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Australia’s No.1 real-life mag ISSUE 1 January 9, 2020

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STABBED

in the back by my mate NURSE’S

We live life in the

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I married my DYING

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I gave my boy life TWICE!

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nd so it rolls around again. That time of year when the tl! team has to ’fess up as to whether they’ve kept their New Year resolutions from last year. And there’s no escape, because I can simply pull out this issue from 2019 and there they all are, in black and white. Sarah, for example, said she was going to take up running. And she did! She was thrilled to finish the 14km City2Surf fun run. ‘The only downside was I aggravated an old injury,’ she said. But she reckons she’ll be in good enough shape to lace up her joggers again for the big race this year. Beth said she was going to be kinder to her partner, Suddy, and she was happy to say she kept her word. The coming year is a big one for Beth and Suddy as they are getting married, so I didn’t push her for another pledge. She’s got enough on her plate! Rachel smashed her resolution to learn at least one new recipe and actually cook it. She found her recipe, not surprisingly, in the pages of that’s life! and now, her Sausages with Honey and

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Balsamic, served with mashed potatoes, is her signature dish. Beth and Kathy, who have both tried it, confirmed that it’s delicious. What’s more, just last week, Rachel cooked Christmas lunch for 14. ‘With 13 helpers!’ she added, winking. This year, while she hesitated to say it out loud, in 2020 Rachel wants to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. That’s a resolution that kind of puts sausages and mash in the shade, but I have no doubt she will succeed. Amber wants to do more yoga, while Anna giggled as she said that while hers might sound a bit childish, it was genuine. ‘I want to keep my bedroom tidy!’ she said. As for me, well, last year I decided to put off making a resolution until February. I wanted to not procrastinate. Clearly I did. So I’m going to give it another go this year. Promise! Good luck with your resolutions.

It’s EASY to contribute

I gave my boy life twice! Church horror – stabbed in the back by my mate My 55-kilo diet secret I hit my head and lost my jaw! I threw my pup a $9000 party! Fire hero mum – she died protecting her baby Mid-life mischief – we live life in the buff! Win! $20,000 monstercross. Plus a car! Nurse’s vow – I married my dying patient

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Amalya was so excited when she found the ‘Golden Ticket’ in her Wonka bar recently. Judy Ridley, Warren, NSW

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Allistair, three, was excited to get on board a PMV-M at a school fete. Siaw Mei Kong, Karabar, NSW

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Nevahlia Jane

Neveah and Tahlia are both beautiful names that were combined to make a one-of-a-kind name for my gorgeous granddaughter Nevahlia. Kelly Smith, Lawitta, Tas

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FAMILY

The Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand made even the shorter members of our family look tall. Belinda Brisbane, Farmborough Heights, NSW

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Zaidee on our recent family holiday at Marina Bay, Singapore. Cassie Hyland, Wangaratta, Vic

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amazing

We still have regular check-ups

T hhe ra f

My little boy has been through so much

Max was perfect

K l gave her Kylee h little boy the ultimate gift Kylee Block, 42, Jan Juc, Vic tried to relax as the sonographer pressed the wand against my skin. I was 20 weeks pregnant and my then partner and I had just found out we were having a boy. But after a few moments, the sonographer stopped scanning my belly. ‘Hold on, I’m going to fetch a doctor,’ she said. When the doctor came in and looked at the screen, he also suspected there was a problem. More tests followed, and doctors discovered there was no fluid surrounding my baby. There was a block in his urethra, meaning his bladder had been damaged and his kidneys hadn’t developed properly. ‘I’m sorry, but it’s unlikely your son will survive the birth,’ I was told.

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I GAVE MY T

I stared back at the doctor As I collapsed back onto in shock. the bed, the nurse placed my How can this be son on my chest. happening? I thought. Then just seconds later, he I’d already gone through was whisked off to the the heartbreak of losing two NICU. He’d made it. children to stillbirth. We decided to name him Over the next few months, Max after his grandfather. I had regular scans to keep ‘Max the miracle,’ I said. an eye on my baby and After two days, the doctor doctors confirmed his led me through to the kidneys weren’t growing. neonatal unit. As my bump got bigger, I I’d longed to see Max but desperately wanted to fall in as I caught sight of his tubes love with my little boy, but I and wires, I burst into tears. was terrified of losing him. I wanted to wrap him up If he did survive, doctors in my arms and take him warned that one day, he would need a transplant. For the first ‘It could be the day he’s eight months born, or it could be when he did well he’s 40,’ I was told. The plan was to induce me at full term, but soon after I’d reached 37 weeks, I woke up with a strange feeling. ‘I just don’t feel right,’ I told the nurse over the phone. She asked me to come in for a check-up, but at the hospital, the midwife told me I was in labour. It was 22 hours before I finally pushed my little boy into the world.

home where he belonged. But for two weeks, I had to settle for sitting beside his incubator, peering at his tiny hands and feet through the glass. Finally, a nurse said, ‘He’s strong enough for a cuddle.’ As she placed his tiny body in my arms, all my worries and fears from the last nine months melted away. He was perfect. Three weeks later, Max was able to come home. His kidney function was still extremely limited and over the next eight months, Now he’s an energetic toddler

Max and me

E F I L Y O Y TWICE! Max was in and out of hospital for tests. He was doing well but then he became more tired and lethargic than normal. A blood test found Max’s kidneys were failing. I knew what was coming next. ‘He needs a transplant,’ the specialist told me. I didn’t hesitate for a second. ‘I’ll give Max my kidney,’ I said. But Max was far too small for a transplant. He weighed only six kilos. My boy had to reach 10kg to be big enough for an adult kidney. So he was hooked up to a dialysis machine, and over the next year he was fed through a feeding tube to help him get bigger and stronger. Eventually, he reached the magic

milestone, and after lots of testing, the doctor told me I was a perfect match. There was never any doubt that I’d give Max my kidney and three months later, the date of the operation arrived. By now, Max was two, and while he was used to hospitals, it was impossible to explain what was about to happen. ‘Mummy loves you so much,’ I told him. ‘When you wake up, you’re going to feel so much better.’ I tried to put on a brave face for my boy, but as I walked out of the room and left Max with my sister, I felt my heart break in two. The next day, I was taken

into surgery at Austin Hospital. After my operation, it was Max’s turn at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and by the time I woke up, I could watch him on video. Seeing him covered in tubes again, I was reminded how much he had been through. As soon as I was discharged two days later, I rushed to be with him. The transplant had been a success and Max now had three kidneys. Back home, the change in Max was incredible. He was like a different child. Instead of being lethargic and sickly, he was crawling around the house at top speed. I could barely keep up!

‘He’s strong enough for a cuddle’

Every day with him is a gift

Have you saved your child’s life? Tell us at tl.features@ pacificmags. com.au

It was like he was catching up on the months of playing he’d missed out on. Now, Max is three-and-ahalf and he’s doing brilliantly. He still has regular check-ups at the hospital, but he is growing into a boisterous, energetic toddler. ‘Look!’ he says, lifting up his top to compare our matching scars. My miracle Max beat the odds to survive and now every day is a gift. I gave my boy life − not once but twice! ● As told to Jess Bell

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shocking

CHURCH HORROR

STABBE I had six surgeries

oading up my car, I was helping my new friend Ethan move house. A Singaporean bloke, he’d relocated to the Gold Coast and we’d met at church. Both in our mid-20s, we hit it off and saw each other during the week too, for Bible study and game nights. But a couple of years into our friendship, Ethan stopped coming to church. Our congregation tried to stay in touch with him, but it was no use and I didn’t hear from him for months. Arriving home one day, I was shocked to see Ethan outside my place. ‘Bronson, is there anything you don’t like about me?’ he asked, anxiously fidgeting. ‘Of course not,’ I tried to soothe him. He was visibly shaken, so I tried to calm him down. ‘Can I give you a ride home?’ I asked, gently. ‘Nah, don’t worry – I’ll walk,’ he said. A month or so later, Ethan turned up right at the end of the church service. ‘Bronson, you better watch your actions,’ he spat out. Had I unintentionally done something to offend him? Racking my brain, I couldn’t think of a single

8 www.thatslife.com.au

terrifying Bronson Chi Siong, 30, Gold Coast, Qld thing… Soon after, I rocked up at church early one Sunday for band practice. Playing the acoustic guitar, and with Hannah on the keyboard and Roy on the drums, we were having one of our best sessions yet! Strumming my guitar, around midday, out of the corner of my eye I spotted someone standing at the doorway about five metres away. Ethan! I realised. Wearing a grey hoodie and toting a backpack, he seemed agitated. And he was staring right at me… Just then, Ethan rushed towards me. Wrapping his arms around me like a hug, he punched me repeatedly in the back without a word. The scars and wounds on my back

‘Why are you doing this?!’ I heard my worship leader Andrew scream. With me still wearing the guitar on a strap, it was wedged between us. Breaking free from Ethan’s grasp, I ripped the guitar off me and punched him in the face. As he struck me again, I realised Ethan was holding a kitchen knife! Grabbing at it with my left hand, the blade bit deep into my palm. Then, it dropped to the floor, covered in my blood. Ethan was still attacking me, so I tried to defend myself – but my hand wouldn’t work. It feels like jelly, I thought. Finally, Andrew managed to wrestle Ethan to the ground, pinning him down. I have to get out of here, I thought. ‘Bronson, your back,

your back!’ Roy yelled at me. Catching sight of my reflection in a window, I saw I was drenched with blood – and it wasn’t just dripping from my wounded hand. It dawned on me - Ethan hadn’t been punching me. I’d been stabbed in the back repeatedly! This might be it… I thought, dazed. The hospital was only a seven-minute drive away, so Roy bundled me into his car. Every breath was a struggle, and my vision began to blur. I’m going to die, I thought. But I knew I wouldn’t go to heaven if I didn’t forgive Ethan. I truly forgive him, I told God. And I did – he was clearly sick. At hospital, I was rushed straight into triage. I’d been stabbed in the back four times and my left hand had been slashed. Waking up from the first surgery, I had one worry. ‘How’s Ethan?’ I asked the police when they visited.

The guitar protected me – it had saved my life

My hand was brutally slashed

‘He’s in custody now – don’t worry,’ they said. My kidneys had been lacerated, and the blade had barely missed my spine. The guitar had protected me from being stabbed in any vital organs – it had saved my life! ‘Someone up there was watching over you,’ a nurse said. Released from hospital the next Sunday – after five surgeries – I had to be wheeled back into theatre a week later with internal bleeding. Then, home again, my mum Maggie moved in with me. For six months, I couldn’t even shower or dress myself. More than a year on, this November, in the Southport District Court, Ethan, whose Singaporean name is Jiun Hsiung Loh, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm. The court heard, suffering from deteriorating mental health, he’d planned the attack on-and-off for seven months before storming the church with knives and a tomahawk. He’d thought church parishioners had been ‘putting him down’ and he ‘felt compelled to get justice’. Three days before he stabbed me, a friend texted Loh to say that she

rea ife f

wouldn’t make it to church that Sunday. It’s fine, it’ll probably save your life, he wrote back, with a winking emoji. ‘He was telling her to stay away so she was not part of the slaughter,’ Judge David Kent said. Terrifyingly, while Loh was in prison, he wrote to one of our friends saying he’d ‘finish the work he started’. Diagnosed with personality and depressive disorders, Loh was sentenced to four years and six months in jail, to be suspended after three months, considering time already served. Then, he’ll be deported back to Singapore. I know he can’t hurt me again. I really hope that he finds peace and gets the help he so desperately needs. It’s been a tough road, but I feel positive. Forgiveness has set me free. ● As told to Beth Young For mental health support, call Lifeline 13 11 14 (Aus) or 0800 543 354 (NZ).

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My sister and Mum with me in hospital

inspiring The first dress I tried on I loved

half the woman she used to be Kylie Mulcahy, 30, Haywards Bay, NSW

Te rea - i e st rie

I enjoy my life 1000 times more It took changing my diet and daily exercise

hat do you think?’ said my friend Ashleigh, twirling around in a figure-hugging bridal gown. ‘You look stunning,’ I smiled. I loved helping my best mate pick out her wedding dress but one thing kept going through my head - Thank God that’s not me. It was 2015 and I weighed 120 kilos. I could just imagine how the sales assistants would judge me if I came in looking for a bridal gown. She’ll never fit into any of our dresses, they’d be thinking. No, I could never marry, I decided. My wedding day was the best day of my life

N ROOM

I was far too embarrassed about my size. As a teenager, I’d been slim. But after leaving school and qualifying as an aged care nurse, I worked late shifts in a nursing home. It meant I’d eat dinner when I came home at midnight and I didn’t have time to exercise. I tried diets, but nothing worked. After my 10-year relationship broke up, I moved home. My parents, Noel and Eileen, tried to cheer me up. They asked me to go sailing but I refused, sure I’d sink the boat. One day, Dad asked me to help with a charity event his truck company was involved with. There, he introduced me to Adam, then 32. ‘Hi,’ he smiled, setting off butterflies in my tummy. As well as being very handsome, Adam also seemed so warm and caring.

At work the next day, a bouquet of flowers arrived. They were from Adam, with a note asking if I’d go out with him! From then on, we were inseparable. A panel beater and spray painter, Adam worked 6am to 3pm, while I worked 3pm to 11.30pm, so we’d meet for lunch each day at the beach. ‘You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,’ he’d say. ‘I’ve loved you since the day I met you.’ He never mentioned my weight but it bothered me. In January 2017, I went to the doctor, where I learnt that I had PCOS − polycystic ovarian syndrome − a hormonal condition that often led to weight gain. Devastated, I sought help from a nutritionist. ‘With PCOS, you should avoid gluten and dairy,’ she said. ‘They’re triggers for weight gain.’ ‘No wonder I’ve been piling it on!’ I cried. I’d been having cereal with milk for breakfast, a cheese and Vegemite sandwich for h, spaghetti bolognaise or dinner, and snacking Have on cheese – all the you been on a weight-loss worst foods for me! journey? Tell us She gave me a diet at tl.features@ pacificmags. com.au

AS TOLD TO EVA LEWICKI

IN MY

Now I’m a size eight!

NGE M!

plan. Breakfast was an omelette or protein shake with almond milk, lunch was a turkey salad, and dinner was fish and vegies or a stir-fry. She told me to prepare dinner at home and take it into work. But when she suggested I needed to exercise too, my heart sank. I’d once belonged to a gym and felt so self-conscious I stopped going. So I searched YouTube for exercises I could do at home and found a low-impact cardio highintensity workout by Team Body Project. They used real people like me in their videos, not skinny people in tiny shorts. I began doing the workout daily before breakfast. I was losing weight in my lounge! I also stuck to my food plan. It wasn’t easy so I started an Instagram page and uploaded photos weekly to hold myself accountable. Within a year, I’d shrunk from a size 20 to a size 10.

G K 0 12 I was a size 20

In December 2018, I reached 65 kilos. I’d lost 55 kilos. ‘I hit my goal weight!’ I cried to Adam. ‘I loved you the way you were then and I love you how you are now,’ he said. Friends couldn’t believe I’d got such results from working out at home instead of paying big bucks for a personal trainer at the gym. Two months later, I was walking along the beach with my younger sister Amy, when I saw a big heart drawn in the sand. Will you marry me? was written inside it. Next to it, Adam was down on one knee, smiling and holding out a diamond ring.

Within a year I’d shrunk to a size 10

65KG

‘Of course I will!’ I cried. Soon after, I shopped for a wedding gown with Mum and Amy. Instead of dreading it, as I had envisaged at 120 kilos, I adored it. I fell in love with the first dress I tried on - a gorgeous strapless number. Incredibly, it was a size eight. This autumn, I walked up the aisle in front of 110 guests. ‘You look so beautiful,’ Adam said, choked. It truly was the best day of my life. Six months on, Adam, 35, and I are happily settled into married life and I’m still loving my lounge room workouts. It feels so good not to be struggling with my weight any more. I may be half the woman I was, but I enjoy my life a thousand times more! ●

Kylie’s diet BEFORE

Brekkie: Cereal and toast Lunch: Cheese sandwich and a muesli bar Dinner: Pasta with sauce Snacks: Packets of chips

NOW

Brekkie: Omelette, porridge or smoothie Lunch: Tuna, chicken or turkey salad Dinner: Zucchini noodles with low-carb pasta sauce, stir-fry, or fish or meat with vegies Snacks: Carrot/celery sticks with hummus, fruit

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SECRET

story

Marie, 59, couldn’t resist helping her daughter

heers, darl,’ I grinned as I clinked glasses with my daughter, Zara. ‘Bliss, this is just what I needed,’ she sighed. Zara, 31, had split up with her boyfriend a few months earlier, so I’d organised a girls’ trip to Bali to take her mind off things. Spending our days at the pool with cocktails, I could already see that my girl was happier. ‘You know, I think you should get yourself out there. Maybe try a dating app?’ I suggested. ‘No Mum,’ she groaned. ‘I want to find The One in real life, like in the movies.’ ‘Well, don’t rule it out completely, love,’ I said. Tucking into the hotel brekkie the next day, Zara’s eyes lit up as a man strolled past our table. ‘He’s so hot!’ she whispered. With his piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair, I couldn’t help but agree. ‘Go have a chat with him,’ I encouraged. ‘No way!’ she said. But as we lounged around the pool later, I saw Zara stealing glances at the hunky bloke. She was definitely interested! It looked like he was on a

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12 www.thatslife.com.au

big family holiday. Later in the day, as Zara went up to the room to have a shower, I struck up a conversation with a woman I thought was his mum. ‘Beautiful hotel, isn’t it? I’m Marie by the way. Are you here with your family?’ I asked. ‘I’m Claire,’ she said. ‘Yes, me, my hubby, our son Jake, his wife and kids. Then our other son, Dan. He’s a bit down though,’ she confided. ‘His girlfriend was meant to be coming but she left him last week.’ ‘Oh no!’ I gasped. ‘My daughter broke up with her boyfriend a few months ago.’ As we chatted, Claire said they lived in Brisbane, where we’re from. It was too much of a coincidence. ‘Maybe we should all get a drink after dinner tonight?’ I suggested. ‘That sounds wonderful,’

Claire said. Back in the hotel roo minus on ‘I wass chattingg with a lovelyy lady and she’s going to meet us for a drink later,’ I said. I didn’t dare tell her Dan would also be there! Sitting in the bar later, I heard Claire call my name. Her whole family were coming over to our table. As we all sat drinking together, I made sure Dan was opposite Zara. There was an obvious attraction, but when Zara went to the bathroom, I decided to nudge Dan in the right direction. ‘Zara’s recently single and I’m pretty sure you’re just her type,’ I winked. As Zara walked back over, Dan stood up and asked, ‘Shall we get a drink at the bar?’.

Th of the evening chatting − and for the rest of the holiday, Dan and Zara were inseparable. It’s been two years since the Bali break, and Dan and Zara’s engagement party is next month. I’ll never let Zara know I intervened – she thinks it was all a Hollywood-style romantic coincidence. And Dan has promised me he’ll keep it a secret. I’m just so happy for my beautiful girl, who finally got her happy ending. ●

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AS TOLD TO KATHRYN LEWSEY PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES ALL NAMES AND IDENTIFYING DETAILS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. PHOTO RE-ENACTMENT POSED BY MODELS

THE

buzz

Dancers & Dogs started out as a wild idea, but after photographing their first duo – a ballerina and a bulldog – professional photographers Kelly Pratt and Ian Kreidich knew they were onto something. Working with the Saint Louis Ballet, the husbandand-wife team have captured 100 dancers and 100 dogs for their project.

r e k c a r c t t u M e Th

13 The number of letters in the Hawaiian alphabet

COMPILED BY E INSTAGRAM; PR

NEWS; SUMO DIAPERS; APHY;; FACEBOOK

Everything old is new again

Seaweed diapers With the number of nappies ending up in landfill each year increasing and reaching an unthinkable number, Sumo diapers have arrived on the scene to try and solve the problem. The nappies are made primarily from a seaweed and eucalyptus textile that’s not only absorbent, but antibacterial and biodegradable.

Northern Territory artist Carmel Ryan has sewn a wedding dress from 25 used men’s dress shirts in response to a challenge from Eco Fashion Week Australia. The upcycled shirts were sourced from her local community and turned into a fashionable wedding gown that she’s now open to lending to a bride.

Looking to boost your problem-solving skills? Head to www.thatslife.com.au/puzzles/

HOT Game on, moles Let’s save lives from melanoma this summer. Melanoma Institute Australia is campaigning for sun safety and encouraging Aussie sun lovers to watch out for changes to their skin.

NOT Last-minute robbery Heath Bumpous, from Texas, was arrested after robbing a bank to pay for his wedding. The robbery occurred the day before the wedding was planned, with the money to be used for a ring and the venue.

rea l liffe

My jaw had completely fallen away from my face

After her horse was spooked, Emily Eccles, 16, was left with lifechanging injuries

HORSERIDING HO

MY JA FELLO O

spooked at the sound of a car exhaust popping. As it galloped off, I clung on for dear life, but when my feet came out of the stirrups, I fell to the side and whacked my head on a wooden post. Falling through the air, I saw a flash of red across my s I clutched my jaw, vision, and thought, Oh God I breathed a sigh of my tongue has come out. relief. But as I hit the ground with ‘I’m okay,’ I told a thump, I didn’t feel any myself, ‘just a bit bruised.’ pain, so I thought I I’d been out riding with was okay. y horse friends when my I even managed to get up and go to bie film My friends said I looked like something in a zom my friends. Then I m saaw the colour drain from their faces.

‘Emily,’ they gasped. ‘What the hell has happened to your face?’ ‘I’m fine,’ I tried to reply, before I realised I couldn’t actually speak. The next few minutes were a whirlwind of sirens and paramedics, and before I knew it, I was being stretchered into an ambulance. It was then I looked down and saw teeth and bone.

‘I’ve never seen an injury as bad as this one outside a war zone’

For two weeks I couldn’t speak

14 www.thatslife.com.au

‘Is that my jaw?’ I mumbled to the paramedic. ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to take care of you,’ she replied. Panic started to rise up inside me. This is more serious than I thought, I realised. I was still holding onto my jaw as I arrived at emergency. In fact, I was holding it in my hand. My tongue was hanging out of the side and my throat felt very m warm, but I still w didn’t know what d was wrong. w The adrenalin must have kicked m in n. Half my face was missing, but I wasn’t m ev ven in pain. As the nurses fussed around me, I ssaw my mum Miichelle, 50, and da ad Chris, 48. ‘O Oh Em,’ my mum

Onne month later I was back at school

AS TOLD TO HARRIET WHITEHEAD PHOTOS: PA REAL LIFE

shocking

Mum, Michelle, 50, says

OFF! said, with tears in her eyes. ‘It’s going to be okay.’ Needing to move fast, the nurses prepped me for surgery. I still hadn’t looked at my face. I couldn’t do it. After a five-and-a-half-hour operation, I came round in the critical care unit surrounded by Mum, Dad and my brother Chris, 17. It turned out the entire left side of my jaw to the joint had pulled away from my face and had been retained by only a small strip of skin about 1cm long. Miraculously, the surgeon had managed to piece my face together using three titanium plates and more than 160 stitches. He removed one of the bones in my cheek, because it had shattered completely. Amazingly, I had lost only one tooth! ‘If you’d landed a centimetre either way it

Have you got photos of a shocking injury? Tell us at tl.features@ pacificmags. com.au

grateful to my doctors

ould have been catastrophic, Emily. You would have severed a vital nerve,’ he said. ‘In all my years as a surgeon I’ve never seen an injury as bad as this one outside a war zone.’ I spent three days in critical care. Fed through a tube, I kept feeling the saliva build up in my throat, making it feel like I was going to choke. For two weeks, I couldn’t speak and could only communicate by using a text app on my phone. It was five days later when I had the courage to finally look at my face. It was bruised and still swollen but I looked like me! When I left hospital 11 days later, I found the courage to look at some of the photos before the op. Seeing my jaw hanging off my face, I couldn’t believe it was me.

A month after f leaving leaviing g hospital, I was back at school for the start of term. Although I had some scarring, I was almost back to normal. I still lack some feeling in my lower jaw, but that will come back in time. I’m going for monthly check-ups at the hospital, as well as seeing a speech and language specialist. There’s one more op too. I need to have an implant and a screw put in my top left gum so they can replace the tooth I lost. As for horseriding, this hasn’t put me off. I can’t waiit to get back in the saddle! I am incredibly grateful forr the amazing medical help I received. Without all these incredible people, I wouldn’t be here, telling my story. ●

When we got a call from Emily’s friend’s dad, he couldn’t articulate what was wrong. ‘Is she dead?’ I screamed at him. I thought the worst. He said she wasn’t dead, but that it was really bad. When we got to the hospital, a nurse told me to prepare myself for what Emily looked like, but nothing could. Half her face had gone! I just stroked and kissed her forehead and told her everything was going to be okay. Afterwards, I thought this is quite amazing that she’s come through this. I would love to wrap up Emily in cotton wool and stop her ever riding a horse again, but I know I can’t do that. I know she’s been given the gift of life, so I can’t stop her living it. I’ll just watch from afar, biting my nails!

Nothing prepared me for that sight

WHINGE

ANY PAYMENT IS MADE ON PUBLICATION. PAYMENT AMOUNTS ARE AT THE EDITOR’S DISCRETION. THAT’S LIFE! DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT EACH READER WILL RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR THEIR SUBMISSION.

rumpy Gwen Got a complaint? Send it to Grumpy Gwen and if she thinks your whinge is justified, she might just send you some cash – it’s that easy! email: tl.grumpy@pacificmags.com.au

TAN BAN

NAKED TRUTH

Each year we go camping on the coast with the same friends. But having grown older and fatter, the men’s snoring has got so bad it’s impossible to sleep. Barbara Thornton, Albury, NSW

My granddaughter, Jemma, loves baking in the sun so she looks better in selfies. She won’t believe me when I tell her she’ll end up looking like old leather! Katy Richardson, Rotorua, NZ

My best friend and her partner visit a nudist beach and they want my husband and me to join them! E. Robbins, Ipswich, Qld

Mildred has this problem with Eugene. His snoring iis so loud that each night the neighbourhood gathers angrily outside their house a w with pitchforks and flaming ttorches. He wouldn’t move to the spare room until she put ccastors on the bed, wheeled him down the road in his sleep, and left him there until morning. Cash for earplugs for all the women on the trip.

Gloria is so keen to get an even suntan she gets Fred to turn her on a spit. Prada and Chanel are bidding for her skin when she goes for their next handbag line. Elsie is the complete opposite. She puts on a Hazmat suit just to take out the bins. Use age-enhancing software on Jemma’s selfie to show her what she’ll look like in 10 years without sunscreen.

$30

$40

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Meredith’s husband, Norman, became a naturist because of his growing phobia of pickpockets. To be fair, Meredith encouraged it because it saved a fortune on washing powder. Now she’s become one too. In fact they’ve become so keen on naturism they even shave the cat. The downside is that Meredith has nightmares about walking down the street fully clothed. Don’t want to go? Just say no!

WHINGE-O-METER

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SNORE BORES

fun

Coco’s birthday tutu

Coco loves to dress up

Do your pets get dressed up? Tell us at tl.features@ pacificmags. com.au

She has an outfit for every occasion

! Y T R A P S ’ on my PUP a birthday to remember!

Alina Michaels, 29, Sydney, NSW

ues ay, we o ‘Tutu Tuesdays’ where Coco will pose in a different frilly skirt. ‘She’s got more clothes than you!’ Sarmen quipped. ‘I can’t justify buying all this for myself, but I can for the dog,’ I smiled. Coco loves a bargain, but sometimes I’ll treat her to something a little bit special. Once, I bought her a black and red leather harness from Turkey which set me back $400. And I love getting her a designer accessory or two. Since Coco rose to Instagram fame, we’re busy every week with various pooch events. We’ve made heaps of mates in the dog community too. For Coco’s fifth birthday, I decided to throw a big paw-ty for her. Inviting all of our favourite pooch pals, I spent over

I love getting her a designer accessory

CREDIT HERE PLEASE

ressing my little dog Coco in a tutu, I couldn’t help cooing. ‘Look how gorgeous you are!’ I smiled, before snapping a photo of my Peekapoo pooch. My hubby, Sarmen, and I bought Coco three years ago. Our fur baby, we’d often spoil her with toys and outfits. So when I saw my friend had made an Instagram account for her pet dog, I decided to give it a go too. Naming the account @coco_the_peekapoo, I started off by uploading photos of Coco as a puppy. As her followers grew, I shared more recent images

ressing er up in i erent coloured tutus and bandanas, Coco’s stylish outfits quickly gained attention. We’d often get people asking where her clothes were from. So, I started to tag the brands she was wearing. As I shared more pawdorable photos, Coco’s following increased. Treating my girl to pretty outfits and glam accessories, I soon ran out of storage space in her designated box. With so many items, I decided to make Coco her very own walk-in-wardrobe – or a furdrobe! I hung up all of Coco’s harnesses, leashes and flower crowns. She even had a whole rail dedicated to her favourite item – the tutu!

T he Our paw-ty was a great success

My paw-fect pup and me

rea - i e st rie

$2000 on a carnival-themed gathering. Held in a local park, I treated Coco to a dogfriendly two-tier cake, pup cakes and party games. There were also yummy nibbles for the humans. And we were lucky to have $7000 worth of prizes from brands that sponsored us. It took eight months to organise, but it was totally worth the effort. The furry guests even got dog perfume to take home! Including food and clothes, I spend around $200 a week on Coco. Some people might think it’s crazy, but when I see her little face, I know it’s worth every cent. She loves getting dressed up and posing in her chic ensembles. And although she never recycles an outfit, we often donate her clothes to local rescue groups. Nowadays, Coco has over 42,500 followers on Instagram. Earlier this year, she won a competition as Sydney’s cutest and coolest dog. I’m so proud of everything she’s achieved – she really is such a paw-fect pup! ● As told to Kathryn Lewsey

with Dizzy PET EDITOR

PETS ARE PAW Bailey cleans his teeth at least twice a day. Sue Richardson, Buddina, Qld

Each week we bring you the cutest pets from Instagram!

FUL

f the k

INSTA PET @O I

Life is great in black and white!

Hoppy and Oreo have such an amazing bond. Christina Mathews, Thornlie, WA

Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dogs work the DVD remote? Because they always hit the paws button!

Toby never leaves my side. Helen Riley, Perth, W A

You should see my doggie paddle!

Tippa is enjoying a sunny day out by the pool. Faye Bond, Carramar, WA

18 www.thatslife.com.au

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Maybel is cuteness overload. Fe Arsi, Canterbury, NZ

Bruce is a cheeky eight-year-old pugalier that acts like a puppy! Belinda Lombardo, Doncaster, Vic

t th diff rence: YOUR PET IN A PUZZLE!

HOW TO WIN... If you

Turn to entry coupon (p44) to enter!

look at the two pictures, we’ve made a change to the second picture. When you have found the change, write the number of the quadrant in which the change occurs on the puzzle entry coupon on page 44 for your chance to win.

Kozzie is stopping to enjoy the smell of the flowers. Roey Smith, Thornton, NSW

Do you have a cute critter who could feature in our Pet in a Puzzle? Send a photo and some info about them to tl.pets@pacificmags.com.au email: tl.pets@pacificmags.com.au

COMPILED BY EUNICE OH

scary

E T S I N I S These people made meticulous plans to murder

HE PLANNED TO PROFIT FROM MU DE n the evening of April 23, 1992, Alison Manwaring, 24, left her fiancé Gordon Healis’ home at 11.30pm and drove back to the house she shared with her dad, widower Matthew Manwaring, 62. When Alison walked through the front door she came face to face with evil. Earlier that night, Benjamin Laing, 25, had arrived at the Manwaring home claiming to be interested in buying a car they had advertised for sale. But it was all part of Benjamin’s master plan to make money from murder.

Laing shot Matthew, and when Alison arrived he handcuffed her, then forced her to sign blank cheques, sale receipts for the car, and hand over bank account details. Alison was then raped and tortured before being strangled to death. Laing dismembered the bodies and buried them in his girlfriend’s backyard before selling the car and pocketing the cash. When Matthew and Alison were reported missing, Laing went to the police, claiming he’d bought their car but left them in ‘good health’. ‘I don’t know what happened to them, I heard on the radio they were missing,’ he said, acting concerned.

Mark and Alison’s fiancé at the crime scene

A letter from Alison’s brother Mark

20 www.thatslife.com.au

SHO P

SET ON F RE

The next day, Laing was caught trying to withdraw money from the Manwaring bank accounts. Matthew and Alison’s bodies were discovered and Laing changed his story, insisting they were killed by a terrorist group who forced him to bury them. But police found an exercise book in Laing’s bedroom where he’d detailed his plan to profit from murdering people. They also found a cheque signed by Alison and the killer’s shopping list that included handcuffs, gloves and black bags. In April 1993, a judge sentenced Benjamin Laing to life in prison for the murders. Detective Superintendent Michael Morgan, who led the inquiry, believes Laing was a potential serial killer. ‘He is an arrogant and calculating killer and I am convinced he would have struck again,’ Morgan said. ● COMPILED BY SAMANTHA IRELAND PHOTOS: MEN MEDIA; LANCASHIRE POLICE; GETTY

PROTECTING HER BABY s Saleem Said, 40, walked the aisles of a store ticking items off a list, he looked like any other shopper. But he was buying duct tape, plastic handcuffs, a jerry can and petrol – all items he planned to use to kill his ex-girlfriend, Leanne Collopy. Four days later, on July 30, 2017, Saleem was looking after their daughter, Leila, two, when he lured Leanne back home, saying Leila needed her.

Leanne with her daughters

Saleem Said killed his ex

PING S T S I L E

Saleem then stabbed Leanne, 25, 21 times, as she tried to protect her little girl. Next, Saleem doused Leanne and Leila with petrol and set the house alight, the fire engulfing all three. Leanne drenched Leila in water and sat her on a table before losing consciousness. When police and fireys arrived, they found Leanne and Said on the floor. Through the smoke they could just make out the terrified eyes of little Leila. Leanne died four days later but Leila survived, although she had severe burns to her face, head and body and will need ongoing skin grafts. In March 2018, Saleem Said was sentenced to life for murder, but Leanne’s mum Julie Doherty says there is no punishment adequate. ‘I cry for what she went through that night,’ Julie says. ●

THE PRICE OF

Khusbu

Shah Shah, 24. Dantis then used Khusbu’s ng involvin phone to send a text the her husband. to police, the oshan Dantis, 30, ur wife. Don’t ve ha We erss per pp kidnap added items to a . We are ice pol l cal would frame Roshan. shopping list on . you in tch wa By this time, Dantis his computer. t said Khusbu tex e Th was already under police Meat cleaver, knife, SIM killed if Nagendra be uld wo surveillance and his cards, gloves, hooded top, didn’t pay $218,000. computer was confiscated. trolley bag. Nagendra ed, rifi Ter Experts retrieved the That’s what he’d need to best friend his ed ask deadly shopping list and kill his best friend’s wife. n what he should do. sha Ro when Khusbu’s body was In May 2009, Dantis him ed rag ou enc s Danti found, the items were caught a taxi to his friend . som ran the pay to covered in Dantis’ DNA. Nagendra Shah’s house. Knowing he would be It’s thought he was There he strangled in the police ed lud inc driven by jealously. Nagendra’s wife, Khusbu investigation, Dantis sent In 2010, Dantis was . dra gen Na to t tex er oth an sentenced to life in prison. motive Dantis never revealed his It said Khusbu had been Nagendra says he and kiilled and as punishment their son Nikhil will never ffor get over losing Khusbu. he used ‘We miss everything The cleaver about her and we always will,’ he said. ●

MU DE

BETTE

nother day in paradise,’ I grinned, giving my hubby a good morning kiss. ‘Let’s have some breakfast then get exploring,’ John said, jumping out of bed. We were on the trip of a lifetime to the North Island of New Zealand, on the beautiful island of Waiheke just off Auckland. As we strolled along the sandy shores, it was hard not to get lost in the beauty. ‘Well, well, well,’ John laughed, as we turned a corner. He was looking at a sign on the beachfront. Nudist Beach, it read. The more we experimented…

‘Should we turn back?’ I asked, hesitantly. ‘We could…’ he replied. ‘Or, we could give it a go?’ It’s something I’d never thought about, but John seemed quite keen. ‘Why not?’ I replied. So, we crossed the line into the naturist spot and whipped off our clothes! Plunging into the sea, I couldn’t believe I was skinny dipping for the first time. ‘Why on earth did we ever invent swimming costumes?’ I laughed, as I felt the ocean swirl over my bare skin. Stepping out, completely in the buff, it surprised me

how comfortable I felt. ‘It doesn’t take long to forget everyone is starkers, does it?’ I asked John. ‘You’re right about that love,’ he grinned. It was so liberating. After warming up in the sun, we put our kit back on and carried on with our walk. Converted, we took a trip down to the naturist spot every day for the rest of our stay in Waiheke. When our four-week trip came to an end, I felt like I had changed somehow. Wanting to relive our holiday, we’d venture into the backyard in our birthday suits.

‘It doesn’t take long to forget everyone is starkers’

...the more we embraced going nude

Te rea - i e st rie

It wasn’t exactly secluded though, and it was only during certain hours of the day we could bare all. So, I found a naturist spot on a beach 90 minutes away, which was great, but it was such a long drive. ‘There must be somewhere more local we can feel free to be ourselves,’ John said. And he was right. After more research, I found a retreat just down the road.

now I do everything nude at home

Clothes make things difficult

AS TOLD TO JAMIE BLUE MOUNTAIN PHOTOS: PA REAL LIFE

Donna Price, 55, does all her chores in the nude!

FE’S

Have you found an unusual hobby you now love? Share your story with us at tl.features@ pacificmags. com.au

Me with John

THE UFF! Finally, we were able to fully embrace naturism. We relaxed by the pool, played games and enjoyed a drink – all completely naked. Soon we were travelling all over the world to naturists hotspots. A particular favourite is the Sunseekers Nudist Club in Hovea, Western Australia, a naturist campsite, with a pool, sports activities and barbecues, full of people just like us. The more time we spent at naturist venues, the less time we had I even bake in the nude!

clothes on back at the house. ‘Clothes really do make everything more difficult, don’t they?’ I said, as I coated the lounge room wall with another layer of paint. ‘It’s certainly cooler without them,’ John agreed. Soon it became apparent how much easier – and more comfortable – day-to-day life was in the buff. ecorating, gardening, ing – even baking. hat a beautiful loaf,’ nounced, as I pulled latest baked goodie t of the oven. ‘Even if o say so myself!’ Rather proud, I shared hoto of the bread d the recipe online. Before I knew it, my witter account was xploding with undreds of likes from

fellow bakers. They were asking for the recipe and step-by-step instructions – along with photos to demonstrate the process. More than willing to use my online presence to share cookery knowledge and raise awareness about naturism, I started posting pics with me in the nude! The tweets went down a storm and the recipe was shared across the globe – even ending up on a blog in Canada. It’s been nine years since we first got a taste of naturism in New Zealand, which is mad when you think John, now 69, and I spent the first 25 years of our relationship fully clad unless we were between the sheets or in the shower. I can’t imagine going back.

Naked, you see people for who they are

Being nude is so much more comfortable

People always ask me what it is that appeals to me about this way of life. Sure, having no clothes on feels comfortable, but it’s much more than that. When everyone is naked, you see people for who they are, rather than seeing the barriers they build around them. You can be talking to a finance broker or a road sweeper – you just don’t know. It’s a brilliant leveller. Now, we have more than 4000 followers on our Twitter account, @nakedfreestyler. I’m encouraging more people to strip down and give it a go – particularly women, who are underrepresented in the community. Next time you’re doing the chores, try doing it without clothes. You never know – you might just like it! ●

Your

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Clementine, six months, made an adorable Snow White. Sarah Travia, Coolbellup, WA

What’s a girl to do when it’s pouring with rain in Manila? Read her two copies of that’s life! of course. I made sure I took my favourite Play time magazines on my holiday. I took my six-year-old Ermelinda Porter, Chirnside Park, Vic

JOKhEe at did the of t g flower K E E W ssay to

grandson to the park and was shocked by how many parents were engrossed in their mobile devices. When my three were young, park time was a great opportunity to catch up with other mums and let off a bit of steam ourselves.

the little flower? Hi, bud!

Janice Barker, via email

Our‘cats’, Missy Elliott and Joshua, watched the rain come down together. Penny Elliott, Northcote, NZ

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My five-year-old son, Adam, is going through a stage where he loves being called by the name of his favourite superhero. ‘SpiderMan, it’s time to brush your teeth,’ works like a charm. Emma K, Penrith, NSW

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The article ‘Mum and Dad saved my life… twice!’ from the December Mega Monthly just goes to show the depth of parental love. We would literally do anything for our children, including giving up kidneys. Such a beautiful reminder of how great it is to be a parent. Helen Christie, Manly, NSW I can’t get over how clever my dog is. When I go to get my dress shoes, he knows I’m going to work, but when I put on my sneakers, he runs towards the door knowing it’s time to go for a walk. Samantha Lane, Hillcrest, SA

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1 Famous beaches Ipanema and Copacabana are located in which South American city?

2 What is the most abundant element in the sun: helium, hydrogen or oxygen?

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4 The majority of Australia’s bananas are grown in which state?

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HOW TO WIN... The theme of o this

Monstercross is a day at the beach, beach and all the highlighted picture clues refer to this topic. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve filled in the whole puzzle, the letters in the lilac squares, reading left to right and top to bottom, will spell a word related to the puzzle theme. Write this word on the entry coupon. 83 Nobleman (5) ACROSS 85 Sympathy (4) 1 Import tax (6) 87 Pig's home (3) 4 Those people (4) 88 Silent Marx brother (5) 6 Hermit ---, crustacean 90 French river (5) in box A (4) 91 Meadow (3) 10 Young cows (6) 92 Clash, conflict (6) 12 Jewish leader (5) 95 Famous collie dog (6) 14 Mistake (5) 98 --- Gardner, actress (3) 15 Fruit conserve (9) 99 Rubbers (7) 16 Top of a steeple (5) 103 Swimmer's breathing 17 Tosca composer (7) tube in box C (7) 18 Dispatched (4) 106 Hitchcock classic (6) 19 College (abbr.) (3) 109 Greasiest (7) 21 Not diplomatic (8) 112 Conductor (7) 25 Bigwig in the world of 113 Sea eagle (4) business (abbr.) (4) 115 Rip, rend (4) 27 Ancient harp (4) 117 Colourful beach hut 28 Five-armed marine in box D (6) creature (8) 118 Instruments similar to 32 Gorilla, for one (3) the trumpet (7) 33 English county (4) 119 In greater number (4) 35 Abash, shame (9) 120 Flow back, ebb (6) 38 Youth, adolescent (8) 122 Frank ---, crooner (7) 40 Let it stand (4) 124 Astound, amaze (4) 42 --- Rendell, author (4) 126 Prophet (4) 43 Seat for a motorbike 128 House shoes (8) passenger (7) 131 Postponed trial 44 Nun (6) proceedings (9) 47 Investigation (4) 133 Masticate (4) 49 Bird with a large bill 135 Devoured (3) in box B (7) 136 Echo, resound (8) 51 South American river 139 Fairytale monster (4) and rainforest (6) 141 Broad (4) 52 Assist, aid (4) 143 Portable sunshade 53 Chat, converse (4) in box E (8) 55 Atomic substance (7) 147 Transgress (3) 57 Phil Collins' band (7) 148 Truant (1,1,1,1) 60 Poland's capital (6) 149 1984 film about 64 Small landmasses (7) Wolfgang Mozart (7) 68 The competitive 151 Not suitable (5) struggle for career 152 Android, machine (9) success (3-4) 153 Brief, concise (5) 72 Forty winks (3) 154 Honking birds (5) 74 Empty of dwellers (6) 155 Mock, jeer at (6) 76 Myth (6) 156 Difficult (4) 77 Fuss, bother (3) 157 1975 thriller about a 78 Marsh grasses (5) great white shark (4) 79 Rolled rice dish (5) 158 Handheld piece of 80 Police officer (3) armour (6) 81 Layer, level (4) 82 Ragged (5)

CROSS

74 Team sport played in box I (10) 1 Three-pronged spear (7) 75 Long-running UK police 2 Plastic disc toy in drama (3,4) box F (7) 83 Lord ---, poet (5) 3 Evident, clear (7) 84 Laos' continent (4) 4 Watch or hourglass (9) 86 Songbird (4) 5 Auricular pain (7) 89 Paddle (3) 7 True life, actuality (7) 93 Carry (4) 8 Ale or lager, etc (4) 94 Departed (4) 9 Makes a journey (7) 96 Mountain (3) 10 Zagreb's country (7) 97 Utter (3) 11 Person working on their tan in box G (9) 100 Upper limb (3) 101 Went to the gym (9) 13 Proportion (5) 102 Indian instrument (5) 20 Telescope part (4) 103 Short distance (5'1,5) 22 Cock's comb (5) 104 Exaggerate (9) 23 Leia's brother (4) 105 Relatives, family (3) 24 Male offspring (3) 26 Fancy light fittings (11) 107 Lampoon (8) 108 Protagonist (4) 27 Line of a song (5) 109 Grouchy Muppet (5) 29 Neckwear (3) 110 Graphic, picture (5) 30 Dashed, bolted (3) 111 Cat breed (7) 31 Bar of gold (5) 114 Purify (7) 32 Fuzzy orange fruit (7) 116 Entertain (5) 34 African nation (8) 121 Shears (5) 36 Said incorrectly (9) 123 Lasso (5) 37 Strict, inflexible (9) 125 Hiking path (5) 39 Entrap (7) 127 Water jug (4) 41 Number in a trio (5) 128 Wave-riding plank 45 Enjoy together (5) in box J (9) 46 Ancient symbols (5) 129 Brooch (3) 48 --- butter, lotion made 130 Decompose (3) from a tree nut (4) 131 Confess (4) 50 Shout of approval (5) 132 Bandages (9) 54 Sicken, suffer (3) 134 Droning sound (3) 56 --- Maria, liqueur (3) 137 Examine critically (7) 57 Delight, joy (4) 138 Strong feeling (7) 58 Egyptian river (4) 59 Coastal construction 140 Nuclear device (7) 142 Sluggishness (7) in box H (10) 143 Wild and free (7) 61 Dry wine (3) 144 Baby shoes (7) 62 Be victorious (3) 145 Clumsy, bungling (7) 63 Elliptical shape (4) 146 Molten rock (5) 65 Portable bed used by 150 City in England with paramedics (9) mineral springs (4) 66 Openings (9) 67 Slim ---, musician (5) WINNING WORD 69 Tummy muscles (3) 70 Water storage area (9) 71 Customers (9) 73 Bursts, like a bubble (4)

at thatslife.com.au/puzzles

FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS VISIT THATSLIFE.COM.AU/TERMS. AUTHORISED UNDER NSW PERMIT NO. LTPS/19/37827; ACT PERMIT NO. TP 19/04131.1; SA LICENCE NO.19/1499.

DOWN

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$150 CASH

Puzzlers of the Week

1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Read the

A E E E H D R I V E L D M F

K G S N H E I P O I L U E D

N T U S D X R A U L O Z S O

O M O F E F C W R I W Z C Z

W D H G V C R A I M R L H M

N M G A E M L I T A I E O B

1 TO BE WON

the arrows. When the puzzle is complete, the letters in the lilac squares, reading left to right and top to bottom, will spell a word. When you’ve worked out what it is, write this word only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

WILLOW and KORA are both five years old and are best FRIENDS! They have KNOWN each other their whole lives BECAUSE their mums, SAMY and KATE, are BEST friends too! Willow lives in the BUSY city of HAMILTON and Kora lives on a SECLUDED farm in WAIPAWA. To visit each OTHER it is about a five-hour DRIVE, but their FAMILIES take turns throughout the YEAR road-tripping to each other’s HOUSES. Both girls are HOMESCHOOLED and they love it. One of Willow and Kora’s FAVOURITE things to do TOGETHER is play on the ROPE swing. They love to SWING really high and pretend THAT they are FLYING. They also love helping their MUMS solve the puzzles and KIDUZZLES in that’s life! magazine.

P P S T B C N A A S I I O P

CASH

HOW TO WIN... Write your answers in the direction of

information about that’s life! puzzlers Willow and Kora and find the highlighted capitalised words in the wordsearch grid, reading in straight lines, horizontally, vertically and diagonally in either direction. Some letters are used more than once. One of the highlighted words cannot be found in the grid. When you have worked out which it is, write that word on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

A R O K T C J W F F W K H J

rrow o

$100

T S U N M T M U E F R S O E

H A Y M I I H Y D N H N L C

A M R S S W L E U E D M E A

T Y T R U U S T R W D S D U

M P A K J B H A O Y H I S S

A M C E P O R K B N F T E E

You could be our next Puzzler of the Week! We pay $25 for letters used. Send a photo and some facts about yourself to that’s life!, Puzzles, AUS: GPO Box 7804, Sydney, NSW 2001 or NZ: PO Box 90064 Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 or via email to puzzleteam@pacificmags.com.au

o e ra er

$150

Get our brai an

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN...

Each number in this crossword represents a different letter of the alphabet. We’ve given you a few letters to help you on your way to cracking the code, so you’ll see that S=2, T=3 and Y=13. Write these letters wherever the corresponding numbers appear in the grid and you should then be able to start working out what the other missing letters are. Use the Letter Checker box to keep track of the letters you’ve decoded. You’ll notice that all 26 letters of the alphabet are used and you can strike through each one as you decode it. When you have filled in the Letter Checker, seven consecutive letters will spell a word. Write this word only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

FFruit it IInff HOW TO WIN... Put the

two pictures together to form the name of a type of animal (6). Write this word only on the entry coupon and you could win our prize.

KATE

Pitcher

WORTH

$66

1 TO BE WON

CASH

Woo

heaven! CASH to be won for each puzzle

Quii

$100

word

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO

en the puzzle is complete, the letters in the lilac squares, reading left to right and top to bottom, will spell a word. Write this word on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

stick (9)

container (7)

8 Male sheep (3) 10 Dig, search

thoroughly (5) 11 Anger (3) 13 Cavern (3) 14 Nodules, knobs (5) 17 Large rodent (3) 18 Oval shape (7) 20 Big hairy spider (9)

H 7

1 Lima's country

6-12-8-7

2 Cleansing bar

11-3-1-9 3 Deities 4-10-2-5

6 7

CLUES

$80

CASH 1 TO BE WON

12 14

13 15 18

diagonally to the right or left â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just follow the arrows. When the grid is complete, the letters in the lilac squares, reading left to right and top to bottom, will spell a word. Write this word only on the entry coupon.

CLUES THIS WAY

HOW TO WIN... The answers to this puzzle read

1 TO BE WON

CASH

i orner Min

1 2 3 4 6 7 9

6 Writing fluid

Answer the clues, writing each letter in the numbered section of the ring. When complete, the letters will 10 spell the title of a film (1,3'1, 7) reading clockwise from number 1. Write this film title on the entry coupon. pon.

Bottle stopper (4) Fix firmly, implant (5) Ruffle (5) Caught (6) Chillier (5) Even (5) Meat used for hamburger patties (5) 12 Lure into a police sting operation (6) 15 Transfer design (5) 16 Sinful laziness (5) 19 Medicine tablet (4)

5 Curved throwing

HOW TO WIN...

DOWN

ACROSS

$80

16 19

Concealed (3) Wine colour (3) Toilet (colloq) (3) Skulk, move sneakily (5) 5 Paper thickness (3) 7 In the past (3) 9 Work unit (3) 11 The sun (3) 13 Ring-shaped roll (5) 15 Place in position (3) 17 Stomach (3) 19 Perceive (3) 20 Before, in poetry (3) 21 Vital force, in Chinese metaphysics (3) 1 2 3 4

CLUES THIS WAY

Narrow inlet (3) Rocky outcrop (5) Oily fish (3) Expert (3) Ginger ---, flavoured soft drink (3) 8 Affirmative (3) 10 Sphere (3) 12 Burst like a bubble (3) 14 Joke, caper (3) 16 Dirty money (5) 18 Chewy confection (3) 19 Collection (3) 20 Conger, eg (3) 22 Definite article (3) 2 3 4 5 6

$70

rdd Tracer 1

CASH 1 TO BE WON

$60

CASH

Logic i PPuzzle l

1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Five dog owners have taken their pooch o th the park k to

play. Use the clues below to work out who owned which dog and what toy they brought. Read through the clues and use the larger grid to record any information. Place a tick in a box if you have any definite positive information and a cross for any definite negative information. For example, you learn that Bob owned the pug, so we have placed some logical ticks and crosses in the grid to help. Using this method, fill in the smaller grid. Work out which dog Tavis owned (which is the lilac space in the lower grid) and write this answer on the entry coupon.

CLUES

4 Peggy bought a nice juicy bone for her pup 5 The owner who brought the stick owned the Rottweiler 6 Peggy's dog was taller than Porgy the corgi 7 Archie loved throwing a frisbee for his dog to catch 8 The labrador was not playing with a bone

1 Bob's pug Benny brought a toy which started with the same letter as his name 2 Tavis' dog, which is larger than the corgi, loved playing with its teddy bear 3 Naomi owned neither the boxer or the labrador

HOW TO WIN... The answer to each

U Ups

Teddy bear

Stick

Frisbee

Bone

Ball

Rottweiler

Pug

Naomi Peggy

Toy

Tavis Ball

Owner

Bone

Archie

Dog

Toy

Bob

Frisbee

Naomi

Stick

Peggy

Teddy bear

Tavis

$90

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Mixed up

in the circles are four words containing the letters 'GR', each eight letters long and made of the same coloured circles. For a chance to win, write the one that would appear LAST in an alphabetical list on the entry coupon.

Labrador

Bob

1 Sun umbrella (7) 2 Southpaw (4-6) 3 French vegetable stew or

Matt

Toy

Archie

CLUES

casserole (11) 4 Donkey friend of Winnie the Pooh (6) 5 Spanish pastry turnover (8) 6 Felonious abettor (9) 7 Yellow part of an egg (4) 8 Scottish skirt (4) 9 Concession made in a negotiation in return for something else (5-3)

Corgi

Boxer

Dog

Owner

clue below appears in the grid. The first answer begins with the letter next to the number 1, following to an adjacent square horizontally or vertically (but not diagonally). Each answer begins with the last letter of the previous answer. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve numbered a few squares in the grid to help you. Once complete, the leftover letters, beginning with the final letter of answer nine, will spell a word. Write this word on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

LI US

EE GR

PE DI

EE IO

FI GR

GR SA

$100

Sudoku S d k

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... In a sudoku each

3 x 3 box, as well as each row and each column, must contain all the numbers 1 to 9. For a chance to win, work out the number in the lilac square and write that number only on the entry coupon.

4 8

1 5

HOW TO WIN... There is one four-letter word which can go before the three given words to make three new words. Write this one word only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

2 3

Bookk Pack B P k

6 9

Travel Drinks Set

5 4

P M A C

L E V HO DILL E E R P S LATH WEL HOW TO WIN... One of the

WORTH

$79

1 TO BE WON

words on the signpost cannot be made into the name of a tool by simply adding one letter. When adding a letter, do not rearrange the letters of the word. For your chance to win, write that word only on the entry coupon.

WORTH

$85

24 TO BE WON

op p oo

Enjoy the perfect Summer book pack with both Frances Whitingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, The Best Kind of Beautiful and Walking on Trampolines, and bestseller Jaclyn Moriartyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extraordinary YA novel, Gravity is the Thing. Visit www. panmacmillan.com.au for more information on these titles.

overs

HOW TO WIN... Rearrange earrange

the letters in each line of the first grid to form m a new word and write it in n the n you are second grid. When done, a word will appear in the lilac column, reading top to bottom. Write this word only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

WORTH

$26

1 TO BE WON

an’s Try y your hand at my pick of this week’s tricky brain work-outs!

DAN

WORTH

cnic i B

$219

$50

C d d HOW TO WIN... Eight different words

CASH 1 TO BE WON

to do with summer appear in the grid, reading across in straight lines. Find our eight words by working out which letter is represented by which colour; for example A, appears in orange squares only. We’ve also filled in some other letters to help you out. When you have worked out the eight summer-related words, write down the word that would come LAST alphabetically. Write this word only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN..

up the circles and squares so that the letters they contain create 10 seven-letter sports. For a chance to win, write the sport that would appear LAST in an alphabetical list on the entry coupon.

B O L W

N I G

E N F C

R UH

R U S

F R S I

Y CC

O Q R C

I L A S

U T E

N G I F

A CR

R C I

S D E L

E E B

K E C T

R Y E H

L I G N

G N I

Salad Bowl HOW TO WIN... Around

WORTH

$83

1 TO BE WON

each of the daisies below, including the letter in the yellow hexagon, is a scrambled seven letter word that, when rearranged d, answers one of the clues. These clues are not in any order. One of the daisies, however, CLUES has a jumbled up word that 1 Journal, newspaper does not answer any of the clues. For your chance to win, 2 Cure-all 3 Silky and smooth write this left over word on 4 Purplish shade the coupon.

orageBags HOW TO WIN... Solve the clues and write the answers

in the numbered rows. All the solutions are anagrams of the word immediately above and below, plus or minus one letter. When CLUES complete, the lilac squares, 1 A, E, I, O and U reading down, will reveal a 2 Finish a crossword word. Write this word on the 3 Adore, cherish entry coupon for your 4 Shack, crude abode chance a ce to o win. 5 Digging tool

WORTH

$65

Dinner Se Di S HOW TO WIN... Cross

WORTH

$119 1 TO BE WON

out the incorrect letters in each square to end up with a crossword grid full of real words. When the grid is complete, the letters in the coloured undeleted triangles, reading left to right and top to bottom, will spell a word. Write this word only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner.

1 TO BE WON

ce ream

aker

HOW TO WIN... Use the clues listed to determine the

coordinates of our winning shape. When you know which the winning shape is, write its coordinates only CLUES The winning shape is: on the entry coupon for your chance to win a prize 1 Not yellow (for example the 2 Not a triangle coordinates of the shape 3 Not in row 5 in the top left-hand square 4 Between two squares would be 1A).

WORTH

$149 1 TO BE WON

ea too aiiill HOW TO WIN... Write the answers

$50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

along the length of the snake where the clue numbers indicate. Words may overlap by more than one letter. When finished, the lilac circles will spell a word, reading head to tail. For your chance to win, write this word only on the entry coupon.

CLUES 1 Foliage (6) 2 Fugitive from prison (7) 3 Spookiest, creepiest (7) 4 Actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; platform (5) 5 Sincere, honest (7) 6 Boundary, border (4)

BONUS! First Fi Letter L HOW TO WIN...

BONUS! $50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

The answers to all CLUES the clues begin 1 Buddies, pals with the letter F. 2 Angling Write your answers 3 Cuts of salmon in the 4 Where the ice cream is kept appropriately 5 Couture numbered rows and you will notice that the letters in the lilac column will spell a word reading down. For a chance to win, write this word only on the entry coupon.

arr HOW TO WIN... Each

point of the puzzle star contains the scrambled four-letter answer to the appropriate clue. Simply cross out all the letters of each answer and you will be left with one letter in each point. Reading clockwise from number 1, these letters will spell our winning word. For a chance to win the prize, write this word only on the entry coupon.

$50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

BONUS!

have solved all of the puzzles on this page, rearrange the FIRST letter of each of the winning answers to create a word. Write this word only on the coupon for your chance to win.

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... In each line of this

puzzle, you need to find a word that can come after the word on the left, and before the word on the right. We have filled in one line to show you how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done. When you have completed the puzzle, the first letter of each of the centre words will spell a hidden word. Write this word only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

Touch

Chipper

Soap

Glasses

Kalamata

Oil

Break

Partner

Solar

Van

Public

Territory

Fighting

Encounter

Gooseneck

K ettle

Bell

Tennis

Grease

Pouring

Check

HOW TO WIN... Solve the clues to

CLUES 1 Fancy fundraiser 2 Grassy expanse 3 Picnic place 4 Watercraft 5 Holiday, vacation

$50

I the h Middle M ddl In

here h Am A I?

HOW TO WIN... Once you

Puzzle

$50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

work out where in the world I am! I am a country in western Europe. I am also a principality, and I am classified as a microstate. I am bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea. I am ruled by Prince Albert II of the House of Grimaldi, the son of Grace Kelly. I am home to a famous casino called the Monte Carlo. Write on the entry coupon what country I am for your chance to win.

$80

CASH 1 TO BE WON

Try your luck – you could win cash!

Weekdays HOW TO WIN... Starting on Monday

$100 CASH

HOW TO WIN... A worm’s

been eating holes through some famous texts, revealing small glimpses of the title page beneath the front cover. By using the portions of the letters you can see through the holes, work out the title of this novel by Agatha Christie. Write this title only on the entry coupon.

Number Pyramid

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Each block in the pyramid contains the sum of the two blocks upon which it sits. Fill in the blank blocks to reach the top of the pyramid. Write the number in the top lilac box on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

1 TO BE WON

(Mo) in the top left-hand corner, trace the days of the week, in order, moving to an adjacent square horizontally or vertically in either direction (but not diagonally). When you have marked off five weeks, you’ll find one square with two letters left over. Write the day represented by these two letters only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

Bookworm

$70

$90

Word Knocker HOW TO WIN...Use the clues below to

CASH 1 TO BE WON

eliminate one word per clue from the grid. Where a clue can refer to more than one word, use the other clues to eliminate the remaining possibilities. When finished, you will be left with one word. Write this word on the entry coupon. CLUES 1 At rest 2 Mineral deposit 3 Batch of laundry

CASH 1 TO BE WON

Spelling Test HOW TO WIN... Only one

of these spellings is correct. When you know which one it is, write the letter next to it on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

$60

CASH 1 TO BE WON

WORDS A Dilettante B Dilletant C Delettant D Dellettante

$50

Nine Letter Word

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Starting with the letter P,

find a nine-letter word for a type of Italian fruit cake in the grid by combining adjoining letters moving left, right, up, down or diagonally, but no letter may be re-used. Write this word only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

One at a Time HOW TO WIN...

Change GASP to WORD by altering one letter at each stage to form a new word every time. For your chance to win, write the word that appears in the lilac row on the entry coupon.

$50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

Weather Word

$50

CASH 1 TO BE WON

HOW TO WIN... Cross out all the letters

in the cloud that appear more than once. When you have done that, the leftover letters, when rearranged, will spell a word. Write this word only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

$50

4x4

CASH

HOW TO WIN... Four

1 TO BE WON

of the five words listed can be inserted into the grid so that the same four words can read both horizontally and vertically. One word, however, will not fit. When you’ve worked out what it is, write this word only on the entry coupon for your chance to win.

WORD LIST Oboe Post Teen Once Some

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Visit www.thatslife.com.au/terms for full terms and conditions. Issue 1: Entry opens at 09:00 AEDT on 30/12/19 for Australian entrants (Entry for New Zealand residents opens 09:00 NZDT 30/12/19) and entries close at 17:00 AEDT on 24/01/20. The draw will begin at the Promoter’s premises from 10:30 AEDT on 31/01/20 for issue 01. Winners from issue 01 will be notified by mail and winners of prizes valued at over $250 will be published in issues of that's life! on sale 05/03/20 (AUS), and 09/03/20 (NZ). The total prize value for issue 01 is (up to) $12,231.11 at 19/11/2019. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/40289; ACT Permit No TP 19/04725; SA License No. T19/2014. Car Promotion: Entire competition opens on 24/10/19 at 09:00 AEDT for Australian entrants and opens on 28/10/19 at 09:00 NZDT for New Zealand entrants, & closes on 22/05/20 at 17:00 AEST. Entries for Issue 01 must be received by 24/01/20 at 17:00 AEDT. Finalists from Issue 01 will be drawn at the Promoter’s premises on 31/01/20 from 10:30 AEDT. Major Prize draw for Car TWO will occur at Promoter’s premises on 27/03/20 from 10:30 AEDT. Winner of the Major Draw will be published in that’s life! on 23/04/20 in Australia and on 27/04/20 in New Zealand. Prize value for Car TWO is up to $26,810.00. Total prize value is (up to) $80,430.00. The Promoter is Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd 8 Central Ave,

Eveleigh NSW 2015 (ABN 16 097 410 896). Authorised under: NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/38291; ACT Permit No. TP 19/04219.1; SA Licence No. T19/1568. Monstercross: Entire competition opens on 03/10/19 at 09:00 AEST for Australian entrants and opens on 07/10/19 at 09:00 NZST for New Zealand entrants, & closes on 29/05/20 at 17:00 AEST. Entries for Issue 01 must be received by 24/01/20 by 17:00 AEDT. Finalists from Issue 01 will be drawn at the Promoter’s premises on 31/01/20 from 10:30 AEDT. Major Prize draw for Monstercross will occur at Promoter’s premises on 05/06/20 from 10:30 AEST. Winner of the Major Draw will be published in that’s life! on sale 02/07/20 in Australia and 06/07/20 in New Zealand. Total prize value is (up to) $20,000.00. The Promoter is Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd 8 Central Ave, Eveleigh NSW 2015 (ABN 16 097 410 896). Authorised under: NSW Permit No. LTPS/19/37827; ACT Permit No. TP 19/04131.1; SA Licence No. T19/1499. Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd (ABN 16 097 410 896) and its related entities (“Pacific”), is collecting your personal information for the purpose of conducting and promoting this Competition, including for the purpose of identifying and notifying winners and understanding our audiences. Pacific will otherwise handle your personal information in

accordance with Seven West Media’s Privacy Policy which is available on our website at http://www. sevenwestmedia.com.au/privacy-policies (and which contains information regarding how you can access your personal information, correct it and/or make a complaint about our handling of your personal information). By providing your personal information, you agree to the terms of the Privacy Policy. Without limiting the foregoing, Pacific may disclose the entrant’s personal information to its related entities, business partners and external service providers for research and profiling purposes as well as other purposes reasonably related to the entrant’s relationship with Pacific. In addition, by entering this competition, you consent to Pacific using your personal information for the purpose of Pacific and its related entities sending you information regarding programs, products and services available through them and/or through their business partners, and to Pacific from time to time sharing your personal information with carefully selected business partners for the purpose of them sending you such information directly. We will always provide you with the ability to opt out of those communications. www.pacificmagazines.com.au

Lucky

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Evil boyfr

He MURDERED and his M M hid

Issue 44, 2019 Congratulations! $660 MENS WATCH M Ridley, Garland, NSW $1,999 TV J McCormack, Bongaree, Qld $949 TABLET S Baker, Rosetta,Tas $1,199 PHONE L Stocs, Nerang, Qld $249 RETRO MUSIC CENTRE T McNeill,Varsity Lakes, Qld $199 STRAIGHTENER C Sutherland, Bundaberg, Qld $199 HEADPHONES J Round, Gerroa, NSW $149 ATARI CONSOLE W Anderson, Bertram,WA $129 CUTLERY SET K Rodier, Banora Point, NSW $170 VERA WANG PERFUME M Cooper,Tarro, NSW $44 CHAMPAGNE FLUTES M Paul,Wainuiomata, NZ 3 X $32 CANDLE GIFT SET U Cutbush,Auckland, NZ; G Gillespie, Alstonville, NSW; S Hodgetts, Burnie, Tas 2 X $328 LADIES HANDBAG SET P Georgiou, Sheffield,Tas; M Peisley, Tweed Heads, NSW $61 JEWELLERY BOX B Smith, Hammondville, NSW $999 DIAMOND JEWELLERY SET

BRAVE SURVIVOR

How I jailed my PAEDO UNCLE

D Cronin,Temora, NSW; $200 MINI HEX T Steward, Kensington Grove, Qld 2 X $80 TREASURE MAP M Hammong, Murray Bridge, SA; C Winter, Huntfield Heights, SA 4 X $50 WORD TRIPLETS S Buchanan,Warwick, Qld; M Golden, Lalor,Vic; P Knight, Burpengary, Qld; A Murray,West Wyalong, NSW $100 TREASURE CHEST T Walker, Mount Gambier, SA $50 SCATTER WORD P Mason, Morley,WA $100 HOURGLASS J Goes, Innisfail, Qld $50 CROSS MATHS W Stokes, Salisbury North, SA $50 RIDDLE K Moore, Katikati, NZ $150 PUZZLER OF THE WEEK J Whitelock, Monarto, SA $100 ARROW WORD M Mooney, Seaford,Vic $150 CODE CRACKER V Martindale, Maryborough, Qld $80 MINI CORNER J Fridey, Corio Geelong,Vic $100 QUICK CROSSWORD C Smith, Kariong, NSW $80 WORD WHEEL C Burgess, Mackay, Qld 2 X $70 WORD TRACER A Lepomme, Eagleby, Qld; S

$1,999 TV J McCormack, Bongaree, Qld

MUM’S AGONY OUR GIRLS WERE SWITCHED ATB IRTH

W d d R b NSW $60 LOGIC PUZZLE F Sapsford, Forestville, NSW $90 MATCH UPS G Elton, Home Hill, Qld $100 SUDOKU R Winning, Londonderry, NSW $50 PUMPKIN PATCH D Donnelly, Palmerston,ACT $50 BOOKWORM J Anderson, Quilpie, Qld $50 DIABOLICAL FILL IN V Carr, Bentleigh East,Vic $50 SQUARE UP F Norgate, Currumbin, Qld $50 WORD WINDOWS L Benecke, Gunalda, Qld 2 X $80 BONUS PUZZLE L Batten,Woodside, SA; M Hudson, Forrestfield,WA $70 NUMBER PYRAMID B, Robertson,Wanniassa,ACT $100 MAXIM UMM? C Cross, Surfers Paradise, Qld $90 SPELLING TEST P Blundell, Dandenong North,Vic $70 SAY WHAT? G Mills, Saint Clair, NSW $60 WHO AM I? D Russell, Durack, Qld $80 ONE AT A TIME C Towse, Mount Austin, NSW $60 LETTER WASH L Hancock, Collaroy, NSW $100 SHAPE-O R Pisano, Seaford,Vic $50 BUZZWORD B Graham, Saint Leonards, NZ $50 PET IN A PUZZLE M Chinner, Semaphore, SA 2 X $19 ZTRINGZ L Cresswell, Junortoun,Vic; H Denys, Petrie, Qld $23 KREEPIE KRAWLIES J Sadlier,Tintinhull, NSW $29 SLIDA PUZZLE A Weekes, Dubbo, NSW $19 ACTIV RACER L Bland,Wantirna South,Vic.

All other WINNERS will be published at www.thatslife.com.au/win

Solutions ISSUE 44, 2019

Puzzle No. 1 Car Answer: Regal Puzzle No. 2 $100 Treasure Chest Answer: Page 49 Puzzle No. 3 Seiko Men’s Watch Answer: Perspicacious Puzzle No. 4 65 Inch TV Answer: Radicchio Puzzle No. 5 Samsung Tablet Answer: Romania Puzzle No. 6 $50 Scatter Word Answer: Spooky Puzzle No. 7 Samsung Phone Answer: Tomcat Puzzle No. 8 Retro Music Centre Answer: Icicle Puzzle No. 9 $100 Hourglass Answer: Belle Puzzle No. 10 $200 Mini-Hex Answer: Heyday Puzzle No. 11 Straightener Answer: Rise Puzzle No. 12 Headphones Answer: Among Puzzle No. 13 Atari Flashback Game Console Answer: Frightful Puzzle No. 14 $50 Riddle Answer: Taste Puzzle No. 15 Cutlery Set Answer: Tall Puzzle No. 16 $50 Cross Maths Answer: 7 Puzzle No. 18 $150 Puzzlers of the Week Answer: Violin Puzzle No. 19 $100 Arrow Word Answer: Eerie Puzzle No. 20 $150 Code Cracker Answer: Costume Puzzle No. 21 Vera Wang Perfume Answer: Nosferatu Cash Heaven Puzzle No. 22 $80 Word Wheel Answer: Hotel Transylvania Puzzle No. 23 $100 Quick Crossword Answer: Goblin Puzzle No. 24 $80 Mini Corner Answer: Troll Puzzle No. 25 $70 Word Tracer Answer: Mummy Puzzle No. 26 $60 Logic Puzzle Answer: Zombie Puzzle No. 27 $90 Match Ups Answer: Phantasm Puzzle No. 28 $100 Sudoku Answer: 8

Puzzle No. 29 $80 Treasure Map Answer: Crown Puzzle No. 30 Champagne Flutes Answer: Vista Puzzle No. 31 Candle Gift Set Answer: Carrie Puzzle No. 32 Ladies Handbag Set Answer: Werewolves of London Puzzle No. 33 $50 Pumpkin Patch Answer: Ghostly Puzzle No. 34 Jewellery Box Answer: Beach Puzzle No. 35 Silver Diamond Jewellery Set Answer: 4 Puzzle No. 36 $50 Word Triplets Answer: Damson BONUS! Puzzle No. 37 $50 Bookworm Answer: Hallowe’en Party Puzzle No. 38 $50 Diabolical Fill-In Answer: Ogres Puzzle No. 39 $50 Square Up Answer: Wicked Puzzle No. 40 $50 Word Windows Answer: Lurk Puzzle No. 41 $80 Bonus Puzzle Answer: Howl LAST-MINUTE JACKPOT! Puzzle No. 42 $70 Number Pyramid Answer: 127 Puzzle No. 43 $100 Maxim Umm? Answer: Chomp Puzzle No. 44 $90 Spelling Test Answer: D Puzzle No. 45 $70 Say What? Answer: Conga Line Puzzle No. 46 $60 Who Am I? Answer: Michael Douglas Puzzle No. 47 $80 One at a Time Answer: Sage Puzzle No. 48 $60 Letter Wash Answer: X Puzzle No. 49 $100 Shape-O Answer: Square Puzzle No. 50 $50 Buzzword Answer: Arm KIDUZZLES! Puzzle No. 51 Ztringz, The Original Rainbow Rope Foil Bag Answer: Flag Puzzle No. 52 Kreepie Krawlies Answer: Pale Puzzle No. 53 Slida Puzzle Answer: Fishbowl Puzzle No. 54 Activ Racer Answer: Pokemon Detective Pikachu $50 Pet in a Puzzle (Page 19) Answer: 3

Puzzle No. 17 $20,000 Monstercross Across 1 Masks, 4 Watson, 8 Logies, 11 Desks, 14 Amaze, 15 Narrate, 16 Amen, 18 This, 20 Vestige, 21 Skite, 22 Exert, 23 Nadir, 24 Relit, 26 Perspire, 28 Irritable, 32 Spectra, 33 Set, 34 Andre, 35 Tiger, 36 Star, 38 Sleep, 42 Acne, 44 Snap, 45 Ace, 46 Sci-Fi, 47 Like, 48 Slap, 49 Tutti, 50 Art, 51 Beam, 53 Ross, 55 Racketeer, 58 Peel, 65 Aha, 66 Skewers, 67 Treacherous, 69 Idina, 70 Tenor, 71 Rotor, 72 Extra, 73 Sentimental, 74 America, 75 Rah, 77 Cusp, 79 Dachshund, 84 Boar, 85 Soak, 86 Awe, 87 Annie, 88 Acre, 90 Hull, 91 Skirt, 92 Rum, 93 Comb, 95 Undo, 96 Eerie, 97 Hill, 103 Three, 105 Aside, 106 Lab, 108 Meccano, 110 Elizabeth, 112 Sureties, 114 Guava, 115 Cobra, 116 Adept, 118 Crest, 120 Oxidise, 121 Oust, 124 Typo, 125 Nannies, 126 Orate, 127 Suede, 128 Milano, 129 Deface, 130 Skein. Down 1 Minus, 2 Sprain, 3 Statement, 4 Where, 5 Tragedies, 6 Nan, 7 Caw, 8 Let, 9 Insider, 10 Sever, 11 Distribute, 12 Spielberg, 13 Sweet, 17 Entreaty, 19 Hannigan, 25 Desists, 27 Soar, 29 Them, 30 Marlene, 31 Te Kanawa, 37 Chapter, 38 Sceptic, 39 Ensuite, 40 Private, 41 Chitter, 43 Chinese, 48 Syria, 52 Melissa, 54 Station, 56 Australia, 57 Entertain, 59 Islamic, 60 Settees, 61 Peanuts, 62 Beatles, 63 Acerbic, 64 General, 68 Ontario, 69 Insects, 76 Horse, 78 Stalled, 79 Dead Sea, 80 Crevice, 81 Starter, 82 Unnerve, 83 Dreamer, 89 Coolibah, 90 Houston, 94 Bullock, 98 Revitalise, 99 Saga, 100 Revheads, 101 Glossary, 102 Emit, 104 Re-Examine, 107 Barcelona, 109 Crescents, 111 Embroil, 113 Beside, 114 Gloss, 115 Cream, 117 Tense, 119 Tyson, 122 Too, 123 Ear, 124 Ted. Answer: Margaret Hamilton

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Each row and column and 3 x 2 rectangle must contain once the numbers 1 to 6. Work out the number in the lilac square and write that number only on the entry coupon.

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CLUES 1 Flightless birds 2 Shades of blue 3 Words with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ttâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 4 Adverbs

g Rainbow Rope oil Bag Pa HOW TO WIN...

CLUES Make five three1 Owns, possesses letter words 2 Score of zero reading down by 3 High card answering the clues and filling in 4 Substance that col the missing letters. 5 Plant fluid If you are correct, a new five-letter word will appear in the bottom row. For your chance to win, write this word only on the entry coupon.

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Entries to arrive by 5pm AEDT Friday Jan 24, 2020

No. 1

Mazda CX-3 SUV

No.37 $50 First Letter

No. 2

$100 Treasure Chest

No.38 $50 In the Middle

No. 3

Handvac

No.39 $50 Star

No. 4

Coffee machine

No.40 $50 Where Am I?

No. 5

No.41 $80 Bonus Puzzle

No. 6

$100 Code Cracker

No.42 $70 Number Pyramid

No. 7

$50 Scatter Word

No.43 $100 Weekdays

No. 8

$50 Quiz

No.44 $90 Word Knocker

No. 9

Pancake maker

No.45 $70 Bookworm

No.10 Ninja kitchen system

No.46 $60 Spelling Test

No.11 Spice rack

No.47 $50 Nine Letter Word

No.12 Taronga Zoo pass

No.48 $50 Weather Word

No.13 Kettle and toaster

No.49 $50 One at a Time

No.14 Knife block

No.50 $50 4x4

No.15 $20,000 Monstercross

No.51 Activ Racer

No.16 $150 Puzzlers of the Week

No.52 Slida Puzzle pack

No.17 $100 Arrow Word

No.53 Ztringz

No.18 $150 Code Cracker

No.54 Kreepie Krawlies pack

No.19 Fruit pitcher

$50 Pet in a Puzzle (Page 19)

No.20 $80 Word Wheel No.21 $100 Quick Crossword No.22 $80 Mini Corner No.23 $70 Word Tracer No.24 $60 Logic Puzzle No.25 $90 Match Ups No.26 $100 Sudoku

BY POST Write your answers in the spaces provided on this coupon and fill in your name and address details in the space below.Tear out the whole page and post it in for your chance to win! ONLINE Complete the puzzles you’d like to submit answers for, then head to www.thatslife.com.au/win and follow the links to the online coupon for issue 1. Fill in your details and type in the answers for the prize puzzles you wish to enter.Then press submit and your online entry is done!

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No.27 Book pack No.28 Travel drinks set No.29 Pop up food covers

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No.30 $50 Colour Coded No.31 Picnic basket No.32 Salad bowl No.33 Vegetable storage bags No.34 Dinner set No.35 Ice cream maker No.36 $50 Head to Tail

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with Eunice

Try a new use for...

takeaway containers When making the cupcakes, pour g first mixture into a ju into before pouring ke moulds. individual cupca and saves It’s a lot easier a lot of mess! Chris Clarke, South Plympton, SA

home with the kids, fill a takeaway container with water to wash paintbrushes in and use the lid to double as a paint palette. ■ Make your own DIY seed trays for your plants.. Remember to poke drainage holes at the bottom of the containers. ■ Easily organise board games that have lots of pieces and cards. Store them in a container before putting away, to avoid losing pieces.

n’t throw out old kitchen sponges. t them into pieces an nd put th hem in the bo ottom of pot plants to retain i moisture and prevent losing soil through the drainage holes. Leona de Quincey, Mowbray, Tas

o... t y d e m e r l a r u t a n Try a

s clean stained teacup g water and vinegar ✔ Mix half a cup of boilin for an hour. Pourr in your teacup and let it sit ll before using. the liquid out and wash we to the bottom ✔ Sprinkle bicarb soda on t enough water of your teacups and add jus b. Rinse and to form a paste, then scru uld. wash as you normally wo a sheet of paper ✔ Dampen a cloth or use f rface with salt for towel to rub the stained su s. ins to remove sta a quick and effective way

When freezing mince in a bag, flatten it out with a rolling pin before putting in the freezer. This quickens the time it takes to defrostt. Julie Fox, Colac, Vic

Wh henever you stain your clothes with make-up, dab at the stain with micellar water or a water-based make-up make p remover. Louise Cam mpbell, Sunbury, Vic

To tell if an egg is fresh, pop it in a bowl of water. If it’s stale, it will float up.

R. Cowan, Taree, NSW

email: tl.brainwaves@pacificmags.com.a

46 www.thatslife.com.au

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REALFOOD Home cooked never tasted SO good!

! e m i t SALAD s ’ t I Tuck into these delicious dinners, great for any night of the week!

Greatbeidmeaade to

Salad can to one day Step 3 up , covered, ep ahead. Ke For 3 cups ge. in the frid d spinach, e of shredd about a d e you’ll n e f English ho 280g bunc ch. spina

CHICKEN, QUINOA AND ROASTED ALMOND SALAD SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK: 35 MINS 4 x 200g chicken breast fillets, trimmed 3 small chicken stock cubes, crumbled 2 slices lemon ½ cup red quinoa, rinsed 3 cups shredded English spinach 5 small radish bulbs, thinly sliced

¾ cup chopped fresh coriander ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint ½ cup chopped, dry roasted almonds

DRESSING ½ cup Greek yoghurt 1½ tblsps Dijon mustard 1 tblsp white wine vinegar 1 small clove garlic, crushed

1 Place chicken, stock cubes and lemon in a large, deep

frying pan. Just cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Drain chicken. Cool for 10 minutes. Refrigerate, covered, until cold. Thinly slice. 2 Combine quinoa with 1½ cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover with lid and simmer

for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl to cool. 3 To make dressing, whisk all ingredients with 1 tblsp water in a jug until combined. 4 Before serving, place chicken, quinoa, spinach, radishes, herbs and almonds in a large bowl. Drizzle over dressing.

TUNA AND CAPER RISONI SALAD

Great ideeaapple,

SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 20 MINS

ed pin Buy chopp nd packaged te a laksa pas inger to save g chilli and kitchen! You e th h time in cutlets wit e c la p e r can time s. Cooking pork chop ed to be may ne adjusted.

350g risoni 1 tblsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 4 tblsps capers, drained 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley, plus extra to garnish 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 425g can tuna in oil, drained 1 lemon, juiced

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook risoni until just tender. Drain and set aside, reserving 2 tblsps of the

ASIAN PORK CUTLETS WITH CHILLI PINEAPPLE SALAD SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 25 MINS 4 x 200g pork cutlets ¼ cup laksa paste 1 tblsp vegetable oil

CHILLI PINEAPPLE SALAD 2 small Lebanese cucumbers 2 x 300g tubs chopped fresh pineapple (or ½ small pineapple, chopped) ⅓ cup finely shredded fresh mint, plus extra leaves, to garnish ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 tblsps fish sauce 1 tblsp caster sugar 2 tsps each of Gourmet Garden Chilli Mild and Ginger

1 To make salad, cut cucumbers in half

48 www.thatslife.com.au

lengthways. Using a teaspoon, scoop out seeds. Cut into thin slices. Place in a bowl with pineapple and mint. 2 Combine vinegar, sauce, sugar, chilli and ginger in a small jug. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour over salad. Toss to coat. 3 Combine pork with paste in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil. 4 Heat an oiled grill plate over a medium heat. Cook pork for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove. Rest, loosely covered with foil, for 5 minutes. 5 Serve pork with salad. Garnish with extra mint leaves.

cooking liquid. 2 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over a medium heat, add garlic and chilli. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add risoni to pan along with reserved cooking liquid. Stir in capers, parsley, tomatoes and tuna. Cook for a further 2 minutes, or until heated through and tomatoes are soft. 3 Add the lemon juice, reserving 1 tsp for the dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 4 To serve, place into a serving bowl, then top with extra parsley leaves. Drizzle over olive oil and the reserved lemon juice.

Great ideeezaers

Use fish tw ones b to remove on lm a from s ask your fillets, or er to do fishmong u. itÂ for yo

CAJUN SALMON WITH TOMATO AND AVOCADO SALAD SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 16 MINS 3 tsps Cajun seasoning 2 tblsps olive oil 4 x 180g skinless salmon fillets, bones removed Chargrilled sourdough bread

TOMATO AND AVOCADO SALAD 1 large avocado, sliced

2 large tomatoes (310g each), halved, sliced 60g baby rocket leaves, washed â&#x2026;&#x201C; cup drained, fire-roasted capsicum strips 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 tblsp red wine vinegar

1 Combine seasoning and half the oil in a small bowl.

Mix well. Brush over salmon. Season. 2 Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Cook salmon for about 3 minutes on each side, until cooked to your liking. Remove. 3 Meanwhile, to make the salad, combine the avocado,

tomatoes, rocket leaves , fire-roasted capsicum strips and onion in a large bowl. Whisk together the vinegar and remaining oil in a small jug. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over salad. Toss to combine. 4 Serve salmon with salad and chargrilled bread.

BEEF AND ASPARAGUS RICE SALAD SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 18 MINS 2 x 250g packets microwaveable brown and red rice 2 x 220g beef rump steaks, trimmed 3 tsps mild steak seasoning 1 tblsp olive oil 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, cut into 3cm lengths 130g punnet mini truss tomatoes, sliced 180g bag mixed baby leaves and beetroot ⅓ cup bottled light honey and mustard salad dressing, plus extra to serve

Top tip lad,

sa For a quick f with replace bee ted as shredded ro t or a chicken me ed n n a drained c chilli tuna.

1 Heat the rice according to directions on the packet. Transfer contents to a large bowl

FALAFEL SALAD BOWLS SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 35 MINS 2 x 225g packets falafel 2 Lebanese bread rounds 250g packet fresh beetroot, drained, coarsely grated 2 cups shredded carrot 120g bag baby spinach leaves, washed

TZATZIKI 1 cup Greek yoghurt 1 large Lebanese cucumber (175g), coarsely grated ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 2 tblsps lemon juice

1 Place falafel

on an oiled oven tray. 2 Cook in a moderate oven (180°C) for about 8 minutes, or until hot. 3 Place bread on a separate oven tray. 4 Cook in same moderate oven for about 8 minutes, or until crisp. Cool. Break into large pieces. 5 To make tzatziki, combine all ingredients in a large jug. 6 Divide falafel, beetroot, carrot and spinach among bowls. Spoon over tzatziki. Serve with the bread.

50 www.thatslife.com.au

then cool slightly. 2 Meanwhile, toss the beef with the steak seasoning and oil. 3 Heat a large, nonstick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium, or until cooked to your liking. Remove. Rest, loosely covered with foil, for 5 minutes, before thinly slicing. 4 Meanwhile, microwave asparagus on high (100%) for about 1 minute or until tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. 5 Add asparagus to rice with beef, tomatoes, salad leaves and dressing. Toss well. 6 Serve salad with extra dressing.

Great idea

Shredded carr o and falafel are t b available from oth major supermarkets . We disposable glo ar ve when grating s the beetroot.

La 99 yer .9% ed silv in er

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T Karen Buckley Food Editor

. . . G N I V O WE’RE L KAREN’S

Who doesn’t love a makeahead dessert! Delicious to the last bite, this will really impress your friends

QUICK TIPS

Remember to check the use-by dates of pantry items regularly and discard expired ingredients, rotating the oldest ones to the front so you use them first. Store opened packets in sealed, air-tight containers, clearly labelled with the date.

Bickiebsiswcuaitspcan

e Milk Coffe with Granita, d e y be replac root or an Milk Arrow t biscuits. e plain swe made up to e b n a c e ep Slic ahead. Ke three days d. Decorate refrigerate serving. e just befor

REFRIGERATOR ICED COFFEE SLICE SERVES 24 PREP: 45 MINS 250g packet Arnott’s Milk Coffee biscuits ⅓ cup slivered almonds, toasted 1 tblsp cocoa powder 175g unsalted butter, melted 1 tblsp caster sugar Extra cocoa powder, to decorate

FILLING 2 tsps powdered gelatine 1 tblsp instant coffee granules 250g block cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ¾ cup caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract 600ml tub thickened cream

1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 4cm above pan edges. 2 Process broken biscuits, almonds and cocoa in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press over base of prepared pan. Refrigerate. 3 To make filling, sprinkle gelatine and coffee over

¼ cup cold water in a small heatproof jug. Sit jug in a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes, but don’t allow mixture to set. 4 Process cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in same, clean food processor until smooth. With motor operating, add coffee mixture until combined. Add ¾ cup of the cream, processing until combined. Return remaining cream to the fridge.

5 Spoon mixture over biscuit base. Spread evenly. Cover, and refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight, until firm. 6 Just before serving, beat remaining cream with caster sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with an 11mm star nozzle. 7 Using paper as a guide, lift slice from pan. Cut into squares. Pipe cream on top. Lightly dust with sifted extra cocoa.

IN THEKITCC STORING CUT

AVOCADOS

os turning If you’re tired of avocad because brown after being cut, at once, you don’t use them all t this. here’s a way to preven cut-side Place the cut avocado, ner of down, in a small contai ep in the water. Seal with lid. Ke s. Before fridge for up to 24 hour with a using, pat avocado dry hen paper. piece of absorbent kitc

FROZEN MANGO AND BANANA YOGHURT POPS MAKES 6 PREP AND COOK: 40 MINS

Q+A

What is the best way to cook brown rice for a salad? For a salad, I find it easier to cook brown rice, uncovered, in plenty of boiling water in a large saucepan for about 25 to 30 minutes or until grains are chewy, but firm to the bite and still retain a good shape. Drain well. Spread rice over a tray and refrigerate until cold. Chilling the rice, uncovered, will help to dry it out. If keeping in the fridge for longer than a couple of hours, cover the rice loosely with plastic wrap.

1 large mango (400g), peeled, chopped 1 medium ripe banana, chopped 1½ cups thick Greek yoghurt 2 tblsps honey ¾ cup White Choc Melts 25g Copha, chopped

1 Place mango in a blender with the banana. Blend until smooth. Add yoghurt and honey. Blend until pureed. 2 Divide evenly among six ice-pop moulds (125ml-capacity). Tap bases of moulds to remove any air bubbles. Insert sticks. Cover. Freeze overnight. 3 Place chocolate and Copha in a medium heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. Transfer mixture to a small jug and stand for 10 minutes to allow to cool. 4 Working with one ice-pop at a time, run mould under warm water for a couple of seconds to remove ice-pop. Dip into chocolate mixture. Hold for 30 seconds, or until set. Place on a tray lined with baking paper. 5 Return ice-pops to the freezer until ready to serve.

WATERMELON, W STRAWBERRY AND LIME ICE-POPS MA AKES 6 PR REP: 10 MINS

Top tip Ice-pop moulds are available from kitchen shops and large department stores. Try replacing the White Melts with Dark or Milk Melts.

500g piece watermelon 250g punnet strawberries 25 ⅓ cup icing sugar mixture 2 tblsps lime juice

1 Peel and discard skin from watermelon. Cut into 3cm pieces. You will need 350g

CHE

HOW TO MAKE:

CAULIßOWER COUSCOUS

SUMMERT IME FROZEN TREATS ON STICK ARE A NOT JUST FOR KIDS!

Try this yummy, healthy alternative to rice or couscous, which will keep your carb intake down... Remove green outside leaves from cauliflower and discard. Wash and dry cauliflower and cut into florets (about 650g). Place florets, in two or three batches, in a food p processor with a metal

blade. Pulse until finely chopped and it looks like couscous. Heat 1 tblsp oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add cauliflower and ½ cup water. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until just tender. Cauliflower S rve. Ser couscous can

Top tip

also be eaten raw if preferred.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SMOOTHIE SERVES 2-3 PREP: 5 MINS ½ x 410g box frozen Strawberry Coulis Cheesecake 1 cup frozen strawberries (120g) 1 cup milk ⅓ cup vanilla yoghurt

watermelon flesh. 2 Trim and discard stalks from strawberries. 3 Place watermelon, strawberries, sugar and juice in a blender. Blend well until smooth and creamy. 4 Pour evenly into six 125ml-capacity ice-pop moulds. Tap bases of moulds to remove any air bubbles. Insert sticks. Freeze overnight. 5 When ready to serve,

run moulds under warm water for a few seconds to remove ice-pops.

1 Cut cheesecake into pieces. Place in a blender with strawberries, milk and yoghurt. Blend until smooth. 2 Pour into serving glasses. Serve immediately.

Top tip Make sure you blend mixture very well to ensure it does not separate on freezing. Any shape ice-pop moulds can be used. If you prefer, replace lime juice with lemon juice. Ice-pops can be made up to one week ahead.

love

e t a m l u o s A The stars aligned when Kelli, 30, met the man of her dreams in a place she never expected...

Dear John,

as I carefully put in your IV during the 18 months I treated you. We had heaps in common – a love of the outdoors and furry friends we adored. But there was something more than that between us. Something that drew me to you. I felt it, but you were a patient and I was still married. It was never going to happen so I pushed it away. After I started a new job, I thought of you often. That new treatment had come up, so I knew there was hope. It’s funny how life works out, but six months later, I split from my husband and entered the world of dating. And as I swiped through the dating app Tinder, there you were. My heart went wild. Closing the app in a fluster, I opened it again. I must have done that 15

Our wedding day was perfect

times before I had the courage to swipe right to show I liked you. Just like that, we matched – in the cyber world, and days later, in real life. You had the best news. You were officially free from cancer. That week was so exciting. It was hard to explain the instant connection I felt on our first doggy walking date. We were so immediately comfortable. Be cool, I thought when I got home, but I went to text you straight away and you’d beaten me to it! As our relationship

‘I am so grateful I got to love you’

progressed, your health preyed on our minds. ‘I don’t want to break your heart,’ you said. ‘My cancer could come back and I don’t want to drag you through it.’ I wasn’t letting you go though. A year later, we were living together and cancer was becoming a distant memory. Every morning you made us coffee and we sat together on our patio holding hands. Then, in September 2017, you started getting stomach aches. Of course, cancer was my immediate thought and horrifyingly, I was right. Scans showed a large tumour around your intestine. ‘If surgery doesn’t work, you don’t have any options

AS TOLD TO EMMA LEVETT

When you dream about meeting your soulmate, a cancer ward is not the first location that comes to mind. Neither is Tinder! But both played a huge part in our coming together. Our first meeting is burnt into my mind. I was working as an oncology nurse. My patients were generally in their 60s, so when you walked in, brimming with life and positivity, you were immediately different. He’s so handsome, I remember thinking. But reading your notes, I saw you’d been dealt an unlucky hand. A stage 3 metastatic melanoma at 33. Back then, there weren’t many options and your outlook was pretty dismal. He won’t have long unless a new treatment comes up, I realised, sad for your family. You must have known, especially as the cancer quickly progressed to a stage 4. But you never let on. ‘I’ll beat this,’ you’d smile,

r iffe rea

I’m not ready to let John go

Despite everything he battled on

left,’ the oncologist said. As we hugged and cried outside afterwards, I knew what I wanted to do. ‘Would you like to get married?’ I asked, and you nodded through tears. A few days later, I was walking down a makeshift aisle in our backyard, with our friends and family. As perfect as it was, the day was weighed down by the sadness that we weren’t going to have our happily ever after. Miraculously, your surgery in January was a success and for a few months you were cancer-free. We went on a ski trip. We celebrated with happy evenings together. But a routine scan in March laid it all bare.

Me with John – we had an instant connection

The cancer was back in your bowel, liver, kidney and lungs. You battled through clinical trials but by May the treatment wasn’t working. ‘I’ll get strong for the next trial,’ you assured me. But as I lay next to your bed, I knew. The lump in my throat came and went, just as the trail of family and friends saying goodbye did. On June 17, 2018, you slipped away. You were just 37. ‘I’m so grateful I got to love you,’ I told you. The days and weeks that followed were so dark. I saw friends, I exercised, I kept busy with work, but I know now you can’t run from grief and it has hit me.

Your absence hits me every day and as I sit on the patio drinking my coffee, I wish I could still reach for your hand. It’s been 18 months now and I still don’t quite know where life will take me, but I have a strong sense I will know, when it’s time. I’m not ready to let you go and perhaps I never will be. John, you will live on forever in my heart, and despite everything, I know I am lucky. Lucky to have loved you and been loved by you. ●

All my love, Kelli x

John will live on in my heart

love

23-YEAR AGE GAP

t the local pub with my friend Lucy, I noticed a handsome man with brown hair smiling at us. ‘That’s my friend Mark,’ Lucy said, waving him over to join us. As he sat down, it was like he couldn’t take his eyes off me. Three glasses of wine later, Mark and I were chatting about our shared love of soccer. We’ve got so much in common, I thought. Suddenly, Oasis blasted out of the jukebox and Mark and I be an to sin alon .

B U H Y M S HE’

Realising I fancied him, I grabbed Lucy a bit later on. ‘How old is Mark?’ I said. ‘He’s asking about you too,’ she smirked. Then she hesitated. ‘He’s 22.’ My heart sank. He was only six years older than my teenage daughter, Katie! ‘There’s a 23-year age gap between us,’ I said, feeling disappointed. ‘He’s young enough to be my son.’ Back at home, I sat on the Our wedding couch consoling myself day was perfect with chocolate when my phone vibrated. It was a message from Mark on Facebook.

Can I see you again tomorrow? it said. But I’m more than twice your age, I replied. Age is just a number, he quickly wrote back. So I agreed to meet him, and the next day we went out for dinner. ‘Detective shows are my guilty pleasure too,’ Mark laughed at yet another thing we had in common. ‘You’re the male version of me,’ I chuckled. ‘I love your smile,’ he said. Suddenly, Mark kissed me. Butterflies filled my stomach. It felt so natural. After that night, Mark and I started meeting up in secret. I was terrified of my friends and family spotting me with a young man, and I worried our relationship would be Have you frowned faced criticism upon. over your I might relationship? Tell have been a us at tl.features@ pacificmags. divorced com.au 40-something

It was such a thrill sneaking around

People’s judgement just makes our love stronger

but I felt like a teenager sneaking around! Within a week we became intimate. And over the next few weeks we got to know each other better. I’d only been single for 12 months after my nine-year marriage broke down, so I hadn’t been looking for love. But like me, Mark loved boxing, cricket and indie music. Rather than going clubbing like most men his age, he enjoyed cultural days out. It meant I barely noticed his age. It was such a thrill sneaking around with a younger man too. I did have some doubts though. ‘People are going to question why you’re with an older woman,’ I told him. ‘I’m falling in love with you, Sharon,’ Mark said. ‘I love you too,’ I smiled. When we’d been together for four months, we came clean to family and friends. And when I eventually told Katie, she started laughing. ‘I knew you were up to something,’ she giggled. ‘I just want you to be happy, Mum.’ Introducing them, they got

AS TOLD TO CANDICE FERNANDEZ PHOTOS: HOTSPOT MEDIA

Strangers mistake Sharon Osbourne, 49, for her husband’s mother

T he rea - i e st rie Mark, me and Katie

BBY! along really well. And in time, I met Mark’s parents, who were lovely. Even though they were only a few years older than me, they embraced me into the family. My mum Julie, 68, wasn’t quite as accepting. ‘Mark could be my grandson,’ she said, horrified. My heart broke. It was upsetting but we stopped speaking after that. Then six months after we’d got together, Mark moved in with us. ‘Here comes the cougar!’ my colleagues would good-naturedly tease as I arrived at work. ‘At least I go home to a young man!’ I laughed. One day, Mark and I went to the bank to change his address. ‘Would you like to update your next of kin to be your mother?’ the clerk asked, looking at me. ‘She’s my partner,’ Mark answered back. While he wasn’t bothered, I was embarrassed.

We are blissfully happy

‘I will never care how old you are,’ he said later. ‘I can’t wait for the rest of our lives together and maybe even a child.’ It was the first time kids had come up. ‘Doctors have told me I’m no longer able to have children,’ I told him. ‘We can adopt,’ Mark said. ‘You’re the most important thing to me.’ I realised how much I loved him. If Mark did want kids in the future, I’d consider adopting. On Christmas Day 2015, Mark and I swapped presents before heading to the pub where we’d met a year earlier. Suddenly, Mark got down on one knee.

‘At least I go home to a young man!’

‘Will you marry me?’ he asked, holding out a beautiful diamond ring. ‘Yes!’ I cried. ‘Why don’t we get married next Christmas at the pub?’ I suggested. ‘Great idea,’ Mark agreed. So we threw ourselves into planning our wedding. But despite being engaged, we still received comments from strangers. ‘Would your mum like another bag?’ shop assistants asked while I packed our groceries. By now, I just laughed it off. ‘It frustrates me that people

automatically assume we can’t be a couple because of our ages,’ Mark said. When we held hands in public, people stared and pointed. It just made our love for each other stronger. As planned, the following year, on December 25, 2016, we said ‘I do’. It was beautiful and the best day of my life. Now we’ve been married for three years, and we are blissfully happy. That’s all that matters. ●

Living well S I T T A H r fo TO BURN OFF of one 375ml bottle lories) lemonade (150 ca YOU NEED TO swim laps for 19 minutes

IMES ALCOHOL

isn’t a good idea men stick to two standard d i k and d women one drinks standard drink a day, with two alcohol-free days a week.

It’s okay to enjoy the e occasional social drink, but there are times when alcohol should be avoided altogether.

PREGNANCY ANTIBIOTICS Some antibiotics don’t appear to be affected by alcohol. Others may have unpleasant side effects or not work as well as they should, so always check with your doctor before mixing the two. Alcohol also lowers your immune system, so if you’re fighting an infection it’s best to abstain.

HIGH BLOOD PRESS

Alcohol raises blood presssure so if you already run high, a few drinks could mean trouble. It’s recommended

Frequently or excessively drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects. The effects of low levels of alcohol consumption are still debated, but the general consensus is that no alcohol during pregnancy is the safest option.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY Combining alcohol with HRT may increase the risk of cancer and blood clots. Common side effects of HRT include anxiety, nausea and headaches, all of which may worsen after drinking alcohol. Check with your doctor.

OTHER MEDICATION Alcohol may react with antidepressants, causing dizziness, fatigue and slowed reactions. When combined with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, alcohol may increase the chance of kidney or liver dam am

Have you tried? LECITHIN L Lecithin is made up of fatty acids and is found naturally in the body, a but soy lecithin supplements are b also available. Lecithin binds fats a and oils, making it useful in the a treatment of high cholesterol and ccardiovascular disease. Lecithin iss also thought to assist digestion and protect the lining of your a digestive system. d

TEENS BET TER OFF SINGLE A recent stu

dy found that teens who don’t date during high school often fare better than their coupled classmates when it comes to depression and developing social skills. It was once thought not dating during teen years inhibited development in these areas, but researchers now say that being single in your teens should be considered acceptable and normal.

80 HEALTH PLEDGE: THIS WEEK I’LL...

get enough zinc Your immune system relies on zinc to sta strong. Cognitive functions such and smell, as well as your w g ability, also depend on zi There is a l between low levels of zin a hypertensio Include red meat, pumpkin , eggs and cashew nuts in yo di t t b t your zinc levels.

A survey has revealed we look at our phones on average this many times a day and it’s resulting in a ‘tech neck’health crisis

SNIFF YOUR WAY TO

More confidence Research by the University of Sussex has discovered that the scent of lemons might help boost your selfesteem. Study participants were found to feel thinner and lighter after smelling the citrus scent. However, the scent of vanilla made them feel heavier and thicker. It’s hoped the information may lead to more effective therapies for people with body image issues.

Living Me and my bike

MEDI-FILE

A bird I had to have a two-hour operation

ot again,’ I sighed, ducking as the magpie swooped me. I was riding my bike to the local nursery where I worked as a horticulturist. Every day, as I cycled along the highway, the belligerent bird would use me as target practice. With cars driving by at 100km/h, it was a pretty dangerous stretch to come off your bike. I started taking a stick with me, waving it in the air whenever the territorial tyrant came close to scare him away. I stopped doing that when I realised it just made him angrier, and he began

swooping down even more e frequently. Next, I tried carrying an umbrella. My plan was to dismount the bike when the bothersome bird approached and open the brolly to use it as a shield. Then one Sunday the cranky critter failed to appear. He’s finally given up on me! I thought, thrilled. So the next day, I felt slightly more relaxed as I cycled to work. I even rode the new mountain bike I’d just received as a 32nd birthday present from my mum, Lorraine, and wife, Shannon. Then I saw the menacing magpie eyeing me from a power line.

He zoomed like a javelin, straight at my left ear

He zoomed like a javelin, straight at my left ear. Swerving, I flew over the handlebars, crashing in a heap in the middle of the road. ‘Ow,’ I cried, as my elbow scraped along the gravel. That manic magpie had got his evil way. I pushed my bike the rest of the way to work. By then, my left wrist was killing me. I rang Shannon. ‘That mad magpie got me good,’ I groaned. She took me to Emergency where X-rays revealed my left wrist was broken. They tried to fix it by putting it in a cast but after checking the CT scan, the surgeon said I’d only get back 60 per cent of my wrist strength. Being a keen sportsman, I wasn’t thrilled about that.

WE PAY CA$H FOR YOUR STORIES

GOOD HEALTH IN A HURRY:

Studies suggest the tannins in tea could help kill the bacteria that lead to gum pain and inflammation. Steep a black tea bag in boiling water and allow to sit for a minute, then hold the warm tea bag against your sore gum.

62 www.thatslife.com.au

Research by the University of South Australia reports bowel cancer screening can reduce related deaths by up to this percentage

WHAT IS IT? ROSACEA

A skin condition that causes flushing and redness on the skin on your face, rosacea is different to acne, but can still produce pustules. Rosacea can make you look sunburnt and you may see small blood vessels on your face. It can be made worse by hot weather, alcohol, stress, spicy foods and certain skin care products. Rosacea can’t be cured but topical and oral treatments can be effective.

So instead I had a two-hour surgery to have a metal plate inserted. I also had all the gravel and dead skin removed from my right elbow and plenty of stitches there too. I ended up taking four weeks off work to recover. From now on, I’ll be driving to work. Sometimes you’ve just got to acknowledge when a bird’s got you beat! ●

BROKEN WRISTS • If you think your wrist is broken, go to Emergency. • Avoid moving the arm and stem any bleeding using a clean pad or dressing if possible. • Apply an ice pack, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in cloth, to the area. • Don’t eat or drink anything in case you need surgery.

AS TOLD TO EVA LEWICKI

Emergency Ryan Priestley, 32, Atherton, Qld

Cats Put a Song in Our Hearts

Each kitten is painted by hand for lifelike appeal

Hand-crafted to capture the delight of kittens at play

Shown larger than actual size of 16.5cm wide x 15cm high to show every purr-fect detail

Every child learning the piano needs to practice their scales. And these sweet kitties are no different! Clambering onto the family upright, they’re set to bring a smile on your face and music to your ears in the “Cats Put a Song in Our Hearts Music Box,” only from The Bradford Exchange.

303-FOR01.01

Reserve yours online:

www.bradford.com.au/cats Quoting promotion code:

109306

PAY NOTHING NOW

Hand-sculpted and painted by hand Five kittens are brought to life by our Master Artisans, who capture their impish antics so beautifully. From their textured fur, to their bright, appealing eyes and button noses, every detail is sculpted, shaped and moulded by hand, one detailed step at a time. You’ll delight in the little touches that means so much to a cat lover, like pawprints on the side of the piano and sheet music featuring that Beethoven classic, “Fur Elise”. Talented artists then hand-paint each kitten to bring out its purr-sonality. From the ginger virtuoso at the keys, to the ragdoll and tabby audience members – these kitties are sure to fill your life and your heart with sweet music. That’s because with a turn of the key, the lilting melody of “Fur Elise” fills the air for a lovely finishing touch.

Strictly limited offer. Respond now! “Cats Put a Song in Our Hearts Music Box” is hand-numbered and sent to you with a Certificate of Authenticity. Strong demand is expected from cat lovers everywhere, so reserve your music box now for 3 instalments of $43.33 or $129.99, plus $14.99 postage and handling. Our 365-day guarantee assures your satisfaction or your money back. Send no money now. Return the coupon or go online today at www.bradford.com.au/cats

YES! Please reserve the “Cats Put a Song in Our Hearts Music Box” for me as described in this advertisement. I understand I need pay nothing now. Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ____ First Name: ____________________________ Surname:_______________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ____________________________________ Postcode: __________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________

1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/cats quoting promotion code: 109306 2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford Exchange, Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta NSW 2124 3. PHONE: (02) 9841 3311

8am-5pm Mon – Fri

Please allow up to 15 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. ❑

FASHION

& beauty

With Paige McMillan FASHION EDITOR

Lovely Linens mer

Shirt $69.95 sizes XS-XL Zara zara.com.au

Top $59.99 sizes XS-XXXL Katies katies.com.au

Tote bag $5 Cotton On cottonon.com.au Dress $99 sizes XS-XL Zara zara.com.au

Jumpsuit $99 sizes XS-XL Zara zara.com.au

Dress $30 sizes 18-26 Kmart kmart.com.au

Skirt $20 sizes 8-18 Kmart kmart.com.au

T-shirt $59.95 sizes XXS-XL Country Road countryroad.com.au

Blazer $34 sizes 6-16 Boohoo au.boohoo.com

Pants $20 sizes 8-18 Kmart kmart.com.au

Helpful hint

for Pair linen on linen hside an ultra-chic beac as look. Colours such white khaki, peach and work perfectly together.

Cami $99.95 sizes 4-16 Country Road countryroad.com.au

Top $59.95 sizes 8-22 Birdsnest birdsnest.com.au Culottes $119.95 sizes 8-22 Birdsnest birdsnest.com.au Hat $44.95 Birdsnest birdsnest.com.au

Shorts $23 sizes 6-16 Boohoo au.boohoo.com

Dress $41 sizes 6-24 Next next.com.au

PSYCHIC

insights

S I V 0 2 / 20 T k our quizi to Take t fin fi outt where h your intuition i t iti says you should direct your attention this year!

Q1. WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU? a) Aries, Taurus, Gemini b) Cancer, Leo, Virgo c) Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius d) Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces Q2. WHICH WORDS BEST DESCRIBE 2019 FOR YOU? a) Stormy and emotional b) Peaceful and easy c) Hard work d) Entertaining g and social

Q3. WHICH AREA OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU FEEL IS A PRIORITY RIGHT NOW? a) Romance and friendships p b) Family c) Career d) Money Q4. WHICH DIRECTION ARE AR YOU DRAWN TO? a) North b) South c) East d) West Q5. CHOOSE AN ANIMAL AL: a) Lion b) Dog c) Deer d) Penguin

RESULTS

29-36: ROMANCE AND RELATIONSHIPS You should be concentrating on developing and building relationships in 2020, both romantic and platonic. Does your love-life need some attention? Now is the right time to tend to it! Are you ready to take things up a notch... perhaps get engaged, married or start a family? Either way, let your partner know how much they mean to you. If you’re single, consider a new relationship. There is more than likely one just around the corner as long as you are ready and keeping your eyes open! Also important this year is spending some time with friends, socialising and meeting new people – networking for business. Make sure the special people in your life (and your contacts) know how they are appreciated!

66 www.thatslife.com.au

Q6. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO MORE OF IN 2020? a) Build wealth b) Be more organised c) Spend quality time with those you love d) Look for love or improving your current relationship Q Q7. WHICH OF THESE WOULD YO YOU FIND MOST STRESSFUL? a) Attending A a social g gathering alone b) Public speaking or b being the leader c) Feeling as though others have power over you d) Surprises or unexpected changes in your life

22-28: FAMILY LOVE

In 2020 your family and your responsibilities to them will be a priority. If you have elderly people in your tribe, they may need some TLC. But remember family love can be fun too and this year may see you welcoming a new baby into the family or attending engagements, weddings or other family milestones. This is the perfect year for you to research the family tree or plan a reunion. Most importantly, make the effort to keep in touch and let your family know you love them and are there for them this year! The bonds of love you build are like a soft safety net that you can then rely on during tough times.

15-21: FINANCIAL SECURITY You will be counting (and saving) your pennies this year as you concentrate on building financial security. This makes it a great year to get married, buy a house, invest some money or change jobs. You will find that you have great drive and ambition this year and your intuition will lead you to make good choices with money, so pay attention! Also go over your expenditure with a magnifying glass. Revisit the deals you are getting on insurance, phone contracts, electricity supplier etc. Any savings you make will help you achieve your goals more quickly. quickly

0 2 0 2 N SION I Q8. WHICH COLOUR APPEALS A TO YOU U THE MOST RIGHT THIS SE ECOND? a) Yellow b) Red c) Peach d) Green Q9. CHOOSE AN ELEM MENT: a) Water b) Wood c) Earth d) Air

CA YOU Q1. Q2. Q3. Q4. Q5. Q6. Q7. Q8. Q9.

a2 a3 a4 a2 a2 a2 a1 a1 a4

b4 b1 b3 b4 b3 b1 b3 b2 b3

c1 c2 c1 c1 c1 c3 c4 c4 c2

d3 d4 d2 d3 d4 d4 d2 d3 d1

9-14: CAREER AND NETWORKING

Pay attention to your career this year. Make sure you have a plan and achievable goals then keep focused and work towards them. If you are considering striking out on your own or changing careers, this is a good time to do so. Your psychic radar will be switched on where work, people and networking are concerned, so tune in and allow it to guide you. You will also be lucky this year, finding yourself in the right place at the right time. Finally, meet new people at every opportunity and don’t burn any bridges even through upcoming changes this year – you never know when a contact can come in handy!

FAST

fiction

When Lisa’s dad met an old flame sparks p flew in all directions

E V O L he Saturday night buffet at Dreamland Resort was famous for its seafood. Lisa was glad she’d booked a table for herself and her father, Philip, because the buffet room was already crowded. ‘You go first,’ Philip said. ‘I’ll guard your handbag with my life.’ Spoken without a trace of humour, Lisa thought. This getaway was supposed to cheer him up, but he hadn’t smiled in days. She joined the food queue and loaded her plate. At their table, her father was sipping a beer and looking miserable. But hadn’t he always looked like that? Lonely and fed up?

It shocked her to realise his demeanour had nothing to do with her mum’s death. ‘Your turn, Dad,’ she said when she rejoined him. Obedient as a guide dog, he walked away and was soon lost in the crowd. Time ticked by. Lisa cleared her plate. She drank the glass of wine she’d ordered, but there was still no sign of her dad. When her concern was shifting into something stronger, he finally returned. ‘Of all the luck,’ he said. ‘I ran into an old friend, Jean Hall. She always could talk the hind leg off a donkey.’ Seeing Lisa’s look of confusion, he said, ‘We knew each other way back. We even dated once. She and her husband moved here 20 years ago. He died last year. She comes here every Saturday for the food.’ ‘Did you ask her to join us?’

‘I ran into Jean Hall… She could talk the hind leg off a donkey’

68 www.thatslife.com.au

‘One of her sons is up from the city. Not short of a dollar apparently. It’s her birthday.’ ‘You got a potted history then,’ Lisa said. Phil shelled a prawn, mumbling, ‘Once she starts she’s hard to stop.’ ‘I’m going for dessert. Want me to fetch you something?’ ‘No, thanks,’ Phil said. By the time Lisa got back,

her chair was occupied by a woman whose hair was a startling shade of blackcurrant. ‘Hello, darl, I’m Jean,’ the woman said. ‘Lisa takes after her mum, doesn’t she, Phil?’ He looked embarrassed. ‘Only a bit.’ ‘Forget the prawns,’ she said, scrambling to her feet. ‘The disco’s about to start. Let’s not waste a minute.’ Disco dancing? Her father? Lisa nearly burst out laughing. ‘Mr Money Bags will come

looking for me any second,’ Jean said. ‘He can keep Lisa company.’ Her father would now politely decline, Lisa was certain. So when he trailed after Jean without a backward glance, she was shocked speechless. Someone else was watching them leave. He and Lisa eyed each other as he strolled over. ‘I’m guessing you’re Mr Money Bags,’ she said. He frowned, making Lisa add, ‘Sorry. That

was the only name that Jean gave me.’ ‘Darren.’ He looked down at her. ‘Mum’s a livewire.’ ‘My father isn’t. He and discos don’t mix. He needs rescuing.’ ‘If you say so,’ Darren said, and off they went. The disco scene was as foreign to Lisa as Mars. The mirror ball, the deafening

music. Her mother would be turning in her grave if she knew her daughter was inside one of these places. Heaven knows what her reaction would have been if she could see her husband of 32 years shuffling around with a woman in a glittery jumpsuit?

‘Can I trust Phil with my mother?’

‘My God,’ Lisa said, turning away. ‘They’re having a good time,’ Darren shouted over the noise. ‘But can I trust Phil with my mother?’ ‘As much as I can trust her with Dad.’ What a cheek! Out in the lobby, her ears still thrumming, Lisa said, ‘Dad will put Jean in a taxi, I can assure you of that. You don’t have to hang around here waiting all night.’

Turn the page to read how things develop

FAST

fiction

‘Are you staying here long?’ Darren asked. He knew she was from the city, she guessed, and that she’d come for a conference. Jean wasn’t the only one who’d handed out personal information. ‘Another couple of days. It seemed a good idea for Dad to come along for a change of scene. After watching him dancing, I think my mission’s been accomplished.’ ‘Said with a shudder,’ Darren said, his hazel eyes sparking with amusement. Who was he to judge? Lisa’s voice was cool when she said, ‘I assume you’re a merchant banker. Money Bags and all that?’ He almost chuckled. ‘I’m a carpenter actually. I just work hard.’ ‘Oh.’ ‘If you’re sure my mother’s safe, I’ll say good night.’ And with that he vanished. The next morning Lisa rose early, as usual. She had no idea what time her father had returned to his room the night before, but he knew her jogging routine, so there was no need to let him know she was going out. It was already hot, without a breeze to stir the palms. Sun-worshippers were icking spots on the beach. Setting off at a jog, she aimed to do 5km before breakfast. Almost back at the resort again, she stopped for a breather. The surf was up, waves unfurling onto the sand, looking very tempting. Lisa squinted against the glare. It couldn’t be… it was! Her dad and Jean were

trotting across the beach towards the sea. And he was wearing red budgie smugglers. ‘Oh my God!’ Lisa cried aloud, her gaze riveted on the pair chasing each other through the shallows. ‘How about Mum’s polka dot bikini?’ Darren’s voice suddenly said beside her. ‘No comment,’ Lisa babbled, taken aback by his arrival. ‘Dad must’ve bought his gear in the hotel shop last night.’ ‘He did. Any idea what time he got in?’ ‘His room’s opposite mine

Darren stared at her like a man sizing up a plank of wood

70 www.thatslife.com.au

but I didn’t hear a thing.’ Tall and tanned, Darren leaned against the railing and stared at her like a man sizing up a plank of wood that might make a half-decent coffee table. ‘Phil spent the night with Mum in her apartment,’ he said. ‘I know because I was in the spare bedroom.’ ‘I don’t believe you!’ Lisa gasped. ‘Dad’s not like that.’ ‘How long have you known him?’ Lisa felt her jaw drop. ‘Phil said you’d be jogging first thing and I knew they’d be here, so I came to…’ Darren’s voice trailed off. ‘Stop a scene?’ ‘Something like that.’ Her father and Jean had left the water and were drying themselves on hotel towels. Even from here she could hear their delight.

Her mother had disapproved of frivolity. She’d loved her mum, but the truth was she was never a particularly fun person. In fact, she’d squeezed the life out of Lisa and her dad. ‘I wouldn’t have made a scene,’ Lisa said. ‘How can you quarrel with two people having a wonderful time?’ She made to leave. ‘It looks like you’ve lost Jean for the day,’ she said. ‘To tell you the truth, I prefer Mum in small doses,’ Darren confessed. Lisa smiled at him. ‘Understood.’

‘I was going water-skiing anyway.’ ‘Can you teach me?’ Lisa asked, the words rushing out before she could stop them. ‘Sure,’ Darren agreed. Had she put him on the spot? ‘I think I’ll be a slow learner,’ she admitted. He pursed his lips, as if giving it consideration. ‘It still sounds fine to me. If it’s good enough for those two…’ Lisa looked at her dad and Jean basking in the sun. ‘No matter how old you are,’ she said, ‘your parents can still teach you a thing or two.’ ● By Victoria Chie

CRAFT

corner

Start the year in style by covering your diaries with ft, tactile fabrics

Instructions 1 Open and lay out the diaries on top of the velvet and cut a rectangle about 3cm larger than the measurements. 2 Spray one side of the fabric and the outside of the first diary with the E6000 spray adhesive. Make sure there is a good amount of adhesive covering everything including the spine. (Tip: you may want to do this step outside.) 3 Carefully lay fabric out on a flat surface and make sure the glue side is facing up! Place the diary, closed, on one end of the fabric, ensuring the 3cm seam allowance is even the whole way around. Press firmly down, making sure there are no wrinkles and the fabric is stuck to the diary. 4 Carefully flip the diary over and ensure the spine is secured to the fabric before placing the other side of the book down on the fabric. Again, make sure the fabric is flat with no wrinkles. 5 Cut off all 4 corners of the fabric, ensuring that once the seam allowance is folded back the corner will have a nice point. 6 Make 2 cuts in the fabric at either end of the spine. Use the cover creases as a guide and cut in line with them on both ends of the diary. 7 Smooth the fabric over all the edges of the diary. Be careful with corners, making sure you pull the fabric tightly over the edges. If needed, use some Mod Podge and a brush to help secure the corners. 8 Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the tabs of fabric at either end of the spine and carefully push the tabs down in the gap between the cover of the diary and the binding. You might need to use a toothpick or small brush. 9 Add a small amount of Mod Podge to each corner of the diary and use your fingers to push down the fabric to make the corners nice and neat and to stop them from fraying. 10 Glue down 2 pieces of ribbon on the inside of the front and back cover and allow to dry. Once dry, tie the ribbon in a knot, and your diary is complete. Repeat process with the second diary.

Plan a ead!

What you will need

✔ 2 dia ri e s ✔ Sciss o rs ✔ Ga le n a ve lvet

in pin k a n d n a v y ✔ E6000 sp ra y a d h e sive ✔ M od Podg e ✔ S m a ll bru sh ✔ 2 x Off ra y ribb on

ALL MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT SPOTLIGHT. TO FIN NEAREST STORE, GO TO WWW.SPOTLIGHTSTORES.COM.AU OR CALL AUS: 1300 305 405 OR NZ: 0800 276 222

PSYCHIC

insights

Jade plantsts

Want more money IN 2020? Keep a crystal in your wallet Some crystals are believed to attract wealth, so keeping a small tumble stone in your wallet can’t hurt! You could also carry

Lucky elephants Feng shui says elephants attract wealth. But make sure any elephant statue you choose has its trunk up – trunk down brings bad luck!

$5 a day Eight is the number for If you can manage, open an online savings account wealth, so attract more (make sure it has some and preferably cash with the t tips! i ! interest no fees) and have $5 electronically transferred Parsley into it each day. Chances

or wear the crystal. The best ones for wealth are tiger’s eye, pyrite, ruby, aventurine, malachite and citrine.

Express gratitude Next time you find a coin on the ground, instead of ignoring it or just picking it up, say thank you

Perform a money ceremony The night of a full moon or in the lead-up to a full moon is the best time. Write your desires on email: tl.features@pacificmags.com.a

Keep a jade pllant at your front door. d Sometimes called ‘moneyy plants’, they are believed to bring wealth to the home.

Place a parsley plan nt in a window. Light a black, gold or white e candle near it and assk for a way to make more e money.

to the universe! ‘Thank you, universe, for gifting me this abundance’ works nicely! You may suddenly begin to find lots of coins.

a piece of paper and burn it on the night of the full moon, scattering the ashes. You could also write an amount of money on a black or gold candle by

are you won’t miss the $5 – and after a year you will have $1825 saved (plus interest!).

GGive to receive Nature abhors a vacuum, so sometimes – even during difficult circumstances – if you just donate a dollar, you will find it can open the flow of money coming back your way. scratching it into the wax. Light the candle on the night of the full moon and let it burn down all the way until there’s nothing left.

rite: AUS: GPO Box 7804, Sydney, NSW 2001 NZ: PO Box 90064, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142

SPOOKY

story

Brooke’s blood ran cold when her son made a new friend

ummy, I can’t sleep,’ said our son, Michael, three, climbing into our bed. Sighing, my husband Joe, 34, and I made room for him. He’d been doing the same thing at 4am every night, ever since we’d moved into an old weatherboard cottage a year ago. But in our previous home, he’d slept in his own room all night without an issue. Sometimes, when he came in, I’d go and sleep in his bed to see if it was too hot or cold, but it was fine. I did, however, have awful nightmares in there. I’d wake up, terrified, dreaming I’d been murdered! Then, when Michael got sick, I kept him in our bed for three nights and Joe slept in our little boy’s room. The first night, he dreamt about a little girl of around five who apparently once lived in our home. The next night he dreamt she’d slipped out of the house. But the third night, Joe woke up in a sweat. ‘I dreamt about that little girl again,’ he said. ‘And I saw her being murdered by a man staying next door!’ ‘Oh my God,’ I cried. We looked up the history of the place and discovered that many years ago, it had been a boarding house with people coming and going.

Do you have a spooky story t share? If so, that’s life! woul e love to hear from you – and we pay for each story we publish. Tell us at tl.features@ pacificmags.com.au

WITH GHOSTS We couldn’t find out anything specific about a little girl being murdered so we just put it down to a horrible nightmare. Then, one night at 10pm, Michael opened his bedroom door and just stood there. ‘What’s wrong, darling?’ I asked. ‘Do you want some water?’ ‘Come and look,’ he replied, leading me into his room. He pointed to the floor in front of his cupboard. t the camera there,’

he said, referring to his baby monitor. ‘Why there?’ I asked, mystified. ‘Because it’s scary,’ he whispered. ‘But why?’ I asked. ‘I have some new friends,’ he said. My blood ran cold. He’d spoken of playing with a friend before, but I’d assumed he was talking about the dog! ‘They come into my room from the backyard,’ he added. It turned out Michael had even been going outside to play w with them. Horrrified, I spoke to Joe. ‘‘That’s a bit creepy,’ he said, stunned. ‘You’re not kidding,’ I replied. ‘I just want to move out!’ Instead we got in a psychic to cleanse the house.

‘I saw her being murdered by a man staying next door’

‘I found My son was visited the ghost of every night a little girl in the cupboard in your son’s room,’ she told me. ‘She’d been murdered.’ ‘Don’t worry, she’s gone,’ she assured me. ‘Everything should be fine from now on.’ That night, Michael slept the whole night in his room for the first time since we’d moved in a year before. Two months on, he hasn’t come back into our bed again and we’ve had no more nightmares and no more sleeping issues. I’m so grateful to the psychic but I feel sorry for the little girl who lost her life. I hope she’s in a better place now. ● Brooke Esber, 33, Southern Highlands, NSW

WE PAY

CA$H for your stories

tl.features@pacificmags.com.au

AS TOLD TO EVA LEWICKI

Your ghost stories wante

MY BOY PLAYED

With psychic astrologer

Kris Fontaine Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

Your stars

What’s in store for your week ahead

A friend’s excellent advice allows a residential, domestic or relationship issue to go your way. Cram self-pampering techniques into your agenda until Saturday – when loved ones demand your full attention again.

LUCKY NUMBERS 24, 30, 33

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21 Uncertain of your feeling gs for a certain someone, Taurus? To save emotion ns coming out sideways, reveal them by Wednesday. Your sense of humour is back courtesy of a perfect prank, sassy story or comical child.

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 221

Relegate firing up about something to the past. Yourr new chapter doesn’t require excess baggage to join the joyful journey. You were recently tl required to handle your finances better though – job well done, Leo!

Something doesn’t go to pla an. Annoying? Not when there’ss a gleaming silver lining to be b revealed down the line. If you aim to repair a bristly connection, just go with the flow on Monday. The re-bonding happens just like magic.

LUCKY NUMBERS 4, 7, 9

LUCKY NUMBERS 6, 10, 12

LUCKY NUMBERS 5, 13, 26

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

Why put yourself at risk by avoiding medical check-ups, sun protection or mixing with volatile individuals? It’s time to step up to your plate. Avoid overlooking that romantic gesture – it could be the thing to revitalise a relationship.

Full respect for ditching a bad habit or dissolving an addictive relationship, Virgo. A healthy credit rating g reappears. Getting out among nature or catching up on your reading is on Sunday’s must-do list.

Ground yourself by spending g time in green spaces, cooking nourishing dishes and relaxing with a relative or ffriend. i d Both of you deserve downtime and healing. You’ll be pumped for a homecoming, dinner party or big date.

LUCKY NUMBERS 18, 29, 31

LUCKY NUMBERS 22, 39, 44

LUCKY NUMBERS 41, 43, 45

LLibra Sep 24 – Oct 23

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21 Want to be part of an exhibition, project or household, Gemini? Showcase what you intend to contribute to the situation. B Behind hi d someone’s brave front is an element of fear. Hold their hand tightly.

S Setting strict boundaries iis a prerequisite for making a monetary or emotional ccommitment. It’s part and parcel of saying ‘no’ when you mean ‘no’. p Friday’s good news or extended family F vvisit saves you from an ugly cry.

LLUCKY NUMBERS 15, 25, 28

74 www.thatslife.com.au

Excessive chat and screentime is replaced by overdue action in your love-life. Have you finally decided to get out of o your head and into your body, Aquarius? As the Air sign firecracker, you blitz hosting Saturday’s gathering.

LUCKY NUMBERS 20, 21, 37

SScorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

M Move away from ccircumstances or people who energy-zap. You’re not fickle, e but your present priority is b ccreating space for individuals and plucky projects to come in. A catchy tune makes p meeting your deadlines easier. m

Don’t regret putting a bully in their place. Punch the air with confidence, Pisces. Paying for something you accidentally broke or permanently borrowed shows good form. It could cement a friendship or rehash a romance.

LLUCKY NUMBERS 1, 16, 29

LUCKY NUMBERS 14, 16, 23

THAT'S LIFE! READERS CAN GO TO KRIS'S WEBSITE KRISFONTAINE.COM.AU FOR AN IN-DEPTH 20-MINUTE LIVE ONLINE CHAT READING. COST, $40.

LUCKY NUMBERS 38, 40, 42

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Please allow between 2-10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. ❑