Innehållsförteckning för 10 December 2018 från New Idea

It’s been a rough week for PRINCESS MARY following marriage trouble headlines, but nevertheless, the Aussie royal glowed during a trip to Kenya. Looking stunning in traditional dress, the 46-year-old Danish crown princess paid a visit to the Kalama Conservancy nature reserve to promote sexual and reproductive health for women in the region. He’s been hot on the promotional trail for his smash hit A Star is Born , but BRADLEY COOPER enjoyed some much needed R and R during a beach day in Santa Monica, California, with his 1-year-old daughter LEA. Dare we say, Carrie Bradshaw 2.0? ANNE HATHAWAY battled the wind in the Big Apple during filming for her new TV series, Modern Love . NATALIE PORTMAN is getting into the spirit…

Reality stars Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate look to be back together again as they flaunted their rekindled romance on Instagram last week. Keira shared a video to her Instagram stories of the couple in the car together before they shared a cosy lunch at a Melbourne cafe. Jarrod and Keira first found love on Bachelor in Paradise  before they split following the finale. Speculation mounted they were together just for show, but Keira hinted the demise of their relationship happened after Jarrod claimed she was obsessed with Instagram. “I was depressed because of our relationship – I wasn’t depressed because of Instagram,” Keira told Newscorp. Could they have put their differences aside and found love again?…

Watch out, Meghan. It seems there’s another Hollywood actress keen to take over the royal family. Taking a break from the custody battle currently unfolding between her and her ex Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie recently spent time with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, at a film  festival in London. It’s not the first time Ange has made it her mission to rub shoulders with members of the royal family. Earlier this year she attended an anniversary event honouring military service, looking every part a duchess. The 43-year-old was also heavily involved in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, where she travelled to Namibia to plant a nursery.…

WHAT’S TEARING APART THE ONCE TIGHT-KNIT ROYAL SISTERS-IN-LAW? Rumours of a royal rift have reached an all-time high after it was confirmed last week that Prince Harry and Meghan have snubbed Prince William and Kate, and will be relocating from Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor – a telling sign that all is not well between the ‘Fab Four’. “THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT WOMEN DESPITE THEIR SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES” And now New Idea has learnt the sudden departure of a palace maid, the fourth member of staff to quit, has caused ructions, as talk of a tell-all book – in particular detailing Meghan’s reported diva demands – has upset the palace. “Senior royals are very worried a disgruntled palace maid who recently left her job will do a tell-all on…

WHO WILL AND WON’T BE ATTENDING? to have RSVPed include Richard Wilkins and his son Christian, media mogul James Packer, AFL star Buddy Franklin and his model wife Jesinta, radio host Tim Blackwell and cricketing legend Shane Warne. Even former deputy prime minister Julie Bishop is said to have  That’s the question on everyone’s lips. Now, New Idea can reveal which guests have made the cut and those who didn’t. Of course, Karl’s brother Peter Stefanovic and his wife Sylvia will be there with bells on. Others believed received an invite. Those who won’t be celebrating the lavish nuptials include Karl’s former and current Today co-hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Georgie Gardner, as well as Ben Fordham to name a few.…

It’s been less than two months since Princess Eugenie’s wedding and already her sister Princess Beatrice is reclaiming the spotlight. Echoing her mother’s controversial love life, Bea has shocked the royal family with her latest relationship. Last week it was confirmed that the 30-year-old has been dating millionaire Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 34, who is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and socialite Nikki Shale, and well known in royal circles. Yet, according to recent reports, Edoardo has a shocking relationship history, having dumped the mother of his child – 2-year-old son Wolfie – and fiancee Dara Huang after he met Bea at Eugenie’s wedding. “SHE WOULDN’T THINK TWICE ABOUT REBELLING ... IF IT MEANT BECOMING A MOTHER SOON” “Edo and Dara were engaged for three-and-a-half years,” a source told…

Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr reveals the Carols in the Domain behind the scenes goings on. “When we host Carols and stand backstage, it’s almost tear-jerking. We all stand there in silence and watch those singers sing those stirring carols and it’s spine-tingling, even today,” she explains. “I love that Carols brings family together. It’s such a simple thing, people singing – singing these carols that are all these years old and we all know some of the words. It’s such a simple thing to be in front of the TV or there, in the Domain, in Australia, pulling your family together. It’s something easy that everyone can do. It reminds you that, whatever type of year you’ve had, whatever your situation is, you can sit there and you…

It was 9.30pm and Sandy Kamper was in Brisbane for a work trip when she got the phone call that would strike terror into any parent. “My husband Bill was screaming that something had happened to Paris. She was in the paddock. The ambulance [people] were working on her,” 49-year-old Sandy tells New Idea, shakily. Her 15-year-old daughter, Paris, was an Olympic horsewoman-in-training so Sandy’s immediate thought was that there’d been a terrible accident with a horse. But the reality was far more unexpected and far worse. “I stayed calm. I knew Paris was strong and fit, and as I got in a taxi and zoomed to the airport I just prayed she’d be OK,” Sandy says. The following hours were a race against time as Sandy had to charter…

Meringue-Topped Passionfruit Ice-Cream Cake Serves 10, Prep: 1 hour 5 eggs ¾ cup icing sugar mixture ½ cup fresh passionfruit pulp 2 tsps finely grated lemon rind 2 tblsps lemon juice 300ml tub thickened cream 1 litre tub vanilla ice-cream ¾ cup caster sugar 1 Invert base of a 24cm round springform pan (base measuring 22cm). Lightly grease and line base and side with baking paper. 2 Separate eggs. Place egg whites in a bowl. Refrigerate, covered until ready to use. 3 Combine yolks, icing sugar, passionfruit pulp, rind and juice in a medium, heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until thickened (about 10 minutes). 4 Transfer bowl with passionfruit mixture to a large bowl filled with enough cold water to come halfway up…

Tuscan Lamb with Fresh Herb Couscous Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 25 mins 8 x 130g lamb leg steaks 1 tblsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tblsp Tuscan seasoning Greek yoghurt, to serve FRESH HERB COUSCOUS 1½ cups couscous 2 chicken stock cubes (10g each), crumbled ½ cup chopped fresh parsley ¹/ ³ cup chopped fresh mint 3 green spring onions, thinly sliced 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tblsps lemon juice 1 To make couscous, place stock cubes in a medium, heatproof jug. Add 1½ cups boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Place couscous in a large bowl. Pour over stock. Cover. Stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm. 2 Meanwhile, toss lamb with…

Place salmon slices on a clean board. Spread each slice with 2 teaspoons crème fraiche. Sprinkle with 1 tsp pistachio dukkah. Roll up around a grissini stick. Serve (pictured). Arrange 300g smoked salmon slices over serving platter. Combine 1 finely chopped mango, 1 finely chopped Lebanese cucumber, ¼ cup each finely chopped coriander and red onion, 2 tblsps lime juice and 1 tblsp olive oil in a bowl. Spoon over salmon. Serves 8. Combine 100g chopped smoked salmon slices with a 250g tub spreadable cream cheese, 2 tblsps each finely chopped fresh chives and dill, 1 tblsp lemon juice and 2 tsps baby capers in a bowl. Season. Mix well. Serve with crusty bread slices. Serves 8.…

SNACK BEFORE YOU PARTY Eat before you attend a party to help reduce overeating less-than-desirable food, which can lead to blood sugar spikes, says Alexandra Handreck, clinical nutritionist and founder of Optima Health. “It will also ensure you have some food lining your stomach if you are having a drink.” TRY A HIIT WORKOUT Get outside and try interval training – it works brilliantly if you are time poor, says Angie. “Examples include walking for two minutes, jogging for one; running up stairs for one minute, walking for two minutes; skipping for one minute, walking for 30 seconds,” she says. “The quicker you do this, the sooner you can get ready for the party. If you exercise close to the event time, you will retain that super mood and pumped-up…

Q My mum is an incredible woman. She has experienced much heartache. She was led to believe that when her father passed his land would be divided equally between her and her sister, with my aunt keeping the family home and its contents. However, when he passed several years ago the will had been changed and my mum was to get less than five per cent of the estate. My aunt denied knowledge of this and refused to discuss possible outcomes. Her deceit destroyed us all. Was our grandfather (her father) coerced, and did he realise the hurt that would follow? He would be devastated about how badly Mum has been treated. Trish, via email. A Trish, I’m so sorry that your family’s been divided by greed. If your aunt…

RE-GIFTING At the school assembly, the principal announced: “Tomorrow is World Teacher’s Day. Think about something nice you could do for your teacher.” One 6-year-old student excitedly said: “It’s just been my birthday and I got heaps of presents. Maybe I can give you the one I hate the most!” DONNA WINCKEL, MOUNT GAMBIER, SA. BRAIN SPACE My son was so excited on the last day of Term 3 as he thought he was finished with kindergarten. “You still have one more term to go,” I told him. “No. I’m done with kindy,” he replied. “My brain is too full, there is no more space for any new information this year.” KIM, MITTAGONG, NSW. BRADY BUNCH On a bushwalk recently, at a very narrow part of the track, we had…

ROYAL SOULMATES I thought Fergie looked absolutely beautiful and radiant at her daughter’s wedding and I’m still amazed and inspired by the close relationship she has with her ex-husband Andrew. I think it would be fabulous if they remarried because they have never fallen out of love and seem destined to be soulmates in this lifetime and the next. Whether the rest of the royal family want this or not, it doesn’t matter, because true love always wins in the end. I wish them all the best CHRISTINA HATZIS, YOKINE, WA. SWEET TREATS Your “Chocolate Lover’s High Tea” (NI Oct. 22) was perfect timing. The CWA of Mornington is holding a fundraising high tea. All proceeds are going to the Farmers Drought Relief. As a member of the association I…

KRISTEN SPILLS: ‘JAX IS A CHANGED MAN’ VANDERPUMP RULES Crazy drama, explosive fights and shock engagements: Vanderpump Rules’ veteran Kristen Doute reveals we’re in for a bumpy ride this season. In town to promote the seventh season, Kristen reveals to New Idea, she nearly didn’t say yes to matriarch of the show, Lisa Vanderpump, to appearing on the show all those years ago. “One by one we had to go back and sit at this back corner table with Lisa and she was asking all these questions – like, ‘Are you still dating this person, who are you friends with, who are you not friends with’ – I’m like, ‘what is happening? Lisa we are not on that level!’ Tom [Sandoval] and I, this was when…

My Kitchen Rules star Courtney Ferdinands wed her long-time beau Daniel Pearson in a romantic ceremony last week. The finalist uploaded an image of their happy day to Instagram with the caption: “And just like that we are Married. My heart is so full @danielrpearson,” she wrote. “Such a magical day it was, can we do it again? Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, and helped create such a beautiful day WE LOVE YOU #truelove #mydarling #hitched.”…

Victoria Beckham has become obsessed with the security of her family home following two attempted break-ins at the Cotswolds mansion she shares with husband, David, 43. While no harm was done, the fashion designer, 44, has become fixated with installing security cameras and has spent hours poring over the footage. But her behaviour reportedly has David concerned. “[David] agrees they need to be mindful of security, but Victoria, as usual, is taking things to extremes,” a source told Radar Online . “She constantly logs on to their CCTV cameras to see if anyone is targeting their houses in the English countryside, London and America, and is being her usual twitchy self over the issue.”…

Stepping out at the ARIA awards in Sydney last week, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban couldn’t have looked happier. The couple were seen sharing tender moments as they walked the red carpet together before Keith took to the stage to host the annual event. In fact, just minutes into the award ceremony, Keith, 51, made a shout-out to his actress wife during his opening speech. “Hi baby, right in the front row — hi!” he said. He then went on to make a number of jokes about Nicole, describing her as an “up-and-coming new actress”. Keith and Nicole’s most recent display of affection comes just weeks after the country crooner broke down at the Country Music Awards while gushing over his wife. “Baby girl, I love you so much,” he…

Oprah Winfrey’s mother Vernita Lee died aged 83 at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Thanksgiving. She was laid to rest in a private funeral last week. She had four children, including Oprah, and two who passed away before her – son Jeffrey Lee, who died in 1989, and daughter Patricia Lee Lloyd, who died in 2003. Another daughter, Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, was put up for adoption. Vernita spoke of how proud she was of Oprah, saying, “I loved her the way that she loves people now,” and that her proudest moment was when she “did The Color Purple” [film] in 1985. Previously Oprah spoke of her childhood, including the difficult relationship she had with her mother when she was young, while she was living…

He is one of the country’s most eligible bachelors, but until now long-term love has eluded the famous vet. But it finally seems Dr Chris Brown is ready to settle down with new girlfriend Liv Phyland. A friend close to the couple tells New Idea the TV star is reportedly ‘smitten’ with Liv, who presents The Loop on Channel Ten. “Chris and Liv have been friends for ages but until now they’ve never been single at the same time,” reveals the insider. “Finally, they’re both ready to give it a go and although they say they’re taking things slowly, it’s obvious to everyone that they’re perfect for each other.” Chris split from long-term girlfriend TV producer Kendall Bora in September while Liv’s relationship with actor Nick Slater ended earlier this…

The Today show’s tanking ratings have been the talk of the town recently – with the finger of blame pointed firmly at embattled host Karl Stefanovic. However, New Idea has learned that there’s actually somebody else in trouble. A well-placed insider has revealed that it is Karl’s co-host Georgie Gardner who will be replaced in 2019. “Georgie Gardner is not winning over any viewers,” the show insider reveals. “And her serious “agenda” interview every morning is hated by Nine execs.” And in a shock twist, Today sources reveal that execs have already lined up a replacement, and it’s none other than Studio 10 host Sarah Harris. “One exec is pushing to bring her back to Nine where she started,” they added. “He thinks they can easily…

Prince Andrew and Fergie are desperate to play bigger roles in the royal family following the success of Princess Eugenie’s wedding. Having garnered some popularity after their daughter’s nuptials, both the duke and duchess are enjoying more public outings and are intent on raising their profiles. Prince Andrew visited Australia last month, while Fergie made an appearance at a Street Child event in London last week. “To have a son-in-law is just a blessing,” the Duchess of York (inset) says of Princess Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank.…

“IT’S COME AS A VERY BIG SHOCK TO ZIGGY AND FEMALE INSTINCT HAS KICKED IN” She’s never been the jealous type, but Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) has held serious fears for her marriage since Simone (Emily Eskell) began working with Brody (Jackson Heywood) at Salt. And now we see that Ziggy had every reason to  be wary of the gorgeous newcomer’s motives! In an unmissable development that will leave viewers reeling, this week Simone makes her feelings abundantly clear to the married chef. Earlier in the week, Ziggy decides her best course of action is to keep her “enemies closer” – by spending every spare minute she can at Salt. “Ziggy really doesn’t get intimidated by many people, but she’s always just had a bad feeling about Simone,” says Sophie. “I…

Home and Away’s youngest stars Olivia Deeble and Anna Cocquerel are used to seeing fans do a double take when they’re out and about together. For while their characters Raffy and Coco get along famously – for the most part, at least! – Olivia, 16, and Anna, 17, are also the best of friends in real life. “We’ll be out shopping or having lunch together and people do look twice,” laughs Olivia. “It’s very funny – people get doubly excited and will be like, ‘There’s Raffy and there’s Coco!’ We hang out together a lot. “Our characters sometimes fight – they’re two very fiery-headed girls – but Anna and I never do,” adds Olivia. “We’re just really good friends.” Agrees Anna: “We’ve just always got along really well. Olivia’s always…

As my due date drew near, my friends and family knew I was going down the ‘natural mama’ route. I had made a list of the organic clothes and wooden toys that would be welcomed as new baby gifts and I made a point of staying on top of researching the most nutritious diet for myself during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As a vegetarian, all my recipes were meat-free, except one – I planned to eat my own placenta. “That’s disgusting!” said my sister. “You’re taking this natural lifestyle one step too far.” And at first, I wondered if she was right. After all, many doctors say that there is no nutritional benefit to eating what is essentially a waste product, but anecdotal evidence from other mums who had chosen…

Caramelised Fig and Apple Glazed Ham Serves 20, Prep and Cook: 2 hours, 10 mins 8kg cooked whole leg ham Fresh figs and crusty bread, to serve GLAZE 1½ cups fig jam 2 x 100g tubs fig paste 355ml bottle apple-flavoured cider ¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 tblsps soy sauce 2 tblsps white wine vinegar ¼ cup Dijon mustard 2 whole star anise 1 To make glaze, combine all ingredients in a large saucepan over a medium to high heat. Cook, stirring until smooth. Bring to boil. Gently boil, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until thickened (about 3 cups). Remove star anise and discard. Transfer half the glaze to a bowl. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. 2 Cut through the ham rind, about 10cm from…

Q How do I make a simple sugar syrup? Bryan, via email. A Combine 1 cup caster sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Gently stir over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil. Boil, without stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. To flavour syrup, try adding the following once sugar is dissolved – seeds from a vanilla bean, a long strip of lemon or orange rind, kaffir lime leaves or lemongrass. (With the flat side of a large knife, press on the white part of the peeled stalk to bruise it.) Remove the rind, leaves and lemongrass once syrup is cooled. Store in a clean, screw-top jar in the fridge for up to one month. Great for fruit salads,…

Make your guests feel special this Christmas by jazzing up their arrival drink. Try these delicious combos: • Blend a 125g punnet fresh raspberries in a blender with 1 tsp each sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Strain. Place a spoonful into Champagne glasses and top up with sparkling wine. • Blend the flesh of 1 large mango in a blender with 1 tsp sugar until smooth. Pour into Champagne glasses. • Chop canned or fresh lychees (discard seeds). Divide among Champagne glasses. Spoon fresh passionfruit pulp over top. Pour in sparkling wine. • Combine equal amounts of orange juice and pineapple juice in a jug. Pour a into Champagne glasses to about one-third full. Add a few drops of grenadine. Top up with sparkling wine.…

FOR HER FOR HIM FOR KIDS…

This is my beautiful cavoodle Pippa. Last year we were attacked on our daily walk by a neighbour’s vicious dog. Poor Pippa was dead within 10 minutes from what the vet described as one of the worst attacks he had seen and I had substantial injuries to my hand trying to save her. Can you give me any comforting news? JULIE, VIA EMAIL. I am so sorry to read your question, Julie. No doubt many readers are also shocked by this tragedy. I hope you all receive some comfort from Pippa’s messages for you. As I tune into the spirit world I immediately sense Pippa close by, waiting patiently to communicate with you. As Pippa comes close I feel her incredibly gentle and sensitive nature. Pippa would never harm another…

DOG TIRED I came home feeling frazzled after a hard day at work. “How was your day? Are you okay?” I heard my Mere Male husband ask. As I turned to answer him I noticed he was crouched down speaking to the dog! ROSLYN DAY-ANDERSON, SEVEN HILLS, NSW. POOCH PEPPER While eating out, MM had a cheesy pasta dish. On asking how it was, I was told: “It had so much canine pepper in it, my mouth was on fire.” Sounds horrible, but what he meant was only cayenne pepper. A.W. CHALMERS, HIGHTON, VIC. HOME STAY My MM nephew bought a caravan so he could take his wife and two young boys on trips. I asked him where he was going on his first trip. He replied, “Just down the…

BOOK HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE FROM SUCKING BY GREG BEHRENDT AND AMIIRA RUOTOLA From the authors of He’s Just Not That Into You comes this funny self-help book that promises to guide newlyweds through modern marriage. The best parts of the book are Greg and Amiira’s accounts of their own relationship: the good, the bad and the embarrassing. PODCAST REAL TALK WITH HOLLY & ALI Do you love reality TV? Then podcast Real Talk with Holly & Ali is for you! Hosted by two entertainment journos with insider gossip and intel, every week they delve straight into the world of reality TV, celebrity and all the things that keep everyone talking. Head to iTunes, Spotify and Omny to listen! ALBUM JOHN…

Catherine Zeta Jones has spoken out about how sexual allegations against her husband affected her family. Earlier this year a former employee accused Michael Douglas of sexual harassment, including masturbating in front of her. “My children and I were profoundly devastated by those allegations. And I was torn about where my absolute morals lie,” Catherine admitted to The Sunday Telegraph . “This woman came out of nowhere and accused my husband. I had a very big conversation with him, with the kids in the room, and said, ‘Do you understand if more comes out...’ “It was a really hard position for me and, in the height of it all, it was nasty.” But Catherine, 49, is standing by Michael, 74, and says the secret to their union…

Suri Cruise was spotted ice skating with a lookalike friend last week at Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink in New York. The friend was also wearing an extremely similar outfit to Suri, 12, who arrived at the rink with her mother, Katie Holmes, 39. The outing follows reports that Katie is in shock at how her daughter is growing up to be just like her famous dad. “Suri is morphing into her father’s image in more ways than one, and it’s even taken Katie by surprise,” the insider told Radar Online .…

MUM’S THE WORD We pity Bec Judd’s kids when they hit schoolies week age after she said she’ll go along. “I’d chaperone, I’d stay in a hotel nearby, totally,” she said. What’s the celebrity female equivalent of a Toolie? A Pradalie? ACTIVE FLAIR Er, we’re thinking Rachael Finch might need to expand her wardrobe a little after saying, “I met my husband in activewear and I gave birth to both my children in activewear.” Now we really want to see Rachael’s wedding pics. CURTAIN RAISER Thank you Roxy Jacenko! The PR queen gave us a great new line to use the next time we overspend on shoes/bags for work. “Did I need $75,000 curtains? No, I didn’t. But guess what, you walk in this door as a prospective client, you…

He shocked fans by breaking the hearts of both finalists on The Bachelor . And now producers are demanding Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins joins the Bachelor in Paradise line-up to “redeem himself”. “The pressure is on and they are really trying to strong-arm him into this,” says our source. “In many ways Nick is partly blamed for Ali’s low ratings [in The Bachelorette ] and making the franchise a laughing stock.” But after the public backlash the sports star received when he confessed he was not ready to settle down – in what’s been dubbed the most dramatic finale to date – he has genuine concerns about returning to TV. “Firstly, some of the girls he sent packing are…

After years of being approached by producers of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! , Samuel Johnson has finally agreed to be part of the Network Ten show. New Idea understands Samuel, who co-founded the charity Love Your Sister with his sister Connie, is being paid $100,000 to spend six weeks in the South African jungle in 2019. “They’ve wanted Sam for the years but he always said no because his sister was sick [Connie passed away in 2017 from cancer], but now he’s finally ready to do it,” spills our insider. Earlier this year, Samuel, 40, told New Idea, “I say no to I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! every year.” The show starts Jan. 13, 2019 and…

It’s the wedding that has everyone on the edge of their seats. In just a few days’ time Karl Stefanovic will marry his younger girlfriend Jasmine Yarborough in a lavish Mexican ceremony. But while Jasmine, 34, is finalising the details on one of the most-talked about events of the year, it seems her soon-to-be husband has been busy making amends with his ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn following their bitter public split, leaving Jasmine very upset. So much so that when Karl told the shoe designer that he had wanted to touch base with Cass, she apparently laughed and jokingly said, “The wedding is off !” But when it comes to making their union official, nothing will stand in Karl and Jasmines way. Not even Karl’s desperate bid to make peace with…

Absolutely glowing, Penny McNamee has a lot to celebrate this year. Pregnant with her second child, the gorgeous mum of three-year-old Jack is excited her little boy and husband Matt Tooker will be in the crowd singing along with her as she performs at this year’s Woolworths Carols in the Domain. With a singing background, Penny feels at home on the stage. Here, she chats to New Idea about why the night is so magical. How many times have you done Carols in the Domain? This is my second year doing Carols. Last year was my first and I had such a beautiful night and I loved it. It was a dream come true to sing at the Carols in the Domain. Performing a second time and being asked back…

ADA NICODEMOU (LEAH PATTERSON) LAST BOOK YOU READ? Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. I really enjoyed it. LAST HOLIDAY YOU TOOK? To New York. I loved it – just loved it! LAST MEAL YOU ATE? I had a steak – scotch fillet – for lunch today with sautéed spinach with a bit of chilli, salt and lemon, and then I had some avocado with it too. I’m trying to eat quite a bit of meat at the moment as I’m doing this specific keto [diet plan] thing. LAST PERSON YOU SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO? It was Adam [Rigby, Ada’s partner]. I’d send him probably about 50 a day, I reckon! [ Laughs ] LAST MOVIE YOU SAW? We were about to go and see…

Before hitting the shops, look online to see where your favourite ingredients are stocked, then make separate lists for each store. If online shopping isn’t your thing, try the Click and Collect option from the supermarket. This saves a lot of time and your groceries will be packed and waiting for you. Buy your favourite Christmas items now, such as napkins, table decorations, paper plates, wine, soft drinks and so on. Boxes of chocolates make a lovely last-minute gift for anyone with a sweet tooth or those hosting a get-together. When planning your menu for Christmas Day, keep to what you are confident making and don’t take on anything that’s complicated or time consuming. This way you’ll enjoy a stress-free day with your family and friends. If cooking a turkey…

CURRENT BEAUTY MUSE? “I HAVE LOVED ALL OF LADY GAGA’S CHANGING LOOKS FROM THE BEGINNING AND I THINK THAT IS WHY SHE IS MY MUSE. STRONG, BEAUTIFUL BROWS, GREAT SKIN, KILLER CONTOURING. SHE IS MAGIC,” SAYS NICOLE MAC Global Senior Artist and author of Making It Up, Nicole Thompson, shares her on-trend tips to get party palette perfection … The best way to update your party look is with a little makeup mix up. You don’t have to go over the top, just experiment with different styles and colours and make the look work for you … you’re always going to look amazing if you wear the style with confidence! PARTY PEEPERS “I love that we are seeing more ‘matchy-matchy’ with eyes and cheeks … not…

STEP 1 Use a small paint brush to paint the roofs, window panes, chimney tops and doorway arches in white. The white can be a little transparent so it will take a couple of coats to get a solid colour. Allow paint to dry between each coat. STEP 2 While you are waiting for the paint on the houses to dry, paint the standing wooden trees and reindeer. The wood can soak up a bit of the paint, so you will need to do a few coats to get a solid colour. STEP 3 Once the white paint is dry on the houses you can use a larger brush to paint the doorways and walls in the colours of your choice. Apply a few coats and leave to dry. STEP…

The home of the Singapore Sling, Raffles Singapore has begun accepting  reservations for stays from Aug. 1, 2019 onwards ahead of its reopening next year. Expect reimagined bars, restaurants, courtyards and social areas – spaces designed to make this elegant historic property the place to meet, spend time, dine, shop, party and celebrate. rafflessingapore.com. Planning on camping, hiking or cycling these summer holidays? Don’t take plastic bottles – instead fill up the Thermos Hydration Bottle. The insulation means your water  will maintain maximum cold temperature retention for as long as 20 hours. $44.99. thermos.com.au. Want a family escape to velvety soft sands, azure waters and incredible food? Consider hiring a private villa with  your own chef in Koh Samui. You also have the option of an in-house nanny at Elite…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Exploring a new interest or environment and meeting charming people from a different world will broaden your horizons. Travel plans will also grow as you check out exciting options. A new idea will fire your imagination. Avoid impatience, as taking care of details will smooth the way. Sentimental outlays, spending on loved ones and a costly occasion dent savings. A fresh energy and passion will rev up your love-life. LUCKY NUMBERS: 7, 19, 31 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A grand financial venture will surge forward and expanding possibilities will tempt you to stretch further and further – take care you don’t overreach. A lucky break or windfall will help you get ahead but large one-off outlays and generous gestures will take funds…

Q One of my close girlfriends was married recently and I was one of her bridesmaids. Our friendship was great right up until the wedding and I was fully involved in all the preparations and the hen night etc. But since she’s got back from her honeymoon she seems to have gone to ground. She ignores many of my texts or calls and doesn’t seem to want to meet up. I’ve asked a mutual friend – one of the other bridesmaids – and she says she doesn’t want to get involved, which makes me think something has gone wrong. How can I get to the bottom of this and get my friend back? LAUREN, VIA EMAIL. A You need to insist on meeting your friend. It sounds like something has…

WHAT’S YOUR PARTNER’S WORST HABIT? Lisa: Brad leaves shoes all over the house – there are probably five pairs scattered downstairs, upstairs, on the stairs! Brad: Asking me to do the dishwasher! THEIR SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Lisa: Interestingly, I’m the vet and the crazy animal lover, but Brad’s the one who feeds the dogs every night. Brad: Lisa bakes all the kids’ birthday cakes from start to finish. WHICH REALITY TV SHOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER WIN? Lisa: Brad would do well in a Spartan-type show as he’s can climb and jump over almost anything. Brad: Lisa would be great in The Apprentice . She’s very driven and once she commits to something, she’ll follow right through.…

For Mel McLaughlin, cricket will always remind her of happy times with her family. The sports presenter, who is part of Channel Seven’s cricket coverage this summer, recalls playing cricket at her childhood home in Quakers Hill, in Sydney’s western suburbs. “I really do associate cricket with getting out to play backyard cricket and running around,” Mel, 39, tells New Idea. “Sport wasn’t forced on me, but I remember watching cricket and other sports with my dad.” “THE KIDS COULD DO WHATEVER THEY WANTED TO DO, AND HOPEFULLY IT’S SPORT” In August, Mel paid tribute to her older sister, Tara, who died of lung cancer in 2015. Mel has no children of her own, but she has a great relationship with her five nieces and nephews, including her sister Tara’s…

Madonna shared a rare picture of all her children in Malawi on Thanksgiving last week. The image shows Rocco Ritchie, 18, and Lourdes Leon, 22, with Mercy James, 12, who the singer adopted in 2009, David Banda, 13, adopted in 2006 and twins Estere and Stelle, 6, adopted last year. The 60-year-old captioned the picture: “What I am Most THANKFUL for! My Children have led me down roads and opened doors I never imagined I’d walk through. Fame, Fortune and Records Broken could never equal that which I treasure and value the most.”…

WHO PETER HELLIAR Pete chose to post this lovely throwback pic of his wedding to wife Bridget 15 years ago (instead of the one a few seconds later where the flowers cover his face!). WHO MEL B “Ahh, my girls The Spice Girls” Mel captioned this retro pic of the group working on their pouts. Still got a way to go Victoria! WHO THE KARDASHIANS Ha ha, we’ve all got a family pic like this. Mum Kris is enjoying the moment and little Kylie and Kendall are doing their smiley best – but how kranky is Khloe? Love that they chose this shot as a keeper!…