Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 16, 2023 i New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Three months after being published, Prince Harry’s memoir Spare is still causing waves, including rocking the marriage of his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales. The pair were both livid at him for some of the criticisms levelled at them in the tell-all book, but there’s also ongoing tension between the two of them because Kate is mad that William, 40, did not publicly defend her over some of the claims Harry made. According to a palace source, the book has taken a toll on the couple’s relationship because Kate, 41, is “increasingly upset that her husband hasn’t snapped back at his brother. Kate felt William should stick up for her more. Yet William and the palace thought that saying nothing was best.” In Spare, Harry, 38,…

Royal update For many years, she kept a low profile, thanks to numerous scandals and financial problems. But now Sarah, Duchess of York, 63, is making the most of a turnaround in her fortunes – and enjoying a hectic social life. Since Prince Andrew’s ex-wife bought a home in the posh London suburb of Mayfair, she’s been spotted out at lots of exclusive local clubs, which charge thousands of dollars a year in membership fees. But thanks to an entrepreneurial spirit, she’s making money from writing books, including historical romances, selling products like blenders on television and releasing digital art that features her poetry overlaid with visual interpretations from artists. As a result, she’s able to be the breadwinner of the household, she recently told an interviewer, which is useful…

Some children ask for a specific cake. Others want goodie bags. But when Mitch McCann turned five, he had one unusual request for his birthday party – a current affairs quiz. “That’s a bit weird, right?” laughs Newshub’s first-ever US correspondent. “I probably even told mum the questions I wanted her to ask so I would win it!” It was this early love for news that shaped Ashburton-born Mitch, who “all through school” knew exactly what he wanted to do. Now based in New York with wife Olivia Schwass, the 28-year-old has covered a number of international events, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, they had only just moved from Auckland to the US for Mitch’s new role when he got the call-up to hurry to Balmoral…

Managing a rare illness that often leaves her housebound, Natalie Robinson-Tantin, 37, decided she would curate her home as an ode to yesteryear that reflects her passion for all things vintage. The Auckland mum co-runs Facebook group “V is for Vintage”, where 4000 members share their retro op-shop finds, post articles and show off spaces they have decorated. When I was a teenager, I actually dressed as a goth. All my clothes were black for a long time. It seems weird now because my brightly coloured vintage print dresses are the opposite vibe of goth, but it’s still about expressing your style or having an identity. I’ve always been into op-shopping for clothes. At 16, I discovered some vintage pieces and that got me into collecting. My late Grandma Haruko…

Lentil & pickled fennel goat’s cheese salad SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 30 MINS 1 cup (200g) dried French-style green lentils¹/³ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley2 medium beurre bosc pears, sliced thinly lengthways1 cup (100g) walnuts, roasted150g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped coarsely½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes PICKLED FENNEL 1 large fennel bulb1 tablespoon sea salt flakes¹/³ cup (80ml) white wine vinegar2 teaspoons caster sugar 1 Place lentils and 3 cups (750 ml) cold water in a medium saucepan, bringing to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, partially covered by a lid, for 12 minutes or until lentils are tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Season and cool. Stir…

TOP COATS The trans-seasonal weather calls for a lightweight yet warm jacket or coat option. Keep it classic with these go-to styles: a smart trench coat that can be layered over workwear for a commute, an on-trend oversized bomber jacket that can be paired with leisurewear and denim with ease, and a cropped pea jacket that will work with everything! KNITTED OUT With a chill in the air, it’s time to update your knitwear. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel as far as styles go, whether it’s a V or funnel neck, or a puff sleeve or cardigan. Instead, look for interesting woven patterns and luxurious blends of wool with alpaca or silk to treat yourself. HAT STORY To top off your autumn ensemble, opt for a classic hat…

Life is just too short. It’s too short to the point we need to think deeply about what is most important to us and we need to prioritise those things. We need to purposefully invest our time in the people we love most, creating memories, being of service to others, and in generating happiness, fulfilment and wonder. A bucket list is generally defined as a list of things you would like to experience before you die – that is, before you “kick the bucket”. Bucket lists can often look and feel a bit like a list of obligations, prompted by a near-death experience or a personal poor-health prognosis, or focus on crazy travel or adventure experiences such as swimming with sharks – scary stuff that may hasten your actual demise.…

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21 You know when looking for a gift for someone that it’s not the cost that is important, but the thought you put into it. But you may be feeling that you want to spend more than usual because you need this person to understand how you feel. If this is the case, then do it. GEMINI May 22 – Jun 21 There is romance for singles, but do not rush in – there’s a lot you do not know about this person and you want to make sure they have checked their emotional baggage at the door. If partnered, this will be about making new friends. Once again, take it quietly as they have the potential to upset your peace and harmony. CANCER Jun…

A great chat with the queen of talk back For someone who is fascinated with politics and New Zealand history – the Bachelor of Arts degree I studied for as a mature student was in both subjects – it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. “Would I like to MC our political editor’s farewell from the Press Gallery?” asked the boss. His leaving do was to be held in the Grand Hall at the Beehive, and guests would include some of the many political journalists Barry Soper had worked with and employed over his four decades at Parliament, as well as a number of politicians from across the political spectrum, including several former Prime Ministers. Would I? I couldn’t say yes quickly enough. I’ve known Barry since I was a…

She’s been on our screens for more than 20 years, but our cover star Ingrid Hipkiss has made the bold decision to start a new career in radio. Still in journalism, she leaped at the opportunity to host Morning Report on RNZ National and in doing so is flipping her days from night-time reporting to early starts. And while there were tears as she left her job on Three, she’s thrilled to be taking on the role, not only for the exciting challenge but to spend afternoons with her two boys. Elsewhere, radio star Megan Papas and her husband Andrew share their baby joy after a difficult journey – see page 18. I first met them many years ago when they were a relatively new couple and even then they…

The wrap up... Kaley Cuoco is a mum! The Big Bang Theory star and her partner Tom Pelphrey, 40, beamed as they shared snaps of their gorgeous baby girl Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey with the world. “The new light of our lives!” enthused Kaley. “We are overjoyed and grateful for this little miracle. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, family and friends who have helped us immensely over the last few days. We are blessed beyond belief. Tom, I didn’t think I could fall even more in love with you, but I did.” It has been a whirlwind romance for the Emmy-nominated pair. They were introduced in April last year, a few months after Kaley announced her separation from second husband Karl Cook, and their connection was instant. “I heard…

Royal update It’s long been hinted that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has her eye on a career in politics. Now it seems the former actress maybe one step closer to public office following revelations that she’s paid nearly $175,000 to Michelle Obama’s former press chief. Tax returns show that Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation paid the money to a PR company run by Katie McCormack Lelyveld, for “strategic support for social impact PR”. As well as working for former First Lady Michelle for four years, Katie has also advised ex-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. That Meghan, 41, has used the services of someone very highly regarded in US politics should come as no surprise, say those close to her. Longtime friend Nick Ede says she has always had strong…

After two memoirs about her life as a child star and beyond, fans might think they know everything about Brooke Shields. But the Suddenly Susan actress has revealed even more startling details of her life in a new documentary. In a two-parter titled Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, the 57-year-old has delved further into her relationships with everyone from her manager mum Teri to her childhood friend Michael Jackson, former husband Andre Agassi and one-time nemesis Tom Cruise. And in one heartbreaking scene, the star – whose mother signed her up to pose fully nude for a Playboy publication at the age of 10 – is seen trying to explain to her own daughters her controversial role in the 1978 movie Pretty Baby, in which she plays a child prostitute. Throughout…

You may not recognise her face, but most Kiwis will have heard the sweeping melodies created by Claire Cowan. The 40-year-old composer has won awards for her work scoring TV shows such as Under the Vines, has worked with the likes of Benee and Marlon Williams to put a classical spin on their hit songs, and holds the special privilege of being the first and only woman to compose a full-length ballet for the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB). Claire will never forget the day she received the life-changing request from the RNZB. Her longtime friend Loughlan Prior was choreographing the 2019 production of Hansel and Gretel, and convinced them they needed Claire to compose a new score. Without actors saying dialogue, music is an essential part of telling the…

Polish poppyseed scrolls MAKES 24 SCROLLS SOUR CREAM PASTRY 600g plain flour60g icing sugar250g butter10g instant dried yeast Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 orange100g sour cream90ml milk1 egg yolk POPPYSEED FILLING 180g poppyseeds, ground to a rough powder160ml milk100g caster sugar100g dates, pitted, finely chopped2 teaspoons ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground cardamom¼ tsp flaky salt Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 orange1 egg, beaten for egg wash30g raw sugar, to sprinkle 1 To make the sour cream pastry, in the bowl of a food processor, pulse the flour, icing sugar, butter and yeast until the consistency of fine breadcrumbs. Add all the remaining ingredients and pulse until the mixture starts forming into clumps. Tip out into a large bowl and bring together with your hands. The dough will…

Beauty Whether its popping Barbie, mellow millennial or dusky rose, you can’t deny the allure of the colour pink. As the mix between red’s passion and white’s purity, pink symbolises love, nurture and compassion, and there is a pink out there for everyone! With that in mind, here are some beauty picks from across the skin, fragrance, hair and make-up categories that celebrate the prettiest of shades. LIPSTICK LOVE A pink lip can make as much of an impact as a classic red, and there are plenty of options out there if you’re looking to match your outfit with your lip colour, Legally Blonde-style! L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Volume Matte Lipstick in 602 Nude Admirable, $27.99, is a very wearable, warm rose, while Maybelline Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick in 20…

LAYER UPON LAYER Maximalism doesn’t mean dumping everything you own in a room and crossing your fingers it looks okay. Begin by taking your room apart before putting it all together. The first layer is your shell – walls, floor and ceiling – so it’s important to consider the right treatments, carpet, tiles, wallpaper or paint colour. The next layer would be curtains. That’s followed by sofas, rugs and lounge chairs. Then do your smaller pieces before the final layer of accessories such as flowers and books. While minimalism involves paring back your home décor (think clean lines and a monochromatic palette), the rising trend of maximalism is the complete opposite – instead you’re encouraged to embrace an explosion of colour, layering and eclectic pieces that echo your unique personal…

The beloved broadcaster’s reflections on life The sweetest memories I have of daughter Tommie’s childhood was the fun we had with her soft toys. She had lots of them, all animals, all named, all special personalities. I became the puppeteer, bringing movement to the toy and trying to mimic how an elephant or a hedgehog or a giraffe might talk. Sometimes our “plays”, as Tommie called them, got complex. When talent shows like The X Factor became popular, Tommie wanted her soft toys competing in a similar contest. She’d be the judge. I’d create the performance, making the toys sing, dance or do tricks. But we took it a step further. Using a mini video-camera, we filmed it all. Then we could sit back and laugh and laugh. The videos…

Letters to the Editor PEN-ULTIMATE THIEF! ● Winning letter Jeremy’s bugbear is scissors – me, I’m a pen demon! I’m incomplete without a pen in my hand, usually my own, but occasionally one I’ve absent-mindedly picked up to jot down a note or write a list. My husband once accused me of taking his pen, which I denied, indignantly. “Turn out your handbag,” he ordered. Grumpily, I did so, and there fell out 18 pens. Oops! Anne This week’s winning letter writer receives a dreamy Emma pillow, worth $239! Offering maximum support according to your taste and ergonomic for every sleeping position, the Emma pillow can be individually adjusted in height and firmness, with pressure-relieving memory foam and a moisture-resistant cover for exceptional comfort all night long. See emma-sleep.co.nz HOE,…

Cult following A true-crime writer is on the case of an evil Angel People are either going to love or hate the format of this novel. It’s a smart and original read, but I found it demanded more of me than other fiction, and I never got completely swept up in the story. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is told in a series of emails, transcripts of interviews, messages and notes, as well as extracts from a screenplay and novels. All of this material, we are told, has been put together by true crime author Amanda Bailey as she researches her latest book, which is set to be a dark and dramatic tale. A couple of decades earlier, the leader of a cult known as the Alperton Angels…

Girl power Looking like Wonder Woman, Victoria Beckham, 48, had a lot to celebrate as she posed in a piece from her latest collection. For the first time since launching her eponymous brand in 2008, her company has turned a profit! Reflecting on the milestone, the mum-of-four enthused, “I think that now I can really, truly start building.” Nice one, Dad Matt Damon’s family usually keeps away from the spotlight, but wife Luciana, 46, and three of their daughters, Isabella, 16, Stella, 12, and Gia, 14, made a special exception to help the 52-year-old celebrate his new movie Air at the LA premiere. I FEEL LIKE A REDHEAD! It’s been a year of reinvention for Shania Twain, stepping out with a different look every week, and her appearance at the…

Star WEEKLY The hottest celebrity scoop The streets of New York have been a little more colourful recently thanks to Melissa McCarthy. The two-time Oscar nominee has been spotted in all manner of outrageous outfits as she shoots her new movie, Bernard and the Genie, about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a genie to win back his family. Melissa, 52, has made a career out of letting her fun flag fly and she revealed it is a trait she is trying to pass on to her daughters Vivian, 12, and Georgette, 10, whom she shares with her filmmaker husband Ben Falcone, 49. “My oldest has a really good head on her shoulders, but kids that age are always thinking, ‘Does someone think I look silly?’ I tell…

The wrap up... While their bitter custody battle drags on in court, it seems Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde have been able to put aside their differences for the sake of their kids. The exes put on a friendly display as they cheered on son Otis, eight, at his football game in Los Angeles and even shared a laugh as they played with their daughter Daisy, six. The move isn’t surprising as Olivia, 39, has made it clear that despite their ongoing issues, she and Jason, 47, are always on the same page about their children’s wellbeing. “As long as they’re happy and they’re healthy, then my ex and I, we agree on that. They are everything to us.” The pair have been locked in a custody dispute for the…

The day before her son’s first birthday party, popular radio personality Megan Papas had a strong inkling she might be pregnant again. But after struggling through two years of fertility issues to finally conceive Bastian, The Hits’ weekday host questioned whether it could be this easy. Nevertheless, she decided to take a pregnancy test while musician husband Andrew was out picking up her parents from the airport. Two blue lines quickly appeared on the stick, confirming her suspicions. “I remember walking around the house vacuuming, just going, ‘Oh, my God!’ over and over,” recalls the 38-year-old. “Then I had to go to work knowing this crazy secret. I was wondering how I was going to have a special moment telling Andrew when everyone was staying with us for the party.…

Harissa chicken bake with crunchy topping SERVES 4 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINS 1.8kg whole chicken2 large red onions, cut into wedges Small ku¯mara, halved lengthways¼ cup (75g) harissa paste1 tablespoon red wine vinegar1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock2 cups (320g) coarse burghul½ cup (75g) seed mix (such as sunflower seeds, pepitas and pine nuts)500g tomatoes Olive oil cooking spray 1 Using a sharp, heavy knife or kitchen scissors, cut down both sides of the chicken backbone; discard backbone. Turn chicken skin-side up; press down on breastbone with the heel of your hand to flatten. Cut chicken into quarters. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl with onion wedges, ku¯mara, harissa, vinegar and oil, tossing well to coat evenly. Stand for 20…

Musings from our favourite Kiwi funnywoman Endolphins”. That’s not a typo, it’s a new word I believe I just invented. It describes that exhilarating sensation you get in your body when you feel a rush of joy, which I encourage you to picture henceforth as a pod of tiny dolphins swimming and leaping merrily through your veins. So, endorphins (the happy hormone that deals with pain and stress) but shaped like everyone’s favourite aquatic mammal. Weird? Oh, for sure. But that image, and the word, came to me in a blissful dream the other night, and I feel like we know each other well enough for me to risk sounding a bit mad. And honestly, it’s not a million miles from describing nervousness as a tummy full of butterflies? And,…

Mayhem and mirth with the man about the house I’m writing this under the gaze of an old movie star, Cary Grant. There’s a photo of him hanging on the wall above me. He’s wearing an impeccable suit, perfect shirt and tie, dark, oiled hair with an arrow-straight parting. The only thing that spoils him slightly is the cigarette between his fingers. But that’s how it was in the 1940s and ’50s when almost everyone smoked, though, oddly, there’s no smoke rising from his cigarette. The reason Cary’s hanging up there on the wall looking down on me is that he supposedly used to live in this place I’m briefly calling home – as you do when you’re on holiday somewhere exotic, kidding yourself that, if you stay in the…