Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1949 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

There are so many reasons I’m crackers for Christmas – the smell of a fresh pine tree, fairy lights and pretty decorations; my beaming kids jumping on our bed early to see what’s in their stockings; family coming together to don silly paper hats, share weak jokes and feast on too much ham. I love it all. But I also adore this season because at Woman’s Day we get to bring you our annual bumper Christmas issue – my favourite of the year. It’s jam-packed with joy! You will have noticed it’s a whopper, and that’s because we have bonus pages with festive recipes, glitzy fashion, cute craft ideas, tips on how to have a stress-free celebration and bucketloads of gift ideas. Oh, and there are some great giveaways too!…

As Prince Andrew sat down for his now infamous television interview on November 16, he thought it was his big chance to clear his name amid explosive accusations he’d had intimate encounters with a teenaged sex slave courtesy of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Instead, four days after the tell-all – branded worldwide as a “train wreck” – he was forced to step down from his royal duties before his controversial friendship with the billionaire paedophile damaged the monarchy beyond repair. The shock move sent tremors through the palace, but behind the scenes the damage has been even more devastating for the prince, with sources saying his ill-advised interview has dealt a catastrophic blow to his relationship with his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. “It’s deeply serious,” a royal insider tells…

Celebrity body language expert Susan Constantine says Nicole’s OTT display at the Country Music Awards was very telling, revealing she’s “way more into Keith than he is her” and she’s clearly “marking her territory” with their walk on the red carpet. “She’s physically, emotionally attracted to him in a needy, clingy way,” says Susan. “The way she folds her legs into his centre shows a surprising vulnerability.” As for Keith, “He’s way more confident,” adds Susan. “He even stops and poses with his hands in his pockets and his thumbs pointing toward his privates! That’s a sign he’s in control of the situation. It could also mean a need for protection.”…

Lime & Pineapple Glazed Ham SERVES 24 PREPARATION & COOKING 2 HOURS 9kg leg of ham cloves to decorate LIME & PINEAPPLE GLAZE 350g lime marmalade ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup pineapple juice 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. 2. Cut through ham rind 10cm from the shank end of the leg. To remove the rind, run your thumb around the edge of the rind just under the skin. Start pulling the rind from the widest edge of the ham, continuing to pull the rind carefully away from the fat up to the shank end. Remove rind completely. 3. Score across the fat at about 3cm intervals, cutting through the surface of the fat (not the meat) in a diamond pattern. Don’t cut too deeply or the fat will spread…

Growing up, sending and receiving Christmas cards was as big a part of the festive season as decorating the tree, pulling crackers and unwrapping presents. I loved watching my mum write her messages and head off to the post office with a huge stack of stamped envelopes, ready to be sent to friends and family all around the world. I also loved reading the messages and updates from people we might not have heard from since the previous year. Even classmates would hand out personally written cards to each other on the last day of school. But nowadays, the tradition seems to be in danger of dying out entirely – the Greeting Card Association reported recently that in the UK, 100 million fewer cards were sent out now than a…

Q Every year my husband fails to get me a Christmas present. I don’t expect much – even a nice card or a bunch of flowers would be nice. I always go to so much effort with the festive food and presents, but one year I’d like to be acknowledged. Is it silly that I am packing a sulk about this? • Gift-less, Gore A I want you to look up The Five Love Languages on the internet or buy the book, and then I want you and your husband to answer the questions to find out how you like to be shown love. Make him do it. It will change your lives. In my marriage, I had been giving the love I thought he needed – Acts of Service…

Vanessa Hudgens is back to bring us more holiday magic – this time with a bit of time travel – in her new film The Knight Before Christmas. The High School Musical star plays Brooke, a science teacher who has given up on love. That is until she hits medieval knight Sir Cole with her car. The handsome young man,played by Poldark’s JoshWhitehouse, has been transported to present-day Ohio by an evil witch. You can only imagine what follows – think Kate and Leopold, but with snow and tinsel. Vanessa, 30, who also serves as executive producer, says, “I was really excited by the idea of being a staple in people’s homes for the holidays. If I can be a part of bringing families together at a time that can…

JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1996) JENNIFER REYNOLDS, SUB-EDITOR Who knew a festive film starring action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger could be so good? Arnie’s workaholic character Howard neglects to buy his son the year’s most popular toy, Turboman. In his attempt to track one down at the last minute, he ends up in a game of cat and mouse with ’90s comedian Sinbad. I watch this one every year without fail! THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) OLIVIA NEW, SENIOR DESIGNER This is a beautifully dark fairytale and wildly bizarre musical about Santa Claus and dancing skeletons. But the dazzling mix of fun and fright proves that animation isn’t just for kids – it shows the joy of Christmas in great contrast to the scariness of Halloween. It’s not a nightmare, but…

MRS FLETCHER Now on Neon  Rating: ★★★ Based on the best-selling novel, this is a dual coming-of-age story following the personal sexual journey of an empty-nest mother and her college freshman son. POLDARK Now on Neon  Rating: ★★★★ Binge-watch one of the most-talked-about shows in the Woman’s Day office! Seasons two to five of the popular historical period drama are now available. THE FEED Friday on TVNZ OnDemand  Rating: ★★★ From the writer of The Walking Dead comes this timely psychological thriller set in a future where every interaction and emotion is shared from your brain onto The Feed. DIRTY DANCING Now on Netflix  Rating: ★★★★ This 1987 classic is too good not to watch more than once. The beloved tale follows a young girl who falls in love with…

Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22 Finally, a decision is moving closer – some Archers might even sign up for studies or book a big holiday. Friday’s expansive stars could bring breakthroughs or good news, while for singles, a friend’s lead may prove fortuitous. Your gut instincts are bordering on psychic right now, so trust those feelings. Capricorn DEC 23 - JAN 20 Let your light shine! With Venus working her magic, amazing people – and opportunities! – are being drawn towards you. On many levels, things are falling into place, while at work, extra efforts should pay off. Couples, if you’re feeling adventurous, book a cheeky weekend away! Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 Your party zone is primed for action, so stop being so conscientious. Under the social…

OUR PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER! At Woman’s Day we’ve always been fans of Breakfast star Matty McLean – and it seems we’re not the only ones! We had a record number of votes for our TV Personality of the Year, with the TVNZ fave taking top honours at the Huawei Mate30 Pro NZ Television Awards last week (see page 130). Yay Matty!…

As some of the family implodes, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who hold the future of the monarchy in their hands, showed they are determined to keep up the good work. With negative headlines about her in-laws splashed across Britain’s front pages, Kate, 37, stoically did what she does best – visiting children and those less fortunate before glamming up with her husband and representing the family at the annual Royal Variety Performance in London. “Kate and William are being entrusted to keep the positive headlines coming, and she particularly is doing a wonderful job,” says a source. “She’s found the perfect balance between being a normal mum and representing royal interests. It must be hard for her though. She’s disgusted about the Andrew scandal, and things with Meghan…

CLAUDIA LUKE 22, SPCA MANGERE ‘The excitement wears off and people don’t want the responsibility’ If Claudia Luke could spoil adorable shar-pei cross puppy Malcolm this Christmas, there are two things she has in mind. “It’d be some yummy treats and the best forever home!” smiles the SPCA Mangere Centre animal attendant, who works in the canine team. “Malcolm came to the SPCA as a young pup in October and was cared for and given appropriate treatment, and is now up for adoption.” While the pooch will spend his Christmas with loving staff at the centre, playful Australian kelpie cross Keeva, three, will share the day with family at her rescuer’s home. “Keeva was brought in by a caring member of the public in 2017, who rescued her from a…

As long as the weather plays its part, taking your Christmas meal out to the porch, patio or picnic table is a great way to ensure a relaxed atmosphere and give your guests some breathing space. Here, The Warehouse shares some tips on how to retain a sense of occasion when you’ve taken the main event outdoors. 1. Lighting sets the mood. Whatever style you’re going for, you can’t beat the humble candle for adding atmosphere. 2. Add height with your centrepiece. A candelabra is a classic classy option. Toetoe, flax and tall twiggy branches are natural alternatives that will also add texture. 3. Do a runner. Table runners always make a spread feel special. Consider linen, lace, hessian or quality paper. 4. Bring in some bling. Add sparkle with…

A bold red lip has long been a symbol of female empowerment – which comes into play more than ever on Christmas Day! There’s no better time to don a power pout and tackle the endless list of jobs to make the festive holiday as fabulous as possible. But it pays to consider that all reds are not made equal – and it depends on your skin’s undertone. As a rule, classic blue-based reds suit light-skinned beauties, while punchy orangey-based shades look best on warm to tanned skin. Another big bonus of wearing a bright lip is that besides a good base and plenty of mascara often little else is required make-up-wise to look pretty and polished.…

Have your children been naughty or nice? We couldn’t reach Santa to find out what’s on kids’ wish lists, but we did talk to two toy buyers at major retail stores. Stuart Gray, toys buyer at Farmers, says, “Once again, LOL dolls are hugely popular this year.” He names the LOL Surprise Glamper, $269.99, as the ultimate addition to any LOL collection. Lonnica Van Engelen, buying manager for toys at The Warehouse, says her picks for this year are Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama, LOL dolls and family classics like Monopoly and Lego. If your kids haven’t yet made it clear what pressies they’re wishing for, the experts share their Christmas lists of 2019’s most popular toys ...…

Q My boyfriend has a small penis. I don’t know what toy to get to solve this issue for me. • Size Queen, Auckland AI’ll be frank. Toys are the way forward if you love him and want to be together, because nature isn’t going to change that course. The world is your oyster for self-pleasure equipment to enhance your own play, but if he’s a solid soldier who’s not shy to give something a crack, check out the latest in penis extenders and tickler sleeves. But if you haven’t mentioned you have an issue with his member, then maybe don’t pop one in his Santa sack – or it could be your last Christmas as a couple. Q I’m in a now sexless marriage. My husband has moved to…

1 Research your walk online or by picking up a brochure at the local information centre when you pass through town. 2 Don’t forget to take warm clothing, a raincoat, a small first aid kit and a water bottle. 3 Pay attention to all signage. It’s there for your safety, as some areas and weather conditions may be hazardous. 4 Wasps can be a nuisance in some areas, particularly in summer. Carry antihistamine if you’re allergic to their stings. 5 Boost your stamina with nutritious snacks. Nature ValleyTM bars and biscuits are the perfect on-the-go energy boost. For more information, visit naturevalley.co.nz…

Playing your cards right You’ve nurtured your piggy bank, cleared the calendar and booked your Air New Zealand flights, and now the excitement is kicking in. Before you nestle into that window seat, pay a little forethought to a few practicalities: • Familiarise yourself with American fashion sizing and bring a tape measure. • Have you booked sufficient luggage allowance to bring your purchases home? • Plan how you’ll get around and book a rental car if necessary. • Set yourself a budget so you don’t blow all your resources at once!…

There’s so much about Christmas that changes as you get older. When I was a kid, I’d be beside myself with excitement – poking around the presents under the tree trying to ruin even the smallest element of surprise. Trying to stay awake to catch Santa in the act, even if I knew that might stop him forking out. Up at the crack of dawn to see what booty he had delivered and if the reindeers had eaten the carrots left out for them. I loved it all. The cousins, the uncles and aunts, the shredded wrapping paper, the Brazil nuts, the smell of fresh pine leaves mixed with fake snow made from Lux laundry flakes. Ham! Back then, I was always aware, however, that the adults were a bit…

There’s a woman I admire more than just about anyone else, in rather a seasonal way. I generally don’t think about her until around about this time of year. She isn’t as obviously admirable in autumn and winter, but come spring and summer, there she is, reminding me she is not me and I am not her. “I don’t give a damn if I don’t have perfect arms!” Oh, how I wish I was her. She’s an amazing woman – strong and totally oblivious to any arm imperfections. She proudly wears sleeveless dresses and tops, and often without even a faux tan. She’s no Michelle Obama or Jennifer Aniston. Her body is not perfect and her arms neither toned nor skinny. What makes this woman so special and so perfect…

This year, Netflix gives us a new take on the origin story of Santa with its first feature-length animation, Klaus. Lazy postman Jesper is exiled to Smeerensburg, the “unhappiest place in the world”, to revive its post office. Before he can return home, he must get the feuding residents to send 60,000 letters. He teams up with reclusive toymaker Klaus, getting the children to write to him in exchange for a toy. What starts as a simple ploy to get home ends up changing the town, and Jesper, for the better. “There was just such sweetness to this story without being saccharine or condescending,” says Whiplash star J.K. Simmons, 64, who lends his voice to Klaus. “It maintained a level of cleverness and even sophistication that I found really attractive.…

Let’s hear it for Hayley! It’s impressive how versatile and talented high-achiever Hayley Holt is, from being a professional dancer and snowboarder to a politician, and now as a host on TVNZ 1’s Breakfast – Hayley has sure made a big impact. After reading your article “Hayley’s healing journey” (WD, Nov 18), where she shares her experience of being five years sober, I have even more respect for her. It takes a brave person to face the challenge and overcome a drinking problem, and even more so in the public eye. I look forward to hearing about the next chapter in Hayley’s life and hope her story will help others going through their own struggles. • Jillian, Auckland Lovely ladies I really enjoyed the celebration stories of our own “Screen…

Pucker up, because Kylie Jenner isn’t waiting for any mistletoe in this sizzling new festive photo shoot! The reality star and make-up mogul wore a selection of racy red outfits for a new campaign to promote the Christmas collection for Kylie Cosmetics. Wearing a sparkling sequin gown in one shot and an oversized bow with nearly nothing else in the other, the 22-year-old certainly looked ready to celebrate the holidays. The mum-of-one shared the sultry images not long after announcing she’s sold 51% of her company to beauty conglomerate Coty for a whopping $930 million. Sounds like it’s going to be a good Christmas in this household!…

Keith Urban has announced he’s reuniting with country music siren Miranda Lambert on stage next year – and for his wife Nicole Kidman, it’s pretty much her worst-case scenario. The actress has been wary of Miranda ever since she first toured with Keith in 2005, and after a series of flirty comments made towards her husband, insiders say alarm bells are ringing for Nicole, 52. Sources tell Woman’s Day Miranda, 36, declared to a Nashville audience earlier this year that Keith, 52, is “her hero” and “smells good – he always smells good”. “Those comments went down like a sinking ship with Nicole,” an insider claims. “She’s not a fan of Miranda and to make matters worse, Keith has just announced they’re co-headlining a summer concert tour in Wisconsin next…

‘The Oscar is in our sitting room and we keep laughing at it. It looks fake, it’s so shiny!’ We have a new queen – at least on the small screen! Olivia Colman has stepped into the role in the popular Netflix series The Crown and admits that while she’s not a fan of studying, she had to do a lot in order to play Queen Elizabeth – and could now win Mastermind on the subject of Her Majesty! “I don’t really enjoy research, but for this I had to accept it,” admits Olivia. “I can’t just sit like me, I have to sit like her and look like pictures of her. They had to teach me how to walk – I’m really terrible at that, I have no physical…

Rudolph Cookies MAKES 10 PREPARATION & COOKING 45 MINUTES (PLUS REFRIGERATION) 90g butter, at room temperature 1 egg ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup desiccated coconut 1/3 cup wheatgerm 2/3 cup wholemeal plain flour 1/3 cup white self-raising flour ½ teaspoon mixed spice 20 pretzels ¼ cup dark choc bits 10 large Jaffas 1. In a large bowl, beat butter, egg and sugar with an electric mixer until combined. Stir in coconut, wheatgerm, sifted flours and spice. Place dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. Roll dough between sheets of baking paper until 5mm thick. Place on a tray, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease 2 oven trays and line with baking paper. 4. Using a 9cm round cutter, cut…

THIS SUNNY HUE WORKS BEST WITH TOUCHES OF WHITE, LIKE THE CREAM AT THE TOP OF YOUR COCKTAIL BOLD RED IS A TREND THAT NEVER DIES, SO LOOK FOR CLASSIC PIECES THAT REALLY PACK A PUNCH ROCK OUT IN HEAD-TO-TOE GREEN WITH A POTENT ENSEMBLE THAT WILL KEEP YOU COOL THESE BRIGHT ORANGE TONES WILL BRING A BURST OF CITRUS DELIGHT TO YOUR DAY…

mountain walk is a great opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. It’s also good exercise and, importantly at this expensive time of year, a free way to keep the kids occupied and give them time away from their devices. So book some of our easy family walks into your holiday schedule – because there’s nothing like the great outdoors! WIN YOUR DAY PACK ESSENTIALS! To encourage Kiwi families to get out more, Nature ValleyTM is giving away four ultimate day packs, each worth over $350! HOW TO ENTER Visit nowtolove.co.nz/naturevalley and tell us your favourite family-friendly day walk. Competition closes February 9, 2020. Terms and conditions apply. Editor’s CHOICE OTATARA PA HISTORIC RESERVE WALK REGION: Hawke’s Bay TERRAIN: Historic walk DISTANCE: 1.6km loop TIME: 45 minutes When you see…

Everything you need Head to Michael Hill Jeweller this festive season for ready-to-go solutions to suit everyone on your Christmas list. You can find the perfect pressie for a friend or a meaningful gift for Mum – like these stunning Michael Hill 10 carat gold Oval Glitter Hoops, wrapped in a beautiful gift box. Now $129. Sale price valid October 28 – December 1, 2019. Something special The Wavertree & London range includes beautiful soaps, candles and diffusers, created to give a long-lasting and exquisite perfumed ambience. The natural soy candles provide an intense aromatic experience and the reed diffusers have a unique glass container with a 250ml bottle of carefully blended fragranced oil. You’ll also love the French triple-milled soaps, enriched with pure organic shea butter. A new range…

Christmas is a good benchmark for where you’re at in terms of the year. Getting to Christmas is the frantic, crazy part … the mad rush, all the end-of-year celebrations and race to the finish line for work. You’re wrapping up the school term, wrapping up all the pressies and sorting the final touches for Christmas Day. There’s also packing up if you’re heading away – ticking off the biggest to-do list of the whole year. For blended families it doesn’t quite have the same joyful exuberance when you are shuffling kids between endless families they need to cover off. I always feel bad for the kids, having to spread themselves so thinly on December 25. They don’t mind of course … extra presents and lots of different varieties of…

MERRY CHRISTMAS (DELUXE ANNIVERSARY EDITION) Mariah Carey Can you believe it’s been 25 years since Mariah released her iconic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas”? To celebrate, check out this special edition of her album, which includes a bonus disc featuring rare remixes and live recordings. CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF LOVE Idina Menzel The cold never bothered her anyway! The voice of Frozen’s Elsa has released her first Christmas album, with classics like “Winter Wonderland” and “O Holy Night”, plus a duet with Ariana Grande! CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY Lea Michele Get ready for some Glee-ful festive tunes – small-screen star Lea has put together an album of traditional carols, with a cover of Frozen’s “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” thrown in for fun.…

In Laura Purcell’s Bone China (Bloomsbury, rrp $32.99), Louise Pinecroft’s family is ravaged by consumption, leaving her and her father alone and heartbroken. But Dr Pinecroft has plans for a revolutionary experiment: convinced that sea air will prove to be the cure his wife and children needed, he arranges to house a group of prisoners suffering from the disease in the cliffs beneath his new Cornish home. Decades later, Hester Why takes up a position as nurse to the now partially paralysed and almost entirely mute Louise.  Hester has fled to Cornwall to escape her past, but she soon discovers her new home may be just as dangerous as her last ...…

While he may not have taken out the Celebrity Treasure Island trophy earlier this year, Matty McLean thinks he’s scored an even better prize – the Woman’s Day TV Personality of the Year gong! The beloved Breakfast presenter had glassy eyes when he sat down with us, just moments after taking out the honour at the annual Huawei Mate30 Pro New Zealand Television Awards. “I’m honestly still a bit shocked!” confesses Matty. “I started at TVNZ when I was 20 and I walked in the door, not knowing what I was doing and having major imposter syndrome – now I’m here! It’s a real honour, especially because it was voted for by the fans.” What made it even more special for Matty, 33, was his colleague and last year’s recipient,…