Innholdsfortegnelse for 19 December 2016 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

Talk about Prince Charming! Romantic royal Prince Harry surprised his girlfriend Meghan Markle by flying halfway around the world to be by her side for one night only, leaving the Suits star close to tears. But it wasn’t just the fact that Harry, fresh from touring the Caribbean, had added an extra 3000km to this trip by jetting into Toronto on his way back home to London that had the actress so emotional. Insiders tell Woman’s Day that while he was in Canada, the prince, 32, pledged to buy Meghan, 35, her very own mansion in her hometown of Los Angeles, near where her parents, close friends and family live. It’s thought that Harry is just days away from putting a deposit on Reese Witherspoon’s home in Pacific Palisades, which…

MILA KUNIS & ASHTON KUTCHER In a nod to her Ukranian heritage, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have named their new baby boy Dimitri. The superstar pair – who are also parents to Wyatt, two – welcomed their bundle of joy with an announcement on Ashton’s website saying, “Dimitri Portwood Kutcher was born at 1.21am on November 30, weighing 8 pounds and 15 ounces [4.1kg].” RONAN & STORM KEATING Life is a rollercoaster for Irish pop star Ronan Keating, with the news he and his wife Storm are expecting their first child together. In a statement, the pair say the upcoming arrival is like “all of our Christmas wishes coming true”. Ronan already has three kids – son Jack, 17, and daughters Missy, 15, and Ali, 11 – from his…

Pippa Middleton’s billionaire beau James Matthews is known for splashing the cash on his wife-to-be. They live in a $30 million mansion in central London, regularly travel to his family’s Caribbean hotel on his private jet and throw no-holds-barred parties for their aristocratic friends. But it seems James’ generosity extends also to Pippa’s family, with reports that the hedge fund manager bailed out her brother James Middleton’s struggling marshmallow business, pouring $180,000 into Boomf, a company which prints Instagram photos onto marshmallows, in a last-ditch effort to stop it going under. “James didn’t think twice about helping Pippa’s brother out,” says our source. “The Middletons are very grateful.” Pippa, 33, and James, 41, are set to tie the knot in May next year, with three-year-old Prince George and Princess Charlotte,…

When Nicky Leonard was still living with his family in Ireland, he told his mum he was gay. She shed a few tears and his heart sank, thinking she might be disappointed. But his mum raced to explain her sadness was that he would probably never be a parent, a role she knew he was meant for. In New Zealand, Nicky’s future husband David Beard was at an all-boys’ school, planning his life. He was going to be a lawyer and make a lot of money. “I didn’t have any thought of being a gay father-of-three!” he smiles. But fate and love triumphed. After moving to Aotearoa, legal executive and systems expert Nicky met lawyer David, the pair fell for each other and eventually, once it became legal, they were…

Turkey with Sundried Tomato Stuffing SERVES 8 PREPARATION 20 MINUTES COOKING 2 HOURS, 20 MINUTES ¼ cup olive oil 2 medium brown onions, thinly sliced 5 garlic cloves, crushed 2 medium zucchini, grated 180g tub semi-dried tomatoes, drained 1 long red chilli, seeded, chopped 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs 90g packet croutons ½ cup pistachios 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon rind, finely grated 3kg whole turkey breast, boned (see tip) baby rocket leaves, grilled peaches to serve 1. Preheat hooded barbecue to moderate, 180°C. Line a baking dish with baking paper. 2. In a large frying pan, heat half the oil on medium. Sauté onion and garlic for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add zucchini, tomatoes and chilli. Cook, stirring, for 4-5…

Crispy Prawn Balls MAKES 12 PREPARATION 30 MINUTES COOKING 10 MINUTES 1½kg king prawns 1½ tablespoons cornflour 1 tablespoon chives, chopped 1 egg white 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 2 teaspoons soy sauce ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper 8 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut into small cubes vegetable oil for deep-frying coriander leaves, sweet chilli sauce, lime wedges to serve 1. Select 12 prawns, then peel and devein them, leaving tails intact. With the remaining prawns, peel, devein and chop them. 2. In a bowl, combine the chopped prawn with cornflour, chives, egg white, ginger, soy and pepper. Mix well until sticky. 3. Using damp hands, wrap 1½ tablespoons of sticky mixture around each prawn to form balls, leaving tails out. Press into bread cubes to coat. Place on…

GET SMOOTH, SUPPLE SKIN If you’re not dry-body brushing already, start now – Gwyneth Paltrow swears by it! So make like Gwyn and spend a couple of minutes before showering sweeping a brush such as the 1. Manicare Dry Body Brush, $16.99, all over your body. Use long, circular, upward strokes, starting from your feet and working towards your heart to help stimulate and increase circulation for smoother, more toned skin. Follow up with a nourishing body cream like 2. Pure Fiji Mango Body Butter, $46. DE-FUZZ FAST For a smooth shave, use a multi-blade moisturising shaver like 1. Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment, $14.99. To reduce hair regrowth, switch to a depilatory such as 2. Marzena Sensitive Hair Removal Lotion, $10.55, which dissolves hair at the root. Home waxing is…

THE 4-DAY PLAN The first day is a liquid-only fast-style menu, explains nutritionist Angela Dowden. It’s easy on your digestive system and free from added salt to help you quickly de-bloat and fight water retention. You’re then restricted to a maximum of 4184 kilojoules (1000 calories) a day for the next three days – but Angela’s low-sugar and low-salt meals are packed with fibre-rich plant-based foods, plus protein to combat hunger pangs and to keep you feeling satisfied all day. Cutting out all highly processed foods along with those high in saturated fat and refined carbs will give your health a boost too.…

Q I am so embarrassed to be asking this question, but I have never had an orgasm and am desperate to do so. I have spent my life listening to women talk about this amazing experience and have tried lots of different things. I’ve been to see a doctor and have a lovely partner, but I wonder if it’s because I’m stressed out with my job and a baby. What’s wrong with me? • Freaky, Hawke’s Bay A There’s nothing wrong with you and while it may not feel normal, particularly in our hyper-sexualised culture these days, you are not alone. Did you know that fewer than one-third of women come regularly and one in 10 hasn’t orgasmed at all? If you have tried penetration, vibrators and oral sex, and…

As if the actual sitting of the exams wasn’t stressful enough, we now have the arguably even more stressful time of getting the results. We have a mixed bag in our family of kids who study hard-out and kids who don’t. At all. I mean nada, nothing, seat-of-the-pants kind of don’t-care attitudes. In fact, sometimes I have to remind them it’s even exam time and that perhaps they should be taking that seriously. You know in all the parenting books when they tell you not to sweat the small stuff? Can someone define “small stuff”? I’m never exactly sure what I’m meant to be sweating and what I’m not. If your kid won’t study, do you sweat it? I find myself sweating it – it’s my personality. “Oh, my God,”…

If there’s any lying around to be done over the holidays, why not spend it dreaming of the fairytale villages in Italy’s spectacular Tuscany? 1 Montepulciano From San Biagio church at the bottom, to the narrow cobbled streets and vast piazza alive with shops and eateries at the top, this is your one-size-fits-all Tuscan experience. A glass of prosecco at Caffe Poliziano is a must, as is a booking at the rustic osteria Acquacheta, where you order your meat by the chunk and wonder if the owner is really that grumpy or just pretending. For the cashmere lovers among us, Del Santo is the place to go. I lusted after its wares even more than after Poliziano’s pastries. The language school here, Il Sasso, is a great place for a…

It’s a good time to be a Star Wars fan! There are the new novels, an animated TV series, a handful of comic books and, of course, J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Now it’s time to charge up your lightsabers for the new stand-alone, spin-off film set within the same Star Wars universe. Starring Felicity Jones in the lead role as Jyn Erso, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a war film unlike anything seen before. The role was a rare find in Hollywood, says The Theory of Everything star Felicity. “I’ve always been a feminist, and what I love in my work is being able to explore a full-sided woman and not patronise her. It’s such a rare opportunity to be able to play a female…

Your letters Classic Mike While waiting my turn in the supermarket line, I noticed the Woman’s Day Christmas bumper issue (WD, December 5) in the stand. It wasn’t long before I put it in my trolley. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes and I was very interested in what Kate Hawkesby and Mike Hosking’s Christmas surprise would be, and the other Kiwi stars’ Santa wishes. It was well worth buying the mag just to see Mike in a reindeer jumper! • Pebbles, New Plymouth Little gem What a wonderful story about little Nyah Hopkins (WD, December 12). What a joy she is to her parents with that beautiful smile. Yes, everyone will fall in love with her! I know a few kids with Downs syndrome and they…

LINEN UPDATE The striking colours and geometric design of the Home Republic Apollo Duvet Cover from Adairs provides the perfect pop for your bedroom this season. Queen duvet cover set, $239.95, matching European pillowcase, $44.95 each. For more summer looks or to shop online, visit adairs.co.nz. MADE FOR BAKING Whether you’re trying to impress your loved ones with a beautifully decorated chocolate cake or just baking up a batch of choc chip cookies as Christmas gifts, Nestlé has a product to suit you. Designed to produce reliable baking results every time, NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE ensures passionate bakers can perform at their best. Learn more at bakers-corner.co.nz. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL The fragrance of joyful femininity and happiness. La vie est belle introduces a new olfactive story, the first ever iris gourmand…

When it comes to fashion inspiration, quirky Miley Cyrus looks no further than the emoticons on her phone! The Xbox factor With the new Xbox One S Console and Controller, your kids can play games and you can watch TVNZ OnDemand, stream 4K videos and watch UHD Blu-ray movies in 4K Ultra HD! To enter, visit womansday.co.nz/Xbox with the code XB51, or send your name, address and phone number to: Woman’s Day/Ed’s Page, Response Bag 500235, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, by December 23. Subscribe! SECURELY ONLINE MAGSHOP.CO.NZ / WOMANS-DAY-NZ  PHONE 0800 MAGSHOP (0800 624 746) Contact us! online at womansday.co.nz email us wdaynz @bauermedia.co.nz follow us @womansdaynz call us (09) 308 2718 facebook.com/  womansdaynz Woman’s Day, Private Bag 92512,…

Right from the very get-go, John Key was adamant his family was his bedrock. Yes, he had attained his boyhood dream of becoming Prime Minister – and thanks to his cheerful, bloke-next-door persona, he enjoyed almost unprecedented popularity. He played golf with Barack Obama, had tea with the Queen and cut deals with Hollywood movie moguls. But he never lost sight of those who mattered to him most, even though for eight years he hardly saw them. Now it’s time to put them first. His voice wavering with emotion last week, the man who led New Zealand through the Global Financial Crisis and the Christchurch earthquakes, and survived the bizarre “Ponytail-gate” scandal almost unscathed, announced his resignation, telling a shocked press gallery that he couldn’t “look the public in the…

In her latest court filing, Angelina Jolie has publicly declared that she’s leaving it to a therapist to decide when her estranged husband Brad Pitt is allowed to see their kids and she’s demanding he keep up his weekly drug tests. However, behind the strongly worded official documents, the Maleficent star, 41, is showing a much softer side – cancelling plans for her first Christmas as a solo mother and inviting her ex-husband, 52, around to spend the special day with their six children. “The cold war is over!” declares a Pitt family insider, speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day. “Brad and Angelina are finally speaking civilly again – and it’s just in time for the festive season. They’re now planning on having a get-together to exchange gifts around the Christmas…

First Elizabeth Hurley scored her son a role in her TV show The Royals, and now she’s bagged him a dream girlfriend too! The British star played Cupid by setting her 14-year-old son Damian up with pal Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber, 15, with the young man last week confessing in an interview that he’s “in love” with the up-and-coming model. “Cindy had been concerned that Kaia was falling in with a fast crowd after she befriended the Jenner girls and Justin Bieber, but then Liz stepped in and vouched for her son,” says a source close to Liz. “Since then, Damian and Kaia have been meeting up for dates in Malibu, with Cindy as a chaperone. Now it’s looking serious – well, as serious as it can get for…

She’s known as the most natural of her surgically enhanced sisters, but supermodel Kendall Jenner appears to have overindulged in cheek fillers and lip injections. “She wanted to look sexy before the Victoria’s Secret show,” reveals a close source. “But she freaked out when she saw the result and said, ‘I look like my mom!’” We’re told Kendall, 21, resorted to the non-surgical beauty treatments because she’s struggling with low self-esteem. “She’s always picking herself apart,” explains the source. “It’s sad because people have always loved that Kendall was the lone Kardashian who was au naturel.”…

The demise of Tobey Maguire’s nine-year marriage has spelled opportunity for Demi Moore, who is rumour ed to have rekindled her romance with her old flame! Demi, 54, and Spider-Man hunk Tobey, 41, had a brief but steamy affair in 2002, shortly before Ashton Kutcher swept her off her feet, but now that the stars are both single a gain, they’re discovering the spark is still very much alive. The Ghost actress reportedly showered the Great Gatsby star with flirty texts soon after his shock split fr om wife Jennifer Meyer, 39, in October . A well-placed source claims, “At first, it was all pretty tame , but then Demi started reminiscing a bout the good times they used to have and things really heated up . Demi’s looking for…

Christmas Day is meant to be the most joyous time of the year, but on December 25 last year, Mike Avery had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. The Auckland dad had been to the doctor with a persistent cough and after a battery of tests, he was told in November 2015 that he had just six weeks to live. Doctors found 28 tumours in his cheeks, neck, spine, lungs, ribs, pelvis and liver. When Mike and his wife Felicity – known as “Fliss” – were given the news, she burst into tears and grabbed her husband’s hand tight. The 53-year-old software architect says he just went numb. “I felt like I was watching a movie of my own life – I wasn’t present any more.” The…

DIVE INTO AN ON-TREND PRINT This halterneck style has a built-in tummy control that smooths away the lumps and bumps. Look for a bikini top that has underwire for added support – this one has waterproof, removable push-up inserts too. LAZE POOLSIDE IN BOLD BLOCK COLOURS A ruffle will give the illusion of a larger bust for those with more athletic proportions. HIT THE SURF IN SUN-SAFE STYLE Keep yourself covered in an eye-catching one-piece, like the Moontide one with fabulous cut-out back. A rashie doesn’t have to be boring. Find a style that you can wear over your swimsuit for added protection. JUST ADD WATER & A SENSE OF ADVENTURE! The skirtini is another fabulous alternative to a bikini bottom, giving you flirty and feminine coverage. Stockists Esprit 0800…

RACHAEL TAYLOR NEUTROGENA AMBASSADOR The latest Neutrogena ambassador, Aussie actress Rachael Taylor, who starred in Grey’s Anatomy and McLeod’s Daughters, spills the beauty beans to Woman’s Day. Shock news: She hasn’t always had Hollywood-perfect skin! Have you always had good skin? When I was a teen, my skin was a bit temperamental. My mother took me to see a dermatologist and I was recommended Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash. It’s a good neutral product that doesn’t disrupt the pH balance too much in the skin and I saw a really marked improvement. What’s your skincare routine? I wash my face religiously before going to bed. I use Neutrogena Micellar Gel to Foam to remove make-up first and cleanse the skin, so all the residue and impurities are gone. It’s nice…

BREAKFAST Strawberry and ginger smoothie •  1 handful baby spinach• 1 cup almond or trim milk• 1 handful strawberries• 1 small banana• 1 tsp grated ginger to taste Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth. Add all ingredients and blend again. LUNCH & DINNER Carrot and parsley cleanse soup (Makes 2 servings – have one at lunch and the other at dinner) • ½ onion, peeled, chopped• 250g carrots, peeled, finely chopped• 1 garlic clove, mashed• 450ml water or homemade salt-free stock• 2 bay leaves• 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley Fry onion in a little oil until soft. Add carrots and garlic, then continue cooking on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water and herbs. Simmer for 25 minutes, remove bay leaves and blend before serving. Season with white pepper. Sprinkle a garnish of mint leaves or parsley and ginger…

Do you keep your finger on the pulse of the latest festive trends? Or maybe you prefer the kids going wild with handmade decorations? Does the very thought of fresh pine needles filling your house make you excited? Or perhaps it’s all about having a state-of-the art artificial tree flaunting intricately placed baubles? We all have our own style when it comes to Christmas trimmings – which decorating type are you? 1 The Perfectionist This Christmas lover has OCD tendencies and their focus is on a perfectly symmetrical artificial tree. When buying new decorations, the Perfectionist has to buy three of the same ornaments to get perfect spacing on the tree – so much so, it looks like every decoration has been placed using a ruler. And the attention to…

Q I remarried a few years ago but every Christmas, my ex-husband makes it very difficult for us all to get along as a family. He seems to resent the fact that I have moved on and am happy while he is single and miserable. I try my best to keep things chipper for the sake of the kids, but he seems determined to turn them against me. Help! • Ex Factor, Wellington A It’s Christmas. It’s the most magical and most volatile time of the year. Don’t let the Christmas turkey get you down. Just soldier on, baby. You can’t control his moods or attitude, so just relax. Do what you need to do and don’t allow yourself to get dragged down. Just stay the little Christmas pixie you…

For over 20 years, Shortland Street has delivered the best Christmas cliffhangers on TV. This year, fans can expect to be on the edge of their seat with a murder on the cards. Who will survive to see 2017? To prep for next Monday’s epic episode, we look back at some of the best end-of-year finales from the archives. 1994 In the first Christmas cliffhanger, Hone Ropata accidentally killed a man and, prompted by his bad-boy brother Darryl Neilson, Stuart stopped Kirsty Knight’s wedding. 1997 The year that set the standard for the killer Christmas specials! Kirsty and Lionel Skeggin’s plane crashed, while Caroline Buxton was found guilty of murder. 2007 Without a doubt, this was one of the biggest end-of-year finales we’ve ever seen in the show’s history. After…

The Great War for New Zealand by Vincent O’Malley Beautifully produced, grippingly written and impressively researched – this will become part of the New Zealand history canon alongside the works of James Belich and Claudia Orange. Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Danny Penman and Mark Williams This was recommended to me before I found out mindfulness was a buzzword, otherwise I might have felt cynical! Good, practical advice and a sensible road map to life’s pressures. Big Red Bath by Julia Jarman A book that my five-year-old daughter has loved for years and acts out as I read it to her. Such fun! The Sellout by Paul Beatty This year’s Man Booker Prize winner – it’s brilliant and exhausting,…

Alright, alright! Matthew McConaughey, his wife Camila Alves and their three kids stole the show as the cutest family ever at the premiere of his new animated movie Sing in Los Angeles. The Oscar winner, 47, and sons Levi, eight, and Livingston , three, looked swish, as did his girl Vida, six, while Camila, 34, brought the glam in Yanina Couture. In Sing, which also stars Reese Witherspoon , 40, and Seth MacFarlane, Matthew voices koala Buster Moon. “It was great fun to do something my kids can see,” he says. “I haven’t done many of those films.” So what are the McConaugheys’ Christmas plans? “We switch it up,” says Matt. “Sometimes we visit my family in Texas or we head to Brazil.This year, it’s time to head to the…

All Black Aaron Smith and his girlfriend Teagan Voykovich were all smiles as they jetted out of Auckland Airport last week. Putting their difficult few months behind them, the Dunedin-based lovebirds are taking a tropical break in the Pacific. “They looked very happy and totally relaxed together,” reports a witness. “It was nice to see they seem to have worked through their issues and come out the other side.” It’s understood former personal trainer Teagan, 22, has forgiven her rugby-star partner after he was caught in a mid-afternoon tryst with a mystery woman in a toilet cubicle at Christchurch Airport earlier this year. Aaron, 28, said at the time, “I’ve made a huge mistake, a huge error in judgment. I’d firstly like to say a huge sorry to my partner…

When I was a young manager many moons ago, I remember being told by a boss that the Christmas holidays are the traditional time to reassess life and often people quit. The stress in the busy lead-up to the break can make hard workers feel frazzled and over it. Fortunately, once they’ve had a well-deserved summer break with friends and family, life normally seems back on a happy equilibrium, and they’re soon looking forward to returning to work. I know I can never wait to get back to Woman’s Day after a holiday. It galvanises me into switching gears and starting afresh with more pep in my step. I wonder what would have happened if Prime Minister John Key had just had a nice, long summer vacation with the whanau?…

POLLY GILLESPIE “I’m not always in total agreement with his politics or policies, but John Key, as a man, is one of the nicest, most affable people I know and certainly like no other politician I’ve ever met. He is entirely consistent. The John Key you see on TV is the same John Key you sit and have a chat with over a Coke. The thing he will be remembered for is his way to genuinely connect with people and not behave like some alien political mannequin.” ANNE BATLEY BURTON “John Key is a charismatic leader who gave us his absolute best. A man of integrity, he was a hardworking prime minister with his feet on the ground. As a New Zealander, I have been proud to have him as…

First there were the rumours that Brad had hooked up with Kate Hudson. Now there’s talk that Angelina Jolie has moved on too – to newly single actor Liev Schreiber! Could this be why she is looking happier? We’ve heard whispers that Angelina and Liev, 49, who co-starred in the 2010 film Salt, have rekindled their friendship since his split from Naomi Watts – and they’ve even enjoyed a couple of steamy hook-ups. “Angelina called Liev out of the blue a few weeks ago and said she wanted to see him,” claims an insider. “Now it seems one thing has led to another and they have been getting very cosy. There’s a real spark between them.” And Naomi, 48 – mum to Liev’s kids Alex, nine, and Sam, seven –…

Sibling rivalry is at an all-time high after Gigi Hadid beat sister Bella to be crowned International Model of the Year at London’s Fashion Awards. Bella was a no-show at the event and insiders say their battle to be the sexiest, skinniest sibling is getting nasty. “Gigi always complains that her sister is jealous and constantly copying her, and Bella argues that Gigi can’t handle the idea that she’s also become so successful,” a Hadid family insider reports. “All the girls care about is outdoing each other.” Bella, 20, managed to diet her way down below the 45kg mark leading up to the Victoria’s Secret fashion show earlier this month, while Gigi, 21, has dropped an alarming 10kg with a punishing workout regime since designer Tommy Hilfiger publicly declared she’s…

With a baggy jumper and strategically placed handbag, Cameron Diaz looked like she might have something to hide as she stepped out in Los Angeles last week. The actress is said to be desperate to become a mum with rocker hubby Benji Madden and whispers are swirling that she might just have got her wish. “The couple are acting more in love than ever and everyone suspects they’re sharing a big secret,” a close friend of Cameron tells Woman’s Day. “Benji has even told his brother Joel that they have some exciting news they’ll soon be able to share.” With a baby announcement imminent, Cameron is doing her best to relax and minimise any risks during her first pregnancy, confides her pal. “Cameron has really pulled away from work in…

Just two years after they said “I do” in a three-day fairytale wedding, rumours are rife that George Clooney’s marriage to Amal is hanging by a thread, with multiple sources alleging the picture-perfect couple are getting ready to split. “George and Amal move in two completely different worlds,” a friend claims. “While they love each other, they might be realising they want different things in life.” George, 55, and 38-year-old Amal’s public appearances have been few and far between in recent months, and some report this is because they’re now living virtually separate lives. And at the heart of their alleged split is one very big issue – insiders say the actor’s refusal to have children has his barrister wife questioning why they wed in the first place. For years,…

From a tasteful woven bun to a tousled boho braid, plaits have dominated A-list ’dos this year. They’ll take you from the gym to the beach and then the dance floor with minimal maintenance. Plus, the texture created when you unravel them will see your style through another day or two. • Salty beach braids are ideal for avoiding post-swim tangles. Pull hair to one side near your ear and braid. When dry, loosen with fingers and pull over the front of your shoulder. • Parting plaits add interest for a special event. Create a mini braid on either side of where you usually part your hair, or in the dead centre. An updo or ponytail gets special attention, with a braid leading straight down the centre of the head…

DAY 1 Follow the 24-hour kick-start cleanse (see left). DAY 2 Breakfast 200ml low-fat natural yoghurt with 150g fresh or thawed berries (such as strawberries and blueberries) and 1 tsp honey. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sunflower seeds. Lunch Salad made from a handful of rocket or other deep-green salad leaves, 2 tbsp roasted red peppers from a jar (in water not oil), a handful of cherry tomatoes and some chopped cucumber. Top with a small tin of mackerel in olive oil, well drained. Dinner 150g bought or homemade zucchini spaghetti cooked and served with 125g dry-fried low-fat minced beef, plus 150g tomato and basil pasta sauce. DAY 3 Breakfast 1 slice toasted wholemeal bread topped with 1 small mashed banana. Serve with 150ml glass trim milk. Lunch 75g ball chopped-up…

A word of warning before you read on – this column involves theories about Santa. I’m not doubting his integrity. In fact, quite the opposite. But if you’re under the age of 12 and acting like “oh, that Santa carry-on is for little kids”, then I know for a fact he will not come to visit you this Christmas because the reindeer can sniff that bad stuff out 500 chimney stacks away. And who wants that? Good question. I was recently witness to a conversation among a group of parents discussing the jolly fat man in red. One was worried her nine-year-old was starting to have a few doubts. Another had been tricked into a conversation by his youngest, who was then devastated by the outcome. I fell into that…

I was sitting in the chair at my old hair salon on the other side of town. I’d gone to this hairdresser for a special treatment only she can provide. It was great to see her and we chatted away. Half an hour into the treatment, she said, “Polly, have you noticed a lot of hair in the shower when you wash your hair?” “No!” I replied. I think I was lying. I have noticed my brush is a bit more clogged and when pulling my hair into an updo, I have noticed it seems to be way thinner through the front. I’ve been in massive shedding denial. The last time my hair was so thin was after I stopped breastfeeding my youngest son. It’s a hell of a shock…

MOVIE A United Kingdom When Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana marries a white woman from London in the late 1940s, the star-crossed lovers have to fight for their love. EVENT Treat Her Right! Help push for equal pay for women in New Zealand by bringing your best moves to the dance floor! The dance-video campaign is raising awareness for unequal pay to the Donna Summer tune “She Works Hard for the Money”. Head to treatherright.co.nz to sign up for this Saturday’s event. BOOK Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham Where Lauren Graham leads, we will follow! This collection of her essays also includes excerpts from her diary while she was filming the Gilmore Girls revival. APP Instructables…

JENNIFER LAWRENCE as Katniss Everdeen – The Hunger Games She’s the girl on fire who never misses a shot. Her bow and arrow strike fear into other combatants. UMA THURMAN as Beatrix Kiddo – Kill Bill This assassin has some sass! She is a fearsome killing machine and she’s just as strong as any man. KATE BECKINSALE as Selene – Underworld With her vampire strength and speed, she’s not just feared by humans but by other supernatural creatures too. DAISY RIDLEY as Rey – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Jyn Erso (see right) isn’t the first woman to take on the Star Wars franchise. Rey was the hero of last year’s film! EMMA WATSON as Hermione Granger…

Spot the difference REESE WITHERSPOON Can you find the sixth difference between these two pictures of actress Reese at the premiere of her new animated flick Sing in Los Angeles? Write your answer on the entry form on page 88. November 28 solution: Strap on Hilary Duff’s bag changes colour. Winner: B. Porima, Kawhia. Who am I? I was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1985 and raised with my older brother. From an early age, I loved to perform and by my early teens, I’d progressed from local theatre to Broadway, where I appeared in the musical High Society. It earned me a Tony Award nomination, making me the second-youngest nominee in the history of the award. That was in 1998, then I decided to finish my schooling…

Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22 Spending up a storm? Slow down and get creative. Whether it’s tasty treats or handmade gifts, get the kids involved and pass on a few skills. Friday’s sentimental stars might work like an honesty potion, but as a spin-off, connections will grow as feelings are revealed. Capricorn DEC 23 - JAN 20 Not feeling social? Don’t worry – by mid-week you’ll be the life of the party! Indulge in that sentimental streak by opening some old boxes – you might uncover something valuable. Or reconnect with an old childhood friend. If you’re researching holidays, lock in details before next week. Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 Your conjuring abilities look impressive. Not only are you meeting some fascinating people, but an end-of-year bonus might…

Naomi Campbell The eternal runway queen is sheer perfection in this embellished Alexander McQueen creation. Bow down! Jenna Coleman Channelling her Victoria alter ego in a demure Erdem dress with brooch detailing, the young Brit reigns supreme. Jourdan Dunn Busted looking fab! The English model is chic and powerful in a two-piece from Brandon Maxwell. Alexa Chung Ruffling feathers like no-one else can, the British style maven rocks these oriental-inspired Prada pyjamas. Joan Smalls From top to bottom, the Puerto Rican supermodel keeps things street-chic in this sports-luxe combination from Baja East. Lily Donaldson Keeping it pretty in pink, the Victoria’s Secret angel wows in a naughty but nice corseted Burberry number. Gigi Hadid Named the International Model of the Year at the event, the “it girl” shines in a…