELOR RICHIE STRAHAN SPILLS ON HIS BUST-UP WITH ALEX NATION ‘IT WAS HEARTBREAKING, BUT... THERE WAS ALSO A LOT OF RELIEF THAT IT WAS FINALLY OVER’ He found love on The Bachelor with Alex Nation, and the road ahead promised nothing but romance and adventure for Richie Strahan, 32, and his chosen girl. He couldn’t imagine a future without her and he never dreamed that within months it would be over. The happy-go-lucky surfer has remained silent as Alex and Maegan Luxa openly flaunt their new love, but now talking only to New Idea Richie is finally ready to reveal what happened and what his future now holds. Can you describe the hurt you felt on learning that your relationship…

The dream is over for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, who have sparked even more speculation there is trouble in paradise after the duo decided to part ways with their much-loved Tennessee home that holds such a special place in their hearts. The shock decision comes amid reports Keith is ‘not happy at all’ with Nicole’s close display with actor Justin Theroux at a Louis Vuitton event in New York last week, prompting raised eyebrows from those closest. ‘This is a home Nicole and Keith said they’d never sell,’ says a source. ‘It’s not like they need the money – so the fact they’re selling at the same time that Keith is unhappy about her plans to work with Justin is telling.’ Located in Leiper’s Fork, just 25km from their…

Smoked Salmon Rolls Makes 16, Prep 25 mins 2 Lebanese cucumbers (120g each), trimmed 16 slices smoked salmon Extra virgin olive oil, to serve Thinly shredded red radish and micro herbs FILLING 250g cream cheese, chopped 2 tblsps horseradish cream ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives 1 tblsp drained baby capers 1 tblsp lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste 1 To make filling, process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Remove. 2 Cut cucumbers in half crossways. Cut into 1cm-thick batons. 3 Place one slice of salmon on a clean board. Spread evenly with 1 tablespoon of filling. Place 2 cucumber batons at one short end. Roll up firmly to enclose. Repeat process with the remaining salmon, filling and cucumbers. 4…

Christmas is a time of celebration, joy and togetherness, and for 13 years, Woolworths has joined with the community at the Woolworths Carols In The Domain. Christmas is not just about celebrating one day, it’s a season – full of unique occasions, events and traditions. That’s why this Christmas we’re focused on making it easy for Australians to truly enjoy the season and help them share the spirit of Christmas with their friends and family. With our partner OzHarvest, we’re committed to the common goal of hunger relief – so surplus fresh food from our stores is rescued and directed to those in need. To help that food reach the people who need it most, we’re encouraging Australians to join us in helping provide a meal as part of the…

1 COME AND SEE SANTA Visit Woolworths to share the spirit of Christmas by taking a photo with the big man himself. Also, help find reindeer carrots for Rudolph and his friends. 2 GRAB SOME FREEBIES Drop by the Coca-Cola Christmas truck for some festive photos and enjoy a refreshing Coca-Cola No Sugar. Be part of the magic with special LED wristbands that sync with the show. 3 MAKE IT SNAPPY Bring them closer. Send your loved ones a Christmas selfie using the Telstra snapcode. 4 ENJOY SOME PLAYTIME Jump into the Disney zone for some Mickey magic and a sprinkling of Frozen . Go ice skating, play games and get creative before having a photo taken to capture the memory. 5 SING TO WIN! Sing a…

Pumpkin and Cashew Nut Roast Serves 6, Prep 45 mins, Cook 35 mins 1.4kg butternut pumpkin 2 tblsps olive oil 450g packet microwavable white rice 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander ¾ cup finely chopped cashew nuts ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 2 eggs, lightly beaten Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tblsp pepitas 1 tblsp sunflower seeds Crumbled soft feta and extra olive oil, to serve 1 Grease a large loaf pan (14cm x 24cm x 7cm). Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above edges. 2 Peel pumpkin. Cut into 2cm pieces. Place in a large bowl with half the oil. Toss well. Spread over two large oven trays lined with baking paper.…

‘KIDS WATCH WHAT YOU DO EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE, ALL DAY LONG, AND THAT BEHAVIOUR AND THAT EXAMPLE AND THAT LOVE AND COMMUNITY AND HONESTY IS WHAT’S MAKING EVERYTHING FEEL SAFE FOR MY KIDS.’  Drew Barrymore, actress and mother of two. BREKKIE CHEER The festive season doesn’t mean you have to give up all attempts at health. Kids will love these cute porridge bowls decorated with banana snowmen and kiwifruit Christmas trees. In fact, you may find you’re making them year round! WASTE MANAGEMENT Have you tried elimination communication? It sounds like something you’d learn in a psychology lecture but, in fact, it’s a method that apparently teaches babies to go to the toilet on cue. Parents are trained to look for patterns and watch for cues, holding…

Q Why do I have so much bad luck? My partner was having an affair but he denies it, and I ask the universe to catch him out but it doesn’t. This is not the first affair, he has had a few. Why can’t I just move on? Susan, via email. A Susan, sometimes we make our own luck. Is there a part of you that feels like you deserve to be treated badly? Why would you think that your partner would stop having affairs when you always take him back? My sense is that you’re not moving on because you’re afraid of being alone. I would rather be alone than constantly be worrying about my partner cheating. Healthy relationships can’t work without trust. You have to love yourself more:…

HAPPY COUPLE Wow – what a lovely cover featuring the newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Princess Diana holding a young Harry (NI Dec 11). It’s a collector’s edition! When Princess Diana died in 1997, the first thing I thought of was her young sons, who had the greatest loss. What a loving and thoughtful son Harry is as he opens his heart and plans to have his late mum as part of their big day – and Meghan feels the same. Her life will be transformed and she knows what she is getting into becoming a part of the royal family. My congratulations to the engaged couple. MARIA WEAVER, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ. HANDY WORK Your fabulous ideas for homemade edible gifts (NI Dec 11) have helped…

1 HER MESSAGE TO OBI-WAN KENOBI  It’s just a tiny blue projection, but Leia’s message to Obi-Wan not only set the plot for the entire trilogy in motion, it also gave rise to Carrie Fisher’s most famous line in the film: ‘Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi – you’re my only hope.’ 2 THE GOLD BIKINI  It is impossible to go past Leia’s most famous outfit. While she did wear it well, let’s not forget how she used the chains that held her captive to strangle Jabba the Hutt. Now that’s what we call girl power! 3 NERF HERDER  Leia was feisty and she didn’t have any issues letting Han Solo know exactly what she thought. And while there are several insults we could list, her best has to be: ‘You stuck-up,…

HUGH KNEW? ‘I was offered a job on Neighbours ,’ X-Men star Hugh Jackman revealed, recalling his days as a young actor. We’d love to have seen that! ‘Neeeeeighbours, should be there for one another. That’s when good neighbours become... a slashy mutant Wolverine creature!’ BETTE YOUR LIFE A bubbly Bette Midler celebrated her birthday with an enormous cake last week. ‘I’m 72 and I’ve been carrying on like this for way over 50 years,’ Bette declared. ‘Fifty years of laughs and tears.’ We’d love to be outgoing, active and fun in our 70s... or even our 40s! MAGIC MIKE When Jenna Dewan Tatum waves a wand, she turns into a pumpkin! We think that’s what husband Channing meant when he wrote: ‘The…