Innholdsfortegnelse for October 16, 2017 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

Her dad is “scared to death” about her relationship with bad boy Scott Disick, but Sofia Richie looks all loved up on a Mexican holiday with her much-older beau. The pair, who recently went public with their controversial hook-up, paraded their PDA fest while staying at the very same villa where Scott, 34, first met Kourtney Kardashian, 38, the mother of his three children. “Kourtney can’t believe he would take Sofia there,” tells a pal. “It’s where they went back to all the time when they wanted to escape by themselves. It’s their special place and so she feels now that he’s ruining all those memories by doing this.” And Sofia’s superstar dad Lionel didn’t mince words when asked what he thought of his 19-year-old daughter’s new boyfriend, who has…

‘ V and I love what we have. We’ve really found our rhythm as a couple ’ With clear blue sky, crystal waters and stunning stretches of beach, Rarotonga is the picture-perfect spot for a white wedding. And as Zac Franich and Viarni Bright stare adoringly into each other’s eyes on their romantic island break – her in an ethereal ivory gown and him in a smart sleeveless shirt – the Bachelor New Zealand lovebirds could certainly be mistaken for a couple of newlyweds. Viarni is even sporting a sparkler on her ring finger! “The secret’s out – we’ve eloped!” teases the 23-year-old, who admits she absentmindedly slipped the piece of jewellery on her wedding finger. “When you know, you just know, so we thought, ‘Why the hell not? Let’s…

For more than a decade, Jennifer Aniston has relied on a team of therapists to help her through life’s challenges. The former Friends actress has publicly credited weekly counselling sessions for steering her through her divorce with Brad Pitt and she’s even said to have sent her late dog Norman to see a psychologist when she was worried he had become depressed! But now – just weeks after we reported Jennifer, 48, and her husband Justin Theroux were having a trial separation – Woman’s Day can reveal the star’s close relationship with a new therapist is causing big problems in their already-strained marriage. An insider tells us, “Jen’s been having weekly sessions with a relationship counsellor in a bid to save her marriage. He happens to be a good-looking guy…

It was just last month that her second divorce was finalised, but Scarlett Johansson’s boyfriend is already itching for the actress to walk down the aisle a third time! Saturday Night Live writer Colin Jost is reportedly ready to pop the question, with a source close to the comedian saying, “Colin’s beyond head over heels. Scarlett is his dream girl. He’s been looking at massive diamonds and the plan is for a romantic vacation proposal, where they’ll see in the New Year with a sparkly engagement ring.” After getting together in May, Scarlett, 32, and Colin, 35, made their first public appearance as a couple last week, alongside Beyoncé and Ryan Gosling at a celebstudded party in New York. The Oscar winner was previously married to Ryan Reynolds, who she…

With a shared passion for food, their outspokeness and a whanaufirst mentality, it would seem Hera Waitai and Tash Whitewood have the perfect ingredients for instant friendship. But when the My Kitchen Rules New Zealand team-mates met as co-workers six years ago, they could not bear being in the same room. “We couldn’t stand each other,” says Hera, 34. “We both have strong personalities and are highly opinionated, so we clashed.” But little did Tash and Hera know that these very similarities would bring them together and bond them like family all these years later. When the duo – who are both marketing coordinators at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Rotorua – first crossed paths, they were broken women, each on their own journey to find health and happiness. At…

They’re both embroiled in bitter break-ups, but life was a beach for Mel B and Heidi Klum as the two gal pals enjoyed a day on the sand in Malibu last week. In matching sundresses and identical grins, the two America’s Got Talent judges appeared not to have a care in the world as they sat by the sea with their small army of children, plus Mel’s mum Andrea Brown and a few close friends. The girly gathering comes as the Spice Girl gears up for an ugly court battle with her husband of 10 years, Stephen Belafonte, 42. She’s accused the film producer of domestic violence and cheating, while he claims the singer abused drugs and alcohol in front of her daughters, Phoenix, 18, Angel, 10, and Madison, six.…

La La Land star Emma Stone grins from ear to ear as she recalls the night she received her Best Actress Academy Award from her childhood crush, Leonardo DiCaprio. It may be seven months ago, but she recalls that incredible moment as though it were yesterday. “I was a huge Titanic fan growing up and I had a framed picture signed by Leonardo DiCaprio in my room,” admits Emma, talking with Woman’s Day to promote her new film Battle of the Sexes. “To walk up on stage to Leo and have him hand me an Oscar was one of the craziest moments of my life! I felt like a little kid in my bedroom who suddenly got the chance to hang out with the guy in the poster on my…

Basic Overnight Oats SERVES 3-4 PREPARATION 2 MINUTES (PLUS CHILLING) COOKING 5 MINUTES 3 cups milk 2 cups rolled oats ½ cup natural almonds, roughly chopped ¼ cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover with cling film and chill overnight. Heat oats on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until warmed through. Drizzle with extra honey to serve. Strawberry, Fig & Super Seed Oats Make Basic Overnight Oats and add ¼ cup each sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and linseeds. Stir ½ punnet chopped strawberries through while heating. Top with sliced strawberries, sliced figs and extra seeds. Apple Pie Oats Make Basic Overnight Oats, then add 1 grated green apple and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Serve warm oats topped with finely sliced apple, extra chopped…

Spring soirée Breeze to your springtime gathering in flirty florals that sit serenely in the scenery. Big-city brights Bold, bright shapes and colours will take you from day to night with ease. Long lunch  Opt for feminine or floaty styles in colours that bring a little fashion flair and romance. Beach vibes Graphic prints in loose and relaxed styles are made for dancing the night away. Stockists Cotton On 0800 452 885, Dotti 0800 369 327, EziBuy 0508 500 500, H&M 0800 406 700, Jacqui E 0800 539 327, Leo + Be (09) 489 7676, Max 0800 MAXSHOP, Portmans 0800 769 327, Seed Heritage (09) 376 3850, Storm 0800 042 092, Witchery (09) 523 1335…

Bowel movements aren’t exactly one of my favourite topics of conversation, however, it’s important we understand that this process is vital to our health. The act of digestion can be seen as a great metaphor for our lives – for our ability to absorb what is useful from our experiences and eliminate what holds us back or is unnecessary. EXERCISE HELPS MOVEMENT AT THE STATION! If you want to keep things moving down there, you have to get moving yourself! Exercise naturally stimulates the contraction of our intestinal muscles, which help stools to move out quickly. It can be as simple as walking or doing some yoga positions to stimulate blood flow to the organs. MAKE WATER A PRIORITY Two of the main causes of constipation are dehydration and a…

This collection of pretty Italian coastal villages, separated by hills but joined by a rail service, has long been a favourite with walkers – and now I’m one of them. 1 How it works The five towns of the Cinque Terre were originally linked by mule tracks to transport the grapes that grow on their steep, rugged terraces and it’s these ancient tracks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea upon which you trek. Super-athletes do the whole thing in a day, but we did it across three. The basic plan is that you catch the train to one town and walk to another. Our first day we did Riomaggiore to Corniglia, the second Corniglia to Monterosso via Vernazza, and the third day we walked from Levanto, not officially one of the five…

I know a lot of people dream of working from home, but as someone who has done so for many years, I often dream of working in an office. There are a lot of reasons for this, one being that I don’t get a Christmas party, and the other being that there’s only me and the dog to do a Melbourne Cup sweepstake. (On the plus side, I always get first, second and third prizes as Ted is a terrible picker.) More of an issue is the guilt factor. For the people who don’t suffer from it, I would recommend a home office most enthusiastically. For the people who do – from the moment you get up till the moment you go to bed, you’re wracked with guilt if you’re…

No-one warned me that taking a dog to the vet is more expensive than heart surgery. Well, that may be stretching the truth, but those delicious little creatures can cost an arm, a leg and a new car. My little Scrumbles is a stocky and chunky rough-coat Jack Russell. He’s an absolute delight, but he’s a bit bung. You know how there’s always a dog in every litter that’s a bit bung? Well, that’s my Scrumbles. I don’t want to embarrass him, but he has some issues. Firstly, one of his man grapes hasn’t descended, which apparently is not good at all. He’ll have to be neutered rather soon, to my partner’s horror. “Can’t we let him be a man just a wee bit longer?” he pleaded. Scrumbles also runs…

New Zealanders and Australians play rivals on the rugby field, but the Kiwi-Aussie series 800 Words is proof that we actually work really well together! The co-production is back for season three this week, so we got our hands on some fun facts about the new episodes to get you ready. BACK AND FORTH McLeod’s Daughters star Bridie Carter, who plays Jan, films her scenes in blocks. When she’s finished, she flies from Auckland to her home in Byron Bay, where she lives with her husband Michael Wilson and sons Otis and Tobias. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Much of this week’s action takes place at the beach or at sea. But where was it filmed? Initial scenes were shot at Piha and Bethells Beach. The cast also filmed on Auckland’s east…

THE BLOCK NZ Over two million Kiwis tuned in to watch this year’s season of the beloved DIY reno series. While it had a controversial end, Hamilton dad winners Andy and Nate walked away with $130,000 – and that’s nothing to turn your nose up at! Apply at threenow.co.nz. HEARTBREAK ISLAND First there was The Bachelor NZ, then Married at First Sight NZ – and now there’s a new reality dating series for Kiwis. Things will get hot, hot, hot as 20 singletons take up residence on a tropical island resort to find love and potentially a $100,000 prize! Apply now at tvnz.co.nz/ heartbreakisland. PROJECT RUNWAY NZ And sew it begins! Based on the smash-hit US series, it’s time for our budding designers to show off their talents. There’s no…

ONCE UPON A TIME TVNZ OnDemand  Rating: ★★★★ In the return of this magical series set in Storybrooke, new fairytale characters will be revealed and old faves revisited. DYNASTY Thursday on Netflix Rating: ★★★ The Rolls-Royce of primetime soaps returns in a modernised reboot following the feuds of two of America’s wealthiest families. RIVERDALE Season two, Thursday on Netflix Rating: ★★★★ Kiwi leading lad KJ Apa promises the teen drama series will be even darker than the last following the – spoiler alert! – shooting of his dad. KIDNAP Availble on Netflix Rating: ★★★★ Halle Berry takes the wheel in this action-packed flick, which sees a frantic mother taking the law into her own hands to find her abducted son.…

Sex and the City’s third movie has turned into war, with Kim Cattrall slamming her “toxic” co-stars. The actress, who played sassy Samantha Jones on the hit TV show, has declared, “The series is over. I’ve moved on and it feels frickin’ fantastic!” Last week, Sarah Jessica Parker, 52, who played Carrie Bradshaw, revealed the third film wasn’t going ahead, saying, “I’m disappointed. We had this beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, joyful, very relatable script and story.” Rumours soon started about Kim’s diva demands and the 61-year-old called Sarah out for not defending her. “I don’t know what her issue is,” she says. “I never have.” Since the show ended, Kim says her friendship with co-stars Sarah, Kristin Davis, 52, and Cynthia Nixon, 51, has fizzled. “They all have children and I…

They’ve got the world on a string! These stars are floating on air with their party balloons. Win! Beat the clock! TomTom (TOM2) has launched Fitness Age, Fitness Points and Personalised Workouts across its sports watch range. These new features give users the tools they need to work out smarter, achieve their fitness goals faster and live a healthier lifestyle. We have a TomTom prize pack to give away, including one Runner3 Watch and two accessory straps to give away, valued at $480. To enter, visit womansday.co.nz  and click on the “Win” tab with the code TT42 or send your name, address and phone number to: Woman’s Day/TomTom Fitness, Response Bag 500235, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 by October 20. Subscribe! SECURELY ONLINE MAGSHOP.CO.NZ/  WOMANS-DAY-NZ PHONE 0800…

Jennifer isn’t the only former Friends star with a rocky love life – her best gal pal Courteney Cox has been left devastated after being dumped by her fiancé Johnny McDaid for a second time. “Courteney is reeling,” a close source reveals, speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day. “Johnny decided he needed a break again and says he feels like they’ve drifted apart. Courteney is beside herself.” The break-up comes just weeks after the actress, 53, confessed she wanted to have a child with the Snow Patrol rocker, 41. “I would love to have a baby now,” she said. “I mean, I could carry someone else’s egg. I know it’s crazy, but I would.” Courteney and her ex-husband David Arquette co-parent 13-year-old daughter Coco together, while Irishman Johnny has no children.…

Less than a year after hooking up with her musician beau Danny Fujikawa, Kate Hudson is planning a winter wonderland wedding! The loved-up star – who recently shaved her head for a Sia-directed musical – wants to tie the knot in Colorado on New Year’s Eve after secretly getting engaged. “It’s one of Kate’s favourite places in the world, so it makes sense to get married there,” spills a pal, adding that it’s where she tied the knot with first hubby Chris Robinson back in 2000. “With all the snow, log fires and breathtaking views, it makes the prefect romantic setting. The 38-year-old actress – who shares son Ryder, 13, with Chris and six-year-old Bingham with ex-fiancé Matt Bellamy – recently opened up about her “really amazing and calm” romance…

When New Zealand’s most well-known women are headed for the altar, there’s one person they trust above all others to craft the perfect gown – Jane Yeh. Aotearoa’s answer to A-list designer Vera Wang, the Auckland style guru has dressed thousands of Kiwi brides for their big days, including local stars Hilary Barry, Nadine Higgins (née Chalmers-Ross) and Mahé Drysdale’s wife Juliette. “I love the fairytale of weddings – I feel so lucky to do what I do because I make brides’ dreams come true,” smiles Jane, who opened her first bridal store in 1994. “If I worked for the bank, I’d be fired after five minutes.” While numbers aren’t her thing, creating custom couture comes naturally to the mum-of-one, who is now weaving her magic on Three’s hot new…

‘ I always said I wouldn’t deprive the kids during the experiment ’ A former vegetarian with a plethora of plant-eating pals and a husband who runs a vegan-friendly ice-cream company, actress Nicole Whippy has already seen the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle. So when animal-rights charity Safe challenged her to go “veggo” for four weeks, the Nothing Trivial star – a self-confessed foodie with a fondness for steak – was happy to oblige. But the mum-of-two didn’t just stop there – she decided to get the whole family, including her hubby Tommy Holden, 32, and daughters Pearl, eight, and Vida, two, on board as well. Nicole, who recently celebrated her 40th birthday, tells, “We like all types of food and we try to eat organic, but we’re a busy…

She was Hollywood’s hottest property. He was a celebrity photographer at the top of his game. Out of their friendship came one of the most comprehensive collections of Marilyn Monroe photographs in existence. The Gentlemen Prefer Blondes actress was 27 when she met Milton Greene in 1953. She loved his pictures and before long, they became such close friends that she moved in with him and his wife Amy. Over the course of their friendship, Milton took more than 5000 pictures of the blonde bombshell, capturing her in poses ranging from unguarded, childish and playful, to sultry and erotic. “Marilyn felt protected,” Amy said in later years. “We cocooned her. No-one else had done that before. She was a good sport, much smarter than she looked. She read voraciously.” The…

Skye Broberg doesn’t need to ask anyone that age-old question, “Does my bum look big in this?” She can answer it herself. Among other things, Aussie-born, Lyttelton-based Skye is a world record-holding contortionist. She can, as she so hilariously puts it, “look around at my own butt”. Handy skill or not, it’s just one of the many talents that this circus/fetish/ burlesque performer has. The 44-year-old’s love affair with all things spectacular began 12 years ago, when she ran away to join the circus. She was 32 and working an unfulfilling office job at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. “I wanted out of the sedentary job I was doing,” Skye recalls, cuddling her 15-month-old son Taiga close. “I realised that if I didn’t make any changes, then it might…

If you were to look at Rubens’ ‘Samson and Delilah’, completed in 1610, you’d see a painting very similar to this photograph. Except, in Rubens’ work, the model’s nipple shows a sign of breast cancer. Rubens didn’t know this – he simply painted what he saw. The model couldn’t have known either. Her fate is unknown and it’s likely she died from the symptoms. But today, we can recognise the signs of breast cancer. The woman you see now had a double mastectomy and reconstruction after discovering an abnormality in her breasts. Knowledge beats breast cancer. You can be breast aware too. Learn the signs at breastcancerfoundation.org.nz…

Set the scene MENU Pick a theme and select your snacks and nibbles around that. In this Italian picnic, we’ve gone for salty olives, cured meats and a creamy dip to complement the Copper Kettle Special Reserve Sea Salt & Black Truffle potato crisps. STYLING Relaxed and undone is the order of the day for this comfortable, rustic look. Pair wooden serving boards with rugs and throws in tones of pale blue and grey. PLAYLIST Create a special Italian playlist for the gathering. Your friends will feel like they’re sitting in an olive grove in Tuscany! DRINKS An Aperol spritz is the perfect drink to have at this kind of get together! Sparkling white wine and soda mingle with Aperol, an Italian apéritif made of bitter orange and rhubarb, for…

In search of effective anti-ageing skincare, a group of New Zealand women trialled NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls. For four weeks, the triallists improved their daily anti-ageing beauty routine by using NIVEA Cellular Pearls. They loved how quickly it absorbed into the skin and reported noticeable results, with plumper, more hydrated skin, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles! In fact, 87% said they were likely to use it again. “This is genuinely a product that really makes a difference to the way your skin looks and feels. The difference is noticeable within two weeks. I will absolutely continue using it.” Karen, Papamoa “I didn’t expect to see and feel a difference so quickly. I love it.” Kathy, Westport “My skin seemed rejuvenated and the wrinkles around my…

After 20 years competing and coaching in elite gymnastics, fitness trainer Lauren Hannaford moved into children’s entertainment as a dancer – but it wasn’t exactly what she imagined. “When I joined The Wiggles, I was thrown into the hectic touring life,” says Lauren of being on the road with the popular Aussie kids’ entertainers. “Sometimes the only place to work out was alongside the tour bus in car parks!” Lauren was inspired to create a six-week online fitness programme (laurenhannaford.com.au) that requires no equipment. Based on four 15-minute workouts, the routine helps you tone from head to toe. Here, Lauren and her husband Simon Pryce, aka the Red Wiggle, run through the moves. EXERCISE 1 SQUAT JUMP TARGETS GLUTES, QUADS & CARDIO FITNESS • Squat down in a seated position.…

Q My husband wakes up with an erection every single morning without fail. When I ask him what he was dreaming about, he says it wasn’t sexual. Is that even possible? It’s like he’s some kind of sex addict! • Annoyed, Hawera A Men can have multiple erections during a sleep cycle. Our clitoris also has activity during this period, but due to size and location, it isn’t noticeable. So if he’s saying the morning salute isn’t a testament to anything more than his oxygenated member, you may have to assume he’s telling you the truth. Q My awesome boyfriend has always had a high sex drive, but things seem to be getting out of hand and he keeps arriving home with toys that make me feel uncomfortable size-wise. I…

I feel like all I write about these days is ill health. But it’s with good reason. We’ve been surrounded by it. Chewed up and spat out by it. We seem to be unable to stay well around here. It’s like we’ve gone back to when the kids started preschool and brought home every bug going. I’m not sure what’s happened this year, but our house has resembled a large Petri dish. If there is a bug or virus going, we’ve grabbed it and all gone down like dominoes. To say I am over it would be an understatement. You see, here’s the rub – mums don’t get permission to be sick. So the recent flu virus which wiped us out, and involved everyone in bed nursing aches, pains, fevers,…

She recently earned an Emmy nod for her turn in dark drama series Big Little Lies, but Reese Witherspoon has returned to her romcom roots with new film Home Again. “It’s a modern comedy,” the 41-year-old says. “It has a lot to do with where women are now. It’s not about creating false feelings about romance or the need to be in a relationship. I don’t want to give away the ending, but you realise her romantic relationship does not define her.” Reese plays Alice, a single mum embarking on a new career while playing host to three aspiring filmmakers. “It’s basically about a woman with a younger man, which we haven’t seen a lot on film. But it happens, right ladies?” she laughs. The Legally Blonde star has been…

Ever wondered what an A-list celebrity therapy session is like? Well, this is the show for you! The Therapist sees Dr Siri Sat Nam Singh get intimate with musicians, kicking off with Katy Perry. “She’s very graceful and very down-to-earth,” tells Siri. The emotional first episode sees Katy in tears as she opens up about her struggles. The “Swish Swish” pop star, who’s had therapy in the past, was “very revealing”, according to the Hollywood doctor. An insightful watch indeed!…

When she’s not busy playing Sass on Shortland Street, bookworm Lucy Lovegrove loves a good read. Here she shares her top four reads ... The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood Set in Australia, a group of women wake up drugged on a rural property. Why? And what connects them? It’s a really uncomfortable read, but I’m sure that’s the point. Just Kids by Patti Smith Understated. Elegant. Heartbreaking. Magic. American singer-songwriter Patti Smith recounts her youth, moving to New York to be an artist, and being a young woman in the ’60s and ’70s. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt I just loved this quirky and amusing book! Narrated by the younger brother Eli, the Sisters brothers are en route to the…

Libra SEP 24 - OCT 23 As a wave of energy washes over your chart, a passion could become a money-spinner. October marks a turning point for you or a loved one, so go in positive. On the business front, these cashed-up stars might set you on the road to riches. A conversation late in the week may get the ball rolling. Scorpio OCT 24 - NOV 22 Can you feel it? Jupiter is giving you a huge celestial push. As the weather starts warming up, your adventurous streak will return. Start making plans and don’t let age hold you back – show the world what you’re made of! If an online venture has got your interest, October might turn into your lucky month. NOV 23 - DEC 22 Sagittarius…

Jennifer Connelly Only A Beautiful Mind could dream up such a divine look. The star wows in Louis Vuitton. Naomi Watts Channelling her inner Gypsy in a tulle and lace Christian Dior frock, Naomi knows Watts in fashion. Marion Cotillard Trés nautical! The French beauty cruises the line between chic and playful in this Valentino ensemble. Dascha Polanco Topping off her OTT dress with a beret, the Orange is the New Black star is quite the artiste. “Spinning Around” in a Kylie Minogue  statement tiered design by Alice McCall, the Aussie icon flaunts her fringe benefits. Alicia Vikander Is this Lara Croft on her day off? The Tomb Raider action hero is fierce in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton. Michelle Williams We’re Wonderstruck by the actress’ Louis Vuitton look – a contemporary…

The queen of kooky costumes impressed with her out-of-this-world props while performing at New York’s Madison Square Garden last week, but Katy Perry’s colourful outfits aren’t just for the stage. A couple of days after her performance, the “Swish Swish” singer, 32, kicked up her red, microphone-shaped heels in a glittery rainbow-hued Attico frock on her way to an interview with Big Apple breakfast show Good Morning America. Katy appeared on the show alongside Lionel Richie, 68, one of her fellow judges on the upcoming 16th season of American Idol. Of her new TV gig, the star says, “The most challenging thing was trying to figure out how to say no to people at first. “I don’t think any of us believe in being nasty. What we believe in is…

Hot on the heels of reality TV’s original heart-throb Art Green revealing he’s The Bachelor NZ no more after his darling Matilda Rice said a resounding “yes!” to his marriage proposal, this week we have more real-life romance to make us all go awww! We’ve seen little of season three’s cute Bachelor pairing, Zac Franich and Viarni Bright, since they graced our cover after the finale, but we can confirm that these two are definitely the real deal (page 8). They’ve just had a dreamy getaway in Rarotonga, where funnily enough, they bumped into Art and Matilda not long after their engagement. Surely that’s a lucky sign for the newest lovebirds? Personally, I think there’s got to be easier ways to find love than signing up to a reality show,…

She’s one of pop’s biggest stars, but Rihanna is set to give it all up for love, with friends saying she wants to settle down and start a family with Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel. “She hasn’t felt for anyone what she feels for him and she is certain this is ‘the one’,” a pal tells Woman’s Day. “She says she feels so much more settled and like she’s moved into a new phase in her life. The old Rihanna is disappearing. She’s more surprised about this than anyone.” The pair, both 29, got together earlier this year and their romance has moved at breakneck speed since. The Toyota magnate, who was previously linked to Naomi Campbell, is said to have told Rihanna she never needs to work again. “Hassan’s wealth…

He’s famous for his heartbroken ballads, but singing superstar Sam Smith has a new man to “Stay with Me”! Last week, the 25-year-old chart-topper looked smitten as he stepped out on a smoochy, hand-holding date in New York’s Greenwich Village with actor Brandon Flynn, who stars in hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and turns 24 this week. It’s a romantic bright spot for Sam, who recently confessed he nearly quit music in 2015 after being dumped. “My team had to force me to get into the studio because I almost felt as if I didn’t want to do it any more,” he admits. “There were moments where I started to lose myself.” Last week, the “Too Good at Goodbyes” singer vowed to never use dating apps, saying that he…

Self-confessed alcoholic Ben Affleck is reportedly spiralling out of control, with loved ones begging the actor to go back to rehab and suggesting that his new girlfriend, Lindsay Shookus, isn’t helping the situation. “Ben is in pain and he needs help,” claims a family insider. “But Lindsay drinks and parties into the night right along with Ben. She might not know it, but she’s enabling him.” The Argo star, 45, who has completed two long stints in rehab in the past, reportedly first hooked up with TV producer Lindsay, 37, while still married to ex-wife Jennifer Garner, 45, the mother of his three kids. Earlier this year, Ben spoke openly about his alcoholism, declaring, “I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be.…

Angel, 26 “I loved the low back and lace detailing of my dress. As soon I saw it, I knew straightaway it was the dress for me – I had an instant connection with it, just like with my husband.” Bel, 25 “I always thought I would get married in a pantsuit, so I never imagined myself in a wedding dress – but I felt beautiful.” Claire, 51 “It was amazing to step into my dress on my wedding day. I loved the handmade material but did think the front of my dress was too low.” Vicky, 27 “I felt like a princess when I stepped into my dress for the first time – and my husband agreed. It was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Lacey, 30 “My gown…

She’s had a crazy life, with her fair share of tragedy and belly laughs, but don’t expect Dawn French to celebrate her 60th with a massive bender. The British comedienne plans to mark the milestone this week with just a handful of loved ones, “good music, food, wine, stories, kissing and cake”. The beloved Vicar of Dibley star, applauded by many for embracing her plus-size figure, recently revealed a massive 48kg weight loss thanks to a brush with uterine cancer. Facing a hysterectomy, she opted for keyhole surgery, but was told the operation would have a better chance of success if she lost weight. Rather than relying on a quick fix, Dawn achieved her new size 14 figure with a balanced approach to food and exercise – “walking loads and…

Like many young girls, Ava-Grace Makasini is obsessed with Queen Elsa from the movie Frozen and loves nothing more than dancing about in her flowing blue dress. The gorgeous toddler – who lives in Auckland’s Manukau City with her parents Helen and Kali Makasini, and big sister Ariella – seems like any other three-year-old, brimming with energy and chatter. But in Ava-Grace’s case, appearances are deceiving. “Ava-Grace looks like a normal little girl on the outside,” explains mum Helen. “But on the inside, all her plumbing is wrong.” Underneath the satin skirts of her Elsa costume is a small pouch that contains the four tubes Ava-Grace needs to sustain her life – they feed her nutrients, take away waste and provide her with medication. The bright young girl has a…

Covered in lush native bush, and populated by kiwi, takahe and other rare birds, the offshore nature reserve of Kapiti Island might seem like the perfect place to raise a baby. But it presents a unique set of challenges for Department of Conservation island rangers Genevieve Spargo and Nick Fisentzidis, and their nine-month-old son Theo. There’s not always running water, they have to go 10 days between supermarket shops and storms can see them trapped on the island for up to two weeks. Then there are the nosy locals. Gen tells, “I can’t just plonk Theo down on the grass and get on with my work – a weka or a kaka could have his eye out in a second, so I have to watch him like a hawk!” However,…

Bacon, Chive & Potato Quiche SERVES 6 PREPARATION 20 MINUTES COOKING 45 MINUTES 20g butter, melted 1 large potato, chopped 4 rindless gluten-free bacon slices, chopped 1 quantity gluten-free pastry ½ cup grated tasty cheddar 5 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup milk 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped mixed green salad to serve 1. Preheat oven to very hot, 220°C. Grease a 24cm round, loose-based fluted flan tin with melted butter. 2. Cook potato until tender. Drain. Cook bacon in a medium frying pan on high, stirring, for 5 minutes or until golden. Drain. 3. Roll pastry between two sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Ease pastry into pan, pushing together any cracks. Press pastry into side and base of pan, trimming the edges. 4. Sprinkle bacon, potato and cheese…

Thai Curry Tuna Cakes MAKES 8 PREPARATION 15 MINUTES (PLUS CHILLING) COOKING 15 MINUTES 1 cup sushi rice 425g can tuna in springwater, drained, flaked ½ cup panko crumbs, plus 1 cup extra 2 eggs, whisked 1½ tablespoons Thai red curry paste 2 spring onions, finely sliced 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 teaspoons juice vegetable oil for shallow-frying mixed salad leaves, sweet chilli sauce to serve 1. Cook rice following packet directions. Cool. Transfer to a bowl with tuna, crumbs, eggs, paste, onion, zest and juice. Season. 2. Shape into 8 patties. Coat in extra crumbs and place on a plate. Chill for 15 minutes. 3. In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to shallow-fry over high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes each side until…

Party season has arrived. Whether it’s a day at the races, a wedding, a work event or black-tie do, follow our guide to look your Insta-worthy best. PRIMER Applying a primer before foundation is essential. It creates a smooth layer that holds foundation in place and guarantees it’ll still be looking flawless on the dance floor at 1am. Using one with an SPF is handy for extra protection at outdoor events over summer. Try (1) Dermalogica Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30, $98. If you’re conscious of pores, use a primer that helps diminish their look. We like (2) Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer, $32. HIGHLIGHT, CONTOUR & BLUSH While you don’t want to look as though you’ve been dipped in liquid gold, a soft highlight adds a gorgeous radiance to…

When in doubt, curl! If you don’t have time to visit the salon for a ritzy up-do, creating waves at home is the perfect, stylish alternative when attending a summer soirée. Follow the steps below to master your favourite style. Tousled waves • Take a curling tong and start curling the hair midway down, leaving the top half straight. Hold each piece for 10 seconds. Try (1) Silver Bullet City Chic Curling Iron, $79. • Alternate the direction of the curls as you work your way around your head, but make sure to curl the sections on either side of your face outwards. • Once finished, let the curls cool, then brush. Finish with a light mist of low-hold hairspray. Vintage curls • Create a deep side part for the…

Your letters Dream Day! It’s such lovely news about Art Green and Matilda Rice getting engaged (WD, September 25). I don’t normally rate love-finding reality TV shows, but these two are such genuine people who were meant to be together. It’s impossible not to like them! Also, thanks for the health article with tips for a happy heart and Gemma McCaw’s page on the power of a smile. A positive read all round! • Happy Reader, Canterbury Art they adorable? Congratulations to Art and his beautiful girl Matilda. How exciting for them! I don’t watch those reality TV programmes in their entirety, but I do like to tune in for the final episodes – and from then until now, I felt these two made a great couple. My very best…

Q Maybe it’s just my age and stage in life, but it seems like weddings are bankrupting me! On the one hand, I am thrilled to be invited to so many good friends’ nuptials, but why do they have to be so darn expensive for guests? After shelling out for the presents, the hen’s dos, frocks, travel and all the rest, how on earth am I supposed to save any money? • Aisle be Damned, Auckland A Well, I’m not a huge fan of weddings myself! They are almost always in summer, and usually involve uncomfortable heels, sweating and sunstroke. I must say that the money spent on weddings can be completely outrageous. If I were you, I’d get a couple of wedding outfits – maybe a plain cream dress…

1 SLICE OF PARADISE WEDNESDAY, 7.30PM, THREE In this week’s episode of the house-hunting series, hosts Shelley Ferguson and Peter Wolfcamp try to find Kiwi couple Caza and Clayton a home. The Wellington goths have a budget of $420,000 and dream of somewhere grand in the city but know they might need to look elsewhere to fit the budget. 2 LOVE ISLAND WEEKNIGHTS, 9.30PM, TVNZ 2 It’s the final countdown! This week, the epic reality series comes to a close. The sizzling show sent the country into a flurry, but which islanders will take out the win? Also not to be missed this Friday night is the special reunion episode where you can get the all the behind-the-scenes dirt. Bring it! 3 SHAUN JOHNSON: ACROSS THE…

COOL SUMMER FLAT In summer tan or on-trend black/barcode, Omaha is a light shoe perfect for warmer weather. With an adjustable fit to keep your foot well supported and Pillow Walk footbed for all-day cushioning and comfort, this is a flat you’ll fall in love with. Omaha flats by Ziera $249.95, shop at zierashoes.com. EXPERIENCE ETERNAL YOUTH The all-new Eternal Youth Foaming Mousse Cleanser and Skin Polishing Exfoliant from Dr. Lewinns is a rich, luxurious velvety mousse cleanser, enriched with Juvevelen™ , elfe flower, and green tea that helps to cleanse, clarify and soothe skin. The replenishing exfoliant, activated charcoal and green tea helps to refine pores and draw out impurities for a flawless complexion. Suitable for all skin types. RRP $34.99 each. WE LIKE OUR CHICKEN CRISPY! Made with…