Innehållsförteckning för 17 December 2018 från New Idea

Get ready for another royal visit. The Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Tindall, is coming to Australia for next year’s prestigious Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on Jan. 6. Zara – 17th in line to the British throne – missed this year’s Magic Millions due to her pregnancy. She gave birth to her second daughter, Lena Elizabeth Tindall, on June 18. The daughter of Princess Anne, Zara, 37, will lead Team Harrolds at the polo event, which kicks off the week-long The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. She will face off against international polo superstar – and crowd favourite – Nacho Figueras, 41, who will captain the Veuve Clicquot team. The Argentine will be joined by his photographer wife Delfina Blaquier. “It is going to be so much fun. I’m really…

Posing alongside her husband Stu Webb, former soap star Kate Ritchie recently shared a rare photo of the couple on her Instagram account. The lovebirds cosied up with one another as they enjoyed a friend’s event. But the image, which shows Kate wearing a flowing floral frock has sent the rumour mill into overdrive that the couple could soon be looking to expand their family. Kate and Stu are already parents to four-year-old daughter Mae. She recently spoke to The Grace Tales about her joys of motherhood saying: “When Mae first arrived I would dream of the days that I could hear her little footsteps running up the hall and feel her crawling into bed beside me. “She now does that on a daily basis and some of my most…

As pregnant Meghan stepped out last week, onlookers couldn’t help but notice how much the Duchess of Sussex had popped. At around five months pregnant, Meghan’s bump is considered to be quite generous. Over the past few months, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive that the couple are actually expecting twin girls. “They have been busy drawing up a list of baby names, only for girls,” a source told Life & Style . “Harry is over the moon! He let it slip to pals that double trouble lies ahead,” the insider dished. “Calling the twins ‘miracle babies’, Harry has never been happier. “Meghan is thrilled to be pregnant,” adds the source, noting the duke and duchess had been visiting a fertility doctor. New York obstetrician Amos…

He’s been keeping his new relationship under wraps, but it seems Dr Chris Brown’s days as one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors is about to come to an end. In just a few months’ time, the TV vet is planning on tying the knot with new girlfriend, Liv Phyland. “Chris is really keen to elope in Africa when he’s there filming I’m A Celebrity,” a source close to the couple tells New Idea. “He knows Liv is the one and he really sees no use in waiting months and months before walking down the aisle – he’s 40, desperate to settle down and just doesn’t want to waste any time.” I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! hits screens on Jan. 13 with an as-yet undisclosed cast of celebrities…

Members of Chris Dawson’s family have asserted there is “clear” and “uncontested” evidence that proves his wife Lynette Dawson was alive after she vanished from their family home. The 70-year-old former PE teacher is said to have once written to his daughter claiming Lyn was still alive and well, and living in the UK. Dawson claimed that while watching an episode of Antiques Roadshow from 2006, he saw a woman (right) who he believed to be Lyn (far right). The episode is believed to have aired in Australia in 2010 and Dawson allegedly sent an email to his daughter after a friend recorded it. “The show was filmed in Padstow, Cornwall, in England, and the likeness to your mum is uncanny,” Dawson is reported to have…

Delta’s been dealt another blow after her ex, Nick Jonas, tied the knot with actress Priyanka Chopra. “Delta is devastated over Nick’s wedding,” a source close to the singer tells New Idea. “She keeps seeing her ex-boyfriends go on to have happiness without her – getting married, having babies. Delta desperately wants that for herself. Nick walking down the aisle is another kick in the guts. She’s of course happy for him and only wants good things for all her exes – but she feels sad she’s not getting married herself.”…

Twenty years ago, Peter was filming a four-week guest role on Water Rats in Sydney when he received a call asking him in for a meeting about a new police drama to be filmed out of Melbourne. The series was called Stingers , and it was about to change his life. “The behind-the-scenes story was that Kerry Packer loved the concept and barked at the network bosses, ‘Get this on air as soon as you can.’ And they did!” Peter, 58, recalls. “Two weeks later, we were filming it and about seven weeks after that, it was on TV. It was all that fast.” “IT WAS ABOUT GOOD STORIES TOLD BY A CAST THAT GELLED AND WERE BELIEVABLE IN THEIR ROLES” Stingers premiered…

Traditionally Christmas at the Danish Royal palace begins with Queen Margrethe leaving little cut-out elves around the house at the beginning of December. They tell hidden and forgotten stories of kings, queens, princes and princesses. As the elves hunt for rice pudding they stumble across objects that tell stories of the past. Celebrations usually kick off on Dec. 23 when gifts are wrapped and the tree is decorated. On Christmas Eve a bowl of porridge is left out for Santa’s little helpers. Last year Frederik and Mary spent their holidays on her home soil in Australia. This year the family will probably spend Christmas at Marselisborg Palace in Aarhus with the Queen. The Queen’s second son, Prince Joachim, and his wife Princess Marie, also travelled abroad last year so they…

Lemon Raspberry Trifle Serves 8 to 10, Prep and Cook: 40 mins 3 cups frozen raspberries (360g), thawed ¹/ ³ cup icing sugar mixture 400g jam sponge roll, cut into 2cm thick slices 2 tblsps orange-flavoured liqueur 300ml tub thickened cream ½ cup Greek yoghurt 2 tblsps lemon curd 125g punnet fresh raspberries LEMON CUSTARD 3 egg yolks ¹/ ³ cup caster sugar 2 tblsps custard powder 2 cups milk ¼ cup lemon curd 2 tsps finely grated lemon rind 300ml tub thickened cream 1 To make custard, whisk yolks, sugar and custard powder in a large saucepan until combined. Gradually whisk in milk. 2 Place pan over a medium to high heat. Whisk until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Whisk in curd and rind. Transfer to a…

Celebrity chef, Poh Ling Yeow, says: “If you’re baking these for your family Christmas  do, make sure there’s plenty because the ‘one bite’ policy makes them deceptively moreish! You will notice the mince recipe is triple that of the pastry, so there’s room for those old friends or workplace pre-Christmas indulgences, without you having to steep more fruit. Poh’s One Bite Mince Pies Pastry makes about 25 pies Mince will make about 75 pies MINCE FILLING ½ tsp vanilla extract Zest and juice of 1 lemon Zest and juice of 1 orange 100g raisins or sultanas 100g currants 100g dried apricots, diced into ½-cm pieces 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, coarsely grated 170g dark brown sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp allspice 1 tsp ground ginger ½ tsp…

IN A HEALTHY GUT, WASTE PRODUCTS ARE REMOVED QUICKLY These days there’s a lot of focus on having a healthy gut, but how many of us know what that actually means? Here, Dr Tony Bird, co-author of The CSIRO Healthy Gut Diet , explains what’s normal, what’s not, and how you can maximise your gut health. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT? Digestive function varies widely among people and ‘normal’ covers a broad range. Most adults pass a bowel motion once each day, but for the vast majority of healthy people the range spans from three times a day to three times a week. WHAT IS ‘TRANSIT TIME’? Transit time is the time it takes for food to pass all the way through the gut,…

MATERIALS • ACACIA MOLLIS ($8 PER STEM) AND ACACIA EUCALYPTUS ($10 PER STEM), EARLYSETTLER.COM.AU• ONE METRE OF GREEN RIBBON• CABLE TIES · CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, SUCH AS BIRDS STEP 1 Make this wreath just like you made a daisy chain when you were a kid. Hold one bloom in your left hand and place another below it where the stem meets the flowers. STEP 2 Using a cable tie, secure the two stems together and cut off the excess tie. STEP 3 Continue tying stems together until you make a circle. Secure both ends together with a cable tie. STEP 4 Cut your ribbon into thirds. Make a bow with each ribbon at three equal intervals around the hoop. Add extra  Christmas decorations and it’s ready to hang!…

Q Can I put different breeds of birds in the same cage? SALLY BANKS, CHATSWOOD, NSW. A Most birds are social and love companionship. Birds are intelligent with very distinct personalities and, like people, they won’t always get along so it can be trial and error mixing species. Ensuring there is plenty of space and a gentle introduction is a good start. Smaller birds that get along are different types of finches and canaries. Small parrots of different species can get along, however larger parrots don’t like to share their space and can be bullies.…

SUCK IT UP! A little girl was eating at McDonald’s with her brother and parents when her brother accidentally up-ended her smoothie onto the floor. Unbothered, she fetched her straw, lay on the floor and attempted to suck it up. Her mother was mortified by the situation, while my husband and I were at the next table, attempting to keep straight faces at the unfolding scenario. V. MCPHERSON, LARGS BAY, SA. ON THE MONEY My grandson Jackie, 6, loves to help me feed the chickens I breed. One day recently I asked him if there was a particular breed he would like to have. He thought for a moment then replied, “Perhaps a roast chicken?” SANDRA JAMES, HEATHCOTE, VIC. WEATHER OR NOT After a long winter and then an unusually…

A CHANGED WOMAN It’s great to see Tziporah Malkah (aka Kate Fischer) looking so happy (NI Oct. 29)! Slimming down has not only seen her shed some weight, she seems to have shed some attitude as well. She is looking more like the woman I remember: beautiful, happy and confident! Good on you Tziporah, much happiness to you! DEBRA MCLAREN, BARGO, NSW. NOT SO POSH I cannot understand Victoria Beckham being upset by her husband’s remarks (NI Nov. 5). David has only spoken the truth and perhaps fewer divorces would take place if couples worked harder at staying together. My parents had a very good marriage for 61 years, but I’m sure at times they had to work hard to keep the happiness and respect for each other and never…

British-born, New York-based author Lee Child worked in television until being made redundant in the ’90s when he decided to write a novel. Since then, he has sold more than 100 million books in over 100 countries. A Jack Reacher book is sold somewhere in the world every nine seconds. Past Tense , the 23rd and latest novel in the series, is another gripping read. Tell us about the new book. The book opens with Reacher, as usual, with nowhere particular to go and all the time in the world to get there. He’s just drifting through New England and sees a road sign to a town he recognises from old family paperwork. It’s a town his father was born in and the place he grew up,…

FOR GRANDPA SCENT OF FEAR BY TONY PARK An action-packed adventure from the acclaimed Aussie thriller writer. Troubled war veteran Sean Bourke is based at a South African wildlife reserve where he attempts to thwart the poachers targeting  the area’s wild animals. As he and his team become targets, Sean uses his army training to fight back while also facing trouble closer to home. FOR A CHILD LENNY’S BOOK OF EVERYTHING BY KAREN FOXLEE Each week Davey and Lenny receive the latest issue of Burrell’s Build-it-at-Home Encyclopedia and get to experience all the different wonders of the world. But learning about  beetles and the Great Bear Lake can’t always distract from the realities of their lives. Davey has a rare form of…

ROYAL SNUB Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, is definitely OFF Will Ferrell’s Christmas list. “I think we share the same birthday. I sent her an [H&M] gift certificate and I never heard back,” the funnyman said. Maybe she’s more of a Topshop kinda girl. WEDDED BLISS “Being married is actually the most fun ever,” says Margot Robbie two years into wedded life with Tom Ackerley. Great to hear, Margot. But, if you don’t mind, we’ll check in with you again in a few years when you’ve had multiple kids and haven’t slept for half a decade! PLANE CRAZY Kim Kardashian and Kanye West copped a lot of heat for their extravagant travel arrangements. “No big deal just taking a private 747 this is how [Kanye] does it now,” an excited…

WHO ELLEN DEGENERES Ellen says that “showing a lot of skin” is a good reason to follow Julia Roberts – and we like to think that Ellen has just asked Julia to measure the cleavage gap in her fake boobs. WHO JENNIFER GARNER Pow! This is what happens when you mess with Jennifer Garner, Juliette Lewis! OK, there’s a small chance that they’re filming a scene from their HBO show Camping – or should that be Thumping ? WHO KYLIE MINOGUE “ Especially For You is 30!” Kylie added to this fresh-faced pic and instantly made us feel 100! Can you please edit in a shocked face and a grandma emoji, Kylie? Thank you.…

They endured an infamously rocky marriage, fraught with lies, deceit and scandals. But now, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana’s relationship has been blown apart by a shocking new revelation. New Idea has learned that vicious rumours are swirling about a secret relationship between Charles’ brother Prince Andrew and Diana around the time she was pregnant with William. In a new documentary The Diana Story, the Spencer family’s former housekeeper Betty Andrews reveals: “We thought she would be with Prince Andrew.” Prince Andrew was much closer in age to Diana and was known for his “dashing good looks”, which was said to infuriate Charles. “This is one royal scandal the palace are desperately trying to shut down,” reveals an exclusive royal source. “There have been long-standing rumours that Diana…

Karl Stefanovic may have made his love for Jasmine Yarbrough official in the wedding of his dreams, but if the Today host believes that everything will run smoothly from here he may be in for a surprise. In a move that is set to burst the Nine star’s bubble, New Idea has exclusively learned that Karl’s scorned ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn has teamed up with his former Today host, Lisa Wilkinson, in a bid to steal his thunder. Insiders are whispering that Cassandra is set to waltz her way back into the limelight by taking part in the rebooted version Channel Ten’s Dancing with the Stars. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Cass is set to be joining the star-studded line up of the show. “Thorburn’s name…

It’s been almost two years since Schapelle Corby stepped back onto Australian soil after spending nine years in a Balinese prison. So it comes as no surprise that the 41-year-old is relishing her new-found freedom with family and friends, often sharing photos of her adventures on social media – something she’s had to get to grips with since returning home. But it’s Schapelle’s most recent Instagram snaps that have got everyone talking. In one photo, Schapelle is seen posing in a white, barely-there bikini alongside her puppy Lucille. Meanwhile, another shows her standing in a field of sunflowers with her dark hair blowing in the wind. “SHE HAS NOT HAD ANY INVASIVE TREATMENT OR SURGERY” After sharing these and other images on her account, it wasn’t long before some of…

When it comes to tying the knot on screen, Ashleigh Brewer is something of an expert. As the actress says with a laugh: “I had a wedding on Neighbours and an engagement on Neighbours , two weddings on The Bold and the Beautiful , another for a film and now this wedding. Despite walking down the aisle several times on screen, Ashleigh had a blast filming. “We all got to head to the venue and stay there for three days while we filmed the wedding scenes,” she shares. “It was like a school camp. We had so much fun and it was an incredible location, right on the river bank. It was a great shoot week and we all bonded.”…

Peter connects three generations of Phelps men in his new book, The Bulldog Track . It was written for his father George, in honour of his father Tom, detailing his daring wartime escape from the advancing Japanese forces in the New Guinea highlands along the Bulldog Track – known as the ‘other Kokoda Track’. Peter was determined the tale of his grandfather Tom’s journey of survival through the darkest days of World War II would not be lost in the passing of time. “Dad died halfway through my writing of the book, but I had read passages to him and he saw a rough version of the book cover, and he smiled and gave me a thumbs up,” Peter recalls. “I’m pretty sure…

In Monaco a tradition started in the 1950s by Prince Albert’s mother Princess Grace sees underprivileged children invited to a party, given gifts and fed chocolate milk. “There was no television, practically no movies and definitely no internet or diversions like today,” one local told People . “So Princess Grace decided to offer children a day in the palace. It was a small gesture which has become a big thing.” On Christmas Day, the Monaco royals also share a family portrait. Last year it was a cute picture of Prince Albert, Princess Charlene with their twins Jacques and Gabriella grinning from ear-to-ear.…

Fruit and White Chocolate Rum Balls Makes 32, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 465g bought dark fruitcake ¹/ ³ cup dark rum ½ cup desiccated coconut ½ cup chopped roasted hazelnuts 2 tsps ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice 200g block dark chocolate, chopped 1½ x 290g packets White Choc Melts (2½ cups) Extra desiccated coconut, to decorate 1 Crumble cake into a large bowl. Add rum. Stir in coconut, hazelnuts, cinnamon and spice. 2 Place dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove. 3 Add dark chocolate to cake mixture. Stir to combine. Refrigerate, covered, for about 1 hour, or until firm. 4 Roll tblsps of mixture into balls. Place on a large tray lined with baking paper.…

SHE’S BACK! Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns is an all-new original musical and sequel. Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives after a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically perfect nanny who can turn an ordinary task into a fantastically unforgettable adventure with her unique magical skills. In cinemas New Year’s Day, 2019. THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERYONE Only at Myer is it easy to find the perfect gift, especially when you can personalise everyone’s favourite TOBLERONE® chocolate bar. Order your personalised Toblerone online, and collect it at participating Myer stores. While stocks last. RRP $9.99 each. Visit myer.com.au TOBLERONE and device are Trade Marks of the Mondelez International group used with permission. LIFE’S…

MATERIALS Jolly & Joy Plastic Baubles Beads and pendants Glitter Jolly & Joy DIY Bauble Filler PVA glue Paint brush Hot glue gun and glue sticks Ribbon for hanging Fishing line Scissors Pliers or wire cutters STEP 1 Break apart your jewellery with pliers or wire cutters. We used beads and pendants from Spotlight’s Tim Holtz range. STEP 2 Paint PVA glue on the areas of the bauble you want to cover in glitter. Lay down a sheet of paper and sprinkle glitter on the bauble. Shake off excess glitter once glue is dry. STEP 3 Using a hot glue gun, decorate the outside of the baubles with beads and pendants. Stick each one on individually and leave to dry. STEP 4 To hang beads or pendants inside the bauble,…

DEAD SCARY When I called the doctor’s surgery for an appointment recently, the MM receptionist said: “Sorry, we can’t fit you in for at least two weeks.” “But I could be dead by then!” I gasped. “No problem,” he said, “If your husband lets us know, we’ll just cancel the appointment ...” S. WILLIAMS, CROYDON HILLS, VIC. PIG-HEADED “You just can’t believe what they write on food packaging these days!” my MM brother-in-law told his wife. When asked why, he responded: “For lunch I made some lasagne and on the pack it distinctly said ‘four generous serves’ but I had no trouble eating it all myself. F. ARSI, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ. BRAIN FREEZE My MM partner was interested in dropping a few kilos, so I explained that frozen yoghurt has half…

Summer Bay’s newest star Emily Eskell had almost given up on the world of online dating when serendipity finally struck – Joel Lumsden came into her life. For the gorgeous redhead, who plays Simone Bedford in the hit drama series, the 30-year-old was the man she’d been waiting for. “I’d been on a few of the worst dates of my life before I met Joel and I’d decided this would be the last time I tried to meet someone on Tinder,” recalls the 28-year-old actress with a laugh. “I’d deleted the app so many times and, in a moment of madness, downloaded it once more. That was when I met Joel. He was one of the first people who came up, so it did feel like everything was aligned. “We…

Wildlife warriors Terri Irwin and her daughter Bindi have confirmed there’s a wedding on the way. During an interview on The Project , Bindi and boyfriend Chandler Powell spoke of the couple’s plans to tie the knot. “We will eventually,” admitted Chandler, with Bindi adding she would make the news public once they do. “He’s a good guy,” Terri added when asked what she thinks of her soon-to-be son-in-law. “He’s been learning a lot, he’s very kind to Bindi, I enjoy his company, Robert thinks of him as a big brother. I can’t fault him.” Terri also went on to reveal that her late husband Steve would be happy to see his daughter so in love. “I know this is a moment in time Steve would be…

She’s had a huge year but the former journalist is looking better than ever! While Cass, 47, is keeping quiet on any possible surgical tweaks, the busy mum has slowly been transforming her look, sporting a new hairstyle and youthful makeup. “Cass has a big year planned in 2019. She wants to do more books, TV and build up her profile. She’s working hard to build her career so she’s not just remembered as being Karl’s ex-wife. Being on DWTS will help with that – but the truth is Cass has a lot of exciting projects in the works, and DWTS is just the beginning,” the insider spills.…

She’s had a chequered history with previous co-stars, but now The Voice’s Delta Goodrem is having a dummy spit over Guy Sebastian becoming the fourth coach for next year. Well placed Nine insiders tell New Idea the 32-year-old is not happy at all with Guy being added to the line-up. And the new 2019 promo has sent her into a “classic Delta spin” as Guy gets top billing. “It has been explained to her it was a promo announcing a new coach, but she isn’t happy as the footage is still on air and ran during the ARIAs which is watched by the whole record industry,” spills the insider. “Delta wants top billing as she sees herself as The Voice Aussie royalty having been there since…

Last year it was rumoured Schapelle was set to appear as a camp mate on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! alongside her sister Mercedes. However, it seems she may have set her sights on another reality TV show – Dancing with the Stars . Channel Ten announced earlier this year they were rebooting the popular dance program in 2019, and with news that The Bachelor’s Keira Maguire and Karl Stefanovic’s ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn are set to join the show, New Idea understands the network would love to get Schapelle on board, too. “Schapelle would be great,” our insider reveals. “And if she agreed to do the show there’s no doubt they’d throw big bucks at her…

Learning the dos and don’ts of Christmas with the Queen will be a “nightmare” for Meghan and her mum, warned a royal etiquette expert. Jean Broke-Smith, who was an adviser and judge on Australian Princess with ex royal servant Paul Burrell, said it would be “amazingly hard” for the American outsiders. “Meghan was at Sandringham last year but only for a day or two and it was probably all a whirl,” said Jean, who spent 30 years as the Principal of the world famous Lucie Clayton school of grooming. “There will be advisers on hand to help Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, but it is going to be difficult. For one thing she will need to bring a trunk full of clothes from California! “You are expected…

Haloumi Skewers with Oregano Dressing Serves 8, Prep and Cook: 30 mins 2 x 225g blocks haloumi 20 x 15cm bamboo skewers 2 tblsps olive oil 2 tsps finely chopped fresh oregano 1 clove garlic, crushed Pistachio dukkah, to serve OREGANO DRESSING 1 tblsp olive oil 1 tblsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind 2 tsps finely chopped fresh oregano 1 Cut haloumi crossways into 1.5cm-thick slices. Cut each slice in half lengthways, then into 2cm pieces. Thread evenly onto skewers. Pat dry with absorbent kitchen paper and place in a shallow dish. 2 Combine oil, oregano and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle over the haloumi, turning skewers to coat evenly. 3 To make dressing, combine all ingredients in a small jug. Season with salt and…

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN PRECOOK POTATOES THEN FREEZE THEM READY TO , ROAST? HERE S HOW: 1 Peel potatoes. Cut in half or quarters. Cook in a saucepan of boiling, salted water until tender when a skewer is inserted in the centre. 2 Drain well in a colander, tossing potatoes to slightly roughen the edges. Cool. Place in a single layer on a tray lined with baking paper. Freeze. Once frozen, place potatoes in freezer bags. Potatoes can be frozen for up to one month. 3 To cook, toss frozen potatoes in olive oil in a non-stick roasting pan (allowing about ¼ cup olive oil to 1.5kg potatoes). Separate potatoes slightly, then sprinkle with sea salt. 4 Cook in a very hot oven (240C) for 10 minutes. Remove. Toss…

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ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Conversations with interesting people will be educational and inspiring and will open your mind to new ideas and a world of exciting possibilities. Exploring a new scene or social group will be a fun adventure. You’ll need to seize the moment to clear up a prickly misunderstanding – it’ll be an opportunity too good to miss. Go peacefully when tackling old problems. A calm thoughtful approach could turn it around. LUCKY NUMBERS: 20, 22, 25 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 An ambitious financial venture will require forward planning and discussions with others involved will alert you to hidden costs or issues requiring greater consideration. Soul-searching with someone close will leave you with much to ponder; you’ll come to terms with something or someone…

Q My daughter loves to have the family at her place on Christmas Day. However, she has a son with allergies to nuts, so she won’t have any nuts in the house or anything to do with Christmas food-wise. So we are normally served things like bacon and eggs, baked beans etc. The lad is now a teen and well aware of what could make him sick. She does make us all very welcome, but dare I say, the food is a big let-down. How can I suggest a different menu without hurting her feelings. Is it wrong of us to expect more? SHIRLEY, VIA EMAIL. A My favourite Christmas lunch was all seafood and Bombe Alaska. Not a nut in sight. Perhaps your daughter could find suitable dishes that…

WHAT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING YOUR PARTNER’S DONE FOR YOU? Emily: Massive flowers, chocolate and jewellery are pretty romantic, and I get them very regularly. Joel: Her hand in marriage! What could be more romantic than that? THEIR SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Emily: Joel’s very, very good at washing the dishes. Joel: Emily has an amazing green thumb. We practically have a small hobby farm going outside our apartment and already we eat a lot of our own home-grown food. WHICH REALITY TV SHOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER WIN? Joel: One of the singing shows. Emily: Joel would be great on a show where he can be physically active . He’s a real outdoorsy type.…