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45kg less and losing it!

INTERVIEW IN 10 YEARS

MY MOTHER GUILT, SORROW & LONELINESS READY IN A FLASH!

CURVNYS QUEE

R SENSATIONAL WE LOVE OUR MUM BODS!!

STIR-FRIES

HANGRY!

SPLITSVILLE! AMAL & GEORGE APAART FOR 120 DAYS EXCLUSIVE

HE’S A ROYAL SHAME! TTHE EKYLL HYDE PRINCE AT 60

Jessica i loves Ben!

NICE DAY FOR A WESTSIDE WEDDING

Left: Lizzo’s still grinning g, despite not winning!

Right: It’s a rock ’n’ roll line-up with (from left)) Kenney, Ronnie, Sally Wood, Penny Lancasterr and Rod.

Looking good as hell!

o-one turned more heads at the Brit Awards last week than Lizzo, who walked the red carpet in a gown reminiscent of a Hershey’s chocolate bar!

The superstar, 31, missed out on International Female Solo Artist to Billie Eilish, 18, but she made up for the disappointment by grabbing a cuddle with a canary-clad Harry Styles, 26!

The star-studded night’s top honours went to Stormzy, 26, for Best Male Artist and Mabel, 24, for Best Female Artist, but the last word was left to veteran rocker Sir Rod Stewart, 75, who belted out “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” and invited his old mates Ronnie Wood, 72, and Kenney Jones, 71, to join him on stage.

Mel C, aka Sporty Spice, presents the award for International Female Solo Artist.

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2

Woman’s Day

MICHELLE KEEGAN

FREYA RIDINGS

ELLIE GOULDING

BILLIE

Are you having a laugh?! Paloma “Lights Up” in the presence of Harry’s vibrant outfit (right).

Anne-Marie, Hailee and Courtney Love put on a show presenting Best Group.

It was a night of big wins and even bigger performances

KENDALL JENNER

ANNE-MARIE

FKA TWIGS

PALOMA FAITH

HAILEE STEINFELD

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HEY, WE’VE SEEN YOU SOMEWHERE BEFORE …

While the new crop of Aussie MAFS contestants continue to slam each other for being two-faced, Woman’s Day couldn’t help but notice that some of them are very familiar!

Check out their hilarious lookalikes – it could mean double trouble ahead ...

LUKEE

ZACH GALIFIANAKIS

PY POPPY

CELESTE BARBER

STACEY

CHLOE LATTANZI

JOSH

ZAAC EFRON

EY MIKEY

BEN MCKENZIE

SHA NATASHA

M LLIE HOLMES

MR BURNS

MISHEL

BANE

IVAN

his week we have Grace Millane in our hearts and minds. The 28-year-old man who murdered this beautiful soul on the eve of her 22nd birthday was sentenced to 17 years behind bars on Friday. Her family spoke of their emotional pain and suffering via a video link from London, a photo of their beloved Grace hanging on the wall behind them.

Sadly, her murder has been a stark reminder of New Zealand’s appalling record of violence against women. Responding to family violence accounts for 40% of frontline police time in our country – but still half of the homicides here are related to domestic abuse. When statistics show that one in three Kiwi women are abused by a partner – and not all incidents are reported – it seems clear we all have to collectively help to keep our families safe.

It’s why Woman’s Day is supporting The Project and Women’s Refuge to launch the Love Grace charitable campaign in NZ (page 34).

Started in the UK by Grace’s family, it combines her love of handbags with a legacy carried out in her name to end violence towards women. The appeal asks for donations of bags filled

T

Ed’s Letter

with essential items to help women escape to a safer future and feel valued.

This week a grieving Tauranga father tells the harrowing story of the death of his teen daughter Halayna and her unborn child (page 30). A jury found her partner guilty of kidnapping and assaulting her the night she died. Dad Darren urges friends and whanau to speak up when they suspect there is abuse in a relationship.

Our hearts go out to the family of Brisbane mother Hannah Baxter, whose estranged husband allegedly set fire to the family car, killing their three children inside. Hannah died in hospital later. The horrific killings have rocked us.

We all have a role to play if we suspect violence against women we know. It’s heartbreakingg to think of mums and kids living in feear.

Please reach ou ut and urge women to seek help or offer assistancee if you know someone in need.

SIDO KITCHIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, WOMAN’S DAY

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“If I wanted a commentary, I would have paid for the little headphones.”

Woman’s Day

5

On the cover

Contents

PPAGE

Look w hat’s 24 inside...

PAGE

Features

2 Best of Brits Glitz, gowns and gossip 5 Editor’s letter 16 Love Island tragedy Sad farewell to beloved host Caroline 18 You ought to know Ben’s big regret; Jenna’s got bling; Britney hits the bottle; and Matthew’s going to be a dad 28 Cindy and Rande driven apart 30 Real-life reads Dad’s grief: “I could have saved my girl”; Gift bags for ladies in need; A camp for brave hearts 86 A-list gossip

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Food

48 Weeknight budget dinners 51 Kitchen HQ

PAGE GEE

8

Puzzles

74 WIN CASH! All-a-grams, Big Crossword, Brainbusters, Code cracker, Cryptic, Giant wordfind, Logic braintrainer, Rosetta, Star puzzle, Starword, Sudoku, Superstar crossword, Who am I?, Wordfind, Wordmaker

PAGEE

14

PAGE

40

PAGE

26

PAGE PA AGE

PAGE

38 20 Yum

Dinners under $5

Inspire

52 Interiors 54 Fashion 58 Beauty 60 Health 62 Wellness with Gemma 65 Travel 66 Chatter box with Sarah-Kate; Kate’s home truths 67 Ask Polly 68 Be Entertained!

81 Have your say 85 Your stars

PAGE

PAGE

16

Delliicious recipes!

PAGE

48

PAGE

54

PAGE

34

We are Woman’s Day Editor-in-Chief Sido Kitchin Deputy Editor Marilynn McLachlan Editor-at-Large Sophie Neville News Editor Lynley Ward Senior Writer Cloe Willetts Staff Writer Chris Glavovic Chief Sub-editor Sheryn Church Deputy Chief Sub-editor Denise Bowden Sub-editor Jennifer Reynolds Creative Director Mirella Monteiro Senior Designer Olivia New Designer Demelza Callesen Staff Photographer Robert Trathen LIFESTYLE – INSPIRE Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis Style Director Leigh Matheson Beauty Editor Amy Houlihan Digital Artist Andrew Kirkup Picture Editor Kellie Blizard International Picture Editor Kate Dwek Editorial Assistant Jessica Ault Production Editor Rebekah Hebenton Production Coordinator Lorne KayMARKETING Head of Marketing Martine Skinner Marketing Manager Lauren Dyke Group Marketing Assistant Jessica Bird ADVERTISING Commercial Director Kaylene Hurley Group Sales Director Rachel McLean Commercial Head of Brand Anna Magasiva Commercial Brand Manager Georgia Bews Direct Account Manager Chloe Thomsen Publisher Analyst Johanne Kendall Publishing General Manager Stuart Dick Managing Director Tanya Walshe Chief Executive Officer Brendon Hill. Published by Bauer Media Group (NZ) LP. Enquiries to Woman’s Day, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland, phone (09) 308 2718. Printed by Webstar. Distributed by Ovato Retail Distribution.

*New Zealand’s top-selling newsstand magazine for women. Circulation 60,233. Readership 505,000.

Subscriptions www.magshop.co.nz Phone 0800 MAGSHOP (624 746) or (09) 308 2721 GENERAL ENQUIRIES (09) 308 2718 email wdaynz@bauermedia.co.nz Advertising enquiries (09) 308 2710 © 2020. All rights reserved. Material content in Woman’s Day is protected under the Copyright Act 1994. No material may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent from the copyright holders.

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Woman’s Day

JOURNEY THROUGH

AL COFFE

N E S P R E S S O.C OM

TRY

S R ECYCLE YO U R CA PSU LES

Cover story Kate’s refreshingly open in her pod chat to Giovanna Fletcher, admitting the kids tell her off!

The duchess opens up about the hardest job in the world – parenting

E

ver since her marriage to Prince William in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge has been lauded for her confidence and poise as she’s ascended the royal ladder to become one of the family’s most valuable members.

Yet behind the self-assured smiles, the mum-of-three has opened up about the life she shares with William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, admitting that just like mothers everywhere, she’s struggling with the same fears, stresses and doubts.

In a strikingly candid conversation with British podcast Happy Mum Happy Baby, Kate spoke openly about the pressures of family life and when asked if she has ever experienced “mum guilt”, she said, “Yes, absolutely – and anyone who doesn’t as a mother is actually lying.

“There’s such a pull, but I am such a hands-on mum, and whatever you’re doing you want to make sure you’re doing the uttermost best job you can for your children.”

Kate’s extraordinary interview was recorded at the end of January after the duchess made an early-morning visit

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Woman’s Day

Kate took this sweet photo of Charlotte smelling the bluebells.

Mother guilt

KATE’S SECRET YEARS OF STRU to a nursery and preschool in London. Chatting to host Giovanna Fletcher, she even joked about how her two eldest children complained about her heading to work that day.

“Even this morning, coming to the nursery visit here, George and Charlotte were like, ‘Mummy, how could you possibly not be dropping us off at school this morning?’

“But no, it’s a constant challenge, you hear it time and time again from mums. Even mums who aren’t necessarily working, aren’t pulled in the directions of having to juggle work life and family life – there’s always something.”

Kate added that like many mothers, she finds herself questioning her own decisions and judgements.

“I think that starts from the moment you have a baby.”

She recalled “a very wise man” advising her that she didn’t necessarily have to be with her children all the time, as long as they were surrounded by people who are “safe and loving and caring”.

“So yeah, it was a real weight off my shoulders that it’s not totally my responsibility to do everything,” she added.

“Because we all have good days, bad days – and if you can dilute that with others who aren’t, on that particular day, struggling … I think it makes such a difference for your child, and keeping them as constant and happy as possible.”

Kate also admitted that after she went home from hospital with George she felt at a bit of a

loss. “It is quite a lonely period for a mother, and for families really too. Where do they go if they need support, whether it’s for their child or for themselves?

It took us a bit of time to get ourselves settled.”

The 38-year-old was asked what parts of her own childhood she wanted to give to her children, and she talked at length about the importance of spending time outdoors with her little heirs.

“It totally strips away complications and pressures.

I think those experiences mean so much to children and the world they’re in which is a real adventure at that age.”

She said her happiest times were in the countryside getting “filthy dirty” in the mud with her family, and spoke poignantly

Kate’s revealing interview was to promote a month-long UK early childhood parenting poll.

Her royal happiness! The duchess hasn’t put a foot wrong since marrying William and having kids.

GGLE

about a photo she took of four-year-old Charlotte smelling a bluebell.

“Really for me, it’s moments like that mean so much to me as a parent,” she said. “And I try every day to put moments like that in, even if they’re small or even if I don’t have time – but that in an ideal world is what I would like to do.”

She added, “Life now is so busy and distracting, and sometimes simple things like watching a fire on a really rainy day provides such enjoyment.”

Kate’s revealing interview, in which she also discussed pregnancy, birth and her own childhood, comes amid growing speculation that the couple will embark on a royal tour to Australia to lend their support to those affected by the

➥

‘It was a real weight off my shoulders that it’s not totally my responsibility to do everything’

Just boot-iful!

Kate and the children at a charity polo day last year.

Kate’s mummy diaries

I ➥ devastating bush fires.

While Kensington Palace has yet to confirm the rumours, insiders say it’s virtually a done deal and that details will be released in the coming weeks.

Our source says Kate and William are likely to bring their children Down Under too, as they have made it clear they’re not prepared to spend weeks away from their family.

Says the source, “She and William don’t like being away from the children for more than a few nights at a time, but they’re also keen to start preparing them for being in the spotlight more, and hope that the more official trips and public events they attend, the more comfortable and at ease they’ll feel.”

Like William and his brother Harry as children, little George, six, Charlotte and one-year-old Louis are already involved in etiquette and behaviour coaching to ensure they’re on their best behaviour in public.

But mum Kate has insisted these lessons must be fun.

“Kate knows her children have different expectations to normal kids and she understands they need specific training and help, but she is determined they never feel put upon or stressed by it all.

“She also realises the odd tantrum is natural and she’s confident enough to know now that the public will understand if things go slightly off course when children are involved.”

And when they return from their tour of duty, our source says it’s likely the family will move to Buckingham Palace as they step up their royal roles. In the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step aside, the Queen has decided the Cambridges should take over the lavish London residence in preparation for the time when William becomes King.

“Rumours are rife that work to modernise the palace will begin soon and it’s likely no expense will be spared,” tells the insider. “The Queen wants the Cambridges to make it their own.” #

n what’s been described as one of the mostrevealing interviews ever given by a senior royal, Kate chatted openly about all things motherhood – including pregnancy and birth.

Speaking on podcast Happy Mum Happy Baby about the severe morning sickness that has plagued all three of her pregnancies, she admitted to being “not the happiest of pregnant people”.

“Lots of people have it far worse but it was definitely a challenge,” she said. “Not just you, but those around you. William didn’t feel he could do much to help. It’s hard for everyone to see you suffering when they can’t do anything about it. I felt utterly rotten.”

She opened up about the practice of hypnobirthing, which she used for all three of her labours, and expressed her amazement at the power of the mind.

“I’m not going to say that William was standing there sort of chanting sweet nothings at me. He definitely wasn’t! I didn’t even ask him about it, but it was just something I wanted to do for myself.”

Kate described the moment William became a father with the birth of six-year-old George on July 22, 2013 as “really special”, and added that his face was of “pure joy”. Recalling the moment she first laid eyes on her baby boy, she said, “Amazing, amazing. It is extraordinary as I’ve said. How can the human

Another royal marriage bites the dust Just weeks after Peter and Autumn Phillips’ divorce revelation, the Queen’s nephew the Earl of Snowdon has revealed the end of his marriage after 26 years.

In a statement released last week, a spokesman said, “The Earl and Countess of Snowdon have amicably agreed that their marriage has come to an end and that they shall be divorced.

They ask that the press respect their privacy.”

The earl, David Armstrong-

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Woman’s Day

Jones, is the son of the late Princess Margaret and photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.

He and wife Serena have two grown-up children, Viscount Linley, Charles Armstrong-Jones and Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones.

The Queen is said to be saddened by the news, which “came out of the blue”.

Says a source, “Two divorces in the space of a few weeks has been very upsetting for her.”

Above: The Snowdons with their children Margarita and Charles in 2017. Right: The couple at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May 2018.

body do that? It is utterly extraordinary. And he was very sweet. And I was also relieved that he was a happy, healthy boy.”

She confessed to feeling “slightly terrified” about the hundreds of people waiting for her to present their precious bundle outside the Lindo Wing maternity unit, but said they felt it was important to share the public’s “joy and appreciation” with them.

Kate laughed about the pressure William felt over strapping their newborn into his car seat while the world watched on and admitted they’d practised at home with a little doll!

She even admitted that like most new parents, they felt overwhelmed and unprepared when they arrived home with their tiny wee newborn.

“William was like, ‘Oh my gosh, is this what parenting is going to be like?’

“It took us a bit of time to get ourselves settled and going again, but that’s the beauty I suppose of having a newborn baby.

“You are pulled to your toughest and most unknown places that you hadn’t necessarily even thought about before.”

After networking in the US, the Sussexes return home to Vancouver exhausted but happy – and no doubt eager to see son Archie.

I

f he’s suffering pangs of sadness or regret over his decision to quit royal life, Prince Harry certainly didn’t show it as he arrived back in Canada with a beaming Meghan after a whirlwind few days networking in the US. The trip away included a speaking engagement in Miami, which is said to have earned the couple close to $1.5 million, and a visit to the Stanford University in California, where they’re believed to be researching ways to run their charitable foundation.

But the pair, who announced their decision to quit the royal life in January, were dealt a blow last week with the Queen refusing to allow their use of Sussex Royal as their brand name.

Harry and Meghan have spent thousands developing their website of the same name, and had also sought to register Sussex Royal as a global trademark for a range of items and activities, including clothing, stationery, books and teaching materials.

So it’s no surprise they’ve told friends they’re “deeply disappointed” by the veto.

“The Queen has made it clear she’s still fond of them as family members, but she has to be firm about the idea of making money off the royal name given they’re no longer interested in carrying out public duties,” tells the source.

Amid the revelation that all

Harry & Meghan’s

HOMECOMING BOMBSHELL! Harry pops out for takeaways in Vancouver last week.

Burger king!

15 of the Sussexes’ UK-based staff were let go in January, further details of their split from the The Firm were announced last week, confirming that the couple would no longer have an office at Buckingham Palace from April.

While they’re expected to be in Britain for a series of engagements over the next few weeks, their final official appearance is likely to be the Commonwealth Service at

Westminster Abbey on March 9, with the Queen and other family members. Their new lives as “ordinary” citizens will officially start on March 31 and sources say they’re keen to set up a charitable organisation similar to Barack and Michelle Obama.

During their Miami trip, they appeared at a conference where they’re said to have dined with Jennifer Lopez after flying in on a private jet from Vancouver – despite previously calling for the world to embrace more eco-friendly ways to travel.

And witnesses said Harry told the crowd he had “no regrets” over their move.

“Harry acknowledged it was sad it had come to that but protecting his family came first.”

Woman’s Day

11

Celebrity news The songstress was clearly distressed as she left her friend’s wedding.

Post-diet drama ADELE’S HANGRY F

O

ver the past few months songstress Adele has wowed the world with her dramatic weight loss – dropping an astonishing 45kg in less than a year. And the “Hello” hitmaker initially revelled in the attention, posing for photographs of her newly svelte self with the Spice Girls and soaking up the sun in the Caribbean.

But just lately something else has got under Adele’s skin!

Over the past two weeks the singer has been spotted in public looking uncharacteristically grumpy – twice using a wellmanicured finger to flip the bird to surprised onlookers!

Now insiders dish that the “Rolling in the Deep” singer is feeling some serious speedwobbles from her dramatic metamorphosis, and has turned

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Woman’s Day

into a “hangry nightmare”.

A friend dishes, “It’s like every time she gets in and out of a car these days she’s yelling at someone on her phone – and there’s always a photographer there to capture it, which only makes her more angry.

“The problem is she’s absolutely, completely starving!

She’s so moody and irritable – she needs to eat something other than green juice.”

To add to the warbler’s woes, many people have been speculating online about the real reason for her super-fast weight loss.

The 15-time Grammy winner blew guests away last week at the London wedding of her pal Laura Dockrill, belting out several of her hit songs in honour of the occasion.

But, claims our source, “She didn’t eat any of the wedding

dinner, insisting she was suffering from stomach troubles, while later in the evening she was spotted eating a tiny cup of rice. She also stuck to just a couple of small vodka sodas, despite usually being the life and soul of the party.”

According to the insider, it’s moments like these that have sparked whispers that the Oscar winner may have had weight-loss surgery.

“At the wedding Adele was complaining about her saggy skin,” continues the pal. “She pointed to her stomach and said she needed help tightening up, which only fuelled the rumour mill even more!

“Adele’s always been a food lover and she has been honest about her failure to diet over the years. Having surgery was something she often used to talk about but she always insisted she

was too scared to go through with it.”

But, claims the insider, after splitting from her husband last year, the superstar could well have had a change of heart.

“After all, weight-loss surgery is a very personal decision and Adele is extremely private.”

Regardless of her methods, there’s no denying Adele, 31, began her quest for the ultimate bod after announcing her shock split from philanthropist Simon Konecki, 45 – father of her seven-year-old son Angelo.

“For years she wasn’t happy with the way she looked,” says another source. “When she split from Simon, she took a good look in the mirror and decided to get healthy.”

The normally gym-shy star took up Pilates and instead of bingeing on her favourite strawberry milkshakes, custard

PICTURES: IKON.

The slimmed-down star’s had a series of ugly public meltdowns

Hitting a bad note on the way home.

ACE creams and spaghetti hoops, she reportedly started following the Sirtfood Diet – a plan that focuses on proteins to help regulate metabolism and appetite and reduce inflammation.

Whether it was through surgery or the new regimen, the results have been astounding.

Says another insider, “There’s a lot to do with her weight loss that has really changed her life, but it’s so much more than that.

She’s had a lot of issues with confidence, self-esteem and a constant fear of being judged.

“Her marriage wasn’t working because she was unhappy with the way they were living their lives. There wasn’t much fun, she wasn’t hanging out with people she wanted to be with. She’s still a young woman. She isn’t scared of being a single mum. She’s starting to feel proud of who she is and what she’s achieved.”

And now that she’s got the body she never imagined she would achieve in a million years, on top of amassing $400 million from her music, our insider says there’s just one more box the singer needs to tick off to feel like she has moved on with her life: finalising her divorce from Simon.

“At the moment, final negotiations over properties and childcare are being sorted between their LA-based lawyers,” says a mutual friend.

“Adele wants to walk away without any blood being spilt.

She doesn’t care about money.

This is about her life.

“She wants to move on with everything sorted, with Angelo happy, and no ongoing court dramas. She wants as fast and as easy a divorce as possible … and then close the book.” #

FLIPPIN’ OUT!

Since having Angelo she’s dropped 45kg.

She was in a bad mood on the morning of the wedding too.

Woman’s Day

13

Celebrity news

Amal &

APART FOR The pair are going their separate ways – and friends fear this could be the end

I

n the past year, several reports have emerged out of the US that all is not well between George and Amal Clooney – and friends say that after a particularly rough four months, this may be the end for one of the world’s most famous couples.

Sources tell Woman’s Day the pair – who are parents to two-year-old twins Alexander and Ella – have been “like ships in the night”, and have barely seen each other for 120 days, since a trip to New York together in late October.

“Even then, you could tell things were tense between them,” says an insider.

“Amal seemed very focused on her job as a guest professor at Columbia University, whereas George was on his own path, socialising with his pals and leaving the kids to the nanny when their mum was at work. Neither of them seemed happy with the other.”

Since then, we’re told, they’ve gone their separate ways, with human rights

In happier times

Amal loves her job and spending time with the kids.

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Woman’s Day

The couple met in 2013 and married a year later.

With their twins, Alexander and Ella.

George

120 DAYS! lawyer Amal and the children spending most of their time at the Clooneys’ home in the British countryside – just 40 minutes from her base in London – where she juggles work with raising the kids.

George, 58, prefers to base himself at his mansion in Lake Como, Italy, where sources say there’s “a revolving door” of celebrity guests and hangers-on turning up looking to party.

“Amal can’t think straight in Como,” claims a source. “She’s tried to tell George that she finds constantly hosting people exhausting, not to mention disruptive to the kids and distracting to her while she’s trying to work on complex cases.”

But her pleas fell on deaf ears with George, who was Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor until he finally married Lebanese-Brit Amal in 2014.

“He doesn’t understand why Amal doesn’t just cut back on her work and enjoy the high life with him, but that’s not how she’s wired,” explains the insider. “As they get older, the differences between them are becoming more and more obvious, and Amal’s not sure she likes where it’s going at all.

“This life isn’t what she pictured – she had hoped they’d really settle down and live a quiet family life, and maybe even have some more kids. But she’s finding it very hard to pin her husband down for anything as serious as that.

“In fact, one of the main gripes she has is that George doesn’t spend enough time with Alex and Ella as it is.”

According to our insider, Amal, 42, had hoped spending time apart would make George realise he belongs with her and the kids, however she’s confessed to friends the plan may have had the opposite effect on him.

“He doesn’t seem worried at all that they haven’t spent quality time together since New York in the fall last year,” adds the source.

“He’s enjoying the newfound freedom Amal is allowing him by letting him stay in Como while she’s in the UK. In fact, he’s thinking of suggesting they make living apart for some of the year a permanent arrangement. If he does voice that idea, Amal will flip. She’ll end it for good. She’s not far from that already.” #

George wants his wife to cut back on work and enjoy the celebrity lifestyle.

Woman’s Day

15

Special tribute

Love Island tragedy

TEARS FOR BELOVED CAROLINE

The troubled presenter’s sad final days

millions of people around the world tuning in to watch the reality dating show. Now in its sixth season, it became a ratings juggernaut and fans couldn’t get enough of her.

Said one of her fans last week, “When I watched her, I felt like she was one of my mates.”

Behind the scenes, Caroline was just as popular, dating a string of A-listers, including Prince Harry and Harry Styles.

But on December 12 last year, her world came crashing down when police were called to her home by her boyfriend, 27-yearold former tennis player Lewis

Boyfriend Lewis

Caroline at her last hearing on December 23.

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Woman’s Day

Her last post with pup Ruby.

Good pal Lou Teasdale

Burton, who reportedly told the operator, “She tried to kill me.”

The following day Caroline was charged with assault, with the court hearing she had hit Lewis over the head with a lamp while he slept. It was reported that she had looked through Lewis’ phone and seen texts that made her jump to the conclusion he was cheating.

At the next court hearing 10 days later, the star pleaded not guilty to assault. In her bail conditions was a temporary ban on having any contact with Lewis, despite the fact he had by then stated he did not want to press charges.

He wrote on social media after the hearing, “It’s heartbreaking I can’t see my girlfriend over Christmas. She did not hit me with a lamp! Arguments happen every day in every relationship.”

With Lewis refusing to cooperate with the prosecution, friends say a stressed-out Caroline – who had by then stepped down from her $8 million role in order not to detract from the upcoming series – clung to the hope that the charges would be dropped.

Desperate for some relief from her constant anxiety, she travelled to Los Angeles for somatic therapy, a holistic practice used to treat PTSD, and

when she returned home she went to the gym every day as she worked on her mental health.

“She was calm and hopeful, but so weak,” tells a friend.

Despite being on antidepressants, another pal says she was falling deeper into depression and was tormented by not being able to contact Lewis. “In the last few weeks she was with a lot of her friends and rarely alone.”

On February 14, she received the news she was dreading – the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to press on with her court case, scheduled for March 4.

That same day Lewis shared a picture of them both on social media with the message “Happy Valentine’s … Love You.” The message broke bail conditions and was soon taken down.

Caroline, however, managed to respond by posting snaps of herself with her dog Ruby.

At 10.30pm that evening paramedics were called to Caroline’s apartment over concerns for her welfare. She was assessed but not taken to hospital and one of her friends stayed with her overnight.

At 2.30pm the following afternoon, however, a second ambulance was called and the TV star was pronounced dead at

PICTURES: IKON.

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he night before she died, Love Island host Carolin Flack spent hours chillin with two close friends, enjoying milk and cookies and desperately trying to remain upbeat despite her impending court case.

Less than 24 hours later the vivacious star was found lifeles in her London apartment, leaving devastated family and friends to mourn a life which they felt could quite easily have been saved.

Caroline’s death by suicide was a heartbreaking outcome for the 40-year-old, who had one of the most envied careers on UK TV. Growing up in England with her Coca-Cola sales rep dad Ian, mum Christine and three siblings including her twin Jody, the bubbly blonde sought out the limelight from a young age, acting in village pantomimes.

At 23, she began landing small TV presenting gigs and soon after making her name on I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here! she leap-frogged into her “dream job” hosting Love Island.

It was Caroline’s warm personality, kindness and infectious laugh that had

TV darling’s highlights ...

CAROLINE FLACK 1979-2020

Dancing queen After wowing the UK public with her fancy moves, Caroline and Pasha Kovalev won Britain’s version of Dancing with the Stars, Strictly Come Dancing, in 2014.

Royal dates

the scene. Reports said she had died while her friend had ducked out to the shops.

“Caroline couldn’t bear the thought of going through the court case,” said another pal in the days that followed. “She felt her career would never recover – and she felt humiliated in front of the world. She couldn’t see a way out. She didn’t know how to fix herself.”

As the world reeled from the shock news, Caroline’s friends and colleagues began to speak out about their grief and anger, with her talent agent Francis Ridley criticising the Crown Prosecution Service for pressing ahead with charges, “when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed their version of events.”

Her pal, comedian Russell Brand, also spoke out, saying, “I am angry and sad. She was a lovely little person, a real laugh, a dynamo and the idea that she had been so drained of hope by her circumstances chokes me.”

Days after her death, Caroline’s family shared an entry she’d wanted to post on social media but had been advised against for legal reasons.

In it she said she’d been having “some sort of emotional breakdown for a very long time” but stressed, “I am NOT a domestic abuser” and that the incident that led to her arrest was simply “an accident”. #

Caroline hooked up with the now Duke of Sussex in 2009, when he was 25 and she was 29, not long after he split from Zimbabwean socialite Chelsy Davy. “I was Prince Harry’s bit of rough,” she said later.

Loved host Love Island narrator Ian Stirling (above) voiced a 73-second tribute to his mate, saying, “I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show.” Right: Winning a BAFTA award in 2018.

NEED HELP? If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 TAUTOKO, text “help” to Lifeline on 4357 or call them on 0800 543 354. For other mental health issues, call 0800 111 757, or text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor for free or call Youthline on 0800 376 633.

Woman’s Day

17

to know

Ben’s divorce hell

It’s been a difficult few years for Ben, and now he’s facing similar struggles on-screen.

THE BIGGEST REGRET IN MY LIFE Art imitates life

He’s opening up about his darkest days

Th t i h hi ti are online and could be seen by his kids (from left) Violet, Seraphina and Samuel. hey split in 2015 after 10 years of marriage, but Ben Affleck still has only loving things to say about his ex Jennifer Gardner.

The 47-year-old, who is set to star as an alcoholic struggling to overcome his demons in upcoming flick The Way Back – something he knows all too much about – has opened up about his battle with addiction and his divorce.

“What I want to say publicly and privately is, ‘Thank you.

Thank you for being thoughtful, considerate, responsible, and a great mum and person,’” he said in a statement read on his behalf followingg an interview where he

T

HALLOWEEN RELAPSE 2019

Dewan it again!

confessed, “I didn’t want to get divorced, I didn’t want to be a divorced person, I really didn’t want to be a split family with my children. It upset me because it m meant I wasn’t who I thought I was and that was so painful and w sso disappointing. In myself.”

The actor said his drinking w was under control while he was m married to Jen, 47, with whom h he shares Violet, 14, Seraphina, 111, and Samuel, seven, but it b became a problem when their t “marriage was falling aparrt”.

Ben, who hasn’t spoken a lot about his alcoholism since his third stint in rehab in 2018 – the first two were in 2001 and 2017 – says he also regrets his brief setback last year, when photos of him looking drunk and gambling emerged.

“Relapse is embarrassing, obviously,” the Gone Girl star laments. “I wish it didn’t happen.

I really wish it wasn’t on the internet for myy kids to see. Jen and I did our best to address it and be honest.” #

JENNA & STEVE EN

tt’s wedding bells for Jenna Dewan and her partner, actor Steve Kazee!

The couple, who are expecting their first child, announced their engagement last week. Sharing a gorgeous photo of the pair kissing, Jenna, 39, showed off her ring, saying, “A lifetime to love and grow with you

… you have my heart.”

Steve, 44, also posted a touching message to his future wife, saying, “When you wake in the morning I will kiss your face with a smile no-one has ever seen. When you wake in the morning I will kiss your eyes and say it’s you I havee loved all these years.” #

Take two! Jenna was previously married to Channing Tatum, with whom she shares six-yearold Everly (left).

OOPS ...

SHE DID IT AGAIN!

!

E S P A L E R C I X O T BRITNEY’S SLIPPERY SLOPE The singer is struggling to cope

rouble ahead? Britney Speears was seen for the firstt time in months looking worse for wear on her way to a tanning salon in Los Angeles, going braless in a tight crop top, denim shorts and a moon boot.

“Britney’s been in a bad way since losing more custody of her boys Sean and Jayden in September,” an insider claims. “She’s been struggling with her mental health issues, turning to alcohol in a bid to mask her pain and displaying increasingly erratic behaviour, which has sparked fears she could be heading

her conservatorship is set to continue until April 30 when her case will be re-evaluated.”

The “Crazy” singer fears she’s losing control over her life and feels powerless to stop it, but her mum Lynne, 64, and beau Sam Asghari, 26, have begged her to re-enter an outpatient rehab programme because they’re FFriends and worried the 38-year-old will ffamily fear be sectioned again and lose Britney’s behaviour her boys for good. But, says could cost the source, “She’s fighting h her custody against anyone and everyone. of sons Sean, 14, “Brit’s so down, she’ll often (left) and have a drink first thing in the JJayden, 13. morning. She’s fallen back into a dark place.” #

for another breakdown.

“She broke her foot in three places following a drunken stumble at her Calabasas mansion, which fuelled concerns her boozing has spiralled out of control – something pals say has worsened since the revelation

The dishevelled star needs to give booze the boot if she wants to see her kids.

Perry happy ! h baby! Matthew Perry has made no secret of the fact he’s always wanted to be dad – and now his dream is oming true!

Shortly after a gushing Valentine’s ay tribute to her man, Molly urwitz spilled to close pals that shhe’s expecting a baby with him.

While it’s early days, they’re both ver the moon and can’t wait to ecome parents,” says a source. eeting and falling in love with tallent manager Molly, 28, changed verything for Matthew, 50.

“He’s credited her with helping him clean up his life for good and stay on the straight and narrow – now giving him even more reason with a baby on the way.”

The loved-up couple have been house-hunting for their “dream family home” in Los Angeles, but in the meantime Friends co-star Courteney Cox has already offered to throw them a baby shower.

Continues the insider, “Matt’s been through his fair share of troubles over the years, so everyone is overjoyed for him.” #

COULD HE BE ANY MORE EXCITED? Get your dad jokes ready!

Molly (left) can’t wait to see Matthew in the role he was born for – fatherhood.

Woman’s Day

19

Royal insider

Prince of

ANDREW TH 60 BIR Fergie released this photo of her ex on social media to celebrate his 60th.

With so many friends otherwise engaged, it was a non-event for the disgraced duke

A

s the Duke of York rose to give a speech at his ex-wife’s 60th birthday party last October, none of the guests assembled at their Windsor home, Royal Lodge, knew quite what to expect.

It was not just that it came after a torrid summer of headlines about his friendship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, who’d died by suicide in his prison cell two months earlier. With word having spread that the duke was desperate to speak out on the scandal, was he about to bare his soul? Or worse, try to make light of the situation?

Yet Andrew read the mood correctly. Appearing close to tears, he took guests back to the day he locked eyes with Sarah Ferguson at a Windsor Castle event in 1985. “I fell in love with her at that lunch and I have never stopped loving her,” he gushed.

One of the 100 guests shared later, “I saw him in the most real way I’ve ever seen him.”

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Woman’s Day

One month later, Andrew sat down to defend his connection to Epstein in the car-crash Newsnight interview that brought his royal career to an abrupt halt.

On November 20, he issued an unprecedented statement announcing he was stepping back from public duties for “the foreseeable future”.

Finally showing some of the empathy he had lacked during the grilling by the BBC’s Emily Maitlis, he added, “I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law-enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

And yet last month US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Andrew had given the FBI “zero cooperation” to date over its inquiry into Epstein – but sources close to the prince hit back, saying he was “angry”

and “bewildered” by the claims, as he hadn’t been approached by the FBI. At the time of going to press, the issue was ongoing.

So how exactly did the Queen’s “favourite” son fall so spectacularly from grace? And after marking his 60th birthday last week, can he ever rebuild his reputation?

Ten years ago, Andrew was basking in the afterglow of his 50th-birthday celebrations, which started with a private dinner in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier, followed by a reception for 300 at Buckingham Palace and a third, more intimate do at St James’s Palace.

This year was a stark contrast: so many invited guests were “unavailable” that the duke celebrated his milestone with a low-key lunch for 12 at Royal Lodge, the Windsor residence he still shares with his ex-wife.

One source described the residence, an “unstuffy” 30-room property, as “probably the most normal family home of anyone in that family”, adding, “It’s very down to earth. The kids are always popping in. It’s super-normal. One of Andrew’s achievements is he has created that refuge for his family.”

There are staff, but the Yorks “open their own front door”,

scandal

Andrew’s personality has been described as Jekyll and Hyde – he can be “charming” and “prone to temper”.

’S SORRY THDAY The young prince was a welcome arrival to the royal family in 1960.

adding, “They won’t make the tea but they’ll pour the pot – into a mug, not a cup and saucer ...

They are generous hosts. But not flashy. If you go there for lunch, you get chicken pie.”

Princesses Beatrice, 31, and Eugenie, 29, are generally regarded as the greatest of the Yorks’ achievements; neither receives a royal allowance and both have established careers (Beatrice works for a technology firm, Eugenie is an art gallery director). Indeed, they are likely the reason the Queen continues to host Fergie at Balmoral every summer.

According to one family

➥

Andrew and Fergie wed in 1986, but after divorcing continue to live under the same roof.

“They are the kind of ➥ friend, girls who, if they enter the room and someone stands up, they immediately tell them to sit down again.”

That the duke insisted on a more grounded upbringing for the offspring he refers to proudly as “blood princesses” appears at odds with a man whose nearest and dearest admit he can be “prone to temper”, “rude” and “arrogant”.

As one explained, “He can be a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde. When it comes to his ex-wife and children, and a lot of causes championing young people that he’s supported, he can show empathy, compassion and there’s a heart there, but on the other side he can suffer from a complete lack of emotional intelligence.”

Another added, “He’d think nothing of bollocking the staff and demanding to know, ‘What the f*** is this?’”

Staff quickly grew used to Andrew pulling rank and going to “the boss” (aka Mummy) to sign off private-jet travel, a habit that earned him the nickname “Air Miles Andy”.

Reveals one insider, “He’d take a helicopter from his back garden. He could never have done that without Her Majesty’s approval.”

The duke brandished his “Don’t you know who I am?” credentials in 2016 when he rammed the gates of his Windsor home when the automatic sensors did not work, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to the gates and his $160,000 Range Rover.

He reportedly “tore a strip off” armed officers when they confronted him in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in 2013 after failing to recognise him.

Despite their rarified upbringing, Andrew and his younger brother Edward, 55, saw more of their mother than their older siblings, Charles, 71, and Anne, 69, to whom he is not particularly close. The Queen sent her younger sons to Heatherdown Preparatory

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Woman’s Day

Independent princesses Eugenie (left) and Beatrice have made their own way in the world.

School near Ascot so they could be closer to Windsor Castle.

According to a source who knew all the MountbattenWindsors, Andrew was “a charming boy”, albeit not blessed with academic aptitude. He excelled at sport and developed a love of skiing from an early age.

“Edward was much shyer than Andrew, who was full of life, cheeky and mischievous. If he could throw a snowball, then he would,” adds the source. “The Queen made time for those children. She attended sports days and various matches.”

The closeness perhaps goes some way to explaining why Andrew long appears to have been the Queen’s favourite.

Unlike Charles, who she found emotionally complicated,

Andrew was straightforward and the Queen enjoyed the company of the easy-going son who could make her laugh.

Andrew didn’t go to university, but both his parents were proud when he joined the Royal Navy in 1979 to train as a helicopter pilot. Sub Lieutenant Prince Andrew was aboard HMS Invincible when Argentina invaded the Falklands in 1982.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh famously joined other families of the crew in welcoming the vessel home to Portsmouth after the war, when Andrew returned a hero.

In October 1982, shortly after his return, he went on a Caribbean holiday with US photographer-actress Koo Stark, who he had met the previous

year. By now dubbed the “Playboy Prince”, he put his reputation to good use after his eventual split from Koo. Reports abounded of “Randy Andy” clocking up notches on his bedpost, though the nickname also reflected a fondness for risqué banter. At a charity event shortly after media tycoon Robert Maxwell went overboard in the Atlantic Ocean, he is said to have made a particularly tasteless jibe.

How ironic that seems now in light of his friendship with Maxwell’s daughter Ghislaine, who introduced him to her then-boyfriend Epstein in the ’90s, and is reportedly under FBI investigation over possible crimes linked to the sextrafficking charges laid against

Falklands hero

High-flyer hf A A fresh-faced Andrew joined the Royal Navy in 1979, employed as a helicopter pilot and instructor.

Playboy prince P Porn star Koo caught the prince’s eye in 1981.

‘He’s adamant he’s done nothing wrong.

Let’s not forget innocent before proven guilty’

TEXT: © CAMILLA TOMINEY/TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP LIMITED 2020.

Andrew’s working to clear his name after allegations

by Epstein’s “sex slave” Virginia (above).

Epstein before his death. (She is understood not to have been accused of any wrongdoing and to have denied any involvement in his alleged abuses.)

It was also Ghislaine who allegedly introduced Andrew to Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was ordered to have sex with him while she was working for Epstein as a 17year-old in 2001.

Andrew claims he has no memory of meeting Virginia and denies any wrongdoing. “The duke might be a shagger,” insists one insider, “but he isn’t and has never been a paedophile.”

It was apparently Fergie, not her husband, who played the field during their marriage. In her 1996 autobiography My Story she said when they first met she was “struck by how handsome he was in his morning suit”.

But cracks emerged after their 1986 wedding. According to a friend, “She only saw him for about 30 days during their first two years of marriage.

Loneliness drove them both

in different directions.”

In March 1992, the palace announced their separation – and five months later, the infamous pictures of Fergie having her toes sucked by financial advisor John Bryan emerged.

While Andrew was initially devastated by the break-up, one source described him as “like a kid in a candy shop afterwards”, adding, “Both pursued their own relationships but they realised they were still a good team and wanted to maintain the family unit for their daughters.”

The start of the duke’s fall from grace came long before his recent troubles. Eyebrows were raised about his constant jet-setting after he was appointed as the UK’s “special representative” for trade and investment in 2001. Then there were his dubious connections.

He was finally given his marching orders in July 2011, following criticism over his ties with Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif and also the son-in-law of Tunisia’s ousted president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali.

Andrew’s ex-wife did little to help his reputation. The duchess was caught in 2010 by an undercover reporter trying to sell access to Andrew for $1 million.

The duke loyally stood by his ex-wife – just as the duchess steadfastly stood by her exhusband ahead of his Newsnight interview last year, writing on social media that he is a “true gentleman”.

Andrew had become convinced in the weeks leading up to the sit-down that he needed to “clear the air”.

His team of advisors, however, misjudged his ability to come across well on camera. Says an insider, “He’s not the kind of person who would want to be media-trained. He was trying to preserve his authenticity but it didn’t work.”

There is no doubt he bitterly regrets letting his mother down.

Despite the furore, the Queen let Andrew be photographed riding with her in Windsor days after the interview aired, and invited him to accompany her to church in Sandringham last month.

Although one insider said the only family members who had supported Andrew were his parents, another insists, “Charles has been supportive. There’s a sense in the royal family that having had a very tough year they do have to stand together.”

Since his disastrous interview, the duke has largely split his time between Royal Lodge and London, where he’s been meeting regularly with his lawyers in a bid to work out how he can “clear his name” and “support the Queen in her hour of need”, according to insiders.

Allies are keen to stress that while he may have stepped back, he hasn’t stepped down.

“He knows he’s got to clear the fog before he can even begin to rebuild public trust,” says the source. “He’s adamant he’s done nothing wrong. Let’s not forget innocent before proven guilty.

He’s not been charged with anything. If I could use one word to describe his mood right now, it would be contemplative.”

For a man renowned for speaking without thinking, it is certainly a start. #

Woman’s Day

23

BOMBSHELL

BOMBSHELLS

Po c ! d e l l a c

SEX TAPE CONFESSION S Af

l

h l ft th b id i t

he’s made no secret of the fact that she’s worked as a scantilyclad bikini model, but bride Natasha Spencer has found herself at the centre of a vicious sex tape scandal that’s threatening to derail her life!

Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, the brunette beauty, 26, holds back tears as she reveals a former lover has left her “feeling gutted”, thanks to his reckless decision to share a video online of her nude and cuddling up to her one-time lover.

“I was first notified of the video circulating last month,” reveals Natasha, adding she’s become a panicky and anxious mess over the situation. “A close friend of mine who works in construction told me the video was being passed around by tradies.” e ays she’s been subjected

Natasha says she feels “gutted” by the sex tape.

Just married ...

Natasha and Mikey Pembroke.

Too rude!

Too rude!

to vile abuse online with trolls labelling her a “MAFS s***”.

While Natasha’s been left devastated by the situation, she insists she’s not surprised.

“I’ve faced this sort of sexism in the corporate world,” she explains. “On the surface women are encouraged to embrace their sexuality and to not be embarrassed of enjoying sex, but the minute we do ... we’re torn down.”

The optimistic financial advisor hopes her situation can be an example to girls to stop them from getting in front of the camera during sex.

“It’s absolutely a warning to everyone – don’t do it!” she declares. “By all means enjoy sex, get what you want, but don’t get behind the camera!”

Agreeing to walk down the aisle on the country’s most provocative reality TV programme was a big decision p or the bride, but this is omething she never saw oming. “I knew there would e interest in my personal fe, but this has gone too far,” ays Natasha.

She reveals she’s asked ndemol Shine, the company at produces the ratings ggernaut, to provide her ith psychological support.

Natasha maintains she s no shame in admitting e’s had to seek treatment forr her mental health postfilm ming. Australian police are w investigating the matter. #

PICTURE OF TAPE PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM NATASHA.

SH

Reality update

BOMBSHELLS

S

STACEY’S SURGERY SHOCKER...

‘SHE WANTED TO LOOK LIKE KYLIE JENNER!’

BOMBSHELLS HER NOSE A friend of Stacey reveals the 26-year-old reality star suffered a lot of bullying about her nose throughout her teen years. “[Her high school peers] were ruthless – she was bullied relentlessly over the size of her nose,” says the friend, who explains that Stacey underwent rhinoplasty when she was 24.

HER LIPS Bulging lips are a MAFS M dinner party staple, but a source close to mum-of-two Stacey Hampton insists she regrets getting lip filler. “She was caught up trying to look like Kylie Jenner in her youth!” jokes her friend. “She recently got them dissolved – her lips are naturally huge so she’s happy to have a more natural look.”

Before

After

HER BOOBS

The mother-oftwo has had more than a couple of nips and tucks.

Friends had to be coerced to attend, says a set source.

They’re certainly unmissable, unmis andd according to her friend, Stacey had her breasts augmented after breastfeeding both heer sons, Kosta, four, andd Kruz, three, which took its toll on her body.

HAYLEY’S RENT-A-BRIDESMAID NIGHTMAR Between her expletive-filled rapping and wild twerking, Hayley Vernon’s wedding was TV gold. But despite the former financial broker’s best efforts to put on a brave face, Woman’s Day hears the 32-year-old almost had to walk down the aisle alone! “Her stepdad only agreed to be on the show days before,” says a source. “At one stage production contemplated

maids renting a group of bridesm because no-one was intereested.

She doesn’t have many friiends and she’s fallen out with most m of her family.”

What’s more, the bride is said to have begged maid of hoonour Bek to attend. “She reluctaantly agreed … they barely talk and never hang out.” Hayley was w her devastated when her stepmum With groom, and sister refused to attennd.

David Cannon.

Local exclusive The TV stars are looking forward to a honeymoon in Europe.

Exchanging vows in front of co-star Antonia.

‘I dreamed about you for 29 years before I met you ...’

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Woman’s Day

TEXT: CLOE WILLETTS.

I

n a sunny Masterton rose garden beside weeping willow trees and displays of fresh lilies, Westside actress Jessica Grace Smith kisses her longtime beau Benedict Wall.

Her co-star Antonia Prebble has just pronounced them husband and wife, as family and friends – who’ve come from all over the world – raise their champagne flutes, yelling cheers to the smitten newlyweds.

“When I saw Jess walking down the aisle, I cried, and it would’ve been OK but my nose kept running, so I was sniffing a lot!” laughs former Shortland Street actor Ben, chatting to Woman’s Day after the ceremony. “The combination of beautiful words and her looking so gorgeous was hugely special.”

For Jessica, who met Ben at a dinner party in Auckland the best part of 10 years ago, the ceremony at her father-in-law’s enchanting 120-year-old property is as magical as she’d hoped. Dressed in a simple but elegant Jessica Bridal gown, she admits to feeling like a princess.

But like her wild West character Cheryl, the Sydney-based actress is in the mood to let her hair down, later admitting, “There’s a lot of dress and I partied hard in it until 2am and now the bottom’s a mess!”

As the couple duck away for photos in nearby woods, guests

Forest of love JESSICA & BEN’S WOODLAND WEDDING The Westside star’s enchanted big day relax on rugs on the lawn, enjoying outdoor games and cocktails from a greenhouseturned-bar.

While the day started with sunshine, it has turned to rain by the time the couple return and their loved ones gather inside a marquee. But the unexpected wet weather only adds another touch of romance to an already intimate afternoon, which follows with post-ceremony speeches and entertainment.

There’s 120 iced cupcakes atop tiered cake stands – one for each guest – and festoon lights hang with decorative bunting above reception tables. The hand-sewn bunting was made

by Shorty actress Ria Vandervis for her own wedding to Chris Ashton. Jessica, 31, explains, “We went to Ria’s wedding and Ben loved the bunting, so she lent it to us.”

A band made up of some of Ben’s best mates is preparing for a performance as Jess sits on a vintage couch opposite the makeshift stage, unaware her husband has a surprise in store.

“I had my groomsmen and another bunch of male friends pretend they’d built a band up and as they went on stage I walked away to get a drink,” Ben, 35, grins. “When the song started I began singing from the back of the room and walked back to the stage. On the chorus the guys

Ben’s groomsmen (from left) David de Lautour, Finbarr Bunting, Oliver Wall, Matt Kingston, Michael Whalley, Riley Duff and Marlo Wilson (front).

stood up and began singing alongside me, then broke into a choreographed dance.”

He’s not a singer, but Ben had a special reason for his brave rendition of “Slow Show” by The National. He continues, “I liked the last line that says, ‘I dreamed about you for 29 years before I met you, I missed you for 29 years’ ... because I met Jess when I was 29.”

After the showstopper, Jess wraps her arms around her hubby and enthuses, “It was so funny. It was amazing! I was so surprised because he never wants to sing in public and he did so well.”

Ben jokes, “I was kicked out of the choir. I sang once or twice for drama school, but I was normally in the back. But I wanted to do something that wasn’t easy for me for our wedding day because what better way of expressing your love than doing something

Jessica’s bridal party (from left) Mercedes Armada, Emma Draper, Kate McGill, Tim Carlsen and Amelia Reid-Meredith.

that challenges you?”

For the pair’s first dance, they spin hand in hand to “Charlie” by Mallrat, and bright confetti falls. With the rain clearing again, an outdoor food truck begins serving warming finger food for the evening, including fish and chips, chicken curry, burgers and spicy prawn salad.

The rest of the night is filled with dancing and laughter, before the happy couple head to a quiet glamping spot, waking in the morning to views of hills and horses.

Reflecting on their nuptials, the newlyweds agree that having it at his father’s property – with good friend Antonia as celebrant – made for a beautiful, memorable day.

“Antonia was amazing and made sure the ceremony reflected us,” enthuses Jessica, who is also friends with the actress’ husband and fellow

Westside actor Dan Musgrove.

While the besotted couple haven’t yet planned their honeymoon, since Jess is filming the final season of the hit Three series, the duo will head to Europe for a month when they get the chance. For now, they’re relishing in the memories of a day they describe as a mixture of “sentimental” and “fun”.

Ben shares, “We’re really happy with how it all went because there was a good amount of heart and humour.

It was romantic, ridiculous and perfect.” #

You light up my life!

Jessica and Ben hit the dance floor.

Celebrity news

Rande & Cindy’s UNDER PRESSURE The couple’s model children are driving them apart f it’s not one kid, then it’s the other. For more than three months, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber’s 18-yearold model daughter Kaia made headlines as she romanced troubled comedian Pete Davidson, 26, from New York to Los Angeles to Miami.

Weeks later her big brother Presley Gerber, 20, thrust himself into the spotlight when he debuted a tattoo of the word “Misunderstood ” on his face on February 7.

After he was mercilessly trolled for it on social media, the model lashed out, posting a video of himself shooting a gun, saying he’s never been “innocent”, and offering to give out his home address so haters could confront him in person.

All the drama has sparked a family crisis. “Cindy and Rande are at their wits’ end,” says a source, noting the couple’s eldest was forced to strike a plea deal after getting a DUI in 2019.

“Kaia’s relationship with Pete has been hard enough to endure, and now Presley’s problems are worse than they thought. It’s no secret that they’re freaking out.

Trying to decide how to handle their kids has been

I

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Woman’s Day

a nightmare and put a major strain on their marriage.”

In fact, insiders tell that nearly 22 years after they tied the knot, Cindy, 53, and Rande, 57, are struggling.

“They’ve been fighting and blaming each other for not being strict enough parents or attentive enough,” claims the source. “After all of these years, their kids’ questionable choices could be what finally breaks them.”

Aside from Presley’s arrest record and tattoos – which are all over his body and hands – the source believes Cindy and Rande are worried his antagonising of people online is a sign things are escalating for the worse.

“It’s all too much,” alleges the insider. “Cindy absolutely lost it over his latest antics.”

Meanwhile, Kaia’s romance with much-older Pete raised red flags from the start. Before they got together in October, Pete – who’s been open about his drug use and mental health issues as well as his eagerness to be a dad – went through a whirlwind of famous women, including Ariana Grande and Kate Beckinsale.

There was more cause for concern to come, though.

Days after Christmas, Rande and Cindy were

photographed having a tense conversation outside Kaia’s NY apartment, where Rande was overheard describing a conversation with someone upstairs, believed to be Pete, having “scratched out eyes” and needing “help”.

Reports indicated Kaia and Pete had split by early January. But Cindy “is not convinced that she’s actually stopped seeing Pete”, dishes the source. “Kaia has always thought she could save Pete.”

Cindy and Rande can’t help but question themselves and each other. Explains the insider, “They feel as if they’ve failed as parents. They’re questioning themselves: If they had raised their kids outside of LA, like Cindy wanted, away from the ugly side of Hollywood, would they have turned out better?

“Were they too lenient?

Did they give them too much freedom? They’re having major regrets,” says the source, adding that the couple “find themselves blaming each other for being bad parents”.

Things have become so fraught, adds the source, that “Cindy and Rande have even taken to sleeping in separate bedrooms at times.”

But the truth is, says the source, the couple are

wonderful parents. “They are not bad parents,” insists the insider. “They always gave Presley and Kaia all the love and support they ever needed. They went to the best schools, had access to every extra-curricular activiity possible – and yet Cindy and Rande still feel like theyy didn’t do enough with both h of their kids spiralling out of control.”

A split now, amid all the chaos, would be heartbreaking – and expensive.

“Nobody wants to see Cindyy and Rande divorce,” says the source, “but if they did, it would be one of the messiest divorces ever.”

Cindy, who’s worth an estimated $155 million, made a mint during her lengthy modelling career and has continued to earn millions after launching projects including a home furnishings line and a skincare range. Rande was a d successful restaurateur and nightclub owner when he founded Casamigos tequilaa with close friend George d Clooney in 2013 – then sold the company in 2017 for $1.5 billion.

“Cindy and Rande haven’t given up yet,” adds the source. “But they really are at the end of their rope.” #

The couple blame themselves for Kaia’s toxic romance with Pete (right).

“It says ‘misunderstood’ because that’s how I felt my entire life,” says Presley of his new ink.

‘After all of these years, their kids’ questionable choices could be what finally breaks them’

Woman’s Day

29

News exclusive Halayna was the light of any family gathering.

Above: Halayna at age 16, teaching her dad to take selfies.

The victim

Grieving dad s HALAYNA SHOULD ST Losing his daughter and her unborn child to violence has ripped Darren’s family apart wo minutes before she lost her life, pregnant teenager Halayna Wagstaff desperately tried to escape the vice-like grip of her boyfriend. The 17-year-old, urged by others to take her partner Jason Anaru-Emery home from a party, had already been attacked by him earlier in the evening. He’d grabbed her by her neck and thrown her around a room in front of others.

Now parked up on the main street of Te Puke, the athletic teen made a desperate dash for freedom, opening her car door and running away from the father of her unborn child, only to be caught and dragged back into the front seat.

According to evidence given in the Hamilton High Court,

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Woman’s Day

no-one can be sure who was behind the wheel that winter’s night two years ago when the car sped out of the small Bay of Plenty township so fast it shook an oncoming van.

But 90 seconds later it had careened out of control, smashing into a metal guard rail of a bridge on the outskirts of town before going down a bank, only stopping when it hit a concrete power pole.

Halayna’s injuries were unsurvivable, her heart bursting the moment her body struck the dashboard.

It’s those last tragic minutes of her life that grieving father Darren Wagstaff, 47, would give anything to have saved his daughter from.

He’s talked to a mate who saw

the couple’s car drive erratically along the main road, and even forced himself to watch the gut-wrenching footage of the deadly smash.

“I hit the bottle for three days,” the dad-of-six admits.

Darren is a man with a broken heart, wishing desperately his strong and stubborn middle daughter with a phenomenal smile had confided in him before she paid the ultimate price.

In the 18 months following her death, he claims many knew Halayna had suffered at the hands of her boyfriend. And he wishes the abuse she suffered had not been shrouded in secrecy.

“This code that your friends know but don’t tell ... Friends need to tell because that’s being a true friend,” he insists. “If you know there’s violence, then don’t hold that code of silence.

“I understand the code of silence in friendship, but there are times things just really, really need to be spoken about.”

It’s been a difficult time for the

Tauranga rugby league stalwart – he’s faced a marriage break-up, financial hardship, the death of a grandchild at birth and now he’s coming to terms with the tragic loss of Halayna.

Trying to make sense of why his newly pregnant daughter, her sister and her friends kept quiet about what he now believes was an increasingly violent relationship, he acknowledges there were tell-tale signs, but any attempt to address the issue was rebuffed by his daughter.

“I don’t think the violence was right from the start but came a few months in,” alleges Darren.

“I had a suspicion after three or four months and I even talked to her about it. She said, ‘Dad, you know I can deal with it myself,’ but he must have broken her.

“She had bruises on her arms that I knew were not normal bruises. Her sister told me that Jason had punched her in the arm. People are still too scared to tell me everything, so I’m still finding things out slowly.”

A father lost: “That banter that we had. I really miss her,” says Darren.

peaks out ILL BE HERE Darren says the young couple, who had known each other since meeting at Te Puke Intermediate, had only been with each other for a year and nothing seemed amiss to start with.

“They had a crush on each other at school but never went out,” says Darren. “They met up at a party and started going out.

He seemed a really, really nice boy. He helped me shift house. I didn’t know the other side of it.”

Darren claims that he has since discovered his daughter, who had a rocky start to life – born three months early with a heart condition and weighing just 840g – was planning to get out of the relationship.

“They had bought tickets to Perth and were flying out the following week, saying they wanted a change of life. Then this happened. But I later found out she was going to go there and come back to get away from him.”

But the relationship ended on a far more tragic note, and

➥

‘People are still too scared to tell me everything, so I’m still finding things out slowly’

up at her tangi and put a positive pregnancy test in her coffin.

“It says in the Bible that you’ve got to forgive, to move on. At the moment, I can’t. It sounds so wrong, but I can’t,” he says, his voice cracking with emotion.

“I’m struggling to deal with it.

I’m just starting to grieve now.”

He says there is a gaping hole since his daughter died, with everyone dearly missing the girl whose generous spirit was the glue that bound the family unit.

“She was very strong,” he tells.

“She would help anyone. She’d bring friends home and say, ‘This is my friend,’ and they would end up staying a couple

of days. Then I would find out later the girls had problems with their parents.

“Her smile was just phenomenal,” he continues. “It was genuine.

It came from the heart. She had such a love for life. Her nickname was ‘Boof’ because she never went around – she always went over or straight through. She did that in life too.

“She was the heart of the family, the one that kept us together. Her brothers and sisters are missing her terribly.”

Darren says the family held a three-day celebration of what should have been Halayna’s 18th birthday in November, four months after her death.

“We had a big party here for

‘If she had just told me, I would have gotten her out’

her,” he recalls. “We set up a big tent and it went all weekend.

We invited family and made a birthday cake for her. It was a chance for us to do what she wanted to do for her 18th, which was to have a party with all of her friends.

“We had music playing and everybody was in their own buzz.

The family did a huge haka and I spoke. It was a really good thing for her friends and to be able to celebrate because that’s what she would have wanted.”

But Darren, a youth worker, admits marking special milestones have been hard.

He explains, “I tried my best but Christmas didn’t feel right.

I’m wondering, ‘Where’s the text?

When’s my daughter turning up?’

That banter that we had. I really miss her.”

It’s meant that instead of celebrating Halayna’s new

Halayna, aged, two, three and 16. “Her smile came from the heart,” says Darren.

chapter as a mother and welcoming another grandchild to the whanau, Darren instead was tasked with laying her ashes to rest and unveiling a headstone, which he designed.

“That’s my sanctuary,” says Darren of her resting place. “I feel close to her and talk to her.”

But he’s struggling to deal with going near the stretch of highway that claimed her young life.

“I can’t drive over the bridge,” tells Darren. “I get to the expressway and it’s so hard for me. I start shaking and sweating, and start crying even now just thinking about it. It’s a terrible feeling and I’m not normally like that. I know I’ve got to go there sometime and make peace, but I can’t do it at the moment.”

Halayna’s 19-year-old partner was found guilty of kidnapping and assault but cleared of manslaughter due to lack of evidence at his trial last week, and Darren hopes that speaking out will make a difference for others who are in violent relationships.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes and haven’t been a good parent in so many ways,” he sighs. “But the biggest thing I’ve learnt since Halayna’s passing is parents need to know where their daughters are, where their sons are. I only wish I had known more.

“There are lots of wishes – if she had confided in me or talked to me more, it could have been different. If she had just told me, I would have gotten her out.” #

WHERE TO GET HELP

Darren often visits Halayna’s grave.

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Woman’s Day

If you are experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, please contact one of the following services for information, advice and support. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 111.

Are You OK: 0800 456 450 Shine: 0508 744 633 Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843

TEXT: LYNLEY WARD. PICTURES: MAREE WILKINSON. STYLING: ROBYNE DOWDALL.

says he’s not spoken to ➥Darren Halayna’s partner since he turned

Real life

Grace in giving

Never forgotten: UK backpacker Grace forever has a place in our hearts.

OUR HANDBAGS OF HOPE

Join us by bagging up goodies for Kiwi women affected by domestic violence

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Woman’s Day

situations seemed like the right thing to do.”

Love Grace is a three-week campaign that combines Grace’s love of handbags with a legacy to end violence towards women.

People are encouraged to dig deep into their wardrobes to find high-quality handbags to donate, as well as toiletries, luxury items and other essentials.

With multiple drop-off venues around the country, each bag will include a tag with a drawing of a flower created by Grace, a gifted artist, as well as information about Women’s Refuge – the organisation where all donations will go.

“When a woman comes into a safe house, it’s because she has to – she can’t be safe anywhere else,” explains Dr Ang Jury, CEO of the charity. “They don’t bring the good stuff – they bring what they can for the kids.

They always do that. But for themselves? Not so much.

“Being able to give them these things will help them feel like they’re important, that they’re worth something. It will give them a little boost that’s really hard to find otherwise.”

The 59-year-old, who has been working for Women’s Refuge for more than 20 years, is keen to bust through myths surrounding those who need the charity’s help.

We can do this, ladies! From left: Dr Ang, Megan, Kanoa and Sido are overflowing with gift ideas.

“There’s this notion that if you are battered and bleeding, or have something broken and need to go to hospital, that makes it serious domestic violence. That’s what people generally believe,” she explains. “We tend not to think about psychological and emotional violence, the gaslighting that makes her think she’s a bit crazy.

“We don’t focus on economic violence. And we don’t recognise that sexual violence is almost an inevitable part of an abusive relationship. We just focus on the physical.”

The 40 refuges around the country work hard to provide 24/7 safe housing, and also help women in their homes and communities.

It is important work that Love Grace will highlight and which

Woman’s Day and The Edge are also getting behind.

Breakfast show host Megan Annear, 29, says that from the time Grace was reported missing she felt a connection to her.

“I went through social media and saw how many people were blaming her and her parents, and yet when I was 19 I travelled to America on my own,” she says.

“I couldn’t imagine her parents struggling to process what had happened to her, let alone being told they were awful for letting her travel the world and be a young woman and free and independent.”

At the time, the radio star used her platform on The Edge to video an open message in support of Grace, which has now been viewed more than 3.2 million times and resulted

TEXT: MARILYNN MCLACHLAN. PICTURES: ROBERT TRATHEN. HAIR & MAKE-UP: JAZ GARNER, KRISZTINA MORICZ. STYLING: LULU WILCOX. CLOTHES: STORM.

t was a murder that shook the nation. Grace Millane, young and vibrant, strangled to death by her Tinder date on the eve of her 22nd birthday. As New Zealanders battled shock and disbelief, the British backpacker inadvertently became the face of violence against women in our country.

“People could see a sister or a friend or cousin in her,” says The Project host Kanoa Lloyd. “The faces of survivors of sexual or domestic violence are usually anonymous. They can be people we’re working with or people we know from school, but it’s often so private and secretive we never find out.”

The 33-year-old is one of a number of people who are getting behind a new initiative, Love Grace, started by Grace’s cousin Hannah O’Callaghan in London, and hopes to make a difference to the lives of the 250 New Zealand women and children who seek refuge in a safe house on any given night throughout the year.

“In my role doing news, we don’t have the choice to ignore headlines,” tells Kanoa. “It was really important to us at The Project to think about how we could talk about this case in a way that was uplifting and potentially find some good in it. Doing something for other women who are in dangerous

We’d love you to get on board and boost a survivor’s feeling of worth and aroha.

Make a woman’s day ...

Team up with some riends and

a pre- oved bag

EXTRAS Tissues & wipes Plasters Soap Hand sanitiser Moisturiser Lip balm Cotton buds Face cloth Torch Hair brush or comb

LUXURIES Make-up Perfume Hair ties & clips Playing cards Purse Sunglasses Costume jewellery Nail polish Nail file Chocolate

Shopping list ideas in Grace’s mum Gill reaching out to Megan in a letter of thanks.

And now the broadcaster’s glad to be involved in the initiative.

“I haven’t been in that situation before, but anything we can do to make it easier on women going through domestic violence is really important.”

Woman’s Day Editor-in-Chief Sido Kitchin, 48, agrees. “Kiwis were united in grief after the tragic death of Grace, and many of us felt helpless – desperately wanting to do something but not knowing where to channel our heartache and sorrow.

“We’ll never forget the beautiful smile and spirit of Grace Millane, and the Love Grace campaign gives us a tangible way to create a lasting positive impact in her name.”

Sido adds, “Sadly, our domestic

violence rates are the worst in the developed world, and if we can help women escape a violent situation by giving them supplies they need as they seek refuge – and showing them we care and they’re valued – we can make a meaningful difference.”

They are sentiments that Dr Ang appreciates. “I really hope people make the connection between this dreadful thing that happened to this beautiful young backpacker and the thousands and thousands of women that we work with that aren’t Grace Millane.

“There are many women who are never going to get a headline and who are experiencing conditions that are unthinkable.

We need to keep the focus on those everyday women and those victims.” #

BARE NECESSITIES Toothpaste Toothbrush Shower gel Shampoo Conditioner Deodorant Sanitar roducts

For more info, visit bit.ly/lovegracenz

WHERE TO GET HELP If you are experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, please contact one of the following services for information, advice and support. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 111. Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843; Are You OK: 0800 456 450; and Shine: 0508 744 633.

Lleyton tires easily, but is otherwise unstoppable.

Claire’s boy was operated on first as a six-week-old, then again when he was two.

On the slide at camp.

The facts Every week in New Zealand 12 babies are born with a heart defect. The numberone cause of death for infants and newborns is a congenital heart defect, for which there is no prevention or cure.

BRAV Lleyt happ The cricket-mad l it with other kids j

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s Lleyton Barrow stands at the top of a 20-metre slip and slide, peering down the grassy slope, his stomach does somersaults.

He’s nervous but excited as he dives onto the soapy water and glides down on his stomach, his arms stretched out like Superman.

It might be steep, but the Christchurch schoolboy has battled far scarier challenges.

A group of boys egg Lleyton on, proudly baring similar scars on their chests from open heart surgeries. Like Lleyton, the other 89 kids at the day’s camp have a heart defect. Some of the volunteers do too.

The nine-year-old’s mum Claire Sword, 33, is one of them.

As a kid she attended the annual Heart Kids New Zealand camp herself, which Lleyton attended for the first time this year.

“I started going to Heart Kids camp when I was 13, and it was always an amazing experience where I could just be a kid and do things like the flying fox, or sit by the bonfire and hang out with mates,” recalls Claire, who was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder, after she had a cardiac arrest at age 10.

She tells, “It was the same group of us every year, so we

TEXT: CLOE WILLETTS. PICTURES: TESSA BURROWS. HAIR, MAKE-UP & STYLING: MARIESSA WADDINGTON. CLOTHES: FARMERS.

Real life

E HEART on’s one ad will be mixing ust like him formed special friendships, and I’d look forward to seeing them every year. I still keep in touch with many of them.”

Claire, who has a defibrillator inserted in her chest, knows what the West Auckland-based camp means to Lleyton. The older brother of sisters Stella, seven, and Lilian, four, can’t run as fast or as long as other kids his age, who don’t have heart conditions.

There’s also the possibility he can suffer a life-threatening cardiac arrest at any time. In case his heart does stop, Lleyton brings an extra backpack to school every day that contains a defibrillator – a machine used to deliver a therapeutic shock to the heart in case it stops beating.

“The camp had 45 parents and volunteers, and medical staff, including a doctor and four nurses who stay on site at all times,” says Claire, a family support worker for the charity.

“Safety is the number-one priority.”

For Lleyton, knowing there’s other kids who understand is a relief. His mum shares, “He went to an overnight school camp last year but didn’t last the whole time. He had to come home the next morning because he was so tired.”

Lleyton’s family found out he

Mother and son both have heart conditions.

Dad Phil and Claire with Lleyton and his sisters Lilian (left) and Stella.

had a heart condition while he was in the womb. In 2010, when Claire was 19 weeks’ pregnant, a routine scan showed her bub had Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and club foot.

The devoted mum and Lleyton’s father Phil, 33, were devastated. “At first I figured he’d have Long QT syndrome like me, which I manage with daily medication,” she tells. “But TOF is very different. It means he has four things wrong with his heart.

“With the condition you have a hole in your heart and narrowing of the heart valve, while the aortic valve is in the wrong place. Then because of the heart having to work harder, the right side of it has muscle bulk.”

When Lleyton was six weeks old, on Claire’s 24th birthday, he

went in for his first open heart surgery at Auckland’s Starship Hospital.

Claire recalls, “The operation was called the Full Repair Surgery. Handing your baby over to someone you don’t even know – and on your birthday isn’t the nicest. He went from having a bare chest to a scar and was covered in wires and tubes, and swollen. You block out a lot of the bad stuff.”

But three weeks later the couple got to take their baby home for good. Lleyton was nasal gastric-fed for six months because he couldn’t eat and by age two and a half, he was in surgery again for a valve replacement. Then they discovered he also has Long QT syndrome, which Claire learnt is genetic.

Her youngest daughter Lilian

was also recently diagnosed with the condition.

Claire explains, “Since it’s hereditary, they tested our family – and my dad and two brothers have it, as well as a lot of my father’s extended family.

None of the men have had a cardiac arrest, but they’ve had times of collapsing, usually during sports.”

One day, Lleyton may end up with an internal defibrillator in his chest like his mother, but for now the young cricket lover has a teacher aide full-time at school to help care for him and carry around his spare backpack.

“Life isn’t easy for kids who have heart conditions,” says Claire. “But Lleyton isn’t embarrassed of having a heart defect and never asks, ‘Why me?’

He doesn’t let it faze him.” #

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37

Real l ‘WHAT MY BODY DID IS INCREDIBLE’ ’ll be honest, I was initially in shock by how much my body changed after having a baby,” admits Sofia Dickson, who was so slim pre-kids that she was often called “Twiggy” by her friends. “But then one day something clicked,” she recalls. “I started seeing my body as amazing and beautiful.”

In fact, fast-forward to today and the mum of two preschoolers admits that she has the body of her dreams, a curvy size 14.

“I finally have these curves and boobs,” Sofia exclaims. “I love my new body more than I ever did when I was very slim.”

The stay-at-home mum admits that she loved every aspect of becoming a mother, from pregnancy to childbirth and breastfeeding.

“I have a newfound respect for my body as it allowed me to do all those things,” she enthuses. “What my body did is next-level incredible.”

In fact, if anyone even thinks about criticising her curvier body or asks her if she misses being a size eight, Sofia, 25, is quick to call them out. “I always say that my body is beautiful,” she explains. “I really do feel more confident now than ever before.”

But the Aucklander confesses it’s with great irony that she feels so passionate about her mum bod as she actually spent most of her life not wanting children. It was only two years after striking up a relationship at age 18 with her then 21-year-old husband-to-be Dominic that she made a complete U-turn.

“I was dead against ever having children and he knew from the start that it wasn’t for me,” she shares.

“But one day I just changed my mind and then we were full throttle.

“We were engaged a month later and two months after that we ided dec Once they were expecting our first,” on having kids, it all laughs Sofia. “Now I can’t happened very quickly imagine not being a mum!” .

for Sofia and Dominic

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Woman’s Day

No more counting calories! Little livewire Kaia is the light of Josh and McKenzie’s world.

TEXT: AMY NELMES BISSETT. PICTURES: ANGIE HUMPHREYS. HAIR & MAKE-UP: KRISZTINA MORICZ. STYLING: LULU WILCOX. CLOTHES: LOVISA, MOONTIDE, PIHA SWIMWEAR.

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Curvy & confident

WE LOVE OUR MUM BODS!

Having babies has given birth to a self-esteem revolution ‘I’M OVER BODY ‘CHILDBIRTH HANG-UPS’ HAS DEFINED ME efore having a baby McKenzie AND MY BODY’ Devonshire couldn’t remember a time

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when she didn’t watch what she ate, often counting the calories of every morsel that passed her lips. “I was obsessed with having a flat stomach,” she admits.

But that started to change when McKenzie, 22, fell pregnant by surprise during her first year of university when she was studying social work. She had only been dating her now partner Josh Capel for a few months when she found out she was expecting.

“It was kind of nice to look down at my stomach and see something that I’d been insecure about my whole life now becoming a little bump,” she tells. “My pregnancy transformed something negative into something positive.”

And when McKenzie welcomed daughter Kaia into the world in 2018, she was amazed by how her body pushed through childbirth without pain relief. “I had a home birth and it was an incredible experience,” she beams.

“It totally empowered me to trust my body and realise it can actually do anything.”

And the full-time mum says she’s in awe that she’s managed to continue breastfeeding for 22 months. “She has grown so much, from a baby to a vibrant toddler, and my body has nourished so much of that,” McKenzie smiles.

The Aucklander says her approach to her body since having a baby has completely changed, now focusing on eating a plantbased diet and enjoying yoga and running.

“I want to eat to nourish my body rather than to make it look a certain way,” explains McKenzie. “I want to be as healthy as I possibly can be for me and for Kaia.”

he journey to motherhood has hardly been smooth for Giovanne Presland, who has faced four heartbreaking miscarriages and also lost her first daughter Aalyah soon after birth due to complications. But Giovanne believes each experience has taught her how strong her body is.

“I’ve had four children, and three living, and my body has gone through a hell of a lot during that time,” Giovanne, 30, explains.

“But what’s really amazed me is how quickly the body, and even the mind, can heal. I truly believe that each pregnancy and birth has defined me.”

Mum to Lori, 11, Malakai, two, and seven-month-old Samaria, and stepmum to Waikamania, 14, Waimirirangi, 13, and Keakealani, 10, Giovanne says motherhood always felt like her calling.

And she’s now proud of the mum bod that goes with it, saying, “I’ve had a baby and this is what that looks like.”

And now, instead of focusing on losing weight, the Whangarei woman admits she has to stay strong to keep up with the six kids she and her partner Johnny Seve have between them.

“I eat healthy and focus on gut health,” tells the business manager. “I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt.”

Giovanne credits her newfound self-confidence to being a mum.

“Having children has helped me discover and accept who I am. I’ll never take that for granted.” #

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Giovanne and Johnny’s blended family (from left) Malakai, Waikamania, Keakealani, Samaria, Waimirirangi and Lori.

Everyday food

STIR-FRYCRAZY! Grab your wok and have dinner ready in a flash

INGREDIENT S DECODED! FIVE SPICE POWDER FIVE-SPICE It usually contains star anise, cassia (Chinese cinnamon), cloves, Sichuan pepper, fennel and sometimes ground ginger.

THAI BASIL Also known as horapa, this is different to the sweet basil used in Italian cooking – it has smaller leaves, purplish stems and a slight aniseed taste.

CHICKEN & SNAKE BEAN STIR-FRY SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 20 MINUTES / cup jasmine rice 1 tbsp peanut oil 800g chicken thigh fillets, thickly sliced 2 onions, thickly sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp five-spice powder 400g beans, cut into 5cm lengths

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Woman’s Day

½ cup oyster sauce 2 tbsp light soy sauce ½ cup cashews, toasted ½ cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves 1 fresh long red chilli, thinly sliced diagonally 1 Cook rice according to packet

directions until tender; drain.

2 Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat, stir-frying chicken in batches until browned all over and cooked through. Remove from wok.om wok.

3 Heat remaining oil in wok, stir-frying onion, garlic and fivespice powder for 3 minutes or

until onion softens. Add beans and cook for 4 minutes or until tender.

4 Return chicken to wok with sauces and cashews. Cook until sauce boils and thickens slightly.

5 Just before serving, stir in basil. Serve stir-fry with rice and a sprinkle of chilli.

FISH WITH MIXED VEGETABLES SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINUTES / cup jasmine rice 500g firm white fish fillets, cut into 3cm pieces 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 ½ tbsp peanut oil 350g choy sum, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks 150g baby corn, halved lengthways (see tip) ¼ cup oyster sauce 1 tbsp Japanese soy sauce 1 tbsp water ¼ cup coriander leaves

23

1 Cook rice according to packet directions; drain.

2 Combine fish, garlic and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium bowl.

3 Heat a wok on high heat and stir-fry fish mixture in batches until browned. Remove from wok.

4 Heat remaining oil in wok, stir-frying choy sum, carrot and corn until tender. Return fish to wok with sauces and the water, stir-frying until hot. Season.

5 Sprinkle coriander over stir-fry. Serve with rice and accompany with lemon, if you like.

TIP

If you can’t iMD FQERH BABX CNQM XNT CAM TRE CAMMED IF KIJED`

TIP

*SıR ILONQSAMS SN TRE iQL SNFT IM RSIQ FQIER RN IS HNKDR SNGESHEQ DTQIMG CNNJIMG`

TOFU & SUGAR SNAP PEA STIR-FRY SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 40 MINUTES (PLUS STANDING) 600g firm tofu (see tip) 2/ 3 cup white long-grain rice 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 red onion, thickly sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp finely grated ginger 1 tsp cornflour 1/3 cup soy sauce 200g sugar snap peas, trimmed 350g baby bok choy, chopped lengthways 1 tbsp brown sugar 1/ 3 cup vegetarian oyster sauce 2 tbsp mirin ¼ cup coriander leaves 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 Weight tofu between two boards; stand, tilted,

for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid. Cut tofu into 2cm cubes, pat dry between layers of a paper towel.

Place tofu on baking paperlined oven trays. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until browned lightly.

3 Cook rice according to packet directions; drain.

4 Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry onion, garlic and ginger for 3 minutes or until onion softens. Add blended cornflour and soy sauce to wok with tofu, peas, bok choy, sugar, oyster sauce and mirin, cooking until sauce thickens slightly.

Remove from heat, stir in coriander, and serve with rice.

Woman’s Day

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Everyday food

TIP

If you prefer more heat, sprinkle with dried chilli jAJER SN REQUE`

HOISIN SWEET CHILLI LAMB & VEGETABLE STIR-FRY SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 15 MINUTES 100g dried rice vermicelli noodles 1 tbsp peanut oil 750g lamb strips 400g fresh mixed vegetables 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, crushed 1/3 cup hoisin sauce 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp water ¼ cup coriander leaves 1 Place noodles in a medium heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and stand for 5 minutes or until noodles are tender; drain.

2 Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry lamb in batches for 3 minutes or until cooked through.

Remove from wok.

3 Stir-fry vegetables, ginger and garlic in wok for 5 minutes or until almost tender. Return lamb to wok with noodles, sauces and water, stir-frying until hot. Season to taste and serve sprinkled with coriander.

TIP

TAMARIND HONEY PRAWNS WITH PINEAPPLE SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINUTES 270g packet udon noodles 1.2kg uncooked medium king prawns, shells intact 1 tbsp vegetable oil 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 fresh long red chilli, thinly sliced 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced 150g snow peas, trimmed 1/3 cup tamarind concentrate (purée) 2 tbsp kecap manis (see tip) 1 tbsp honey ½ cup water ½ small pineapple, coarsely chopped 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

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Woman’s Day

1 Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, separate with a fork and stand for 5 minutes or until tender; drain.

2 Shell and devein prawns, leaving tails intact.

3 Heat oil in a wok, stir-frying prawns, garlic, chilli, capsicum and snow peas until prawns are changed in colour. Add tamarind purée, kecap manis, honey, water, pineapple and spring onions, stir-frying until hot.

4 Serve stir-fry with noodles and a sprinkle of seeds.

Kecap manis is a thick, RVEESEMED RNX RATCE` It’s delicious in RSIQ FQIER`

TIP

Try using a vegetable peeler to easily slice cucumber thinly.

BEEF & NOODLE STIR-FRY SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINUTES 250g dried rice stick noodles 2 tsp peanut oil 500g beef rump steaks, thinly sliced 1 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass, white part only 1 garlic clove, crushed 2/ 3 cup lime juice 1/3 cup fish sauce 1 tbsp coarsely grated palm sugar 100g Chinese mustard leaf, coarsely chopped 1 cup bean sprouts

½ cup loosely packed coriander leaves ½ cup loosely packed mint leaves 3 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced 1 Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and stand for 5 minutes or until tender; drain.

2 Heat half the oil in a wok and stir-fry beef in batches until browned. Remove from wok.

3 Heat remaining oil in wok, stir-frying lemongrass and garlic until fragrant. Return beef to wok with juice, sauce and sugar, cooking until heated through. Add noodles and remaining ingredients.

Woman’s Day

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Everyday food

TIP

To curl spring onion, slice thinly then place in iced water for 5 minutes.

CHINESE BARBECUED PORK STIR-FRY SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINUTES 375g dried rice stick noodles ¼ cup soy sauce 600g Chinese barbecued pork, 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 garlic clove, crushed thickly sliced 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 small red Thai chilli, seeded, ¾ cup chicken stock thinly sliced 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 250g mixed mushrooms, (see tip) thickly sliced 175g broccolini, coarsely sesame seeds to serve chopped 2 tsp cornflour 1 Place noodles in a large

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Woman’s Day

heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and stand until just tender; drain.

2 Heat oil in a wok, stir-frying garlic, chilli, mushrooms and broccolini for 3 minutes or until mushrooms are just tender.

3 Blend cornflour with the soy sauce in a small jug. Add cornflour mixture to wok with

pork, fish sauce and chicken stock, stir-frying until sauce boils and thickens slightly.

4 Add noodles and spring onion to wok, stir-frying until mixture is heated through. Serve stir-fry sprinkled with sesame seeds.

HONEY SOY CHICKEN SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINUTES (PLUS REFRIGERATION) ¼ cup honey (see tip) ¼ cup soy sauce ½ tsp five-spice powder 1 tbsp dry sherry 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 700g chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced 1 tbsp peanut oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 tbsp sesame seeds 500g bok choy, quartered 500g choy sum, coarsely chopped 2 tbsp dry roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped 1 fresh long red chilli, thinly sliced

TIP

To prevent the honey sticking to your measuring cup, spray it with a little oil first.

SPICY BEEF NOODLES SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINUTES

PICTURES: LOUISE LISTER/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU.

500g udon noodles 2 tbsp peanut oil 750g beef mince 1 small onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/3 cup black bean sauce 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks (see tip) 1 bunch bok choy, coarsely chopped ¼ cup hoisin sauce ¼ cup beef stock 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

1 Combine honey, sauce, fivespice, sherry, garlic and ginger

in a small screw-top jar; shake well. Place chicken in a medium bowl, combine with half the honey mixture, cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Reserve remaining honey mixture, covered, in the fridge.

2 Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Heat half the oil in a wok, stir-frying chicken and onion in batches until chicken is browned and cooked through.

Remove from wok.

3 Heat remaining oil in wok, stir-frying seeds until browned lightly. Return chicken to wok with bok choy, choy sum and reserved honey mixture, stir-frying until vegetables are just wilted.

Sprinkle with peanuts and chilli to serve.

TIP

You could shred the carrots with a julienne peeler, if preferred.

1 Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and stand for 5 minutes or until tender; drain.

2 Heat oil in a wok over high heat, stir-frying beef, onion and garlic for 5 minutes or until beef is browned and almost cooked. Add black bean sauce and stir-fry until mixture is well browned.

3 Add noodles, carrot, bok choy, hoisin sauce, stock and vinegar, stir-frying for 3 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Serve sprinkled with coriander.

Woman’s Day

45

TIDE ’EM OVER Make afternoon tea a breeze with these milky treats

SECRET CENTRE RASPBERRY MUFFINS TIP

FLUFFY MILK ROLLS MAKES 9 PREPARATION & COOKING 1 HOUR STARTER 90ml a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM, plus ½ cup extra 2 tablespoons high-grade flour 1 egg 55g melted butter DOUGH 2½ cups high-grade flour ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon instant yeast GLAZE 1 egg 1 tablespoon a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM 1 STARTER. In a small saucepan, whisk together the first measure of milk and flour until smooth. Cook over a low heat, whisking continuously for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture forms a smooth thick paste. Set aside to cool. When cool, mix in the second measure of milk, egg and melted butter.

For perfectly even rolls, weigh the kneaded dough and divide by nine so each roll is the same weight.

2 DOUGH. Combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a bread machine). Mix at low speed and add the starter mixture. The dough will appear very sticky at first, but don’t add more flour. Increase speed and continue kneading for 10 minutes or until dough is smooth, elastic and springy.

3 With oiled hands, shape the dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly greased large bowl. Cover and microwave on low for 1 minute. Rest dough for 10 minutes, then repeat. When the dough has doubled in size, divide into 9 even portions (see tip).

Form into rolls and arrange in a greased 22cm square pan. Leave to rise for 20 minutes or until doubled in size.

4 Preheat oven to 190°C. 5 GLAZE. Whisk egg and milk together, then gently brush glaze over the rolls when risen. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then gently turn out onto a cooling rack.

MAKES 12 PREPARATION & COOKING 30 MINUTES 2 cups self-raising flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 100g butter, melted 1 cup a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM 1 egg 1/ 3 cup raspberry jam ½ cup icing sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla essence juice of ½ a lemon ¼ cup crushed freeze-dried raspberries to decorate (optional) 1 Preheat oven to 190° C. Line a 12hole muffin pan with patty cases.

2 In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, spice and zest. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, milk and egg.

Fold liquids into dry ingredients until just mixed. Spoon ¾ of the mixture into the patty cases and reserve the remaining batter.

3 Using a teaspoon, place a blob of jam in the middle of each muffin, then fill cases with remaining batter. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until risen and springy. Cool.

4 In a small bowl, mix icing sugar and vanilla with just enough lemon juice to form a spreadable consistency. Spread each muffin with icing and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried raspberries if desired.

WOMAN’S DAY + A2 MILK

HOT MILK CUPCAKES MAKES 12 PREPARATION & COOKING 45 MINUTES (PLUS COOLING) 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 slightly heaped cup plain flour 1¼ teaspoons baking powder ¾ cup a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM 75g butter, cubed Strawberry Frosting 110g soft butter 3 cups icing sugar 2 tablespoons a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM ¼ cup strawberry sundae syrup pink food colouring 100s and 1000s to decorate (optional)

PEPPERMINT POPSICLES MAKES 6 PREPARATION & COOKING 10 MINUTES (PLUS COOLING & FREEZING) 1¾ cups a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM 1 tablespoon cornflour 1½ tablespoons sugar 2 egg yolks peppermint essence green food colouring (optional) 1 Place 1 cup of milk, cornflour, sugar and egg yolks in a small bowl. Using a whisk, mix until smooth.

2 Transfer mixture to a saucepan and heat gently, stirring continuously until thickened.

Do not boil. Remove from heat and whisk, then set aside until almost cooled.

3 Whisk in the remaining milk and peppermint essence to taste. Add green food colouring and stir to combine. Pour into popsicle moulds, insert sticks and freeze until set.

1 Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line a 12-hole muffin or cupcake pan with patty cases.

2 In a large bowl, beat eggs on high speed for 5 minutes or until thick and pale. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.

3 Combine flour and baking powder, then gradually add to batter, beating at low speed until smooth.

4 In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until just melted. Gradually add to batter, beating until just combined. Divide the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

5 STRAWBERRY FROSTING. Beat butter until pale, then add the icing sugar in 2 or 3 increments, beating well after each addition.

Beat until light and fluffy, adding a dash of milk if needed. Mix in the strawberry sundae syrup and a drop of food colouring. Transfer icing to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, then pipe rosettes onto the tops of each cupcake.

Sprinkle with 100s and 1000s if desired.

BANANA THICKSHAKE WITH COCONUT CRUMB SERVES 1 PREPARATION 5 MINUTES 1 tablespoon shredded coconut ½ teaspoon honey 1 frozen banana, peeled and cut into chunks 1/2 cup a2 MilkTM by AnchorTM wafer biscuits or straws (optional) 1 Scatter coconut on a saucer.

Rub the rim of a glass or bottle lightly with honey, then twist in the coconut to decorate.

2 Place banana and milk in a blender and pulse to combine, then pour into the prepared glass. Add a wafer biscuit or straw if desired.

Brought to you by

For delicious milk-based recipes, visit anchordairy.com/a2

Everyday food

Weeknight

BUDGET DINNERS 4

$ .45 PER SERVE

Tuesday SUN-DRIED TOMATO MEATLOAF SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 50 MINUTES 750g minced pork and veal ½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto, plus ¼ cup extra 1 cup stale breadcrumbs 1 egg, lightly beaten 800g new baby potatoes 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 300g spinach, trimmed

4

$ .45 PER SERVE

Monday CREAMY CHICKEN & CORN BURRITOS SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINUTES 1¼ cups coriander leaves 310g can corn kernels, drained, rinsed 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 2 cups coarsely grated cheddar 1 cup light sour cream 1 garlic clove, crushed ½ tsp cayenne pepper 8 x 20cm flour tortillas 2 limes, cut in half or wedges 1 Preheat oven to 220°C. Oil a large ovenproof dish.

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Woman’s Day

2 Coarsely chop ¼ cup of the coriander.

Combine corn, chopped coriander, chicken, 1 cup of the cheddar, sour cream, garlic and half the cayenne in a medium bowl. Season.

3 To make burritos, divide chicken mixture evenly among tortillas, roll to enclose filling, folding in ends. Place burritos in dish, then sprinkle with remaining cheddar and remaining cayenne pepper. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until browned lightly.

4 Sprinkle burritos with remaining coriander.

Serve with lime wedges.

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line base and sides of 11 x 19cm loaf pan with baking paper.

2 Combine mince, pesto, breadcrumbs and egg in a large bowl. Season. Press mixture into pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through. Stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

3 Prick potatoes with a fork and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 3 minutes or until almost tender.

Slice potatoes thinly.

4 Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook potato with thyme, in 2 batches, for 2 minutes each side or until golden. Remove from pan. Season. Cover to keep warm.

5 Add spinach to pan. Cook in 2 batches, stirring, for 1 minute or until wilted. Season.

6 Serve meatloaf with potatoes, spinach and extra pesto.

4

$ .45

4

$

PER SERVE

PER SERVE

4

$ .60 PER SERVE

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

ONE-PAN SAUSAGE BAKE

CHICKEN & THYME RISOTTO

SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 40 MINUTES

PICTURES: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU.

8 thick beef sausages 2 yellow capsicums, thickly sliced 1 red onion, cut into wedges 375g cherry tomatoes 2 cups water 1 cup instant polenta ¾ cup pouring cream ¼ cup finely grated parmesan ¼ cup small basil leaves 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. 2 Heat a large flameproof baking dish over high heat. Cook sausages until browned all over. Add capsicum and onion. Season.

3 Roast, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes; roast a further 15 minutes or until sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4 Bring the water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in polenta, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in cream and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until polenta thickens. Stir in parmesan; season to taste.

5 Serve sausages and vegetables with polenta. Sprinkle with basil.

PAPPARDELLE WITH RICOTTA, CAPSICUM & CAVOLO NERO SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINUTES

SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 45 MINUTES

¼ cup olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ tsp dried chilli flakes 4 red capsicums, thinly sliced ¼ cup water 200g cavolo nero, trimmed, coarsely shredded 375g pappardelle pasta ¼ cup finely chopped chives 2 cups firm ricotta, plus ½ cup extra

2 x 200g chicken breast fillets 1 tbsp teriyaki marinade 2 tsp finely grated orange rind 2 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 onion, finely chopped 1 1/3 cups arborio rice 3 cups chicken stock 150g baby spinach leaves 2 tbsp coarsely chopped lemon thyme, plus extra to serve

1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Cook garlic and chilli, stirring, for 1 minute. Add capsicum and water. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Add cavolo nero and simmer, covered, for about 5 minutes or until capsicum is soft and cavolo nero is tender.

2 Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for about 8 minutes or until tender. Drain.

3 Add pasta and chives to capsicum mixture.

Break ricotta into large pieces, add to pan and toss gently. Season.

4 Serve pasta topped with extra ricotta.

Sprinkle with extra dried chilli and drizzle with a little extra olive oil to serve.

1 Combine chicken with marinade and rind in a small bowl. Toss chicken to coat.

2 Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic and onion, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens.

Add rice and stock; bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove from heat; cover.

3 Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes each side or until cooked through.

Cover, then rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.

4 Gently stir spinach and thyme into risotto. Serve risotto topped with chicken and extra thyme.

Woman’s Day

49

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KitchenHQ

In store with Jessica Ault

PECKISH?

All the latest tips, tricks and trends for foodies

The sweet spot

BROWN

WHITE

RAW

PURE ICING

DARK BROWN

DEMERARA

UNREFINED RAPADURA CASTER

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUGAR EVERY TIME WITH OUR SIMPLE GUIDE

SOFT ICING MIXTURE

DARK MUSCOVADO

COFFEE CRYSTALS

COCONUT

RAW SUGAR complements savoury texture, it’s great for dark The subtle, honey-like taste Asian dishes and salad and rich desserts such as chocolate cake, gingerbread makes this a great option dressings. and fruit cake. for sprinkling over the top CASTER SUGAR UNREFINED of cakes before baking.

The fine sugar crystals dissolve quickly and evenly, RAPADURA BROWN SUGAR A mild toffee flavour makes so it’s perfect for baking.

A delicate caramel flavour this the ultimate dessert This also allows more air and golden colour, this sugar for use in recipes in mixtures, making it ideal can be used to replace such as sticky date pudding. for pavlovas and sponges. palm sugar in AsianPURE ICING SUGAR COFFEE CRYSTALS inspired recipes.

Made from 100% pure cane As the name suggests, DARK BROWN SUGAR sugar that’s been finely add these to your coffee The high molasses ground, this is your failto balance the bitter content adds a bold safe option for beautifully flavour. Sprinkle over toffee flavour, plus extra set royal icing. biscuits before baking moisture for recipes.

DEMERARA SUGAR for a crunchy topping.

Ideal for Christmas This adds a rich toffee SOFT ICING MIXTURE cakes and puddings. flavour to dishes. Sprinkle This has starch added WHITE SUGAR over fruit before grilling for a smooth, soft finish Great for hot drinks or sugar syrups and recipes or toss through a crumble – think fluffy, silky where the cooking time topping. buttercream. allows the sugar to be COCONUT SUGAR DARK MUSCOVADO completely dissolved.

An unrefined sugar, this Fine crystals with a dense New product in store? Send to: Woman’s Day, Bauer Media, 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland 1010, or email wdaynz@bauermedia.co.nz with the subject line “In Store”.

If brownies have traditionally been a big no-no in your healthy eating regimen, then good news! You can indulge guilt-free with a Fibre One Chocolate Fudge Brownie, a good source of fibre with chocolate flavoureed fudge pieces and drizzle.

It’s the delicious fix you’re craving, withoutt all the calories. Availabble in supermarkets nationwide, rrp $4.79.

Meat-free magic Flexitarians rejo ce!

It’s now a whole lot easier to choose a meat-free meal from fast food giant Burger King. The new Rebel Whopper is 100% Whopper, 0% meat – and the team at Woman’s Day can attest to its tastiness. The sizeable burger consists of a juicy, flame-grilled, plant-based patty, topped with tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles and onions on a toasted sesame seed bun. The patty is cooked on the same broiler as the iconic Whopper patty to ensure burger lovers have all the flame-grilled goodness they know and love Available nationwide, rrpp $$8

LIGHT & FRESH

During these long hot summer days it’s pretty easy to sink a few cold beers wit h mates in the sun, and now with new Co rona Ligera mid-strength 3.2% lager, you can stay refreshed and keep your head in the game. Available from supermarkets and liquor stores nationwide, rrp $31.99.

Woman’s Day

51

Interiors

Cushion $44.95 Freedom Furniture

Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis

Lamp $142.07 The Market

Wall art $399 Nood

Clockk $ Cl $129 Alliium m Interiors

$39.95 Freedom Furniture

Cheese knife set $57 85 $57.8 8 The Market

Plant $79.99 9 Farmers

$69 The Market Marke

$59.99 Farmers

LOU

R llaxx with rich sh Relax

Tip! Monstera deliciosa plants can be extremely expensive – with rarer varieties selling for thousands of dollars.

This faux one is a great cheaper alternative.

$103.90 Smith & Caughey’s

$13.90 Allium Interiors

$45 The Warehouse

$149.99 Farmers $1299 Target Furniture

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Woman’s Day

$25.50 Smith & Caughey’s

Wall art $275 Until

$79.99 The Market

Laptop tray $99.99 Shut the Front Door $49.99 Shut the Front Door Velvet stool $25 Kmart

$110.50 Smith & Caughey’s

Side tables $205 each Smith & Caughey’s

Tip! This gorgeous Cleo three-seater sofa from Farmers is a standout piece that will tie in with most décor styles and colour schemes.

ades of green and old $1999 Farmers

Cushion cover $89.90 Città

$790 Interior Design Online O li

$269 Shut the Front Door

STOCKISTS Allium Interiors alliuminteriors.co.nz, Città cittadesign.com, Kmart kmart.co.nz, Farmers 0800 327 637, Freedom Furniture freedomfurniture.co.nz, Interior Design Online interiordesignonline.co.nz , Nood nood.co.nz, Shut the Front Door shutthefrontdoor.co.nz, Smith & Caughey’s smithandcaugheys.co.nz, Target Furniture targetfurniture.co.nz, The Market themarket.com/nz/,The Warehouse 0800 733 665, Until until.co.nz

Woman’s Day

53

Fashion

PR

Sweeten things up with lovely light shades

Style Director Leigh Matheson

Skirt EziBuy $69.99

Switch up your accessories to make this stunning dress last through the seasons – swap strappy sandals for a block-heeled boot and add a cropped pastel jacket.

Dress Seed Heritage $169.90 Trousers Witchery $169.90

SANDRA OH

CIARA Cardigan Glassons $29.99 Heels Zara $139

54

Woman’s Day

ETTY IN PASTELS Bag Colette

by Colette Hayman $34.99

Dress Glassons $59.99

Jacket Zara $69.90

Dress Forever New $189.99

Skirt Postie $25

Blouse Zara $55.90

Trousers Zara $45.90

Earrings Kmart $5

STOCKISTS Colette by Colette Hayman (09) 815 1481, EziBuy 0508 500 500, Forever New 0800 100 635, Glassons 0800 GLASSONS, Kmart 0800 945 995, Mi Piaci (09) 524 1430, Postie 0800 POSTIE, Seed Heritage (09) 376 3850, Witchery (09) 523 1335, Zara (09) 905 6420

Top Glassons $29.99

Heels Mi Piaci $260

Woman’s Day

55

GET YOUR

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in association with *Terms and conditions apply.

ON SALE MARCH 2, 2020 @numberoneshoes

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Dress ASOS $60

Skirt ASOS $60

Trousers Zara $69.90

Fashion Top Boohoo $68

Bag Colette

by Colette Hayman $39.99

Dress EziBuy $89.99 Hat Glassons $19.99

Shoes ASOS $55

GINGHAM STYLE! Dress Glassons $59.99

Check out these modernn takes on the classic print Dress Boohoo $58

Bikini Olympia $144.95

KATY PERRY Trousers Boohoo $43

STOCKISTS ASOS asosss.com, com Boohoo boohoo.co.nz, boohoo co nz Colette by Colette C Hayman (09) 09) 815 1481, 1481 EziBuy 0508 5500 500, Glassons 0800 GLASSONS, Olympia fashnsplash.com, Postie 0800 POSTIE, Zara (09) 905 6420

Woman’s Day

57

Beauty Beauty Editor Amy Houlihan

MAGIC TOUCH!

Margot loves a velvet lip colour that won’t budge.

Amp up your routine with fun and innovative new textures

The stick

Revlon Colorstay Life-proof Foundation Stick, $32.

Perfect for the time-poor, just swipe on, blend with fingers and go. Solid wind-up formulations mean you can easily use eye or cheek products for smoky eye and a cheeky flush, while foundation sticks are useful for adding a little coverage where you need it.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, $57.

Max Factor Velvet Mattes Lipstick in Matte Marilyn Nude, $25.99.

Gwyneth Paltrow used a handy foundation stick for her wedding day make-up.

58

Woman’s Day

Margot Robbie’s look for the Screen Actors Guild Awards featured on-trend dark roots in her blonde locks, as well as a velvety nude lip. With a soft but shine-free finish, velvet-finish products offer clever micro-doses of hydration, so they last well, feel weightless and comfortable, and don’t dry out like traditional matte formulations. Plus, the depth of colour is incredible.

Benefit Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation, $56.

Text: Elise Wilson, Aimee Bruce.

Velvet

Jelly

It’s the current skincare trend du jour, andd the bouncy, springy surface of the new jeelly bronzers and highlighters is addictive. Thhe smooth way they melt onto the skin leaviing a radiant gleam is convincing too! These are a best worn with equally dewy products, ass applying over powder can have a bit of a wet puddle effect. effect wet-puddle d Revlon PhotoR oReady d Gl Glow G Gelee l e iin G Good As Gold and Dazzle, D $28.

er

Suspennding ingredients in a wateery fluid means you get L’Oréal Paris the complexion benefits of Infallible hyaaluronic acid as well as Magic Essence the thinnest layer of colour Drops, $34.99. yet. Perfect for summer, the hints of dewy hues can be swiped or patted on without preecision and last for hours regardless of what you get up to.

Lanolips Lip Water, $26.

Too Faced You’re So Jelly Highlighter in Bourbon Bronze, $52.

Natio Mattifying Mattifying Powder in Transparent, $19.95.

Oil

After two decades of foundations proudly touted as “oil-free”, the tides have turned and they’re now loaded with the stuff, like this new launch from Kosas (below). Lips are also currently enjoying oil formulations’ smooth feel and offer the comfort and hydration of a balm with the shine of a gloss. Try a pretty popsicle hue in a see-through base as an alternative to lipstick.

Revlon Kiss Glow Lip Oil in Bouncy Beige, $22.

Kosas Tinted Face Oil, $72.

No more cake face! These new products focus on delivering a flattering soft-focus veil to minimise fine lines and set makeup in place without hout the heavy layer feeeling. They also tend to be more finely milled (m meaning the particles are sm maller) and are loaded withh skincare ingredients succh as hyaluronic acidd.

DB Cosmetics Hydra Set Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $25.9 99.

Amal Clooney finishes her base with a setting powder.

Woman’s Day

59

Health Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis

This is a

BRAIN CHANGER!

What we eat can affect our mental wellbeing for better or worse. Here are the foods you need for a boost

e’re used to the messages around healthy eating being about weight loss and improved physical health.

But did you know what we eat can actually contribute to our mental health?

According to a study by Professor Felice Jacka, Australian scientist and the author of Brain Changer: The Good Mental Health Diet, women whose diets contain a higher level of vegetables, fruit, unprocessed red meats, fish and whole grains are less likely to have clinically significant depressive or anxiety disorders.

While those with a more Western-type dietary pattern – higher in processed and

W

unhealthy foods such as processed meats, pizza, chips, hamburgers, white bread and sugar – had more depressive symptoms.

So what should we be eating to keep our minds in peak condition? Professor Jacka tells all ...

MEDITERRANEAN DIET DETERS DEPRESSION

A study of more than 10,000 Spanish university graduates focused on the impact of the Mediterranean diet and how it supported mental health.

The traditional Mediterranean diet has by far the largest and most consistent evidence base for health benefits.

It’s high in a wide variety of plant foods, such as colourful vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, wholegrain cereals, legumes and lots of olive oil. It also incorporates Studies claim processed lots of fish, a little bit of food can have a serious effect on mental health. red wine and dairy, and a low intake of red meat.

The participants were asked

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whether they’d been diagnosed with depression by a medical practitioner or were taking antidepressants – this means the diet was assessed at the start of the study and anyone who already reported depression wasn’t included in the analysis.

Then the people with no previous depression were followed up for more than four years to see who developed depression.

These researchers found that people whose diets most closely resembled the traditional Mediterranean diet were much less likely to develop depression over the duration of the study.

In fact, those participants in the highest categories of the Mediterranean diet score were roughly half as likely to develop depression as those who scored low. This was after considering many other important factors, such as gender, smoking, exercise,

marital status, employment status, physical health and any medical conditions. These results suggested that eating a Mediterranean-style diet might actually prevent depression occurring in the first place.

WHAT IF YOU ALREADY SUFFER WITH MENTAL ILLNESS?

The aim of another study – Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle in Lowered Emotional States (SMILES) – was to see whether helping people to improve their diets would have a meaningful impact on their depressive symptoms. To do this, nearly 180 people with clinical depression (major depressive

Edited extract from Brain Changer: The Good Mental Health Diet by Professor Felice Jacka (Macmillan, $39.99)

TIPS TO A TIGHTER TUMMY From CoolSculpting to increasing fibre, try these ways to trim your waistline

1

Simple food swaps could be the mood changer you need.

disorder) were recruited.

Our study used a diet based on a traditional Mediterranean diet, with a focus on vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil. But in contrast to the traditional Mediterranean diet, it also included recommendations to consume small serves of unprocessed red meat three to four times a week.

Participants could continue on their current treatment, whether antidepressants, counselling or both, so this was what was known as an “adjunctive” trial – in other words, the intervention was in addition to, not instead of, other forms of treatment. This is important: I would never suggest that a healthy diet should replace other forms of treatment. Our diet did not

have a weight-loss focus, and participants were encouraged to eat according to their hunger.

Given that, we didn’t expect people’s weight to change and it didn’t. In our study, the average BMI was roughly 30, meaning most people in the study were overweight or obese, and that didn’t change during the trial.

What did change, however, was people’s depression and – possibly most importantly of all – it changed in line with dietary change. Simply speaking, this meant the more people improved their diets, the more their depression improved.

STAY COOL

Will & Grace star Debra Messing (above) loves CoolSculpting, a non-surgical treatment that uses cooling to crystallise fat cells. Within a few weeks, the cells die – and new ones don’t come back in their place. “I have fat frozen off of my body [so] three months later I can feel a little bit better in a bathing suit,” says Debra.

2

STEM THE T IDE

3

GET INTENSE

4

GO NUT S!

5

HAVE A LIE IN

Asparagus and bananas are good sources of inulin, a prebiotic fibre associated with reductions in waist circumference and belly fat accumulation.

Researchers also found that increased fibre intake can lead to a decrease in the harmful fat that surrounds your organs, which is linked to illnesses.

UK medical director Dr Luke James says, “Only doing abdominalfocused workouts won’t help [your] bulge.” Instead, try high-intensity interval training, including squats, burpees and treadmill sprints.

Researchers in Spain found that people with diets high in monounsaturated fats, like those in nuts, were less likely to have gained belly fat than people on high-carb or a high-saturated fat plan.

“If you’re exhausted, it’s better to sleep the extra 30 to 40 minutes than to exercise,” says dietitian Rebecca Mohning. Why? It can affect levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which has been shown to increase belly fat.

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Wellness with Gemma McCaw

How was the

GADGETS

party?

Today 9:14AM

But… Today 10:59AM

What?

TO HELP YOU YOUR WAY

Today 11:05AM

Everyone got Today 11:07AM

No! Today 11:08AM

So embarrassed Today 11:08AM

Reached a plateau? A little technol could re-energise your workout

Should’ve…

Today 11:09AM

Today 11:09AM

eeping fit needn’t cost a lot of money, but if you’re finding yourself lacking in motivation, there are some great gadgets available these days to help you stay on track.

In fact, monitoring your health and fitness at home

K

Don’t get sick this summer Remember to: Clean

Cook

Chill

Wash hands, chopping boards, utensils and surfaces before and after handling raw meat.

Smart watch

Ranging in price from about $50 to over $1000, smart watches help you track your fitness and health at any time of the day.

One of the handiest functions on virtually all of them is the pedometer or step counter.

Knowing just how many steps you take each day can be a huge motivator – with adults recommended to take at least 10,000 for general health. Heart rate, sleep, calories consumed and distance covered can also be monitored, meaning you have a clear picture of your physical wellbeing every day.

Cook meat and poultry thoroughly, until juices run clear.

Cover, separate (cooked and raw meat) and chill in the fridge. Don’t leave food out for more than two hours. If in doubt

– chuck it out.

MPF0021

foodsafety.govt.nzI ccc

Twemoji by Twitter derivative

has never been easier, with technology helping you obtain better feedback about what’s happening in your body.

The more insights you can gain into your health, the better placed you’ll be when it comes to looking at how you can improve it.

Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your body, especially when you’re exercising. Although water bottles certainly aren’t new, smart bottles are, and they remind you when it’s time to take a sip! While there are a few on the market, the SmartBottle by Frank Green links to your phone via Bluetooth to enable you to track your water intake, set hydration goals, g , and even see how manyy plastic bottles you are saving from the landfill!

S

ON

Appy vibes

logy

Wireless Whatever your activ choice, wireless hea provide a soundtrac your path to fitness. sweat-resistant, fit s in your ears and can the intensity of any The Bluetooth wirel function means you listen to your favour tune and slip your p into your pocket, ins lugging it around at while you work out. great for long walks listening to your fav podcasts too.

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of your wellbeing is mental health. It’s important to set aside some time each day to relax and put your mind at ease, which is where technology can again come in handy. There are a huge number of apps to help with relaxation – I recommend Calm, a mindfulness

Blender blitz

A good blender is one kitchen gadget I simply couldn’t live without. Every morning I whiz up a delicious smoothie of fresh fruit, leafy greens and a glug of yoghurt or oat milk. Great for kids and adults, it’s a fantastic way of getting your five-plus in one easy hit. Blenders come in all different shapes and sizes, with even the most budget-friendly suitable for most jobs.

QUESTIONS FOR Gemma? Write to wdaynz@bauermedia.co.nz or Woman’s Day, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland.

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Travel

SRI LANKA

The infinity pool at Cape Weligama blends seamlessly into the Indian Ocean.

Step up your glamping game at Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

KAREN BIRKEMOE finds out what makes this tea-loving country a dream destination 1. TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY We travel south from capital city Colombo by train, daydreaming while looking out over the Indian Ocean as we make our way to Galle. Take in the history firsthand by walking the ramparts of Galle Fort, where the Portuguese and Dutch influence is ever-present.

Dining, museums and shopping (jewels anyone?) will fill your day – try to find a small boutique hotel within the fort for your stay. The Orchard House with its stunning courtyard and rooms filled with local art was a winner.

2. ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE This year Dilmah Tea Company made the commitment to invest 15% of corporate profits towards charitable and environmental

projects in Sri Lanka. The Elephant Transit Home next to Udawalawe National Park is one of these projects. Set up primarily to educate the locals, it also offers a home to orphaned elephants. They’re fed every three hours, so make sure you time your visit to witness one of the sessions. It’s beyond cute and a must-see for any animal lover.

3. LIVE LIKE THE RICH & FAMOUS At the southern tip of Sri Lanka lies breathtaking clifftop resort Cape Weligama. Relax like an A-lister in a room with multiple lounge areas, a huge bathroom with a steam room, as well as a bedroom larger than my entire Sydney apartment. Designed to give the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, the resort focuses on fine cuisine, surfing

and whale-watching expeditions.

Looking out from the curved infinity pool, you realise there’s nothing between you and Antarctica except ocean.

4. GET WILD!

On the border of the Yala National Park, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge takes glamping to next-level luxury. A king-sized bed, private plunge pool and cocktails are only a phone call away. But the best bit? There are no barriers between the park and the lodge, so there’s every chance of seeing an elephant walk by in the early morning.

This was my first opportunity to experience a proper safari and see elephants, crocodiles and buffalo in the wild. Our personal animal tracker even ensured a sighting of the very rare leopard.

After dark we were guided to the vaulted dining area, where

See adorable orphans being fed at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

gourmet delights awaited.

5.EXPLORE THE TEA PLANTATIONS Ceylon tea is world famous and the misty mountains of Hatton – a half-day drive from Colombo – are home to the luxury bungalows of the Ceylon Tea Trails, where you can learn the secrets of how Dilmah crafts the perfect cuppa. One of the most tranquil places I’ve ever visited, the day starts with the traditional morning “bed tea”, where tea is brought to you in bed. Activities include hiking through the hills, a tour of the working Dunkeld Tea factory and a visit to the Research Station for the Sri Lankan leopard.

Who knew there were 28 leopards roaming the local hills? As I watch the mist slowly evaporate to reveal the brilliant green of the tea plantations, I realise this really is a place I never want to leave.

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Chatter box with Sarah-Kate Lynch

An uninvited furball is not Sarah-Kate’s purr-fect guest

I

know some humans manage to be both dog and cat people, but my foot is firmly in the former.

I can’t help it. I’ve just never had much luck with felines.

Desperate for a kitten as a kid, we finally got one from the SPCA only for it to spend its life hiding under the house, in the bush or biting and scratching at the hand that tried to feed it.

What can I say? I took it personally. And I’m allergic.

What’s more, I think cats actually like that.

Our house has been a cat-free zone in the 21 years we’ve had dogs. But we’ve been without a canine for 18 months now and the neighbourhood moggies are staying to take the mickey.

I see them, out there sitting around like they own the place.

Home truths

I

with Kate Hawkesby

t’s empty-nest time for many around the country as kids head off to uni and set up their new lives in their new little parts of the world. And that includes us. We shed three family members in a week. I think that’s less “leaving the nest” and more having it ripped right open.

There are only two remaining children at home.

One has gone overseas to study, one to the South Island to study and one went flatting.

Boom! Gone! Did we cry buckets and lament the quietness of the house? Actually, no.

We were thrilled to see them on their way. Thrilled to see them chasing their dreams and heading off into the world.

Thrilled to watch them set off to conquer all the challenges

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FELINE PECULIAR

Woman’s Day

If only they knew that the ghost of Ted, the Kerry blue terrier, is salivating in his grave.

Oh, shoot, that reminds me. He isn’t in his grave. He’s salivating in the cupboard in the spare room along with Kit, his predecessor.

Anyway, both dogs were holy terrors with cats, which despite my own ambivalence I did not encourage or admire. In fact, we spent a fortune training Ted in particular out of chasing the balls of fluff.

I remember once the little horror spotted a cat and jumped out of the car before I could get him on the leash. He ran across the road, up a driveway, into the backyard then across three other properties until I caught him.

Red-faced, I retraced my steps and fell on my sword, offering

apology after apology to the owner of the driveway and house until I finally realised what he was trying to tell me. “It wasn’t my cat.”

Oops. Regardless, Ted was literally on a short leash after that but whenever he saw a cat, he would squeak with longing and quiver with the lack of excitement at being able to pursue his terrier heart’s desire.

So, today I was walking down the hallway when I saw through the window in the front door, the biggest, fluffiest grey cat striding down the driveway towards our house.

I opened the front door expecting it to take flight, but it didn’t. Instead, it just stared at me as if to say: “And …?”

Just then a bunny hopped across the drive, bold as brass,

between myself and the cat.

I looked at puss.

“You could’ve at least got the rabbit!” I said.

At which the superior being gave me one last withering look, turned on its heels and sauntered – I say, sauntered – back down the drive with an arrogant flick of its tail.

If that doesn’t say it all about cats, I don’t know what does.

Although to be fair, Ted wasn’t much chop when it came to getting rid of rabbits either, although he liked to feast on their poo on occasion, which did nothing for his breath.

But a rabbit doesn’t have attitude. A rabbit doesn’t taunt a less intelligent being into coming for it. A rabbit’s simply not worth the bother. Like it or not, cats rule.

SILVER LINING

Kate finally has some room for her shoes of starting up afresh outside of the family cocoon. Thrilled that they’ll now be buying their own food.

I’ll admit I had one teeny-tiny wobbly moment as I stood in my son’s empty bedroom and thought how vacant it looked.

But that was quickly replaced with excitement as to what I could do with that room now.

“You can’t come back,” I told him when he called from his new flat, “because I’ve turned your bedroom into a shoe room.”

“A whole room just for shoes?” he quipped.

“Well, it’s kind of got other bits and pieces and storage-type stuff in it too – it’s actually super useful and it doesn’t smell like Lynx Africa any more, so I love it,” I enthused.

That’s the fear for liberated

empty nesters – that somehow at some point, the kids will boomerang back. It’s happened before. My son went flatting once before and came back.

This time I said he has to stay away. It’s for his own sake, I tell him, for the independence (and also for the sake of my shoes). Uni kids have less of the empty-nest vibe because they bounce back and forth for holidays, so it doesn’t feel too final … yet.

And we do have the added distraction of the two left at home. To be fair, when the baby leaves I’ll be a mess. I’ve told her she’s not allowed to ever leave home, or indeed even grow up, but she’s ignored that so far. I said that when and if she leaves home to go study overseas, I’ll just come with her.

“No thanks,” she flippantly replied. “It’s not really cool to take your mum with you to uni.”

She dashed my dreams with a withering eye roll. So until she goes, we’re coping pretty well with seeing our kids off into the world. The fridge stays full for longer, there’s less laundry, I feel like the house doesn’t need as much vacuuming.

The worry doesn’t go away, though. As a parent you still lie awake at night hoping they’re feeding themselves properly, that they’re alright, that they’re happy and safe and well. You still think of them as tiny wee things, even though they’re not.

But they need to find their way, so all you can do is hope they’ve had enough instilled into them in the early years … and that they’ll be OK.

Advice

ASK POLLY

Get advice from fast-talking Rova and More FM star Polly Gillespie Pollyism of the week What would it be like to be a Real Housewife of some fabulous TV town? Not Auckland – that was not very Kiwi. But maybe Orange County? New York? Beverly Hills or Cheshire?

I’ve told friends that in my next life I’ll be a “trophy wife”, and they have one of two reactions. The first is, “Oh Polly! Tut-tut. That’s an awful goal. You’re a smart woman. And you call yourself a feminist!”

When I hear this, I think, “Oh shut up. On the inside I’m a supermodel, but I’m hiding under an imperfect face and a layer of chub.”

The second reaction is, “Oh stop it! You’d be so bored!” To this I roll my eyes and demand that I wouldn’t ever be bored. I’d shop and make marmalade, and get my hair blow-dried by my live-in hair stylist every day.

I watch these women in these grand homes and all I can think is what great hair they have. I wonder if it’s their hair or extensions? I do worry about the thinness of some of the Beverly Hills blondes, and I wonder where I can get a husband with that much money.

I know! I know! It’s terrible.

I’m a terrible, awful person.

I have never, ever in my life dated a rich man. The thing is, why the heck would a multi-millionaire marry me?

Why would one hook up with a mother-of-three with too many kilos and too many issues when he could marry a sparkly new supermodel?

You wouldn’t, would you?

(This is the moment I need you to say “Oh Polly, of course he’d rather have you!”

Thanks, I appreciate it.)

Are these women happy?

To be honest, they probably are just as happy as us but with better furniture and really, really good hair extensions.

I don’t imagine they have any more problems than you or me, who spend far too long standing in front of the cooler at the supermarket trying to decide whether we need ridiculously expensive butter, or how we can drop three kids off to schools at opposite ends of the city, all within 10 minutes in rush-hour traffic?

But they do have heavy periods, and husbands who snore, and children who go through anxiety, and friends who move away. They do worry about boyfriends who don’t text, and parent-teacher meetings, and if people like us think they’re morons.

I wonder if they sit on their beds at night overwrought with a desperate need to dye their roots and a power bill that keeps them awake.

I don’t imagine they do.

They’re probably far too busy sorting piles of diamonds.

There must be one billionaire wanting a nutty, middle-aged divorced woman with three kids and a leaking roof, right?

I am confused about the talk about our carbon footprints and the impact air travel has on the world. But really, does that mean Kiwis have to stay put at home and not travel overseas in order to save the planet? I am confused. What are your thoughts? Fly Girl, via email

Q

POLLY SAYS Great question.

It’s a brain-splitter, right?

You can offset your carbon footprint by making a donation when you buy your flights online. You can also go to various websites, including sustainable.org.nz, to calculate your carbon footprint and then offset that amount with good deeds.

Q

My 25-year-old daughter’s new boyfriend is nice enough,

but he is seven years older than her and he has a couple of kids, who spend every second weekend with him. There have been a couple of times where my daughter has ended up looking after the kids when he has gone out with his mates. I don’t think she should be a free babysitter. Do you agree? Irate Mum, via email POLLY SAYS I totally agree, but it’s up to her to say something.

Really, he should be getting a babysitter so they can both go out. Personally, I don’t think his ex would be impressed – he’s supposed to be spending time with his kids. I also think it’s unwise for you to interfere and talk to him, but a frank discussion with your daughter would be good!

QUESTIONS FOR POLLY? Write to wdaynz@bauermedia.co.nz or Woman’s Day, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland.

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BE ENTERTAINED! COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK!

ELISAB

INVISIBL The actress goes from ha

TEXT: CHRIS GLAVOVIC, REBEKAH HEBENTON.

NEW RELEASE

THE INVISIBLE MAN In cinemas Thursday

Elisabeth’s character struggles to convince friends she is being taunted by an invisible force.

1993 THE GOOD SON Elijah played the reluctant protagonist in this psychological thriller opposite a chilling performance from Macaulay Culkin.

2001 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING The child prodigy got his big break in Sir Peter Jackson’s blockbuster franchise, starring as tormented hobbit Frodo Baggins.

lisabeth Moss has made a career out of playing women who find themselves in distressing situations, but with her latest thriller she’s taking things to the next level in The Invisible Man. Based on H.G. Wells’ 1897 sci-fi novel of the same name, the film takes the titular character and turns him into the antagonist in this twisted tale.

Cecilia (Elisabeth) is trying to move on from her violent and controlling ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), when she is informed that he has killed himself and left her $5 million of his fortune. The catch? She can’t cash it in if she’s found to be “mentally incompetent”.

Soon Cecilia is being tormented by an unseen force confirming her suspicions that Adrian isn’t dead at all and has somehow turned himself invisible.

E

Oliver (left) says his co-star Elisabeth is “brilliant”.

ELIJAH WOOD THROUGH TH Middle Earth was just one sto 1993 THE ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN

At just 12 years old, Elijah brought Mark Twain’s iconic character to life in this tale of p compassion and friendship.

2004 ETERNAL SUNS SHINE OF THE SPOTLESS S MIND Elijah acted alongside Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey in this sci-fi romantic drama, which went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

1992 RADIO FLYER The actor’s bowl cut and bright blue eyes featured in this charming tale of fantasy and brotherly bbonding.

2005 SIN CITY Always smiling and seriously creepy, the star actor played a mute, cannibalistic serial killer in this highly accclaimed crime anthology fliick.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

ETH’S

E FEAR

rue crime i hhas llong bbeen an inspiration for films and TV shows, but these documentary series focus on the real people involved, and delve into the minds of killers and criminals.

T

ndmaid to haunted

This updated take on a classic story contains a powerful message about the horrors of domestic violence.

“You literally have a man who is invisible … she’s saying he’s there, that he’s attacking her, abusing her, manipulating her,” says The Handmaid’s Tale star, 37. “But everyone around her is saying, ‘Relax. It’s fine.’ No-one believes her. The analogy is incredibly clear.”

While the relationship between the fictional couple is turbulent to say the least, Oliver, 33, couldn’t be more glowing about his co-star. The Haunting of Hill House star tells, “She’s brilliant. She is so funny. And, you know, of course, she’s pretty good at acting.”

E YEARS

p on this star’s rise

MURDER FOR HIRE Available on Neon You thought your nine-to-five was g i y – try being a hitman. This gnarly series explores the dark world of killers for hire.

MAKING A MURDERER Available on Netflix He served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction. Two years after his release, Steven Avery was charged with murder. This series explores the events leading to his first arrest and eventual return to life behind bars.

UNSEEN Available on Amazon Prime Video In 2009, 11 decomposing bodies were found in and around the home of a known sex offender. This confronting tale takes you up close and personal with the victims and features chilling tales from survivors.

DON’T F**K WITH CATS Available on Netflix This is the story of how internet sleuths analysed disturbing videos that murderer Luka Magnotta posted of himself doing atrocious things to cats, in their attempt to track him down and bring him to justice.

KILLER INSIDE: THE MIND OF AARON HERNANDEZ Available on Netflix Football star Aaron Hernandez’s murder of fellow player Odin Lloyd rocked more than just the sporting world. This series looks into toxic male behaviour and thhe pressures of the game.

START HERE!

COME ME TO DDY DAD In cineemas Thurssday

1989 BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II Elijah made his film debut at the age of eight with a small part in this classic time-travel tale.

2011-2014 WILFRED

2020 COME TO DADDY

Hilarious and heartwarming, as well as confusing, this mindbending comedy drama features Elijah as a depressed man who sees his neighbour’s dog as a fully-grown Australian man wearing a dog suit.

The talented performer finds himself in yet another battle for survival in this dark comedyy thriller, directed by Kiwi Ant Timpson. When privileged Norval receives a letter from his longlost father, he jumps at the opportunity to see him. What he encounters, however, is a strange and terrifying string of events, leaving him with more questions than answers.

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BE ENTERTAINED! COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK!

THE LORD OF THE RINGS It was the trilogy that threw New Zealand into the limelight and, while it was shot across multiple locations, Hobbiton in Matamata is a must-visit for fans.

Take a tour of the famous attraction, being sure to snap a picture outside Frodo’s door.

LOCAL LOVE

Our beautiful country has starred in many big-budget blockbusters

KING KONG Sir Peter Jackson certainly knows how to showcase our country. Filmed mostly in Wellington, it was Auckland’s Civic Theatre that came alive as the magnificent New York Theatre where Kong escapes.

THE LAST SAMURAI When Tom Cruise slashed his sword in this 2003 film, it wasn’t Mt Fuji in the background – it was Mt Taranaki! Another spot used in the area was Pukekura Park, which was used as the Imperial Army parade area and palace.

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Woman’s Day

What’s buzzing on the page, stage and airwaves PODCAST

The Shrink Next Door If you’re on the hunt for a new true-crime addiction, look no further! This sixpart series tells the unbelievable story of how successful businessman Marty Markowitz lived under the control of his psychiatrist for almost 30 years.

MOVIE

Horse Girl Available on Netflix

THE PIANO Who could forget the iconic scene on Karekare Beach featuring Holly Hunt, Anna Paquin and a grand piano?

Dame Jane Campion’s 1993 drama was also filmed on farms in Matakana and Taranaki, while the epic underwater scenes were shot in the Bay of Islands.

Alison Brie gives an incredible performance in this tense drama about a shy woman who slowly loses touch with reality as she starts to believe she is a clone of her grandmother, and disturbing lucid dreams take over her waking life.

EVENT

Winding Up ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland – Until March 8

Local acting legends Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow tread the boards in a new play showing the lighter side of the golden years. Barry and Gen may be retired, but that won’t slow them down.

With overseas travel to plan and a friend to bury, this pair put the fun in funeral!

MUSIC

A WRINKLE IN TIME While much was shot in LA, key scenes were filmed here. Four South Island sites were used, including Lake Pukaki in the Southern Alps. At the time, Oprah shared a picture saying, “Around every corner yet another breathtaking view.”

Birds of Prey: The Album

If you loved Margot Robbie’s exciting new Harley Quinn romp, you can now pick up the fantabulous soundtrack. With tracks from Halsey and Jurnee Smollett-Bell, it’s the perfect pre-party pump-up.

TOP READS

BOOKS

Our deputy editor Marilynn McLachlan shares her page-turning picks

OUT NOW

OUT NOW

BOOK OF THE MONTH!

THE FOUNDLING

JEANINE CUMMINS (Hachette, rrp $34.99)

STACEY HALLS (Allen & Unwin, rrp $23.99)

When Lydia’s entire family are murdered by a gang in Acapulco, she has to make the long journey to America with her eight-year-old son Luca in order to survive. With the gang leader’s reach extending across South America, they must try to stay one step ahead as they head north, encountering both the best and worst of humanity along the way.

Six years after leaving her illegitimate newborn at London’s Foundling Hospital, shrimp seller Bess Bright returns to take her home.

But when she gets there she is told that her daughter has already been claimed by someone else. Determined, Bess turns her life upside down in order to find her girl in this page-turning historical novel.

NEW IN NON-FICTION OUT NOW

LOVESTRUCK

BRONWYN SELL (HarperCollins, rrp $32.99) m hea to her before, finds fellow guest family’s resort in and jilted bride Sophia more the Whitsundays for attractive than he should. her father’s wedding – to Matriarch and meddler another man.

Nan has high hopes for her Always put in the ‘friend grandchildren to have children zone’, Amy realises that her to one day take over from dad and dancer mum have her, and she doesn’t mind more of a love life than she “arranging” for things to does, making it all the more happen to make it all the devastating when she feels more likely.

Lovestruck is a heartThe Pull for Josh, who turns warming and romantic read out to be her future stepthat will have you cringing brother, which means nothing one moment and laughing can happen between them the next, with characters that – or does it? will stay with you long after Meanwhile, cousin Harry, the last page. who has been bruised in love

A

AMERICAN DIRT

OUT NOW

OUT NOW

OUT NOW

QUIT LIKE A WOMAN

THE ART OF REST

TINY HABITS

Holly Whitaker (Bloomsbury, rrp $29.99)

Claudia Hammond (Canongate, rrp $32.99)

BJ Fogg (Penguin, rrp $32)

Mindfulness and the importance of sleep have been in the spotlight for a while, but not much has been said about rest.

Examining its significance in the modern age, this book also explores the top 10 ways of finding rest.

New year, new you?

Chances are those big plans have gone out the window, and it’s only February!

Tiny Habits explores why and how we need to start small in order to achieve big results – no more failed resolutions, guilt or bad feelings.

She’s been running her blog Hip Sobriety for years and now Holly has penned her first book. She delves into both society as a whole and her own history with alcohol, while giving solid self-care advice.

BE ENTERTAINED! COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK!

Best on THE PETER PERYER: THE ART OF SEEING

THE POISON ROSE

Wednesday, 8.30pm, Sky Movies Extra John Travolta and Morgan Freeman star in this dramatic thriller about an alcohol-dependent detective who takes on a missing person casee, but finds himself sucked into more than he bargained for. He must race against the clock to solve the mystery and save himself from dangerr.

Thursday, 8.30pm, Rialto Channel A picture is worth a thousand words, especially one taken by celebrated New Zealand photograp photographer Peter Peryer.

This Thi eye-opening film documents the life and career of the man behind the camera, who deddicate himself to seeing and making works of art outt of everyday scenes.

HORTTON HE RS A WHO

Friday, 6.30pm, N Nickelodeon Dr. Seuss’ timeless classic comes to life in this aadorable animated flick. When big-heaarted elephaant Horton (voiced by Ji Car Jim C rrey)) discove di ers a microscopic i i society, he does everything in his power to rescuue them from m the gargantuan world aaround them.

MODERN FAMILY

Friday, 10pm, THREE Back for its final season, we say our last farewells to the DunphyTucker-Pritchett clan as loose ends are tied up and our hopes for the expanding family are either realised or shattered.

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MONDAY FEBRUARY 24 SUNDAY MARCH 1

MADAM SECRETARY

THE BEST OF STREAMING CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK

Thursday, 9.30pm, PRIME Office politics are always tricky to handle, even more when you work in the Oval Office. Recently elected as President, Elizabeth McCord’s future hangs in the balance as an investigation is launched into her past. The ever-popular political drama returns for its sixth and final season with all the drama you’d expect.

I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS Wednesday on Netflix RATING: ★★★★ Navigating highschool awkwardness, family drama and sexuality is never easy, but doing all of that while discovering your own superpowers is near impossible!

From the producers of Stranger Things, this is a must for fans of the supernatural.

CALL THE MIDWIFE

Friday, 8.30pm, TVNZ 1 Midwifery is never an easy job – add a society that’s rapidly changing, a dash of demolition, as well as the return of a deadly disease and it becomes quite the occupation! Now in its ninth season, this beloved series deals with the aftermath of Winston Churchill’s death, as well drug abuse, cancer and tuberculosis.

ALTERED CARBON Thursday on Netflix RATING: ★★★ In a world where humans can store their consciousness and transplant ‘themselves’ into other bodies, you can guarantee there’s going to be chaos. This futuristic drama series returns for a second season, mixing mortality and ethics in the most exciting way.

BETTER CALL SAUL Monday on Lightbox RATING: ★★★★ Season five of this Breaking Bad spin-off kicks off this week.

Jimmy, now doing business as Saul Goodman, unveils an unorthodox strategy that tests Kim’s tolerance of his new legal persona. Meanwhile, Lalo searches for the mysterious Michael, only to discover a problem within his own operation.

MAD ABOUT YOU

THE WALKING DEAD

Monday, 9.30pm, TVNZ 2 This fan-favourite horror series is back after a mid-season break, so get ready for more destruction and zombie killing! Civilisation stands on the brink of destruction, and the search for safety and balance is called into question as bands of militia continue to fight. Will humanity become its own undoing?

Saturday on TVNZ OnDemand RATING: ★★★★ It’s the latest in a surge of ’90s TV reboots, with Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt returning in their leading roles. New York City can be a tough place to live – how have the last 30 years treated the Buchmans?

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73

THIS WEEK’S BIG CROSSWORD ACROSS

Puzzles Relax with our fantastic collection of fun puzzles and you could win cash!

SUDOKU

Fill in the blank squares with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each smaller 3 x 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.

6

2 1 8 4 9 3 6 1 7 9 2 6 4 1 5 7 3 6 1 2 1 2 7 3 4 5 1 7 8 9

WHO AM I?

5

I was born in the UK in 1993. Dad is a massage therapist for Everton FC, and my brother and I grew up in a sportsmad house. I was into local theatre and singing, then gave it up to focus on dance, but when my school drama teacher put me forward for a radio play audition, I landed my first professional role. On leaving school I gained small roles on shows including Silent Witness, and a part in a miniseries called Good Cop. One of the show’s stars, Stephen Graham, recommended me to his agent and with her help, I won a big role on the teen comedy My Mad Fat Diary. In 2015, I acted in Doctor Foster, but it wasn’t until I played an assassin, alongside Sandra Oh, that I earned global fame … plus an Emmy Award! Due to the success of Killing Eve, Hollywood came calling: I had a cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and also filmed Free Guy, with Taika Waititi and Ryan Reynolds, which is out later this year. Who am I?

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Woman’s Day

108. Cut sharply 109. Religious verse 1. Lending a hand 112. Char-grills, … the meat 6. Southern Lights, 114. Spooky, uncanny … Australis 11. Singer and star of Viva 117. Vote into office Las Vegas, … Presley 119. Commotion, … and bother 14. Looked at quickly, Spoken, not written 120. … the document 122. Movie, … So it Goes 15. Ham it up 17. Language of East Africa 123. Musical symbol, treble …

18. Evade Units of electrical 125.

20. Level high ground resistance 22. What movie stars do Increases an engine’s 126.

24. Solid water speed 25. Chemical opposite 127. Bird, spangled … of an acid 129. Crop-destroying insect 27. Affirmed 132. Retreat, withdraw (4,4) 28. Cast a banning vote, 133. Mottle with spots … the idea 135. Part of a curve 29. Conquer 136. Spanish bullfight cheer 31. Jeans pioneer, 138. Product consumer (3-4) … Strauss 141. On the ocean (2,3) 32. Biological egg 142. Re-erected from scratch 34. Sentimentally cute 143. Curving over 35. Bubbly bathtub 37. Golf trousers, … fours 144. Have faith 38. Child’s stick on a spring 145. Alleviates, … the pain 146. Star of That ’70s Show, 40. Slightly drunk … Kutcher 43. Stage whisper 147. Ventilating device, … fan 45. Object, protest 47. Fry lightly 48. Untidy, unkempt person DOWN 50. Ascend 1. Deviating from normal, 52. UK royal racecourse an … situation 53. Capital of Japan 2. Cut of meat, rump …

54. Dressmaker’s 3. Page fastener template, eg 4. Very tiny amount 55. Rot, decompose 5. Movie, … with the Wind 58. Printing fluids 6. Alleviate, … their fears 60. Baseball glove 7. Evaluate again 62. Swedish co-star of 8. Coerce, … into going 11. Across, …-Margret 9. Jakarta’s island 64. Slightly damp 10. Hair tangle 67. Offspring actress, 11. Trading Places star, … Keddie … Murphy 69. Consumed, had …

12. VCR,…cassetterecorder 71. Held responsible 13. Fast motor cruiser 73. Resided, lived at 14. Appraise, gauge (4,2) 76. Star of The Poseidon 16. Coastal rock faces Adventure, … Borgnine 19. Eight-legged creature 78. Feasible 21. Top of baby’s bottle 79. Tramples heavily 23. Actor’s prompts 80. Sewing device 26. Confess 82. Tallied up 28. The other way around, 85. Plod, … wearily … versa 87. Rule as monarch 30. Pair, duo 88. Spiteful, mean and … 31. Enticed, tempted 91. Singer, ... Jackson 33. 180-degree change of 94. Female deer direction (1-4) 96. Took legal action 36. Visual representation against, … for damages 39. Killer whales 98. Yield to another 41. Household animals 100. Old Russian monarchs 42. Harnessing-frames 103. Deep-seated enmity for oxen, eg 104. First African-American 43. Eased off, the storm …

US president, Barack … 44. Wayward 105. Make parallel 45. Bugs Bunny saying, 107. Pastry dishes What’s up …?

46.

49.

51.

56.

57.

59.

Salad dressing (abbrev) Select, … for Tavern, pub Inters in a crypt General pardon North Korean leader, … Jong-un 61. Dublin is there 63. Poseidon 65. Swimmer, … Thorpe 66. Very hard dark wood 67. TV commercials (abbrev) 68. Of greater weight 70. Novelist, Danielle …

72. Regard highly, hold in …

74. Tie the knot 75. Be untruthful 77. Come to a close 81. Legendary lover, … Juan 82. Relaxed (2,4) 83. Recognise, find out 84. Neglected state 86. Open-back van 89. Took into the family 90. Buy and sell 92. Awry 93. Italian volcano 95. Raw mineral 97. Tea-making vessel 98. South African city, … Town 99. TV crime series, … in Paradise 101. Donkey 102. Practises boxing 105. Associate, … with 106. Symbolic move, token …

110. Ice-cream server 111. Cycling courier, bike …

113. Fraudulent practice, tax …

115. Fleshy head parts (3,5) 116. Wishful thinker 118. Loan provider 120. Egg-shaped 121. Slatted door or window 123. Baking container (4,3) 124. German for “Mrs” 128. The Godfather: Part III actor, Andy …

130. Companies of actors 131. Wound crusts 134. Write in capital letters, 136. Birds said to be wise 137. Garden paradise 139. Distribute, … out 140. Food seasoning, sea …

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When you’ve solved the crossword, the letters on the shaded squares, reading left to right, top to bottom, spell a mystery word or phrase.

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The mystery word SOLUTION NEXT WEEK

Woman’s Day

75

Puzzles

$250 PRIZE

WORDFIND WOODY HARRELSON

See ‘How to enter’ (PAGE 80)

L N G T H E G R A N D B I L L Y

1

BRAINBUSTERS

Renée Zellweger won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of which Hollywood legend?

1 2 3 4 5

Kia Motors is based in which country?

Which actor angered Donald Trump by portraying him on Saturday Night Live?

What flavour sauce is served with the poached pear dish belle Hélène?

What is the name of the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced professionally on the stage?

What part of the body is the thorax?

Action star Jason Statham represented Britain in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in which sport?

A B

1 2

18

L

10

19

C

Which river runs through Perth?

D

Which New Zealand bowler holds the record for the most wickets taken in Test cricket?

Woman’s Day

Y O T O I N A B S X I B L T L L

F U A C N Q L A E R Y D I S E R

L S E H G H E R N I E M W A O P

Fill in the letters in the box beneath the puzzle to spell the mystery word.

Which famous children’s character lives on the island of Sodor?

76

R Y T D K N N E P M O I O E L Y

Y E S O P A I Z C D N E M A S N

N E N L I N B E A H I Z H O Y H

T M I L N K M A Y U A V Y C T A

R E E Y B M O N E Y T R A I N Y

A B L W P J Z D C K E I L D M M

P E T O N O S R A C I I Y I J I

M D T O L E N O L O C E H T E T

A T A D S Y E K C I M M A X Z C

R V B U W O O D Y B O Y D P F H

Battle in Seattle Billy Carson Charlie Cheers David Doc Hollywood Edtv Ernie Ezra Hank Haymitch Kingpin Larry Flynt LBJ Max Mickey Midway

Money Train Now You See Me Rampart e The Colonel The Duel The Grand The Hunger Games The Messenger Tobias Tommy Wilson Woody Boyd Zombieland

Each number in the grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. Work out which number stands for each letter, write 21 13 15 26 18 16 2 8 4 9 23 them in the grid below and 3 5 20 7 24 4 cross them off the list – we’ve given you three to 25 13 10 16 6 4 6 24 25 24 9 16 start you off.

6 7 8

What marine animal is believed to have inspired the legend of mermaids?

R W L L E U D E H T W C U U W P

CODE CRACKER

AT&T is the world’s largest company in which field?

9 10 11 12

A O E R E G N E S S E M E H T I

The names, words and titles below all relate to actor Woody.

All except one of them can be found in the grid. They can read backwards or forwards, vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The leftover name, title or word is the mystery answer.

8

E F G H I J K L M

N

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9

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18

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T U

3

18

Q R

3

24

17

4

P 3

13

22

16

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 7. Toil swallowing rum again causes chaos (7) 9. Point to stick-like hard black wood (5) 10. Billy’s mate could look after your child (5) 11. Past bit altered to be like biblical prophet John? (7) 12. Not starting fire in anger (3) 13. Renault’s change of disengaged gears (8) 16. Environmentally friendly insect is a garden pest (8) 17. Sporting gear kept inside team-room initially (3) 19. Right to disconcert Wild West snake (7) 21. Ron goes to shindig with piece of classical music (5) 22. Rear part of ship’s firm (5) 23. Man sees movement as a group (2,5)

1

DOWN 1. Noise after Stan’s temporary replacement (5-2) 2. Gran rude about magnificence (8) 3. Turned up rod, yes, to fish (4) 4. Pray then move to prewedding bash (3,5) 5. Some oregano, rice and seaweed used in sushi (4) 6. Tokyo destroyed by another Japanese city (5) 8. Employed population to work with army (6,5) 13. Embroidering is annoying (8) 14. Like Prohibition agent Eliot’s portrait (8) 15. Very pleased about right to be caressed (7) 18. Metal alloy used for money (5) 20. Walker turned back during long hike (4) 21. Heard to wander in Italian city (4)

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$250 PRIZE

STARWORD Work out the names of the celebrities pictured and enter for your chance to win!

Giant store Baby’s game

Make a mistake

6

Equipment

Young boy

Ceremonies

Heavy shoe

Limited Cooking pan

Barbie’s ex-boyfriend

See ‘How to enter’ (PAGE 80)

Very happy

Pictured star, Rosamund ...

Army officer

Matrix

Painting Pictured star, Ralph ...

US comedy actress, ... Fey

Play a role Period of Freshly history produced

US actor, ... Kilmer

Pen filler

Tinted Metal source

In the past

Annoy

Brad Pitt Greek epic

Get ready (for) (4,2)

Ireland Psychic power (1.1.1.)

Mature Family pet Do nothing Ceramic slab

Footslog Defrost

Fit out

Hemmed

As well Darn

TV breaks Inner self

Crooner

Large quantity

Quoits target

Braid

Golfer, Ernie...

Sheep

Fierce giant

Belly Jump on one leg

Attend to, ... a fire

Woman’s Day

77

Puzzles LOGIC BRAINTRAINER

ROSETTA A rosetta is made up of a centre coloured hexagon surrounded by six white hexagons.

To complete the puzzle, fill in all seven rosettas with each number between 1 and 7 in no particular order while also ensuring that: 1. No number is repeated in a horizontal row 2. Each number from 1 to 7 is represented in the seven coloured hexagon cells.

WORDMAKER How many words of four letters or more, including one of nine letters, can you make from the letters here – with each word containing the letter in the centre? Don’t include proper names or plurals.

G D I N L G F E L

WHICH COUPLE TOOK THE POTATO SALAD?

WHITE

7

ROSÉ

6 2 4 5 1

RED

2

1

Each time you rule out match, put a cross where the vertical and horizontal squares meet in the grid.

When you find a match, put a tick in the grid. Also put a cross in the other two squares horizontally and vertically in the same line, as no other combinations can be true. By doing so, you’ll gradually be able to solve the puzzle.

POTATO SALAD

3 5

CLUES 1. James and his wife took a bottle of white.

2. Kelly and her partner didn’t take the pasta salad.

3. Denise and her boyfriend took the green salad and the rosé.

4. Rhonda and Iain took a bottle of their favourite red.

GREEN SALAD

4 3

SPENCER

6

JAMES

5

IAIN

1

The Blakes at No. 93 invited their neighbours over for a Sunday barbecue, asking them to bring a salad and a bottle. From the clues, can you tell what each couple took?

PASTA SALAD

1

DENISE KELLY RHONDA RED ROSÉ WHITE GREEN SALAD PASTA SALAD POTATO SALAD MAN WOMAN SALAD BOTTLE

Love our puzzles?

Get Woman’s Day delivered every week and save!

TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 0800 MAGSHOP (0800 624 746) OR VISIT MAGSHOP.CO.NZ/WDAY

$250 PRIZE

See ‘How to enter’ (PAGE 80)

G WORDFIND COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

The words below are all countries in Africa. All except one of them can be found in the grid. They can read backwards or forwards, vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The leftover country is the mystery answer.

Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Chad Comoros CongoBrazzaville Côte d’Ivoire Djibouti DR Congo Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea

Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Ghana GuineaBissau Kenya Lesotho Liberia Li y Madagascar Malawi Mauritania Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Niger Reunion Rwanda

São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa Sudan Tanzania The Gambia Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

A M E R O O N O S A F A N I K R U B E

A A M T D F C R M N E W B A B M I Z G A

S C L A P R T O A O E S W A T I N I S E

D U I O D Y E H M O Z A E R T I R E I N

C A D R G A G V Z O D A M A L A W I E I

O S D A F N G E E N R L M A Y N E K R U

N S C R N A A A A P I O Z B E G G D R G

G I B O C A H W S B A A S A I C O A A L

O B E P T O R T Y C G C I E M Q O H L A

STAR PUZZLE Fill in each of the empty hexagons with numbers between 1 and 7 following these three rules: 1. No numbers in a horizontal line can be repeated.

2. No numbers in a diagonal line can be repeated.

3. No numbers in the seven coloured hexagons can be repeated.

Note: Each of the white hexagons is part of a line of seven that must contain each of the numbers between 1 and 7.

B A N S H E N A U M A N A R O B U C E I

R E I E E I D G R O A R A H E D I E O R

A N N N G Y M I O R S N T M D G T A N O

Z I X E A W C S V G E O A J I H L T E T

Z U R G M T L H A O S U I W I B A A I A

A G Y A B Y I B E E I B N O S N I T D U

V T G L I U O R L L O R P I Z T O A N Q

I H U G A N D A U U L I E A O G O N U E

L A I R E B I L T A A E N A O N B B R S

L M A U R I T I U S M I S A I S I N U T

E P I C N I R P D N A E M O T O A S B W

ALL-A-GRAMS

Instead of clues, we’ve given you anagrams of the words that fit into the grid. Work out each letter jumble, then work out where each word fits.

4

1

1 5

7 6

2 7

4 6

THE BEAN DIM ENTREE A REMARK CREATE ARK

MIKE RAN NEED ARM RUDEST BID

4

1

5 6 7 2

2

3

3 6

Woman’s Day

79

$250 PRIZE

SUPERSTAR CROSSWORD SU

The shaded letters below spell out the name of our pictured star.

See ‘How to enter’ (below) ACROSS 1. Bad Moms star, ...

Applegate (9) 6. Blake Lively and Jude Law thriller, ... Section (3,6) 11. Orange is the New Black actress, ... DeLaria (3) 12. Reality series, I’m a Celebrity ... Out of Here! (3,2) 13. Tobias Menzies’ dual role of Frank and “Black Jack” ... in Outlander (7) 14. Tilda Swinton’s character in Doctor Strange, ... One (7) 15. Sitcom with the character Sam Malone (6) 16. Famous play written by the bard at 26 Across (6) 18. Star Wars villain, ... Vader (5) 20. High school tragedy film, We ... Talk About Kevin (4,2) 22. Action actor, Vin ... (6) 23. Ghost star, ... Goldberg (6) 26. William Shakespeare biopic, All ... (2,4) 28 Thriller starring Claire Foy, ... the Spider’s Web (3,4,2) 29. Sci-fi horror series with Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger ... (6) 31. Bewitched character, Uncle ... (6) 34. Golf drama with Will Smith, The Legend of ... Vance (6) 36. The Pianist actor, ... Brody (6) 38. Anthony Hopkins thriller, The Silence of the ... (5) 41. Alexandre Dumas novel, The Count of Monte ... (6) 43. Reese Witherspoon comedy, Legally ... (6) 46. Tennis champion, Roger ... (7) 48. Paul Newman drama, The ...

Summer (4,3) 49. Rom-com, Bridget Jones’s ... (5) 50. Sandra Oh series, Killing ... (3) 51. Space opera, Solo: A Star ... (4,5)

52. Fargo actress, Frances ... (9) DOWN 1. National Treasure actor, Nicolas ... (4) 2. UK director, Guy ... (7) 3. ... Carell stars in the US version of The Office (5) 4. Johnny Depp road film, Fear and Loathing ... Vegas (2,3) 5. The Lodge actress, ...

Silverstone (6) 6. Show created by Simon Cowell, Britain’s Got ... (6) 7. Jennifer Connelly sci-fi thriller, The Day the ... Stood Still (5) 8. Dystopian TV series, The ...

Tale (8’1)

)NV SN EMSEQ To enter, simply fill in this coupon and MAIL to: WOMAN’S DAY PUZZLES NO. 9, Private Bag 92041, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1141.

Or enter online at nowtolove.co.nz/puzzles Entries must be received by March 6.

9. Classic novel, Gulliver’s ... (7) 10. Death row film with Tom Hanks, The Green ... (4) 17. Alfred Hitchcock thriller, The Man Who ... Too Much (4) 19. Woody Allen black comedy, ... Jasmine (4) 21. Horror sequel, Zombieland: Double ... (3) 24. Her Royal Highness (1.1.1.)

25. Rom-com, ... Complicated (2’1) 26. Denzel Washington movie, Devil ... Dress (2,1) 27. Anzac Wallace film set during the New Zealand Wars (3) 29. Dakota Johnson rom-com, How ... Single (2,2)

Starword

NAME

8NQDiMD

ADDRESS

(IAMS 8NQDiMD Superstar crossword

PHONE

30. Sidney Poitier classic, ...

Coming to Dinner (5,3’1) 32. Rock star, ... Stewart (3) 33. Naomi Watts horror, The ... (4) 35. Hollywood legend, Ava ... (7) 37. Movie archaeologist/ adventurer, ... Jones (7) 39. Fashion icon, ... Hepburn (6) 40. Spanish actor, Javier ... (6) 42. Charles Dickens novel, A Tale ... Cities (2,3) 43. UK comedian, Russell ... (5) 44. Fantasy film, Harry Potter and the ... of the Phoenix (5) 45. Jack Nicholson movie, One ...

Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (4) 47. Band, The Black ... Peas (4)

R THES O R N 1 FOLUTIO 8 GE E SO A P L SEE PUZZ

Letters

Have your say A few years ago, our school decided to create a Walk of Greatness display. This involved students researching a Kiwi they thought was a great role model.

One of the students selected Charlie Thomas because of her love of wildlife.

It was great to read in your recent issue (WD, Feb 24) that Charlie is still a dedicated environmentalist, and I wish her luck for her adventure in Hawaii.

S Goodall, Christchurch

Mum’s the word I was sorry to read of Duchess Kate’s struggle (WD, Feb 10) as she balances long work hours, time with her family and the stress of Harry and Meghan leaving. Add the pressure of constantly being on show and some sleepless nights, and the strain could certainly affect her mental health. I admire all mothers who juggle multiple jobs, and we should support the mums we know.

Lynda, Napier

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

FEBRUARY 10 SOLUTIONS

PUBLISHED LETTER WRITERS WIN THIS BOO

In Kate Rhodes’ Burnt Island (Simon & Schuste rrp $35), the tiny island of St Agnes prepares for its annual Guy Fawkes festivities. Moment before the fireworks begin, a charred body is discovered on the bonfire, and it quickly becomes clear a killer is at large. Deputy police chief Ben Kitto has no choice but to forbid all residents from leaving the island.

With time running out, Ben hurries to find out the secrets of the island’s more peculiar residents, but he knows it’s only a matter of time until another fire is started ...

rite to wdaynz@bauermedia.co.nz or oman’s ay, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141.

BIG CROSSWORD A N O M A L O U S

A N D S E U P T O E S A Y I C E R E S

Tell the Day and win! WIN!

CASH PRIZE WINNERS 10/2/20 Superstar crossword: A Williamson, Whitianga. Starburst: M Little, Auckland.

Wordfind: S McLean, Wellington. Spot the difference: E McCann, Lower Hutt

SUPERSTAR

STARBURST I W B C F N OWH E R E E L S A D I A R Y E A R L I E R T R Y O L D F E A R I A A E N E C A R AW A Y S E T T L T A P E R A P S A L E W E W A D T OM N I C OL E E S O N E E E L L I R K G E M T Y WORDFIND Dead Man Walking SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Writing removed from coffee cup

Gemma, Greta Valley

Send in your funny pics of your kids or pets and be in to win cash!

Thank you for the beautiful article and lovely photos of my beautiful granddaughter Chyanne Bevan (WD, Feb 24). Despite her trials and tribulations over the years, she has still had time for others. Her fur babies are not only Sid and Mini Cooper, but also a rabbit called Peter and a kitten named Pixie. They are all part of her beloved family, as well as her parents’ dogs Blade and Hana. Chyanne is a warm, loving girl and has only gone public with her rare condition in case there are others out there suffering, not knowing what is wrong and why they are gaining weight.

Again, thank you for the beautiful photos and shining a light on this difficult illness.

Heather, Wellington

Puzzle solutions

PICTURED STAR Sally Ridge

$100 winner

Brave girl

Tool time!!

Two-year-old Geordie is ready to help Dad with some DIY.

Get snappy!

Has a story got you all worked up? Give us your opinion

Inspiring the young

$50 winner

E B O N Y A F F I L I A T E

S S I S T I N T T O V E R A C T A P L A T E L K A L I D E F E A F T V U M T I P S Y O A U T E R T O K Y I N K S E I A S H E L A M E D W V I A V E E D L E O R E I J A N E T E M T S A R L I G N S S E A R S O O U S S T R E V A O C U S T A R C O L T S E A W T B E L I S A S E S

G O N E A T W O S O M E B G S P A R S E D E N

A U R O R A S E A S C S W A H I L I U S L Z A S S E R T E D G E O U E E S P A P L A S I D E L O B C R I S P A T T E R N I T T U A N N R E R N E E D W E L T P L E E I S T A A D D E D U N T I I N D O E S S U E R A N C O U R I E S E S N I E E R I E A L A N D C L O R E A P U L L B A C K V O L E N R E B U I L T V E E S I A S H T O N

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E E D D I V E I C E M A A Y M O N E R S T R Y C M A P L E E N G D A E R R C I R A

L V I O D C E T O O P O U R S C A I S A N E N U D T E D E S A C T O H O P P R H I N C T

I S P G E E E D B G O A O T T S S T E G E L E L M E M S S L E N N G E O R

WORD MAKER Deli, Dell, Dill, Fell, File, Fill, Fled, Geld, Gild, Gill, Glen, Idle, Lend, Lied, Lief, Lien, Life, Line, Ling, Elfin, Felid, Field, Filed, Fling, Gelid, Glide, Ingle, Lined, Dingle, Filled, Gilled, Niggle, Felling, Gelding, Gelling, Niggled, Fledging, Fledgling.

ALL-A-GRAMS

R B E M C A R E T A K E R M N R A D E T E RM I N E K A A D D I S T U R B E D N H K R

CRYPTIC

SUDOKU 9 5 3 8 1 7 6 2 4

J K A N N V O A C T U L E V U S R D E O D E C N A T E O O M P B A S T D R O B A P D T E E F D R O A D U S O A L L E X T

3 4 6 2 5 9 7 8 1

7 2 1 6 8 4 3 5 9

2 6 5 4 7 8 9 1 3

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S G D T U R M O A A R N A N N Y D D I R E N N U E G R E E B D R A T T L A R I S T E R N S K G

H N K I L E B O N Y A N R O B A P T I S T O A O E U T R A L S R T I S N F L Y K I T O E R E R R O N D O C O E K E N M A S S E E S D

ROSETTA

1

LOGIC BRAINTRAINER Denise/Spencer/Green Salad/Rosé Kelly/James/Potato Salad/White Rhonda/Iain/Pasta Salad/Red BRAINBUSTERS 1 Judy Garland 2 South Korea 3 Alec Baldwin 4 Chocolate 5 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 6 Telecommunications 7 Chest 8 Diving 9 Thomas the Tank Engine 10 Swan River 11 Richard Hadlee 12 Manatee CODE CRACKER 1=F, 2=X, 3=S, 4=U, 5=B, 6=N, 7=Q, 8=J, 9=R, 10=V, 11=H, 12=K, 13=O, 14=G, 15=M, 16=E, 17=D, 18=L, 19=Z, 20=I, 21=C, 22=T, 23=Y, 24=A, 25=W, 26=P. Mystery word: Nutmeg WHO AM I? Jodie Comer

6

2 5 7 6 7 6 4 3 2 5 3 5 7 1 4 4 1 6 2 3 7 2 7 4 5 6 3 1 1

STAR PUZZLE

4

1 5 1 5 2 7 3 4 6 7 6 3 5 2 1 3 4 1 6 7 5 6 2 7 4 1 7 2 4 1 5 3 6 5 3 2

SHOP WINDOW

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White Herons & West Coast CONTACT US: Phone 027 435 1955 or (03) 314 7220 Email: info@southislandtoursnz.com southislandtoursnz.com

THIRD AGE TOURS Est. 1999

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520,000 Readership

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Rustic Charm of Southern England - Wales and Yorkshire Dales August 27–September 28, 2020 Enchanting Ireland and Scotland May 21-June 17, 2020 Captivating Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Venice June 1-25, 2020 Amazing Treasures of Turkey September 1-25, 2020 Delightful Vietnam and Cambodia October 3-26, 2020 Unique & Beautiful Norfolk Island October 30-November 6, 2020

SOUTH ISLAND TOURS

co ontact Kim Chapman: (07) 578 3646 / 021 673 133, ĞŵĂŝů͗ ĐůĂƐƐŝĮĞĚƐΛdžƚƌĂ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj *source Nielseen CMI Oct 17 Sep 18. ABC 17 Sep 18.

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A gorgeous collection of fashion, accessories, homewares and more...

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TASMANIA

ESCORTED GROUP TOUR DEPARTS AUCKLAND: May 17, 2020

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TWILIGHT TRAVEL & TOURS

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Hit the SHOPS

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

WITH

Check out what’s new, noteworthy and nice to have!

CLEAN & GREEN

BEAUTIFUL BLENDS

Nespresso travelled high and low to bring you the Ispirazione Italiana range of coffee capsules embodying each region’s own unique approach to roasting. Try the dark roasted Napoli, or the delicately aromatic Venezia with caramel notes.

Rrp $19 for a duo, $45 for a five-sleeve assortment.

Available at nespresso.com.

Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin and approved

by Sensitive Choice®, ecostore’s Ultra Sensitive fragrancefree laundry liquid is perfect for those with allergies or even the most sensitive skin.

Works in cold or warm water. Rrp $12.95 for 1 litre. Go to ecostore.com/ ultrasensitive for the full range of Ultra Sensitive products.

REVITALISE YOUR SKIN

Reveal beautiful, healthy glowing skin with the help of Ahhh Cosmetics’ vibrant range of scrub bars. Made with deeply nourishing coconut oil and refreshing scents, these bars buff and polish your skin, leaving it super soft. Take your pick from Peppermint Foot Scrub, Lemongrass Hand Scrub, Peach Smoothie Body Scrub, Summer Melon Body Scrub and Raspberry Vanilla Body Scrub. Rrp $7.99 each. Available at ahhh.nz and at select New World supermarkets nationwide.

DEWY FINISH

CS25552 02/03/20 ADVT20

FILL YOUR HOME WITH SCENT

Exclusive to Farmers, experience two new limited edition scents from the ECOYA Home Fragrance collection: Wild Peach & Apricot, a delicious fruity scent elevated with crisp apple and leafy green notes with a warm base of vanilla, cinnamon and musk; and Magnolia & Sweet Coconut, a delicate white floral scent with creamy velvety notes of sweet coconut and Tonka bean. Available in a 400g Madison Candle, rrp $52.95, and a 50ml Mini Reed Diffuser, rrp $29.95. Visit farmers.co.nz for more information.

New Revlon PhotoReady Candid™ Anti-Pollution Foundation is made with a skincare-inspired formula that features gentle ingredients, including vitamin E for pollution protection.

You’ll love the light, even coverage and radiant dewy finish. Available in nine shades. Rrp $30. Go to revl nz.co f r mor

PARADISE FOUND

Freedom Farms reckon hens need heaps of open grassy space, shade and shelter. To keep things honest they invite independent auditors to their farms to make sure their hens are in free-range heaven. Look for Freedom Farms eggs at your local grocery store. Rrp from $7.50. Visit freedomfarms. co.nz for more information.

The animal whisperer AMANDA DE WARREN Pet psychic

Hocresoscopes Pis

FEB 20 – MAR 20

ld fresh starts, ra e h n e ft o s n o o m New out the future b a m a re d lf e rs u o y so let om your past. fr n io ss a p a e it n ig – or re e for some, lis a ri te a m y a m s n la Travel p iend’s suggestion while for others, a fr full-scale plan. a could snowball into out indulging Don’t feel guilty ab ekend yourself this we as you need it.

Aries

Pip’s passing AMANDA SAYS: Pip shows me that she’s now passed over and she’s with her best friend Clive, who she lived with. Clive met Pip when she passed over. These two have very different personalities, but both adored their owner Jenny and her partner. Pip tells me she had dementia before she passed, but they don’t take those ailments over with them. When she was younger, she was very, very intelligent. Pip shows me she had fluid on the lungs before she passed and she knows that Jenny donated all her natural medication to the dog home after she passed. Pip was very nurturing, and if you were sick she would be right beside you.

The day of Pip’s passing, she knew Jenny had taken her to the vet.

Pip tells Jenny how lucky she felt to have such a loving mum.

JENNY SAYS: Pip died recently and I wanted to know if she was with my other dog. I’m happy with the reading and that Pip is with Clive.

Psychics

MAR 21 – APR 20

JENNY BLUME

predicts your destiny for FEB 24 – MAR 1

Virgo

AUG 24 – SEP 23

Whoa there! Opportunities may be swirling, but good advice and planning is essential – you’re less objective than you realise right now. If the tension’s getting to you, start organising a head-clearing holiday. Whether it’s a weekend away or a full-scale expedition, a change of scenery should work wonders.

Libra

SEP 24 – OCT 23

Still weighing up pros and cons? Forget logic and listen to your heart instead. As Neptune heightens your intuition, random feelings may prove to be anything but. Look out for someone from your past – they could soon play a pivotal role. Remember, destiny works in weird and wonderful ways.

It’s time to introduce some new routines, both at home and at work – they should leave you feeling healthier and happier. Moneywise, these stars might bring an unstable situation to a head, but a restructure may be just the tonic you need. Plans struck over the weekend might really work.

Taurus

Scorpio

APR 21 – MAY 21

OCT 24 – NOV 22

Your reliable reputation might be tested this week, but hey, no-one’s perfect and Mercury is retrograde! The key is to keep arrangements simple, and importantly, make them fun. Chats could lead to amazing realisations – don’t let that stubborn streak stop you from moving on.

Stop stressing about others and focus on your own happiness. If recent events have left you drained, treat yourself to a fun night out and revisit a pastime you once loved. Autumn will bring more joy and romance for many. As your sensual side awakens, sparks could be electric.

Gemini

Sagittarius

MAY 22 – JUN 21

NOV 23 – DEC 22

Use these energetic stars to finish off projects both at home and in the office, leaving the weekend free for some much-needed fun. At work, step back from gossip, for developments through March could be a blessing in disguise – you might even land a promotion.

This week’s touchy-feely stars could see you opening up about your true feelings. But rather than rushing into big decisions, track down some funky homewares or switch the furniture around. Even better, unleash your inner artist and create your own masterpiece.

Cancer

Capricorn

JUN 22 – JUL 23

DEC 23 – JAN 20

Believe in your dreams! Positive thinking will act like a magic key this month, unlocking doors and drawing helpful people towards you – even your finances stand to benefit from these vibes. A social weekend awaits, but clothes and cosmetics could cast a dangerous spell!

Autumn’s nostalgic stars could bring old friends, relatives or neighbours back into your sphere. Reunions may even lead to romance, but don’t let your sympathies be played upon.

If you’re searching for an emotional release, find a worthwhile cause and throw yourself in.

Leo

Aquarius

JUL 24 – AUG 23

You’re soaking up vibes like a sponge, but don’t let your heightened empathy turn to paranoia. Steer clear of gossipy people this week and schedule in some downtime with family – a loved one might need extra support.

If a money-making idea has got you excited, resist the urge to leap.

JAN 21 – FEB 19

You might be brimming with plans and ideas, but for best results, keep fine-tuning until mid-March. On the flipside, if a charitable cause has touched your heart, your input could make a real difference. Financially, things are heating up, and more excitingly, your confident manner is attracting plenty of support.

Woman’s Day

85

Nailed it! Jason mimics the quirky antics of Kris “Hi-Lite” Bruton.

COURTSIDE SPIN!

GLOBA T

hey might be tall poppies in the acting world, but House actress Olivia Wilde and her Horrible Bosses star husband Jason Sudeikis didn’t quite measure up last week against the Harlem Globetrotters!

Saturday Night Live alum Jason, 44, and Booksmart director Olivia, 35, took their son Otis, five, and daughter Daisy, three, for a fun night out to see the world-famous basketball team – and ended up being part of the action themselves.

The crowd hooted and hollered as the pair were taken through their paces. And while they might not be offered a place in the Globetrotters’ line-up, it appears the talented twosome really did have a ball!

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY!

The product most recommended by doctors for scars & stretch marks.

Colmar Brunton NZ, 2018

“I have scars all over my arms from my wrists to shoulders on both sides and have been using Bio-Oil religiously for the past few months. Their appearance has improved so much and my confidence has shot upwards. I’m so much happier now and am so grateful to have Bio-Oil, because it’s honestly been so helpful!

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all the people involved that made this product.”

Danielle Taylor

The fun family pose with Globetrotters (from left) Alex “Moose” Weekes, Brittany “Ice” Hrynko and Hi-Lite.

Bio-Oil® is a specialist skincare product formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Its unique formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, is also highly effective for ageing and dehydrated skin. For comprehensive product information and results of clinical trials, please visit bio-oil.com.

Bio-Oil is available at pharmacies and selected retailers. Individual results will vary. Bio-Oil is distributed in New Zealand by Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland.

BGA200104–WD–DT

Style

SCARLET WOMAN Safiyaa

SNAKE CHARMER

Alexander Wang

MILITARY CHIC

Norma Kamali

PRETTY IN PINK

Saks Potts

JUST JESSICA

From New York to LA, Jessica Simpson hits all the right fashion notes 88

Woman’s Day

CUTE & CLASSIC

LEATHER LUXE OFF THE SCALE

Gucci

Frame

Stand Studdio

GORGEOUS IN GREEN Safiyaa

Woman’s Day

89

Cold weather cutie

A smiling NICOLE KIDMAN, 52, puts on a colourful display filming the us new mus The om m in Los Angeles.

BRADLEY COOPER, 45, and his daughter LEA, two, are the cosiest brunch buddies in New York.

HOWIE DOROUGH PRINCE CHARLES, 71, puts on a show as he unveils a commemorative plaque at a factory in Gloucester.

90

Woman’s Day

BRIAN LITTRELL

P

NICK CARTER

JIMMY

th

That’s the best-looking sextet we’ve ever seen! THE BACKSTREET BOYS join JIMMY FALLON, 45, on The Tonight Show for a barbershop rendition of “The Thong Song”.

Soulful role JENNIFER HUDSON, 38, looks like a “Natural Woman” filming the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect on the streets t t off New N York Y k City.

Cit

Here’s to the haters Excuse you! TAYLOR SWIFT, 30, flips the bird after being named Best Solo Act in the World at the NME Awards in London.

th

KEVIN RICHARDSON

n ir!

AJ McLEAN

In full swing Nothing beats a girls’ day out! HILARY DUFF, 32, and one-year-old daughter BANKS have a playdate at a park in Los Angeles.

Woman’s Day

91

A-li

Glitzy gig!

Shining star

Bags of style

Pop sensation SAM SMITH, 27, sparkles while performing new hit song “To Die For” on The Graham Norton Show.

Groovy baby! HARRY STYLES, 26, brings his usual ’70s flare to the streets of London after making an appearance on a BBC radio breakfast show.

Archieall! bares

Raunchy reflection!

What a cheeky Kiwi! KJ APA, 22, and ELLEN DEGENERES, 62, share a laugh over the Riverdale star’s risqué birthday message for the talk-show host.

Checks appeal Currently in training for her upcoming role as Catwoman, ZOË KRAVITZ, 31, seems mellow yellow while out and about in NYC.

Patriotic party The Voice judge DELTA GOODREM, 35, shows off her Aussie pride at the Fire Fight Australia benefit concert in Sydney.

Mama’s the word Barcelona babymoon?

JOE JONAS, 30, and SOPHIE TURNER, 24, enjoy a caasual Spanish stroll s mours amid rum they’re exppecting their firrst child.

Cherry nice!

The Politician star ZOEY DEUTCH, 25, is more than red-dy for a rosy day out in New York.

Top to toe We’re tickled pink over 33-year-old LADY GAGA’S matching candy floss hair and boots as she hangs out with friends in LA.

A-list

Spoiler alert!

PICTURES: DIIMEX.

rude!

Bartender Tash breaks the icee with ith a new squeeze. s

hoops! JJudging by these steamy pics it loooks like Marriedd at First Sight Australia’’s llesbian newlyweds Tash Herz and Amanda Micalleff are over!

We spotted suultry brunette Tash, 31, withoutt her wedding ring last week and getting hot and heavy with w her new blonde girlfriendd Madison Hewitt on the Gold oast, froliccking in thee ocean,

holding hands and sharing passionate kisses.

Tash said “I do” to her TV wife Amanda, 34, in February on the Three show – which was filmed five months earlier – and their marital woes started on their honeymoon, with Amanda complaining about their lack of intimacy and Tash confessing she wasn’t attracted to her new spouse.

Now it appears tattooed Tash has discovered there are plenty more fish in the sea!

The search for love continues for betrayed MAFS beauty Amanda.