Innehållsförteckning för 29 October 2018 från New Idea

It’s finally official. After weeks of whispers and bump-concealing outfits, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry have announced they are expecting their first baby together. And the rumour mill is going into overdrive that it could be double baby joy for the royal couple, as London bookies have slashed the odds of Meghan giving birth to twins from 8:1 to 4:1. However, while the palace has only confirmed that Meghan is expecting one child, New Idea has learned that Meghan and Harry are secretly hopeful they will be expecting twins. “Meghan has talked about wanting twins for a really long time. Her best friend Jessica Mulroney has twins and she’s always said that having a boy and girl would be perfect,” spilled a royal insider. “I know she talked about IVF…

Driving with his father from Sydney to Perth as a young boy is one of Jamie Durie’s treasured memories. So much so that it was the inspiration behind one of the designer’s latest furniture creations. “I remember driving with Dad when I was about 7 years old and we had to stop the car because we had hit a kangaroo and had to get the windscreen replaced,” Jamie recalls. “I can remember sitting with my brother and looking out across the Nullarbor at the red dirt and all the little patterns it would make when the wind went across it.” It’s these images of nature which have stayed with Jamie and inspired him to create furniture masterpieces. “It’s all about bringing the outside in,” Jamie explains of his Amber side-table…

Host Scotty Cam has admitted this year had some pretty memorable moments, however the builder is now looking forward to next year’s challenge. “The next Block is just as big, if not bigger,” Scotty says. “We’re excited about returning to St Kilda because we’re hoping we’re making a difference, helping the community to make some changes and I think The Gatwick was probably the heartbeat of the troubles. Now we’ve addressed that and maybe our next one will help St Kilda a little bit further.” When asked who his favourite contestants were on this year’s show, the 55-year-old Gold Logie winner says he had a soft spot for the “netball girls”. “But I love the contestants equally – like my children.”…

The stage has been her beloved second home for more than three decades. So it’s only fitting that acclaimed leading lady Silvie Paladino met her husband Greg Bird in a musical production. At the time, Melbourne-born Silvie was one of the stars of the hit show Miss Saigon, while New Zealand native Greg was working on the production behind the scenes. “I began playing Ellen in 1995 in the premiere Australian production of the musical and Greg joined the company the following year,” says Silvie, admitting: “He caught my eye, being rather handsome, and so I asked who was the new guy on the block.” Introduced by a mutual friend at the local pub across the road from the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, the pair soon realised they had much…

Chocolate Bat Biscuits Makes 24, Prep and Cook: 55 mins 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ¾ cup caster sugar 1 egg 1¼ cups self-raising flour ¼ cup cocoa powder 1 cup Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting Orange food colouring gel 2 x 137g packets Original Oreo Cookies Candy eyes 1 Grease and line two large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Beat butter and sugar in small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in combined sifted flour and cocoa until combined. 3 Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place 5cm apart on prepared trays. Flatten slightly with fingertips. 4 Cook in a moderate oven (180C), swapping trays halfway, for about 10 minutes, or until firm to…

Cabanossi, Capsicum and Spinach Penne Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 20 mins 375g penne pasta 1 tblsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 sticks cabanossi (250g), thinly sliced 1 yellow capsicum, chopped 400g jar tomato pasta sauce 1 cup chicken stock 120g baby spinach leaves Finely grated parmesan, to serve 1 Cook pasta in a stockpot of boiling, salted water until tender. Drain. Return to same pan. Cover to keep warm. 2 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and cabanossi. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft and cabanossi is lightly browned. 3 Add the capsicum. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in sauce and stock. Bring to boil. Gently boil for about…

What cost a baby? That’s the question on parents’ lips after new research revealed 70 per cent of those with new babies felt financial strain, with one in five having to return to work earlier than planned. Instead of revelling in their newborn, parents say they are financially stressed and struggling to meet the cost of cots, prams, nappies and wipes, not to mention childcare. The survey, conducted on behalf of Mozo, revealed one in five parents found the expense of a new baby was more than they expected. As Mozo director Kirsty Lamont says: “The cost of the first year of an infant’s life is hard to pin down but is estimated to cost parents anywhere between $3000 and $15,000, depending on what you buy.” But is such stress…

Q My hubby and I are separated but he’s here almost half the time. I am torn … I love him but don’t know if it is worth the effort. It seems such hard work most of the time. Am I prolonging the inevitable or can we make something better of this? TT, via email. A TT, haven’t you heard? Marriage is a lot of hard work. There are a lot of peaks and valleys in marriage. I should know, Joe and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. It’s getting through the hard times together that makes you feel closer during the good times. If you don’t know if he’s worth the effort, maybe the love you have for him isn’t strong enough. I know that I wouldn’t want…

DATE NIGHT We were visiting our son for the weekend. He thought he’d take advantage of this and said to his wife he’d like to go on a date with her. Miss 2 quickly jumped up and said: “Daddy, I can give you a date.” She ran to the pantry and sure enough she found a dried date and gave it to her dad. K. JAMES, KINCUMBER, NSW. BOXED IN My 3-year-old grandson got new underpants and asked his father if he wore underpants? His dad said: “I wear boxers.” They had just moved house so there were boxes still in the lounge room, so the 3-year-old walked over to the boxes pointed and said: “You wear these?” JANET YEE, CURRIMUNDI, QLD. FULL OF BEANS Our 5-year-old daughter has taken…

PRINCELY PRICE-TAG It was great to read that Harry and Meghan are coming to Australia (NI Sept 24), but I think we should be made aware of how much it costs the Australian taxpayers. I’m sure that a royal visit costs us all dearly! D. BOWDEN, ROSEBUD, VIC. TRUE GRIT I’m in awe of cerebral palsy sufferer Johanna Garvin in Never Say Never (NI Sept 24) and her “can-do” attitude that has her conquering mighty challenges and travelling the world. While life hasn’t always been easy for Johanna, she’s become stronger and more determined to reach her goals. I’m sure the future is going to be very bright for this inspiring young lady, with many more “never say never” exciting adventures ahead for her! JUDITH CAINE, DONVALE, VIC. HAIL MARY…

Sitting down with New Idea, the TV star and vet discusses keeping your dog healthy and how you could be sabotaging their diet... WALKING IS A GREAT WAY FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG TO STAY FIT. HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE BE WALKING THEM? Around 59 per cent of all dogs are now considered to be overweight, so ideally you should be walking your dog once a day. Even a 20-minute walk a day has a really positive effect on the dog. It gets them out of their backyard or house/ apartment. Even that small amount of exercise stimulates their whole body and gets proteins in their muscles circulating. It encourages them to burn body fat and gets their metabolism firing. HOW IMPORTANT IS DIET WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PET’S…

JAMIE’S QUICK AND EASY FOOD Each week, Jamie Oliver dishes up four recipes using only five ingredients, such as a steak dinner and cafe-style brunch. MONDAY AT 7.30PM ON LIFESTYLE FOOD BODYGUARD This British thriller has war veteran David Budd (Richard Madden) assigned to protect an MP (Keeley Hawes) whose politics he hates. AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY ON NETFLIX HAY MATE: BUY A BALE Richard Wilkins and Today Extra’s Sonia and David host a drought relief concert in Tamworth featuring John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite. SATURDAY AT 7PM ON 9NOW MY DINNER WITH HERVE Based on a true story, a recovering alcoholic journo (Jamie Dornan) interviews Fantasy Island’s Hervé Villechaize (Peter Dinklage). FRIDAY AT 8.30PM ON FOX SHOWCASE YOUNG SHELDON S2 Iain Armitage is…

Julia Roberts recently posted a picture of herself and Alexi Lubomirski – the photographer who took Meghan and Harry’s engagement photos – looking very cosy together. The actress uploaded the image to Instagram with the caption: “On a shoot with my pal and photographer @alexilubomirski wearing his @concernworldwideus T-shirt!!” Julia has been married to Danny Moder (left) since 2002 but they are rarely pictured together. Maybe after seeing this photo of his wife with handsome Alexi, he might decide to get some more snaps done!…

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue their first official overseas tour together one thing is certain: Prince Harry’s mother, Diana, is never far from their thoughts. While most were focused on Meghan’s burgeoning bump, some eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed that the intricate butterfly earrings she wore to her meeting with the Governor General were the same that Diana wore during a trip to Canada with Charles in 1986. It’s not the first time Meghan has sported Diana’s jewels. Not only is the duchess’ engagement ring made with diamonds from Diana’s collection, but she also wore her famous aquamarine ring to her wedding reception.…

There was a touching moment between Prince Harry and a little boy in Dubbo last week. As Harry and wife Meghan greeted local schoolchildren, all eyes were on Luke Vincent, 5, who was caught on camera scratching the duke’s beard before presenting the duchess with a bouquet of flowers and giving her a big hug. Hearts melted as little Luke – who has Down Syndrome – then had a cuddle with the prince and the couple once again displayed the kindness and compassion they’ve showed throughout the royal tour. In an interview the next day, Luke’s teacher Anne Van Darrel said, “Luke’s favourite person was Santa Claus … and now it’s Prince Harry.“…

Rocking a slinky black cocktail dress and showcasing her enviable supermodel physique at the Girlfriend Sugarbaby Model Search in 2000, Tziporah Malkah admits it’s hard to believe that the girl in the picture (far left) is actually her 18 years ago. “Oh my God, I had no idea how gorgeous I was,” Tziporah tells New Idea when we show her the image ahead of our exclusive photo shoot. “I’ll never look like that again,” she adds with a laugh. But it certainly hasn’t stopped the 44-year-old from trying. Today, Tziporah stands tall (1.78m in fact) and proud as she dances around, showing off her slimmer frame and new found body confidence after recently shedding a staggering 22kg. “I feel so much clearer and lighter,” Tziporah declares. “And not just because…

KARL HAS BOSSES OVER A BARREL BECAUSE OF A LOOPHOLE! Despite plummeting ratings and his headline-grabbing personal life, embattled Today host Karl Stefanovic will be keeping his job on breakfast television. The unexpected decision was announced last week at Channel Nine’s annual Upfront event, sending shockwaves through the industry. However, insiders reveal that Karl’s bosses have been advised that giving the 44-year-old the boot is not in their best interests. Having worked on Today for more than 13 years, Karl has barely taken any holidays until recent times or any sick leave. Now, the network has taken heed of a serious legal loophole, which could cost them millions. “THEY KNEW AT THAT STAGE THEY HAD TO DO WHAT KARL WANTED” “There is every chance Karl has…

This year’s controversial reality series Bride & Prejudice is set to be full of even more tears, fights and heartbreaking decisions. Six new couples and their estranged loved ones will try everything in a last-ditch effort to fix their fractured families before tying the knot. Staying at a retreat, with their families close by, they will all take part in intense therapy guided by family therapist and relationship expert Leanne Hall. From infidelity, gambling addictions, alcoholism and homophobia, sparks are set to fly when these families come face-to-face. MEET SIX ENGAGED AUSSIE COUPLES WHOSE FAMILIES WILL DO ANYTHING TO STOP THEM GETTING MARRIED ‘HE IS A NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATH’ Things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for Izzy, 28, and Simon, 27, since day one. After meeting on Facebook, Simon admits to…

At her heaviest the All Together Now judge and singer Samantha Leith weighed in at 134kg. But when she looked in the mirror, she didn’t see it. “I think I suffered body dysmorphia,” she tells New Idea. “I saw someone glamorous and fantastic. I had no idea you could barely see my eyes because my face was so fat.” It wasn’t until tragedy struck that she realised she needed to lose weight. “My mother had a massive stroke and came to live with me,” she reveals. “All her problems – like type 2 diabetes, her blood pressure and cholesterol – were all weight related. It hit me, if I didn’t do something now, I would do the same thing to my daughter.” It was then that Samantha decided to get…

THE REALITY TV SHOW THEY’D BE MOST LIKELY TO WIN? Greg: I think Silvie would do really well on The Block, as she has a really good eye for colour and style. Silvie: Greg could win either The Block or MasterChef . WHAT’S YOUR PARTNER’S SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Silvie: Greg’s a great cook. He makes a wonderful seafood paella that everyone else absolutely loves. I’m actually allergic to seafood, so whenever he makes it, he makes me a separate chicken one. THEIR WORST HOUSEHOLD HABIT? Greg: Silvie could be an interior designer. Silvie: Greg falls asleep on the couch, remote control in hand. Greg: Silvie’s too house-proud. She’s a bit of a clean freak.…

Crunchy-Topped Lamb Meatball Bake Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 50 mins 450g packet twin-pack garlic bread 2 tblsps olive oil 1 red capsicum, chopped 150g tub Red Rock Deli Roasted Red Capsicum, Pecorino, Cashew & Basil Dip 400g can crushed tomatoes ½ cup finely grated parmesan ¾ cup grated mozzarella MEATBALLS 750g lamb mince ½ cup finely grated parmesan 3 green spring onions, finely chopped ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 Process half of one loaf (4 slices) of the garlic bread in a food processor to form fine crumbs. You will need 1 cup. Tear remaining bread into 5cm pieces. Set aside. 2 To make meatballs, place all ingredients in a large bowl. Add garlic crumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Divide…

In his latest cookbook, acclaimed chef, author and TV presenter Peter Kuruvita shares over 100 vegetarian and vegan recipes as he travels through Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and his home country of Sri Lanka. Lands of the Curry Leaf (Murdoch Publications, RRP $49.99) is a celebration of all things vegetable, with the growing popularity of plant-based dishes on our tables. Exciting spices and herbs are used in these recipes to help you create really special flavours in your home cooking.…

1 SHINE BRIGHT: Whiten teeth in the comfort of your home with a formula that contains the same ingredients dentists use. A bright, white smile is always a winner. Colgate Optic White High Impact White Whitening Toothpaste, $9.99, 1800 802 307. 2 HAT HAIR: After too much drying and colouring throughout the chilly season, your hair needs a little extra TLC. Nourish dry, brittle hair with this deeply hydrating formula, helping repair damaged hair in a mere three minutes. Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner, $6.99, pantene.com.au . 3 FEET FIRST: Are your winter feet holding you back from wearing those fabulous strappy little heels? This super-nourishing balm promises visible improvements to dry skin in just one day … that’s a snappy turnaround we’re…

SPIDER SIGN Don’t want to leave the house unattended while you’re out trick or treating? Hang this cute spider on your front door or gate and let the kiddies help themselves! Cut a paper plate in half, staple it together and paint it black. Feed black pipe cleaners through the cracks in the plates and secure them with staples to create the legs. Staple some string to each side of the plate to hang around your door knob. Cut out some eyes and a mouth from cardboard and glue them onto the middle of the plate. Stick a cute sign to the front legs with sticky tape, add some lollies and he’s ready to hang! SCARY SPIDERS Turn a simple pompom decoration (you can buy these at your local craft…

Dear Sharon, Your hands display an overall fire element, slightly tempered by earth undertones. This can give you an eager, occasionally impatient, tendency. However, the earth element highlights the need to see the practical side of things, thus bringing any impulsiveness into a more harmonious balance. The left hand indicates you have had a relatively ordered family background and upbringing. The need to manage things down to the last detail is a common trait for parents of people with your finger combination. You would likely find they were focused on goals and necessities rather than artistic or creative pursuits. On your right hand the overall balance of fingers is better aligned, giving you a natural ability to combine creative and practical endeavours. Separation between the head and life lines indicates…

EYE STRAIN My husband was looking at my French eye cream and asked “What’s yucks?” I had to gently explain to him that yeux was French for eyes. SHIRLEY STEPHENSON, KINROSS, WA. BABY BLUES Trying to cope with three rowdy boys in the car, I noticed a blissfully happy mother with her baby daughter. I looked over at my MM husband and said: “As soon as I lose weight from my last baby, I want to try for a daughter.” MM hubby reached into the glovebox, grabbed a chocolate bar and said, “Here, have this.” S. WILLIAMS, TATURA, VIC. PAINT BAWL I phoned my MM husband from work to see how he was getting on with repainting our bedroom. “Everything’s fine,” he assured me. And I believed him until he…

Having experienced a healthy pregnancy with her first daughter, Layla, Melissa Moody didn’t think twice about showing slightly bigger than average while pregnant with her second child. But when Melissa’s waters ruptured at just 29 weeks, the young mum was flown immediately from Mudgee in central west NSW, to Nepean Hospital more than 200km away in outer Sydney, where doctors performed an ultrasound revealing her unborn baby, Micaela-Grace, had duodenal atresia. This congenital absence or closure of a portion of the lumen of the duodenum can cause intestinal obstruction in newborns but also increases levels of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Melissa, who was on bed rest at the time, was instantly transferred to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney where she unexpectedly gave birth just days later via an…

QI inherited my mum’s cat and he has completely lost his appetite. Is he stressed from the move? ASHLEY ROBERTS, NEWCASTLE, NSW. A Yes, cats will certainly get stressed when their surroundings change. Your house is a brand-new landscape for him to take in and it may take some months for him to get comfortable. He is also probably missing your mum. To help him settle in, put some things from your mum’s house around, such as cushions or furniture. Also use his old litter trays, bowls and bed. It is worrying when a cat is not eating, so take him to the vet for a check-up to make sure it is nothing more serious.…

ALBUM LIFE BY CULTURE CLUB Almost 20 years after the ’80s sensations put out their last album – 1999’s comeback effort Don’t Mind If I Do – Boy George and his band-mates return with their sixth studio release. Good news for fans: the singer’s voice is as good as ever. (Out Friday.) BOOK THIS WILL ONLY HURT A LITTLE BY BUSY PHILIPPS It’s rare for a star to talk honestly about their life while they’re still in the midst of a successful career, but that’s what Busy’s done in this funny, frank memoir. And it’s all here – her marriage problems, the affair she almost had, mental health struggles, her friendship with Michelle Williams and the aftermath of Heath Ledger’s tragic death,…

Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik’s son celebrated his 13th birthday last week, and the palace released a black-and-white picture of the handsome teen, which was posted to Instagram with the caption: “HRH Prince Christian has a birthday and is 13 years old. Here the Prince is photographed by one of his classmates in a day of everyday life as a school boy in the 7th grade.” Shortly after it was shared, many fans rushed to comment on how handsome the prince is. Mary and Frederik share four children together. As well has 13-year-old Christian they have Princess Isabella, 11, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 7.…

Nicole Kidman has revealed that she married Tom Cruise to keep her safe in Hollywood. “I got married very young, but it definitely wasn’t power for me – it was protection,” she told New York magazine. The 51-year-old said being married to such a successful star meant she was treated better than other actresses. “I married for love, but being married to an extremely powerful man kept me from being sexually harassed. I would work, but I was still very much cocooned.”…

Home and Away star Bonnie Sveen, 29, welcomed identical twin daughters last month. The actress and her partner Nathan Gooley – who named their girls Myrtle and Emerald – shared their pregnancy news with us first. She told New Idea previously: “I’m 30 weeks pregnant now and I’m due in about six weeks, so the first week of October. We wanted to fall pregnant in 2018, we both wanted to start a family but then it happened super quick – you can do the math!” she laughs. “So unconsciously we were both manifesting these babies, and were both very ready.”…

READY, TEDDY, GO! “Don’t bear a grudge but mine is better. I’m calling it Pinky Bill” – Harry. HAVE A COW “Aw, what a cute toy! This trip to Dubbo has been a very moo-ving experience.”…

Meghan isn’t the only member of the royal family with baby news. The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister, Pippa Middleton, welcomed a baby boy with husband James Matthews last week. A spokesperson for the couple revealed that they are over the moon with their new addition to the family. “Everyone is delighted and mother and baby are doing well.” Born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s – the same hospital where Kate has given birth to all three of her children – the baby boy, who is unnamed as we go to print, is said to weigh a healthy 3.8kg.…

ROYAL SECURITY SCARE Seemingly at ease as he moves through the crowds and poses for pictures, Prince Harry has been proudly introducing new wife Meghan to delighted royal fans during their Aussie tour. But a darker truth has put a strain on the prince, prompting emergency measures to protect the newly pregnant duchess. With an Australian newspaper breaking strict guidelines and printing the couple’s full tour itinerary, Australian Special Forces were left scrambling. “The media were given, in confidence, the details of the royal tour,” says our informer, who we cannot name. “It did contain a list of appearances where the public could catch a glimpse of both His Royal Highness and the Duchess of Sussex. However, it also contained privileged information regarding places they would be visiting in private.”…

The day started out like any other for Paul de Gelder. The Navy clearance diver was in the water alongside the naval base in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. It was a stretch of Sydney Harbour Paul knew well, having previously dived there many times. “I won’t swim there anymore,” Paul, 41, tells New Idea. For good reason, too. Paul’s life changed forever when he was attacked by a 3m bull shark. “It just so happened it was the wrong day and the wrong time to be there,” Paul says of the brutal February 2009 attack. All he could do was fight for his life. As the shark shook him, dragging him under the water, the Australian diver was helpless. Miraculously, he survived, but suffered horrific injuries. “I lost my right hand and…

For All Together Now judge and former Voice grand finalist Ellen Reed, weight has always been at the forefront of her mind. “It began when I was bullied in high school by a group of students who got their kicks from bullying the chubby music geek with curly hair,” she admits to New Idea. “I could tell you a million stories about the cruel ways I have been told I’m overweight.” But, there is one experience that stands out in her mind. At 18 years of age she decided to try out for a reality singing show, but the judges’ comments took their toll. “They tore strips off me, not because of my voice but about the way I looked,” she recalls.…

Choc-Hazelnut and Caramel Meringue Stack Serves 12, Prep and Cook: 2 hours, 30 mins 6 egg whites, at room temperature 1½ cups caster sugar 600ml tub thickened cream 2 tsps vanilla extract ¹/ ³ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread Roasted chopped hazelnuts, to serve SALTED CARAMEL 75g butter, chopped 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed ½ cup thickened cream 1 tsp sea salt flakes 1 Lightly grease four oven trays. Trace a 22cm circle onto each of four sheets baking paper. Place, trace-side down, onto each tray. 2 Beat half the egg whites in the small bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add ¾ cup of the sugar, 1 tblsp at a time, beating until dissolved and mixture is thick and glossy. 3 Divide meringue between two of…

As Spring Carnival approaches all eyes focus on Melbourne, Australia’s style capital. From fashions on the field to “the Paris end” of Collins Street, Melbourne’s got it, and knows how to flaunt it. Here are some stylish destinations to check out in Victoria’s capital. STAY AT THE OAKS With seven hotels located in and around the city, Oaks puts guests in easy reach of Melbourne’s foodie, cultural, sporting, shopping and nightlife hubs. The new Oaks Southbank is a short walk from the National Gallery of Victoria and within strolling distance of great restaurants and shopping. See oakshotels.com . VIEW THE LANEWAYS They vary from the incredible street art in Hosier Lane – the beautiful pathway to popular restaurant MoVida – to the shopping destinations. Want both? Head…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 A special social occasion could launch a new relationship or a new chapter. Singles, an intense attraction could spark a hot romance. Large financial transactions push up the pressure gauge, so do your research and stay objective to make your best decisions. Unresolved issues will take time and a change of attitude to work out. A thoughtful exchange will shed light on a confusing personal situation. LUCKY NUMBERS: 11, 13, 19 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A brewing issue with someone close could suddenly come to a head – handle gently to avoid a falling-out. You may also feel out of step with people around you but listening carefully and accepting differences will tune you in. A family get-together provides an opportunity for…

Q I’m in my 40s and I’m in love with a man in his early 60s. I see him a couple of times a week as he sits at our table for coffee. How do I tell him without looking desperate? We get on well. CARA, VIA EMAIL. A Suggest you meet for coffee, just the two of you. I don’t think it is a good idea to tell the man you are in love with him. Let the friendship develop. Perhaps he might enjoy going to a movie with you. You get on well and he may be open to having an outing together. Q In the last couple of months I have been upset and not happy and have been thinking of how my life would have been…

My name is Fleur and I’m an indoor 8-year-old Ragdoll. I love being a Glamourpuss Super Meowdel and I have thousands of followers on my instagram – @fleurcatragdoll – account from all over the world! I post daily pics and love all my furriends. I live with my Meowmy Nicola in Palm Beach, Sydney, and I love being the ‘Queen’ of the house, and am always loving and playful. I purr all the time and have pawsitive energy, which I like to share with everypawdy. EMAIL QUESTIONS AND PET PICTURES TO: PETS@NEWIDEA.COM.AU PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND SUBURB WITH A SMALL DESCRIPTION OF YOUR PET.…

When their section leader is killed in action, a platoon of soldiers serving in Afghanistan in 2010 come home to Australia, intent on keeping secret what really happened on their tour. The mystery concerning the death of Captain Ted Nordenfelt (Ewen Leslie) drives new six-part drama Fighting Season, with the men he commanded haunted by the truth they are keeping under wraps. The secret compounds what is an already difficult situation for the men, who are all struggling to fit back into their normal lives. That’s especially true for Sgt Sean “Speedo” Collins (Jay Ryan), a man so on the edge he could explode at any minute – a fact that terrifies his wife, Vanessa (Sarah Armanious). Private Jarrod Vogel (George Pullar) isn’t faring any better, turning violent at a…

“The best thing you can do right now is to be in a stable environment that is low stress,” the doctor advised Chelsea (Geraldine Hakewill) last week, after telling her she does have the Huntington’s gene that killed her mother. Low stress? Not much chance of that. Together with partner in (non-)crime Lola (Rebecca Gibney), Chelsea started Season 3 of Wanted banged up in prison before being moved to witness protection. Then, their cover was breached and the pair went back on the run – both from the corrupt baddies who want them dead for what they know and from the law. Finally, the twosome were taken by dodgy cop Brady (Rob Carlton). It’s not exactly the least stressful of situations. Now, with their faces all…

CLOSE FAMILY FRIENDS SAY ANGELINA RUINED BRAD PITT A close family friend of Brad Pitt’s Lori Duggan-Heisler has come forward and revealed how she thinks the actor should have stayed with Jen and how Angelina drove him to drink. Although Lori says she’s proud of him becoming a star, she feels the entertainment world has taken a lot from Brad and she was devastated to read about his recent struggles, having battled addiction herself. “I think Hollywood got its claws into him, he can’t be happy now, he can’t be,” she said. “He seems to have been taken over by bad habits. I was shocked,” she revealed. “But he’s never lied about anything. Everything I’ve read he’s been like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been drinking.’ He’s nothing but honest, that’s the Brad…

Oprah recently revealed a health scare which had her panicked one morning as she made breakfast. She described the situation in the November issue of O Magazine : “I turned to get a pinch of salt and noticed a bit of soreness in my neck. The area under the left side of my chin felt tender. In the mirror, I could see it was swollen. By the time I finished making breakfast, the swelling had increased. It looked like a goitre that had come out of nowhere. I immediately googled ‘swollen lymph gland causes.’ None of the results [were] good,” she wrote. But despite fearing the worst, a trip to the doctor eased her worries. “When I finally opened my mouth to say ‘ahhh’, I was prepared…