Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 33, 2021 i New Idea

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only have the Games given my family something exciting to watch nightly in lockdown, but the Australian Olympic team have delivered sensational performances on all fronts. Our country’s greatest athletes, led by swimming golden girls Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon, have smashed the record books and done us proud. And even when they didn’t land on the podium, the efforts of track athletes Patrick Tiernan and Rohan Browning have made them instant heroes. If I have to be stuck at home, watching the Australian team smash it at the Olympics is a pretty incredible silver lining.…

Since bursting into our lives on Big Brother in 2003, radio star Chrissie Swan has remained open and honest about her health journey. Back in 2010, she credited Jenny Craig for helping her drop 50kg, and in 2015 she lost a further 15kg after competing on I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!. But nearly 10 years after starting her physical and mental transformation, Chrissie has wowed fans yet again with her svelte new figure! In photos obtained exclusively by New Idea, Chrissie, 47, was seen out in Melbourne recently, looking half her size. Hollywood nutritionist Stephanie Smith, who has not worked with Chrissie, tells New Idea it appears the star has shifted a further 15kg – which means she’s possibly lost an impressive 90kg in total! “It…

With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s four-book deal well underway, New Idea is told the stress and pressure it’s brought on Wills’ family has reached fever pitch. In an attempt to distract themselves from the barrage of publicity around the books, Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate, headed on their annual family holiday to the Isles of Scilly – however, the vacation quickly soured. “It wasn’t quite the idyllic vacation by the sea this year for Wills and Kate,” a source tells. “Instead, things were rather tense between them.” Meghan and Harry’s decision to announce their book deal just as the Cambridges arrived at the picturesque southwestern tip of Cornwall really put a dampener on things, continues the source. “When William is upset, Kate has a hard time…

Last week, the Duchess of Sussex celebrated her 40th birthday, but her big plans for a lavish party were dashed at the last minute. According to insiders, Meghan had spent weeks planning the soirée. However, everything was scrapped when she discovered there was a competing event – Barack Obama’s 60th birthday party. “Meghan’s sails were truly limp when she found out and she hastily cancelled her party plans to avoid humiliation,” said a source. “Meghan might have her followers, but she’s nowhere near the level of the Obamas.” What’s more, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, didn’t even score an invite to the former president’s bash! “She thought they were tight with Michelle and Barack, but the Obamas aren’t impressed at how they keep trying to humiliate the royal family,”…

Handsome builder Paul ‘Pauly’ Taouk became an online sensation in 2019 when he joined The Block. Now, he’s back with his expert skills and infectious smile. While he managed to make a name for himself, Pauly says returning this year was no walk in the park. “The Block isn’t like any other worksite you’ll ever go on. There is a buzz in the air and the pressure is intense – especially as a builder,” he says. “Every day demands intense labour for up to 13 hours of non-stop go. What you see on TV isn’t even half of the daily battles you encounter – it is a very stressful environment to work in, although it’s still an exciting place to be.” This year, Pauly is over the moon to be…

A mum who suffered the devastating loss of a stillborn daughter is on a mission to ensure that no-one else goes through the pain she endured. Sarah Bryant, 39, from Geelong, Vic, tells how she felt “unfathomable grief ” after giving birth to her stillborn daughter, Raya, six years ago. This Red Nose Day, Sarah is sharing her story in the hope that it raises awareness and helps parents-to-be recognise the signs that she missed. “Thousands of families experience loss every year, and it’s a heartbreaking and traumatic time for parents,” Sarah tells New Idea. “When Raya was stillborn, it was the hardest time of my life. It’s not something that I would want anyone to go through and charities like Red Nose are helping save little lives from getting…

It was a crime that shook the sleepy, picturesque community of West Cork in Ireland – and later, the entire world. Just a few days before Christmas in 1996, Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a 39-year-old French film producer, was found outside her remote holiday home bashed to death – most likely with a bloodstained concrete block that was found nearby. Sophie was in her pyjamas and her injuries were horrendous. Her death was immediately ruled as a homicide. The pretty rural area hadn’t seen a crime so severe in decades, and the police stumbled through the early investigations before ruling out Sophie’s husband, Daniel Toscan du Plantier – who was in France at the time of the murder. Sophie had travelled alone, so there was no obvious prime suspect until…

Coconut Yoghurt Mousse with Caramelised Pineapple Serves 6, Prep and Cook 30 mins 2 tsps powdered gelatine 270ml can coconut cream 1½ cups Greek yoghurt ¾ cup thickened cream, whipped 2 egg whites, at room temperature ¹/ ³ cup caster sugar CARAMELISED PINEAPPLE ½ large pineapple (650g), peeled, cored, cut into 1cm pieces ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 Sprinkle gelatine over 2 tblsps water in a small heatproof jug. Sit jug in a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until gelatine is dissolved. Remove. 2 Meanwhile, heat coconut cream in a›medium saucepan until hot. Don’t boil. Stir hot gelatine mixture into hot coconut cream. Transfer to a jug. Cool to room temperature, without allowing to set. 3 Place the yoghurt in a large bowl. Stir in gelatine mixture until…

French Onion Minestrone Soup Serves 4, Prep and Cook 35 mins 200g shortcut bacon rashers, chopped 400g can chopped tomatoes 40g sachet French onion soup mix 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 2cm pieces 1 large brushed potato (275g), peeled, cut into 1cm pieces 400g can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed 2 zucchini, trimmed, halved lengthways, cut into 1cm slices 120g baby spinach leaves Packaged croutons, to serve 1 Heat a lightly oiled large saucepan over a high heat. Add bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5›minutes, or until golden and crisp. 2 Add tomatoes, soup mix, carrots and potato. Cook, stirring, for 30›seconds. Add 1½ litres (6 cups) water. Bring to boil. Gently boil for 20 minutes, or until potato is tender. 3 Stir in beans and zucchini. Return to…

One hundred and twenty billion. That’s the number of beauty-related packages produced globally each year within the cosmetics industry. Between the plastic outer wrapping, cardboard packaging, tubes, pots, and add-ons like mini spoons and brushes, that’s a hell of a lot of waste. However, there are a number of brands turning their back on traditional and often unnecessary packaging, for a more naked and earth-friendly approach. Best of all, clean ingredients are also at the heart of their products. Here are just some of our current favourites… BIODE This lifestyle brand features high-performing products like natural deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body bars, exfoliators, and a hardworking, multipurpose balm. Its packaging is no BS, uses plant-based inks and is home compostable. You can literally plant the packaging in an indoor pot and…

Just like it takes longer to get up and going some mornings, it can take longer for your body to respond to your desire, too. “That’s excellent news, because it means you’ll have more time for foreplay, which means you can spend more time exploring each other’s bodies and creating a loving, sensual experience together,” Dr Morrissey explains. If that sounds like too much work, cuddling and talking can be just as effective at getting you in the mood.“Pillow talk can be a wonderful way to increase desire and improve intimacy for both partners,” she suggests.…

Rhonda Burchmore has had a hugely successful career spanning 40 years – but she has no plans to put those famous legs up anytime soon. In fact, the 61-year-old is now starring in her first-ever burlesque show, Cabaret De Paris. Here, Rhonda tells New Idea what fans can expect… Why did you make the pivot to burlesque after many years in musical theatre? I was asked to do this incredible burlesque show as I’ve always loved the glamour of the form and, quite frankly, I was up for a challenge to do something new. What will people love about Cabaret De Paris? The extraordinary glamour and the precision of the incredible dancers in the show, my exquisite costumes, the songs, and the magic and the whole experience – and my…

And just like that, it’s time for a mini-break! Sarah Jessica Parker has been hard at work filming the Sex and the City reboot in New York – she was spotted on set with Chris Noth for the first time last week – but the actress recently escaped the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for some R&R in The Hamptons with husband, Matthew Broderick, and their 12-year-old twins, Loretta and Tabitha. Those girls are growing up so fast!…

REBECCA GIBNEY After a year-long health and fitness kick in 2020, Rebecca Gibney is looking better than ever. The 56-year-old actress revealed that her journey had been a slow and steady process – with realistic expectations. “I’m a mum, I’m over 50 and things will never be what they were, and that’s OK,” Rebecca reflected of her experience. MIGUEL MAESTRE Miguel Maestre has lost an impressive 18kg – and he’s not done yet! The TV host has dedicated almost a year to shedding excess weight and bulking up. Miguel, 41, also revealed he’s been working out with former celeb trainer, Shannan Ponton, and eating a healthy diet. MESHEL LAURIE Meshel Laurie was almost unrecognisable in a recent picture showcasing her new, svelte figure. The 48-year-old has so far remained coy…

In a surprise video on her 40th birthday, Meghan announced her new ‘40x40’ initiative with the help of her pal, Melissa McCarthy. The duchess is calling on 40 of her friends to donate 40 minutes of their time to help mentor women getting back into the workforce, amid job losses from COVID-19. In a twist, Princess Eugenie has thrown her support behind “dear Meghan’s” campaign. Sources say it’s a clear sign that the royal has forgiven Meghan for overshadowing her 2018 wedding by announcing she was pregnant with Archie.…

Neighbours star Melissa Bell announced her engagement to Grant Thompson in 2020, just four years after the devastating death of her husband, Gary Dickinson. But no-one was more surprised by the relationship than Melissa herself. “I wasn’t looking for love,” she says. “So to meet Grant, that was really nice and it just felt right. We have a lot of things in common and we are similar in many ways. I wasn’t looking for it, but it’s a gift.” Inviting New Idea to join her as she tried on wedding gowns at Rosa & Mary’s Bridal Shop in Queensland, Melissa was every inch the blushing bride-to-be. But, the former E Street star admits planning her big day hasn’t been smooth sailing, with the global pandemic forcing her and Grant to…

More than a decade has passed since Rita Lynd found 9-year-old boxer dog, Hannah, howling by her deceased owner’s side. The retired canine behaviourist says that she will carry the scars of that heartbreaking moment to the grave. Rita had called in to check on her dear friend, John, and was shocked to find him dead with his brindle boxer by his side. “John had been dead for four days and Hannah was traumatised,” she tells New Idea. “Trying to get her away from John was heartbreaking. I took her home and sat up every night with her while she howled and howled – it’s a place I try not to go back to mentally.” As Rita struggled to sleep for weeks afterwards, she made a heartfelt promise to distraught…

Sticky Date and Chocolate Tart with Butterscotch Sauce Serves 8, Prep and Cook 1 hour 45 mins 125g cold unsalted butter, chopped 1½ cups plain flour ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg 2-4 tsps cold water Vanilla ice-cream, to serve FILLING 1½ cups (275g) pitted dates, chopped 100g unsalted butter, chopped ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 cup self-raising flour 1 egg, lightly beaten 150g dark cooking chocolate, chopped BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 300ml carton pure cream 100g unsalted butter, chopped 1 Lightly grease a deep fluted 23cm round loose-base flan tin. 2 Process butter, flour and sugar in a food processor to form fine crumbs. With motor operating, add egg and enough cold water to form a…

Just what you need to warm up this winter, our bumper collection of hearty soups, tasty pies and mouth-watering slow-cooked meals awaits you in the latest edition of New Idea’s Food magazine. For sweet lovers, we’ve included indulgent winter desserts sure to impress – from saucy puddings to comforting crumbles and luscious chocolate temptations. There’s also a step-by-step guide to arancini, plus delicious creations to try in your air fryer and yummy recipes for the kids to cook. Get your copy from selected newsagents and supermarkets, $9.99.…

No space in your home? No problem with the Urban Eden & Co Vertical Garden, which can either be fixed to the wall or stand alone on a mobile rack, with each garden set holding 24 plants. This self-watering stand does the hard work for you, so simply water the top planter and the excess will overfl ow down to the next. Each row has a water level indicator to let you know when your garden needs topping up to keep it thriving.…

LEO JUL 24 – AUG 23 Your touch is growing golden, Leo. With Mars and Mercury both stimulating your money zone, this could be a lucrative month. Those left-field ideas could work, and as your confidence climbs, you’ll have the gift of the gab. Adding to the action, passions are being stirred on the love front – concerts and dinner parties should set the scene for good times. LUCKY DAY: SUNDAY SCORPIO OCT 24 – NOV 22 As that idealistic side grows stronger, a local issue or heartfelt cause might prompt you to take action. For many Scorpions, new friendships are on the horizon, and singles, as your social circle expands, so might your love life. Thanks to the recent new moon, your wish power is unusually strong right now,…

KINDA CONFUSED My 3-year-old granddaughter, Londyn, started kindergarten. I asked her if she had made any friends. “Yes, a boy,” she replied. Her mum said, “There are only girls at your kinder. There are no boys.” Londyn replied, “Jess is a boy. He’s got short hair!” JULIE ZAMMIT, ROXBURGH PARK, VIC. LOVE IN LOCKDOWN As Sydneysiders enter their second COVID-19 lockdown, we are reminded to re-enforce social-distancing practices and limit social interaction. During this time, it is important to take extra care of our friends, family and neighbours. Reach out with a phone call or catch up for a walk and coffee, and check on each other’s wellbeing. You never know who might be struggling. MARINA ROSE, CLOVELLY, NSW. MERE MALE My MM friend said he pushed a sanitiser bottle…

Mena Suvari has opened up about her dark past of surviving sexual abuse and drug addiction. In her newly released memoir, The Great Peace, the American Beauty actress revealed she led a “double life” during her heyday of starring in cult hit movies like American Pie. In the book, 42-year-old Mena explains that she was a victim of repeated sexual abuse from the age of 12 and later turned to meth as a result. “I felt so compelled to tell my story,” Mena recently reflected on her decision to speak her truth. “I always had the passion, the intention, that if I could shave off a summer of suffering for anyone, I want to do that.”…

It’s hard to imagine a prouder athlete representing his country in the Tokyo Olympic Games 800m event than champion Peter Bol. He may have just missed out on a medal, but the nation has a new hero, with millions of fans cheering on a man whose name will forever be etched in sporting history. “To Australia, I’m thankful. We’re just human at the end of the day. Someone said, ‘Did you feel the pressure of the whole nation behind you?’ I said no, I feel strength,” Peter, 27, says after his brave performance. Escaping Sudan at age 4, Nagmeldin ‘Peter’ Bol and his family ran for their lives, fearing they’d be killed in the country’s bloody civil war. He never dreamt 23 years later he’d be running for his beloved…

National treasure, Samuel Johnson, is home and recovering after being involved in a harrowing car accident just over a month ago. The Molly actor was riding his bike in Melbourne when he was struck by a car, leaving him hospitalised. The 43-year-old confirmed the good news in a recent Facebook post, alongside a picture of himself hugging his relieved eldest sister, Hilde. In the snap, Sam can be seen wearing a neck brace, which he needs to wear for another four weeks. “Won’t bore you with all the medical stuff. Suffice to say, I’ve been surrounded by a gang of experts, including the occupational therapist, who says it’s OK for me to go back to work on ‘light duties’ today!” read part of Sam’s update.…

She might be all smiles while on vacation, but behind closed doors, Mary has no doubt been left reeling after Fred’s ex-girlfriend, Maria Montell, left a flirty message about him on Instagram. Commenting on a selfie a young man shared with the future monarch, Maria wrote: “He still looks like a king,” alongside a fire emoji. According to Danish reports, this means that he “looks really good”. Maria and Fred have reportedly remained friends since they split.…

Critics and viewers alike agree that the current season of The Bachelor is fizzling! Between fame-hungry contestants and a lacklustre suitor in Jimmy Nicholson, fans are switching off in droves. But insiders at Network Ten assure New Idea that all is not lost. While the harshest of criticisms seem to be about the “fatigued” format of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, our source says the network is set to blow next year’s seasons out of the water by handing over $5 million in talent fees to secure big names for suitors and contestants. “The casting teams are trying to lure in big stars to make sure audiences are engaged – the good news? Money is no object,” says the insider. “Celebrity-driven reality shows are the new normal and they bring…

During A Country Practice’s golden years, millions of Aussies would tune in every week to watch the love story between Molly (played by Anne Tenney) and Brendan Jones (played by Shane Withington) unfold. But devoted fans had no idea that, away from Wandin Valley, Anne and Shane had also fallen head over heels in love with each other, and were desperately trying to keep their real-life romance a secret. Even Emily Nicol, who played their on-screen daughter, Chloe, was oblivious about the relationship for years, despite the former child actor exclusively telling New Idea that Shane and Anne became like parents to her. “There was a close bond with both of my on-screen parents,” Emily reveals, 40 years since ACP’s first episode went to air on Channel 7. “Both Shane…

For Debbie Malone, communicating with the spirit world is all in a day’s work. As one of Australia’s leading psychic mediums and clairvoyants, she has assisted in more than 50 murder investigations and missing persons cases over nearly three decades. Debbie, a mum of three from Sutherland, NSW, says her gift allows her to receive visions from both the living and the dead. She then relays their messages to family members or those in need. “I was given this gift for a reason,” Debbie tells New Idea. “If it can help one person or try to solve one crime, it’s all worth it.” Debbie says her special talent for communicating and seeing spirits has been with her since childhood. Her mother put it down to having a good imagination, but…

Blueberry Ricotta Cheesecake Slice Serves 10, Prep and Cook 1 hour 1½ x 250g pkts Butternut Snap Cookie ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted 100g unsalted butter, melted FILLING 500g fresh ricotta ²/ ³ cup caster sugar 2 tsps vanilla extract 1 egg ²/ ³ cup thickened cream 2 tsps plain flour 125g punnet blueberries 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending 3cm above edges. 2 Process cookies and almonds in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press two-thirds firmly over base of pan. 3 To make filling, process ricotta, sugar, vanilla and egg in a clean food processor until smooth. Add cream and flour. Pulse to combine. Spoon over base. Gently press in blueberries. Sprinkle…

Q What’s the best way to cook chicken breast fillets so they taste juicy and tender? A To ensure chicken is tender every time you cook it, heat a lightly oiled non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add 2 chicken breast fillets (about 250g each) at a time. Cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a baking paper-lined oven tray. Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until juices run clear when pierced in the centre with a small sharp knife. Remove from oven and rest for a few minutes before serving.…

LOLLIPOP LADY The interaction with chirpy, energetic children along with the fresh air makes this job a great choice for retirees. Plus, it’s nice to work outside, especially if you’ve spent the past 35 years in an office. The appreciation from families can also bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing they’re grateful for your helpful presence. WHAT IT PAYS: Approx. $25 per hour BOOKKEEPER If you’ve got admin skills from a previous career, put them to good use by taking on clerical work. Skills and experience from your work history are valuable and often transferable. It will help you stand out and slip straight into a new role. A job like this also keeps your mind active while you earn extra money to put towards something nice.…

READER Q&A Q Will my daughter get into the school she wants to attend? ANN, GLEBE, NSW. AJupiter’s transit through your daughter’s social sector should bring new friends through 2022, so her chances look good. Just don’t let her become too tunnel-visioned about results – her perfectionist streak could create anxiety. Social sports or artistic pursuits, like drama and dancing, might provide a healthy balance. Q My partner and l are going through some tough times. Do you see us staying together? Will my dream of moving away for a fresh start happen or will l stay where I am? S. W., PERTH, WA. A Your chart shows quite a bit of anger swirling, so winter could shake things up. Underlying issues have been brewing for a few years, but…

MOVIE FREE GUY A regular bank teller (Ryan Reynolds) learns that he is actually a background character in a video game called Free City that is set to go offline. He attempts to make himself the hero and save the game before it gets shut down, but can he do it? OUT THURSDAY STREAM TWO WEEKS TO LIVE Kim’s (Maisie Williams) father died when she was a young girl and she was raised in isolation by her mother. Now, aged 21, she sets out on a mission to honour her dad and get revenge for his death. FROM WED. ON PARAMOUNT+ TV THE NEWSREADER Set in 1986, newsreader Helen Norville (Anna Torv) is determined to prove her worth in the industry, while her colleague (Sam Reid) is desperate to become…

Margot Robbie and Samara Weaving may look like twin sisters on the set of new movie Babylon, but the Australian actresses reportedly don’t want to hear a word about it! On-set sources from Brad Pitt’s new big-budget flick tell New Idea that both Margot and Samara loathe hearing about their uncanny likeness and are rolling their eyes whenever anyone brings it up. MARGOT “Brad started out teasing them about getting a DNA test the first time he saw them together,” the source revealed. “But the joke’s over now as it’s clear it was somewhat of a sore point for both of them. Even Brad has quit his jokes.” SAMARA As well as their physical similarities, Margot and Samara have had duplicate career trajectories. They both started on Aussie soaps (Margot…

With an upcoming film to promote and a jazz album on the table, it seems Lady Gaga is getting herself into shape – quick fast! Fresh off the set of the biopic, House of Gucci, Gaga has shocked fans by dropping the weight she put on to portray the film’s antagonist, Italian socialite Patrizia Reggiani, who arranged her ex-husband’s murder. Taking to Instagram, the singer showed off her toned body and covetable curves while enjoying LA’s summer heat. Fans didn’t hold back praise for the star – some even asked Gaga to “share the workout routine”. Meanwhile, the star could win another Oscar for her dramatic transformation. She is considered a shoo-in for a Best Actress nomination at next year’s Academy Awards.…

Tom Hanks is being driven round the bend by his old friend, Priscilla Presley, who’s been calling him day and night since filming began on Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama, Elvis, to get the inside scoop. “Tom knows it was a big deal for Priscilla to get behind this project, so it’s important that she’s happy, but he’s talking to her more than [wife Rita Wilson] these days,” tells a source. “Priscilla was great before filming started – she had dinner with him to go through things, but now it’s driving him batty!” Tom plays the late singer’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker.…