Table of contents for Issue 13, 2023 in New Idea

Are you for or against a four-day work week? (I can hear a lot of “yes please!”) Well, that’s the question floating around the New Idea office, with many calling for Australia to trial the proposal which other countries have hailed as the future of productivity. This week, our news team explores just what the proposal would mean for you and if it would really make us all happier. Speaking of work and happiness, this issue we also catch up with radio dream team Jonesy & Amanda who share with us the secret to their success after celebrating 18 years on the airwaves together. Congrats, guys! Editor newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

Lindsay Lohan is about to take on her biggest role – becoming a mum. The actress, 36, announced on Instagram that she and husband Bader Shammas are expecting their first child. “We are blessed and excited,” Lindsay captioned a snap of a onesie with “coming soon” emblazoned across it. Lindsay’s celebrity friends came out in droves to share their well-wishes. “So happy for you. Welcome to the Mummy Club!” Paris Hilton wrote. Unfortunately for fans, the happy news means the sequel to Lindsay’s hit Netflix comeback movie, Falling for Christmas, is now on hold.…

NEWS One of Australia’s favourite couch critics has revealed she’s undergone a serious surgery to her face. Googlebox Australia star Lee, who appears on the hit reality show with husband Keith, shared on March 15 that she had a basal cell carcinoma removed, which is a form of skin cancer. “Just got the BCC cut out,” Lee posted with a post-op picture of her face. “They said they got it all.” The grandmother, 61, finished with a plea, encouraging everyone to have regular skin checks done. Lee was inundated with well-wishes. “Sending you love,” said ex-Gogglebox co-star Angie Kent.…

Hollywood Things are getting uglier in the battle over the late Lisa Marie Presley’s estate, with her mother Priscilla effectively given the boot from Graceland! The moneymaking Memphis manor was inherited by Lisa Marie after her father Elvis died. Now, it’s at the centre of a huge feud between Priscilla and Graceland’s new trustee – eldest Presley grandchild, Riley Keough. According to reports, Riley, 33, is keeping her grandmother out of the loop when it comes to Graceland, preferring that she no longer “butt in”. “It’s a very sad situation,” tells one source, who adds that Priscilla, 77, doesn’t want Riley solely in charge, as it means “she has no say”. Graceland reps denied the suggestion that Riley had gone so far as to change the locks on her grandmother.…

Real life Holly Thompson watches on proudly as her latest love match canoodles in the bushes at Perth Zoo. The tiny apes are just one of the countless couples Holly and her team have introduced in their bid to boost the population of endangered animals and save them from extinction. Since stepping into the role of global coordinator for the critically endangered gibbons species more than 15 years ago, Holly has achieved a 100 per cent matchmaking success rate! Holly says the process of getting them together isn’t too far removed from the human dating experience. “There have been some pairs that didn’t fully bond, so we just swiped right and started again,” Holly, 40, says. “Some gibbons just swing past each other while others embrace. “I’ve witnessed some absolutely…

Pictures Moments after her historic win at the 95th Academy Awards, an elated Michelle Yeoh proclaimed: “I kung-fued [that glass ceiling] out and shattered it!” The Malaysian-born martial arts legend became the first Asian to be crowned Best Actress, and only the second-ever woman of colour after Halle Berry some 21 years ago. “Ladies, don’t ever let anyone tell you you are past your prime,” Michelle, 60, advised in her speech. Her popular victory was part of a sweep for Everything Everywhere All at Once. The multiverse-set comedy-drama won seven awards, including Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan) and Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis). It’s only the third time in Oscar history that three acting honours have gone to the same film, after A Streetcar Named Desire and…

Local stars When ‘The King’ of rugby league, Wally Lewis, was spotted with his arm wrapped around his new queen last week, it wasn’t long before wedding chatter went into overdrive. Wally, 63, seemed like he had just returned from a secret honeymoon as he and his girlfriend, Lynda Adams, cosied up to each other outside Brisbane Airport. “They looked very much in love,” reveals one passer-by. But it wasn’t the couple’s rare public display of affection that had everyone talking. Instead, onlookers couldn’t help but notice the shiny sparkler on beaming Lynda’s finger. While the impressive rock was on the Townsville charity worker’s right hand, that still didn’t stop fans from speculating, with some suggesting the pair had quietly tied the knot. “Wally would definitely get married again,” confirms…

Local stars For 17 agonising days, Simmone Jade Mackinnon lived in a limbo of mingled hope and dread. The popular McLeod’s Daughters star tried to believe in miracles, while fearing the worst. Her adored niece, Rayne Johnsen, lay in a coma on life support, following a catastrophic eight-metre fall onto her head last June. Nobody knew whether the vibrant 21-year-old would ever regain consciousness, let alone walk or talk again. Then, after more than 24,000 minutes of anguish for the close-knit Mackinnon clan, there was a dramatic breakthrough worthy of a Drover’s Run storyline. At long last, Rayne was starting to stir. “I went straight back to the hospital, into her room,” Simmone recalls emotionally. “She just looked at me and said, ‘Simmy, I’m your biggest fan.’ And I told…

Rustic Apple and Plum Tart SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR ■ 1 cup self-raising flour ■ ¾ cup plain flour ■ ¹⁄³ cup caster sugar, plus extra 2 tsps ■ ¹⁄³ cup custard powder ■ 175g unsalted butter, chopped ■ 1 egg ■ Whipped cream, to serve FILLING ■ 400g red plums ■ 400g can pie fruit apple slices ■ ¼ cup caster sugar ■ 1 tblsp cornflour ■ 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 To make pastry, process flours, sugar, custard powder and butter in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add egg. Process until combined. Transfer to a lightly floured bench. Shape into a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. 2 Roll out pastry between two sheets of baking paper to form a 30cm circle. Lift paper onto…

What are the signs of a heart attack? As the leading cause of death among men, it’s a common misconception that heart disease is predominantly a “men’s issue”. Cardiologist and Coastrek Ambassador Dr Nikki Bart explains more than half a million women between the ages of 45-74 years have a high risk of heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease over the next five years. “Coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack, is the second-leading cause of death of women in Australia,” she explains. “To put this risk into context, women are more likely to die from a heart attack than breast cancer, but we have done a good job at increasing breast cancer awareness and screening. The same now needs to be done with women’s heart…

Best ingredients for sensitive skin With the number of people suffering from sensitive skin conditions on the rise, including menopause-related sensitivity, so is the trend for skincare that calms as much as it smooths, plumps and brightens. Here’s what to look out for… Ceramide technology Ceramides are the skin’s own protective lipids, allowing it to exist in a calm state of self-repair. But their production slows with age as they get stripped by pollution and stress. Sensitive skin particularly lacks in ceramides, often forcing it to combat flare-ups instead of generating fresh skin cells. Breakthrough actives Fresh collagen stimulation is the holy grail for all anti-ageing products, but many ingredients that make it happen can risk aggravating skin. Opt for formulas that use advances in peptide technology to help sensitive…

Stylish outdoor furniture buys TIP A statement piece – like a bold chair – can add character. TIP For a touch of greenery add a potted plant to an outdoor side table.…

COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a movie featuring Florence Pugh (3,6). Write this title on the coupon. $300 UP FOR GRABS! SUPER CROSS For a chance to win one of two prizes of $250, simply solve the crossword to reveal the name of a crime thriller film featuring our pictured star (5,4) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. ACROSS 1 Parcel string (5)4 Giuseppe –, opera composer (5)6 The Sound of –, family favourite film (5)9 William –, Scottish hero of Braveheart (7) 12 Fizzy soft drink (4)13 Army officer’s rank (5)14 Moth and butterfly collector (13) 16 Sticky hair product (3) 17 Church or school fundraising gala (4)18 Wear…

My beautiful 10-month-old grandson Theo and his new best friend Ella wondering what’s for dinner tonight. DENISE BERLIN, STOCKTON, NSW. A touching tribute Thank you for your touching tribute to the late and great Lisa Marie Presley. I grew up listening to her father Elvis’ music and went to see his films with my younger sister in the ’60s. I was saddened when Elvis and Priscilla divorced when she was only a little girl, and often wondered if he was singing ‘Suspicious Minds’ to Lisa Marie and Priscilla. I also liked Lisa Marie’s music and thought that her solo work reminded me of an early Melissa Etheridge. Her voice also reminded me of Cher’s in that it was both low and powerful, and also full of deep, dark, sardonic emotion.…

1 Which WNBA team did Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson play for? A) Los Angeles SparksB) Seattle StormC) New York LibertyD) Las Vegas Aces 2 What is Rihanna’s actual first name? A) RobynB) RhiannonC) RobertaD) Rachel 3 How many keys does a classic piano have? A) 82B) 84C) 86D) 88 4 Which of Charles Dickens’ characters famously wears her wedding gown day after day? A) Kate Nickleby from Nicholas NicklebyB) Lady Dedlock from Bleak HouseC) Estella from Great ExpectationsD) Miss Havisham from Great Expectations 5 What is ‘cynophobia’? A) Fear of dogsB) Fear of catsC) Fear of spidersD) Fear of chickens 6 What is Australia’s population to the nearest million? A) 24 millionB) 25 millionC) 26 millionD) 27…

“I HAVE TO WHIP IT OUT IF I DON’T HIT IT PAST THE LADIES’ TEES.”Michael Douglas shares the X-rated golf bet he has with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. “I THOUGHT I WAS LOOKING PRETTY FLY. MY PUBLICIST SAID I LOOKED LIKE RACHEL FROM FRIENDS.”Chris Pine reveals why he recently chopped off his long locks. “MY PHONE KEEPS MAKING MEMORY VIDEOS THAT INCLUDE SMOKING LIKE SOME DARK TEMPTRESS.”The struggle is real for Natasha Lyonne as she attempts to quit smoking. “I LOST MY TEMPER. I DID A ‘CHRISTIAN BALE’.”Hugh Grant shades his fellow actor while making light about a recent on-set outburst. “SHE DOESN’T ACTUALLY LIKE TO PLAY TENNIS TOO MUCH.”Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia has served her mum a bit of disappointment by not following in her footsteps.…

NEWS Love was certainly in the air when veteran entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins joined close family and friends for a secret celebration last week. Taking to Instagram to share the exciting news, Dickie, 68, revealed that his “magnificent son Nick” had finally married the love of his life, partner Bree, in a beautiful waterfront ceremony. “Hearty congratulations,” the proud dad captioned a photo of the happy couple sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. Thrice-married Dickie has five children from four previous relationships and is currently dating flight attendant Nicola Dale. New Idea hears that wedding bells could soon be ringing for the lovebirds. “Dickie may be 68, but he’s got a lot of life left in him. He’s now more than ready to finally settle down,” reveals…

While everything Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky touches seems to turn to gold, on occasion some things don’t go their way. The skincare brand Purely Byron, which was co-founded by Elsa, 46, and backed by Chris, 39, has gone bust. The products hit the market in July 2022 but the company went into administration last week. The business has been plagued with issues after it was accused of copying the “packaging and imagery” of Habitual Beauty. “The similarities are far too similar for me not to talk about,” said Keira Rumble from the rival company.…

NEWS After stepping out of the spotlight, legendary actor Gene Hackman has made a rare public outing, with an eagle-eyed fan spotting him at a burger drive-through in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sporting jeans, a cap and carrying a coffee, Gene, who retired from films to write novels in 2004, looked healthy and happy for his 93 years as he enjoyed a Wendy’s burger. The Oscar winner then stopped for some petrol. A close pal tells New Idea father-of-three Gene is actually fitter than he was in his acting heyday. “He spends hours every day working outside in the garden of his estate and he still uses a shovel like he’s 20 years old,” the friend explains. “He might look a little different, but mark my words, he’s…

Royals Much to the surprise of the highest-ranking royals and courtiers around him, King Charles has invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to his May 6 coronation. It’s a stunning about-turn, given it was just revealed the King had kicked the couple out of their British home, Frogmore Cottage. Many insiders assumed this meant Prince Harry and Meghan were finally banished for good – until it was revealed that an email invitation to the historic event had landed in the couple’s inbox. But others speculate the surprise move came because the King knows something everyone else doesn’t. “Charles is so tired of the drama and Harry has threatened time and again that he has more revelations to come,” says a source. “If an invitation to Westminster Abbey for him…

Royals Prince Edward’s joy at having his father’s dukedom conferred upon him by King Charles for his 59th birthday was short-lived once it was revealed a shocking caveat had been placed on the precious gift! With Edward’s wife Sophie also upgraded to a duchess, the Duke of Edinburgh has historically been a hereditary title. Yet Buckingham Palace announced that it “will be held” by Prince Edward only for his lifetime. It will then revert back to the Crown to be redistributed, instead of passing onto either of his two children. While Edward’s son James, 15, now takes on the Earl of Wessex title, his 19-year-old daughter Lady Louise’s status remains unchanged – a situation seen by many as “unjust” and “archaic”. “[Louise] seems to be a very bright young lady…

Should Barbara Eden ever bottle up and sell the secrets to her ageless appearance, she’d be an even richer woman than she no doubt already is. Looking far younger than her 91 years, the ’60s sitcom legend was glowing as she attended an event in Beverly Hills on March 8. Barbara has teased that she’s been able to turn back time simply by being “careful” with her diet, and by keeping her steps up. As for her beauty routine, the actress uses serums and doesn’t wear makeup unless she is working. “I don’t go out without sunscreen,” she adds. To the delight of fans, Barbara busted out her famous I Dream of Jeannie pose while on the red carpet. Despite only playing the 2000-year-old genie from 1965 to 1970, it’s…

Pictures The jury has delivered their verdict on Jamie Durie – and he’s still one hot dad! Searching for some respite from Sydney’s heatwave, the Backyard Blitz and House Rules host, rather ironically, sent temperatures soaring while at the beach with fiancée, Ameka Jane, their daughter Beau and newborn son Nash. Once a stripper with all-male revue Manpower Australia, Jamie, 52, disrobed once again to show off his tanned physique and splash in the shallows with Beau, 20 months. Stunning Ameka, 35, meanwhile, made sure to keep her little boy shaded from the sun. Jamie – who is also dad to 29-year-old daughter Taylor – and Ameka announced Nash’s arrival last month. “Words can’t describe how grateful we are,” Jamie said at the time of his birth. Delighted to welcome…

Chicken Taquitos SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ 1 large corn cob, husk removed ■ 2 cups shredded roast chicken meat (250g) ■ 1 ¾ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese ■ 2 green spring onions, thinly sliced ■ ¹⁄³ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves ■ ¾ cup medium thick and chunky salsa ■ ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapenos ■ 10 white corn tortillas (10-12cm) ■ Sour cream, extra sliced jalapenos and coriander leaves, to serve 1 Cut kernels from corn cob and place in a large bowl. Add chicken, 1 cup cheese, onions, coriander, salsa and jalapenos. Mix well. 2 Heat tortillas in a microwave on High (100%) for 20 seconds until warmed. Divide chicken mixture down the centre of each tortilla. Roll up firmly to enclose filling. 3 Pull out pan and basket from a 7-litre…

Banana and Passionfruit Pudding SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 20 MINS ■ 75g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ■ ²⁄³ cup caster sugar ■ 3 eggs, separated ■ ²⁄³ cup overripe mashed banana ■ ½ cup fresh passionfruit pulp ■ 1 cup milk ■ ¹⁄³ cup self-raising flour ■ Icing sugar mixture and vanilla ice-cream, to serve 1 Grease an oven-proof dish (7-cup capacity). Place in a large roasting pan. 2 Beat butter and sugar in small bowl of an electric mixture until pale. Beat in yolks, one at a time, until combined. Add the banana and passionfruit and beat until well combined. 3 Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add the milk and sifted flour. Stir until combined. 4 Beat egg whites in same clean bowl of electric mixer until soft…

Advice Andrew Winter ANDREW SHARES HIS TOP TIPS ON PURCHASING YOUR NEXT HOME Size – it’s an interesting but complicated question to answer. This is combined with the presumption that size means big. Naturally size, or the amount of space a property has, affects its desirability. More space and more rooms can be a positive, but it’s not for every buyer. For example, a family of six needs space – they want lots of rooms, so size matters. But a couple may need less space, which will equal less maintenance and less cleaning. Both buyers will say size matters, but it means different things to different people. This will change at different stages of people’s lives, too. Another example is two identical blocks of land, both with brand-new, 300-square…

DIY painting tips and tricks Don’t be afraid of DIY – it’s not as intimidating as you might think! Once you get started, you can really enjoy the process and when it’s done, you’ll feel a real attachment to a space that you have transformed with your own hands. To help get you painting like a pro, Alex Roberts from Tint shares her tips for a perfect finish. 1. Don’t skip the prep It’s tempting to just get rolling but you’ll get a much nicer finish if you clean the walls, tape things up and prepare the surface first. Remove any fittings – handles, light fittings and power outlet covers – and lay out your drop sheets to cover the floor and surrounding furniture. Use a sanding sponge to smooth…

1. Gather your painting supplies – Dulux Aquanamel in your chosen colours, Dulux 1Step Prep (if applying on a new timber surface), drop sheet, high quality synthetic brush for cutting in, short nap roller, roller tray, 400 grit sandpaper, painter’s tape and old cloths. 2. Ensure the surface has been properly prepared prior to starting to paint. If this is a new timber surface, prime with Dulux 1Step Prep. Follow the label on the can for more information. 3. Start by cutting in around the edges of furniture piece. 4. Apply chosen paint colour to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes. 5. Once you’ve completed an area, lightly smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this. As a tip,…

Stars From Mar 27 – Apr 2 Aries MAR 21 – APR 20 Your chart is beginning to sparkle Aries, and that’s attracting attention. Unexpected invitations, compliments … as the spotlight swings onto your sign, you might even be offered a job. Just try to play it safe financially, for as your sense of enthusiasm expands, so might your blind spot. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 19, 28, 31, 40 Taurus APR 21 – MAY 21 The cosmos is working in your favour! Whether it’s a breakthrough at work or a personal victory, this week’s new moon could mark a turning point. If your fitness could do with a boost, Mars is about to propel you into action. Local clubs or teams should set the scene for fun, so take…

She’s rumoured to take home an eye-watering $7-8 million a year from co-hosting The Kyle & Jackie O Show, so it’s no wonder Jackie ‘O’ Henderson was able to splash out $13.25 million on a three-storey Sydney mansion last week. The radio queen, 48, was seen celebrating with her daughter Kitty, 12, as the auction hammer came down on the oceanfront home in Clovelly after just 10 minutes of bidding. Described as a fixer-upper, sources say Jackie, who has a keen eye for interior design, plans to transform her new sanctuary into a six-bedroom, three-bathroom family home. “Jackie loved having Kitty by her side at the auction,” reveals a source. “She almost didn’t make that final bid but when she did, it was a special time for them…

TV scoop Lyndall and Cameron started off as MAFS’ dream match. As soon as they said ‘I do’, the pair became fan favourites due to their no-drama personalities and compatibility. But as the experiment has progressed, and Cam’s true colours emerged, it’s become clear theirs is no fairytale marriage – and Lyndall’s had enough! In a New Idea photo exclusive, Lyndall, 27, was seen having an emotional breakdown in Sydney’s Hyde Park with a producer shortly before flying to Darwin to begin Homestay Week with Cam’s loved ones. An insider close to the cystic fibrosis survivor tells us she threatened to quit the experiment there and then due to her marriage becoming “so toxic”. “Lyndall walked out and demanded they stop filming. She was done. “Cam started out as her…

And the award for most bizarre performance at this year’s Oscars goes to … Nicole Kidman! From contorting her body into cringeworthy poses to pulling faces and passionately kissing her husband Keith Urban, the actress’ turn on the champagne-coloured carpet at the 95th Academy Awards might have been her strangest yet. In addition, a peculiar interview with Seven’s Sonia Kruger left many viewers asking what on Earth was going on? Now, we have an answer. Sources believe Nicole’s strange behaviour was due to her being riddled with nerves over coming face-to-face with her ex-husband, Tom Cruise. Nominated for Best Picture for producing his blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick, Tom was expected to be in the front row of the Dolby Theatre, where Nicole was also sitting. As such, an anxious…

Local stars The mood is buoyant and the laughter infectious on the morning that Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones arrive at New Idea headquarters for an exclusive photoshoot to celebrate the incredible 18 years they’ve spent together on the radio. “I think I’ve been a pretty fair employer to Amanda all this time,” Jonesy, 54, tells us with a chuckle. Leaning over to give her breakfast show co-host a quick pinch, Amanda, 61, retorts: “I think they know who the real boss is!” Their obvious chemistry, which has made the pair one of the most successful duos on the Australian entertainment scene, was instant. Yet the partnership came about entirely by accident. Originally, Amanda was co-hosting a radio show with Andrew Denton. One day, Andrew called in sick and Jonesy…

Real life Heartache, anguish, and frustration have followed Danica Weeks for almost a decade. Her husband, Paul, was among the 239 people on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 on March 8, 2014 when it vanished under mysterious circumstances over the South China Sea, never to be seen again. Nine years on, the brave mother of two is sharing new details about losing the love of her life, and how she continues to search for answers. “I promised [Paul] from day dot I would find him and bring him home and I haven’t done that. Until I do there will be no peace,” Danica says in the new three-part Netflix series MH370: The Plane That Disappeared. Dubbed ‘the greatest aviation mystery of all time’, the Boeing 777 aircraft piloted by…

Marshmallow Choc Cookies MAKES 20 PREP & COOK 55 MINS ■ 250g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ■ ¾ cup caster sugar ■ ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar ■ 2 tsps vanilla extract ■ 2 eggs, at room temperature ■ 2½ cups plain flour ■ 1 tsp baking powder ■ 100g packet white mini baking marshmallows ■ ½ cup Milk Choc Bits ■ 200g block dark chocolate, broken into pieces 1 Grease and line three large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until just combined. Transfer to a large bowl. 3 Stir in sifted flour and baking powder until combined. Stir in marshmallows and Choc Bits. 4 Roll ¼ cups of dough into balls.…

JUST RIGHT ON PRICE Aldi has proved once again great-tasting wine doesn’t have to break the bank. This Easter enjoy Freya and Jules Watervale Riesling – refreshing, zingy and the perfect pairing for any fish or seafood meal – or sit back, relax and sip on Veuve Olivier Sparkling Brut NV, a fresh, dry, fruit-driven French bubbly with honey flavours. Stock up at Aldi and enjoy their award-winning wines for under $10. GET DECORATING! If you’re pressed for time or just looking for an easy way to put a personal touch on a birthday cake, try this genius trick. Simply place cookie cutters (letters, numbers, or shapes) onto a pre-made cake. Pour sprinkles or edible confetti into the cutters. Carefully remove. Voila! SUPER JUICY & CRUNCHY Enjoy…

Best workout wear for all exercise Gym junkie If hitting the gym for a class, the treadmill or a few weights, practicality reigns supreme. Try a longline bike short rather than a legging to keep yourself cool and pair with a high-impact sports bra and loose tank. HOT TIP Specifically designed for those whom are post-surgery, this bra has a non-wired, non-padded soft feel. Yoga session For slower paced training like yoga and Pilates, the more fitted your kit is, the better. Look for soft, high waisted ankle-length leggings with a matching tank for ease of movement. Come prepared with yoga or Pilates specific socks to make your workout easier and slip on a pair of slides post-class. Sunrise stroll Go for practical, light layers on your morning walks. ⅞-length…

Advice Doctor Ginni GOT A HEALTH Q? DR MANSBERG’S GOT THE ANSWERS... Mastalgia, which is the medical term for breast pain, affects two thirds of women at some stage of their life. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be felt in one or both breasts. Lots of women head to their doctor fearing it means something sinister – like breast cancer. But that’s unusual. Here’s how to work out when to worry, why your breasts hurt and what to do about it. CAUSES OF MASTALGIA Mastalgia generally falls into three types: CYCLICAL BREAST PAIN As the name suggests, this happens in a typical cyclical pattern, usually around the period. It’s the most common form of breast pain and tends to hit women aged…

What is there to do in Cairns? With two UNESCO World Heritage sites at its doorstep, it’s easy to see why Cairns has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers. But the natural wonders are far from the only thing to visit in this tropical North Queensland destination. You’ll be surprised at how much Cairns has transformed over the past few years. From trendy bars and restaurants to new attractions and tours, there are countless ways to make the most of your getaway. EXPLORE A trip to Cairns wouldn’t be complete without taking a peek at the world’s largest coral reef. Passions of Paradise is a family-owned business that is passionate about helping people get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef’s corals and sea life. The…

Q My husband passed away 8 days ago and I don’t feel him around me. I believe in heaven, but he was sceptical and I badly need to know if he is OK. – PATRICIA A Neil is trying to let you know that he is around. Even if he didn’t believe, he has now discovered that you were right! As I write this he is laughing and telling me that he should have paid more attention to you when he was alive. He is spending all his time in spirit trying to find ways to prove to you and the family that he is around. He is smiling and telling me that you can teach an old dog new tricks even if he didn’t believe that when he was…

THE LONDON SEANCE SOCIETY by Sarah Penner When her sister is murdered, Lenna turns to the world renowned spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire to help catch the killer. OUT WED A SECRET GARDEN AFFAIR by Erica James Catching her fiancé in bed with another woman, Libby flees to her aunt Bess’ country home. Her arrival threatens to expose a long-buried family secret. OUT NOW DEAD TIDE by Fiona McIntosh As a case becomes too much, DCI Jack Hawksworth takes time off. But his holiday is interrupted when a body washes up. OUT NOW RETURN TO VALETTO by Dominic Smith After the war, Hugh Fisher returns to the home he grew up in, only to discover a woman is now trying to claim it as her own. OUT NOW DID I EVER TELL…