Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1849 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

As Princess Eugenie said “I do” last month, royal watchers couldn’t help but look for the smallest hint that her big sister was feeling envious about being beaten up the aisle. After all, up until 2016, it seemed just a matter of time before Princess Beatrice and her longtime boyfriend Dave Clark would get on with the business of marrying and starting a family. Since the couple’s sudden split two years ago, however, Beatrice went from Britain’s most likely “next royal bride” to the nation’s most eligible singleton with not a whisper of romance in the wind. It just goes to show how deceiving appearances can be. Because while Beatrice, 30, followed Eugenie, 28, into St George’s Chapel as her maid of honour, someone special was watching from afar –…

Wearing a blush tulle Rodarte gown and a long, flowing veil, This Is Us star Mandy Moore was simply glowing as she walked down the aisle to marry musician Taylor Goldsmith in an intimate ceremony in their Los Angeles backyard. The actress, 34, and her hubby, 33 – frontman of folk band Dawes – exchanged vows just after sunset, under an arch of pink jasmine. “It was boho chic and very romantic,” reports a guest. Among the 50 invitees were Mandy’s This Is Us co-stars Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K Brown and Chrissy Metz, plus her actress pal Minka Kelly and her ex-boyfriend Wilmer Valderama. Just days before her nuptials, the former pop singer told Woman’s Day, “I’ve never really, until this point in my life, dreamed about an actual wedding.…

Two years after his split from Diane Kruger, it seems Joshua Jackson has found love again! The former Dawson’s Creek actor, 40, is getting serious with rising star Jodie Turner-Smith, 32, who he was first seen with in August. She will star as Grace Jones in the upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic Sexual Healing. “They’ve been dating for a few months now after being introduced by mutual friends,” says an insider. “Jodie is Josh’s dream girl – talented, beautiful and full of confidence. She’s laid-back and a lot of fun to be ar ound. “She’s unlike anyone else he’s ever dated. He’s smitten! Josh is in a place where he’s ready to settle down and can see himself doing that with Jodie.” This is the actor’s first serious relationship since he…

Apart from two chilly festive seasons working in London, Dan McLaughlan has spent every Christmas celebrating with his family and friends in Wellington, but this year, Santa will have to travel further south to find him. After falling in love with Yuki Sato on Married at First Sight NZ, the electrician will be spending December 25 with the Japanese-born hairdresser in her adopted hometown of Christchurch, which they both see as a milestone in their fledgling relationship. “This is the first time I’ve been in New Zealand and haven’t spent Christmas with my parents, so it’s a big thing,” Dan, 31, tells Woman’s Day as the pair enjoy a romantic picnic during our festive shoot in Wellington. “It’s something I haven’t done before, but I’m looking forward to it. Let’s…

Hanging glittering baubles on the Christmas tree, wrapping oodles of presents and spending precious time with loved ones. In the lead-up to December 25, Seven Sharp’s Tim Wilson and his wife Rachel will be doing all of that and more with their preschool sons Roman and Felix. But as the Auckland pair count down to Christmas, more than anything else, they’re feeling thankful that their new baby Wilfred got through the first torturous months of his life in one piece – and that they did too! From the moment they tied the knot in 2014, Tim and Rachel planned on having a big family. So in October last year, when they discovered they were expecting baby number three, they went into preparation overdrive. It meant moving out of their bulging-at-the-seams…

The Woman’s Day Lifestyle team caught up for Christmas drinks and canapés to welcome the silly season. Luckily, the food was taken care of by Auckland’s Catroux. Adele, from the Westmere café, shares her tips for easy entertaining as well as a recipe from our table. Prawn Vietnamese Rolls MAKES 12 PREPARATION & COOKING 20 MINUTES These gluten-free goodies may sound complicated, but once you master them, they’re relatively easy. ½ cup vinegar ½ cup sugar 1 large lime 12 large prawns ¼ large cucumber 1 avocado juice of ½ lemon 100g dried rice vermicelli noodles 12 x 16cm rice papers (I find Wai Wai is the best brand) 24 fresh mint leaves 1. To make the dressing, boil vinegar and sugar for 5-10 minutes or until a syrup is…

It’s a joyous time of year, but along with all the festivities comes the stress. Whether you’re on edge about getting everything organised or nervous about how family members will get on, there are often triggers that can create unnecessary pressure. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Life coaches Jennie Hill and Tracy Tressider offer some advice for a hassle-free Christmas. Stay positive Have a realistic idea of what you hope to achieve in the lead-up to Christmas, advises Jennie. “It’s better to exceed expectations than fail to meet them,” she says. “Unmet expectations create negative emotions, which can lead to a really poor start to the festive season. Ask others what they want to do and what part they will take ownership of. Encourage kids to organise,…

The golden girl of the spice world, turmeric has long been revered for its immune defence, digestion and wellbeing benefits. Used in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic healing elixirs for thousands of years, this multi-tasking spice is the word on everyone’s lips right now. So what exactly is turmeric? Derived from its official plant name Curcuma longa, turmeric is part of the ginger root family. Its antioxidant star status is thanks to curcumin and curcuminoids – the active parts of the turmeric root. GOLD STAR HEALTH BENEFITS Gold for your heart Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can support healthy blood pressure and heart health. Studies have even found curcumin may support heart health as much as moderate aerobic exercise. Gold for your mind With traditional diets that are high in…

Not that the Lynches are a competitive bunch, but we’re beating the rest of New Zealand by having pre-Christmas Christmas. Yes, it’s controversial. Our chosen date has nothing to do with baby Jesus. Although frankly, had Mary, Joseph and their donkey been wandering around Bethlehem a month earlier, there may have been room at the inn. What a difference to nativity scenes and primary school re-enactments that would have made. No non-speaking shepherd parts for the shy or reluctant. You play a wine-toting wench or a chamber-pot maid or you’re out. Although the three wise men would probably have figured out the holy one’s whereabouts – if they’re really wise – so there’s always that. They might even have had the good sense to order the gold, frankincense and myrrh…

Just like everything else monumental in life, Christmas is coming whether we like it or not and with it, bouncing along happily in the sleigh of festive cheer, come panic and joy in equal amounts. Though at the moment, my panic is slightly heavier than my joy, and so the sleigh is verging slightly to the left and heading dangerously towards the edge of the ho-ho-ho-hotel where I’d like to escape to and have someone else make me Christmas dinner. Some years are special and the Christmases that have topped them off are burnt in my memory. There was the Christmas when I was four, and my sister and I both got dolls’ beds. Hers was pink and mine was blue. Being the eldest, she always got first dibs on…

At 78, the Godfather star is still making regular appearances in the movie world, with parts in Undercover Grandpa and Get Smart, as well as lending his voice to the animated flick Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The quirky TV beauty has gone from strength to strength. From 2011 to 2018, she starred as leading lady Jess in the beloved sitcom New Girl. She’s also dipped her toes into animation, with voice roles in Trolls and Trolls Holiday. She played stepmother to Will’s character in Elf and the pair reunited in 2008 for Step Brothers, where Mary starred as Will’s mum. The Oscar-winning actress’ other great roles include Book Club and Orange Is the New Black. His character Buddy was iconic and Will has since become a comedy legend…

JACK TAME BREAKFAST Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari I’m a non-fiction guy and this is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. I must have handed out a dozen copies to friends. It’s an excellent critique of the war on drugs, and challenges so much of what we think and do about drug use and addiction. The author isn’t without his critics and his past isn’t without controversy, but this is a crazy page-turner and challenges some deep-set ideas. J.J. FONG FRIDAY NIGHT BITES This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps I love Busy! Not just as an actress, but she’s an all-around great human, too. This would be a rad book for any young woman or girlfriend for Christmas. She is so funny,…

Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22 Invitations may be flowing in, but as Mercury taps into your subconscious, your inner life might require attention, so factor in some downtime along with all the parties. Keep those creative juices flowing by starting a journal or jot down an idea you’ve been sitting on. Capricorn DEC 23 - JAN 20 Stop sweeping problems under the rug and start looking for options. Mercury’s rays could reveal some unexpected answers for yourself or a loved one. Cleaning sprees should feel satisfying this week, so tick off a few tasks – by Sunday, housework will be the last thing on your mind! Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 Stay true to yourself, Aquarius. With mischievous Mercury at play, people might try to push you around.…

After a momentous year of weddings, babies and milestone birthdays, the royal family members are busily carrying out their final official engagements before taking a well-deserved festive break. But for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Christmas appears to have come early, with Prince Harry determined to make it one to remember for his pregnant wife. According to a close source, romantic Harry surprised Meghan, 37, with all the trimmings more than six weeks out from December 25! “Harry knows how much Meghan adores Christmas, so he surprised her by decorating Nottingham Cottage at the start of November – almost as soon as they got back from their trip Down Under. “There are lights everywhere, an adorable inflatable snowman and a spectacular tree with a fairy on top that Harry…

Five weeks after Princess Eugenie tied the knot with tequila ambassador Jack Brooksbank, history has caught up with them – and it’s not of the royal variety. Last week, it was revealed that Jack’s grandfather Michael Newton and great-grandfather Giles Newton were top executives for an asbestos factory linked to the deaths of hundreds of people. The Cape Asbestos Company continued production of the fibre for almost 40 years, despite repeated warnings of the severe health dangers associated with it. Jack’s family no longer has any connection to the firm, which stopped manufacturing asbestos in the ’60s, and Jack, 32, has never worked for the company. In 2015, the business set aside $75 million to compensate victims and their families – from workers to people who lived near the factory,…

Move over, Kylie Jenner – you’re not the only one who can hide a pregnancy around here! After stepping out with a newborn in her arms on three separate occasions in New York, actress Jessica Chastain has confirmed the baby is her daughter Giulietta, born via a surrogate back in April. It’s the first child for the Molly’s Game star, 41, and her husband, wealthy Italian fashion executive Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, 36, who married in a lavish ceremony at his family estate near Venice in June 2017. The ravishing redhead is notoriously private about her personal life, but Jessica recently confessed, “I was told that the first year of marriage would be really difficult and people warned me, but actually it’s incredible. I feel happier being married in…

Aussie actress Ruby Rose has been accused of harassment by her ex-girlfriend, Veronicas singer Jess Origliasso. After the Orange is the New Black babe, 32, left a complimentary comment on a picture of Jess, 33, and her new lover on Instagram, the pop star replied, “I have requested you not contact me. The fact you continue to ignore this, under the guise of wishing me well, is continued harassment.” A surprised Ruby responded, “That is news to me. Copy that. Good vibes only.” The Batwoman actress announced her split from Jess in April after two years together, adding that the two “still love each other very much”. However, that’s clearly no longer the case. Fans couldn’t help but notice the eerie resemblance between Ruby and Jess’ androgynous new flame Kai…

To her millions of fans all over the world, Mel B seemed like she had it all – three beautiful daughters, a husband who adored her, a stellar TV career and a luxurious Hollywood lifestyle. But in December 2014, feeling “emotionally battered” and desperate to stop the pain, the Spice Girl decided to end it all. Standing in the bathroom of her rented London home, a huge bottle of painkillers in her hand, she asked herself, “Are you sure?” Then she swallowed. “I felt ugly and detested by the very man who once promised to love and protect me, my husband and manager Stephen,” recalls the star. ‘It was up to him if I was a goddess or a whore’ But as soon as she’d taken her 200th pill, “I…

For someone who set out to not become an A-list star, it’s got to be said that Zoë Kravitz is failing miserably. In just a few short years, the beguiling screen siren has notched up an enviable resumé for playing everything from mysterious wizard Leta Lestrange in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald to Zen yoga instructor Bonnie Carlson in Big Little Lies. Throw in a show-stopping performance in Mad Max: Fury Road and her recurring role in the Divergent franchise, and there’s simply no denying it – Zoë is on fire. Yet it’s a turn of fate that has the actress ever so slightly bemused. “My agent would have to force me to go to these big auditions because I really planned on doing theatre and indie films,” she…

Fig-glazed Ham SERVES 8 PREPARATION 15 MINUTES COOKING 1 HOUR 7kg whole leg ham on bone 50 whole cloves figs to serve GLAZE ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup fig jam ½ cup apple juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. 2. Cut through ham rind using a small, sharp knife, 10cm from top of shank. Run your thumb underneath the skin and above fat layer to separate edges. Starting from widest edge, gently pull back rind to remove. 3. Using a kitchen knife, score a diamond pattern at 2cm intervals, about 5mm deep, all over ham fat. 4. Press 1 clove into the centre of each diamond. Place ham on a rack in a baking dish and add 1 cup water. 5. GLAZE.…

• Shop for supplies the day before your guests come over. Write a list and check it off. • Preparation is vital. Have your nibbles pre-plated ready to go, and salads plated and wrapped for freshness. Meats should be in oven dishes ready to cook and you should have serving platters handy. The key to entertaining is making it look stress-free. The last thing your guests want is to have you stuck in the kitchen looking frazzled. • On the day itself, have it all done early to allow yourself time to get ready and relax. Cooking always takes a lot longer than you think. • Go through your menu and double-check everything. One glass of wine and you can often forget a vital item. • Accept help. If someone…

Forget the plastic-tasting disks of chocolate hidden behind traditional advent calendar doors – this year, you can enjoy a luxurious mini beauty treat each day of December. Star-studded beauty The perfect gift for the NARS-issist in your life, this geometric NARS Uncensored Advent Calendar, $239, contains 24 make-up favourites for face, lips and eyes. Nailed it! The Ciaté London Mini Mani Month, $94, is the ultimate holiday haul, with one full size and 20 mini paint pots – including nine new shades! As an added bonus, you’ll find a special limited-edition surprise, alongside a mini treatment and a longwear topcoat for extra strength and shine. French festivities L’Occitane’s Advent Calendar of Constellations, $190, goes one better than just simple doors opening. The colourful box opens up to reveal 24 tiny…

GET A HEAD START Begin the Christmas shop for non-perishables, decorations and supplies now to spread the load on your pay days. OPT FOR PRE-MADE A big worry at Christmas is whether what you’re cooking will taste delicious and look how you want it to. We’re often making unfamiliar food items and have less time to do so than during the rest of the year. Skip the stress by opting for pre-made goodies. All you need to do is heat and serve! LAST-MINUTE PRESSIES Combine food shopping with gift shopping. Supermarkets have a full range of gift cards to satisfy even the trickiest person, as well as chocolates, fresh flowers, plants and a selection of small toys.…

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the festive season – decorating, cooking, parties and shopping lists. But it’s important to remember what the Christmas spirit is really about. It’s a special time to reflect, share and be grateful for all you have, and it’s the perfect time to do something for others who may not be as fortunate. Research has proven that giving to others not only benefits the receiver, but also elevates our own moods and begins a positive ripple effect. LEND A HAND There are many great charities working hard to help those in need and lots of them will require extra hands at Christmas. Help out by cooking a meal, preparing parcels or rallying your workmates to make donations. PAY IT FORWARD Next…

I’m a self-confessed Christmas junkie. From the fairy lights (my favourite thing in the world) and the smell of pine, to the playlists featuring Michael Bublé and the conviviality the season brings … I love it all. It should come as no surprise then that my daughter has become obsessed with it too. Her siblings were too at one point, but they seem to have outgrown the “awe” part, so Christmas has become something that bookmarks the gap between music festivals and camping trips with their friends. They’re more excited about being on holiday from school rather than thoughts about Santa and a sleigh. But for pre-teens, Christmas is still a thrill. The window for this period is relatively small. You spend the first few years of their lives waiting…

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES  From Friday on Netflix Rating: ★★★ In this family-friendly flick, Kurt Russell stars as a straight-talking Santa Claus who accidentally crashes his sleigh, leaving two young boys scrambling to help him retrieve his reindeer and get back on track for the night. THE PRINCESS SWITCH Now on Netflix Rating: ★★★ Vanessa Hudgens has a Parent Trap moment in this feel-good movie, playing both Stacey, a baker from Chicago, and Margaret, the Duchess of Montenaro. The two switch places and each find they far prefer the other’s life. THE GRINCH In cinemas Thursday Rating: ★★★★ The kids will love it and so will you! In this new animated version of the well-known Dr Seuss story, the Grinch’s neighbours decide to make the festive season even bigger than before…

Fashion fan A sincere thank you for the 24-page booklet on the red-carpet looks of 2018 (WD, Nov 19). I may be in my twilight years, but I am no “oldie”. My, oh my! Don’t the stars dress ever so stylishly in eye-catching colours these days. My favourite designers include Dior, Versace and Armani. However, in my opinion, there will never be another Elizabeth Taylor. She had magnetism in abundance! • Lorraine, Whanganui Doctor who? What a great article you featured on Kiwi actress Tandi Wright (WD, Nov 26). I work in retail and Tandi came into my store once. I was so sure that I had met her before and that she was a doctor. Imagine my embarrassment when she pointed out that she was indeed a nurse, but…

There’s No Doubt it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with Gwen Stefani’s magical performance at Disneyland! The “Hollaback Girl” hitmaker, 49, was escorted through the theme park in a Cinderella carriage before taking to the stage in a stunning tulle gown to sing “Let it Snow” and “Feliz Navidad”. But it’s not just the festive season that’s making Gwen smile – rumours are swirling that she’s tied the knot with longtime love Blake Shelton in a secret ceremony. The country music hunk, 42, reportedly whisked his girlfriend of three years away to Nevada, where they got hitched by a preacher in their own hotel room! A source tells, “It’s how they wanted it – a marriage ceremony for just the two of them.”…

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... A PUKEKO IN A PONGA TREE The Kiwi version of the classic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” takes Suzy Cato straight back to the festive seasons of her childhood. “The beaches, the barbecues and eating all the yummy food, then lying there with your tummy too full to bounce on the trampoline, go for a swim or even move,” chuckles the beloved kids’ entertainer. “I’m honoured to be here with the pukeko. We have lots of them on the side of the road where we live and I just love them. They’re so cute – such a cheeky, cheerful, happy sign of New Zealand.” Suzy’s favourite Christmas memory is driving down from Kaikohe with her parents to…

Julia Roberts shares a strong bond with her young actress niece Emma, but it seems the Pretty Woman star has some competition from another Hollywood heavyweight when it comes to Emma’s affection. In a new interview, Scream Queens star Emma, 27, credits Reese Witherspoon with giving her career confidence – and family sources tell Woman’s Day that Julia is livid and has warned the Legally Blonde actress to stay away from her beloved niece! Emma – who is the daughter of Julia’s actor brother Eric – described Big Little Lies star and producer Reese, 42, as “TV’s biggest female trailblazer”, gushing, “I’ve loved her ever since I was a kid. She’s a powerhouse. When I was younger, I never thought I could direct, produce and star in a show. Now…

Ten months after they announced their engagement, the wedding is off – and Paris Hilton is keeping the ring! The hotel heiress, 37, called it quits on her two-year relationship with Chris Zylka because the Leftovers actor, 33, “couldn’t handle all the attention Paris got in public”, according to a source. But she still intends to keep the giant diamond he popped on her finger during a Colorado ski trip in January. “She’s still wearing the ring,” an insider reveals. “She thinks it’s the most beautiful thing she’s ever laid eyes on and will definitely try to keep it.” However, Chris is reportedly determined to get the $3 million, 20-carat rock back. The insider adds, “He could use the money and can’t afford to let her keep it. He’s not…

Stepping out in a slinky little black dress, Mariah Carey stunned onlookers as she showed off her slender new figure in New York recently. The 48-year-old singer’s yoyo-ing weight has been much talked about over the years, but now the star is looking healthier and happier than ever! While Mariah reportedly had a gastric band fitted in a secret operation in September 2017 after being body-shamed during her Las Vegas residency, more recently, the “Always Be My Baby” singer has given her lifestyle an extreme makeover and she’s understandably thrilled with the results. “She’s feeling more confident and sexier than ever – and she swears this time it’s for good,” a source close to Mariah reports, speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day. “Before, Mariah would look for a quick fix and…

Following their bitter, blazing row on the final episode of Married at First Sight NZ, it looked like there was no going back for Julia Malley and Dave McClelland. But the former couple had a shock change of heart after that dramatic showdown. Despite experiencing intimacy issues throughout the series, Woman’s Day can confirm that the pair got “hot and heavy” when the filming of the hit Three series finished. The Dunedin entrepreneur, 44, first hinted at the reunion on Instagram, writing, “My journey with Julia continues today away from the cameras.” And at the NZ Music Awards, the Christchurch account manager, 33, admitted she’d “hooked up” with Dave since the show ended. “It was good – I can’t lie!” Julia told us. Now Dave confesses that the pair got…

Isobel Tamati may well be Taranaki’s biggest comeback queen. She doesn’t have a crown, but the 77-year-old could soon have a trophy after being named a finalist in this year’s Attitude Awards, which celebrate the achievements of New Zealanders living with disabilities. In January 2016, Isobel suffered extensive brain damage when an aneurysm left her “like a computer whose software had been completely erased”. She had little chance of survival, let alone the prospect of ever leading a normal life again. Remarkably, this quietly determined grandmother has fought her way back to what doctors have called a “one-in-a-million” recovery. She’s learned to walk, talk and even drive again, and is rivalling her extreme-athlete daughter Lisa in the endurance stakes. On the eve of the awards’ black-tie gala on November 28,…

Sausage Roll Wreath MAKES 36 PREPARATION 20 MINUTES COOKING 25 MINUTES 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 carrot, grated 2 tablespoons tomato sauce 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 500g beef mince 500g sausage mince 1 cup stale breadcrumbs 3 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed ¼ cup milk ¼ cup sesame seeds tomato chutney to serve 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper. 2. Heat oil in a frying pan. Cook onion and carrot for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Cool. 3. In a large bowl, combine onion mixture, sauce, parsley, beef mince, sausage mince and breadcrumbs. Season. 4. Place 1 sheet of pastry on a board and cut in half. Place one-sixth of the mince mix along the centre of…

Chocolate Crackle House SERVES 20 PREPARATION (PLUS CHILLING) 20 MINUTES 6 cups rice bubbles 2 x 200g blocks dark chocolate, melted, plus a little extra ½ cup desiccated coconut 2 x 100g blocks milk Lindt chocolate ¼ cup milk choc melts, melted DECORATIONS 3 rainbow sour straps 1 red sour strap 11 yellow Smarties 2 candy canes, curved part trimmed 1. Lightly grease and line a 15cm square cake pan with baking paper, extending paper on either side of pan. 2. In a bowl, combine rice bubbles, dark chocolate and coconut, stirring well. Press into the pan. Chill for 30 minutes or until set. 3. Remove crackle cake using baking paper as handles. Arrange on a board. 4. Using a hot knife, cut each chocolate block in half. Create the…

SIDO & DARCY Sido wears: Dress, $99.99, and earrings, $18.99, both from Farmers. Shoes, $79.90, from Novo. Darcy wears: Shirt, $29.99, from Cotton On Kids. Shorts, $35.90, from Zara. Sneakers, $34.99, from AMY & ELLEN Amy wears: Jumpsuit, $169.90, from Seed Heritage. Earrings, $27.99, from Lovisa. Bangles, $21.99 for set, from Colette by Colette Hayman. Shoes, $199.90, from Witchery. Ellen wears: Dress, $139.99, from Portmans. Earrings, $18.99, and cuff, $14.99, from Colette by Colette Hayman. Shoes, $260, from Mi Piaci. PENNY WITH NINA & EVA Nina (left) wears: Dress, $99, from Zara. Bodysuit, $19.99, from Dotti. Earrings, $14.99, from Colette by Colette Hayman. Sneakers, $49.99, from Number One Shoes. Penny wears: Dress, $189.99, from EziBuy. Eva wears: Dress, $55.90, from Zara. Bangles, $22.99 for set, from Lovisa. Slides, $49.90, from…

A MUST-HAVE Breathe new life into your usual cocktail attire with simple, fresh and feminine accessories. A mini signet ring will add a hint of golden charm to any on-trend ensemble, then add to your glow with a bolo bracelet – with its signature chain-link design, it’s perfect for stacking. GOLDEN DAYS For delicate statements that perfectly offset a chic up-do or blow-waved curls for a big night out, go bold with a pair of hoop earrings in gold or a feature pendant necklace. All eyes will be on your accessories – not the dress you’ve just recycled for the third time! ‘Tis the season for celebrating – and what better way to ring in summer than with stunning diamond and gold jewellery that adds new life to your party…

If you’re posting gifts, make sure it’s at the top of your to-do list. Below are New Zealand Post’s Christmas deadlines. • To send to the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and South Pacific, the deadlines are December 3 for air mail, December 10 for Courier Post or December 12 for Express Courier. • For Australia, the deadlines are December 5 for air mail, December 12 for Courier Post and December 14 for Express Courier. • For the rest of the world, the deadlines are November 30 for air mail, December 7 for Courier Post and December 10 for Express Courier. • The deadline for sending parcels within NZ is December 18 for Standard Post and December 21 for Courier Post. Be sure to package your presents with enough bubble wrap…

Q It’s the season of parties and drinks, but all I want to do after work is head home. How can I convince people not to take it personally when I decline their invites? • Peace Out, Hamilton A I really don’t think they give a flying wazoo. Most people only really care about what they are doing. You may think they care or notice, but not really. I don’t go out for Christmas drinks or any Yuletide get-togethers. I don’t drink and I find time so precious that I get the whole getting-home-and-chilling-out thing. Just be kind and happily wish them a lovely time. People get it. Relax and do what you want. You don’t need to worry what they think because, honestly, they’re probably thinking about far more…

What better way to spend the silly season than at the theatre? Kiwi comedy darling Kura Forrester will hit the stage at Auckland’s Basement Theatre for the company’s annual festive show. She tells us more about Work Do, which follows a group of colleagues whose office party goes wrong. How will you be celebrating Christmas this year? I’ll be chilling out with my family and friends. I’m envisioning a lot of wine, food and lying down in the sun! Will you be on Santa’s naughty or nice list this year? Nice, definitely nice! Have you ever had an office party go wrong? I’ve never worked in an office, but I would love to just be able to go to the office party and make it go wrong. I do get…

Get ready for the perfect early Christmas present – New Zealand’s most popular comedy show is hitting the road for its annual 7 Days Live tour! Before the team head off, we asked some of them to humour us with their festive traditions. PAUL EGO My tradition every Christmas is to buy a massive ham – forgetting the fact that none of us like ham. After Christmas, we then freeze bags and bags of ham to give to the cat throughout the year, until the very next year, when I’ll buy another massive ham and it starts all over again. JEREMY ELWOOD In our household, we’re always allowed to open one present each on Christmas Eve. We also still do stockings, particularly if there are kids attending – it keeps…

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI Now on Neon Rating: ★★★★ In case you missed the hype earlier this year, the film won two Oscars! The story follows a mother trying to find justice for her murdered daughter. BABY MAMA’S CLUB Monday, TVNZ OnDemand Rating: ★★★ Season two of the local series uncovers more about the private lives and struggles of the four Kiwi women audiences met last year. DYNASTY Now on Netflix Rating: ★★★★★ The ’80s reboot has returned and there’s more drama than ever as the Carrington family deals with the aftermath of a deadly house fire. MIKE AND MOLLY Saturday on TVNZ OnDemand Rating: ★★★ All six hilarious seasons of Melissa McCarthy’s comedy series are ready to binge! See this charming couple’s journey to love after meeting at…

In Kate Furnivall’s The Survivors(Simon & Schuster, rrp $37.99), World War II is finally over and Klara Janowska has walked for weeks with her daughter Alicja to get to Graufeld Displaced Persons camp. In the cramped, dirty and dangerous conditions they, along with thousands of others, are the lucky ones. They have survived and will do anything to find a way back home. But when Klara recognises a man from her past among the campers, a deadly game of cat and mouse begins. He knows exactly what she did during the war to save her daughter. She knows his real identity. What will the price of silence be? Will either make it out of the camp alive?…