Innholdsfortegnelse for 09 March 2020 i New Idea

It seems Angie Kent and her Bachelorette beau Carlin Sterritt have already split! The news comes after the couple sparked engagement rumours last month when they were spotted browsing rings at Michael Arthur jewellers in Paddington, Sydney, but sources tell New Idea that after a devastated Angie was booted off Dancing with the Stars, she has been beside herself. She cancelled her interviews with the media so she didn’t have to talk about Carlin and reveal the fact they are no longer an item. “She didn’t want to discuss it as she would have had to confess or lie,” the source said. “She has gone to ground now.” But it’s not the first time the couple have reportedly faced tough times. In January, before appearing on DWTS, Angie insisted they…

Love was certainly in the air when Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins and his girlfriend Virginia Burmeister were recently spotted celebrating at a lunch in Sydney. Just days earlier, some of the couple’s closest friends and family flew in from London and New York, with Virginia taking to social media – sparking rumours that perhaps Dickie and his ladylove are set to throw a surprise wedding. “Living our best lives,” Virginia captioned an Instagram snap of her and her pals making a toast. News of a wedding first surfaced last year when Dickie’s son Christian revealed his father would most likely tie the knot. “Maybe [they will marry], they are very happy together,” he said at the David Jones spring summer 2019 event. “I love Virginia and me and my dad are…

Now that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left the royal family, it seems Australia may have just found its very own fab four! Bindi Irwin and fiancé Chandler Powell were recently spotted on a double date with little brother Robert Irwin and his new girlfriend Elisha Jackson. The young lovebirds stopped off for lunch together before heading to a nearby forest for a bush-walking adventure. Robert and Elisha seemed very happy in each other’s company, laughing and joking while they hung out with Bindi and Chandler. The couple are said to have met on Instagram after Elisha, who has had a crush on Robert for some time, spent a day at Australia Zoo. After her visit, the bubbly blonde captioned a snap: “Yesterday I went to Australia Zoo and…

Meanwhile ... Natasha was spotted spending time in Los Angeles with a mystery – and much older – man earlier this year. In pictures obtained by New Idea, the MAFS star, who describes herself on social media as “effervescent, loyal and tenacious”, is seen walking side-by-side with the man, who is wearing a novelty T-shirt with the words ‘Sugar Daddy’ on the front. While the man’s identity isn’t known, Natasha was seen buying the shirt earlier that day.…

Since appearing on the show, Amanda and Lizzie have convinced some viewers they have been secretly hooking up. And now Amanda has finally come clean about the rumours. “Liz and I are just good friends, but she’s not into women!” Amanda tells New Idea. “We have lots in common but there’s definitely nothing romantic going on. She’s attractive, don’t get me wrong. But she’s just not into birds!” The rumour surfaced after Lizzie teased fans by hinting she was “one half of a lesbian couple”, then Amanda uploaded a picture of Lizzie’s hands. “All that glitters is not always gold, but when you and your girl’s nails and rings are on fleek, who gives a damn,” Amanda wrote. Amanda insists there’s nothing to the rumours of their romance. “That picture…

There’s no denying that from day one of MKR: The Rivals, Mark and Romel have had it in for each other. However, in a strategic move that no-one sees coming, the two rivals will put aside their differences this week and team up to form an alliance. With the competition getting tougher and a lack of allies on his side, Romel knows that he needs some help if he wants to win and decides to contact Mark via text to arrange an alliance. “I knew Sophia and I were not safe in House Manu,” Romel tells New Idea. “We knew they were going to do whatever it took to get rid of us, to have us thrown out or eliminated. So, what do I do? How do I ensure we…

If you saw Donna Brickell and Eric Morgan out and about of an afternoon, you might smile and think a daughter is taking her elderly dad out for a walk. But 40-year-old Donna and 80-year-old Eric are not father and daughter. In fact, they’re not related at all. Despite a 40-year age gap, the pair are madly in love and even plan to marry. “There are no numbers in love. The chemistry between Eric and me is amazing,” Donna says. “The first time I saw him I thought how handsome he was. I never imagined he was more than 60 years old because he looks so good. He has the sharpest sense of humour and makes me laugh so much.” “He is very mischievous and we have so much in…

Loaded Vegie Salad with Whipped Feta Serves 8-10, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 10 mins 1¼ cups brown rice and quinoa blend ½ butternut pumpkin (900g), peeled, deseeded, cut into 3cm pieces ¼ cup olive oil 2 tblsps red wine vinegar 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 1 tsp honey 200g packet frozen shelled edamame beans 500g broccoli, cut into small florets 400g red cabbage, finely shredded 200g (1 cup) semi-dried tomatoes, chopped 2 tblsps pine nuts, toasted Fresh mint leaves, to garnish WHIPPED FETA 200g tub smooth Danish feta 250g tub spreadable cream cheese 3 green spring onions, thinly sliced ½ cup fresh mint leaves 1 Add rice and quinoa blend to a large saucepan of boiling, salted water. Gently boil, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until tender. Drain.…

Choc-Licorice Truffles Makes 12, Prep and Cook: 45 mins 4 x 5cm pieces soft black licorice 1½ cups Rice Bubbles 200g block milk cooking chocolate, finely chopped Finely chopped black licorice, to decorate TRUFFLE MIXTURE 200g block milk cooking chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup thickened cream 1 To make truffle mixture, combine chocolate and cream in a medium heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove bowl. Refrigerate, covered for at least 5 hours, or overnight until firm. 2 Cut each piece of licorice into three equal pieces, giving a total of 12 pieces. 3 Remove truffle mixture from fridge. Stand for 10 minutes. Place Rice Bubbles in a bowl. 4 Shape 3 teaspoons truffle mixture around each piece of licorice. Roll…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Push hard to stay on track with a secret long-term hope or goal. Rebuilding an old relationship will set up a new chapter and a domestic project will challenge your resourcefulness. A difficult conversation will test your listening skills but a personal question will be answered. Demanding conditions on the job will show your versatility; this is your time to shine and climb the professional ranks! LUCKY NUMBERS: 15, 25, 35 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 You’ll pour energy into turning a cherished dream into reality. A meaningful get-together or exchange with a loved one will be a joy. It will take proactive efforts and a good sense of timing to foster an important new connection. Fun outings and activities will also bring…

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. DEEP BONDS OF LOVE I knew I had to introduce Ben Carn to listeners of The Ghost Files podcast, though not because his is a knock-your-socks-off ghost story. It’s the gentleness of Ben’s experiences – the deep love and grief he’s lived – that moved me. Softly spoken Ben, 27, lives a quiet and seemingly ordinary life with his partner and their sweet 2-year-old son at their home in Rankins Springs, NSW. But there’s…

MONDAY: As news spreads through the Bay about Colby’s stabbing, Roo reaches out to a panic-stricken Bella. Will the troubled teen spiral out of control once again? Meanwhile, Mackenzie rushes to the hospital to be by Colby’s side. TUESDAY: Fed up with Bella’s antics, Dean gives the teenager a reality check. Ari steps up his job hunt, and Nikau makes a surprising new connection. WEDNESDAY: Alex’s time at the hospital comes to an emotional end, while John gives Marilyn an ultimatum. But will it backfire on the long-time resident? THURSDAY: Justin receives a harrowing insight into Leah’s abduction. And will Willow really let Alex walk out of her life forever?…

Sally (Kate Ritchie) and Flynn (Joel McIlroy), 2003: Few TV brides have had a bumpier road to the altar than former Summer Bay sweetheart Sally (Kate Ritchie) on her wedding day to Flynn (Joel McIlroy). Indeed, it was a case of what didn’t go wrong, with the much-loved Sal even being dumped by a bolting horse into a muddy roadside puddle on the way to the ceremony. Then, just as the outdoor nuptials finally kicked off, the heavens opened, forcing the bride and groom to relocate proceedings to none other than the local hospital!…

The Perth-based Irish writer’s first book, The Ruin, was published in 2018 and won the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction. It’s set to be made into a film starring Colin Farrell. Out this month, The Good Turn is Dervla’s third Detective Cormac Reilly mystery. She chats to New Idea about why she loves to read and write about crime. What’s publication time like for you this time? Things will be fully crazy for a few weeks with events and interviews and visits every day, and then medium crazy for a month or two after that. I’ll enjoy every minute of it and then I’ll happily settle back down in my writer’s cave, stop dying my hair, and go back to work on my new story. Tell us about…

Onlookers did a double-take when they realised the man in front of them wasn’t the real Gordon Ramsay. He was in fact Martin Jordan, who has made a career out of looking like the celebrity chef and wowed audiences at The Reel Awards, an event dedicated to celebrity impersonators and lookalikes. It took place in Las Vegas last week and fake Gordon wasn’t the only celeb to make an appearance. Martha Stewart, President Donald Trump, Dolly Parton and Adele lookalikes were a few of the star performers at the show.…

Julie Goodwin recently opened up on her battle with depression and the devastating reason why she quit radio. In a candid Facebook post, the former MasterChef star spoke of her crippling condition and how it left her hospitalised. “I’ve had depression and anxiety on and off over many years. On the surface, I know I don’t seem to be depressed or anxious. I’ve denied it to myself for a long time, and certainly put a lot of energy into making sure it wasn’t obvious to the people around me,” she began. “I have never been one of those brave people who can lay these things out in the open for others to look at and comment on. I’ve considered it private, even though other people may benefit from knowing that…

Prince Harry looked nothing like his once-cheeky and playful self as he touched down in Scotland last week. Arriving in Edinburgh without Meghan or son Archie, Harry appeared downcast while giving a speech at an ecotourism conference, making clear how the strain of the past few weeks has taken its toll. HER MAJESTY HOLDS MEETINGS TO BRING HER GRANDSON HOME FOR GOOD AS HE RETURNS FOR FINAL DUTIES But now Harry is back on home soil, New Idea has learnt the royal family is making a last-ditch attempt to convince the prince to reconsider his decision to step back from royal duties, and hope he’ll return to the UK permanently. The Queen in particular is hoping to put an end to tensions that descended into back and forth sniping between…

Terri Irwin and Russell Crowe have been quashing rumours of a romance for years, but it appears the two are closer than ever. The Gladiator star shared a sneaky Instagram post of himself paying a visit to the John Oliver Koala Chlamydia Ward, at Australia Zoo, the home of the Irwin family. Captioning the snap with “Where am I now?”, Russell, 55, sent tongues wagging at the idea he was secretly meeting up with his long-time pal Terri. Russell’s visit coincided with what would have been the 58th birthday of the late Steve Irwin, so perhaps the Aussie actor was providing a shoulder to cry on during a tough time. Terri has previously gushed about her close bond with Russell. “I do really, really think the world of him,” Terri…

Resting her head gently on his shoulder, Married at First Sight’s Connie Crayden has been caught in the arms of another man. The brunette, who was matched by the experts with Jonethen Musulin, was recently snapped spending quality time with fellow MAFS star Steve Burley – and making matters worse, his bride Mishel Karen was nowhere to be seen. “They looked very comfortable together,” reveals an onlooker. “They were laughing and at one point Steve put his arm around Connie – they seemed very cosy.” The pair’s recent coffee date, comes as shy bride Connie, 27, continues to question the motives of her onscreen husband, Jonethen, suggesting he’s only on the popular reality show for fame . And if these photos are anything to go by, it appears Connie may…

KC Osborne may be entering the Married at First Sight experiment this week as an intruder bride, but it appears she will fit right in with the other contestants. A shocking older picture of the new MAFS star KC reveals just how much plastic surgery and cosmetic work she has had done. Leading Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Laith Barnouti exclusively tells New Idea the 32-year-old has likely spent a lot of time and money augmenting her looks. “With respect to her face, she appears to have had lip and cheek fillers,” Dr Barnouti says. “You can see a fuller and higher cheekbone. This look can be achieved with either fat injection or dermal fillers.” Dr Barnouti also estimates the MAFS star has enhanced her cleavage with expensive breast implants. “It’s…

In a new interview, the man who could have been the king of Denmark reveals he never even thinks about how his life could have been so different. The now 80-year-old Count Ingolf was born Prince Ingolf of Denmark, and was the eldest son of Prince Knud, brother to the now deceased King Frederick IX, the father of Queen Margrethe. “ONE SHOULD NOT DWELL ON THINGS THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED” In an earlier time, Ingolf would have ascended to the throne as head of the Danish monarchy. However, in 1953 an Act of Succession was passed meaning King Frederick’s daughters could succeed him. Instead of Prince Knud becoming king – followed eventually by his son, Ingolf – Margrethe became the country’s first female monarch. In doing so she paved the…

Over the course of the restaurant takeovers, there have been several times that Sophia has relied on her mentor and professional chef, Manu Feildel, to help out with her cook, much to his frustration. But this week, Manu finally gets fed up with Sophia expecting him to help them all the time and the two have an argument in the kitchen. “The problem is you don’t do it, everyone else is doing it,” he tells her. “You think we’ve got time because you don’t take the time.” Sophia is quick to argue back. “Manu and I have such a turbulent relationship,” Sophia tells New Idea. While she admits that she and Manu have had their fair share of clashes in the kitchen, she reveals that the reason is often due…

From Jonestown to Heaven’s Gate – or Charles Manson and his followers – cults have a devastating and sometimes lethal impact on those who join. Pop culture harbours a morbid fascination with cults. Countless movies, novels, plays, podcasts and articles explore the psychology behind why people start cults and why others join them. One of Australia’s most infamous cults was simply known as The Family. The Family was headed by a Victorian woman named Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who at her height through the 1960s until the late 1980s, ran the sadistic apocalyptic sect with hundreds of members. Anne was as beautiful and charismatic as she was delusional and dangerous. Born in 1921 as Evelyn Grace Victoria Edwards, Anne was a yoga teacher turned cult leader who convinced her followers she was…

Spanish Patatas Bravas Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 1.5kg brushed potatoes 2 tsps smoked paprika 1 tblsp olive oil Garlic aioli, to serve Thinly sliced spring onions, to garnish SAUCE 1 tblsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 150g sliced mild salami, chopped 1 tblsp tomato paste 400g can diced tomatoes 1 tblsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp caster sugar 1 Peel potatoes. Cut into 2cm pieces. Place in a large bowl with paprika and oil. Toss to coat. Transfer to a large roasting pan. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C), tossing halfway through, for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. 3 Meanwhile, make sauce. Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add…

4-Ingredient Choc Chip Cheesecake Slice Makes 24 pieces Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 20 mins 2 x 450g logs Aunty Kath’s Choc Chip Cookie Dough 2 x 250g blocks cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ½ cup caster sugar 2 eggs 1 Grease a 20cm x 30cm slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edges. 2 Break one and a half logs of dough into large pieces. Press evenly over base of prepared pan. 3 Cook in a moderately slow oven (160C) for about 20 minutes, or until firm to touch Remove from oven. Cool. 4 Process cream cheese, sugar and eggs in a food processor until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over base. Crumble remaining dough evenly over filling. 5 Cook in a…

A year or so ago when my daughter turned 18, I made a photobook of her life. I scanned prints from when she was born and uploaded them with more recent photographs to create an online album, which I also turned into a hardcover book. She loved it because I unearthed pictures she’d never seen before and I loved it because it forced me to create digital versions of some of my most treasured memories. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to have gone through that process. Because while insurance can compensate you monetarily or replace goods in the home, it can’t bring back those printed images. Indeed, asked what they would grab in a fire or flood, plenty of people answer simply: “Photos.” Yet it’s relatively simple…

Introducing your baby to solid food can be exciting, but also nerve-racking. In this edited extract from her new book, Weaning Made Simple, baby feeding guru Annabel Karmel shares her top advice for when to start weaning your bub. WHEN TO INTRODUCE SOLIDS Put simply, around 6 months of age. Of course, some babies will show signs of being ready before, but ‘around 6 months’ is the age advised by the World Health Organisation. Babies should never be weaned before 4 months (17 weeks) as their digestive systems aren’t mature enough to cope with food at this point. 1 SIGNS THAT YOUR BUB IS READY She’s sitting up and supporting her own head. This doesn’t have to mean sitting up completely unsupported, just as long as she can sit up…

Q I have a daughter who’s almost 3 years old and I’m about to start working again. Some of my shifts go into the night, just like my husband’s, which means we need a babysitter. My friends have recommended some people, but I’m sceptical about a stranger looking after her. I was thinking of installing nanny cams so I can watch what’s happening when I can. Is this too extreme? ALEXANDRA, VIA EMAIL. A Whatever helps to put your mind at rest. If your friends have recommended some people, this should be a plus. Obviously, they have had experience with the babysitters and would only suggest someone suitable. Check out some agencies and look into the background of their babysitters. Interview the prospective applicants. You will get a feel for…

It’s been several weeks since Colby’s fellow officer Robbo (Jake Ryan) lost his life as a result of a horror car smash. And just as the federal officer and new dad was a greatly loved resident of Summer Bay, Tim reveals that Robbo’s talented portrayer Jake was a hugely popular member of the tight-knit Home and Away cast. “It’s like a family member leaving,” says Tim. “It was really emotional. “You find your people, and Jake definitely became that for me, so it is hard to say goodbye.” But as Tim says, Jake – who with his partner, Alice Quiddington, is now a doting parent to their gorgeous son, Wolf – will always be a part of his life. “Jake was already on the show for about a year before…

Not only does Pooch Perfect contestant Davina have her hands full running her own dog styling business from home, she is also the mother of two adorable daughters, Adelaide and Zoe. However, Davina reveals that Adelaide’s birth didn’t go smoothly. She was heavily pregnant and running 11 dog grooming franchises when calamity struck. “I had a grooming salon where we did training for our franchisees, and one Saturday when I wasn’t in, a dog escaped out of the door,” she tells New Idea. “The dog went missing for a week and that really took its toll on me.” Not only was Davina out searching day and night for the dog, but after the owner posted a story about what happened, Davina was targeted by internet trolls. “Understandably, the owner of…

TRUTHS I NEVER TOLD YOU BY KELLY RIMMER The best-selling author of Before I Let You Go returns with another all-consuming story. When Beth is clearing out the family house she makes a shocking discovery about her long-dead mother. I put my hand on the doorknob and turn it, then bump into the door – completely caught off guard when it doesn’t budge at all. I twist the handle hard, and push my shoulder against the door, but when this makes absolutely no difference, I look down at the lock and frown. This is a new handle – and it sports a seriously heavy-duty deadlock. But why would he need to lock the attic? Dad must have installed this lock when he lived alone otherwise we would have noticed. Was…

Former model and deportment icon June Dally-Watkins died last week aged 92. According to friends and family she died peacefully in her sleep. She was an inspiration to many. ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose said: “Every girl in the ’70s left school and went to Miss Dally’s to learn deportment. “As well as being a beautiful woman and a model, she was a very smart businesswoman — she just knew how to teach people the art of being elegant, the art of being civilised,” she said.…

After recently getting engaged to South African fashion tycoon Michael Lewis, a multimillionaire who is 31 years her senior, Lady Kitty Spencer sparked rumours she’s expecting a baby when she stepped out wearing a long coat and clutching her stomach. Onlookers noticed that the niece of Princess Diana, 29, appeared to be concealing a bump. “Michael proposed to Kitty before Christmas,” a source told the Daily Express. “She’s been in Cape Town for the holidays and told her mother and the rest of the family. Michael is loved by all of them. Despite his wealth, he’s very humble and low-key.”…

They’ve said very little publicly about their relationship and what went wrong since departing the Today show. But just days after Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic were said to have taken part in top-secret negotiations to return to the breakfast program, along with entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins and newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys, all hell has broken loose. According to an industry insider, Lisa is now considering pulling out of the highly anticipated reunion after Today aired an interview with controversial politician Pauline Hanson, following the murder of Brisbane’s Hannah Clarke and her three children at the hands of their father and Hannah’s estranged husband, Rowan Baxter. “Lisa is absolutely furious and appalled,” the well-placed source tells New Idea. Speaking to Today hosts Karl and Allison Langdon, Pauline called the murder-suicide “treacherous”…

After dedicating his Oscar to his kids, it appears that Brad Pitt is slowing winning them back. Sources say that he’s been very patient and following all of his ex-wife Angelina Jolie’s rules, and now he’s ready to swoop in and get joint custody. He’s determined to do whatever it takes. Insiders also say his children were really happy for him when he dedicated the award to them and know how lucky they are to have him as their dad. “Brad’s kids aren’t usually interested in the awards or much to do with his industry, but an Oscar is a big deal and they know he won and they all messaged him to congratulate him,” an insider told the Mirror. “They loved that he gave them a shout out, that…

Married at First Sight is no stranger to explosive controversy – and the 2020 season has already proven more scandalous than ever before. Now, in what could possibly be the most explosive claim ever made by a MAFS star, Stacey Hampton has alleged her arch nemesis and fellow bride Natasha Spencer secretly “hooked up” with her TV husband Mikey Pembroke’s dad, Andrew, during filming. Speaking to New Idea, Stacey explains the moment Mikey told her about the alleged dalliance. “Mikey said, ‘I’m pretty sure [Natasha] hooked up with my dad (or at least) I’m pretty sure she’s hooking up with my dad,” Stacey says. “He was pretty certain,” she continues. “It wasn’t a joke.” Stacey also claims she confronted Natasha about Mikey’s claims in front of the entire cast and…

The experiment was rocked to its core when claims of a drunken hook-up between Hayley Vernon and Michael Goonan surfaced, despite both still being in committed marriages with their onscreen partners. So much so, Hayley was unexpectedly booted from the show by the experts, who deemed her relationship with truck driver David Cannon, 31, had become “too toxic” to continue after her brief affair with Michael was exposed. However, on returning home to Melbourne, Hayley was met with more unexpected news. It seems her late-night rendezvous with Michael, 28, may have cooked up more than just drama on the show, with friends now claiming that Hayley, 31, thought she was pregnant. “Hayley came home from filming and was extremely sick; she was vomiting every day,” a close friend tells New…

Crown Prince Frederik recently reunited with former girlfriend and glamorous Danish pop singer Maria Montell. The pair – who dated for more than a year – reportedly attended the Red Cross Club 100 in Copenhagen. This isn’t the first time that Fred – who left his family in Switzerland for the occasion – has seen his ex since their 1998 break-up. In 2009, Fred, accompanied by Mary, bumped into Maria at the charity gala premiere of the Danish film Ved Verdens Ende in Copenhagen. Both Frederik and Mary greeted Maria with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. Fred and Maria dated before the prince met Mary in 2000 during the Sydney Olympic Games. The pair lived together, but it didn’t take long before Maria discovered the consequences that…

Having spent $117,000 on eight rounds of IVF after going through menopause aged 36, Marie Neal never imagined her dream of becoming a mum would come true. Marie and her husband, Dale, 51, had longed for children in their 30s. After tying the knot 12 years ago, the couple began trying for a baby but were devastated when Marie couldn’t fall pregnant. “Being told you’re going through the menopause at 36 was heartbreaking; it was a real-life nightmare,” Marie, now 50, tells New Idea. “It wasn’t until doctors told me I couldn’t have any children that I realised how important having a family was. It was a terrible shock because with no more eggs, it meant I’d never have a biological child of my own.” But Marie and Dale refused…

Dan Schneider was from a regular churchgoing, middle-class, Mississippi family. His father, esteemed pharmacist Daniel Sr, described his son as “good natured, compassionate kid”. But towards the end of his final year of college, Dan struggled with his grades and his sister Kristi said he got “lost”. “I think Danny was just struggling with what to do with himself,” Kristi said in the new Netflix docuseries, The Pharmacist. “I COULDN’T STAND TO THINK MY SON’S MURDERER WOULD GET AWAY WITH IT ... OR KILL AGAIN” In 1991, at the age of 22, Dan told his parents he was going out and would be back soon. Tragically, Dan never returned. He was shot in the head in his Ford pick-up truck as he held some crumpled-up cash in his hands. Authorities…

Scorched Plum and Almond Tart Serves 8-10, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 45 mins 1½ cups plain flour ¹/ ³ cup sugar 125g cold unsalted butter, chopped 1 egg Cream, to serve FILLING 25g unsalted butter 500g small red plums (9), halved, stones removed 1 tblsp honey 100g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ½ cup caster sugar 2 tsps vanilla extract 2 eggs 1¼ cups almond meal (125g) 2 tblsps plain flour 2 tblsps plum jam 1 Grease a 25cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base flan tin (base measures 24cm). 2 To make pastry, process flour, sugar and butter in a food processor to form fine crumbs. Add egg. Process to bring ingredients together. Turn out dough. Shape into a disc. Cover. Refrigerate 15 minutes. 3 Roll out pastry…

There are several health tourism travel companies that seem enticing. They offer a one-stop shop to facilitate your surgery overseas, including booking airfares, accommodation, visas, surgeon, translators (if needed) and even extras like sightseeing excursions or restaurant trips post-surgery. But, according to a CHOICE report, these travel companies receive commissions for referring you to particular hospitals or surgeons, so you’re essentially leaving your choice of surgeon in the hands of a travel agent. Ask your GP for advice and recommendations instead.…

Weighted blankets are the latest sleep-promoting bedroom accessory – but this is more than just marketing hype. Also known as gravity blankets, these have long been used as an anxiety-reducing tool by therapists to help people with autism or other sensory-based disorders. They have also been the subject of numerous occupational therapy-based health studies. The science behind weighted blankets is that their heaviness promotes deep-touch pressure. This action stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine in the body, which are the two neurotransmitters that tend to make people feel more relaxed. As a result, the body is sensorially calmed, which should ultimately result in a better ability to rest. Anxiety and sleep-related issues among the wider population has spurred on the retail rise of weighted blankets. Touted as a relaxation…

FRUIT HACK In your food section, you detailed getting the cherry pits out “prior to making something wonderful” (NI, Jan. 6). For me, just the process using a chopstick was an eye opener, with past experiences using knives, teaspoons and mostly my thumbnail to achieve the required result. Little mess (drops of juice on bench occasionally) occurred, so it was a refreshing experience as I use cherries frequently – if the fruit is in season. Thank you and whoever had the brain wave, MUCH appreciated! LESLEY TANA, AUCKLAND, NZ. BIRD BRAIN My 2-year-old grandson asked his mum late one afternoon if they could go to the shop to get a mango. My daughter thought it was an unusual request but as they were on holidays, it would be a nice…

PATRICK O’CONNOR (DEAN): THE LAST MOVIE I SAW WAS… The most recent Star Wars film. I’d been encouraged by my friends to go to a film by myself – and I loved it! It felt like a bit of an escape – and no-one was judging what food I ordered. I got a large popcorn, Maltesers, a choc top and a Coke – full sugar across the board! THE LAST BOOK I COULDN’T PUT DOWN WAS… The Tattooist of Auschwitz (by Heather Morris). THE LAST MEAL I ATE WAS… A chicken schnitzel – last night for dinner. It’s a massive favourite – a classic! THE LAST HOLIDAY I TOOK WAS… Up the North Coast to Port Stephens, just before we came back to Summer Bay (after the production break) with…

Tom Cruise has always been obsessed with finding a wife, and sources say that before he met Katie Holmes, he once had his eye on Kate Hudson. “It was an open secret in Hollywood that Tom was hunting for a high-profile girlfriend at the time Kate was throwing her wild parties,” an insider tells New Idea. “She was obviously someone he was crushing on heavily, but he also had the hots for a number of other fast-rising talents at various stages in the mid-2000s, including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba.” This comes after Kate revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that Tom once scaled a 2.5-metre fence to crash a party she was holding at her parents’ house. “He went out of his way to prove his worth…