Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 19, 2021 i New Idea

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums and grandmothers out there! In this week’s issue we’re celebrating by sharing some real-life reads about incredible mums – head to page 26 to hear their stories. Meanwhile, if breakfast in bed or brunch is on your Mother’s Day agenda, don’t miss our special food section on page 40 for plenty of ideas and inspiration. My hot tip is to subtly place the magazine on the kitchen bench and leave it open on your favourite dish! We hope all mums and grandmothers have a wonderful day with their loved ones – and that you’re all spoilt rotten. (Because you definitely deserve it!)…

Former NRL star Alex McKinnon and his wife, Teigan, are now the proud parents of twin girls! The ex-Newcastle Knights player took to social media last week to share the happy news that he and Teigan had welcomed Audrey and Violet. The twins were born six minutes apart and are the younger sisters to the couple’s 2-year-old daughter Harriet. “It’s just so special and again I’m so thankful that Teigan and the girls are all doing so well,” Alex, 29, said of his wife of four years. “Teigan was her typical brilliant self – brave, strong and just amazing,” he added. The sports star had his playing career cut short in 2014 after he was involved in a tackle gone wrong that left him a quadriplegic. Although his playing days…

The Newtons are famously showbiz troopers, but a new health setback for the family could certainly test their resolve. Patti Newton recently posted a photo on her Instagram account during the DWTS finale, showing her leg in a cast. “14 years ago I was doing Dancing with the Stars, now I’m watching it with a broken ankle. Loving the show,” she captioned it. Celebrity friends were quick to rally round the star, with Georgie Parker writing, “Get better soon darling Patti,” and fellow dancing queen Rhonda Burchmore commenting, “Hope you’re OK beautiful – sending love.” Patti’s broken ankle comes after a trying year for the family, amid Bert’s health woes.…

Little Grace Irwin Powell is barely a month old, and already she’s become a model for Australia Zoo’s new line of babywear, set to star in an Animal Planet special, and is being dressed in khakis bearing the family brand. Now, it appears even the infant’s christening may turn into a marketing exercise to help promote Australia Zoo after a worrisome past fiscal year – and it seems 22-year-old new mum Bindi might be starting to baulk! New Idea understands Terri, 56, has high hopes to plan a huge ceremony at the zoo as part christening, part TV show, giving her the chance to debut her new granddaughter to as many celebrity friends and TV viewers as possible – but Bindi’s not buying it! “Bindi and Chandler were never able…

Living in Montecito has stopped Archie from connecting with his royal roots, but it doesn’t mean he has lost his status! LA-based insiders tell New Idea that floods of seven-figure offers arrive for the Sussexes every day, pleading with them to allow their son to star in films, television, advertising and even modelling campaigns. “Harry and Meghan don’t even entertain the thought just now. They’re focused on growing their own empire and waiting for their daughter’s birth to complete their family. “But one day soon, they’ll start considering commercial opportunities for Archie,” the insider reveals, insisting the tot will be swatting away “billion dollar” deals his whole life.…

Smiling from ear to ear, adorable Prince Louis provided some much-needed joy for his family as they celebrated his 3rd birthday recently. To mark the occasion, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a new photo of the tot looking very grown-up as he perched on his red bike the day before his April 23 birthday. The photo taken by his mum, Kate, showed the royal dressed in a navy jumper and blue shorts ahead of his first day at The Willcocks Nursery School in London. Louis’ sister, Princess Charlotte, also attended the same school before joining big brother Prince George at Thomas’s Battersea. His new classmates will no doubt be keeping Louis in high spirits; pupils at the private preschool enjoy cake with their classmates on their birthdays, according…

Did you know there are two main types of persimmons? Both have a sweet, slightly honey-flavoured flesh, but they have very different textures. The Hachiya (left in picture) has a round shape with soft and juicy flesh, and a texture that is similar to a ripe stone fruit. Eat the fruit as it is, scoop out the flesh and add it to your morning smoothie, or spoon it over yoghurt or ice-cream. The other is the Fuyu persimmon. It is squatter in shape, more like a tomato, and is crisp and crunchy, which makes it great for slicing into a fruit salad or green salad, or adding to couscous or a curry.…

MAKE A PLAYLIST What songs are guaranteed to get mum on the dance floor? Make note of her favourite artists and curate a playlist for Mother’s Day. Sure, the songs might not be to your taste, but it will be worth it to see mum’s face light up, and it will let her know how much you appreciate her. TAKE A CLASS TOGETHER Trying a new experience together might be the best gift you can give. It could be a flower arranging class, pottery, maybe a yoga class – you can even do it in the comfort of home with online classes. You’ll both learn a new skill and make memories. A BACK-TO-BACK MOVIE MARATHON What could be better than spending quality time with mum watching her fave movies together?…

All kids are different, and some don’t naturally gravitate towards sports. However, exercise is an important part of life, and for children, sport is about more than just fitness, with many teaching kids the value of being part of a team. Here are three different activities for your little one to try. 1 CHEERLEADING “Cheerleading is great for kids as it offers such a variety of skills within the sport,” says program director of Perth’s TNT All Stars, Ellie Spowart. “Not only do kids get to learn important teamwork skills, they get to mix a range of tumbling, stunting, jumping, dance and performance together to create routines. It keeps things ever-changing and fun while also being challenging.” 2 OBSTACLE COURSE “Ninja-style obstacle courses are a great physical and mental workout,”…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Craving peace and quiet? Even Rams need the occasional recharge, so stop pushing and start relaxing. Home-related projects should appeal, along with nature walks and chilled-out weekends away. If you’re on the hunt for furnishings, why not scour a few markets or antique stores? Your inner bargain hunter is primed for action. LUCKY DAYS: THURSDAY AND SUNDAY TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 You might be working hard this year, but you’re likely to play hard too – especially through autumn. With Jupiter spurring you on, knowing when to rest on your laurels might be a challenge. On the upside, Mercury could increase your curiosity and your knack for making money. Why not cull your wardrobe and sell a few pieces that are collecting…

MAID-UP NAME My neighbour and I had a laugh when we were listening to her son on the phone. He had to answer some questions to help prove his identity and was asked for his mum’s maiden name. With a confused look on his face, he replied: “My mum doesn’t have a maid.” MICHELLE WURFEL, HILLCREST, SA. HAPPY FAMILIES Bravo to Drew Barrymore after forgiving her mother for some tough love decades ago. Love how both women have admitted that they made mistakes and now have the forgiveness to embrace the mother/daughter relationship. So often in families, members don’t reconcile. Usually, when one person holds out the hand of forgiveness, the other won’t grab on to it. But families are always stronger when everyone is being supportive. The Barrymores obviously…

From helping families create welcoming homes in Better Homes and Gardens to portraying the strict family matriarch in A Place to Call Home, Noni Hazlehurst has a long list of TV and film credits to her name. But the 67-year-old actress reveals that when it comes to choosing a project, she isn’t afraid to be picky. “I’ve turned down more than I’ve accepted throughout my career,” she tells New Idea. “I’ve always thought, ‘Would I watch this, and if I wouldn’t, why would I expect anyone else to?’ The stories that I want to do are ones that connect us as human beings and allow us to reflect on our choices and our behaviours.” And Noni has found just that with her latest film project June Again, which tells the…

This season of Big Brother has certainly started off with a bang. But fans of the show are in for an even bigger treat, as Channel Seven confirmed that they are bringing a celebrity edition of the reality series, titled Big Brother VIP. Names such as Lincoln Younes, Matt Shirvington and Charli Robinson are already being thrown around as potential housemates. Now host Sonia Kruger has  revealed to New Idea who her dream line-up for the house would be. “What about a Hemsworth? I’d take a Chris, I’d take a Liam, I’d take a Luke or their mum or dad,” Sonia tells New Idea. “I would like to see a real mix on the show, including acting royalty, sporting royalty, and a couple of politicians can always make things quite…

Controversial actress Roseanne Barr has stunned her social media followers by posting a picture of her incredible body transformation! The comedian flaunted her newly svelte frame in a figure-hugging dress alongside the caption: “Feeling good, looking better.” A source close to the star tells New Idea that a complete diet overhaul is to thank for her new trim physique. “She’s totally changed the way she eats,” the source reveals. “She’s growing her own fruits and vegetables and has a whole new appreciation of food.” Roseanne’s weight has famously yo-yo’d over several decades. Back in 1998, the TV star lost over 45kg after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, only to pile it back on eight years later. Roseanne slimmed down again in 2014, at that time revealing she’d committed to “moving more…

Flower power Never one to put a foot wrong in the style stakes, Margot Robbie dazzled in a silver floral Chanel Haute Couture gown. All that glitters is gold... She might have missed out on the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Promising Young Woman, but Carey Mulligan was certainly a red carpet winner in a gold sequin Valentino Haute Couture skirt and crop top. The long and short of it Halle Berry stunned in a purple Dolce & Gabbana gown, but it was her short bob that really turned heads.…

David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are among Australia’s biggest cricket stars currently stuck in India while competing in the Indian Premiere League. Amid the country’s escalating COVID-19 crisis, Australia is one of numerous nations to shut its borders to India, leaving the cricketers and thousands of other Australians stranded abroad. It’s been a particularly stressful time for David’s wife, Candice, who is now looking after their three children solo. Meanwhile, batsman Chris Lynn wants Cricket Australia to facilitate a charter flight home. Many took to social media to slam the plea, insisting cricket players shouldn’t be given preferential treatment.…

With stress mounting on Prince Frederik and his wife Princess Mary, who are taking on more royal duties as their reign nears, there are fresh fears for the heir to the Danish throne as he struggles with the pressures of becoming King. Despite Fred being well-trained for what’s to come once he succeeds his mother, Queen Margrethe, 81, New Idea understands that behind palace doors the prince has been taking more and more time out, sometimes disappearing for two days at a time! Insiders says Frederik, 52, uses his time away from the palace and his family to “think and contemplate the future of the monarchy and his role as ruler” – but now there are growing concerns that his approach may cause strife in his longstanding marriage. The time…

A biopic about the late Steve Irwin is doing the rounds in Hollywood, and sources say Terri and Bindi are “involved every step of the way”. “Steve’s international appeal, particularly to Americans, can’t be ignored, and this isn’t the first time a project like this has been presented to them,” explains an insider. “This time, however, any script that can be filmed Down Under is automatically top of the pile – and bosses want a marquee star like Chris Hemsworth!” According to the insider, Terri and Bindi are both pushing for Aussie actors for the film, and the hunky Thor star is at the top of their wish list! The source reveals the pair will face some resistance from Steve’s dad, Bob Irwin Sr, who is estranged from the family,…

If the royal family thought Prince Harry and William had reached an uneasy truce, the latest development in the Sussexes’ war with the royal family looks to have shattered peace talks! It was revealed last week that Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, the authors of Finding Freedom – the book Meghan admitted in court to helping with, despite insisting she hadn’t – are adding “fresh chapters” and re-releasing the tome in August. It’s believed to include Meghan and Harry’s side of the story of Prince Philip’s funeral, losing their titles, and their decision to tell all to Oprah Winfrey. Palace insiders tell New Idea that Her Majesty and Prince William are “distraught” by the news and in shock over the poor timing.…

“FOR THE FIRST TIME, I’M COMFORTABLE AND CONTENT” In a series of candid admissions, Ajay Rochester tells New Idea that she always expected she would be supporting her son Kai well into adulthood. “I’ve been paying his bills for years and keeping him in a house, and frankly, I expected to be doing that for some time,” the former Biggest Loser host says. “Raising a child with Asperger’s [syndrome], you learn to have different benchmarks to other kids – you really can’t compare milestones,” she explains. But, after a day on set with New Idea, a task Kai originally dreaded, Ajay reveals her only child admitted for the first time that he’s proud of himself! “I can’t tell you what it means to hear him say that,” she says, grinning…

Sonia, who welcomed her daughter Maggie in 2015, has long been a firm fixture on television. And while Maggie, 6, has grown up seeing her mum grace the small screen over the years, Sonia, 55, tells New Idea that her daughter is beginning to understand that it’s work. “I think she is only just starting to realise what I do for a living, even though she has grown up seeing it,” says Sonia. “Maggie came to Dancing With The Stars one night and so far that has been her favourite thing of all time. For a 6-year-old, anything that involves music, sequins and dancing is a winner.” Sonia also says that she has no qualms about her mini-me daughter following in the footsteps of her and husband Craig and picking…

Malaysian Curried Noodles Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 25 mins 350g pkt fresh chow mein noodles 1tblsp vegetable oil 4 eggs, lightly beaten 3 cloves garlic, chopped 3 tsps mild curry powder 2 tomatoes, cut into 2cm wedges 2 tblsps kecap manis 1 tblsp soy sauce 1 tblsp tomato sauce 1 bunch bok choy, trimmed, thinly sliced (450g) 4 green spring onions, thickly sliced diagonally 2 cups bean sprouts (150g), plus extra to serve Sliced Lebanese cucumber, to serve 1 Prepare noodles according to packet directions. Drain. 2 Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large wok over a high heat. Add eggs. Swirl to form a thin omelette. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until set. Slide onto a plate. Roll up and cut into thick slices.…

There’s no denying that having long, flowing hair opens up a world of opportunity as far as hairstyles go, but trying to get length and then keep it is often a challenge for a multitude of reasons. To get to the bottom of why your attempts to lengthen your locks just aren’t working, we consulted the experts and rounded up the top-five reasons your hair isn’t growing, and what you need to do to fix it. 1 YOU HAVE A DEFICIENCY When it comes to growing long, lustrous hair, maintaining good nutrition is imperative. Clinical nutritionist and creator of JSHealth Vitamins, Jessica Sepel, suggests ensuring that you are meeting your optimal requirements for iodine, zinc, B vitamins, omega-3s and iron – with regular blood tests to check your levels, and…

SIMPLE BALANCED NUTRITION Lean Cuisine’s talented chefs and nutritionists have taken the guesswork out of healthy eating and designed a range of tasty, calorie-controlled ready-to-eat meals, made with vegies, grains and high-quality proteins. Now available in all major supermarket freezer aisles. leancuisine.com.au GOODBYE TO SKIN TAGS Freeze off your skin tags while protecting healthy skin with Medi Freeze Skin Tag Remover – a product developed to remove unsightly and irritating skin tags. Available at pharmacies, $29.95 pharmacare.com.au/medi/skin-tags WARM UP A COLD WINTER NIGHT The cutest and cosiest way to curl up with a cuppa this winter. The Polar Bear Snuggler is a 150x170cm blanket that zips up into a cuddly gown that keeps you warm & your hands free. Polar Bear Snuggler, $39.95, brightlife.com.au SHAMPOO WITH A PURPOSE One bar…

“Teenagers are definitely more challenging. Take it from me, I have one, Eve. From my own personal experience I’ve found that you definitely want to push less, because the more you push, the more they tend to want to push back. What we have found works well is just encouraging them to try, embracing the social aspect of sport and getting them to do things that their closest friends do. Then, make sure you facilitate it no matter how big the commitment. For us, Eve has just finished her first season of rowing and I’m not sure who’s more exhausted – Snez, me or Eve. But we are so proud of her.”…

1 Consider any life cycle changes that adjusted the friendship dynamic, such as a new partner, baby, job or moving away. 2 Be self-aware, admit your wrongs and seek forgiveness. You might even need to forgive yourself! 3 Be brave and talk things through. There should be equal ‘air-time’ as you both listen attentively to each other. 4 Remember: every adversity is an opportunity for change and growth. 5 Enjoy peace! If you reach out and get little or no response, you’ve done the best you can and won’t have regrets.…

READER Q&A Q Can you see a redundancy being offered to me sometime this year? JOY, ADELAIDE, SA. A Your work sector looks unsettled for the entire winter, so changes are certainly on the cards. An influx of cash looks likely in early October, so this could be a payout. By November, your chart has a much lighter feel, so things should work in your favour. Q I can’t decide whether I should move in with my boyfriend (he owns his own home unit). Most of my friends think I should, and he wants me to move in, too. I’m not sure. What do my stars say? NADIA, BRISBANE, QLD. A Astrology can be a useful tool, but your hesitation speaks volumes! Listening to your subconscious is the most important…

Growing up watching her dad, Bruce Dern, work with Hollywood icon Alfred Hitchcock and mum, Diane Ladd, shoot with Martin Scorsese, it was only natural that Laura Dern would feel “most comfortable on a movie set”. But from her first big break in 1980’s Foxes to her Oscar-winning role in 2019’s Marriage Story, there’s one thing that’s never failed to keep her there. “I’ve always gravitated towards playing women who don’t know they’re entitled to a voice, let alone how to find it,” reveals the actress, 54. “The ones who intrigue me most are those people who didn’t know they’re entitled to self-awareness. I wish that for all women.” 1 “I remember it being very scary and overwhelming,” said Laura of attending the 1975 Academy Awards with her mum, Diane…

The Osbourne family have been rocked by a spate of recent dramas, and New Idea’s sources confirm that they’re “a family in crisis”. “It’s been a rough ride lately for all of them,” an insider close to the clan reveals. The latest development comes after Kelly Osbourne made a shock confession following almost four years of sobriety. The former Fashion Police host took to Instagram to admit she’d “relapsed” and that she was “not proud of it … But I’m back on track”, she added. “I’ve learnt it truly is just one day at a time.” Kelly’s revelation couldn’t have come at a worse time for the family, following her mum Sharon’s dramatic axing from daytime show The Talk. The TV personality came under intense media scrutiny and was ultimately…

Bette Midler has cleaned up in the real estate stakes after selling her lavish New York apartment for an eye-watering $64 million! The music legend’s three-storey, six-bedroom Fifth Avenue penthouse apartment has been her main residence since the mid-90s. “It’s time for another family to enjoy it,” Bette revealed once the sale was confirmed. And the Beaches star has made a mighty profit, with reports revealing the property was bought back in 1996 for $4.5 million. The impressive abode, which Bette owned with her performance artist husband, Martin von Haselberg, has been substantially remodelled from its original state, including a two-year renovation designed by architect Frederick Fisher. The top floor is home to the library, which is the stand-out room of the house, featuring floor-to-ceiling bookcases and oversized windows with…

While the Oscars were panned for being boring this year, we’re told backstage was anything but for two of our favourite A-listers. Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon were said to be looking “very much in cahoots” after both presented awards, with an insider saying that they were “deep in conversation about teaming up on a show”. “It would make perfect sense. Her producing career is red-hot right now, and he’s untouchable at the box office. Together, they’d make an amazing on-screen team,” dishes the source. “Brad has been hunting for the perfect gritty HBO-style drama, much like Reese’s work on Big Little Lies, or Nicole Kidman’s The Undoing.” The insider adds they’re not sure how Reese’s husband, Jim Toth, would feel about the potential of long hours on set together,…

If ascending the throne wasn’t enough pressure for Prince Frederik and Princess Mary, Danish royal insiders tell New Idea that the couple are at “loggerheads” with Queen Margrethe over the future of their eldest son, Prince Christian. Queen Margrethe is said to be hell-bent on making sure her 15-year-old grandson marries a foreigner – a practise in line with the Danish royal family’s longstanding tradition. However, Frederik and Mary share a different view. “His parents will be happy for him to fall in love and marry whoever he likes,” shares a well-placed source. “They really aren’t ones to meddle.” With Christian set to start attending Herlufsholm boarding school in coming weeks, Queen Margrethe hopes to ensure the palace’s traditions are kept, and is doubling down on protocol. “The Danish kingdom…

When Prince Harry anxiously rushed home two days after Prince Philip’s funeral, even skipping the Queen’s milestone 95th birthday, palace insiders suspected reports were true that his heavily pregnant wife was due much sooner than the June estimate. Now New Idea can reveal that the couple’s tight-knit community of Montecito, which they moved to around a year ago, is abuzz with chatter that a black SUV carrying a woman who looked just like Meghan was seen speeding into the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital late last week! “Word around town is that she wants a home birth, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need a backup, just in case,” explains the Montecito-based source. “The Cottage is the best hospital in town and is very much used to working with the rich…

Ten years have passed since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said ‘I do’ at their fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey – and they have never been more in love. To mark the special occasion, the couple released two stunning new portraits taken by esteemed British photographer Chris Floyd. Perched on a tree branch in the garden at Kensington Palace, it’s clear that a dashing Prince William only has eyes for his wife Kate, who looked beautiful in a blue floral dress by fashion label Ghost. In a touching nod to the early days of their romance, the couple cuddled up to recreate their famous engagement portrait taken by Mario Testino. It comes after the pair put on a loved-up display as they undertook one of their first public engagements…

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and if the faces of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough are anything to go by in these exclusive new photos, the pressure of moving out of their rented family home has become all too much! The pair were recently snapped looking tense as they greeted several moving trucks and packed up their Castlecrag home in Sydney. Onlookers who spoke to Karl reveal the big move took a total of two days as the couple were forced to uproot their family home, rushing to vacate after it was sold to an investor. Sources close to the Today presenter tell New Idea that mother-of-one Jasmine has grown increasingly “fed up” with the couple’s ongoing struggle to find a permanent home – putting mounting…

“POLICE HAVE STATED THEY CANNOT RULE MILAT IN NOR OUT” A retired detective has discovered an unlikely connection between him and Australia’s most notorious backpacker serial killer, Ivan Milat. Detective sergeant Hugh Hughes, a former UK cop from Borth, Wales, says he has found evidence his wife’s pregnant cousin was the Backpacker Murderer’s very first victim more than 50 years ago. Keren Rowland disappeared, aged 20, on February 27, 1971, while living in Canberra, ACT and her body was found three months later in a nearby pine forest. Her family have pushed police about the investigation for the past half a century, but they say no answers have been forthcoming. Hugh, who is married to Keren’s Australian cousin Andrea, has been examining the case and working with Keren’s brother, Steve,…

Raspberry Swirl White Chocolate Scones Makes 12, Prep and Cook: 35 mins 3 cups self-raising flour ½ cup White Choc Bits 2 tsps finely grated lemon rind 1 cup lemonade 200ml pure cream, plus extra 1 tblsp for brushing RASPBERRY SWIRL CREAM ¾ cup frozen raspberries, thawed 2 tblsps icing sugar mixture, plus extra to decorate 300ml tub thickened cream 1 Lightly grease a 20cm x 30cm lamington pan. 2 Sift flour into a large bowl. Stir in Choc Bits and rind. Make a well in the centre. Add lemonade and cream. Using a flat-bladed knife, stir until mixture just comes together to form a soft, sticky dough. 3 Turn out dough onto a clean bench lightly dusted with flour. Gently knead until smooth. (Don’t over-knead.) With lightly floured hands,…

While you may focus on giving back to mum this year, make sure you indulge in the other incredible mama in your life, too – you. There’s a guaranteed mood boost in allowing yourself ‘me time’ every day. Furthermore, taking time out will lower stress levels, help you become more productive and have more energy. Here are some things to try… WRITE A LIST Get out a piece of paper and pen, and write a list of what makes you happy. Place it on your fridge or next to your computer. It could be dancing, a coastal walk with the kids or going to the movies. Having trouble thinking up what makes you happy? Think back to your childhood or early adulthood and recall what you used to love, what…

Stuck for living space? Your loft could be the answer. While these overflow areas in your roof are usually just reserved for storage, Rebeka Morgan, co-author of BuildHer, explains how to convert them into the extra room your family needs. GET BRAINSTORMING With the right space and a little creativity, you could create a teenage retreat complete with study area and bathroom, or perhaps a playroom leading from a kid’s bedroom. Think about what space would create the biggest impact on your lifestyle. NOT ALL LOFT SPACES ARE CREATED EQUAL To build out a good loft space you will need two things: access and space when you are up there. If you are unable to access it easily or to create a staircase, it may be difficult to use conveniently.…

Plants don’t just make your home look pretty – numerous studies show they can also be good for your health! Along with removing toxins from the air, they also encourage mindfulness as you carry out tasks, such as pruning and watering. There are some studies that suggest just looking at greenery can lift your mood and sharpen your concentration. Dominic Hooghuis and Duncan Hilder, founders of The Plant Runner (theplantrunner.com) share their best leafy picks. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVE AIR PURIFIERS? Our number-one plant would have to be the snake plant. Its air-purifying abilities are well documented, and it is one of the few plants that converts carbon dioxide to oxygen at night – so they’re great to keep by the bed. If you’re looking for something a little less…

Stressful times bring out the best and worst in us, so if there were already cracks in your friendship, neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel says the past year may have made things worse. “For instance, if your ‘bestie’ spoke poorly to you before COVID, further stresses may make her even more likely to speak to you rudely now,” she explains. This can be overt, subtle or a mixture of both. But how do you distinguish a toxic friend from a well-meaning pal with foot-in-mouth syndrome? “Pay attention to the intention behind the behaviour,” says Hannah. “Your gut has a pretty good radar for what was intentionally malicious and what was just an honest mistake from a friend that loves you. If you feel worse before, during or after an interaction with…

Did you know that children sleep more soundly when their bed is near a corner? Adults may feel hemmed in, but for kids, a corner position generally feels cosy and protected. In feng shui, another no-no is having your feet facing the door (this applies to young and old). Kids who sleep in this position tend to be up and down like yo-yos. If a child’s bed can’t be moved into a corner due to a window or built-in wardrobe, try placing a bookcase at the end of the bed to create a visual barrier – one that’s slightly higher than the bed would be ideal. Not only will you create a little cocoon for your child, you’ll add extra storage.…

Before her daughter Martha appeared on Married at First Sight, going on a reality series never entered Mary Kalifatidis’ wildest dreams. “I always thought I would be too nervous,” she tells New Idea. “It’s a world I never anticipated being a part of … It took a while for me to really feel comfortable with doing Big Brother.” But with plenty of encouragement from Martha and her other daughter, Sophie, the mother of three finally decided to give it a go. “When I found out they wanted me to be a housemate, I actually did not want to do it, because my life was so simple,” she says. “But both my girls encouraged me and told me that it’s finally something ‘you can do just for you’,” she explains. And…

Dolly to the rescue! The superstar is said to be planning an all-star intervention for her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. Speaking to New Idea, a Tinseltown insider reveals that the ‘Wrecking Ball’ singer’s recent hard-partying antics have set off alarm bells among Miley’s inner circle, including her country star godmother. Concern was first sparked following recent reports that Miley was seen partying at Hollywood hotspots, despite declaring her sobriety in November 2020. According to the source, Dolly has always “fussed over Miley” and now fears that the former Disney star’s life is spiralling out of control. “She’s worried Miley is going to throw away her career and her life,” the source adds. What’s more, Dolly is said to be contemplating an intervention with her fellow country music icons and lifelong friends…

Victoria Beckham may have vetoed a Spice Girls reunion tour – but insiders reveal she’s spearheading a far more lucrative reunion venture that fans will adore! A source tells New Idea that Posh is in talks to bring to life a “Spice Girls-themed casino-style club” to Miami, Florida. According to the source, the Beckhams believe Miami is the next hotspot for clubs and casinos – and they see huge potential in a Spice Girls-themed operation. “She and the girls nearly did something [similar] in London many years ago, but Florida is exploding right now, and opening a club with an existing pop-based brand behind it can only make everyone a lot of money,” reveals the insider. The party city is also home to Inter Miami CF soccer club, which David…

Embattled TV star Ellen DeGeneres has faced backlash after confessing she was potentially driving under the influence when she recently rushed her wife, Portia de Rossi, to hospital for emergency appendix surgery. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, the TV host admitted she’d consumed multiple “weed drinks” the night of Portia’s health episode. “I drank one and I didn’t feel anything, so I drank three. Then I took two melatonin sleep pills,” she explained. Ellen then recalled waking up to find Portia writhing on the floor, unwell. “So I rushed her to the emergency room,” she added. At this point, Jimmy questioned whether the comedian was in a fit state to drive, to which she replied, “I had to rush her there. So, it’s probably not safe. I shouldn’t be…