Innehållsförteckning för Issue 32, 2025 från that's life!

Do you doodle? I definitely do! Whether I’m waiting on hold after phoning a call centre, or in a meeting listening to a presentation, chances are I’m scribbling something in my notebook. So I was pleased to read in Living Well this week (p64) that doodling isn’t a sign you’re distracted or not listening, but in fact putting pen to paper can help you be more mentally present than just sitting still. And it can relieve stress and anxiety, too! It made me wonder if there’s any meaning behind what you draw when you’re doodling, so I googled it and it turned out your doodles could be very revealing. I’m not very green-fingered but for some reason I usually find myself drawing flowers. Open flowers with round petals are said…

A day fishing turned to disaster for Eli Eli Carroll, 30, Dannevirke, NZ YOUR real-life stories Bugger. We should have checked the weather forecast,’ I said to my cousin PJ, then 27, as the skies darkened. It was August 2022 and we were fishing in kayaks on Wellington Harbour, NZ. Now, as the wind howled and waves grew higher, we were beginning to regret it. ‘Let’s get back!’ I yelled, as rain began bucketing down. But the waves were three metres high, and we were being swept out to sea. Suddenly, a wave smashed into my kayak, flipping it over. I was tossed into the icy water, tangled in fishing gear. I managed to right the kayak and clambered back in – only to be thrown out again. Thankfully, PJ…

Farmer Ben is getting his gear off for a good cause Ben Brooksby, 32, Penola, SA Running through the wheat paddock in just my gumboots, I felt the tickle of plants as they brushed up against my bare skin. ‘Smile!’ my boyfriend Mason instructed as he snapped a photo. It was November 2021 and, aged 28, I wasn’t getting my gear off just for fun – it was all part of my goal to raise awareness of mental health. Growing up on a 5000acre crop and sheep farm in St Helens Plains, Victoria, I had a wonderful early childhood, alongside my two older siblings. But when I was six, our parents announced they were getting divorced. I was heartbroken. Splitting our time between the farm and Mum’s new place, half…

RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRY PAN CRUMBLE SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 20 MINS 1 bunch rhubarb (400g), washed, trimmed, cut into 3cm lengths ½ cup caster sugar 250g punnet strawberries, hulled Vanilla yoghurt, to serve CRUMBLE TOPPING ⅓ cup coconut flakes ¼ cup slivered almonds 8 gingernut biscuits 1 CRUMBLE TOPPING Sprinkle coconut and almonds over two separate oven trays. 2 Cook in a 180°C preheated oven for 3-5 mins, or until they’re lightly browned. Remove and leave to cool. 3 Meanwhile, place biscuits in a snap-lock bag. Seal. Lightly crush with a rolling pin. Add coconut and almonds. Seal and shake bag to combine. 4 Place rhubarb, sugar and 1 tbsp water in a medium frying pan over a medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 mins, or until…

Try a spot of vinegar on a cloth to remove pen marks from a table. Angela Smith, Crows Nest, NSW SEND US YOUR CLEVER IDEAS Add a lemon slice to water to help freshen your breath while boosting your immune system. Samantha Loames, Auckland, NZ If you brush your teeth with a damp toothbrush dipped in bicarb, it can help remove stains and brighten your smile. Emily Blair, Fremantle, WA Put a wooden spoon across your pot of bubbling water when cooking pasta to keep it from boiling over. Brian Murray, St Kilda, Vic Prevent peg marks when hanging out freshly washed woollens, by threading old tights through the armholes and pegging those onto the line by the toes. Raelene Atkins, Brisbane, Qld Honey is nature’s antibiotic, so add a…

GOOD TO KNOW! Asking your boss for a pay rise can be really intimidating. While only 19 per cent of us made the request over the past year, a Finder survey revealed that an encouraging 84 per cent of employers said yes. So it really is a case of you’ll never know if you don’t ask. Do your research to find out what others in your industry earn, and be clear on the reasons you deserve an increase. Ask for a specific amount or percentage, and also consider if there’s an alternative to a pay rise that would work for you – perhaps reduced work hours, a hybrid work arrangement or additional leave. Good luck! If there’s one thing that unites different cultures, religions and ages, it’s the love of…

Just months after being born baby Frankie was fighting for his life Hannah Standish, 28, Brisbane, Qld He’s beautiful,’ my partner Farron wept, cradling our baby boy for the first time. It was January 2021, and little Frankie was already three months old. At four months pregnant, I’d flown from Queensland to New Zealand to visit my parents – then Covid hit, closing the borders. Farron, 26, was stuck in Australia and couldn’t be there for the birth. My dad stood in as my support person, as Farron watched the birth on a live stream. When the borders finally reopened, Frankie and I flew to Brisbane, Qld. At the airport, Farron tearfully scooped our bub into his arms. It was wonderful to be together at last, but when Frankie was…

WE PAY FOR EACH PHOTO USED Bubbles is sitting pretty at the table. Alison Buys, Butler, WA Roddy and Keef had fun getting dressed up and playing ‘Wild West’. Jane Lawrence, Sheffield, Tas My sweet boy Shadow with his favourite teddy bear! Amanda Newton, Riverside, Tas $50 CASH HOW TO WIN... This image has been taken from the film Emma. We have tinkered with the image and added something that doesn’t appear in the original scene (5). Write which object doesn’t belong only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner. Turn to entry coupon (p50) to enter! WHAT’S ODD? PUZZLE Dougie and Florence love soaking up the sun. Isabel Firth, via email Thank you so much for the prize I won that’s life! Jill Lee, Harrisdale, WA…

CHICKEN WITH BRAISED ITALIAN BEANS SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 15 MINS 4 x 180g chicken breast fillets 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp sundried tomato pesto 400g can white beans, rinsed, drained 1 cup chicken stock ¼ cup pitted black olives 1 Heat an oiled, large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 4 mins, or until browned. Turn chicken over. 2 Add the onion and pesto to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 mins, until onion starts to soften. Add beans and stock. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, for about 5 mins, or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in olives. 3 Serve with rocket leaves and crusty bread (optional). Top tip For a change, replace chicken with pork loin steaks. Cooking…

Born with a rare condition, Naomi’s daughter underwent a world-first surgery Naomi Findlay, 39 Kissing my daughter, Vanellope, seven, goodbye, I fought back tears. ‘I love you,’ I whispered as she was wheeled into theatre… again. In November 2017, she’d been born with her heart outside her body. The congenital condition was first picked up during my nine-week scan. Already parents to two sons, Caleb, then eight, and Jacob, five, my partner Dean, 42, and I were excited to meet our boys’ little sibling. But seeing the sonographer’s face shift during the check-up, I knew something was wrong. After fetching a doctor, they broke the news. ‘I’m afraid your baby has ectopia cordis,’ he said, explaining that our baby would be born inside out. Staring at the screen, I saw…

6 The average human lifespan has increased by this number of years since 1990. Water for winter wellness Although you may not feel as thirsty as in summer, it’s just as important to drink plenty of water in winter. Staying hydrated supports your immune system by providing nutrients, flushing out toxins and keeping your mucous membranes moist. Instead of cold water, try sipping on herbal teas, warm lemon drinks, broths and soups. HEALTH PLEDGE This week I’ll… plant something green You don’t need a backyard to reap the benefits of gardening. Planting something green, even if it’s just a small herb in a pot, can help to nurture your mind, body and spirit. This mindful activity may even help you to eat more healthily, if you can eat what you…

Blazer + WHITE OUT Dress it up Dress it down BURGUNDY BABE Dress it down Blazer + Dress it up PRETTY IN PINK Dress it up Dress it down Pants + Oui oui! French beauty products feel so luxe – here are five of the best…

Energy plays a powerful role in attracting financial opportunities. By making simple shifts in your mindset, habits, and daily practices, you can create an energetic flow that helps to draw abundance in your direction. Here are eight ways to use psychic energy to help boost your finances! Try them and watch as money begins to move your way! 1 Green candle spell Candles are excellent for setting intentions and manifesting abundance. On a Thursday (a day linked to prosperity), light a green candle and focus on your financial goals. Write down your intention, such as Money flows easily and abundantly to me. Place the paper under the candle and let it burn safely, visualising wealth coming your way. 2 Charge your wallet Your wallet holds your money, so it should…

Fae never expected to find love in her care home Fae Dette, 99, Otangarei, NZ Chatting away to my grandson Shannon, I stifled a laugh as we discussed arrangements for my funeral. ‘You know I’m not dead yet,’ I teased. ‘No, Nan, far from it. You’re too lively,’ Shannon chuckled. In fact, ever since I’d moved into Cairnfield House care home in Otangarei, NZ, a few months earlier, I’d never felt more alive. There was always something going on and the staff were lovely. Born west of Kaitaia, I came from a big family with six sisters. When I was younger I had lots of jobs, including working as an ambulance assistant, and in a butcher’s shop for 11 years. I’d had two chances at love and marriage, but sadly…

HOOT OFF THE PRESS When a gorgeous greater sooty owl was found suspected to have been hit by a car at Gembrook south-east of Melbourne recently, the injured bird was rushed to Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital for treatment. Listed as threatened in Victoria, the beautiful nocturnal creature is known for its strikingly dark, soulful eyes and sharp talons. ‘We found the owl was straining one of its eyes due to corneal damage. But thankfully, we didn’t find any fractures,’ vet nurse Chris Stitt said. After a week in the sanctuary’s Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, where it received fluids, anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief, the sooty owl was released back into the wild! ‘It is not a species we see often, so it was quite an exciting moment to be up close…

SULTANA AND JAM SCONE ROCK CAKES MAKES 18 PREP & COOK 40 MINS 1kg box Scone Specialty Mix (see tip on p25) ½ cup caster sugar 2 cups sultanas 300ml carton pure cream ½ cup apricot jam 1 Place the contents of one sachet of scone mix into a large bowl (reserve the remaining sachet for another use). Stir in caster sugar and sultanas. 2 Make a well in the centre. Add cream and 2 tbsp water. Using a flat-bladed knife, stir in a cutting motion until the dough just comes together. Mixture should be sticky. 3 Spoon ¼ cups of the mixture, about 3cm apart, onto two large oven trays lined with baking paper. Flatten slightly with fingertips. 4 Using the back of a lightly floured teaspoon, make a…

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