Innholdsfortegnelse for 1852 i Woman's Day

If there’s one thing the Woman’s Day team does well, it’s fancy dress. So when the company threw an “Icons” Christmas party last week, we were ALL over it! I dressed as Queen Elizabeth II, and along with my friends Britney Spears, Freddie Mercury, Barbie and Ken, Tina Turner and Hugh Hefner, we walked through the streets of Sydney like a freak show on the way to the party where we met our CEO, aka Crocodile Dundee, our marketing manager – a jar of Vegemite, and many large-bottomed Kardashians. Yes, it’s officially silly season, and like our Christmas party we’re going big this week, celebrating with a very special bumper issue. More gossip, more real-life stories, a huge Christmas food special, holiday movie guide, summer books special, and for the…

Miley Cyrus has been out more than ever since the release of her single Nothing Breaks Like A Heart with musician Mark Ronson, 43. But it appears fiance Liam Hemsworth, 28, is not happy about it! “He doesn’t like the crowd or social scene Miley’s got involved in,” reveals our insider. “She may have tamed her wild ways, but Liam knows that side of Miley could resurface.” Friends tell Woman’s Day the actor fears the 26-year-old star could be headed for another breakdown, especially following a recent admission that her mum has got her back into smoking marijuana again after she quit last year. “Everyone remembers Miley’s 2013 VMAs performance when she was dancing provocatively with Robin Thicke –that’s when she seemed to let herself go. Liam doesn’t want a…

When Brooklyn Beckham hit up a British Fashion Awards afterparty with Hana Cross last week, it wasn’t his new model girlfriend who turned heads. Instead, the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham raised eyebrows after looking worse for wear when leaving the celebrations. “Brooklyn had clearly let loose. He’s young and having fun at every opportunity,” an insider tells Woman’s Day. “This is a guy who definitely likes to party!” In fact, Brooklyn has been living it up after dropping out of Parsons School of Design earlier this year, and friends fear the constant speculation surrounding the state of his parents’ marriage is taking its toll on the 19-year-old. “All of the rumours about his mum and dad have been tough for Brooklyn to come to terms with and…

$35.5 MILLION Tom + Gisele NEW YORK Quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen are said to be worth $770 million between them. So it’s no wonder they’ve bought a second apartment within 70 Vestry, a luxe building overlooking the Hudson River. For $35.5 million they’ve scored five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a terrace with 360-degree views of Manhattan. $26.3 MILLION Ben Affleck LOS ANGELES It’s been a rough year for Ben, who’s been in and out of rehab and signed off on a divorce from Jennifer Garner – but at least the actor’s gone through it all while living in the lap of luxury. He threw down a wad off cash on a new seven-bedroom mansion in swanky Pacific Palisades. The born-again bachelor’s pad features a library and pool…

Michelle Bridges, 48 She’s built a career out of helping others transform their bodies, but some fans are wondering if Michelle has overhauled her own look with some cosmetic surgery. The former Biggest Loser trainer’s face looks a lot plumper these days, which has sparked speculation she’s indulged in the injectables. Cosmetic surgeon Dr Dave E David, who has not treated Michelle, believes her new look could be the result of lip fillers and Botox, which has changed “the angulation of her eyebrows”. Kyly Clarke,37 Experts believe Kyly had Botox in her jaw to make it appear more angular. But she says she hasn’t had any work done, and just has good genes. Sara McGrath, 36 Dr David says it’s possible Sara’s had “lip fillers, cheek filler and Botox”, but…

It’s the second season every TV fan is waiting for, yet it’s remained mysteriously quiet on the Big Little Lies front. Now insiders tell Woman’s Day the frustrating delay in getting the highly anticipated series two on our small screens is thanks in no small part to the show’s leading ladies – Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. “There were high hopes the second season would be out before the end of 2018, but it’s way off now. They haven’t even started promoting it,” a set source tells. “Both Nicole and Reese have put their personal projects first and say they don’t have time in their schedules to promote [the second season of] Big Little Lies, which has annoyed the lesser members of the cast and crew because there’s a real…

IAN BRADY Brady, along with girlfriend Myra Hindley, killed and sexually assaulted five children aged between 10 and 17 near Manchester, England, in the 1960s. The heinous crimes became known as the Moors Murders. “I’d heard how intelligent and well-read he is but when I talked to him he was quite dull,” says Amanda. “All he kept talking about was how he wanted to starve himself to death, but the prison guards wouldn’t let him.” IVAN MILAT The Belanglo State Forest serial killer was convicted of murdering seven backpackers in NSW, and suspected of committing even more unsolved murders. “I believe Milat would pass any lie detector test, he’s so convinced of his own innocence,” says Amanda. “He’s given me details of the crimes but always in a hypothetical way…

With the tunes of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You streaming through Sydney’s Wentworth Park Function Centre, our staff were delighted to help the Barnardos Australia team spread Christmas cheer this year. Packing up thousands of generous donations from around the country, boxes overflowed with toys for children of all ages. Some of the donated goodies were so sought-after (hello inflatable bubble ball suits!) they even had the team snapping photos for their own wish lists. As Marie Umbrazunas and her nephew James guided Woman’s Day through the production line, hundreds of fabulous gift packs were created for families in need. To help Barnardos Australia continue its generous work in 2019, visit barnardos.org.au…

1 AND MAKE CHECK A LIST IT TWICE Don’t wing your Christmas meal – plan ahead to make sure that you make detailed shopping lists of exactly what you need. This helps you breeze through the market and get everything you need on one trip, without wasting time. 2 THE SPREAD LOVE You don’t have to go it alone. Delegate some side dishes or desserts to your guests so that the cooking responsibilities don’t fall solely on you. 3 MAKE IT AHEAD Choose recipes for your Christmas menu that can be made ahead of time. Frozen desserts can be made up to four days ahead. 4 COLD A CHOOSE STARTER Free up oven, stove top and barbecue space for your main and sides by serving cold starters. 5 STRETCH IT…

WRITE IT DOWN A to-do list can be a lifesaver around this time of year. It makes it easier to keep track of everything and allows you to prioritise what deserves your attention and time. “Every time your thoughts buzz around in your head, they’re wasting the mental energy you could be giving to something you really do need to think about,” says life coach Domonique Bertolucci. PRACTISE SAYING ‘NO’ It can be one of the hardest words to say, especially if you’re someone who’s prone to people-pleasing. But for the sake of pre-Christmas sanity, it’s time to add “no” to your vocabulary. LOCK IN DOWNTIME Plan to have fun, even among all the deadlines, obligations and holiday madness. “Schedule movies with a friend, a game of tennis or brisk…

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50s “As lashes become more sparse, it’s really important to buy mascara personalised for you. Do your lashes grow straight? You’ll need curling mascara. Are they short? You’ll need lengthening, stretching mascara. If you have sparse lashes that tend to clump, you’ll need a wand with separated bristles to help define them,” says Napoleon. TRY Napoleon Perdis Peep Show Madame Curl $39 60s “Bring out the best in your eyes and bulk up your eyebrows with a do-it-all eyeshadow palette,” says Napoleon. “Neutral-coloured palettes are the best bet as the colours are easy to blend, they work with all eye colours and the brown tones can be used as eyeliner and fill sparse brows.” TRY Natio Natural Nudes Mineral Eyeshadow Palette $17.95 70s “Liven up your skin with a peachy…

Hugh Jackman & Deborra-lee Furness All you need to do to see these Aussie faves is pull up a towel at Sydney’s Bondi Beach! For years, the A-list couple have taken over the same $5.9 million beachfront penthouse where they spend the silly season with children Oscar, 18, and Ava, 13. Fitness fanatic Hugh is a regular sight on the beach working on his fitness, although you’re also likely to find him queuing at Speedos Cafe for their famous cronuts! KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR... Buddy and Jesinta Franklin, Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich, Larry Emdur and Jessica Marais are a few Bondi regulars. Chris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky When he’s not shooting his latest blockbuster, Chris, wife Elsa, and their children India, six, and four-year-old twins Tristan and Sasha,…

JENNIFER LOPEZ feels more alive, sexy and relevant than she has in a long time. She will move front and centre in the media and women’s forums. She is even ready to consider representing a close friend running for elections in the US in the next few years. MICHELLE OBAMA sees a life free of politics may be the best solution for a forever marriage, but she could also jump back in as a candidate, with her husband at her side. I fear it feels wrong to do so in her eyes. PIPPA MIDDLETON is clearing out toxic friends and lost relationships. If you’re not a true friend to her now, then you’re out. Game Of Thrones star RICHARD MADDEN feels very insecure about love and feels his fame is…

QI have twice been told that I will be murdered in my late 70s. I turned 77 this year. One medium said it was because I had hurt someone long ago. I did have a short affair in the ’70s and I told my husband about it. He is a Cancerian and he is authentic and caring. Can you please let me know if my fears are true? Dreaming, via email MITCHELL SAYS As I read your letter, your guardian angel draws close to me. She tells me you’re safe and what you’ve been told has been playing on your mind, but it’s simply not true. I feel no harm will come to you, and upstairs is keeping watch over you. Your husband is your soulmate and he’ll always do…

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? VICTORIA BECKHAM It’s time to suit up! Posh Spice looked like the newest member of the Ghostbusters as she swapped her signature black for a khaki jumpsuit! Well, this is the Pitts! ZAHARA & KNOX JOLIE-PITT Things almost ended in tears when Brad and Ange’s eldest daughter Zahara tried copying her younger brother Knox flipping over a pole. Instead of landing on her feet, the teen tasted the pavement. Ouch! Wiggy with it NICOLE KIDMAN The Big Little Lies actress has never met a wig she didn’t just love! Yep, our Nic isn’t afraid to change up her look when it comes to getting into character – even if it means going grey… or rocking a perm! MAD ABOUT MINNIE! MINNIE MOUSE She’s been around for…

Former Married At First Sight star Melissa Walsh has announced she’s engaged to her new boyfriend Fred Whiston – just 10 months after she split from her TV husband John Robertson! Melissa, 53, has been dating Fred for seven months, and took to Instagram last week to reveal the happy news. She captioned a photo of her ring, “When the man you’re in love with proposes, you say, ‘Yes!’” The lovebirds have posted countless selfies throughout the year declaring their love for each other. Their news was also welcomed by the reality star’s 70,000 Instagram fans. One wrote, “This is awesome, you’re one deserving lady!”…

George and Amal Clooney are on the verge of a shocking divorce that will trigger a brutal custody battle for their twins. Woman’s Day has learned the celebrity power couple are butting heads over a series of disagreements that have plunged their four-year marriage into a deepening crisis. According to reports out of the US, the couple’s circle now fear a split is on the horizon. “Many think nothing can save the marriage and they’re expecting a divorce announcement soon,” an insider says. Tensions between the pair are said to have skyrocketed during a blistering recent row over their differing lifestyles. BLINDSIDED “They had an argument over George not making enough effort and putting his friends and work before their marriage, which resulted in Amal storming off and taking the…

She’s usually the picture of positivity and glamour, but Katie Holmes was a world away from her signature sunny self last week. Puffy eyed and dishevelled, the actress stunned onlookers as she shuffled around a New York street clutching a coffee cup and wearing a coat with an unsightly stain for everyone to see. “She looked completely strung-out and exhausted,” one onlooker noted. “She was lost in thought and seemed really upset about something.” It turns out Katie – who turns 40 on December 18 – has every reason to be feeling so blue. Insiders tell Woman’s Day she’s struggling with a host of domestic pressures that include a packed work schedule, the sensitive mental state of her daughter Suri and her upcoming wedding with actor Jamie Foxx. TAKING ITS…

For years she’s been reluctant to speak about the possibility of becoming a mum. But while Jennifer Aniston insisted she doesn’t need a child to be happy, it seems she hasn’t given up hope of becoming a mother. Now, friends tell Woman’s Day Jen’s finally ready for kids. “Who knows what the future holds in terms of a child and a partnership – how that child comes in or doesn’t?” Jen told Elle magazine last week, hinting that the door is still open for her to start a family. “And now with the science and miracles, we can do things at different times than we used to be able to.” With her split from second husband Justin Theroux, 47, behind her, sources say this is the latest sign Jen is…

Her marriage is hanging by a thread, and now fears are growing over Julia Roberts’ health. The Oscar-winning star has been looking noticeably thin while promoting her latest movie Ben Is Back in the US. In recent weeks, 51-year-old Julia’s weight is said to have plummeted to under 50kg as the strain of a jam-packed work schedule as well as the responsibility of raising her three young kids takes a heavy toll. Close friends are blaming her waif-like appearance in no small part to troubles in her 16-year-marriage to cameraman Danny Moder, 49, father to the couple’s twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, 14, and 11-year-old Henry. “Julia’s looking so gaunt and stressed – it’s obvious this physical decline is a consequence of her marriage troubles,” a Hollywood insider tells Woman’s Day.…

Bindi Paxton When Bindi was offered a job on South Molle, she refused to wear the uniform. Since then she has stripped off for Australian Playboy, joined her brother Shane for a small part on the 1997 movie Welcome To Woop Woop and played guitar and sang backing vocals with punk bands Fire Sign and Damnzal. Craig Paxton Craig, the youngest of the four Paxton kids, was still in high school when the show was filmed. While A Current Affair followed his two brothers and one sister refusing to get jobs, Craig managed to avoid attention and has continued to keep a low profile in the time since. Mark Paxton Mark, who wouldn’t get out of bed when A Current Affair came to film his family, was also on the…

With their homicidal lust for blood, serial killers rarely leave behind survivors for fear of being exposed. Australian-born Christopher Wilder thought he’d covered his tracks. He’d killed at least eight women across the US in a three-month spree in 1984 and marked Dawnette Wilt as his next prey. Wilder used another of his victims, Tina Marie Risico, 16, to lure Dawnette, also 16, away from a shopping mall in Indiana. He raped her while Tina was driving and Dawnette was bound and gagged with duct tape. He tortured her for two days before the trio drove to a deserted dirt road. Wilder led Dawnette into the woods, where he attempted to strangle her and then stabbed her three times, leaving her for dead. Bleeding profusely, she stumbled to a road…

SPATCHCOCKS WITH GRAPES & GARLIC BREAD SAUCE SERVES 6 PREP + COOK 1 HOUR • 6 spatchcocks (small chickens) (3kg) • 60g butter, softened • 600g small red grapes, cut into clusters • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil •2/3 cup verjuice (see tip) • ¼ cup fresh sage leaves • Micro coriander, to serve GARLIC BREAD SAUCE • 150g butter, chopped • 12 cloves garlic, peeled • ¼ cup almond meal • 100g sourdough bread, toasted, torn into small pieces • 1 cup chicken stock • ¾ cup milk • ¼ cup lemon juice 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line two large shallow roasting pans with baking paper. 2 Tie legs of spatchcocks together with kitchen string. Rub all over with butter. Season well. 3 Place spatchcocks and grapes in…

Q My salads always look a bit bland. How can I jazz them up? A Only drizzle your salad with just enough dressing to coat the leaves – do this at the last minute before serving. Think about adding texture with nuts or cheese. Q What can I cheat and prep ahead? A Pasta salads are great as you can pre-cook the pasta the day ahead, then simply assemble before serving. A rolled turkey breast can be cooked the day ahead and served cold in slices for your guests. Most dressings are fine to be prepared ahead and frozen desserts are always a winner (plus, it makes life much easier at the end of a long day!). Q How do I make dessert an easy task? A Serve a platter-style…

Coastal charm Create a laid-back summery style with a soft colour palette inspired by the beach. 1 Combine beachy textures including shells, rope and coral with traditional decorations in a palette of silver, blue and white. Style the ends of the table with candle lanterns for ambience and add netted blue glass buoys for coastal charm. 2 Give your dinner setting lots of different layers and textures in a mix of calming, muted colours. White placemats contrast beautifully with the earthy texture of woven oval placemats, while vibrant blue side plates add a pop of colour. 3 This centrepiece is simple to make and adds a wow factor to the Christmas table. Start with an oval plate and layer with fresh Christmas tree pine needles, seashells, artificial starfish and coral,…

Although it’s more advanced than ever, skincare today can be an intimidating and puzzling routine to navigate. Serums in particular can be confusing, so check out our guide to help decide which of these recent releases are right for you. What is serum? It’s a lightweight, highly concentrated product you apply after cleansing and before moisturising. Serums are potent, made up of smaller molecules to deliver powerful ingredients deep into the skin to address specific concerns, such as wrinkles, pigmentation and dehydration. It’s good skin in a bottle! Are they worth the price? Yes! Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, serums are always the most expensive part of a skincare regimen, but they are supercharged to make the biggest difference to your complexion. If budget is a concern,…

Strobing – a more intense version of highlighting – is inspired by the effect strobe lights have on skin. Moving on from contouring, celebrities are now sporting strobing, without the heavy contrast, bringing light to a full face of makeup for a fresher, younger-looking finish. Accentuate your features by applying highlighter to the high points of your face. Dabbing under the brow will lift your eyes, and above the Cupid’s bow will make your lips look bigger. Step 1 ALL ABOUT THAT BASE It’s best to even your skin tone before highlighting, so create a base with foundation or tinted moisturiser. Step 2 LIGHT IT UP Apply highlighter to your forehead, cheekbones, chin, Cupid’s bow, the end of your brows and the bridge of your nose. Our top picks…

When you consider they help us to run around after our kids, walk down the aisle, kick goals and literally hold us up, it’s surprising how much we ignore our feet. In fact, according to the 2018 Foot Health Consumer Survey by the Australian Podiatry Association and Scholl Australia, 78 per cent of Aussies don’t prioritise their foot health, despite 89 per cent of us suffering from foot pain. And while they’re pretty easy to forget about given they’re all the way down there, it’s just as important to keep our feet healthy as with any other part of our bodies. Podiatrist Christina O’Brien from the Australian Podiatry Association reveals her top foot health tips. NATURAL FIBRE “Our feet are covered in sweat glands, which is why when you kick…

Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 22 As Mercury gives an honesty boost, open up to someone you trust: their fresh perspective might be the tonic you need. Couples may find themselves connecting on more intimate levels, so dust off the candles (and the slinky lingerie). Spend time in nature to keep those spiritual batteries fully charged. Capricorn DEC 23 – JAN 20 As the sun awakens your extroverted side, pull out your best party outfits and prepare for fun (an enthusiastic friend might even suggest dance classes). Your home could turn into a hive of activity this week, but save some energy for local concerts and catch-ups – you should have a ball. Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 Full moon magic! Venus draws supportive people into your orbit, and…

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY BLENDS Sleepwell Beauty Blend 100g Lemon Flavour or chocolate, RRP $29.99ea or Skin Blend 150g berry or chocolate flavour, RRP $34.99ea. Visit myer.com.au HIRUDOID CREAM No-one likes a bruise! Hirudoid for bruises and swelling is available from leading pharmacies. RRP 20g, $14.95. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. ASMI 29588-1118 BURNING LOVE HANDBAG The essence of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has been captured in a fashion-forward handbag that’s guaranteed to set your fashion style ablaze with a hunka, hunka burnin’ Elvis love! Exclusive to The Bradford Exchange. Visit bradford.com.au/elvis CHRISTMAS WINTER WONDERLAND Dash through the Rocky Mountains on a winter adventure, with Christmas in Banff and New Year’s Eve in Vancouver as you journey from Calgary…

Gogglebox Australia favourites Angie Kent and Yvie Jones have made the shock announcement they won’t be returning to the much-loved reality show in 2019. The sad revelation comes as Woman’s Day learns the Sydney flatmates – who’ve been on the show since it began in 2015 – have possibly had a falling out over their contrasting career trajectories. Angie, 28, is said to be looking to branch out as an actress, whereas Yvie was more than happy to remain a series regular on the Ten show. Angie is currently signed to popular talent managing company Stage Addiction. The aptly named service assists up and coming TV personalities in booking work in TV and film. The aspiring actress also has a Star Now account, where she has previously mentioned her passion…

All eyes were on the Duchess of Sussex last week as she took to the stage for an impromptu appearance at the British Fashion Awards. But while Meghan may have won over the hearts of celebrities and fashionistas, the same cannot be said of her growing band of critics within the royal family. As Woman’s Day has reported, the Duchess of Sussex has been under fire for weeks, nicknamed “Hurricane Meghan” and “Difficult Duchess” and being accused of causing havoc in the royal family. She’s also upset Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who allegedly finds her sister-in-law “bossy” and “controlling”. The pair’s strained relationship is just the start, with a nasty rift developing between Princes William and Harry, who is defiantly sticking up for his American spouse. Now, Woman’s Day can…

Our wedding insider reveals Karl and Jasmine were overheard telling guests that a baby will soon be on the way. “They mentioned it several times,” spills the source. “Jasmine is ready to have a child of her own. They might have even fallen pregnant on their wedding night!” A pregnancy announcement would be the best Christmas present for Jasmine’s parents Bob and Cheryl, who are beyond ready to become grandparents. “Bob even mentioned it in his wedding speech,” adds our source.…

She soared high above the crowd at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and found pop princess stardom with the release of her noughties hit Strawberry Kisses, but Nikki Webster’s favourite role by far is being mummy to her two adorable munchkins Skylah and Malachi. “I think I’m the luckiest mum... but I know every mum does,” she tells Woman’s Day as we sit down for a catch-up at her gorgeous home in Lidcombe in Sydney’s west. “It’s the best job. The fact they grew inside of me, that I carried them around for nine months, is still crazy to me. I love watching them grow and develop, and being on their journey with them. “And of course, getting all the kisses and cuddles and having mum time, when no-one…

Aussie comedian Celeste Barber has taken the world by storm with her hilarious, self-deprecating parodies of celebrities, Instagram models and the fashion world. Her #celestechallengeaccepted social media posts rack up likes as soon as they’re uploaded, and no A-lister is immune from the quick wit of the happily married mother-of-two. Indeed, everyone from Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham to Lady Gaga and J.Lo has been parodied by the rising star, who is yet to be presented with a photo too ridiculous or cringeworthy for her to recreate – even if it means the 36-year-old wearing next to nothing. “Instagram does this thing, that makes you think it’s real… so I do it to make people laugh,” says Celeste, who boasts a whopping 5.1 million followers. Celeste, who is a trained…

When most of us check the letterbox, we’d be lucky to find any mail that isn’t a bill or a flyer, but Amanda Howard has one that’s overflowing with handwritten notes from the most evil killers alive. Before his death in 2013, Richard Ramirez, who became known as the “Night Stalker” after killing 14 people across California in the ’80s, sent Amanda letters so “sick and perverted”, they would turn her stomach. Theresa Knorr, an American woman convicted of torturing and murdering two of her six children, talks about her crimes “so graphically and with no emotion” in letters she has also penned to Amanda. “That woman is pure psychopath,” Amanda explains with a shudder. “I would have interviewed 250 serial killers, but she’s the one who still gives me…

ETON MESS TRIFLE MAKES 4 PREP 15 MINS • 4 sponge finger biscuits • Pulp 2 passionfruit •2/3 cup double-thick vanilla custard • 4 mini pavlova nests, crushed • ¾ cup thickened cream, whipped to soft peaks • sliced kiwifruit, raspberries, to serve 1 Divide broken sponge finger biscuits between 4 x 1-cup capacity straight-sided glasses. Drizzle with half the passionfruit. Top with custard, crushed meringue and then cream. 2 Serve topped with kiwifruit, raspberries and remaining passionfruit. TIP Dollop with set raspberry jelly for extra trifle indulgence! PRAWN & MANGO SALAD SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS • 750g cooked prawns, peeled, tails intact, deveined • 100g mixed salad leaves • ½ cup coriander leaves • ½ cup mint leaves • 1 mango, cheeks removed, peeled, thinly sliced • 4…

1 Pigmentation Those with uneven skin tone need a supercharged serum with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and UV filters like UVA and UVB. TRY Swisse Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum $29.99. It contains blood orange extract, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and jojoba oil to balance the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 2 Firmness Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is regarded the gold standard in anti-ageing, so get this into your routine ASAP. Including this powerful ingredient in your nightly skincare routine will mean improved skin texture, firmness and clarity. TRY Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum $29.95. 3 Dullness Fatigue and the stresses of daily life can take their toll on our skin! L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Serum $39.95 is formulated for mature…

1 AT THE SHOPS “Stress happens when you’re feeling overwhelmed by what’s going on around you – and Christmas shopping can be one of those times,” explains psychologist Chris Cunningham, who runs The Stress Coach counselling service. Feeling more in control at the shops starts long before you leave home. “Set a budget, then make a list of gifts you’ll buy – and stick to it,” Chris advises. His suggestion is to only buy gifts for under-18s and the most senior family members. It also helps to shop early in the day when centres are quieter. Then, when you’re done, you’ll be able to treat yourself to cake and coffee or skip home early. “Make sure you allow some time to recover,” says Chris. 2 WHEN…

THE WOMAN IN THE GREEN DRESS by Tea Cooper Life + love It’s 1853 and Della leaves her hometown of Mogo Creek, NSW, to move to Sydney, sparked by an army Captain in search of a precious opal. In the big smoke she discovers her aunt is selling more than curiosities in her Curio Shop of Wonders, and before Della knows it she’s caught up in events with unimaginable consequences. Harper Collins, $29.99 CATCH A FALLING STAR by Katie M Little Astounding memoir  When Jeanne Little strutted onto the stage in 1974 in an outrageously glitzy outfit and squealed, “Hello Daaahlings,” she catapulted to stardom. Since then, the nation has been obsessed but devastatingly Jeanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010 and her decline meant a retreat from the…

The Duchess of Cambridge is the kind of woman who really examines everything she and others do or say. Why do I feel there is a disagreement behind closed doors with herself and her father-in-law Prince Charles? I also feel Prince William may be restrained in some of his duties. In reality, I think Kate disagrees with his plans about how Prince George is to be brought up. I see there is meddling going on and the Duchess of Cornwall may be in on it. Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.…

Giving Santa a hand My son Sammy dressed up as Santa’s little elf and jingled all the way to his school Christmas concert! Vanessa Panossian , Westminster, WA Christmas on the farm in 1952... Helping and hindering Mum pluck the goose and mix the yummy Christmas pudding (which I hid the sixpences in!) and then licking the spoon... Going to the school concert and getting my present from Santa, who was my dad – for several years I really believed he was Santa... The lovely aroma of the big pine tree we would decorate with homemade ornaments... Singing Jingle Bells and helping Mum make long red and green paper chains to hang on the ceiling... Lemonade and cakes left for Santa... Christmas morning presents, our family dinner and the fun…