Home//New Idea/01 June 2020/In This Issue
New Idea|01 June 2020MASTERCHEF JOCK ZONFRILLO’S BABY JOY!MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo and his pregnant wife Lauren Fried enjoyed a sweet family outing to a Melbourne park with their adorable 2-year-old son, Alfie. Jock and Alfie played and posed for some happy snaps for Lauren’s iPhone, before heading off for a stroll in the park. The sweet family of three looked content as they prepare to welcome their newest addition. Scottish-born chef Jock, one of three new judges this year on the hit Network 10 cooking show, revealed last month he was forced to stay away from pregnant Lauren in Adelaide during filming for MasterChef in Melbourne. “‘I’m exposed to a lot of people every day,” he explained.…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020COMMANDO’S HEARTACHESteve ‘Commando’ Willis was pictured out and about looking tense with his rumoured new girlfriend, F45 trainer Harika Vancuylenberg. The pair were seen exchanging icy glares while out shopping in Sydney’s north-west. But despite their forlorn facial expressions, Steve and Harika held hands as they picked up some groceries. The couple reportedly first met in November 2019, after Harika attended Steve’s fitness retreat in Tahiti. They appeared to confirm their romance after his split from Michelle Bridges.…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020HOLLYWOOD TURNS ON MEGHANPrince Harry and Meghan have been back in Hollywood for only a matter of weeks but they’re already making their presence felt. THE ROYAL’S POPULARITY AMONG THE A-LIST IS ALREADY TAKING A HIT And as the royal couple prepare to launch themselves into their new Los Angeles lives, it seems they’re already causing friction. In fact, New Idea understands Meghan in particular has already rubbed some of the most powerful women in tinseltown the wrong way. The former actress and her husband are currently living in an eight-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion owned by movie producer and comedian Tyler Perry, while they search for a more permanent home base. Despite being within an exclusive guard-gated community full of other super-rich residents, last week Meghan and Harry erected privacy screens around the…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020DR CHRIS BROWN’S BABY SECRET!THE CELEBRITY VET IS PREPARING FOR FATHERHOOD He’s always been a bit shy talking about his desire for starting a family, but now that Dr Chris Brown has finally found ‘the one,’ his dream could soon become a reality. While it’s still early days for Chris and his new girlfriend, model and entrepreneur Brooke Meredith, so far the couple’s romance has moved at a lightening pace. With talk suggesting a wedding might already being on the horizon, it could be only a matter of time before the loved-up couple are hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet. Speaking with New Idea, an insider reveals that Chris has been preparing for this moment for years. “Everyone knows Chris would be a great dad,” the source says. “Chris has talked about having kids…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020SHOCK PHOTOS INSIDE SCIENTOLOGY HEADQUARTERSPhotographs of the sleeping and living quarters of thousands of hardcore Scientologists have been released for the first time. Now there are fears thousands of devout believers “packed like sardines” into dorms like the ones pictured could cause the COVID-19 virus to spread like “wildfire” even though the church claims it’s had “zero cases”. Former members have revealed how Sea Org workers are forced to live in cramped, unhygienic conditions in tightly packed dormitories, sometimes with four-high bunk beds up to the ceiling. It’s been claimed that in the Los Angeles base of the secretive Sea Org offshoot of the controversial religion, between 20 and 30 members at a time are packed into small rooms. Those who violate Sea Org’s notoriously strict rules have even less personal space. They are…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020‘I WAS JOAN RIVERS’ VOODOO PRIESTESS’Dressed in head-to-toe white, her fingers run over a collection of jars filled with magical herbs. On either side of her, shelves groan under the weight of oils, incense, candles, crystals and mystical books creating a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter movie. This is no ordinary shop, and the owner is no ordinary shopkeeper. You see, Sallie Ann Glassman is the voodoo queen of New Orleans. “We’ve got magical bags, chicken-foot fetishes, and dragons-blood ink – the shop is packed with goodies!” a chuckling Sallie Ann tells New Idea. “We get all kinds of customers. Some people come in for physical healing, some come for counselling … there’s something powerful in voodoo, it can really help people.” And one of the many people Sallie…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020BURIED IN HER OWN BACKYARDIn the tiny town of Galien, Michigan, locals still shudder, remembering the horrific events of June 30, 2000, the summer night young mum Lisa Fein, 33, was murdered by a mystery man right in front of her horrified little boy. At 3.30am, Jacob Fein, 11, woke to hear screams coming from his mother Lisa’s bedroom. Peering in through the half-open door, he saw his mum desperately struggling with a man masked by a snowboard helmet. Jacob raced back to his bedroom, waking stepbrother Shane, 10. “I think my mum and your dad are fighting,” he whispered. Jacob then returned to his mum’s bedroom, calling for her. The door was now closed, and no-one answered, but he could hear tape being torn from a roll. Terrified, he and Shane then fled,…4 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ImpressipeRich Chocolate Raspberry Muffins Makes 6, Prep and Cook: 50 mins Cooking oil spray 150g dark cooking chocolate, chopped 150g unsalted butter, chopped ¹/³ cup brown sugar, firmly packed ¾ cup buttermilk 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1¹/³ cups self-raising flour 2 tblsps cocoa powder 125g punnet fresh raspberries Extra fresh raspberries and icing sugar mixture, to decorate GANACHE 100g dark cooking chocolate, chopped ¼ cup pure cream 1 Generously spray a non-stick 6-hole Texas muffin pan (¾-cup capacity) with oil. 2 Place chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove. Cool slightly. 3 Whisk sugar into cooled chocolate mixture until combined. Add buttermilk, eggs and combined sifted flour and cocoa. Stir until combined. Gently fold in raspberries. Divide…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020BOOKS FOR COOKSThis simple to follow cookbook, The Plan, Buy, Cook Book (RRP $29.99 Hardie Grant Books) will help you make the most of your time and speed things up in the kitchen. Its motto is plan once, eat well all week! Jen Petrovic and Gaby Chapman have produced delicious and simple recipes to banish the daily meal dilemma by weekly planning with their simple 4+2+1 formula. This formula allows you to save dollars, as well as make the most of food waste in your home. Some recipes are made to double-up: eat one meal and freeze the rest for later. This is available in an app, which includes more recipes and as you organise your meals, a shopping list is generated. Home cooking was never this easy!…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ANGEL AMOLLARD THE JOY OF SIMPLE PLEASURESI have started talking to my cat. Not just that smoochy baby talk people use when snuggling up to their pets, but proper conversations about the weather and the garden and if I should do the yoga or Pilates video today. I’m sure poor Toffee is thoroughly sick of it. Not only are we permanently in his home, but having found ourselves with plenty of time on our hands, my daughter and I haven’t left him alone. The poor thing has been stroked within an inch of his life and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he decamps to someone’s wardrobe to see out the winter. But small pleasures such as stroking a cat are what’s nourishing us right now. When life is narrowed down to just…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020HERO HOTELSSHELTER FROM THE STORM As the number of domestic violence incidents is increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, international hotel group, Accor is offering shelter at their hotels for victims. The hotel operator is leading the way in accommodating vulnerable people. Frontline health workers in need of alternate accommodation are being housed across hotels such as Sofitel, Art Series and Swissôtel. And the homeless and disadvantaged are also being accommodated during the COVID-19 crisis. Accor is working with government authorities and community organisations, making its rooms and services available to those most in need. According to Accor Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, the Department of Health is giving the hotel operator guidance on how best to take measures to protect the health and safety of their teams and guests. On…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020YOUR SAYSQUEAKY CLEAN A friend of mine’s grandson came back to her house after his footy game. His favourite Cat’s jersey was caked in mud, so she decided to wash it before his mum came to pick him up. She was having trouble, so washed it a few times, each time scrubbing harder. Finally she presented it to him and asked whether that was clean enough. He replied: “Yeah Nan, but where are all the signatures?” DEBRA LUDVIG, MOOLAP, VIC. MERE MALE A friend’s son had recently moved out of home and into a flat. He invited his mum over for lunch and proudly served a big bowl of salad and steak. After tasting the salad my friend asked if the lettuce had been washed properly. MM replied, “Yes, I even…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020CHARLENE: ‘I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SURVIVE’Her ’80s hit, ‘I’ve Never Been to Me’ became an anthem for discontented women around the world. But in addition to topping the charts globally – and by proxy catapulting its singer Charlene Oliver to stardom – it was also a vehicle for the performer to leave a violent relationship. One that left the star fearing for her own life. “I was a battered woman in a bad relationship,” Charlene tells New Idea. “The song spoke to me – it was a cry for help. It was me, it was my life.” Born in 1950 in Los Angeles to loving parents, a rebellious Charlene admits she was an “off the rails” teen. Fame-hungry, she was introduced to a musician. “He was cute,” she remembers. “He looked like Mick Jagger.” But…4 min
New Idea|01 June 2020THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTSMONDAY Ziggy makes a decision that takes Dean by surprise – she’s moving back in with her mum. Roo gives Evan a piece of her mind, but will it prompt the musician to come clean with Ryder about his illness? TUESDAY Maggie makes a selfless decision. Alf does the rounds catching up on everyone – and everything – in the Bay. WEDNESDAY Jasmine’s erratic behaviour continues to divide the town, and an upset Maggie shocks Ben with an announcement. THURSDAY Tane makes a beeline for Mackenzie at the hangi. And there is high drama when John feels dizzy and is rushed to hospital after collapsing at the social gathering. Is this the end of the line for him?…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020Sophie Dillman reveals ‘THEY’RE BOTH SUCH INCREDIBLE PEOPLE’For Sophie Dillman, working alongside seasoned performers Kestie Morassi and Rohan Nichol – who play her mum and dad, Maggie and Ben – is truly a joy. “We’re such a close team,” she says. “I’m honoured to have them as my parents on the show and as my colleagues, and I’m even more honoured to call them my friends. They’re both such incredible people.” Sophie reveals bringing her TV family’s emotional storylines to life hasn’t been easy. “It is very stressful to film this kind of stuff,” she says. “It always hits close to home - having any dramatic thing with family. So it is a bit tough, but it also makes you very proud when you do it justice. And Kestie and Rohan just nail it, as usual.”…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ANGE VS ELLEN!Angelina Jolie has zero sympathy for Ellen DeGeneres – reportedly telling friends she hopes the talk titan’s current career woes finish her off. Despite being a long-time guest on her show, sources say the Hollywood actress isn’t surprised that Ellen is getting a deluge of bad press for her alleged “nasty” behaviour and on-set antics. An insider says: “Angie will never forget how Ellen was so Team Jen at the height of her new romance with Brad, and blames Ellen and Jen for the whole of Hollywood turning on her in the years that followed. “Now she sees Ellen as Jen’s personal high-powered puppet, and all the grief that’s come her way is karma as far as Angie’s concerned,” the source reveals. “When Ellen’s show started [in 2004], Angie was…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020SHANE WARNE’S WEDDING SHOCKAre there wedding bells in cricket legend Shane Warne’s future? The father-of-three’s eldest daughter, Brooke Warne, 22, is reportedly set to marry her long-term boyfriend Alex Heath. The young blonde beauty has been dropping hints on Instagram that she is preparing to be a blushing bride, with a pre-lockdown hair makeover and loved-up photos of herself with reported husband-to-be. The young couple have been dating for close to four years after their friendship turned into something more. And it seems Brooke’s spin-bowling dad will be more than willing to walk his eldest daughter down the aisle, as the 50-year-old revealed recently that he’s grown closer to his family since retiring. Shane spoke on Fox Sports’ A Week With Warnie and admitted that he was “arrogant” and “selfish” during the height…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ADELE AND BRADLEY COOPER HOT NEW ROMANCEAdele’s incredible new weight-loss and extreme makeover has led the powerhouse British songstress to find love again, reports say. The 32-year-old has been linked to actor Bradley Cooper, after the pair were allegedly introduced by mutual friend Lady Gaga. After Adele’s high-profile divorce from her ex-husband Simon Konecki – who she shares 7-year-old son Angelo with – it appears she is single and ready to mingle with her new friends in the Hollywood party circles. And Silver Linings Playbook star Bradley, 45, may just be the person Adele is looking for. The handsome actor recently separated from ex Irina Shayk and has a daughter, Lea de Seine, 3. So could the pair be commiserating about their recent heartaches together?…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020DID JOAN CRAWFORD KILL HER HUSBAND?Life at home with legendary movie star Joan Crawford was anything but a screen dream. According to her adopted daughter Christina, it was a living nightmare. Christina told of the violence she endured throughout her childhood in the infamous memoir Mommie Dearest, which was later turned into the movie starring Faye Dunaway. Christina, now 80, has since then recounted more vivid details of her mother’s brutality in the documentary Surviving Mommie Dearest, and Joan’s troubled home life was also explored in the well-received miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan, with Jessica Lange playing Joan. But now, the ferocious story is about to be told yet again, with a stage musical in the works, which is expected to dig even further into the darkness of Crawford’s home life. A workshop production described…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020THE ABDUCTION OF SHANNON MATTHEWSIn 2008, the case of missing British schoolgirl Shannon Matthews gripped the UK as a massive police search and media campaign got underway – only for it later to be discovered she was a victim of a fake kidnapping plot instigated by her mother, Karen, in a bid to pocket $100,000. More than 250 officers and 60 detectives were involved in the search, and the police questioned 1500 motorists and residents of 3000 homes in a bid to find the missing 9-year-old. Reward money was offered as part of the appeal, until she was eventually found drugged and tied to a bed at relative Michael Donovan’s flat a month after she disappeared. Detective Constable Paul Kettlewell told the BBC at the time: “I heard Shannon’s voice from within this bedroom.…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020NEW IDEA FOOD FAVOURITE FAMILY SOUPSPumpkin Soup Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 45 mins 1.25kg butternut pumpkin 2 tblsps olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp mild curry powder 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock 1 cup water Sour cream, cracked black pepper and crusty bread, to serve 1 Peel and deseed pumpkin. Cut into 4cm pieces. 2 Heat oil in a stockpot over a medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until soft. Add curry powder. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds. 3 Add stock, water and pumpkin to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Gently boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until pumpkin is very tender. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. 4 Blend soup, in…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020BEST EVER BISCUITSCafe-Style Peanut Melting Moments Makes 15, Prep and Cook: 1 Hour, 20 mins 200g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ¹/³ cup smooth peanut butter ¹/³ cup icing sugar mixture 1 ½ cups plain flour ¹/³ cup cornflour PEANUT CHOC BUTTERCREAM 50g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 2 tblsps smooth peanut butter ½ cup icing sugar mixture 2 tsps cocoa powder 1 Line three, large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Beat butter, peanut butter and icing sugar in a small bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy. Transfer to a large bowl. Add combined sifted flours. Stir until well combined. 3 Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place about 3cm apart on prepared oven trays. Gently press a fork into each biscuit to slightly flatten. 4 Cook…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ASK PAMQ What does blind baking’ pastry mean? LUCY, VIA EMAIL. A Blind baking is also known as pre-baking. It is the process in which you pre-cook a pastry shell before adding the filling to prevent the base going soggy. To blind bake a pastry shell, line the base and side of the uncooked pastry with a sheet of baking paper. Fill with dried beans, uncooked rice or baking weights. This will prevent the base from rising during cooking. Cook in a moderately hot oven (190C) for 10 minutes. Remove paper and beans or rice. Return pastry shell to oven. Cook for a further 8 to 10 minutes, or until pale golden brown. Remove and cool before adding the filling.…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020‘SHAPEWEAR IS MY SECRET SUPERPOWER’Married at First Sight star Jules Robinson’s new shapewear line, FIGUR by Jules, is every women’s new wardrobe staple. We chat to Jules about the new line, body confidence, and the importance of loving and accepting your shape. What inspired you to start your own line of shapewear? I wanted to start my own shapewear line because, firstly, after wearing them every day for three months while filming MAFS and struggling with microphone packs, getting in and out of them, I thought there has to be a much more seamless, easier way of wearing shapewear with a great dress. Secondly, I had a lot of women reach out to me, who would say things like, “I wish I had as much confidence as you; I have the same body shape…2 min
New Idea|01 June 20203 SIMPLE AT-HOME MOVESHead to your couch and get moving with couch push-ups, couch squats and a couch plank. Target your upper body, lower body and core in 3 simple moves that anybody can do. IS EXERCISING OUTDOORS IMPORTANT TOO? Definitely! It helps break away from the cabin fever, is excellent for our mental health and allows us to get some fresh air and vitamin D. It’s important we abide by the social distancing and isolation rules but I would definitely recommend getting outside every day if you can for at least 30 minutes. This might be walking, jogging, bike riding, or anything else that takes your fancy. HOW DO YOU SET GOALS? It’s a really good time to focus on process-based goals rather than results-based goals. For example, rather than worrying about…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020CRAFTS KITS FOR KIDSSelf-isolation living has sparked a revival in do-it-yourself kids craft kits. These packs are designed to be built by little hands and contain everything needed to complete a project from start to finish. Psychologist Briony Leo explains that creative activities not only keep children occupied, but are also beneficial for their emotional wellbeing. “Creativity unlocks a part of our brain. For kids, this allows them to work through emotions with their play and art,” says Briony. “Activities such as painting, modelling clay, baking and decorating can also be calming for kids, since they’re so tactile and sensory,” she adds. Check out some of the latest creative kits, which can all be purchased online and sent straight to your letterbox! LEGO DOTS SETS Move over bricks! LEGO DOTS (lego.com/en-au) are the…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020HOROSCOPESARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 A new personal endeavour will be complicated but exciting; you’ll relish the variety of challenges and go the extra mile enthusiastically! An emotional exchange will deepen a changing relationship. A sensitive family situation will require thoughtful handling; it’ll be very important to keep your cool and choose your words carefully. A task will showcase your enterprise and initiative. LUCKY NUMBERS: 17, 29, 43 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 It’ll be tempting to stretch your financial resources this week for extra home and family outlays and to splurge on a special celebration. Something you’ve wanted to do for a long time will prove to be fun, but it may also be hard work. A gift or caring gesture from another will be meaningful. Listening…4 min
New Idea|01 June 2020FILES MACHADO KARINAKarina Machado is a journalist, host of the Spirit Sisters podcast and the author of Spirit Sisters, Where Spirits Dwell and Love Never Dies, a non-fiction series exploring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Now, on The Ghost Files podcast each week, Karina will introduce a guest who’ll share their personal encounter with the spirit world. LIVING AMONG THE DEAD When Ronda Robertson was aged 5, her family moved to Wangaratta in Victoria, where her parents began running a funeral home. And so began an auspicious chapter for young Ronda, whose early exposure to death and grief would eventually help her embrace her calling as a psychic medium. “As a young girl growing up in a funeral parlour, at times we would hear the crying from the chapel. I got…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020SHOCK COLLAPSE! WILL JOHN SURVIVE?To say that John Palmer (Shane Withington), who has been struggling to deal with his separation from wife Marilyn (Emily Symons), has had a rough few months is no exaggeration. But now he is about to face the fight of his life! In this week’s must-see episodes, the long-time Summer Bay resident is suddenly in mortal danger. At a local get-together, John unexpectedly feels dizzy and starts slurring his words before collapsing to the ground. Rushed to hospital, the race is on to save the long-time Bay resident. Earlier in the week, having recently returned to the Bay with his wife Martha (Belinda Giblin), fellow town stalwart Alf (Ray Meagher) is shocked when he learns that John and Marilyn have split up. As far as Alf is concerned, it simply…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020BEN’S SURPRISING CONNECTIONUnable to see any way forward in his life other than by separating from his wife Maggie (Kestie Morassi), Ben (Rohan Nichol) has now made the decision to move out of the family home. But while Maggie is clearly devastated by the split, Ben seems to feel only a sense of relief. Could the much-loved dad be ready to move on in a romantic sense? “Ben’s marriage was always an absolutely sacred place to him,” says Rohan. “But now that it’s no longer that, he has come to feel that he doesn’t know Maggie at all. That trust is gone.” As for Ziggy (Sophie Dillman), her heart goes out to her mother after seeing how unhappy she is. “Ziggy wants to do everything she can to try and ‘fix’ her…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020Book SpecialCELEBRITY SHELFIE “Just reading in bed,” Lily Allen captioned a selfie of herself reading Ma’am Darling by Craig Darling, the 2017 biography of Princess Margaret. Book-lover podcasts PHOEBE READS A MYSTERY The co-maker of Criminal, Phoebe Judge – famed for her soothing voice – reads a chapter a night from classic authors such as Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. TALKING AUSSIE BOOKS Claudine Tinellis interviews emerging and established authors, talking to them about what set them on the path to publication and the themes behind their novels. STORIES BEHIND THE STORY Better Reading’s Cheryl Akle chats to a largely Australian cast of writers about their new releases, with the occasional diversion into current affairs. Well worth a listen. WRITES4WOMEN With so many events cancelled recently, co-hosts and writers Pamela…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020NEW IDEA’S BOOK OF THE MONTHBOTTLEBRUSH CREEK BY MAYA LINNELL Rob and Angie are looking for a change when they fall in love with a dilapidated cottage in coastal Victoria. There could be a problem though: Rob’s parents live next door. Full of warmth and character. Small country towns blurred into one another as Rob took them down unfamiliar back roads and single-lane tracks. The ocean glimmered in the distance, and after two hour’s driving they finally arrived in front of the weatherboard cottage. ‘Perfect, or what?’ Angie felt a surge of excitement as she studied the building. It was even more derelict in the bright spring sunshine than the photograph had suggested, but the ornate latticework and wide verandah offered an air of elegance. Even in its state of disrepair, she could see the…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020MICHELLE BRIDGES: ‘MY LIFE AS A SINGLE MUM’Celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges has opened up about her life as a solo parent during the tumultuous COVID-19 isolation. The 49-year-old, who is mum to 4-year-old Axel, spoke to New Idea about the struggles of parenthood ahead of Big W’s launch of ‘Big Days at Home’, where Michelle shares her five-minute workouts for mums. “As a single parent I have spent so much time with my little boy, and on reflection, I strangely know that it has been a time that I will be forever grateful for. “It has brought us so close in a way that would never have otherwise happened,” Michelle says of life in lockdown. “I have never spent this much time at home! Ever! And I have personally enjoyed it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020RUSSELL’S 20-YEAR SECRETRussell Crowe may be one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors after his multimillion-dollar divorce from ex-wife Danielle Spencer in 2018, but it seems his heart lies with an old friend. The 56-year-old shared a sweet throwback photo on Instagram of himself with actress Jennifer Connelly, who he has co-starred with on multiple projects such as A Beautiful Mind and Noah. “Love this gal. Been married to her twice. Awesome actress. I think we bring out the best in each other,” Russell captioned the picture. “This from the set of A Beautiful Mind. Somewhere in New Jersey, 2001.”…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020KATIE BEGS TOM HELP ME!It seems even the rich and famous are suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports Katie Holmes is desperate for cash as her TV and film gigs have all but dried up. Sources tell InTouch that Katie, 41, has made the “humiliating” decision to turn to her ex-husband Tom Cruise for money, with the insider describing her as being in “near financial ruin”. “Katie was proud of walking away from Tom without securing a hefty financial settlement. But in hindsight, that may have been a huge mistake,” the source says. The coronavirus pandemic is likely making the Dawson’s Creek star regret her divorce from her movie star ex. “Katie has huge expenses, and she’s not bringing in a steady paycheck from films or TV shows right now. It’s…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020DELTA’S WEDDING JOY!Delta Goodrem and boyfriend Matthew Copley are already making beautiful music together. So, could wedding bells be next? The Aussie songstress recently took the unprecedented step of openly discussing her relationship with Matthew, following his recent appearances on her weekly Instagram live performances. Delta, who has had a string of failed high-profile relationships in the past, has always maintained privacy surrounding the relationship – but broke her own rule when discussing the social media musical sets during a recent chat with Stellar magazine. “I am pretty consistent with saying to people that my private life is my private life, but we are spending isolation together and, in our household, we’re both performers,” said the 35-year-old. “Music is how we met, it’s what we both do, so it’s really about just…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ROYALS AT WAR!In New Idea’s exclusive extract of Royals at War by Dylan Howard, the shocking inside story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life as royals is revealed. From Kate’s secret meeting with the Queen to ask advice on dealing with Meghan, to how a troubled and increasingly isolated Prince Harry is now coping away from royal life. Plus, a former friend of Meghan’s reveals how the actress’ behaviour changed dramatically after finding fame on Suits. KATE BREAKS ROYAL PROTOCOL Even before Meghan and Harry’s May 2018 wedding, there were reports of tension between the American and royal staff, courtiers and, increasingly, family members. The dramas and alarms, the nerves and tensions, the tears and tiaras all reached boiling point in December 2018, when Kate was seen visiting the Queen…5 min
New Idea|01 June 2020THEY DID WHAT? QUIZ1 NAME THE STAR WHO WORE A MEAT DRESS TO THE 2010 MTV AWARDS A. Katy Perry B. Kesha C. Lady Gaga 2 WHICH STAR WAS SNAPPED PADDLEBOARDING NAKED WITH HIS FAMOUS GIRLFRIEND KATY PERRY IN 2016? A. Leonardo DiCaprio B. Orlando Bloom C. Brad Pitt 3 BUSTED! WHICH CELEB WAS ARRESTED FOR STEALING AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE IN BEVERLY HILLS? A. Winona Ryder B. Paris Jackson C. Nicole Richie 4 WHICH TWO STARS MADE HEADLINES WHICH THEY LOCKED LIPS ON STAGE DURING THE VMAS IN 2003? A. Taylor Swift and Adele B. Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian C. Britney Spears and Madonna 5 WHAT BIZARRE THING DID TOM CRUISE DO WHILE APPEARING ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW IN 2005? A. Cried B. Jumped on the couch C. Stormed off set…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020‘COVID-19 RUINED MY SON’S LIFE-SAVING TRANSPLANT’Shalyn Eggleton lost count of how many times she took her son Mateoh to the doctor for a ‘cough’ that just wouldn’t go away. “I was always told it was croup (a respiratory infection),” the 25-year-old tells New Idea “Mateoh was prescribed antibiotics and we were sent on our way.” As time went on, the mum of four knew that something more was wrong with her son. “Around the time he turned 2, I noticed he wasn’t like other kids. He wouldn’t play – he would just sit in the corner of the lounge and didn’t look well at all,” the Gold Coast woman recalls. But it was seeing her third child, 1-year-old Kaiyden – who is 18 months younger than Mateoh – sharing the same size clothing as his…5 min
New Idea|01 June 2020KIDNAPPING HOAXES AROUND THE WORLDBrazilian soccer player Somália, real name Paulo Rogério Reis Silva, claimed he was kidnapped at gunpoint before being robbed in 2011. It was later revealed he was just late for training and didn’t want to suffer a wage loss. British aerobics teacher Joanna Grenside also staged her own disappearance in December 1992 so that she could avoid overeating at Christmas parties. Karol Sanchez (pictured), a 16-year-old from the Bronx, had two friends pretend to kidnap her in front of her mother in 2019 as she wanted to avoid moving to Honduras. Karol was found safe and unharmed the next day.…1 min
New Idea|01 June 20203 GREAT WAYS WITH... POTATORoasted Sweet Potato Splits with Chilli Mayonnaise Serves 4-6, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 1kg pack Gold sweet potatoes 2 tblsps olive oil Fresh coriander sprig, to garnish Lime wedges, to serve TOMATO SALSA 3 vine-ripened tomatoes (500g), deseeded, finely chopped ½ small red onion, finely chopped ¼ cup finely chopped fresh coriander 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 long fresh red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped CHILLI MAYONNAISE ½ cup whole egg mayonnaise 1 tblsp lime juice 2 tsps water 1 tsp Mexican chilli powder 1 Place sweet potatoes in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Stand for 10 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, to make salsa, combine all…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020IN SEASON: FENNELFennel has a slight aniseed or licorice flavour with a crunchy texture. It was highly regarded by ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal and culinary properties. Its popularity grew in the 1950s, due to the immigration of southern Europeans. It is related to the parsley, dill and coriander family. ADD TO... • Salads• Coleslaws• Casseroles• Roasts• Tomato-based sauces with pasta• Soups• Au gratins• Pasta bakes PERFECT MATCH FOR... • Potatoes• Tomatoes• Garlic• Cream• Mustard• Lemon• Chicken• Pork• Grains• Pecorino or parmesan HOW TO STORE Refrigerate in the crisper section, loosely wrapped in a plastic bag. Use within five days.…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020ME 54 -TIME!Since we all have a little extra time on our hands, what better way to spend it than treating and perfecting the appearance of our skin and hair. Winter weather calls for more time indoors anyway, so get set to cosy up and pamper yourself on the weekend without feeling guilty about it! HAIR CARE TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK? “Moisture is key to good scalp health so I definitely recommend everyone use a treatment as part of their weekly routine,” says celebrity hair stylist Kevin Murphy. He also recommends adding an exfoliator to your routine to detoxify and stimulate sluggish scalps. “Using AHAs from fruit extracts, our MAXI.WASH (think of it like a chemical exfoliator for your hair and scalp) removes the build up of unwanted products and…3 min
New Idea|01 June 20207 surprising benefits of FOSTERING OR ADOPTING A PETRunning a household has its ups and downs so each week we bring you the latest tips and tricks to make your home life easy You may have seen on the news or across social media that right now, more than ever, there are animals in shelters who are ready to be fostered or adopted during the coronavirus crisis. Foster care helps provide animals with the strength and confidence they need so that they’re ready to go to their forever families. They need love, and they will give it too! We all know that having a pet can reap health benefits. When you adopt or foster a pet, your life will change for the better. Here’s why. THEY LOWER STRESS MORE THAN ANY HUMAN CAN We’re all feeling stressed right…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020LET’S TALK ABOUT sexTalking to your teenagers about sex can be uncomfortable and uneasy for both the parents and children. But there comes a time when you need to address the elephant in the room and bite the bullet, no matter how difficult it is. According to Dr Zoe Wainer, Head of Public Health at Bupa, you should begin having these conversations before puberty hits. “IT’S IMPORTANT YOUR CHILD IS EMPOWERED TO SEEK ADVICE” “It’s too late to begin sex education after children become sexually active, so ideally these conversations should start before puberty,” she says. “These chats should cover a broad range of topics, including reproduction, relationships, making decisions, sexual preferences, contraception and STIs. And don’t worry, it’s completely normal to feel awkward or unsure when talking with your child about sex.”…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020NENE KINGQ Due to the current climate, I’ve had to work from home. I’m a very social and extroverted person and I’m finding it really hard to adjust to this new work life without my colleagues and the normality of my work environment. What can I do to feel less anxious and more motivated? ANNA, VIA EMAIL. A You are lucky that you have work to do even if it is at home. Too many people have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. Do not allow yourself to feel anxious. I’m enjoying FaceTiming my friends and work colleagues. I’m cooking more and am constantly following the advice of the experts on how to make more use of my time at home. Make a list of things you…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020MY LIFE IN 10 PICTURES JUSTINE SCHOFIELDMore than a decade after she hit the national spotlight as one of the standout stars of the inaugural series of MasterChef Australia, Justine Schofield is as happy as ever in the kitchen. Now one of Australia’s most recognisable cooks, the vivacious foodie has notched up more than 700 episodes of her Network Ten show Everyday Gourmet. And now, Justine hits our screens in an exciting new six-part series – SBS Food’s Macao Gourmet with Justine Schofield, in which she explores both the traditional and contemporary elements of Macanese cuisine. “Macao is a unique blend of East and West, and the food is the ultimate fusion cuisine. I’m totally in awe of this place,” Justine says, adding, “and, of course, I’ll be showing you how to cook up some delicious…3 min
New Idea|01 June 2020Shane Withington tells … ’I DO GO THERE’For many decades, Shane Withington has been one of our most acclaimed actors, having starred in everything from The Flying Doctors and Water Rats to, most notably, A Country Practice and, for the past 11 years, Home and Away. Yet despite his wealth of experience, the talented star reveals that bringing emotionally charged storylines to life isn’t always easy. “When we do drama and pain, some actors can just fake it and do it on the surface, but I inadvertently - or perhaps I know no other way - do go there,” he says. “It is tiring, so I’m looking forward to John hopefully recovering and doing a little more light comedy down the track.” Fingers crossed!…1 min
New Idea|01 June 2020JASMINE’S OBSESSIONSince she made the devastating discovery that she had experienced a phantom pregnancy, Jasmine (Sam Frost) has been unable to stop thinking about Tori’s (Penny McNamee) little daughter Grace. Day and night, the young nurse seems to have been preoccupied with the baby. “Jasmine became so connected to Grace when Tori was in a coma after giving birth,” says Ada Nicodemou, who plays fellow Summer Bay resident Leah. “She felt very close to her and still does, which is understandable. “As far as everyone – particularly Tori and Justin – is concerned, Jasmine has been behaving in a very inappropriate way,” continues Ada. “She is definitely not coping. Justin does feel for Jasmine, but he can’t help but worry that Grace may be in danger. All he wants is to…1 min
New Idea|01 June 20206 PERFECT ISO-READS, WHATEVER YOUR MOODROMANCE THE MINUTE I SAW YOU BY PAIGE TOON Hannah likes Sonny as soon as they meet, but he’s just passing through her home-town so nothing serious can happen. In the middle of their no-strings-attached fling, however, Sonny learns some life-changing news and Hannah is instantly placed in the friend-zone. The perfect get-out-the-tissues, romantic read. COSY READ THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY BY NATALIE JENNER In a small village in post-war England, an eclectic group of neighbours joins forces to preserve Jane Austen’s former home and legacy. Among them are a movie star, a labourer, a young widow and a doctor who, despite their own problems, forge new friendships and relationships. Charming and uplifting. HISTORICAL THE VIENNESE GIRL BY JENNY LECOAT Inspired by a true story, this novel tells the tale…2 min
New Idea|01 June 20205 Minutes With …Josephine MoonThe author of The Tea Chest and The Gift of Life writes heartwarming family dramas from her home on the Noosa hinterland in Queensland. Josephine talks to New Idea about her latest novel, The Cake Maker’s Wish. What lead you to write your latest novel? The story was inspired by a chat and a cup of tea I shared with two older gentlemen while I was in the Cotswolds in 2015. Olivia Kent makes the brave decision to move to England with her young son Darcy to join an experimental ‘village revival’ in the Cotswolds town of Stoneden. How do you get to know your characters? Every book is different. Occasionally a character arrives fully formed – like Maria Lindsay in The Beekeeper’s Secret – and that makes my job…2 min
New Idea|01 June 2020STARSHOTSNICOLE’S LOCKDOWN HELL! Nicole Kidman has been nursing a broken ankle during COVID-19 isolation at her Nashville home. The 52-year-old first worried fans when she posted a photo online in which she was wearing a moon boot. Her husband Keith Urban revealed details about the Big Little Lies star’s injury while on The Project, telling hosts his wife is a “trooper”. “Five weeks ago she was running around the neighbourhood, as she does, and just didn’t see a pothole and rolled her ankle and got a small break in her ankle,” Keith explained. “So she’s been relegated to the boot for the last handful of weeks and is … getting through it, but her spirits have been amazing I’ve got to say, she has been handling it way better than…2 min