Innehållsförteckning för Issue 23, 2025 från that's life!

Have you put off a visit to the doctor? I’m sure most of us have thought, I’ll see how it goes, about a pain or new symptom. Well this week’s Medi-file (page 66) is a cautionary tale. Andy Stewart, a motorbike lover and grandad from Palmerston North, NZ, was on a multi-day bike ride when he felt a sharp bite on his chest. Stopping for coffee, he noticed two tiny pinpricks and popped on some cream. Battling through as his shoulder started to swell and his pain increased, it wasn’t until his leg ballooned days later that Andy ended up seeking help. The diagnosis was an infected white-tail spider bite, and he spent six weeks in hospital! ‘Something bit my bottom!’ Now he’s warning everyone to get things checked as…

Charlene was exploring Bali when a freak accident left her fighting for life Charlene Morrissey, 34 Pulling on my helmet, I buckled the strap and swung my leg over my scooter. It was July 2024 and, having quit my job as a sales and accounts manager, I was on the adventure of a lifetime in Bali. Using my savings, I’d purchased a one-way ticket to the tropical island. Settling into a private villa in Canggu, I spent my time making friends, practising yoga and eating delicious nutritious food. I’d also obtained my motorbike driving licence so I could learn to ride a scooter. And, with a few lessons, I became a confident rider. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, I thought. After being in Bali for just a few weeks,…

Suzie’s son channelled his passion for wildlife into a unique project Suzie Webster, 40, Melbourne, Vic A s I watched my son tickling the tummy of a pink baby wombat, it grunted loud satisfied snuffles. It was 2018 and, aged four, Max had been hand-rearing the little joey after finding it in its dead mother’s pouch by the side of the road. ‘You’re my best friend,’ he said. I was a single mum, and my boy Max and I were inseparable. Like me, he had a soft spot for animals. I’d been a volunteer wildlife rescuer and carer since 2007, as well as working as a wildlife educator, so Max was used to being surrounded by all creatures great and small. Max was in his element wearing his plastic stethoscope…

BANANA ALMOND CAKE WITH TOFFEE SAUCE SERVES 8-10 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 50 MINS 1¼ cups mashed banana ⅓ cup sour cream 175g butter, softened 1½ cups caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs 1¾ cups self-raising flour ½ cup almond meal 1 cup thickened cream, whipped TOFFEE SAUCE ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup thickened cream 1 Grease a 22cm round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 Combine banana and sour cream in a bowl. 3 Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in small bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Transfer to a large bowl. 4 Add banana mixture, sifted flour and almond meal in two…

1 CREATE A CONSISTENT ROUTINE Waking up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends) helps to regulate your body clock. Begin your day by stretching or doing some light exercise, drinking water, journalling or meditating, to help set the tone for the day ahead. 2 PLAN YOUR DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE Organise your meals and outfit for the next day the night before, to help make your morning a breeze. Take some time before bed to write out your to-do list for the next day so you begin the morning with purpose. 3 EAT A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST Eat a breakfast that’s high in protein, healthy fats and fibre – think eggs, avocado, Greek yoghurt, oats and fruit. This will help to boost your mood, energy and mental…

TRENDING NOW The larger squared, more quilted style pattern is key this winter! TIP When styling a puffer jacket, the key is to balance your proportions. Rather than skinny jeans, try a straight-leg style to create a more uniform shape, avoiding the off-kilter look of a larger top half and thin legs. TOP 5 WINTER SKIN SAVIOURS! These new releases are worth trying for hydrated, smooth skin during the cooler months. $10.99 Mixa Cica Repair+ Hand Balm chemistwarehouse.com.au The affordable cult French brand Mixa has just arrived at Chemist Warehouse. For over 100 years, their effective formulas have been loved globally for soothing all skin types, from normal to the most sensitive. $11 Vaseline Gluta-Hya Overnight Renewal Lotion woolworths.com.au As concentrated as 10 sheet masks, but with a light texture…

Have you ever picked up an old piece of jewellery and felt a strange rush of emotion? Or held an item and had an inkling about its hidden story? If so, you may have already tapped into the fascinating world of psychometry – the ability to read the energy and history of objects through touch. With a little practise, you can develop this intuitive skill and uncover the hidden past of everyday items. What is psychometry? Psychometry is the ability to sense information about an object’s history and its current or previous owners by touch. Objects absorb the energy of those who have handled them and, with practice, a sensitive person can tune in to those impressions. How to do it CHOOSE THE OBJECT Start with something small and well-worn,…

Your pets Your family Your friends Your world WE PAY FOR EACH PHOTO USED Lily is good at finding a sunny spot to sit in. Deborah Bowden, Rosebud, Vic Miss Londyn, eight, was thrilled to have some holiday fun in Singapore. Kirsten Zammit, Broadbeach Waters, Qld $50 CASH WHAT’S ODD? PUZZLE HOW TO WIN... This image has been taken from the film Mary Queen of Scots. We have tinkered with it and have added something that doesn’t appear in the original scene (7). Write which object doesn’t belong only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner. Turn to entry coupon (p50) to enter! Evie is waiting patiently for someone to play ball. Kylie Carter, Rokeby Tas My father-in-law Stephen, brother-in-law Paul, me, my wife Kylie and brother-in-law…

KILLER When her sister was murdered, Danielle stepped up to support Kelly’s kids Danielle Carroll, 35, Gold Coast, Qld C ycling around the Gold Coast with my sister Kelly, 27, I felt lighter than I had in months. It was April 2021 and, sadly, we’d lost our darling mum, Karen, to a brain aneurysm just seven weeks earlier. Aged 55, her death was sudden, and it left Kelly and me, our other siblings Emma, then 28, and Natalie, 25, and our dad, Reg, 59, heartbroken. It was a stark reminder of just how precious life really was. So when we were in the lift at the hospital and Kelly confided that she feared for her safety, I was completely floored. ‘If something happens to me, I just want someone to…

ROGAN JOSH LAMB COTTAGE PIE SERVES 4-6PREP & COOK: 1 HOUR 10 MINS 500g lamb mince 1 large onion, finely chopped ⅓ cup rogan josh curry paste ¼ cup tomato paste 400g can diced tomatoes 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled 120g bag baby spinach Steamed broccolini, to serve TOPPING 1.5kg potatoes, peeled, chopped 75g butter, chopped ½ cup milk 1 Heat a lightly oiled, large, deep frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add the lamb and onion. Cook, stirring to break up mince, for 5-8 mins, or until mince is browned. Add rogan josh paste and tomato paste. Cook, stirring, for 1 min, until fragrant . 2 Stir in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, stock cube and ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil. Gently…

T he cyber attack on superannuation funds in April had me rushing to my computer to check the status of my account. I did the same when I heard about the Optus security breach, and the Medibank breach. I don’t know about you, but it feels like my whole life is stored online and dodgy scammers are constantly trying to infiltrate it. I’m suspicious of every unexpected email and every phone call from an unknown number. And with the frequency that friends are having their social media accounts hacked, I didn’t even trust the Hey, how are you? message from an old friend on Facebook! While we can’t ever be 100 per cent safe online, there are ways we can put a few deadbolts on our online lives to keep…

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Kate Kirsten, Editor Sarah Firth, Deputy Editor Beth Young, Art Director Darren Monaghan, Picture Editor Holly Campbell ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Anna Quinn, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. that’s life! is a registered trade mark of Are Media. Use of trademark strictly prohibited. Licensing Inquiries: www.contentshop.com.au / syndication@aremedia.com.au…

Daniel and Jemma had the fright of their lives when their baby ingested a deadly object Daniel Buchanan, 29, Mackay, Qld Blow out the candle, sweetheart,’ I cheered on my bub Amity. It was March 2023 and we were celebrating our girl’s first birthday with family at my parents Jal and Michelle’s house. ‘She’s perfect,’ my partner Jemma, then 22, beamed, twirling our princess in her rainbow tutu. As Amity took a bite of cake, it was hard to believe how quickly she’d grown. A few days later, I headed off to my job as a pool installer. ‘Goodbye, my loves,’ I kissed Amity and Jemma. That afternoon at work I got a frantic call from Jemma. ‘Amity’s vomiting a strange thick consistency, and there’s a whistling sound after every…

CHOCOLATE GLAZED BOSTON CUSTARD CAKE SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 25 MINS 250g butter, softened 1 cup caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla bean paste 4 eggs, at room temperature ⅓ cup milk 1½ cups plain flour ¼ cup custard powder 3 tsp baking powder CUSTARD 3 egg yolks ⅓ cup caster sugar 2 tbsp custard powder 1 cup milk CHOCOLATE GLAZE 150g dark chocolate, chopped ⅓ cup pure cream 1 Grease a 22cm round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edge. 2 Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. 3 Fold in milk and sifted flour, custard powder and baking powder in…

Sophie Evans had returned home from dropping her two daughters at school when she headed for the shower. It was July 2024, and the 30-year-old mum lived with her partner Jamie. After showering, she’d just wrapped herself in a towel when she heard a knock at the door. It was 9.19am and Sophie wasn’t expecting anyone, but when she saw it was Jamie’s father Richard Jones, then 49, she opened the door. He was there to check their drains. Richard was a regular visitor, often popping in to carry out odd jobs at the property, and 40 minutes later his work at their home was complete. But afterwards, Richard sent a concerning text to his ex-partner Tracey that suggested his relationship with Jamie and Sophie was starting to sour, as…

The cold and flu season is in full swing. And if you feel like you spend the entirety of the colder months fighting off a sniffle, you’re not alone. Colds and flu are more prevalent in winter for several reasons. The colder air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, making it easier for viruses to enter your body, and chilly weather means people spend more time indoors, often in close proximity to each other, giving viruses a chance to spread. Less sunlight leads to lower levels of vitamin D, which is crucial for immune function, and viruses tend to survive longer in colder, drier environments. WHAT CAN YOU DO? There are ways to help you stay healthy all year around. • Eat a balanced diet Make…