Innehållsförteckning för 4 November 2019 från New Idea

Russell Crowe was recently spotted with a mystery blonde at Sydney airport. The unknown woman was pictured showing the 55-year-old actor something on her phone while pulling a funny face. It is not thought the pair are a couple, but Russ has been rumoured to be dating a younger woman for quite some time. He’s also been connected to long-term pal Terri Irwin since his high-profile divorce from wife Danielle Spencer. Last year, sources told New Idea that the Gladiator star is quite smitten. “Only his closest friends have been introduced to the new mystery woman, but it’s clear that Russ is very taken with her,” the source said.…

Kate Ritchie’s husband Stuart Webb has been banned from approaching her for two more weeks after a temporary Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) was extended in court. Neither the former Home and Away actress, 41, nor the ex-Rugby League star, 39, appeared at Waverley Court in Sydney as their matter was heard. The order also states that Stuart cannot go near his wife for “at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs”. Police took out the temporary AVO on behalf of the mother of one after an ‘incident’ in Randwick one week prior. No charges have been laid and police have confirmed they are still investigating. The matter has been adjourned until November 7. The order reads: “The defendant must not do any of the following to Katherine…

Throughout the 10 season run of the hit show Friends, the world became infatuated with the romance of Rachel and Ross, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer. Twenty-five years later, an insider has told New Idea Jen and David could now potentially be more than just friends. “Jen and David have always had feelings for one another,” the insider tells New Idea. Speculation around the relationship of the former on-screen lovers reached fever pitch last week when Jennifer, 50, revealed the entire cast had recently reunited. Sharing a selfie to her newly created Instagram account, Jen posted a cosy group shot with David, 52, along with their fellow Friends co-stars, Courteney Cox, 55, Matt LeBlanc, 52, Matthew Perry, 50, and Lisa Kudrow, 56. The ensemble castmates have always spoken openly…

A celebrity bodyguard has claimed that before Brad and Angelina were a couple, they used to ‘swap illicit messages on set’ while filming Mr and Mrs Smith in 2005. Although the couple denied they became intimate before Brad split with Jennifer Aniston, the bodyguard insists the pair were secretly seeing each other. “I caught them several times in each other’s trailers making out. I wasn’t shocked at all when they got married years later,” he told The Sun.…

Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou has opened up and spoken candidly about her relationship and how she copes with motherhood in a revealing interview. With being a single mum, juggling her role as Leah on the Channel Seven drama and her relationship to partner Adam, Ada barely has time to take a breath. And as the 42-year-old actress and mother admits to New Idea, acting and raising her son Johnas means there’s often no time for romance. “I’m a single mum, working full-time and running a household, trying to do a million and one things,” Ada explains. “Trying to find the time for self-care and the pleasures in life and not feel exhausted to do them all, it can be a real challenge,” she says. “When you become a…

For 53 years, until her death only a matter of weeks ago, every day for Nancy Beaumont was a mother’s worst nightmare that refused to end. The mother of the missing Beaumont children died on September 16 at age 92, never knowing what happened to her two daughters, Jane and Arnna, and son, Grant, after they disappeared from an Adelaide beach on Australia Day in1966. Nancy’s life was one of heartbreak and sadness, says Michael Madigan, the author of the book The Missing Beaumont Children: 50 Years of Mystery and Misery. “No-one can ever imagine the torment that wonderful woman went through – she had to endure a heartache that can’t be imagined,” says Michael. “To lose all three children at once in those circumstances, and then to spend a…

Mini Mac Sliders Makes 8, Prep and Cook: 25 mins 8-pack beef rissoles (600g) 8 white dinner rolls with sesame seeds ¼ cup drained pickled onions, finely chopped 3 large iceberg lettuce leaves, finely shredded 4 slices burger cheese, halved diagonally ¹/ ³ cup drained, sliced dill cucumbers SAUCE ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tblsp gherkin relish 2 tsps American mustard ½ tsp ground paprika ¼ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp garlic powder 1 To make sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside. 2 With clean hands, slightly flatten rissoles to the same diameter as buns (about 6-7cm). 3 Heat a lightly oiled, large, non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add rissoles. Cook for about 4 minutes…

THE NEW WAY TO FRY Want tasty food that’s not dripping in oil? openshop now sells the Westinghouse Air Fryer. More than just a fryer, it can roast, bake, toast, grill and fry with little to no oil! Watch the food demonstration on Channel 75. Visit openshop.com.au SATURDAY TREAT Sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in some of the world’s best coffee-growing regions and barista-made using 100 per cent Arabica beans, McCafé coffee is a smooth, delicious treat to help get you through another hectic Saturday morning in the life of Mum. THE EASY WAY TO SAY GOODBYE TO WARTS Wart-Off Freeze freezes warts to the core in just 10 seconds. After 14 days the wart may fall off and new healthy skin will be visible. Fast, effective, safe and…

Sunbeam’s Multi-Function Oven + Air Fryer is ideal if you’re health-conscious as it gives you the ability to fry using very little or no oil or fat, using the Air Fry setting. It also has the convenience of an oven with other settings that include Grill, Bake, Pizza and Convection. With a roomy 22-litre capacity interior, you can cook a 30cm pizza, roast meats and vegetables, bake cakes and cookies and even grill crispy salmon and golden toasties quickly and easily. For further information, visit nationalproductreview.com.…

I don’t speak car. I couldn’t tell you anything about engine power or suspension and I’m not impressed by flash models because I fear I’d scratch them. As the cliché goes, I see cars as a means of getting from A to B. But as my years as a parent have clocked up as quickly as the kilometres on my odometer, I’ve realised my car has been a lifesaver. Obviously, a car provides ease of transport with toddlers, but it also becomes the place you draw breath. When my kids were little and getting them and their belongings into the car felt like a gargantuan task, I learnt a special trick that saved my sanity. After clicking them into their car seats, I’d walk around the back of the car…

From unused items to overcrowded shelves, organisational expert Kristina Duke from the Decluttering Diva (declutteringdiva.com.au) says many of us are guilty of committing a multitude of pantry organisation sins. To whip your pantry into shape, try Kristina’s top five expert-approved tips. 1. CREATE ZONES Organise your pantry sections according to themes, such as baking, breakfast, snacks etc. The things you access most should be at your fingertips, and less used items should be stored high or low. 2. CONTAINER DECANTER Decantering foods into jars and containers helps food stay fresh and looks tidy. Try it with items such as flour, sugar, rice, biscuits and crackers. 3. BASKET CASE If your pantry space is deep, add baskets and drawers – they’re great for storing smaller items so that they don’t get…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 A financial matter or venture that’s kept you guessing will suddenly come to a crossroad. There will be challenging factors to take in your stride but the way forward will now be clear! Watch spontaneous spending too, or you’ll go through funds at a startling rate. Getting out and about to fun places will refresh the spirit. Fun exchanges with a distant relative or friend will leave you both smiling. LUCKY NUMBERS: 9, 19, 29 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A family occasion may hold some emotional challenges but a new understanding of a relationship will emerge ‒ you’ll approach a relative differently going forward. Trying to please someone could prove taxing. You’ll go the extra mile but then find you need to…

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. THE GIFT Chris works in the security industry in Queensland. A friendly guy with an infectious laugh, he seems like the epitome of a typical young dad who works hard and tries to squeeze in more time with his young family. And he is, in all respects but one: Chris’ earliest memory is of seeing ghosts, and he’s been peering into other worlds ever since. I heard about Chris from someone who’ll be familiar…

They seem perfect for each other, but this week Ziggy and Dean (Patrick O’Connor) hit another major stumbling block in their relationship. And as Ziggy’s portrayer, Sophie Dillman, indicates, it’s a hurdle that may prove difficult for the couple to successfully overcome. “Relationships are tough – they are complicated and require continuous work,” says Sophie. “Ziggy and Dean are learning how to do life together.” Indeed, having last week been offered a dream career opportunity that would see her temporarily leaving the Bay – but potentially put her relationship with Dean in jeopardy – Ziggy now feels understandably conflicted. When Dean now tells Ziggy he doesn’t want her to accept the out-of-town trial as a mechanic for a pit crew team – he wants her to stay in Summer Bay…

Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli is battling a secret stalker nightmare off the airwaves. One female listener is allegedly obsessed and Wippa has been forced to install extreme security measures at home to keep his family safe.“He’s a pretty easygoing guy, but this has shaken him,” says a source. “It’s become serious very quickly and who knows what this stalker will do next.” The ‘stalker’ reportedly gate-crashed public events and bombarded him with unwanted messages. New Idea can also reveal that the police are briefing the radio host on how to handle any face-to-face encounters. “She does whatever she can to get close to him,” says the insider. “That’s included sneaking into industry events.” Wippa recently announced he is expecting his third child with wife Lisa. The couple, who married in 2013,…

Home and Away star Sarah Roberts sadly revealed last week that her brother Karl lost his battle with brain cancer. The tragic news came just three months after the 34-year-old actress married her co-star, James Stewart. The newlyweds opted to marry in Dublin, Ireland, earlier this year so that Sarah’s ailing brother Karl De Abrew could attend the ceremony. Sarah shared the tragic news of her brother’s passing in a poignant social media post. “Three months ago today he walked me down the aisle and now he is walking with the angels,” read Sarah’s post. Sarah added that her brother had fought “the bravest battle”, after suffering from a brain tumour for 15 years. Our thoughts are with Sarah and her family at this time.…

Heavy rains did not deter royals from all around the globe attending the enthronement ceremony of the new Japanese emperor. Prince Charles and Crown Princess Mary were among the royal attendees who braved the inclement weather in order to witness the formalisation of the reign of Emperor Naruhito. Seated side by side in front of a large viewing window inside the Imperial Palace, the longtime friends had a great view of proceedings and also an opportunity to catch up. It’s been almost a year since the pair were last seen together, when Mary attended Charles’ 70th birthday celebrations. Princess Mary was joined by her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, with the pair attending as representatives for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. This comes just a month after Mary was named Danish…

Courteney has been dating musician Johnny McDaid since late 2013, with the actress becoming engaged to the Snow Patrol rocker just six months after they met. However, the pair called off their engagement in 2015, only to reunite a year later. The relationship appears to have stepped up after Johnny, 43, underwent surgery. In late June, Courteney posted on social media that she was “happy to be taking care of my man”. Johnny appears to have made a full recovery and last month Courteney shared a holiday selfie of the happy couple. With the pair going from strength to strength, could a second proposal be on the horizon?…

FAME HUNGRY JACKSON Viewers have tipped him as one of Angie’s perfect suitors, but it seems Jackson Garlick could be more interested in chasing fame than finding true love. A show insider reveals the 25-year-old sales executive and footy player has a bit of a reputation in his hometown circles. “He’s a massive player around the eastern suburbs of Sydney and he is definitely not on the show for the right reasons,” claims a source. Jackson snagged a one-on-one date with Angie but their romantic escapade turned to disaster when the former Gogglebox star got motion sickness during their helicopter ride. While Jackson’s caring and sweet response to Angie’s plight earned him a kiss, and later, a rose, the insider reveals the blue-eyed suitor might not be as genuine as…

Cody Simpson is having a blockbuster year after winning The Masked Singer and having a sizzling new romance with Miley Cyrus. And the 22-year-old Australian singer’s mum Angie Simpson is incredibly proud of her celebrity son. Speaking exclusively to New Idea, Angie has spilled on her secret bond with Miley and their plans to merge into one big happy family. “I have been lucky enough to have known Miley and her family for a few years now, through … Cody and Alli [his sister]worked on a few branding campaigns in the USA with Miley’s sister Noah,” Angie says. “I travelled around a bit with her mother Tish and our girls together. We hit it off back then and have been friends ever since. Truly humble people. I am heading over…

WILL SMITH Back in 1989, Will Smith was arrested over a vicious assault that occurred just days after he’d won the first rap Grammy award. The assault left record promoter William Hendricks fighting to save his sight in one eye, but charges of aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person were later dropped. ROLF HARRIS Rolf Harris was a well-loved family entertainer for many years, but his popularity turned to infamy when, in 2014, he was convicted of 12 indecent assaults of women ranging in age from 12 to 42. His targets included an 8-year-old girl seeking an autograph, two girls in their early teens, and a friend of his daughter, Bindi, who suffered his abuse for more than 16 years. The disgraced singer was sentenced…

They were able to keep their cool on My Kitchen Rules, but sitting down with New Idea after coming from her most recent ultrasound, Courtney Ferdinands and her mum Valerie couldn’t hide their excitement as they revealed Courtney is expecting her first baby in April. “We had one of the scans that measures everything from head to toe, it looks like a fully formed baby now, not a little tadpole,” she laughs. “I’m so excited to meet the little one.” Courtney tied the knot with her beau, Daniel, in November last year, and the couple didn’t waste any time starting their family. “We were planning. We knew that we wanted to have children and there was a lot of pushing from mum,” she teases. “I CAN IMAGINE WHEN THE BABY…

Pumpkins ready to be carved, kids picking out costumes for a night of trick-or-treating ‒ yes, it’s Halloween time. But while many people will be scaring themselves silly with a horror flick, or gorging on lollies, for modern-day witches, Halloween is a key festival in their faith. “It’s an exciting, magical time where I will gather my coven members together outdoors,” professional witch and high priestess, Lizzy Rose, tells New Idea. “There will be dancing, drumming, chanting, and feasting.” It’s a far cry from black cats, pointy hats and devil worship. But then, these are just a few of the misconceptions about witches and Halloween that real-life witch Lizzy is on a mission to dispel. Stretching back to ancient times, the origins of Halloween are far removed from the commercial…

Honey Roasted Peanut and Choc Cookies Makes 32, Prep and Cook: 50 mins 250g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ½ cup caster sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg 2¼ cups plain flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped 130g packet honey and sea salt roasted peanuts ²/ ³ cup Dark Choc Melts (130g), melted 1 Grease and line three large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Beat butter and sugars in the small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg. Beat until combined. Transfer to a large bowl. 3 Add combined sifted flour and soda. Stir until well combined. Add chopped chocolate and ½ cup of the peanuts. Stir to form a soft dough. 4 Roll heaped tablespoons…

Chantal Hofstee, a clinical psychologist and author of Renew Your Mind (Exile Publishing $32.99), says modern mums are doing it a lot tougher than they were a few decades ago. “Most mums are working a part-time or full-time job, plus research shows they still do the majority of the housework and childcare. Plus the support network of stay-at-home mums that used to be an integral part of raising kids together as a community is no longer there,” she says. “We might not be able to eliminate stress but we can learn how to manage stress better so it doesn’t impact us and our parenting so strongly,” she adds. Here are six tips to help ease the squeeze. 1 MAKE YOUR PARTNER A PARTNER “If the balance isn’t working, talk about…

SIZE MATTERS  To guide your dryer size selection, start by thoroughly measuring the dimensions of your intended dryer location. CONSIDER CAPACITY  Capacity refers to the weight of the laundry when dry, so the bigger the capacity, the heavier the loads it can handle. DRYER TYPES  There are four dryer categories: vented, condenser, heat pump and gas. Vented dryers are the cheapest and the only type that can be wall-mounted, but air ventilation is required to prevent moisture build-up. Condenser dryers are a sound alternative for a laundry that lacks ventilation. For the most energy efficient dryers, heat pump models cleverly conserve and recycle heat. For households with gas connections, gas dryers cost more upfront but are cheaper to run and gentler on fabrics. There’s no need to wait for a…

Q I’m becoming really obsessed with how much I weigh. In society, there’s constant chatter about how we should be a perfect size and make ourselves look appealing for others. It’s so stressful. Can you help with some advice around developing a healthier attitude with my figure and weight? ANONYMOUS, VIA EMAIL. I sympathise with you. I weighed 100 kilos, hid my body in large, floaty, unflattering clothes. I shuffled, I didn’t walk, and was highly embarrassed when I had trouble fitting into an airline seat. I was depressed with my body and highly self-conscious. You must stop hating yourself and accept your figure. Ignore the constant chatter about being thin. If being overweight stresses you, there are many options to help lose weight. Once you drop the kilos your…

MOVIE TERMINATOR: DARK FATE Original stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong are back in this latest sequel in the sci-fi franchise, which picks up the story 27 years after the events in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (and relegates all subsequent films and TV shows to alternate timelines). Will you be back (at the cinema)? OUT THURSDAY TOUR GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT – KATHY LETTE The much-loved writer and comedian is coming back to Australia for two stand-up shows (on Fri., Nov. 1, in Sydney and Mon., Nov. 4, in Melbourne) in which she promises to talk about everything from making the Queen laugh to the challenges of raising a child on the autistic spectrum. BOOK HOUSE OF BRIDES BY JANE COCKRAM When social influencer Miranda faces public humiliation after…

Former Home and Away star Joel McIlroy is suffering from Huntington’s disease, it has been revealed in court. The surprise admission was made by Joel’s lawyer after the actor was charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer. Joel, 46, who played Flynn Saunders, has reportedly been suffering from the neurological disease – which causes the degeneration of cells in the brain – for over a decade. Joel’s lawyer told the magistrate that as a result of the disease, Joel “cannot always control his impulses”. He added that the condition is likely to worsen over time, and “will continue to increase in terms of his impairment”. Joel appeared on Home and Away between 2003 to 2006 and his character, Flynn, is best remembered for his romance with Kate Ritchie’s…

With the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan’s emotionally charged Africa interviews causing shockwaves among the royal family, New Idea has learnt that behind the scenes Kate Middleton has stepped in to offer the couple her firm and unwavering support. Veteran royal watcher Phil Dampier reveals exclusively that the Duchess of Cambridge has decided to break her silence and draw a line under any difficulties she and William have had with the troubled couple and once again unite as a supportive foursome. Kate knows about Meghan’s secret struggle and even though she is a strong inspiring woman, underneath she is very sensitive. Now, Kate is apparently determined to do all she can to support her brother-in-law and his wife. “Behind the scenes I’m told Kate is doing her best to…

As Princess Beatrice begins preparations for her upcoming nuptials, she may have sought inspiration while recently attending another royal wedding. Beatrice, 31, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 36, were among the guests at the marriage of Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon Bonaparte and Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg. The marriage between the French and Austrian royals took place last week in Paris’ historic Les Invalides. Although neither of them are working royals, the groom is a descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte I and the bride is the great-granddaughter of Austria’s Karl I. For the occasion, Princess Beatrice and her fiancé indulged in a little couple dressing – with  Edo’s light blue waistcoat matching Beatrice’s overcoat. The couple announced their engagement last month but are yet to reveal wedding details such as date and…

There has been growing speculation that Karl Stefanovic and wife Jasmine Yarbrough are expecting their first child together. And now sources have confirmed to New Idea the couple are indeed pregnant and have begun sharing the exciting news with friends and family. “Jasmine is at the 12-week mark and she and Karl have just started telling family members and close friends the happy news,” the insider revealed. “They’re really excited to begin this new chapter of their life and to start a family of their own.” Indeed, after gushing to guests during his lavish Mexican wedding last year about his desire to become a dad again, Karl, 45, is said to be “over the moon” about the impending arrival of his new bub with Jasmine, 35. “He’s on top of…

Angelina Jolie has had a challenging couple of years. With an acrimonious divorce finally behind her, the Hollywood actress has spoken about her secret struggles and how her six kids have helped her pull through. “Anyone who is a parent knows there is a strength within you that grows when you just have to survive anything to be strong enough for them and you have to pull them through anything,” she told The Sun. Angelina also spoke of how playing characters such as Maleficent have helped her realise her own strength. “The last few years have not been the easiest. I have had my ups and downs. I haven’t felt very strong,” she added. “So there’s something when you are not feeling very strong where you push yourself and I…

Liam Hemsworth is reportedly building his new home right next door to the home of his estranged wife Miley Cyrus and her latest beau Cody Simpson. Miley is currently living in her Malibu pad, footsteps away from the burnt-out home she shared with her ex-husband, but now Liam is apparently planning on rebuilding the estate. Reports indicate that he’s applied for a building permit, but also that he’s looking for a property to purchase close to his brother Chris in Byron Bay. Meanwhile, Miley confirmed that Cody had moved into her Malibu home recently, sharing the news on Instagram with the caption: “move in day”.…

She was only 2 years old when she suffered third degree burns to 85 per cent of her body after a car ploughed into her daycare centre in 2003 and burst into flames. Sophie Delezio and Molly Wood, also 2, were trapped under the burning vehicle until firefighters were able to free the tiny pair, who were then rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Sophie’s injuries were so severe she lost her right ear, some fingers and both feet. But despite beating the odds, tragedy struck the Delezio family again three years later when Sophie was hit by a car on a pedestrian crossing. She was thrown almost 20 metres and suffered a heart attack. Now, 16 years on from the first trauma , Sophie is not only thriving, but…

BROOMSTICKS One enduring Halloween decoration is the broomstick-riding witch, but it’s not completely fiction. Modern-day witches do use brooms, just not for taking flight. “A witch’s broom is called a ‘besom’,” explains Lizzy. “They’re used for cleansing a space prior to setting up an altar or circle for magical workings. The sweeping represents removal of negative energy.” TRICK-OR-TREATING Though originating from Celtic Samhain celebrations when villagers would perform dances around a bonfire dressed in costumes made of animal skins to drive away evil spirits; trick-or-treating as we know it wasn’t popularised in the United States until around the 1930s. PUMPKINS The origins of pumpkin carving have their roots in the old Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a drunkard who bargained with Satan and was doomed to roam the earth with…

A ghost-busting mother of two, who earns a living guiding spirits into the afterlife, had a very spooky childhood. Rebs Baigent, 43, from Wollongong, NSW, has been seeing dead people since she was a toddler, and remembers her first encounter with a spirit was a kindly old man who visited her at night. As she tells New Idea, her frightening gift has been a blessing and a curse. “When I was a little girl, we lived in an old Victorian vicarage. And there was an old man who used to come and talk to me at night,” Rebs recalls. “He used to sit on the end of my bed. Nothing creepy about it! He was harmless.” “In that same house, there was a lot of activity through the night. It…

Wacky No-Bowl Chocolate Cake Serves 12, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 1½ cups self-raising flour 1 cup caster sugar ¹/ ³ cup cocoa powder ½ tsp salt 2 tsps vanilla essence 1 tblsp white vinegar ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup warm water ¾ cup bought chocolate frosting (See Tip) 3 x 26g Cadbury Curly Wurly chocolate bars, chopped 1 Remove base from a 20cm round springform pan (base measures 19cm). Tear off a sheet of baking paper larger than the base. Invert the base, then place paper over top. Without trimming the baking paper, place the side of the pan over the baking paper and secure the clip on the side of pan. Do not grease. 2 Sift flour, sugar, cocoa and salt into prepared pan. 3 Make three…

Sticky Honey Soy Nuggets with Puffed Noodles Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 30 mins 700g packet frozen crumbed chicken nuggets ¼ x 250g packet rice noodle vermicelli 1 ½ cups vegetable oil, for shallow-frying 1 tblsp sesame seeds, toasted 2 green spring onions, cut into long thin strips (See Tip) STICKY HONEY SOY GLAZE 2 tsps cornflour ¹/ ³ cup honey ¼ cup salt-reduced soy sauce ¼ cup tomato sauce 1 tblsp ginger paste 2 tsps garlic paste 1 To heat nuggets, place in a single layer on a lightly oiled, large oven tray. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C), turning halfway, for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until hot. 3 Meanwhile, tear noodle block into six smaller pieces. 4 Heat oil in a wok or deep-frying pan…

Bacon and Egg Baguette Bake Serves 4-6, Prep and Cook: 50 min 200g packet shortcut bacon rashers, cut into 1½cm pieces 1 small crusty baguette (30cm long), cut into 1½cm slices ½ x 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup grated Tasty cheese 8 eggs 1 Heat a lightly oiled, large, non-stick frying pan over medium to high heat. Add bacon. Cook, stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until light golden. Remove. 2 Arrange bread slices, slightly overlapping, in a 23cm x 26cm x 5cm deep, rectangular ovenproof dish (7-cup capacity). Sprinkle with bacon, tomatoes and cheese. 3 Whisk eggs in a large jug. Season with salt and pepper. Pour evenly over bread. Stand for 20 minutes to allow bread to soak. 4 Cook in a moderate oven…

1. Got a cardboard box sitting around? This could well be your cat’s new favourite sleeping hidey hole as well as a handy scratch pad. 2. Give them a cat massage – not only is it precious one-on-one time, it can also help maintain healthy circulatory systems and joints. 3. Forget spending money on expensive cat toys – a cardboard toilet roll holder can offer hours of entertainment. The same goes for ping-pong balls. 4. Hiding kibble around the house will bring out the hunter in your precious pussy cat. It will keep them occupied for hours and they get a tasty treat as the reward. 5. Cats like to be at a height to watch over proceedings. According to the Animal Welfare League of SA, free-standing cupboards and wardrobes…

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE ... My 7-year-old grandson Zander must be playing too many video games of late. His dad, whose regular job is a fireman, recently came home from a formal function dressed in his tux, and Zander asked him quite innocently: “How was your secret spy business, Dad? Who did you assassinate?”. JULIE JANSEN, MURRUMBA DOWNS, QLD. ALL THE RIGHT MOVES As a big fan of the movie Dirty Dancing, I am loving The Real Dirty Dancing (NI, Oct 7). The cast, the locations, the music – so iconic, so timeless – and to see the likes of Hugh Sheridan, Stephanie Rice, Jamie Durie, Jessica Rowe, to name a few, have the opportunity to visit the famous locations in the US, and re-create dance scenes under the guidance of…

WHAT’S YOUR PARTNER’S SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Deb: Sweeping and wiping benchtops. I’m not sure if it’s a domestic skill or OCD! Andy: Deb really loves clean windows and she’s a master at those – or she’s a master at delegating someone to clean them! WHO WOULD PLAY YOUR PARTNER IN A MOVIE ABOUT THEIR LIFE? Andy: Definitely Lisa Wilkinson. Deb: Since I’ve been on The Block, a lot of people say that I look like Lisa. WHICH REALITY TV SHOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER BE SURE TO WIN? Deb: The Block, of course. Andy: The Block or Survivor. Deb’s a battler and someone who can be put anywhere and just come through smiling.…

MONDAY: Ben and Maggie refuse to let Ziggy miss out on a major career opportunity, while Marilyn and John decide to throw a party to officially welcome Martha to the Bay. TUESDAY: Jasmine demands answers from Robbo, only to be shut down again. And has Martha had a change of heart about moving in with Alf? WEDNESDAY: Ryder lets Jade know how he feels, as Willow and Alex take an important step in their relationship. THURSDAY: Roo provides Alf with some sound relationship advice, while Mackenzie is in anything but a reconciliatory mood when it comes to Colby.…

THE LAST MOVIE I SAW WAS … At home, Dazed and Confused [with Matthew McConaughey] THE LAST BOOK I COULDN’T PUT DOWN WAS … Hippie Mamas [by Rita Balshaw]. It’s a holistic approach to raising a child. THE LAST SONG I LISTENED TO WAS … ‘Supergirl’ by Hanne & Lore. THE LAST ITEM OF CLOTHING I BOUGHT WAS … A black bomber jacket with a hoodie. THE LAST MEAL I ATE WAS … Vegemite on toast. THE LAST HOLIDAY I TOOK WAS … To Bali with my baby mumma! THE LAST PERSON I SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO WAS … My mum.…

What led you to write Dead Man Switch? This novel is born out of a fascination with World War II, the strong women of the era, and the family histories from that time. I grew up watching film noir heroines and reading hardboiled fiction, and most of all listening to stories from my oma and opa, who survived the Nazi work camps. The 1940s is a time that continues to draw me in. I wanted a PI who did things her own way, even though she was living in a man’s world. She became Billie Walker and she’s my favourite character yet. Why did you decide to set it in Australia? Having spent a lot of time in NSW since 1996, I wanted to use locations in the book that…

CILKA’S JOURNEY BY HEATHER MORRIS Exploring the story of Cilka Klein, who made a small appearance in The Tattooist of Auschwitz, this novel is a powerful and moving imagining of her life. First imprisoned in the concentration camp during World War II, then imprisoned by the Soviets for being a collaborator, this is a heart-wrenching story of love and resilience. BLUE MOON BY LEE CHILD Jack Reacher is back for his 24th adventure. This time our hero comes to the rescue of an older man he notices while travelling across the US by Greyhound bus. Reacher swiftly becomes embroiled in a turf war between opposing gangs. Another great good guys versus bad guys story from the master. THE NIGHT FIRE BY MICHAEL CONNELLY Connelly’s…

This week Sam Mac’s travel guide MONDAY SYDNEY, NSW – SCHOOL SPECTACULAR TUESDAY NORTHERN TERRITORY WEDNESDAY SYDNEY, NSW – CBD THURSDAY SYDNEY, NSW FRIDAY SYDNEY, NSW SUNRISE AIRS 5.30AM WEEKDAYS. Follow Sam & Coco’s adventures…