Table of contents for Issue 8, 2023 in New Idea

I never thought I’d see the day where I would become a plant parent. So much so that whenever one of our 14 perfect plants pops out a new leaf, I burst with pride. I even have a favourite (even though I know I’m not supposed to). That’s why I’m thrilled gardening guru Charlie Albone is sharing his expert green thumb advice on page 62. Make sure you also head over to pages 80-83 and check out our Big British TV guide – I just finished Happy Valley Season 3 and absolutely loved it. Happy reading! Editor newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

Comedian Luke McGregor has announced his engagement to Dr Amy Thunig, revealing it was his partner, who uses they/them pronounss, that popped the big question. “I was planning on proposing after Christmas but then they beat me to it,” Luke shared on The Project. The Rosehaven star has found quite the catch. Not only is Amy gorgeous, but they are also an accomplished education academic with a PhD, and a book author as well.…

After two years of revealing interviews, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now beginning to experience the legal fallout for their bombshell series of tell-alls. Last week, a US judge struck down Meghan’s desperate final bid to avoid facing a deposition as part of a defamation and grievous falsehood case brought against her by estranged older half-sister, Samantha Markle. Samantha says Meghan made “demonstrably false and malicious statements … to a worldwide audience [of] roughly 50 million people in 17 countries” during her 2021 TV sit-down with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan, 41, and Prince Harry, 38, will now face under-oath questioning from Samantha’s lawyers. Her legal team have indicated they’ll be probing whether Meghan lied about her upbringing to promote a “rags to royalty” fairytale, and will force her to…

ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HAPPY I vividly remember taking the call from my mum… “Jana, I am having a heart attack, the pain takes my breath away and radiates to my right armpit.” I was instantly worried as my mother complains of nothing. I was, however, relieved to hear she felt the pain was on the right side of her body, which made it less likely to be a myocardial infarction (heart attack). After further probing, she revealed she also had a skin rash in the same region that the pain was occurring and it was itchy and blistering. It sounded like textbook shingles. I persuaded her to see her family doctor. Of course, Mum’s first fear was that she was contagious to me, heavily pregnant…

Tidying tips for living with pets From shedding hair to muddy footprints, as much as we love our fur babies they come with a lot of mess! With the help of some handy hacks and a few clever cleaning devices you can keep your home clean and sanitary for everyone – even your four-legged friends – in your household. The team at Godfreys share their expertise on how to make cleaning up after your pet a breeze. 1 STOP YOUR PETS IN THEIR TRACKS Keep an old towel by the door and wipe down your pet’s feet before they come inside. If it’s a wet and muddy day you can even have a bucket of water by the door ready for a quick foot spa before a wipe-off with…

Travel tips for Borneo WHERE TO STAY Gaya Island Resort Borneo is situated just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. It is seriously easy to get to from Kota Kinabalu airport, around a 30-minute car and speed boat ride. On the boat ride over to the island, you’ll pass villages of stilted houses elevated over the water. Once you arrive, you will see an idyllic resort – with the villas and suites set in the hills, surrounded by tropical rainforest and mangroves. It’s heavenly! WHAT TO DO You can choose to do absolutely nothing and enjoy laying on one of the cabanas by the pool or just relax on your villa’s private daybed. But if you’re up for some activities, there are loads to choose from. One of the resident…

Q Will my daughter ever marry and settle down? She’s nearly 35. Joanne, Central Coast, NSW. A Your daughter’s horoscope shows an adventurous, independent nature (which isn’t uncommon in Sagittarians), and a passion for travel is indicated as well. She will have opportunities for serious romance in the next few years, but will she be willing to give up her freedom? That’s a question that only she can answer. Q My son has just dropped out of university. He had been studying to be a primary school teacher. He wants to start working in landscaping in his friend’s family business, but I’m worried. Do you think it will work out for him? Amanda, Perth, WA. A With his earthy Taurus sun and active Aries Mars, physical work…

If there is one thing that Kylie Minogue isn’t, it’s being lucky in love. After almost five years together, the singer, 54, has sadly split with her British magazine executive boyfriend Paul Solomons. The break-up came after the pair struggled to keep the spark alive following Kylie’s move back home to Australia in late 2021. “Long distance isn’t easy for any couple,” a source says. “Kylie and Paul really tried to make things work but ultimately the time difference was a killer – Paul couldn’t exactly nip to Melbourne for a long weekend whenever things got strained.” The split from Paul is the latest in a long string of heartbreaks for Kylie. She’s had failed romances with Neighbours co-star Jason Donovan, the late Michael Hutchence, actor Olivier Martinez and model…

The Block’s Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie proved they could put on a good show during their two stints on the hit reality show. So it’s no wonder that Network 10 decided to scoop up the Channel Nine favourites to host their revamped Location, Location, Location. It’s news that might upset some of their fellow reality stars, but the pair are shutting out any noise and are instead celebrating their new gig. “We can’t wait to help Aussies find their dream homes,” the couple said. “It’s going to be so much fun sharing our experience and knowledge with a sprinkle of joy along the journey.”…

The Mormon religion has long been branded a ‘cult’ by its harshest critics due to its strict rules and policies, and tendencies to shun ex-believers. And one person who had a front-row seat to it all is American bride Alyssa. Alyssa, 35, is careful to choose her words when New Idea broaches the subject of her former religion. But the Utahraised single mum does concede she felt much happier after breaking free of the confining church. Leaving when she was in her mid-teens, Alyssa, now 35, says she was unable to express any emotion other than happiness during her formative years as a Mormon – or there would be serious consequences. “If we were angry or upset we got sent straight to our room. We’re told to turn off any…

Jennifer Grey is taking herself out of the corner to reprise her best-known role as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman in a long-awaited follow-up to the 1987 classic, Dirty Dancing – but not everyone’s having the time of their life over the news. Lisa Niemi, the widow of the film’s heart-throb Patrick Swayze, is said to be throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to getting back on the dance floor. “Producers, including Jennifer, are desperate for [it to be] a blockbuster sequel, like Top Gun: Maverick, and they’d like to incorporate Patrick’s presence in some way,” a source says. Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has been floated as an option. Yet, Lisa, who controls her late husband’s $57 million estate, is said to be ambivalent. “Negotiations have been difficult. There’s a…

Burned by a string of relationship disasters, Amanda Muggleton, the grand dame of stage and screen, had completely given up on men. Then suddenly her “soulmate” appeared mid-pandemic! “I never thought at this age I would find someone and be so comfortable and so in love,” Amanda, 71, beams. “It’s almost sickening, but it’s about time … I’ve had such bad luck with blokes.” Typically, Amanda’s career got in the way. Once she was turned off by a noisy eater. No wonder she wrote and performed a hilarious cabaret show called The Men Who Got Away – Thank God! “I thought I obviously wasn’t meant to be with anyone,” laughs the former Prisoner favourite. “I had shut up shop – I just wasn’t interested.” Today the story has totally changed…

Q&A HOW FAR AHEAD CAN I MAKE A PAVLOVA BASE? A Bake up to 24 hours ahead. When completely cooled, place in an airtight container and store in a cool place (or fridge in very hot or humid weather) until ready to decorate and serve. MARVELLOUS MID-STRENGTH East Pole Gin has released two mid-strength gins – Classic Dry and Pink Grapefruit, the perfect balance. These full-flavoured gins have the same mouth feel and taste as regular gins, but with half the alcohol. Delicious, floral flavours of locally sourced botanicals and native fruits, enjoy mid-week or with Sunday brunch. Visit eastpole.com.au for more information. RRP $65, 700ml bottle. Melon with Minted Sugar MAKES ¹/³ CUP PREP 10 MINS ■ ¼ cup sugar ■ ¼ cup fresh mint leaves ■ ½ small…

Quick ways to dress up a day look SLIP ON A MULE Swap out your working flats for a low to mid heel mule. These are practical, comfortable and can be worn with everything. Slip them on as you make your way to your evening plans in a flash, without worrying about buckles and ties. ADD AN EARRING One of our number one tricks to dress up a look is with a drop earring. Anything that is slightly dangly will create interest to any outfit or neckline. Go with simple metals like silver or gold. Plus they’re small enough to carry with you wherever you go for a quick change. CINCH IN If your working week staple is a midi dress or skirt and shirt, try adding a evening belt…

AdviceAndrew Winter ANDREW SHARES HIS TOP TIPS ON PURCHASING YOUR NEXT HOME To begin, search your local auction market results. This may appear obvious, but every area across Australia has its own market attitude towards auction sales. Big city areas love them, quiet country towns may not! Review the weekly percentage sale results, that way you can ascertain the chances a home will sell under the hammer. CHECK OUT THE COMPETITION Play detective. Attend every open house, or get friends to. Ask the agent about levels of interest – obviously they will always imply it’s positive, but keep asking them and their colleagues, see if their stories match, and ask your friends to ask as well. Analyse and listen to other people around you – are they serious, or perhaps…

YOU CAN WIN A SHARE IN ! $2000 $300 UP FOR GRABS! COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a movie featuring Emily Blunt (3,7). Write this title on the coupon. PUZZLES $2000 PRIZE TO SHARE! SUPER CROSS For a chance to win one of two prizes of $250, simply solve the crossword to reveal the name of a musical fantasy film featuring our pictured star (12) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS1 1970s dance music style (5)4 Sleeper’s reverie (5)6 Automaton (5)9 Brave, intrepid (7)12 Long (for) (4)13 Criminal (5)14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, eg (13)16 Two-up paddle (3)17 Divine aura…

Angel, our red toy poodle. Storme loves her so much. Isn’t she the cutest! MANDY GRAHAM, CARRUM DOWNS, VIC. Our kelpie Prim and new friend Charm, the miniature highland calf. I caught them lying in the sun together. It was so gorgeous to watch. GAIL SIMONS, INGLEWOOD, TARANAKI, NZ. I thought you might like this funny pic of our dog Chewie, chilling. LISA IVERS, THORNLEIGH, NSW. Zimba has a cheeky look on her face as she sits on top of my art box on my desk. She likes to sit on my desk while I am working. Just look at the defiant look on her face. She is so cute! ANGELA MORRISSEY, EAGLEHAWK, VIC. My puppy Gonzo loves to enjoy the sun and the flowers. NICOLE PRINCE, EIGHT MILE PLAINS,…

Entertainment Few people know what really happened during John Ibrahim’s heyday ruling over Kings Cross in the ’80s and ’90s, but a new drama is telling the sordid story straight from the horse’s mouth ... sort of. Inspired by his 2017 memoir of the same name, Last King of the Cross recounts the epic story of John (played by Lincoln Younes) and his brother Sam (Claude Jabbour) as they work their way up from poverty-stricken immigrants to become the most powerful nightclub owners of Sydney’s corrupt Golden Mile. It’s familiar ground for Aussie audiences, with the third season of crime franchise Underbelly tackling the same timeframe. Despite the source material, star Lincoln insists he’s playing a fictionalised version of the nightclub baron. “It’s not a biopic,” he says.…

NEWS With their 23-year age gap, Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth might not be the most obvious pairing to play romantic leads in a Hollywood film together. But sources from the set of their new movie, Lonely Planet, admit their chemistry is setting the screen on fire, and it’s all down to a fun crush Laura, 56, has on hunky young Liam, 33. “Laura is having the time of her life flirting with Liam,” a set insider tells New Idea. “She wouldn’t be human if she wasn’t attracted to Liam.” As our pictures from Lonely Planet’s Los Angeles set show, the duo, who are great mates, clearly enjoy working together. “Of course they’re having a great time when the cameras stop rolling, because they both have the same…

The parents of murdered mother Hannah Clarke have praised the introduction of paid leave for anyone escaping domestic violence in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this month that employees will be entitled to 10 days of paid leave from employers to escape dangerous situations. The legislation began on February 1 for workers across the nation. Employees at small businesses will be able to access the scheme from August 1. “This change will save lives,” the Prime Minister said. “Part of tackling domestic violence of course is bringing it out into the open, talking about it.” In Australia, one woman dies at the hands of domestic violence every 10 days, while police deal with 5000 domestic violence matters every week. Indigenous women are 18 times more likely to fall victim…

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s appearance at the Grammy Awards on February 5 has insiders convinced their marriage isn’t as picture perfect as they make it look. In a candid moment captured during the live broadcast, J.Lo appeared to snap at Ben – right when host Trevor Noah was doing a bit next to them. Unaware that the cameras were catching their every move, Ben, 50, leaned over to whisper into his wife’s ear. J.Lo, 53, then responded by jerking herself away and seemingly scolding Ben. It then dawns on both of them that the entire incident has been televised. The ‘Let’s Get Loud’ singer appears to be pretending that nothing has happened, while Ben stares off with a vacant expression. Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler tells New Idea…

Has Kate Ritchie found love again? The former Home and Away star all but confirmed she is off the market when New Idea spotted her kissing a handsome gent at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on February 8. Our sleuths believe the lucky fella is a man named Chevy. He and Kate were first spied together in January, when they enjoyed a park playdate with her daughter, Mae. The 8-year-old was seen being picked up and carried by her mum’s new flame. In a sign things could be getting serious fast, Kate, 44, reportedly spent time with her new man’s family that same month. It’s a happy life update for the star, who sought treatment for alcohol dependence after being arrested for low-range drink driving last August. “The last year has been…

When it comes to the reason for Pooja Thakkar’s Bollywood success, the Tassie local sums it up in one simple statement: friendship, fitness and fun. As dancer, choreographer, instructor and owner of her dance school, Bollywood Beats, Pooja has brought the Indian-inspired dance from the streets of Mumbai to Launceston. Famous for fast and intricate movements Pooja assures New Idea Bollywood dancing can be enjoyed by everyone no matter what age, ability, or gender! “I have 120 students from kids to teens, senior citizens and NDIS participants,” shares Pooja, 37. “The youngest is 5 and my oldest has just turned 100!” For Pooja, Bollywood dance – the dynamic and highly theatrical style, decorated with extravagant, colourful clothing seen in the Indian film industry – has a plethora of benefits, particularly…

I’m stressed about getting sick It starts with a rash on your belly. A Google search brings up ‘meningitis’, causing a sense of dread to wash over you. You panic, unable to think about anything else. You read a news story about someone who got toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from a tampon, and feel sick to your stomach, wondering if that explains your recent cramps. Now you’re feeling faint … which could be a symptom of TSS too. You head to your GP, and they find nothing wrong. You’re reassured … but not for long. What if they’ve made a mistake? You Google your symptoms again, then feel a headache on one side of your head. Could it be an aneurysm? It fits the profile. Now that rash is back…

How do I stop my hair looking dull and frizzy? Keeping your colour looking its best every day may seem like an unachievable goal, especially when summer hits. But experts say that glossy hair right around the clock is achievable with a mix of TLC, quality at-home products and know-how. Dry and frizzy “If you aren’t giving hair enough hydration, it may start to feel dry or frizzy,” says Jamie Furlan, co-owner of LNDN Hair in Melbourne, Kérastase ambassador and AHFA 2020 Australian Hairdresser of the Year. This is particularly an issue in summer when moving in and out of air conditioning and spending days at the beach or in the pool. To keep unmanageable hair at bay, enlist hydrating products. TRY Kérastase Chroma Absolu Filler Hair Mask, $68, adorebeauty.com.au.…

Stars From February 13 - 19 Aquarius JAN 21 – FEB 19 Your desire for change is strong right now, so start by getting rid of some old clutter (be brutal if you have to), then clear your pantry of temptation or ditch a bad habit. If you’ve been mulling over a money-making idea, late-week strategy sessions could leave you inspired. Believe in yourself ! Lucky gemstone: Aquamarine Pisces FEB 20 – MAR 20 You can do it! Mercury is tapping into deep memories or psychological recesses, but insights gained now could prove invaluable. An unusual therapy or relaxation technique might work wonders through autumn if you need a boost. Write a wish-list before next Monday’s new moon. Lucky symbol: Yin and yang…

HAPPY VALLEY Season 3 Fans of West Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) are no doubt thrilled she’s patrolling our screens again after seven long years away. Coming off a stellar, hard-to-top second season, Catherine takes us on another edge-of-our-seats ride when she discovers the remains of a gangland murder victim. This finding soon leads her to Tommy (a chilling James Norton), the father of her grandson Ryan – and more importantly, her late daughter’s rapist. Speaking about the six new episodes, Sarah says “it concludes the story as we know it” but also “leaves it open in another sense”. Could this mean a fourth season might be on the way? Here’s hoping it doesn’t involve another seven-year hiatus if it is! STREAMING NOW ON FOXTEL AND BINGE CALL…

REGRETS ONLY by Kieran Scott In the vein of Big Little Lies, a single mum goes undercover to investigate the leaders of a local parent-school association – and uncovers bribery, adultery and murder! OUT NOW THE LAST FIRST DATE by Hayley Quinn After meeting Brody on a dating app, Helen thinks he’s The One. But when she deletes his contact info, she sets out to find him offline. OUT NOW KINDNESS by Kath Koschel A moving memoir from a woman who embarks on living for a year on the kindness of strangers. Kath’s journey shows us there is always light to be found during darkness. OUT NOW HOW TO KILL A CLIENT by Joanna Jenkins Gavin brings millions into his law firm until he is murdered. Can police find the…

“HE’S AGEING BEAUTIFULLY.”Brad Pitt has still got it, according to his number one fan Martha Stewart. “IT’S A DIVORCE, I RECKON ISN’T IT.”After his stint on I’m a Celebrity, Mike Tindall knows his wife Zara won’t be happy if he signs up for Strictly Come Dancing. “EVERYONE THINKS I’M ADELE IN DRAG.”Sam Smith is rolling in the comparisons to another famous British singer. “I WANT TO SHOW YOU HOW CRAZY IT IS LIVING WITH ALL FEMALES.”Sylvester Stallone explains why he signed up to do a reality show, The Family Stallone, with his wife and three daughters. “I DROP THE KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL AND GO DO SOMETHING FOR MYSELF.”Ally Langdon is enjoying a little me time now she no longer has the early morning wake-up calls for Today.…