Innholdsfortegnelse for December 4, 2017 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

My little boy Darcy was bouncing off the walls with excitement on the day Christmas came early to our Auckland home for this week’s special issue. While he had been at school, some magic elves had made a beautiful wreath for the door, a tree had been perfectly decorated with stacks of presents beneath it, stockings were hanging and our table was laden with a delicious feast. Darcy’s eyes were bigger than his head! It was my lovely Lifestyle Director Penny who suggested we have the team and our kids over to my house for the annual Christmas issue. And on the day of the shoot, I was a little flappy, but my children were over the moon. There was so much excitement and happiness in the house, they literally…

After a whirlwind three months, madly-in-love newlyweds Angel Fulljames and Brett Renall were fooled into thinking their first Christmas would finally be a chance to catch their breath. Since tying the knot as complete strangers on August 17 for the hit Three TV show Married at First Sight NZ, life has changed irrevocably for the charming Christchurch signmaker and his bubbly bride. They’ve adjusted to a busy world of fame, fans, interviews and celebrity appearances, all while falling for each other in front of the nation for the reality show. But MAFS’ sole success story will have no such luck unwinding over the silly season now that Angel confirms she’s leaving her home in Wellington to start a new chapter with her hubby in Lincoln, Canterbury. “It’s official!” the vivacious…

She’s one of the world’s greatest athletes and he’s a geeky internet entrepreneur, so when unlikely lovers Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian tied the knot, it was only appropriate that they did so in grand fairytale style – with a Beauty and the Beast-themed ceremony. Celebrity guests – including Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian West, Anna Wintour and Eva Longoria – were welcomed to the reception with the Disney film’s tune “Be Our Guest”, while the newlyweds took their first spin on the dance floor to “Tale as Old as Time”. The New Orleans venue, a contemporary art gallery, had been decorated with thrones and floral arches as if for a French royal ball, and Serena’s dramatic caped bridal gown – designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, who also created…

The nightmare has only just begun for Dreamgirls actress Jennifer Hudson. The Oscar winner and her fiancé David Ortunga appeared to have one of the most successful relationships in Hollywood. But the fairytale has ended, with Jennifer taking out an emergency protection order against the former pro wrestler, claiming she is “living in fear”. In court documents, Jennifer states that David was showing “increasingly aggressive, threatening and harassing behaviour” and that she feared he may physically harm her or “seek to sequester” their son, David Jr, eight. She also claimed that David had pushed her and taunted her with a gun. The news comes as a shock for fans of the singer, who met David 10 years ago. A year later, he popped the big question on the former American…

SIDO & CLEO Cleo wears: Dress, $49.99, from Glassons. Earrings, $29.90, from Seed Heritage. LEIGH & PENNY Leigh (far left) wears: Dress, $39.90, from Zara. Earrings, $34.99, from Portmans. Glasses, $299 for two pairs, from Specsavers. Sneakers, $150, from Adidas. Penny wears: Dress, $89.90, from Zara. Necklace, $22.99, from Lovisa. Sneakers, $69.90, from Novo. SIDO & DARCY Sido wears: Dress, $119.99, from EziBuy. Earrings, $17.90, from Seed Heritage. Shoes, $79.90, from Novo. Darcy wears: Top, $18.95, from Cotton On. Shorts, $34.90, from Seed Heritage. Socks, $12.99 for seven pairs, from H&M. Sneakers, $29.99, from Number One Shoes. ELLEN & AMY Ellen (left) wears: Jumpsuit, $59.99, from Glassons. Bangles, $22.90 for set, from Lovisa. Shoes, $159.90, from Seed Heritage. Amy wears: Dress, $129, from H&M. Earrings, $22.99, from Lovisa. Shoes, $219.90,…

Christmas is almost here, which means it’s time to get organised for hosting family and friends, so why not enjoy it! Let your creativity shine with decorating, gift wrapping, table settings and crafting – it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. At Spotlight, there’s everything you need to decorate your table and take your Christmas party outdoors in style. Think matte-gold cutlery, charger plates and candles housed in glass to protect them from the breeze. Red and gold doesn’t have to be a Christmas cliche when you add a local twist. Replace traditional pine branches with fronds from the garden or use gold-dusted faux foliage and berries (we won’t tell!). Whether your festive look is rich and rustic or smart and sophisticated, just head along to your…

What could be better than enjoying a chat and a glass of bubbles over a pretty table laden with goodies to eat? Picture-perfect platters are a fab way to entertain friends and family in relaxed style. Sarah Jones from The Platter Collective, who put together our Woman’s Day festive feast, shares her tips on how to wow your guests with a fabulous platter at home. Say cheese! It’s all about the cheese! Take the time to choose some amazing examples. I use New Zealand-made cheese on all my platters. Head along to your local deli or farmers’ markets to try out the varieties. Ask the staff for taste tests and their recommendations – you will be amazed at their knowledge. Make a day of it and pick up some other…

Creamy raspberry smoothie SERVES 2 PREP 5 MINUTES (PLUS STANDING TIME) ²/₃ cup (100g) raw cashews 1 cup (250ml) coconut water 1 cup (160g) frozen raspberries 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup ½ lime, peeled 1 cup ice cubes 1. Place cashews in a medium bowl; cover with cold water. Stand at room temperature for 2-4 hours. Rinse and drain well. 2. Using a food processor, blend coconut water, drained cashews and remaining ingredients at high speed for about 1 minute or until smooth and creamy. Suitable to freeze. For the relief of tooth sensitivity. Always read the label. Use only as directed. See your dentist if symptoms persist. Colgate-Palmolive Ltd, Lower Hutt. TAPS PP1485 DOES DRINKING CHILLED JUICES MAKE YOU GRIMACE IN PAIN? “ In the summer, a cold…

It can be easy to get stressed out at this festive time – family might be coming to stay, budgets are tight and the kids are off school! But try to take a step back and reflect on all the positives. Think about the year that’s gone and all you’ve achieved. Look around you and be thankful for friends, family and loved ones. Most of all, enjoy the sunshine and special celebrations – and embrace the fact that it’s finally time to relax! GRATITUDE Amid the chaos and excitement of preparing for Christmas, try to take a moment to be grateful for all you have. Practising gratitude has huge benefits – it can put life into perspective and make us feel much happier. Some people even keep a gratitude journal,…

It’s a joy to watch the evolution of Christmas as far as your kids are concerned. After your first child is born, there’s a cacophony of excitement over “baby’s first Christmas”. This is the time when every gift and tree decoration is all about the new baby – booties, rattles, mini books and “I love Santa” onesies. Then as they reach the toddler years, it becomes a mad scramble for batteries and building plastic stuff that clogs up your house. Oh, and trying to calm down hyped kids who are amped up on pavlova and chocolates. As they get to that slightly older stage, the tree starts resembling an arts-and-crafts project, with all the homemade decorations they have been making at school. The gift list also becomes slightly more restrained.…

Your letters Move over, Google Most days when I’d like to know more about something or if I have a question that needs an answer, I get on to Google. But I’ve discovered that Woman’s Day is better! Each week, your mag brings us happy news, great tips and tricks, information on what’s new in the make-up world and kitchen inspiration with delightfully colourful pics that match the recipe. Just day-to-day info for everyone. Google no more, people – Woman’s Day is my one-stop shop these days! • Jo, Dunedin Silly season I see from Sido Kitchin’s editorial that I’m not the only one overwhelmed by the party season (WD, November 27)! The celebrations seem to have extended from the end of October all the way into the New Year.…

This holiday season, John Lithgow says he’ll gift audiences with “dysfunctional family” shenanigans with his comedy Daddy’s Home 2, in which he plays Will Ferrell’s dad. The Golden Globe-winner, 72, gets into the Christmas spirit by chatting to us about the festive flick, which also stars Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg. Are you similar to your character in the movie? It’s an extreme version of myself to the point of being a complete fool. He never stops talking! He’s so excited about everything. He’s a postman and considers it the most exciting profession. I’d research something like the history of the zip code, and just talk and talk. What was your favourite blooper from the film? When I first appear, I hurry into my son’s arms and give him a…

RIA VANDERVIS (PLAYS HARPER WHITLEY) What’s your holiday tradition? My dad is Dutch and my stepmum is German, so they celebrate on Christmas Eve, which is awesome as it spreads the festivities over two days! Your most memorable Christmas? I went to Waiheke Island as a child and stayed in a tiny bach. Nana and I played on the beach all day. The bach is still there, but it’s surrounded by million-dollar homes and the magic is not what it used to be. SAM BUNKALL (PLAYS BOYD ROLLESTON) What is your favourite festive tradition? Catching up with loved ones and having a good debrief of the year. Your most memorable Christmas? Childhood ones were always special because all of my grandparents were still around. I also have family in Canada,…

BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Available on Netflix Rating: ★★★ With Justice League now in cinemas, rewatch the superhero flick that acts as a prequel to the new film. THE MARVELLOUS MRS MAISEL Season one available Wednesday on Amazon Prime Video Rating: ★★★★ From the Gilmore Girls creators comes a series about a ’50s housewife who becomes a stand-up comic. FAMOUS IN LOVE Season one available Friday on TVNZ OnDemand Rating: ★★★ Bella Thorne stars as an ordinary uni student whose life changes overnight when she becomes Hollywood’s new “it girl”. BABY MAMA’S CLUB Tuesdays on TVNZ OnDemand Rating: ★★★★ A group of Kiwi women are on the hunt for their baby daddy Johnny, but they end up discovering much more than they bargained for.…

Back on stage for the first time since her kidney transplant, Selena Gomez stole the show at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles with her new blonde locks and body paint that made her look bruised and bloodied. However, the special effects weren’t enough to fend off criticism of her performance, with many accusing the 25-year-old of poorly lip-syncing her new single “Wolves”. Also under fire was Pink, who appeared to grimace during Christina Aguilera’s tribute to Whitney Houston. The two divas famously had a physical feud in a nightclub after recording “Lady Marmalade”, but the rose-haired singer insists they’ve since made up. After her reaction went viral, Pink, 38, tweeted that Christina, 36, is an “incredible woman who took on an incredible feat” and that she “killed it…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with ice angel Gwen Stefani dripping with festive spirit at a gig in New York! The blonde bombshell looked like she belonged atop a festive tree as she dazzled in a Swarovski crystal-fringed Yousef Aljasmi mini dress while performing tunes from her new album You Make it Feel Like Christmas for the Big Apple’s annual Thanksgiving parade. Gwen’s boyfriend of two years, 41-year-old country crooner Blake Shelton, duets with her on the title track and she confesses that they’ve already been shopping up a storm for each other. “He’s really hard to buy for,” laughs Gwen, “But I think that because he doesn’t fit in any of my furniture at my house – he’s too big – I’m going to get him…

While friends and neighbours were making plans to celebrate Christmas with a holiday or a festive dinner, Simone and Jason were instead worrying about whether they could make it through the week. The cupboards were empty, the bills were starting to pile up and they were in danger of losing their family home due to rent arrears. Simone and Jason put on a brave face for their children, Becky (12) and Isaac (8), and trying to make Christmas enjoyable for them in some way. But they saw the disappointment in Becky’s eyes when they told her they couldn’t get the presents she wanted – the kinds of things her friends at school were excited about getting – because the family couldn’t afford it. Simone’s heart was breaking at the thought…

For 70 years, the Queen and Prince Philip have stood by each other with unwavering loyalty, smiling together in the triumphant times, and supporting one another during their trials and tribulations. But last week, it was a time for celebration as their loved ones gathered to honour their amazing milestone. A Woman’s Day royal insider says the platinum wedding celebration dinner at Windsor Castle – which was attended by the royal couple, their four children, eight grandchildren and a handful of closest friends – was an evening of “joy, love and the sharing of many wonderful memories”. “It was a truly magical evening,” tells our insider. “The Queen and the duke were at each other’s sides the entire time and just didn’t stop smiling. The whole evening felt incredibly special.”…

OH, BOY CHRISSY’S LITTLE LEGEND The star couple get ready to welcome baby number two to their family It’s a boy for Chrissy Teigen and John Legend – but they already knew that before she got pregnant! Back in January, the model, who went through IVF to conceive their 19-month-old daughter Luna, revealed that they had only one remaining embryo, a male. After months of pregnancy rumours, Chrissy, who turns 32 this Thursday, flaunted her baby bump on Snapchat last week, writing, “Very excited not to have to hide this any more.” A source close to the half-Norwegian, half-Thai beauty and the “All of Me” crooner, 38, reports, “Chrissy and John are so excited to be having another baby – and Luna is too! She loves touching Chrissy’s belly and…

You will need • Green faux pine wreath • Florist’s wire • Scissors • Wide ribbon • Fresh tulips and orchids • Florist’s water tubes, purchased from your local florist or fishpond.co.nz STEP 1: Fill the tubes with water, then with florist’s wire, attach about seven of the tubes evenly around the wreath by twisting the wire around each tube and the wreath several times. STEP 2: Using sharp scissors, trim approximately seven tulips and seven orchids, leaving at least a 5-7cm stem on each flower. STEP 3: Push one of each flower into a water tube. Tip: It is easier to push them through together at the same time. Hang your wreath on your front door with thick festive ribbon.…

Whether you’re a dedicated crafter or going DIY for the first time, whether you have the whole family involved or just get stuck into it yourself, making your own Christmas decorations and cards is heaps of fun. Spotlight has everything you need for your grandest creations or just a few simple festive projects ... Christmas Canvas WHAT YOU’LL NEED ‣.  3x ‘Semco’ canvases to desired size‣.  Scalpel‣.  Coloured paper‣.  Glue‣.  Pencil TO ASSEMBLE 1. Draw your design on the back of canvas – it will be mirrored on the front side. 2. Shade with pencil sections of design that are being cut out to eliminate any mistakes. 3. Use a scalpel to cut out your design. 4. Glue coloured paper to the back of canvas to create the coloured sections.…

Delaney Mes’ Spiced Rum Eggnog SERVES 4-6 COOKING 20 MINUTES (PLUS INFUSING) 250ml rum or brandy 1 cinnamon stick 1 whole nutmeg 1/2 vanilla bean pod handful of cloves EGGNOG 3 Otaika Valley free- range eggs at room temperature 80g caster sugar 450ml chilled cream 1 freshly grated whole nutmeg to serve 1. Place rum in a bottle, then add cinnamon stick, a generous grating of nutmeg, vanilla pod and cloves. Leave to infuse for at least one hour. Strain through a tea strainer or muslin before using. 2. Separate eggs. Whisk yolks with 40g sugar until thick and pale. 3. Whisk in strained rum and cream until well combined. Note: You can make this part of the mixture a few hours in advance until you’re ready to serve –…

Imitate the kids in the run-up to Christmas and have your own advent calendar. But rather than discovering a chocolate each morning, you’ll find a healthy tip to follow. It may not be as much fun, but it means you’ll reach December 25 in tip-top condition! 1 KEEP TEMPTATION AT BAY WITH FANCY CHRISTMAS DRINKS From eggnog lattes to gingerbread cappuccinos, those festive drinks can contain rather more Christmas spirit than you bargained for. Many clock up more calories than a Big Mac! By all means, have a hot drink, but try to cut out the added syrup shots, whipped cream and marshmallows. 2 TAKE A DAILY WALK Do this today and every day in December, advises GP Dr Ross Perry. “Being in the fresh air for a 15-minute walk…

Pollyism of the week It’s been a while since I’ve ventured into town to go shopping now that I’m no longer living in the heart of the city. I’ve become pretty good at getting in my car and heading home via the supermarket. I find nowadays that I waste a lot less food, only buying as I need it. I’m a bit old to be learning such a simple lesson, but sometimes it takes a while for stuff to get through my thick skull. Yes, now I go to the supermarket, then home, to be greeted by two hungry dogs and what seems like an army of starving zombie people. But today, I started my Christmas shopping. I work near town, so walking seemed like a much better idea than…

The holiday season’s almost upon us, so here’s a few clues to capturing those magic moments. 1 Use a real camera If you just want mementos on your phone’s camera roll to show your friends and family, you can’t really go wrong, but I for one take very average photos on my texting stick. For a start, I can’t see the screen in the sunlight, plus the images don’t blow up that well, so my preference is for a camera.These days, modern compact cameras (I’m not talking lenses or tripods here) can connect to your phone, so it doesn’t mean you can’t Instagram. Selfies can be tricky, though. And beware of the millennials who’ll look at you like a dinosaur when you ask if they’d mind taking your photo for…

With the final episode of My Kitchen Rules New Zealand airing this week, guest judge Nadia Lim spills about what she’s got in store for her family festivities ... How will you be celebrating Christmas Day? With the in-laws in Hanmer Springs. My mum is coming down with us and so is my 16-year-old cousin from Canada – who I’ve never met! What’s your favourite festive tradition? Putting on some cheesy Christmas music and doing a silly jig while I’m cooking. But what I look forward to the most is leftover trifle for breakfast the next morning! Also, taking my son Bodhi to see Santa Claus. Last year’s Santa visit didn’t go so well, so hopefully he has warmed to him this year! If you had to choose only one…

FERN SUTHERLAND, THE BROKENWOOD MYSTERIES I missed a flight once and bought The Glass Room by Simon Mawer on a whim to pass the time. It’s just the right balance of dark and light. You don’t necessarily want a navel gazer when you’re lying on the beach, but I don’t go for fluffy chick-lit stuff. REBECCA WRIGHT, 1 NEWS That charismatic maverick Jimmy Spithill has written a book titled Chasing the Cup and it’s actually a damn good read. It’s less about sailing and more about the road he took to get to the top of an elite sport – it’s gritty and real. Plus, the fact that the America’s Cup is now back in New Zealand means it has a happy ending for Kiwis. TIM WILSON, SEVEN SHARP Denis…

DIABETES NZ This November is Diabetes Action Month in New Zealand. Along with its partners FitBit, Equal and Natural’s sweeteners and Sanofi, Diabetes NZ wants to help Kiwis kick-start a healthy lifestyle. We’re giving away two Join the MoveMeant packs, each valued at over $300. See diabetes.org.nz for more info. ELLA BACHE French skincare range Ella Bache has been recognised for over 60 years, with the philosophy, “No two skins are alike.” One lucky winner will win a $500 Elle Bache prize, including the Cult Classic gift pack, containing a Crème Intex Moisturiser, Cleanser and Eye Cream, as well as a Hydration gift box containing a Hydra Velvet Moisturiser, Hydra Balm and Hyaluronic Serum, plus an Elle Bache beach towel. 200 WOMEN Two hundred women, both known and unknown, from…

She’s known for her tough demeanour and no-nonsense attitude, but when Dame Valerie Adams talks about celebrating her first festive season with her daughter Kimoana Josephine, she can’t help but go all gooey. “Her aunty Josephine, who inspired her middle name, has already bought her the most gorgeous outfit and I can’t wait to put it on her,” the two-time Olympic gold medallist gushes excitedly. “It’s a little pink tutu with a T-shirt that says ‘My first Christmas’ and we’ve got a matching headband. I used to totally object to the colour pink, but now I’m OK with a little bit. I’ve changed, I know!” Indeed, her eyes twinkling like fairy lights, it’s a whole new Valerie we meet at our exclusive shoot with the shot-put champion, her proud husband…

It’s official – Meghan Markle has packed up her old life in Toronto and moved to London to shack up with her beau Prince Harry! After weeks of speculation, the actress filmed her final scenes on hit series Suits, before farewelling her friends and boarding a plane to the British capital, where she was snapped doing a spot of Christmas shopping and getting a $250 facial at Victoria Beckham’s favourite salon. The momentous move adds further fuel to rumours that an engagement announcement is imminent, especially with reports that the actress, 36, is busy planning for her beloved rescue dogs, Bogart and Guy, to join her at Harry’s Kensington Palace cottage too. “Meghan has told all her friends that it’s a permanent move,” a royal source tells Woman’s Day. “She…

When the grand finale of My Kitchen Rules New Zealand goes to air on November 26, newly separated husband-and-wife team Chris and Bex Wright will be shedding tears, regardless if they win or lose. Competing in the ultimate all-or-nothing TV cooking competition was epic, exhilarating and exhausting for the duo, but it was also the last time they ever saw one of their best friends. Larger-than-life Harry Hitman, 37, who was a groomsman and the MC at their wedding almost three years ago, was the Wanaka couple’s biggest cheerleader and they thought he would always be in their lives. But just a few short months after the TVNZ 2 reality series wrapped, the property developer died in a tragic road accident and for Chris, who’d been firm friends with Harry…

The offer is on the table. Should Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen ever decide they want to revisit their time on Full House, the show that catapulted them to fame as precocious six-month-olds in 1987, series creator Jeff Franklin is ready. When promoting his Netflix reboot Fuller House, Jeff said, “When somebody rings a doorbell, the girls yell, ‘It’s always open!’ So that’s kind of how we feel about the Olsen twins – the door is open.” But after three straight years of being told no – Ashley immediately said she no longer feels comfortable acting, while Mary-Kate cited timing issues – “I’ve stopped asking,” admits Jeff. “Really, I kind of gave up.” Smart move. The 31-year-old former child stars abdicated their Hollywood throne some 13 years ago. After building a…

You will need • A collection of thin twigs • An assortment of ribbon off-cuts • Scissors • Twine STEP 1: Tie an assortment of different ribbons with a double knot down the length of your twig. STEP 2: Trim the edges of each ribbon with sharp scissors. Cut each ribbon slightly shorter than the last, from bottom to top. STEP 3: Tie a piece of twine to the top of the twig. Hang your decoration on the Christmas tree.…

Has that box of decorations seen a few too many Christmas parties? Or maybe it’s just time to have a little fun updating your festive look. If you love colour, the bright palette of Spotlight’s Merry & Bright Christmas Collection is filled with bold colours such as hot pink, electric purple and Cerulean blue – it’s perfect for summer! To create the warmth of the traditional-style celebration you’ve been dreaming of, the Classic Christmas Collection, with its red, green and gold, captures all the magic of a northern Christmas. A little bit out of the ordinary, the Contemporary Christmas Collection features two colour palettes. Soft mint green is paired with luxurious rose gold, while the deep navy and bright silver on both palettes are chic and sophisticated. Head to your…

Four-flavour Fudge MAKES 30 PREPARATION 15 MINUTES COOKING 8 MINUTES BASIC FUDGE 375ml can evaporated milk 250g butter, chopped 1 cup caster sugar 800g milk chocolate, roughly chopped CHOC CHERRY 1 cup glacé cherries, plus extra ¾ cup desiccated coconut, plus extra CHUNKY PEANUT ¾ cup chopped salted peanuts, plus extra ¼ cup smooth peanut butter PISTACHIO & CRANBERRY 2/3 cup chopped cranberries 2/3 cup chopped pistachios 1. Line a 20cm square cake pan with baking paper, extending 2cm above sides. 2. In a large, heavy-based saucepan, combine evaporated milk, butter and sugar. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 4-5 minutes, stirring, until light golden. Remove from heat, then set aside for 1 minute for bubbles…

In 2017, two Vivo Senior Stylists took out the New Zealand national competition and found themselves on their way to Barcelona, Spain, to represent Aotearoa in a hands-on, live global event with 38 countries. Think opulent style and you have Goldwell Global Zoom 2017. It was the biggest Color Zoom competition to date, with close to 3000 attendees, and it embraced leading artistry, innovation and education. In a city famous for its culture and distinctive style, team Vivo took lively Barcelona by storm, setting a path for how Vivo’s front-runners compete and excel on any hairstyling platform. The welcome session took place at Placa de Espana on day one. The following day began with all 97 national finalists competing for the winning trophy and much-coveted opportunity to become part of…

I’m mostly a Christmas person, me. I like the presents. And the brandy butter. And having a froufrou cocktail before lunch. But this year, I’ll be having none of those things. This year, on Christmas Day, I will be getting up as small birds break wind and heading off on a 15km hike into the middle of Fiordland. I’ll trundle to Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley, then zig-zag my way up Mackinnon Pass, stopping at the top for lunch and to enjoy the spectacular panorama (in that order) before a rocky descent down into the Arthur Valley. Yes, instead of feeding the reindeers cake and carrots, and hungrily ripping wrapping paper off a mountain of pressies, I’m spending Christmas walking the Milford Track. This is something…

4 weeks to go SEND INTERNATIONAL MAIL Make sure relatives abroad get their cards in time so post now via airmail. 3 weeks to go CHOOSE A CHRISTMAS TREE There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh pine in the house to signal that Christmas is here. DECK THE HALLS Time to put the Christmas decorations up! ORDER MY CHRISTMAS FOOD BAG Last chance to get your My Christmas Food Bag sorted! Orders close midnight, Tuesday, December 12. Visit myfoodbag.co.nz/christmas. 1 week to go SPRUCE UP THE HOUSE Give the house a clean, especially now all the dust from the decorations has settled. Also think about extra chairs and giving your best china a rinse in the dishwasher. 3 days to go TURKEY TIME Make sure to put the turkey…

She didn’t find love on The Bachelor New Zealand, but Lily McManus hasn’t let that get her down! The 21-year-old has swapped TV for the stage, joining the Basement Theatre for Santa Claus as one of a slew of star guests, including Antonia Prebble, Miriama Kamo and Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick. As the bubbly Bachelorette preps for her big role, we get the lowdown on her Christmas plans. Will you be on Santa’s naughty or nice list this year? “I like to think I’m a really nice girl who likes to cause a little bit of s***. I can be trouble, but I’m still good deep down. I’m not going to intentionally break someone’s arm. I’d like to think I sit somewhere in the middle – going towards naughty, but…

LOOKING FOR LOVE Starring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Colin Firth, this festive flick tells intertwined London love stories during the month before Christmas. LOVE ACTUALLY, AVAILABLE ON ITUNES ONE FOR THE KIDS A perfect film for the whole family to enjoy, this ‘90s classic stars Tim Allen as a divorced dad who accidentally kills St Nick and has to take on his job. THE SANTA CLAUSE, AVAILABLE ON NEON FESTIVE FRIGHT! It’s meant to be the most magical time of year, but in this horror movie, a horned beast punishes naughty children. KRAMPUS, AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX FOR THE REBELS He’s a Santa like no other! In this dark comedy, two criminals disguise themselves as the man in red and an elf to rob malls. BAD SANTA, AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX…

THE COMMUTER Liam Neeson is back! He plays Michael, an insurance salesman who is on his daily commute home, when it quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael realises a deadly plan is unfolding and is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy. We have 18 double-pass cinema tickets to The Commuter to give away. HACHETTE BOOKS Hachette’s got some great books for him this Christmas: John Grisham’s The Rooster Bar or he can go on a wild adventure from the comfort of the sofa with King Solomon’s Curse. Or if he loves a true story, he won’t be able to go past SAS Ghost Patrol and Like a Bat Out of Hell. We have four packs to give away, worth $99 each. GLENN…

Your week will start on a serious note, but Venus is preparing to weave a magical spell. A mid-week get-together should leave you laughing and people will be drawn to your sparkle. Couples may reconnect as they share a special moment and singles could see someone in a whole new light. Ooh la la! Capricorn DEC 23 - JAN 20 Trying to figure out what’s going on? Secrets abound right now and a situation involving your work or family may only add to the confusion. Relax – by Christmas, you’ll see things with clarity. If you’re feeling jittery, fill your home with beautiful sounds and smells or do some gardening. Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 You’re Little Miss Popular! With Venus stimulating your social sector, saying no won’t be…