Innehållsförteckning för Issue 20, 2021 från New Idea

Thousands of Australians go missing every year, while many murders remain unresolved. Both scenarios leave behind devastated family and loved ones. This week in New Idea, we’re kicking off a cold case crusade in the hope of shedding new light on some previously unsolved mysteries. By bringing attention to these murders and missing persons cases, we’re optimistic that it might jog someone’s memory or unearth a vital new clue. Even the smallest piece of information could be the missing link. Head to page 34 to read about some of the cold cases. For the sake of everyone involved, let’s hope we can finally bring closure to these cases.…

They’re adored by fans all over the world, but recently Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky were blasted for flaunting their lavish party on Instagram. The exclusive bash, which had an all-white dress code, left many international fans feeling jealous as the couple partied the night away at their mega mansion in Byron Bay, while much of the world remains in lockdown as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Taking to social media to share their thoughts, one fan wrote: “It’s as if COVID-19 is a thing of the past. No masks. No safe distancing. Must be a relief.” Another wrote: “I feel like half of [Elsa’s] posts need a disclaimer to remind people that Australia has been done with COVID-19 for a while. THEY ARE LIVING A DIFFERENT LIFE!” Among the…

Two years ago he made his entrance into the world with much fanfare, but Archie’s second birthday on May 6 was a lot quieter. With his mum either heavily pregnant or having just welcomed his baby sister, along with the pandemic, we’re told there was “nothing over the top” planned for Archie’s big day. “He likely went to the beach with Harry and the dog for some father-son time while Meghan relaxed,” says the source. “He would have been showered with gifts and Meghan no doubt made him a cake. She loves baking for Archie. He’s friends with Meghan’s director pal Silver Tree, so I imagine there was an intimate play day if Meghan was feeling up to it.” At press time it was rumoured Archie’s Cambridge cousins wanted to…

Who can forget J.Lo’s megawatt 6.1-carat Harry Winston pink diamond Ben gave her? According to our sources, she still has it in a safe deposit box, but has no plans on getting it out of the bank just yet. “This is a new start for them,” says a family insider. “Ben will get her a new ring, but it’s early days still. Things are a lot more relaxed and low-key this time around – there’s no need to show off anymore, so who knows? They have a lot of history together and there’s a lot to catch up on. Getting to know each other’s kids, for example, is a much bigger priority than rings.”…

Comedy queen Denise Drysdale laughs as she talks about her “big bum”, suggesting she should take up twerking or become a Kardashian! “The last year and a half has been hell on this old chook’s waistline. Even the elastic in my floaty pants is now stretched to the max!” she chortles. The two-time TV Week Gold Logie winner reveals that, just like so many others, she’s put on plenty of kilos during lockdown. “Normally I’d be doing around 40 or more club shows a year, so I was always on the go, not a second to scratch myself … plus there’s my regular television commitments with Studio 10,” explains Denise, 72. “Then the pandemic struck … upending the world, millions without work, and so I found myself taking to the…

Chicken and Potato Yellow Curry Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 1kg chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, halved crossways 2 tblsps lemongrass paste 1 tblsp olive oil 1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced ½ cup Thai yellow curry paste 400ml can coconut milk ½ cup chicken stock 500g chat potatoes, halved ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves, plus extra to garnish Steamed jasmine rice and lime wedges, to serve 1 Coat chicken in lemongrass paste in a large bowl. 2 Heat half the oil in a large, deep non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add chicken in two batches. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove. 3 Add onion and remaining oil to same pan over a medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally,…

Blueberry Dessert Hotcake Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 20 mins 1 2/3 cups self-raising flour 2/3 cup caster sugar 1¼ cups milk 2 eggs 75g unsalted butter, melted, plus 15g extra, for cooking 1½ cups frozen blueberries Vanilla ice-cream, to serve 1 Combine flour and ½ cup sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Whisk in milk, eggs and butter until smooth. 2 Heat extra butter in a medium, ovenproof frying pan (base measures 23cm) over medium to high heat until frothy. Pour in batter. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with ½ cup blueberries. Cook for 1 minute. Transfer pan to an oven rack near the top of a hot oven (200C). 3 Cook for about 12 minutes, or until light golden and firm to touch in the…

Stop for a minute and let your mind wander. Do you immediately begin worrying about something in the future – bills, work or family? Maybe you linger on something from the past. Wouldn’t it be great if we could train our brains to enjoy moments in the here and now? When we place our attention on the ‘now’, we instantly become free from the unpleasant past or worrisome future. According to executive coach Muffy Churches, by choosing to be in the moment, we give ourselves permission to luxuriate fully in our six senses as they operate for us. “We see, hear, feel, taste, smell and intuit in real time, experiencing our life story second by second in full technicolour without being distracted by concerns for the future or regrets about…

Showing off treasured pieces with a gallery wall is a great way to dress up a space. But how do you get the right mix of curated without the clutter? These four simple steps from Temple & Webster stylist Drew Lewis will create the perfect display. STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR ART Choose art you love in a variety of shapes and sizes to keep things interesting. Make sure there is one common component in each to bring the display together, whether it’s colour, materials or subject matter. STEP TWO: CONSIDER YOUR IDEAL ARRANGEMENT STYLE The number of arrangement styles is infinite, so choose one that works best for your space before you start hanging. For a more formal display, take the minimalist approach with two to four pieces…

YARRA VALLEY SIP Just an hour from Melbourne’s bustling CBD is Victoria’s oldest wine-producing region. Known for pinot noir and Chardonnay, the Yarra Valley is home to more than 70 wineries and award-winning cellar doors. Must-dos include Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, Yering Station, Oakridge Wines, the family-owned Rochford Wines, Seville Estate and Innocent Bystander, for an urban cellar-door experience. EAT Oakridge Wines is home to a celebrated restaurant, where chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone source almost all of their fresh produce from the on-site kitchen gardens. Foodies will adore sustainability-focused Seville Estate’s weekend restaurant, and a visit to Yarra Valley Dairy is essential for artisan cheeses. STAY Set on a 100-hectare estate, the historic Chateau Yering Hotel, in the heart of the Yarra, is a stylish choice. The Balgownie…

READER Q&A Q Can you see me caravanning in the future? I dream of travelling around Australia, but my Capricorn partner (of two years) prefers five-star hotels and resorts. PAMELA, CANBERRA, ACT. A With your sun and Mars both in Sagittarius, travelling is in your blood. Capricorns, on the other hand, tend to prefer familiar places. Generally, they love planning (and maps!), so you might have more success if your future travels are planned and researched. Hiring a campervan for a shorter road trip might loosen your partner up and act as a taster. Plus, you’ll find out if your travel styles can mesh. Q Should I book a cruise for February 2022? I would be travelling with my sister and a mutual friend. We have credit from a previous…

Scott Chappell is known for his zen approach to every challenge LEGO Masters has thrown at him and his partner Owen so far, but he actually has a huge passion for martial arts. Speaking to New Idea, Scott reveals that the sport got him through some tough times during childhood. “I took up martial arts at age 6 because I didn’t enjoy  playing football anymore and because all the kids were bigger than me,” he says. “I was always the smallest kid in the class and I wasn’t very good at running away from the bullies so I had to learn to defend myself.” Of course, Scott says that martial arts “isn’t just punching and kicking” but more about “how you carry yourself as a human”. However, at 21, he…

He is one of the biggest players in the Big Brother house, already known for doing whatever it takes to avoid eviction and stay safe. But there is more to housemate Daniel Hayes than meets the eye. Chatting to New Idea, the 48-year-old makes a heartbreaking admission about his battle with alcohol addiction when he was just a teenager, describing himself as a “blackout drinker”. “I grew up in a family where there was a lot of alcohol and I was a bad drunk,” he tells New Idea. “I would wake up forgetting what I’d done the night before. I remember shaking in the morning and having another beer to take away the shakes.” Daniel, who was in the Royal Australian Navy at the time, was sent to rehab when…

New Idea’s Hollywood insiders reveal that Julia Roberts is “seeing red” after her exes Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Patric spilled the beans on their infamous love triangle! “It was a time in her life she’s not exactly proud of and would rather forget, given that she didn’t end up with either of them,” reveals one close friend. “She considers it ancient history and thought Jason and Kiefer did too. Julia has three teenage children and they really didn’t need to hear about this.” Julia, 53, was all set to marry Kiefer on June 14, 1991. However, three days before the wedding she was caught out with his good friend Jason, with the pair soon running off to Ireland together. “I lost my pick-up [truck] and my dog and my best…

Pop superstar Pink has revealed that when she and her four-year-old son Jameson caught coronavirus last year, she rewrote her will. The 41-year-old singer explained on the Heart radio Evening Show that she was so sick from the virus that she thought her life was “over”. “It was really, really bad and I rewrote my will,” she confessed. “I called my best friend, and I said, because Jameson and I were really sick,  and [husband] Carey and [daughter] Willow weren’t, so you know at the point where I thought it was over for us, I called my best friend and I said ‘I just need you to tell Willow how much I loved her.’” Jameson also had trouble breathing and chest pains as he battled the virus, with Pink saying…

They’ve experienced a lot during their 10 years of marriage, but nothing has brought the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greater joy than their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. To celebrate their milestone wedding anniversary last month, Wills and Kate shared an adorable home video that gave a glimpse of their idyllic family life behind palace doors. Taken by filmmaker Will Warr, the Cambridge clan are shown playing in the garden of their Sandringham home, Anmer Hall, toasting marshmallows and chasing after each other. They were also filmed exploring a beach. Not seen in the footage was the family’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. Speaking to New Idea, Cleo Adams, the director of Great British Nannies, explains that this ‘invisibility’ is a specialised trait that high-profile…

Forget filling Sam’s shoes – new Sunrise anchor Natalie Barr has made sure she has all new ones to step into! Fans of the loveable presenter have noticed the 53-year-old has made over her look and undergone a very fashionable transformation since taking over the breakfast program last month. Natalie recently took to Instagram to show off her most high-fashion look yet, where she sported a blouse worth $450 from Australian designers Camilla and Marc. The star paired the pricey top with $330 wide-leg pants from Zimmermann and a $299 belt from Ginger & Smart. “Best look ever!” one fan gushed of the trendy look, while others described Nat as “ageless elegance” and a “natural beauty”. While Nat has always dressed to impress, her most recent looks are a departure…

In their first tell-all interview since Married at First Sight ended in April, the show’s most polarising couple, Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson, admit to New Idea that their portrayal on TV’s toughest social experiment left them “broken”. While audiences ate up the drama-fuelled dinner parties, Melissa bravely confesses that the show left her feeling “not suicidal, but headed down that path”, while Bryce says he felt “utterly helpless” after the couple were manipulated into staying on the series. Now speaking to New Idea, the pair reveals that they are refusing to rule out taking legal action against the show’s production company. “I’ve had several lawyers approach me to take them on,” says Bryce. “I feel enticed when lawyers are making contact – the show ruined my life, my mental…

Holly Watson excitedly wriggles into her enormous black-and-white furry costume. Adjusting her bushy tail, she waits for her fiancé, Chris, to pass her the huge yellow head. Then, with a deep breath, she pulls it down over her own. In an instant she’s transformed – no longer Holly, a 28-year-old nurse from Brisbane, Qld, but Katsu, a half-cat, half-cockatiel creation ready to cause mischief and fun. But Holly isn’t an entertainer or even heading to a fancy dress party. She’s a ‘Furry’ – the name given to the ever-growing community who have bonded over their love of animals with human characteristics. Many, like Holly, create their own ‘fursona’, bringing to life an elaborate furry costume and socialising with like-minded people. “I found out about furries 10 years ago,” Holly tells…

Tasmanian police recently upped the rewards in seven of the state’s unsolved murders or suspected murder investigations. Rewards ranging from $30,000 to $250,000 have now been increased to $500,000 each. Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins is optimistic this boost will entice people with crucial information to come forward. “Families deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to them to find those answers,” Assistant Commissioner Higgins says, adding that police investigations are never closed until those responsible are brought to justice. “In the passage of time someone’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed and the offer of a life-changing amount of money may be the motivation they need to come forward.” Assistant Commissioner Higgins says police strongly believe there are people who have vital information which…

Pumpkin, Lentil and Roasted Capsicum Lasagne Serves 8, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 25 mins 500g pkt diced butternut pumpkin (see tip) 400g can brown lentils, rinsed, drained 310g jar roasted pepper strips, drained 150g tub fresh basil pesto dip 500g tub creamed cottage cheese 1½ cups grated pizza cheese 250g pkt instant lasagne sheets 60g pkt baby spinach leaves 400g jar tomato pasta sauce with basil Leafy salad, to serve 1 Pierce the packet of pumpkin with the tip of a small sharp knife. Microwave on High (100%) for about 3 minutes, or›until pumpkin is just tender. Carefully transfer to a large bowl. Stir in lentils, pepper strips and pesto. Season with salt and pepper. 2 Combine cottage cheese and 1 cup of the pizza cheese in a medium…

Chocolate Hazelnut Pastries Makes 8, Prep and Cook: 40 mins 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, just thawed 2/3 cup Nutella 2 tblsps chopped skinless hazelnuts Icing sugar mixture and vanilla ice-cream, to serve 1 Cut each pastry sheet into four squares. 2 Evenly spread Nutella over squares, leaving a 1cm border. Sprinkle over chopped hazelnuts. 3 Roll up each pastry square from one corner. Join and press ends together to form a crescent shape. Place on a large oven tray lined with baking paper. Spray with cooking oil. 4 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on tray for 5 minutes. 5 Dust warm pastries with sifted icing sugar. Serve with ice-cream, if desired. TIP Hazelnuts can be replaced with almonds, pecans…

CINDY CRAWFORD For a mess-free application, the supermodel and co-founder of Meaningful Beauty uses a makeup brush to apply the brand’s exfoliating Deep Cleansing Masque evenly and precisely from her jawline to her hairline. JESSICA ALBA Take notes from the Honest Beauty founder and use the multi-mask method to target different areas of concern. Jessica uses her pore-clearing 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask on her T-zone, and her hydrating Prime + Perfect mask everywhere else. BROOKE SHIELDS To help minimise the look of fine lines, Brooke likes to pop these medical-grade silicone patches on from SiO Beauty FaceLift, to smooth and lift before a video call. “Wear them overnight or a few hours during the day for best results,” says the actress.…

ALWAYS REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR We’re not just talking when you’re training your pup, we’re talking every time your hound does something good. It could be coming to you when called, not jumping up on visitors or just sitting quietly while there’s commotion around. What’s your doggy doing right now? If you catch them being a good boy, praise them immediately. TRAIN WITH HIGHER-QUALITY TREATS Not getting the response you’d hoped using plain old dog biscuits as a bargaining tool? Maybe the reward is not tasty enough. You may be amazed at how much harder your dog will work for that tiny piece of cheese, chicken breast or a liver treat. Don’t believe us? Try it tonight! HIRE A DOG WALKER Do you get reports of your dog barking while you’re…

Adding lush greenery to your indoor space is a great way to incorporate colour and texture into the home. But if you have a curious four-legged friend living there, you need to consider what plants you’re bringing home as some can be toxic, even deadly, to cats and dogs. CATS It’s no secret cats are curious creatures. If you’ve ever owned one you know they’re likely to investigate, and possibly chew, anything they can get their paws on. Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful and useful plants can be deadly to cats, explains PETstock Vet, Dr Natalia Li. “Flowers such as the Asiatic lily, bird of paradise, iris, hydrangea and daffodil have been reported to affect cats and kittens,” she says. “Daffodils and lilies, for example, can cause stomach upsets,…

TAMAR VALLEY, TAS SIP House of Arras, Clover Hill and Jansz. DINE Timbre Kitchen. DO Put on your walking shoes and take on the Coastal Traverse from Greens Beach through to Bakers Beach. MCLAREN VALE, SA SIP D’Arenberg, Wirra Wirra and Mitolo Wines. DINE Star of Greece. DO Walk or cycle the Shiraz Trail. KING VALLEY, VIC SIP Dal Zotto Wines, Pizzini Wines. DINE Patricia’s Table and Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina. DO Explore the food and wine trail of Prosecco Road. GREAT SOUTHERN WINE REGION, WA SIP Castelli Estate, Forest Hill and lo-fi wines such as La Violetta. DINE Liberté at Albany. DO Hit the Denmark Food and Wine Trail.…

BOOK HOW TO MEND A BROKEN HEART BY RACHAEL JOHNS Felicity has struggled to move on after her marriage ended, so when she gets the opportunity to work in New Orleans, she jumps at the chance. A new love interest quickly provides distraction, but all is not as it seems. OUT NOW PODCAST SOBER AWKWARD Mummy bloggers Vic and Lucy reveal what it’s like being sober in an alcohol soaked world. Each week they discuss a topic, from navigating social events sober to an alcohol-free lifestyle. As two former party girls, the pals certainly tell it like is in this hilarious podcast. OUT NOW FILM THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD After witnessing his father’s murder, 12-year-old Connor is on the run from assassins who want to silence him. Fire warden…

Since she arrived in the Big Brother house, an intense rivalry between Katie Williams and Daniel Hayes has been growing. And this week is set to see the two go head-to-head as they try to outwit and outsmart each other. While Katie doesn’t know what Big Brother will throw at them, she knows that she won’t let Daniel get the best of her. “We have no idea what’s around the corner for any of us,” Katie tells New Idea. “No-one is safe and Big Brother is in control, but I’m not scared of Danny. I will continue to take him  on. He seems to have it out for me! But I won’t back down.” As for whether she would ever consider forming an alliance with Daniel, Katie is quick to…

Hugh Jackman has “fallen madly in love with Ferraris” after taking a fleet of the legendary cars for a spin in preparation for his upcoming role as founder Enzo Ferrari. But his wish to buy one for himself fell on deaf ears with wife Deborra-lee Furness. “Hugh might have turned up to a Wolverine premiere in a flashy car, but he’s never been into them until now,” says a pal. “Tearing around the track at the Ferrari driving school in their latest model has got him hooked. The problem is Debs knows exactly what’s going to happen – it will sit in the garage and be forgotten about because it’s too much hassle to take out. “They live in New York City, don’t forget – he’ll have more key marks…

Amid growing speculation that she’s ended her relationship with Emilio Vitolo Jr, Katie Holmes was spotted “breaking down” on several occasions last week. Earlier this month the actress was photographed woefully eating yoghurt while sitting on the steps of a building in New York. A few days later she appeared to be crying behind her face mask while running errands. New reports claim that Katie decided to part ways with Emilio after less than eight months of dating because she felt their relationship was moving too fast. Friends also feared the restaurateur possibly had ulterior motives for dating Katie. “Something didn’t seem right … so she pulled away,” reveals one source.…

Shane Warne is no stranger to making his romantic feelings known on social media, which is likely why Margot Robbie’s husband, Tom Ackerley, is keeping a very close eye on the Aussie cricket legend – who has taken a liking to her profile! “He’s all over her on Instagram. As soon as she posts a picture he’s liking and commenting with cute messages and emojis. Tom isn’t super happy about any man making plays for his wife, so Warnie’s constant attention has been noted,” shares a source. A separate insider says Shane, 51, is “obsessed” with Margot, and not just because she’s one of Australia’s most talented – and beautiful – exports. According to the insider, Shane has long said the Hollywood star reminds him of a “younger” version of…

Last week, Duchess Meghan unveiled a secret project she’d been working on – a children’s book called The Bench, about the sweet relationship between father and son, which she dedicated to her husband. In a statement, Meghan revealed that the concept for the book was inspired by a poem she wrote for Prince Harry on his first Father’s Day. The book is set to be released next month, but insiders couldn’t help pointing out the curious timing of Meghan’s announcement, which came just days before her sister-in-law, Duchess Kate, released her own book project, Hold Still, a photo series of Brits during the pandemic. “There was some tea spat at Kensington Palace when Meghan came out with this book, that’s for sure,” a source tells New Idea. “Not only is…

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have picked up where they left off, as insiders reveal the reunited lovebirds are already talking marriage. “This is not speculation,” confirms one close pal. “They wouldn’t have even considered trying again without having that conversation first. They’re very much in love again, and this relationship is headed up the aisle.” On April 29, the father of three, 48, was photographed being dropped off in J.Lo’s white SUV after what was reportedly his third visit to the singer’s LA mansion since she returned from filming her new rom-com Shotgun Wedding in the Dominican Republic. Three days later, they both appeared at the Global Citizen VAX LIVE concert. Ben and J.Lo, 51, were famously dubbed ‘Bennifer’ after getting engaged mere months into their two-year romance. They…

He’s the Melbourne-born chef who’s conquered LA’s food scene and befriended the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. But fame and fortune haven’t protected Curtis Stone from the grim realities of the pandemic in the US – including its devastating impact on the restaurant industry. “It’s been really tough, I’m not going to lie,” an emotional Curtis tells New Idea during an exclusive chat. “My number one priority has been to keep my staff employed, so we’ve never worked harder to try to keep the businesses running under ever-changing restrictions. “We started doing kerbside pick-up, home delivery, flipping the restaurants into grocery stores – you name it, we’ve done it!” Curtis’ most recent pivot has been the conversion of his fine-dining Beverly Hills eatery, Maude, into a homage to…

Tell us about your role. I am a director of Crime Stoppers Australia. I am also the Director and CEO of Crime Stoppers NSW. I have been with Crime Stoppers for over 20 years. A typical week for me would be media interviews, stakeholder engagement activities, liaison with NSW Police on operational matters, and discussing campaign plans with the government. What is the purpose of Crime Stoppers? It’s simply to stop, solve and prevent crime. We run education campaigns on different crime types throughout the year with the aim to increase awareness of crimes, help the community prevent crimes and encourage reporting so we can help the police solve crimes. How many calls do the contact centres get? The majority of calls in Australia are coming through Crime Stoppers NSW,…

Slow-Cooked Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce Serves 10-12, Prep and Cook: 2 hours, 55 mins ½ x 250g pkt Butternut Snap Cookie ½ cup oven-roasted almonds 50g unsalted butter, melted 2 x 250g blocks cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature 1 cup caster sugar 2 tsps finely grated lemon rind 3 eggs 250g tub sour cream 2 tblsps plain flour BLUEBERRY SAUCE 2 cups frozen blueberries ½ cup caster sugar 2 tblsps lemon juice 1 tblsp cornflour 1 Invert base of a 20cm round springform pan (base measures 18cm). Grease and line base and side with baking paper. Cover outside of pan in two layers of plastic wrap, then foil. 2 Process cookies and almonds in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press over base of…

A new range of Australian made and owned baked beans is now available from Able Foods. Co-founded by Paralympian Dylan Alcott, the company has taken this Aussie favourite and made it more accessible for everyone. You can say goodbye to cans, because these beans come in an easy-to-open, tear-top microwavable pouch. The range includes Tomato, Chilli, Cheese and BBQ, guaranteed to please every baked bean lover as their go-to snack or for an easy dinner any day of the week. Available at Coles, $2.50 for a 200g pouch.…

Beauty junkie Kim Kardashian has recently revealed she relies on an Australian lip balm for soft, kissable lips. This Ipsum balm contains organic native plant oils like tomato fruit extract and macadamia oil, which soothes and smooths dry lips with long-lasting, intense nourishment. One of our favourite homegrown stars, Lara Worthington has just brought New Zealand-based skincare brand, Emma Lewisham to our attention, using their cult oil cleanser daily and applying the illuminating exfoliant treatment as a three-minute mask.…

Research shows that almost one in four Aussies don’t get their adequate fix of vitamin D. The good news? There are plenty of ways to top up your levels – and some can be done indoors! Shauna Anderson, a naturopath and expert for Whole Earth & Sea (wholeearthsea.com. au), explains how… WHAT IS VITAMIN D? Vitamin D is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because it’s produced by your skin in response to sunlight. It keeps our bones, teeth, muscles and immune system healthy. Studies show it may also help to assist weight loss and alleviate depression. There are two kinds of vitamin D: vitamin D2 comes from UV exposure and plant sources like mushrooms that have been grown in UV light, while vitamin D3 is found in some animal food…

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 Your transformation is far from finished, Taurus. In fact, this week’s new moon could speed things up. For some, a health and fitness kick could gather momentum. For others, an image overhaul might add a spring to your step. Financially, your chart is buoyant, though with Venus spurring you on, it’s easy come, easy go. LUCKY DAYS: WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21 As style-obsessed Venus illuminates your sign, your taste for life’s finer offerings could prove expensive. On the flip side, a gift or offer might renew your faith in humanity. With Jupiter perched on your chart’s pinnacle, your fortunes are on the rise – and so is your interest in helping others. If a cause has caught your eye,…

FOOL’S ERRAND While working as a census collector, I approached one home where I was greeted by two children. I introduced myself and asked to see an adult. The older child yelled out: “Mum, it’s the senseless lady.” MARY GUNAWAN, TWEED HEADS, NSW. HONOURING A LIFE Special thanks to Tamra Betts for sharing her family’s heartbreaking story about the death of their beautiful young daughter, Emma, from melanoma. It’s a tragic fact that most of us will know someone who’s been diagnosed with melanoma. When it comes to this deadly disease, it’s clear that age is no barrier. It was wonderful to know that while Emma fought the disease that would claim her life at just 25 years of age, she began making care packages for the Melanoma Institute –…

Having become an inspiration for young girls, comedian Tanya Hennessey has penned a children’s book, Drum Roll Please… It’s Stevie Louise, to help build confidence in kids. Here, she talks about the cute tale… Inspiration for my new book came from… wanting to give something relatable to my younger audience. I wanted to offer something different: a fiercely female lead that wasn’t about having a crush on someone. It’s about finding yourself – finding confidence and resilience. What I love about Stevie Louise is… she’s fierce, funny, human and she’s real. She’s simultaneously flawed and amazing, and that’s necessary for kids to see. I love writing children’s literature because… kids are the best! I’m obsessed – you have the opportunity to throw in life lessons in your child self would’ve…

Janet Jackson is raising eyebrows by selling off her possessions! The pop star, once worth a rumoured $190 million, has arranged to auction off more than 1000 pieces of historical memorabilia from her four-decade career. Among the one-of-a-kind items are furniture, jewellery and even a wedding dress from her secret 1991 nuptials to dancer René Elizondo Jr. Auction director Martin Nolan told The Observer that it has been “an incredible cathartic project” for Janet and that she’s personally hand-picked the items up for sale. Many of Janet’s stage and music video costumes are also up for grabs, including her iconic ‘Rhythm en Nation’ military jacket, which is caught priced at $6000. Nolan estimates the upcoming auction will achieve multimillion-dollar sales, with Janet set to donate a portion of the proceeds…

After celebrating his milestone 60th birthday last week, it seems George Clooney cleaned up on the gift front! The actor and his wife, Amal, reportedly bought a French chateau set on 171 hectares in Domaine de Canadel. The estate is about an hour’s drive outside of glitzy Saint-Tropez, in the medieval commune of Brignoles, and just a few kilometres from Château Miraval, the vast compound in Correns where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie once lived. The Clooneys’ lavish new property joins their Lake Como, Italy mansion and their giant homestead in Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire.…