Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 50, 2022 i New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Who caught our eye this week A lot of her work involves meeting businesspeople and shaking hands with dignitaries. So Sophie, Countess of Wessex, must have welcomed the opportunity to do something a little different when she got to visit London Zoo last week. A day after sporting a tiara, diamonds and a ball gown at a state banquet for the president of South Africa, Sophie donned more comfortable clothing to open the new Monkey Valley exhibit at the famed zoo. Accompanied by children who receive medical support for a variety of conditions, Sophie, 57, delivered Christmas treats, including kῡmara snacks, to ring-tail lemurs, sloths, colobus monkeys and golden lion tamarins. She also visited the recently restored Snowdon Aviary, designed by the late Earl of Snowdon, husband of the Queen’s…

When actress Blythe Danner lost her director husband Bruce Paltrow to oral cancer 20 years ago, she never dreamed that one day she would have to face the same disease that killed him. But in 2018, that’s exactly what happened. The Meet the Parents star, 79, recently revealed she feels “lucky to be alive” after a long battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that commonly forms in the salivary glands. “Everyone is touched by cancer in some way, but it’s unusual for a couple to have the same cancer,” Blythe shares. The star – mother to Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow, 50, and director Jake Paltrow, 47 – says she was working in London four years ago when, “I started feeling very woozy and I was forgetting…

Celeb news It’s been 32 years since Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In that time, he has battled everything from depression to memory problems – but he says this past year has been his worst yet. “I broke my cheek, then my hand,” the Back to the Future star shared recently about a series of falls that have blighted his life. “Then my shoulder… I had a replacement shoulder put in and broke my right arm, then? I broke my elbow. “I was never really a cranky guy, but I got very cranky and short with people. I try to nip it in the bud. I always think of these aides who work with me. And I often say to them, ‘Whatever I say, just imagine I…

Green bean salad SERVES 8 PREP + COOK TIME 20 MINS 800g green beans1 small red onion, sliced thinly1 trimmed stalk celery, sliced thinly on the diagonal½ cup (70g) hazelnuts, roasted, skins removed¹/³ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves FRENCH DRESSING ¹/³ cup (80ml) red wine vinegar2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon honey²/³ cup (160ml) extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon hazelnut oil 1 To make French dressing, add vinegar, mustard and honey to a medium bowl. Gradually add olive oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking continuously until thickened. Whisk in hazelnut oil. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2 Blanch beans in a saucepan of boiling water; drain. Rinse under cold water, then plunge into a bowl of iced water; drain. Halve some of the beans lengthways. 3…

What kind of nana buys her grandchild a kazoo? You’re looking at her. By all means, bear this in mind as I offer my hot tips on how to do Christmas gifts. To be fair, I was in something of a dissociative state when the kazoo ended up on the shop counter. I had taken both grandchildren – one four years old, the other a day off nine – to their local mall to choose a book each as a present. My big girl turns into Judge Judy when she’s shopping – fast, decisive, unswayable. She picks a thing, bangs her gavel and it’s done. But my small boy is like a puppy in a forest full of squirrels, distracted every 30 seconds by the next thing over there. Choices…

I don’t have a favourite Christmas memory. Mine are all pretty good, especially those involving my grandmother’s Christmas puddings. Though it does seem a pity that the older you grow, the less exciting your Christmas presents seem to get. But really, adults shouldn’t even get gifts. Save them for the kids, I say. We’re having a limited selection of family gathered around us for Christmas, though when I say “limited”, I mean just three kids, their partners and only five of the grandchildren. So, a small mob. The rest of the crowd arrives from various parts of Australia about a week after that, boosting my kid count to six and the grandkid number to 13, with no additions on the horizon at this stage, I’m slightly pleased to say. It’s…

This week, we continue our Christmas celebrations! The team was lucky enough to visit Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Queen Street’s Smith & Caughey’s the day before it opened to the public, so we could glam up our stars and chat with them about the festive season. It was the first time I’d been there and it was like stepping into another world of magic. With fairy lights, trees and rooms that were a trip down memory lane, it was incredibly special and we all felt so grateful for the experience. As you’ll read from page six, 2022 has been very different for each of our cover stars – gorgeous Melissa Stokes has had one of her best years yet, while Jack Tame can’t wait to say goodbye to the year…

Royal news She was stoic and steadfast right until the end. But now a source close to the royal family says in the last months of her life, the Queen was secretly battling a particularly painful form of cancer. Author Gyles Brandreth, who was a good friend of Prince Philip, claims in a new biography that the Queen had myeloma, a form of bone-marrow cancer. He says the disease would explain her tiredness and weight loss, and those “mobility issues” the palace said she was suffering from in the last year or so of her life. “The most common symptom of myeloma is bone pain, especially in the pelvis and lower back, and multiple myeloma is a disease that often affects the elderly.” Her cause of death was officially given…

Local talent As a radio host, Robert Scott has always understood the power of a good story. But with his latest project, The Breeze star is gathering his most important tales yet as he works with his father John to record his life story to keep for generations to come. “People get to a certain age and they pass away, and there’s a lot of family history that you never learn about,” tells Robert. “My dad has always been a good chatterer, so I thought I’d record him.” For the past few years, Robert has slowly been building a collection of recordings of John telling stories from across his life. “Whenever I get the recorder out, he’ll say, ‘Oh, no, not again,’ but he’ll quickly be back telling me stories,”…

2-in-1 basic fruit mix THIS MIXTURE MAKES 1 CAKE AND 1 PUDDING PREP + COOK TIME 20 MINS 1kg (6 cups) sultanas300g (2 cups) currants375g (2 ½cups) raisins, chopped600g (3 ½cups) pitted dried prunes, chopped finely200g glacé red cherries250g (1 cup) glacé fruit (such as orange, pineapple, apricot, peach), chopped¾ cup (250g) apricot jam1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind2 tablespoons ground cinnamon2 tablespoons ground ginger1 cup (250ml) Campari1 cup (250ml) gin½ cup (125ml) Grand Marnier, Cointreau or vermouth½ cup (125ml) fresh orange juice 1 Combine fruit, jam, orange rind and spices in a large bowl. Add alcohol and juice, stirring to combine. 2 Cover; stand mixture at room temperature for three to seven days, or longer if you like, stirring occasionally. Or for a quick shortcut, plump the fruit in…

Matching set Coordinates are on-trend, and this linen-viscose blend skirt and blouse in a pansy print is just so pretty. The skirt is high-waisted and the crossback blouse can also be worn tied at the front. Style these pieces together or separately, making sure you match your pieces with a colour from the print for a cohesive look. Top $229 and skirt $229 both from Ruby Tailored blazer Every woman should have a linen blazer in her wardrobe and here’s a fabulous budget-conscious option. This tailored one-button style is made from a linen-viscose blend and is so versatile in a mid-pink hue. Wear over a sundress, or styled with white jeans or tailored shorts for a sophisticated, classic ensemble. $59 The Warehouse Terrific tank A linen tank is essential during…

The weather is warmer, ornaments are splashed across every storefront and Michael Bublé has begun his annual takeover of the airwaves. But for many of us, Christmas can be a stressful time and money is tight, so it’s no surprise if you’re approaching the holidays feeling emotionally threadbare. Here are a few ways to find a little merriment this festive season. Hands-on gift giving Spending an hour or two creating handmade cards can not only result in a wonderful gift, but it’s an activity that can be therapeutic too. “It’s such a small thing, but it’s incredibly meaningful to the other person,” says clinical psychologist Professor Jill Newby. The mental-health benefits of art therapy are well documented and as a bonus, making your gifts helps to alleviate the financial pressures…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Belfast director Sir Kenneth Branagh has said he couldn’t imagine anyone but Dame Judi Dench playing his mum in his biopic, and as well as their shared love of William Shakespeare, their bond is deepened by celebrating birthdays one day after the other. Dame Judi turns 88 on December 9, while Sir Ken will be 62 on the 10th. Not Bard! SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 22 Career is an important part of your life to consider this week. You need to be satisfied you are progressing and moving forward. There is a part of you that feels you could do more, be more and achieve more. This is the best time to start exploring what is out there for you: review your CV, rethink your career goals…

And that’s a wrap for the year when it comes to public speaking. It was a busy old November. Between the last week of October and the first week of December, I had 11 MCing roles or after-dinner speeches, in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Cambridge. It’s so good to be back. During the long lockdown years, public gatherings were banned, so all conferences, awards evenings and fundraising events were cancelled. My sequinned dresses gathered dust in the wardrobe and my feet took a break from the high heels. There were one or two engagements at the beginning of the year, but November seems to have been when conference organisers regained their confidence because the bookings came thick and fast. I just love being a part of the celebrations. You don’t…

As she reflects on the year that was, for the first time in a long time Melissa Stokes can confidently say this was one of her best years yet. “We all couldn’t wait to say goodbye to 2020 and 2021, but this year, I’m not wishing it away,” the mum-of-two tells. “I will celebrate 2022 on its way out.” Now with the holidays in sight, Melissa is looking forward to topping off a wonderful year with her family. And having sons Hugo, 10, and Freddie, eight, in the house, the Christmas excitement has already started. While she’s always loved the holiday, having her boys has only made the season more special. “Before we had kids, it was just another day, but having the boys makes it such a joyous occasion.…

Roast chicken with cranberry seasoning SERVES 6 PREP + COOK TIME 2 HOURS 30 MINS 60g butter, plus 40g extra, softened2 large onions, chopped finely, plus 1 extra, sliced thinly4 rindless bacon slices, chopped finely2 cloves garlic, crushed¹/³ cup (55g) polenta2 ½ cups (175g) stale coarse breadcrumbs1 egg, beaten lightly½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley¾ cup (100g) dried cranberries½ cup (80g) chopped roasted almonds2.3kg whole chicken3 cups (750ml) salt-reduced chicken stock, approximately7 thin slices prosciutto (90g)1kg white-fleshed kῡmara, unpeeled¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil¼ cup (35g) plain flour½ cup (160g) cranberry sauce 1 Heat butter in a medium frying pan. Cook onion, bacon and garlic, stirring, over medium heat for 10 minutes or until onion is soft. Add polenta and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Transfer to a…

Cheat’s rum & raisin pudding truffles MAKES 32 PREP TIME 25 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 2 x 350g pre-made Christmas fruit puddings (see tip)50g butter, melted¼ cup (25g) cocoa¼ cup (60ml) rum150g white chocolate, melted8 red glacé cherries, cut into quarters 1 In a large bowl, crumble puddings into small pieces. 2 Combine butter, cocoa and rum in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Add butter mixture to the pudding, mixing to combine. 3 Roll slightly rounded tablespoons of the mixture into 32 balls. Place on a baking paper-lined tray. 4 Melt white chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Don’t let the water touch the base of the bowl. Cool chocolate slightly until thickened, but still pourable. 5 Spoon a little chocolate over the…

For the skin and haircare lover (1) Natio Vibrant Blossom gift set, $39.99, features the all-natural brand’s signature three-step skincare for happy, healthy skin, and is suitable for all ages. (2) Mecca Cosmetica Protect & Refresh, $72, includes its bestselling SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen, SPF50+ Lip Balm and cooling After-Sun Mist, bundled together in a handy beach-ready beauty bag. (3) Elizabeth Arden 8 Hours four-ways set, $79, celebrates the much-loved beauty brand’s most iconic release, interpreted in four skin-loving ways. (4) Jeuneora Hair of Your Dreams gift set, $69, comes with a bottle of the New Zealand beauty and wellness brand’s much-loved Hair Skin Nails Marine Collagen Capsules, plus a set of satin scrunchies to keep your healthy mane under control all summer long. For the fragrance fanatic (1) Clarins Eau…

The beloved broadcaster’s reflections on life A few nights ago, I spent two hours searching for my phone. I looked everywhere, including the car, the wheelie bin and, believe it or not, the fridge. I used my wife Linda’s phone to call up my phone but heard no ringing. I called everyone and everywhere I’d visited during the day, but no one had it. I finally concluded that my phone must have fallen from my jacket while I was throwing sticks to my dog on the beach. Depressingly, it was now dark and the tide was right in. Losing your phone has become one of modern life’s most dispiriting events, hasn’t it? The consequences are a nightmare. Then Linda said, “Isn’t there an app on our iPhones that helps you…

Letters to the Editor ● Winning letter OUR WEEKLY LIFELINE Colin, you hogged it for the best overall comments in the Weekly’s Celebrating 90 Glorious Years issue, speaking of what so many of us believe in also – a positive spirit, longevity, enthusiasm and guidance. In short, wisdom. This is not to take away from the words of the other contributors, with their comments that the Weekly tells our stories, is a mainstay in many homes as it was in our grandmothers and great-grandmother’s homes, who shared with us the goodies they baked, using your trusted recipes (introducing them to oil as opposed to dripping), and bringing us together as a community, where contributors, the staff of the magazine and readers are equally valued. Lockdown brought home just how important…

THE DOG HOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7.30PM, TVNZ 1 What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with adorable pups in holiday sweaters?! Just because it’s the silly season doesn’t mean the staff at Woodgreen Pets Charity will pause their mission to find forever homes for their furry friends. ALL THAT GLITTERS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 8.30PM, EDEN Hosted by comedian Katherine Ryan, this reality competition series is on a mission to find Britain’s next great jeweller. Each week, eight aspiring designers will have to create a piece that meets the jewellery trends of today, plus a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece for a special client until only one competitor is left standing. ABOUT FATE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, PRIME VIDEO Margot, played by Emma Roberts, finds herself unexpectedly single…

The hunt for Ginny For six years, a town has been hiding big secrets This novel starts out like a murder mystery, but very quickly becomes so much more than that. A heartfelt tale set in the suburbs of an Australian country town in the early ’90s, it’s about friendship and community, grief and love. When the police arrive to dig up her neighbour’s backyard, Leonie knows exactly why they’re there. She’s convinced the body of her missing friend Ginny is buried there and that she was murdered by her husband. This is the day she’s been waiting for. But for the person who lives there now, Barney, it comes as a surprise. He’s only been in the house for a short time and knew nothing about its grim history.…