Innehållsförteckning för 23 September 2019 från New Idea

He was once the most popular royal, but Prince Harry has had a rough ride of late, thanks to the shenanigans around the announcement of Archie’s birth and christening, and criticism that he’s a hypocrite. Having lectured the public that we must make thoughtful decisions around the environment, his decision to take four private jet flights in a matter of weeks led to him being branded an eco-hypocrite. But he’s about to return to a role he relishes and a place he loves. Indeed, so strong is Harry’s connection to Africa and the work of his late mother that the upcoming visit could be a chance to rehabilitate his image. Each royal has a word that signifies their role. The Queen’s is ‘duty’, Prince William’s is ‘expectation’ and Kate signifies…

Rihanna, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue … They’re all on a very exclusive list, and each has a price tag to match. For Kylie it can be up to $1.8 million. For Gaga, a bargain at $175,000. This is the cost a select few are prepared to pay to meet their idols, and Karim Gharbi is the man to make it happen. “My clients are very wealthy and there is a large demand for unique experiences,” he tells New Idea. “They need us to create these for them, like the first ever helicopter flights over Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks we’re working on at the moment.” Karim, who appeared in Sydney’s Crazy Rich Asians during Network Ten’s pilot week, set up his company, The VIP Sydney, five years ago. Since…

KRISTY SELLARS: CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS Kristy Sellars was prepared for judgement when she entered AGT as a pole dancer. The 33-year-old knew pole dancing, unlike other forms of dance, was highly stigmatised. However, the mother of two says she’s proud to have challenged people’s perceptions. “I’ve had so many messages from people saying that I’ve changed the way they viewed pole performance,” the artist explains. “That’s a huge accomplishment for me, because I love what I do, and for others to not attach it to any stigma or preconceived idea makes me very proud.” JENNIFER ANDERSON: HEALING ON STAGE Jennifer Anderson overcame a huge mental obstacle to perform on AGT – and it was entirely of her own making. The 50-year-old admits she battled against her own inner negativity. “Getting out…

With Season 3 of The Crown due to hit our screens on November 17, production on the fourth instalment of the series has well and truly begun – and perhaps the most beloved personality in the royal family’s history is finally set to make her debut. Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981, and Season 4 of the hit series, which airs on Netflix, looks set to cover the years surrounding this history-defining event, with newcomer Emma Corrin stepping up to the plate as the late princess. But can she do the ‘People’s Princess’ justice? The show’s creator, Peter Morgan, certainly thinks so. “Emma is a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “As well…

In northern New South Wales and parts of Queensland, bushfires are burning out of control, wiping out buildings and wildlife – and pushing firefighters to the brink. At the time of print, around 80 fires were ablaze in Qld and a further 55 in NSW, leaving local fireys struggling to bring the infernos under control, with intense winds and the nation’s drought doing nothing to help. “Trying to get containment on these fires is a nightmare,” NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said. But while some 26 homes have been destroyed and many more damaged, so far no deaths have been reported – something Acting Queensland Premier Jackie Trad has dubbed a “miracle”. It was a big decision but one Belinda Pearl says she had to make. As…

A mother and former airline cabin manager turned erotic fiction author is Australia’s answer to Fifty Shades of Grey. Karen Bleakley, 47, from Sunbury in Victoria, self-published a raunchy title named Behind Closed Doors: The Society, a novel she swears will spice up any relationship and warns is “not for the faint-hearted”. Karen says her titillating read will rival EL James’ wildly popular erotic-romance trilogy. “I’ve never had any formal training, but I always knew I would write a book. I was just waiting for the right time – and I had the idea during the whole Fifty Shades phenomenon,” Karen tells New Idea. “I thought, ‘Here’s this woman who wrote a book that no-one in the industry thought was written very well. And a lot of critics canned the…

Pancetta-Topped Chicken with Asparagus & Salad Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 25 mins 4 chicken breast steaks (600g) 6 thin slices mild pancetta (60g) ¼ cup plain flour, for dusting 2 tblsps olive oil 2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed 1 cup grated mozzarella Crusty Italian bread, to serve SALAD 4 roma tomatoes (480g), thickly sliced ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup fresh basil leaves 2 tblsps honey Dijon vinaigrette dressing 1 Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Lightly pound with a meat mallet until thin. Top each steak with 1½ slices pancetta. Press down firmly. 2 Place flour on a large plate. Season with salt and pepper. Dust both sides of pancettatopped chicken in seasoned flour, shaking away excess. 3 Heat oil in a large, non-stick frying…

Cherry Ripe Meringue Slice Serves 12, Prep and Cook: 55 mins 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ½ cup caster sugar 1 egg 1¼ cups plain flour 4 x 52g bars Cherry Ripe chocolate, finely chopped TOPPING 3 egg whites ¾ cup caster sugar ½ cup shredded coconut 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above the pan’s edges. 2 Beat butter and sugar in a small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Stir in flour until combined. Press mixture evenly over base of prepared pan. 3 Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for about 15 minutes, or until light golden. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate. 4 To make topping,…

What does it do? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the skin to fight free radicals and environmental stressors. It has anti-ageing properties and also helps the skin to regenerate and repair. It can also help fight existing and future pigmentation and discolouration. When do you need it? Apply in the morning to a clean, cleansed face and neck, before moisturising and always follow with an SPF protection of your choice. How do you apply it? A little goes a long way. Add a few droplets to the palm of your hand, press your palms together to warm the product and then gently pat your open palms onto your face and neck area. Allow a couple of minutes for the product to absorb before applying moisturiser. What are the…

Q I’ve been a housewife for most of my life and I’m starting to feel lonely and bored. All my children have moved away and they don’t live close by. My husband works late every day and travels frequently. I never made much time for my friends as I was overwhelmed with looking after my family. How can I make myself feel better? I don’t have much energy to do a lot of activities, either. ELIZABETH, VIA EMAIL. You need to eradicate your negative thoughts and spend more time looking after your health. Start walking some days, enrol in a class or join a gym. Would it be possible to sometimes travel with your husband? That would get you out of the house. Make time for some of the friends…

It’s long been a case of opposites attracting for this year’s The Block favourites Mitch and Mark. While on the surface they may seem unlikely soulmates, the seasoned renovators from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have always got along like a house on fire. And the pressure-cooker environment characteristic of the reality show is only proving to make the duo’s relationship stronger. “Whilst we may have always been totally different in personality – Mark is more conservative and I was way too outgoing when we met – we both always recognised that we had the same values,” says Mitch. “I think mutual values and respect are probably what drew us together.” Agrees Mark: “And while Mitch is a lot more outgoing than me, he’s actually very committed to a relationship.” Together 14-and-a-half…

Over the past few months, Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) and Dean’s (Patrick O’Connor) romance has gone from strength to strength. But it’s about to hit a roadblock – and it may be a major one! For Ziggy is stunned when Dean this week declares he doesn’t ever want to have children. It seems he’s deeply concerned his mother Karen’s (Georgia Adamson) schizoaffective disorder may be genetic – and he’s not willing to risk passing it on to his children. After doing some research, Ziggy makes a decision of her own. Where will it leave her relationship with Dean?…

Don’t look now, Victoria, but your husband David Beckham was spotted ‘marrying’ a beautiful model on the streets of London last week! The model was dressed in a stunning white gown, while David looked dapper in a tux. Luckily the nuptials were completely innocent and part of a Londoner Macao hotel commercial where David was starring alongside Angelababy, otherwise known as Angela Yeung Wing. The former footballer shared a video of the commercial to his Instagram page with the caption: “It’s all about fish and chip Fridays. Thank you @angelababyct for the Mandarin lesson … I’ll keep practising! A great day filming with@the_londoner_macao.” POSH IS CRANKY! Even though she knows David’s marriage is just an innocent advert, rumours are that his wife Victoria Beckham isn’t too happy nonetheless! She’s feeling…

Katie Holmes and Liam Hemsworth have something in common: they’re both newly single. The A-listers both recently ended high profile relationships with their long-term partners Jamie Foxx and Miley Cyrus. However, that soon may not be the only thing the pair have in common … On the back of the announcement that Katie, 40, is headed Down Under later this year, rumours have surfaced that her pal Elsa Pataky plans on setting up the Hollywood actress with her newly separated brother-in-law, Liam. Elsa met Katie at a star-studded Hollywood event a couple of years ago and according to a source, the pair hit it off instantly. “Katie still keeps in touch and Elsa knows she’s had a hard time in her love life of late,” a source spills. And according…

Following the devastating loss of Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley on September 9, new details have emerged of his final days, and the personal struggles he’d been facing prior to his death. The AFL legend set alarm bells ringing when he didn’t show up for his 56th birthday celebrations with family the day before he died. The next day, his car was involved in what police called a “significant collision” with a tree in Ballarat, near the potato farm where he grew up, after he failed to attend a psychiatrist’s appointment. According to The Age, Danny – who had openly spoken of his struggles with depression – had told friends in recent weeks his marriage was over and that he was facing serious personal financial strain after a big investment went bad.…

They couldn’t make their relationship work, but co-parents Dannii Minogue and Kris Smith can cooperate when it comes to their son, Ethan. Dannii agreed to the 9-year-old spending seven weeks at his dad’s house to allow him time to get to know his baby half-sister, Mila, who Kris and girlfriend Sarah Boulazeris welcomed in December. “We wanted him to get a good amount of time to bond with Mila, and Dannii was very accommodating with that,” Kris told The Daily Telegraph. Singer-turned-TV-presenter Dannii and model Kris met in Ibiza in 2008 and welcomed Ethan in 2010, before breaking up in 2012. Now, seven years on, Kris and Sarah are to add to their family in December, having announced their second pregnancy on Instagram in June.…

According to our insider, the franchise has already begun filming its next season – Survivor All Stars! “They’re already two weeks into filming the All Stars spin-off, but Ten is really paranoid that word will get out, so they’ve been going to extreme lengths to keep it hush,” the source claims. Fans will get a double dose of the popular show in 2020, with All Stars screening in addition to the standard season. “The show has had such positive reviews and strong ratings this season so the network wanted to capitalise on that success and keep the momentum going,” the source explains. Contestants are returning from previous seasons, with Abbey Holmes (from the most recent season), Henry Nicholson (who left Season 2 with an idol) and Aaron ‘AK’ Knight (Season…

The Queen has always indicated that she will remain on the throne until the end of her life. However, debate continues to rage over who will eventually take her place. While it’s long been assumed that Prince Charles could be sidestepped in favour of his eldest son William, rumours are swirling that it’s her daughter, Princess Anne, who Queen Elizabeth wants to take the throne. New Idea learns from palace insiders that the Queen is increasingly disappointed with the way her heir-in-waiting, Prince Charles, has handled recent events, including the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. As a result, the Queen has been in secret discussions with Princess Anne, whom she has always privately felt is a more suitable leader than her son. And while Prince Charles remains heir to the throne, Her…

From the very first episode, Chelsie McLeod has been the fan favourite to take home the Bachelor’s final red rose. But now a source claims that the 23-year-old may not end up with the happy ending she has been longing for … An insider reveals exclusively to New Idea that the usually shy and quiet contestant has shocked everyone after apparently throwing a tantrum and refusing to do any press. If Matt has chosen Chelsie as The One, why is she refusing to talk about their budding romance? Could this reveal that the couple are already in trouble? “Chelsie has been really down since the show wrapped and now she has said she isn’t going to do any interviews,” the source claims. “She doesn’t want anything to do with the…

SIENNA OSBORNE: Prize money plans If Sienna were to win AGT, she knows her parents would love her to put the prize money into a savings account. But the teenage ‘warrior’ dancer has other ideas! “I’m sort of thinking ‘shopping account’,” Sienna laughs. LIOZ SHEM TOV: I don’t deserve to win Entering an Australian talent competition as an overseas contestant was a risky move, but it’s paid off for Lioz. But the captivating mentalist believes, “Australia shouldn’t vote for me. They should vote for Australian talent,’’ he says. UMIT BALI: Gone viral! Umit Bali’s stand-up routine has not only been a hit on AGT – the comedian says his act “went viral in Fiji”! And he’s become a trailblazer throughout the world. “Apparently I’m the first Fijian-Indian to do stand-up…

EMERALD FENNELL AS CAMILLA PARKER BOWLES “I absolutely love Camilla and am very grateful that my teenage years have well prepared me for playing a chain-smoking serial snogger with a pudding bowl haircut.” TOBIAS MENZIES AS PRINCE PHILIP “I’m thrilled to be joining the new cast of The Crown and to be working with Olivia Colman again. I look forward to becoming her ‘liegeman of life and limb’.” HELENA BONHAM CARTER AS PRINCESS MARGARET “I’m not sure which I’m more terrified about – doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby [who played Margaret in Seasons 1 and 2].” JOSH O’CONNOR AS PRINCE CHARLES “I feel so honoured and excited to tell [young Charles’] story. And tell a very different side of the…

As the blistering inferno raged towards their Canungra home, Sarah Withecombe and her 9-year-old daughter Marley made panicked calls to friends and family to help evacuate their beloved animals. “The fire was coming right down our mountain. It was coming towards our house. I was very scared,” says 42-year-old Sarah, who lives on 80ha. Sarah’s property was engulfed in thick plumes of smoke and fiery embers. “The horses were panicking and running. Marley started going: ‘Mum, I’m so scared, we need to get out of here and get our animals out.’” Sarah’s mother, her sister and her 5-year-old niece, who also live on the property in two separate houses, did everything they could to save their home. But when Sarah called triple-0, the fireys who arrived told her to evacuate.…

Shepherd’s Pie and Mashed Pea Jacket Potatoes Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 2 hours 20 mins 6 large brushed potatoes (275g-325g each) 1½ cups frozen peas 2 tblsps milk 1 cup shredded parmesan FILLING 1 tblsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 350g lamb mince 50g sachet Continental Shepherd’s Pie Base 350g jar Leggo’s Roasted Vegetables Stir Through Sauce 1 Wash and scrub potatoes. Prick all over with a fork. Wrap each potato in foil. Place on an oven tray. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 1 hour and 15 to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until tender. Remove. Stand in foil for 10 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, make filling. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying…

Chocolate Eclair Dessert Serves 12, Prep: 30 mins 1½ x 250g packets Milk Coffee biscuits ²/ ³ cup milk CUSTARD 2 x 100g sachets Aeroplane Vanilla Flavoured Dessert Mix 2½ cups milk 600ml tub thickened cream CHOCOLATE ICING 300g dark chocolate, finely chopped 1 cup thickened cream 1 tblsp honey 1 To make custard, combine all ingredients in the large bowl of an electric mixer. Using a whisk attachment, beat on low speed for 30 seconds until combined. Increase speed to high. Beat for a further 1½ to 2 minutes, or until thick and firm peaks form. Set aside. 2 One at a time, dip one-third of the biscuits into milk, turning to coat. 3 Arrange over base of a 23cm x 32cm x 6cm deep, rectangular serving dish (14-cup…

Waste Not, Want Not! Don’t throw away usable vegetable scraps – freeze them in snap-lock or freezer bags. When you have collected enough, rinse well under cold water, then place in a large saucepan or stockpot covered with water. Bring to boil then simmer until vegetables become very soft. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool, then strain well. Keep stock in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze for up to three months. It’s great for adding to soups, casseroles and gravies. Edamame Edamame are young soybeans, usually still in the pod. They are soft and tender and are a pretty, green colour. They are available frozen in the pods, or already shelled. Follow packet directions on how to cook them. Edamame are handy to have…

Ever wonder what you toddler thinks of their dad’s beard? Researchers at the University of Queensland did, and found that young ones find hirsute men unattractive. Researchers showed 470 kids, aged from toddlers to teenagers as paired photos, each showing a man with a beard, and the same man clean-shaven. They then asked, “Which man looks stronger?” “Which mean looks older?” and “Which man looks best?” explains researcher Nicole Nelson. While the children associated beards with older and strong, when it came to which face looked ‘best’, the kids overwhelming chose the clean-shaven man. “As early as 1 year 9 months, they dislike beards,” says Nicole, “and kids, as they got older, up to about 13 years, continue to dislike beards even more.” Interestingly, however, around the age of puberty,…

After a super-busy few months at work, my friend Cassie and I arrive in Fiji ready to get out and about to explore. But as we board Captain Cook Cruises’ MV Reef Endeavour for our seven-day cruise around Fiji’s western Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, it becomes instantly clear that the ship itself is a holiday destination in its own right, and we won’t have to go far to find excitement. Carrying just 130 passengers, the five-level vessel has all the luxuries of a larger cruise ship – think plush lounges and dining rooms, cocktail bar, swimming pool, jacuzzi, mini-gym and sundeck, and even professional pampering at the Senikai Day Spa. It’s the perfect place to kick back and take in the epic views of Fiji’s scenery, enjoy a la carte…

AFTER LIFE The subject of euthanasia will always spark debate, so I applaud Christine Thornton for having the courage to talk about her husband Troy’s decision to end his life in a euthanasia clinic (NI, August 26). While Christine and her children mourn the loss of this beautiful man, I’m sure they’ve found comfort knowing that his suffering is over. I’m sure Troy is looking down on his lovely family, cheering them on as they continue their life’s journey without him. JUDITH CAINE, DONVALE, VIC. GAP FASHION Charlie, 5, had just lost her first tooth. She came out of her bedroom really sad and said, “I can’t find anything to wear that suits my missing tooth.” KATH DESMOND, SHELLY BEACH, NSW. MERE MALE There was a small wail from my…

WHAT’S YOUR PARTNER’S WORST HOUSEHOLD HABIT? Mitch: Mark’s is asking for another few minutes when a beautiful meal comes to the table at just the right temperature. Mark: Mitch’s is forgetting to turn the oven off. I’ll often be asking him, “Are we still cooking something?” WHAT’S THEIR NUMBER ONE SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Mark: Mitch loves, loves, loves washing clothes. Mitch: Mark’s is shutting doors and turning off lights. WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE GIFT YOUR PARTNER HAS GIVEN YOU? Mark: I never, ever expected that I would have a family, or have the relationships that I now have with the kids and grandkids. I would never have had that sense of love. So that’s absolutely the best gift.…

MONDAY Convinced Dean is avoiding her, Ziggy confronts him and demands an explanation. Is their relationship on the rocks already? Meanwhile, Ben receives important news from his lawyer. TUESDAY Ryder receives a major incentive to excel in his HSC, while Leah convinces Irene to fight Tommy’s civil lawsuit. WEDNESDAY A shell-shocked Irene and Leah struggle to get answers from a bloodied Teresa. Elsewhere in the Bay, an overworked Colby is having difficulty finding a balance between his work and personal life. THURSDAY Robbo and Colby pull out all stops to find Jasmine. Meantime, Alf’s behaviour raises eyebrows among those who know him best. What is the veteran resident hiding?…

She recently returned to our shores from Canada after filming a major role in the Disney+ movie Secret Society of Second Born Royals. Safe to say, Olivia couldn’t be more excited about the future. The 17-year-old, who brought to life Summer Bay’s much-loved Raffy Morrison, will soon be seen as Princess Roxana in the blockbuster film. And now she can’t wait to head back to LA. “It’s always been a dream to be able to go and work in Hollywood,” Olivia tells New Idea. “Now it’s absolutely on the agenda. I’m going to go back for pilot season.” Over the past four years, the hugely talented teen has become one of our most popular faces. And it seems the sky really is the limit for Olivia, whose final scene as…

Fourteen years after she left Summer Bay, ex-Home and Away star Bec Hewitt is said to be in talks for a new gig to revive her acting career. According to an insider, the beloved Aussie is in the process of working out a deal to star on the long-running soap Neighbours! “Now that Lleyton has retired from tennis, Bec feels that it’s her turn to focus on her career and she’s got the time to do it now that the kids are older,” the source dishes. “Plus filming is in Melbourne, so it’s super convenient and manageable for her.” But could these tense pictures of the couple reveal that the change in work schedules could be causing some stress? Apparently, Bec’s desire to return to the screen was prompted by…

In news that has shocked the country, Ninja Warrior contestant and two-time Olympian Paul Lyons has passed away aged just 50. “I can’t believe my soulmate and best friend is gone,” his heartbroken wife Dani shared on Instagram, after a statement was released by the martial arts school where Paul was head coach revealing he had died “suddenly but peacefully” in his sleep. “We loved each other so deeply and fiercely and can’t bare [sic] the thought of not ever seeing him again, hearing his voice or having him by my side,” she added. Paul represented Australia in taekwondo in the 1992 and 2000 Olympic Games, and competed on Season 2 of Ninja Warrior in 2018.…

After Angelina Jolie’s eldest child left the nest last month, the actress has reportedly found a new way to ease her heartache: she’s adopting again! With son Maddox at university in South Korea, the mum of six was “not feeling very strong” and she thinks adding a new baby to her brood could be just the thing to lift her spirits. “Because of her ties to so many countries, Angie has several options to choose from that won’t involve too much red tape or background screening,” an insider told Radar Online. “[She] still favours picking a child from an impoverished region she’s familiar with, like Syria or another part of the Middle East.” Meanwhile, Maddox has settled in to uni life, and according to In Touch magazine he’s adjusting well.…

Could it be fourth time lucky for Richard Wilkins? The Today host and his partner Virginia Burmeister were spotted looking very loved up as they left an exclusive event last week. Interestingly, Richard had Virginia’s left hand held tightly in his, making sure onlookers couldn’t catch a glimpse of any jewellery she was wearing – a move that sparked speculation that the pair might be heading down the aisle and be preparing to say ‘I do’. Richard’s son Christian let slip the week prior that the pair may have marriage on their minds! “Maybe [they will marry], they are very happy together,” he told Daily Mail at the David Jones Spring Summer 2019 event.…

It’s only been a few weeks since Princess Charlotte started school and she’s already let her classmates in on a big secret: she’s going to be a big sister – again! According to a royal insider, Charlotte “let the cat out of the bag”, with the 4-year-old telling everyone that her “mummy is having another girl”. “One of the teaching aides overheard Charlotte saying it and couldn’t believe her ears – Charlotte was talking very loudly, and seemed convinced that her mummy was pregnant,” the source reveals. “It was certainly quite the bombshell to drop in her first week of school!’ The new Thomas’s Battersea student’s surprise admission echoes recent speculation surrounding Kate’s pregnancy – and her recent appearance at England’s Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley did little to…

Delta Goodrem appeared to have a few strategically placed bags while out enjoying some retail therapy last week. Now fans are hoping this is a sign that the singer’s on the brink of a very exciting announcement. Delta and her good friend Joe Dadic were spotted hitting up the shops while the talent agent was visiting the singer’s adopted home of Los Angeles. As well as browsing in a bookshop, Joe shared photos on Instagram of the pair enjoying milkshakes and burgers at the Peach Pit pop-up diner, a recreation of the teen hangout made famous in the TV show Beverly Hills, 90210. Now fans are hoping that all these signs are hinting that Delta – who’s been keeping a low profile recently – could be expecting her first baby.…

She’s a 58-year-old grandmother and empty nester, but Katherine Kelly Lang is busier and fitter than ever. After years of juggling parenting with playing Brooke Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful, the actress thought her three children and stepdaughter leaving home would free up some time. Instead, she’s taken up competing in triathlon and ironman competitions along with her boyfriend of six years, Dominique Zoida. “We can’t find enough free time,” she laughs. “The kids leaving opened up our world to taking on a lot of new things, and the triathlons have made me feel empowered. The confidence it brings is amazing.” “A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM THEIR SPOUSES BUT I LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH DOM” In fact, she barely has time to catch…

Deb & Andy ‘Sugar hits kept us going’ How physically demanding is the work on The Block? Deb: It’s incredibly physical. Every piece of rubble, every piece of furniture, paint tins, plaster board, timber and more were carried in and out by hand. Andy: It’s constant physical work and it’s all difficult. The painting was a massive job and felt like it would never end. Did you lose weight on the show? Deb: I lost 5kg, going from 65kg to 60kg. Andy: I was 85kg and went to 75kg. Was it hard to maintain a healthy diet? Deb: We had great food on site, but were always craving sugar hits to keep the energy up. We don’t eat lots of sugary food at home, but we did on The Block.…

Opening her eyes and stumbling downstairs to the fridge, it was time for breakfast. Popping open a cold can of Coke, the now 37-year-old Nic Marnell chugged it down and was quickly alert and ready for a day of kid wrangling. “I never ate breakfast or lunch,” she tells New Idea. “It was easier to drink Coke and energy drinks to get me through the day and then I’d cook a big meal in the evening.” A mum of three young kids with a husband working away in the mines Nic’s unhealthy habit quickly locked her into a vicious cycle which saw her piling on the kilos. “I’d always been on the big side,” Nic admits. “When I met my husband at 23 I was a size 20 and I…

Strawberry Lamington Parfait Serves 6, Prep: 25 mins 85g packet strawberry-flavoured jelly 250g punnet strawberries ½ x 350g packet lamington fingers (9) 300ml tub thickened cream 2 cups double thick French vanilla custard Extra whipped cream, to serve 1 Prepare jelly, according to packet directions, in a large heatproof jug. Cool to room temperature. 2 Thinly slice half the strawberries. Divide among six tall serving glasses (1½-cup capacity). Pour 2 tablespoons jelly over strawberries in each glass. Pour the remaining jelly into a shallow dish. Refrigerate glasses and dish for about 1 hour, or until jelly is set. 3 Place six of the lamingtons on a chopping board. Cut each into four equal pieces. Arrange over jelly layer in glasses. 4 Beat cream in the small bowl of an electric…

TURN IT INTO A TONER Turn your favourite shampoo, conditioner or cream-based styling product into a toner with new Keracolor Toning Drops. Keracolor Toning Drops are keratin-infused and can be rinsed out or left in the hair. Ideal for toning blonde, silver and white hair. Visit i-glamour.com NATURAL SUPPORT FOR SKIN From our mid-20s collagen production starts to slow and the visible signs of ageing may appear. Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Shots helps to top up your body’s collagen from the inside out. Discover the confidence of naturally glowing skin. RRP $34.99 Visit naturesway.com.au A MUST-READ FOR NEW MUMS Beyond the Bump by Sally Shepherd is a clinical psychologist’s guide to navigating the mental, emotional and physical turmoil of becoming a mother. Covering rage, relationships, nutrition, identity and returning to…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Redefining your career goals will rev up your ambitions. It’ll affirm what you’re aiming for and where you’re going. Also, the reins will be in your hands with a grand personal endeavour. Clarifying your objectives will lead you forward. A physical task will require effort. Keep your cool with a challenging conversation; it will be a chance to understand more. A gift or an unusual new possession will be special. LUCKY NUMBERS: 2, 19, 45 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A lesson that’s eye-opening will guide you with an endeavour or matter it’s been hard to come to terms with. You’ll pour energy into pleasing and helping loved ones, but there will also be times when it’s important to put your own needs…

Karina Machado is a journalist, host of the Spirit Sisters podcast and the author of Spirit Sisters, Where Spirits Dwell and Love Never Dies, a non-fiction series exploring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Now, on The Ghost Files podcast each week, Karina will introduce a guest who’ll share their personal encounter with the spirit world. MY LITTLE BOY IS A MEDIUM Sheridan knew something was not right in her home. First, there was the eerie sense of a presence in the bathroom when she was showering. Then, came the migraines and constant arguments with her husband, which baffled the formerly happy couple. “We were falling apart,” Sheridan tells me in the latest episode of The Ghost Files podcast. At that point, Sheridan was not aware – though she soon…

BOOK THE UNFORGIVING CITY BY MAGGIE JOEL On the eve of Federation, Eleanor Dunlevy discovers a note written by her husband to another woman and decides he’s betraying her. Meanwhile, below stairs, their maid Alice faces a desperate situation when her sister is jailed and she has a newborn baby to look after. A gripping historical read. OUT NOW TV THE POOL Australia has more swimming pools per person than any other country in the world, and this two-part documentary looks at how our love of taking a dip has affected us. With insight from prominent Aussies, including Olympic medallists Matthew Mitcham and Shane Gould, it shows how pools have been a source of inspiration and social change. SUN., 7.40PM ON ABC TOUR JIMMY BARNES Demand has been high for…

Queensland’s Annabelle (left) had me do the intro for her school presentation. She wants to be a weather woman. How cute! She even has that look of terror in her eyes that I have just before they cross live to me. I always feel a special connection to live performances of the haka. But experiencing it next to an enormous hot spring was simply unforgettable. Thanks, gents! Sampling a mud mask in Rotorua, New Zealand. Clearly I was relieved to have something near my nose that didn’t smell like egg. Sorry, Rotorua. In my head, I saw this pose looking seductive. In reality, it looks like the ladies are removing a corpse from the studio. This week Sam Mac’s travel guide MONDAY: SYDNEY TUESDAY: SYDNEY WEDNESDAY: MELBOURNE THURSDAY: MELBOURNE FRIDAY:…