Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1846 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

It’s Diabetes Action Month and Diabetes NZ is challenging Kiwis to “Act Now to Live Well” throughout November. We are giving away two prize packs, worth $270 each, featuring a tote bag, Equal pack, apron, the brand-new Eat Well Live Well recipe book and a Fitbit Charge 2! To enter, visit womansday.co.nz  and click on the “Win” tab with the code DB46 or send your name, address and phone number to: Woman’s Day/Action Month, Response Bag 500235, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 by November 16.…

After a string of failed romances, Jennifer Lawrence appears to have finally found true love with her art gallery director beau Cooke Maroney. And despite being together just six months, an insider says the couple are already talking marriage. “Jennifer’s happier than she’s ever been,” tells a friend. “She says Cooke makes her feel totally at ease and she can be herself around him. It’s the first time she’s felt this way and she is determined to make it last.” The pair, who hooked up in May soon after the 28-year-old Oscar winner’s split from film director Darren Aronofsky, are believed to already be living together in Jennifer’s New York apartment. And they’ve made no secret of their plans to spend their lives together. “Nothing is official yet, but they’ve…

Actor Rami Malek burns up the screen as outrageous Queen frontman Freddie in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody and it’s not just the singer’s stage presence that the actor has channelled – but his love life too! The 37-year-old has fallen for his co-star Lucy Boynton, 24, who plays Freddie’s enduring love Mary in the movie. The besotted pair were frequently seen together after the cameras stopped rolling and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the red carpet in New York last week. Although Mr Robot star Rami is based in LA and Lucy lives in London, a friend says they’re serious. “He’s so into her,” dishes the insider. “He goes and visits her in London all the time.” Rami was the third actor to be considered for…

• Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease that affects one in 10 Kiwi women and 176 million women around the world. • The disease can cause severe period and pelvic pain, along with fertility issues. But sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. • Endometriosis can only be definitively diagnosed by viewing the pelvic cavity with laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). • For more information about endometriosis, go to Endometriosis New Zealand (nzendo.org.nz) or talk to your GP.…

Southland grandmother Christine Brown has spent a lifetime refusing to look in the mirror, but revolutionary facial surgery has given her the strength to finally accept how she looks. “People tell me I look good, but I’m still gaining confidence,” admits Christine, who lives in Invercargill. “I’ve been judged all my life on how I look, but a face is just an outer shell – people need to look inside and see the real person.” Christine, 55, was born with a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which causes tumours to grow on the nerves of the skin or inside the body. Her mother and grandmother had the disorder, and one of her children, Cohen, 25, has also inherited it. Although it affects everyone differently, for this mum-of-three,…

As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. And that is also the case when it comes to mental health struggles. Depression and anxiety can be incredibly isolating, but the Mental Health Foundation suggests a few ways you can approach a conversation with a friend you’re worried about … 1. Ask them how they’re going by saying things like, “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself – what’s going on for you?” And then really listen without judgement. 2. Don’t try to jump in with advice or solutions. You don’t need to “fix” them. Just be there. 3. Ask them what kind of help they need. They may want practical support or they might just want you to listen. 4. Always ask if they think they’d…

Orange Kumara, Prosciutto & Mozzarella Flatbreads SERVES 4 PREPARATION & COOKING 45 MINUTES 400g orange kumara, thinly sliced 8 chia mountain bread wraps 1 cup finely grated parmesan 8 slices prosciutto, torn ¼ cup fresh sage leaves 2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 250g smoked mozzarella, thinly sliced 70g baby rocket leaves 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 large fresh figs, quartered 1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Line 4 oven trays with baking paper. 2. Cook kumara in boiling water for 5 minutes or until tender. Drain. 3. Place 4 wraps on trays and sprinkle with parmesan. Top with remaining wraps, then kumara, prosciutto, sage, zest and mozzarella. Bake in two batches for 12 minutes or until golden and crisp. 4. Combine rocket, vinegar and oil in…

Yellows of all shades are on for summer, from bold marigolds through to softer buttercups. Green is all the rage – think pistachio, seafoam and aquamarine. Have fun with accessories in this feminine hue as it contrasts well with many other colours. This season’s power pastel is lilac, a paler shade of the Pantone Colour of the year, ultra violet. Think pink this summer with everything from soft blushes to deep rosy hues. Stockists Colette by Colette Hayman (09) 815 1481, Cotton On 0800 452 885, Decjuba (09) 845 1300, Dotti 0800 369 327, EziBuy 0508 500 500, Farmers 0800 327 637, Glassons 0800 GLASSONS, H&M 0800 406 700, Jacqui E 0800 539 327, Ketz-ke (09) 489 7676, Kmart 0800 945 995, LEO + BE (09) 489 7676, Mi Piaci…

Approximately one in three women who’ve had a child and one in 10 men will have some sort of bladder-control problem in their lifetime. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” says continence expert Sue Blinman. “People don’t realise that it’s a medical condition for which there are very effective treatments and remedies that can help.” KEGELS ARE ONLY HELPFUL AFTER A PROBLEM DEVELOPS Strengthening your pelvic floor not only helps you to control bladder and bowel functions, but it also helps to avoid pelvic, urinary and bowel conditions from occurring later on in life. It’s best to start early, before problems occur. To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, Sue suggests you imagine you’re holding back wind. “That’s how you can identify the muscles the easiest,” she says. BLADDER PROBLEMS ARE…

Q I prefer to not have my husband put himself inside me. I know it frustrates him because he wants to do it whenever he can, but I’m not sure I can pretend any longer that it excites me. I’d rather just focus on other things. Is this wrong? • Not Interested, Snells Beach A Nothing is wrong if it’s how you feel, but this needs to be discussed and accounted for in terms of your relationship with your husband. There are a million ways you can still have an intimate relationship, but it sounds like you should at least have an honest chat or perhaps some couples therapy. You don’t mention if your unwillingness is because of something emotional or physical, or if it is the size of his…

Who invented school projects? Was it the same person who came up with cover-sealing exercise books and lengthy prizegivings? These are the bugbears of every parent with a school-aged child. When we moved recently, the bulk of what went into the rubbish bin were the school projects. Years and years of arts, crafts, glue, glitter, stickers, magazine cut-outs – most of which are done painstakingly at the kitchen table, involving the whole household. They usually also involve full-scale meltdowns when the border or font isn’t right or the glue doesn’t stick. They also cost too much. All that A3 card or poster board, plus all those bits and pieces you’re supposed to have lying around home – heads-up, most of us don’t have ice-block sticks, glitter and coloured wool lying…

One of the wonderful things about your kids growing up is you can finally book a babysitter and plan a weekend away with your husband without feeling guilty. And the Bay of Islands has got to be one of the most romantic places to zip away to for a mini-vacay. 1 Where to stay? For a luxurious once-in-a-lifetime stay, check out Donkey Bay Inn in Russell. The sumptuous interiors of this boutique hotel will have design lovers swooning. Indeed, the beauty of the architectural eco-friendly marvel, with a garden on the roof, is only outshone by the views across the Bay of Islands. With manager Matt’s impeccable personal service, including a lavish breakfast spread, we felt like royalty. The other wonderful place to stay in Russell is the grand Duke…

1 My favourite meal is breakfast, especially eggs. I’m afraid I eat them with ketchup! 2 My charity My Peak Challenge has raised in excess of $1.5 million for blood cancer research. 3 I only learned to drive at age 35. The first car I properly drove was a yellow Fiat 500! 4 As a child, I wore glasses that had Buddy Holly rims, which I hated. They’d probably be considered cool now. 5 I played the trumpet and trombone during my school days. 6 I lived in North London for 12 years and have a core group of friends from drama school who all moved there together. I miss them a lot. 7 The unknown universe fascinates me. I’m certain we’ve been visited by aliens. 8 While shooting season…

BODYGUARD Now on Netflix  Rating: ★★★★ This nail-biting series follows the struggles of a war veteran turned police officer. When it debuted in the UK last month, it was the most-watched new drama in a decade! WONDER Now on Neon  Rating: ★★★★ Be warned – don’t watch this film without a box of tissues! Based on the New York Times bestseller, the story is about August, a boy with facial deformities who’s starting school. DAWSON’S CREEK Now on TVNZ OnDemand  Rating: ★★★ All six seasons of the ’90s teen drama are ready to be binged! Joey, Dawson, Pacey and Jen deal with adolescent angst in a small coastal town. THE NANNY Seasons one to six on TVNZ OnDemand  Rating: ★★★ Fran Drescher’s iconic comedy series is the perfect weekend treat.…

Scorpio OCT 24 – NOV 22 Your luck is on the rise! In fact, 2019 might end up being a bumper year. Wishes can come true under Jupiter transits, so start fine-tuning a few ideas. As the sun radiates your sign, helpful people will appear from all directions. An expensive week is on the cards, but you deserve it! Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22 Jupiter’s arrival in your sign spells good news! Something stimulating and new is on the horizon, but don’t panic if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Do a little soul searching, discuss possibilities or spend some extra time outdoors. For nature-loving Archers, fresh air is like a magic elixir. Capricorn DEC 23 - JAN 20 You’ve got so much to give, Capricorn. It’s all about forming connections, so…

Tffany Haddish Ready for a Girls Trip, Tiffany looks all set to hit the road in her Peter Pilotto ensemble. Kym Marsh The Coronation Street star cobbles together a tried-and-true look in a simple Zeynep Kartal design. Maggie Gyllenhaal What the Deuce?! Maggie couldn’t be more different from her Candy character in minimalist Nina Ricci. Catherine Tyldesley Coro’s cutie is Eva so pretty in this Mark Melia gown, but it’s really crying out for some sparkly earrings. Tracee Ellis Ross The Black-ish beauty and hardcore fashion queen is just as flamboyant as her Marc Jacobs creation. Amanda Holden She’s certainly Got Talent! The glamorous judge is a showstopper in this fabulous Zac Posen gown. Bravo! Christina Hendricks Channelling those Good Girls’ vibes, the actress looks prim and proper in a…

It was on Stewart Island just three years ago that charming Prince Harry told us how much he longed to find a sweetheart to share his life with. From memory, we all said “awww” in unison and tried desperately to think of the perfect woman for the Prince of Hearts. I’ve adored Harry since he was a cheeky cherub and was thrilled when he finally found his princess in Meghan Markle. Their wonderful wedding was magical – only eclipsed by the news the newlyweds were expecting a little one. Bless! So it was with bated breath that Woman’s Daywaited for the royal lovebirds to visit us at the end of their 16-day tour of the South Pacific. Deputy Editor Sebastian van der Zwan was our amazing royal reporter, whizzing around…

It’s another kid, man! NICOLE’S BIG LITTLE SECRET The actress can’t hide her excitement Walking the red carpet at the premiere of her new movie Boy Erased, Nicole Kidman set tongues wagging with what might be the first signs of a baby bump under her glittering purple Markus Lupfer gown. “There have been whispers for a while now that Nicole wants to have more children,” a family insider tells Woman’s Day. “She’s been wearing a lot of baggy dresses and covering her stomach, but her latest outfit was a bit more revealing. It got people wondering if she could be pregnant. Nicole loves being a mum and would be over the moon if she’s expecting another child.” The actress, 51, already has two daughters, Faith, seven, and Sunday, 10, with…

Even though Reid Walker has played Harry Warner on Shortland Street since the age of nine, it was only in 2017 that he became known worldwide. The infamous line “Please tell me that is not your penis!”, uttered by his on-screen dad Michael Galvin, made it all the way to the US, with Alec Baldwin and Jimmy Kimmel re-enacting the scene. But it wasn’t without its embarrassment, as Reid, 18, found on his first date with girlfriend Leah. “We were just walking through Sylvia Park mall when someone yelled the line out at me. It certainly was a way to make the first date memorable, but thankfully, it was more funny than awkward. Here we are over a year later – so it can’t have scared Leah off too much!”…

It was the picture-perfect holiday as Kim Kardashian West stepped out in a collection of barely-there bikinis on a breathtaking Balinese beach with several of her nearest and dearest, but there was one person very noticeably missing from the tropical trip – her husband. It’s no secret that the 38-year-old reality queen’s marriage to Kanye West, 41 – father of her three children, North, five, Saint, two, and Chicago, eight months – has hit a rocky patch, with the superstar pair now spending most of their time apart. “They very much lead their own lives,” an insider tells Woman’s Day. “But she doesn’t want to go through a third divorce, especially with three small kids.” Instead of her hubby, Kim and her kids were joined on the Indonesian island by…

Dolly Parton likes to start the day brutally early, so we’ve been summoned to meet her at an unearthly hour. “I'm a country girl,” she says. “We get up with the chickens.” We meet as dawn is rising over Nashville and the coffee is brewing at her offices, where brick walls are adorned with all manner of sparkly memorabilia. There’s a leopard print and neon-pink dress next to a silver sequin fishtail one. They are impossibly small with hand-span cinched waists. At 72, Parton can still get into every one of them. Just as you’re marvelling at those proportions, there she is in front of you, smiling and offering a manicured hand, which is weighed down by a giant silver butterfly that spreads from her wrist to her fingers. “Well…

On a hot summer’s afternoon nearly 30 years ago, Waikato farmers Don and June Ferguson enjoyed a visit to their home like no other – their friend the Queen popped in for pikelets, tarts and a cuppa. It’s perhaps one of Aotearoa’s most heartwarming tales – an unlikely friendship spanning hemispheres and generations between the House of Windsor and an Otorohanga farming family, whose connection remains so close the monarch is a only phone call away. World-renowned Jersey breeder Don first crossed paths with the Queen in the mid ’70s when he sent cows to England to bolster the Windsor herd. It wasn’t long before he and his wife were sitting opposite Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Hamilton sharing afternoon tea during a royal tour – the first of…

Raspberry & Strawberry Ricotta Cheesecake SERVES 8 PREPARATION & COOKING 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES (PLUS CHILLING & COOLING) 200g amaretti biscuits (see tip) 2 tablespoons caster sugar 75g butter, melted 250g punnet strawberries, sliced 125g punnet raspberries 2 teaspoons icing sugar RASPBERRY RICOTTA FILLING 500g cream cheese, at room temperature 300g fresh ricotta 1 cup caster sugar 1/3 cup milk 3 eggs 125g punnet raspberries 1. Grease a 20cm springform pan. Line base and side with baking paper. 2. Process biscuits and sugar until fine. With the motor operating, gradually add butter until combined. Press mixture over base of pan using the back of a spoon. Place pan on an oven tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Preheat oven to 150°C. 4. RASPBERRY RICOTTA FILLING. Process cream cheese, ricotta,…

COVER UP A lightweight tint is often all you need on your face in warmer weather for an even complexion and healthy glow. BB cream is a great option for good hydration and antioxidant and pollution protection, plus Garnier Skin Active Naturals BB Cream, $17.49, contains 90% natural origin ingredients. LOUD LIPS Go for a poppy lip colour. Classic red mixed with vibrant orange creates the perfect summer shade. Look for a high-shine formula with intense pigment and good moisturisation. Try (1) DB Longwear Lipstick in Orange Poppy, $11.99, and (2) Karen Murrell Natural Lipstick in Poppy Passion, $30. POP A PILL The beauty supplement business is positively booming – it makes sense to treat all the skin on your body, not just your face, especially in summer. Go Healthy…

THE SOCK SQUAT “Try squatting while picking up socks, cleaning your teeth or unpacking the dishwasher,” says physiotherapist Melanie Keegan. “This is a simple way to strengthen your core, legs and back, and burn kilojoules.” PLASTIC-BAG SLIDE “Most people get in the car sideways, transferring all their weight on to one knee,” says orthopaedic surgeon Dr Jonathan Herald. “To reduce knee injury, turn so your bottom is facing the seat and use a plastic bag to slide into the car. Then use your arms to pull in each knee.” DO THE DISHES & LEG RAISES “Calf raises are a great way to make the most of your washing-up time standing at the sink,” says Melanie. “Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, hold on to the sink for balance and…

Trying to figure out answers to our pets’ strange behaviour can be tiring and, at times, downright frustrating! Here’s some simple advice on dealing with a few of the most common animal woes – from gulping down their dinner too quickly to coping with the loud clap of thunder. IF YOUR PET GUZZLES DOWN FOOD “Just like humans, some pets love their food and eat far too fast,” Simone says. “This can lead to vomiting and removes a lot of the stimulation pets derive from eating.” If you have a “gulper”, try turning their bowl upside down and put the food in the “moat” part – it’s trickier for them to get it out, so they’ll eat more slowly. “Provide some of their food in an interactive way – a…

Q I went to the movies last night and I’m still annoyed about a guy I was sitting next to who sang during A Star is Born. He had clearly seen the movie before and kept talking about it to his friend – and he kept uncontrollably jiggling his leg. What’s your take on movie etiquette? I wanted to tell him to be quiet and keep still, but that would have made things awkward. • In the Dark, Auckland AI am one of those people who will do one of three things because I hate movie etiquette violators. One, sit ridiculously far away from anyone else. Two, very firmly tell violators to shut up. Three, wait until the movie comes out on DVD. People like that guy should be flogged…

TV THE ULTIMATE RENO Saturday, 5pm, Three If you’ve been missing your renovation TV fix since The  Block NZ ended, look no further! This new series follows Alice and Caleb Pearson, winners of The Block NZ: Villa Wars, as they start on a new dream house project. MOVIE BORN RACER: THE SCOTT DIXON STORY Out now Even if you’re not a fan of car racing, this film is still fascinating to watch. It follows Kiwi champ Scott Dixon as he chases another IndyCar title. Most  interesting, however, is the family side of the sport and the sacrifices they make. MUSIC THE GREATEST SHOWMAN REIMAGINED Available November 16 Musos Panic! at the  Disco, Kelly Clarkson and more lend their voices to the new companion album of songs from the hit film,…

Do better! Oh, my goodness, Polly Gillespie’s column this week (WD, Oct 22) gave me goosebumps! That poor friend of Polly, my heart goes out to her. I think mammograms need to be funded for all women – no age restriction! How can we self-examine when breasts are naturally full of lumps, bumps and glands? If nine Kiwi women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day, give us the chance to get checked out and fund some medication. • Gemma, Canterbury VIP visitors I loved the recent articles about Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex. They’re a breath of fresh air and make the royal family seem a lot more down to earth and relatable. Their New Zealand tour has been a bit of a whirlwind and the weather…

KOMBUCHA CRAVINGS With a deliciously refreshing taste and less than ¼ teaspoon sugar per serve, Amplify Kombucha is the happy choice for your gut – and your taste buds! Batch-brewed with organic and natural ingredients, Amplify Kombucha is jam-packed with good bacteria and organic acids. RRP $4.Visit amplifybeverages.com. SING YOUR HEART OUT Get ready to sing, dance, laugh and love all over again with Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Sing Along Edition, out now on DVD! Ten years after Mamma Mia! The Movie, you’re invited back to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new musical sequel based on the songs of ABBA. UNDER ARMOUR Soft & Gentle 0% Aluminium roll-on anti-perspirant is clinically proven to provide 24-hour sweat protection. It contains no alcohol, is suitable for all…

As rumours of a secret engagement heat up, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom looked every bit the happy couple when they celebrated the pop star’s 34th birthday in Los Angeles last week. Joined by Orlando’s son Flynn, the pair – who reunited earlier this year after a brief separation – had dinner together at Katy’s favourite eatery Barton G, where her actor beau was spotted presenting her with a huge vase of fresh flowers. And a source close to the lovebirds tells us the American Idol judge and Orlando, who first got together in 2016, are indeed more serious than ever, with wedding and baby plans well under way. “One of the problems that led to their break-up was the issue of marriage and babies,” claims the insider. “Katy has…

Talented, exuberant and flamboyantly gay, Queen superstar Freddie Mercury lived life large as a pop icon of his generation. But as he lay on his deathbed, it wasn’t his handsome lover who soothed him with words of kindness and love. It was his common-law wife Mary Austin. The unconventional and tender relationship between Freddie and Mary, captured in the new movie Bohemian Rhapsody, has come as something of a surprise to many of the frontman’s fans, but one thing is for certain – it was not an invention. Even today, 27 years after Freddie’s death, the enigmatic Mary, 67, lives in the magnificent $50 million West London mansion he left to her in his will, surrounded by memories of the 22 years they spent together. “To me, it was a…

When Cian Elyse White arrived on set for the second season of 800 Words, her castmates would never have guessed she’d just returned from a stint in hospital. She was her usual happy, chatty and energetic self. But Kiwi actress Cian, 29, was well-versed in hiding a secret medical battle that had gripped her for over a decade. And her latest visit to A&E was only one of many caused by the painful disorder endometriosis. “It’s such an all-consuming disease,” Cian confesses to Woman’s Day, opening up about her fight for the very first time. “One of the worst episodes happened two weeks before filming 800 Words. I had to be rushed to hospital. “There were a lot of late nights at the hospital and I would usually be on…

As the saying goes, “behind every successful man is a strong woman” – and one of New Zealand’s favourite actors is testament to that. Performer Jay Laga’aia has been treading the boards for decades, headlining countless plays, musicals and TV shows around the globe. But it is his secondary role he is most grateful for – that of being a parent and partner in his very busy family. The father-of-eight says he couldn’t have had such a long and varied career were it not for his leading lady, wife Sandie, 52. “My secret? I know what the secret is – it’s not about me. It’s someone clearing the chaos behind you so you can pretend to be the breadwinner, when she is the hand that rocks the cradle,” the 55-year-old…

This wrap dress will work for a variety of body types. Pop a lace-trimmed bralet underneath for a touch of girrrl power. Stockists Cotton On 0800 452 885, Glassons 0800 GLASSONS, H&M 0800 406 700, Hannahs 0800 426 624, Lovisa (09) 845 5141, Novo (09) 846 7828, Number One Shoes 0800 661 7463, Seed Heritage (09) 376 3850, Witchery 09 523 1335, Zara (09) 905 6420…

The start of November means one thing – we’re throwing off the layers and looking down the barrel of summer fun in the sun. If you feel your  complexion needs a helping hand, Taryn Johnstone from Caci shares some tips for whipping your skin into tip-top shape. My skin feels dry and dull after winter. How can I bring it back to life? With a bit of exfoliation – it’s one of the best things you can do to get glowing skin. It works by sloughing off the layer of dead cells that can build up on the skin’s surface to reveal a smoother, brighter new layer of skin underneath. At Caci, we offer a more advanced skin exfoliation, called microdermabrasion, which uses crystals and suction to remove dead skin…

As we head towards the summer months, it’s a good time to think about how we look after our skin. Yes, we can spend big bucks on fancy products, but there really is no substitute for the basics – a healthy diet, plenty of water and sun protection. Getting plenty of exercise and sleep are also important, as is not smoking. CHILL OUT! Stress can lead to acne breakouts and skin issues. To encourage healthy skin, try to manage your stress load. Have a self-care plan – get enough sleep, make time for the things you enjoy and avoid overloading your schedule. Fake it If you love to be tanned, there are plenty of ways to achieve this that do not involve sunbathing. Baking yourself in the sun can cause…

How on earth do people build houses from scratch? I have one job left regarding our current reno and that is to fit out my wardrobe. And do you think I can do it? Not on your nelly! The smallest room in the house and I’m at a total loss as to how it should be put together. “You’ve waited mumble-mumble years for a proper grown-up walk-in wardrobe,” the Ginger chided. “This is your chance to have one and get it right.” And then he left me to it. But after mumble-mumble years of keeping my clothes in plastic bins and repurposed shelving, what would I know about getting it right? Gym clothes go on a pile in the corner, shoes are distributed evenly throughout the house, whatever I’m looking…

Christmas has jumped out at me like a bloodthirsty mad clown in a spooky haunted house. I got ambushed by Kris Kringle and I’m very, very frightened. I’m not sure if I’ve been distracted by New Zealand’s housing issues, the royals being in town (I’m officially in love with Harry and Megs) or just in denial, but walking into department stores and being greeted by Nutcrackers and fairy lights has hit me like a runaway sleigh. I’m not prepared. What’s the opposite of prepared? Unprepared doesn’t seem extreme enough for anything like Christmas. I wonder how it would go with the family if instead of presents this year, we did something different? By different, I mean free. Would my kids be terribly proud of my newfound anti-commercial ethics and think…

As she prepared for the title role in the new Sabrina the Teenage Witch reboot, Kiernan Shipka was hardly enchanted by the original ’90s series. “I knew the basics of the show, but I never watched,” the Mad Men actress confesses. “I was scared it would mess me up if I did.” Kiernan’s co-star Ross Lynch – who plays her love interest Harvey – found it outdated. “It was before my time!” laughs the Disney alum. “Funnily enough, when I booked the show, my mum started watching the original. I told her, ‘Mum, you realise this has nothing to do with that, right?’” Putting a spell on Woman’s Day, Kiernan and Ross tell us more about the new story. How is this series different from the original? Kiernan: This Sabrina…

1 UP SUNDAY, 6.30PM, SKY MOVIES DISNEY This fun-filled animated story sees a 78-year-old balloon salesman fulfil his lifelong dream of using thousands of balloons to make his house fly away on a grand adventure. One thing that’s not part of the plan, though, is the optimistic eight-year-old who inadvertently gets caught up in the journey. 2 MACGYVER WEDNESDAY, 7.30PM, PRIME MacGyver and his partners-in-crime Leanna, Riley and Bozer are on a mission to get information about a Serbian war criminal. They target his newly married son by posing as honeymooning couples at a resort and attempt to get close to him. But while they’re on the case, Bozer starts to worry that boss Matty knows about his relationship with Leanna. 3 HOMEMADE THURSDAY, 7.30PM, TVNZ…

PUBLISHED LETTER WRITERS WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK In Jack Jordan’s Before Her Eyes (Allen & Unwin, rrp $32.99), we follow Naomi Hannah, who has been blind since birth. Struggling with living in a small, claustrophobic town, Naomi contemplates ending her life. But then she stumbles across the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. She senses someone else at the scene, watching her. Naomi may not be able to see the killer’s face, but she is still the only person who can identify him. As the police begin hunting for a suspect and more victims are discovered, Naomi’s left asking herself why the killer let her live.…

Katie Holmes sparked rumours that she’s finally engaged to longtime boyfriend Jamie Foxx after stepping out in New Orleans last week with a gorgeous diamond sparkler on her wedding finger. But the next day, the former Dawson’s Creek actress had moved the ring to her pinkie and her spokesperson claimed the gem was simply a prop from her new project, a film adaptation of cult book The Secret, saying, “Katie’s not engaged to anyone besides her fictional movie fiancé, played by Jerry O’Connell.” Regardless, the actress, 39, and her beau of five years, Jamie, 50, who’s also filming a movie in New Orleans, looked like they were still going strong as they hung out in the Big Easy while both on a break from filming. “They’re talking about a wedding,”…