Table of contents for Issue 49, 2025 in New Idea

Welcome to one of the most energising issues we’ve ever created! This week, we’re proud to bring you our bonus 20-page ultimate health guide packed with 201 simple, practical tips to help you live longer, feel stronger and thrive every single day. No gimmicks, no extremes – just small, realistic actions that fit into real (and busy) lives. When combined, these micro-habits create macro-change. There are tips from experts, coaches and doctors on everything from foot, bone, eye and heart health to menopause, sleep and mental health. Whether you’re looking to increase your energy this week or invest in your future decades, you’ll find inspiration that meets you exactly where you are. Every tip is something you can start today, or keep hold of for January when the New Year’s…

Andy Lee and his fiancée, Rebecca Harding, have finally set the date for their wedding, more than a year after they got engaged! The TV funnyman, 44, proposed to Bec at the historic riverfront home they are renovating in Melbourne, in May 2024. The pair began dating in 2014 after meeting at a cafe where Bec, 35, worked as a waitress. When asked about their wedding date recently, Bec told The Sunday Telegraph, that she and Andy would marry “next year, later on.” She added: “It’s very exciting.” But not all the final details are locked in yet! “I don’t have a dress,” Bec said. “We have a venue, I won’t say where, but it’s still a lot to do. I didn’t realise what’s involved and everything that goes into…

Foodie Nagi Maehashi has hit out at social media influencers – ironically, while she was a guest presenter at the TikTok awards in Sydney! In an interview with news.com.au, the RecipeTin Eats founder said, “Social media, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, it is not a career – go to university, go to TAFE, get an apprenticeship.” The 46-year-old added that while she encourages people to “have a go” at social media, she thinks it is important that those who do should also build on other skills. Re-sharing the red-carpet interview on her own TikTok account, Nagi, an ex-accountant, wrote that she credits her “education and 15 years of working in corporate” for being able to build her online business into the success it is today. “The skills [included] discipline … professionalism, organisation,…

It has been revealed ‘High Country killer’ Gregory Lynn’s first wife “lived in fear” in the months before she was found dead on the front lawn of her home. Details of the convicted murderer’s past have been made public for the first time after a suppression order on the information was lifted in early December. It was previously ruled the information was a “real and substantial risk of prejudice” to Lynn’s right to a fair trial, but since the conclusion of the court case against him last October, the information has been made public. Lynn, 59, was jailed for 32 years in October 2024 after being found guilty of murdering elderly camper Carol Clay, 73, in 2020. Lynn went on to burn and hide Carol’s body, alongside the body of…

There was widespread shock among Sunrise staff and viewers alike when sports anchor Mark Beretta announced his imminent departure from the show. “After 30 years with the Seven Network and after a lot of long nights thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away,” Beretts, as he’s universally known, shared on November 27. “Working in this job and in sport has been my dream.” Beretts, 59, explained that he was stepping away from Brekky Central – December 12 will be his last broadcast – to spend more time with his family, particularly his mother Joan, who has cancer. But New Idea can exclusively reveal that, while Beretts has long been a valued and popular employee at Seven, his departure has raised eyebrows at the network. “It…

2 weeks to go! Barbecued Prawns with Romesco SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK 25 MINS ■ 24 large, raw king prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact ■ 2 cloves garlic, crushed ■ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ■ Charred lemon halves, sliced baguette, to serve ROMESCO ■ 100g fire roasted red peppers ■ 1 tomato (150g), chopped ■ ½ cup toasted blanched almonds ■ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ■ 1 tbsp tomato paste ■ 1 tbsp red wine vinegar ■ 1 small clove garlic, peeled ■ 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 ROMESCO Process all ingredients in a small food processor until combined. Transfer to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 2 Combine prawns, garlic and oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Thread onto…

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Keeping weight in a healthy range supports better cholesterol levels. Losing excess weight (if overweight) helps reduce triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – the “bad” cholesterol. GET REGULAR CHECKS High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so a blood lipid (cholesterol) test is important for knowing where you stand. MEDS MAY BE THE ANSWER If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins, ezetimibe, or newer lipid-lowering therapies (e.g. PCSK9 inhibitors) depending on risk and guidelines. AVOID SMOKING If you smoke cigarettes, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your cholesterol levels and your heart. Smoking lowers the “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and contributes to vascular damage. LIMIT ALCOHOL Excessive drinking can raise triglycerides and contribute to bad…

STAY HYDRATED Even mild dehydration can trigger headaches. Aim for at least 1.5 to two litres of water daily, more in hot weather or after exercise. DON’T TENSE UP Tension headaches are often linked to stress, anxiety, poor posture or long hours at a desk. They usually feel like a tight band around the head or pressure at the temples. The best ways to ease them include taking short breaks from screens, practising stretching and neck exercises, staying active and using relaxation techniques. TRIGGER ALERT If you suffer from migraines, avoid these common triggers: • Skipping meals or becoming dehydrated. • Stress or post-stress “let-down”. • Bright lights or screen glare. • Strong smells or noise. • Certain foods – aged cheese, processed meats, chocolate, alcohol (especially red wine) and…

As a parent, there are some things that are non-negotiable, and for me, one of those is growing up with pets. We always had them when I was a child – cats roaming the house and dogs jumping at the back door. LEGACY OF PETS My mum had a childhood filled with pets. Her dad was a softy and could never say no to a stray who needed a home. Needless to say, they had a house full of animals, including Rover the Wonder Dog who found fame on In Melbourne Tonight and the Pal commercials. It was a life she wanted for us too and I have such fond memories of every furry friend that I shared my childhood with. GROWING OUR FAMILY Fast forward to my own kids,…

Beloved actress Dame Judi Dench has made the heartbreaking confession that her eyesight is now so poor, she can no longer “recognise anybody” . The 90-year-old was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012. The age-related condition can cause vision impairment and blindness. Judi also explained that her bad eyesight is the reason why she hasn’t acted on screen, since a brief appearance in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited, because she can no longer read to learn her lines. “I can’t see the television. When I go to the theatre, I can’t see, hopeless,” she revealed. Despite the issue, Judi remains in good spirits and is determined not to let the condition beat her. Supporting her through it are her daughter, Finty Williams, and grandson Sam. Judi recently caught up with…

Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz were recently spotted together in Rome, suggesting that their new, but lowkey, romance is still going strong. The singer, 31, and Big Little Lies star Zoë, 37, first stepped out publicly as a couple in New York, back in September. Now the stylish pair have popped up in the Italian capital, where it’s thought they’ve both been based for the past few weeks. “They’re pretty much left alone there,” a source told People mag. “They just stroll around, meet up with friends and live a very relaxed life. They have great chemistry.”…

As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce get cracking on their wedding plans, word is that the bride-to-be’s bachelorette party will be an international affair! An insider told the US Sun that Taylor, who turns 36 this week, and her bridesmaids – rumoured to include Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid – have “at least three or four girls’ trips” planned. Locations include Taylor’s favourite spots like Nashville, New York, Italy and the Bahamas. We hope to receive our invite soon!…

Just four weeks after friends were toasting the fact that Hugh Jackman and Deborralee Furness “can finally be in the same room again”, the delicate truce is already fractured – after one PDA too many. Sources tell New Idea the once-hopeful thaw that saw the former couple quietly catching up in New York with their kids Oscar, 25, and Ava, 20, has been “complicated” with the impending Christmas holidays – not helped by Hugh’s PDA lovefest with his Tony-winning love Sutton Foster. “Hugh and Sutton are everywhere right now – red carpets, concerts, even cuddling in the street,” says an insider. “It’s like he’s taken their truce as a green light to bring Sutton front and centre of his world – and it’s putting pressure on Deb that she’s not…

2 weeks to go! Christmas Tree Cupcakes MAKES 12 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 15 MINS ■ 440g packet Golden Butter Cake Mix ■ Icing sugar, to dust ■ 600g packet Ready To Roll White Fondant Icing ■ 1 cup Creamy Deluxe Vanilla Flavoured Frosting ■ Liquid green food colouring ■ 47g packet Chocolate Flavour Pocky Biscuit Sticks ■ Christmas sprinkles, to decorate 1 Line a 12-hole muffin pan (¹⁄³-cup capacity) with paper cases. 2 Prepare cake mix according to packet directions. Divide evenly among paper cases. Reserve icing mix for another use. 3 Cook in a 160C preheated oven for 20-25 mins, or until cooked when tested. Stand in pan 5 mins. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 4 On a bench lightly dusted with icing sugar, roll…

2 weeks to go! BOTTLED & BAKED Tasmania’s Callington Mill Distillery serves up the ultimate Christmas indulgence with its 2025 Festive Cask Single Malt Whisky and whisky-soaked English Christmas pudding to match. Crafted in limited quantities and beautifully boxed, this luxe pairing brings a grown-up twist to festivities. Think rich, spiced sultanas, marzipan and orange zest in your glass, paired with a pudding steeped in single malt for seven days. Made in collaboration with Silver Penny Puddings, it’s the perfect excuse to pour a drink, slice some pudding and toast the holidays. Available at callington milldistillery.com, RRP $165. SAY CHEESE Introducing your new cheese-plate obsession – Tarago Cheese’s Shadows of White, a creamy double-cream brie straight from Gippsland. French-inspired and made with extra-fresh cream from the farm next door, it’s…

WALK IT OFF According to cognitive and brain expert and founder of The Cognitive Strategist, Natalie Mackenzie, walking is one of the most simple yet powerful tools for focus. “It increases blood flow, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the brain, which improves memory, focus and creativity,” she explains. “The movement also triggers the release of endorphins, supporting a calmer mindset and reducing stress.” MANAGE MENOPAUSE BRAIN Research from Beyond Blue reports that one in three Australian women have experienced bothersome menopausal symptoms in the past five years, with over half saying it has negatively affected their emotional and mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling off, give these tips by personal trainer and founder of Owning Your Menopause Kate Rowe-Ham a go: 1. Put on your favourite song and dance it out.…

TIMELESS & TRADITIONAL SOPHISTICATED SPARKLE BUON NATALE Stuck on what to gift the foodie travel lover in your life? Barbetta has done the hard work for you with a stunning selection of Italian-themed gourmet gift boxes. Whether it’s limoncello they fancy or a pantry full of authentic pasta, there are 16 carefully curated boxes to choose from. Bellissimo! Hampers start from just $75. Head to barbetta.com.au to order yours today. SWEET SURPRISE AU NATURALE Compiled by Stephanie De Nobile. Images: Next, H&M, Kmart and Pillow Talk.…

EDITORIAL Acting Editorial Director Rachel Williams, Deputy Editor Leigh Credlin, Art Director Katie Garside, Picture Editor Matthew Mackay ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Anna Quinn, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. New Idea is a registered trade mark of Are Media. Use of trademark strictly prohibited. Licensing Inquiries: www.contentshop.com.au / syndication@aremedia.com.au Printed by…

It’s been 63 years since Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her Hollywood home, but now an explosive new book claims to shed new light on what really happened to the iconic star. Respected fiction author James Patterson believes the Some Like It Hot actress was murdered because she was “treading in some very dangerous waters.” He outlines his theory in his new book The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe: A True Crime Thriller. “Marilyn had all these incredible relationships – with President Kennedy and his brother Robert and with Frank Sinatra and mafia figures,” James said during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “They told her stuff, she kept track of it.” At the time of Marilyn’s death, on August 4, 1962, LA police claimed it was a probable…

There’s been a wonderful new addition to the Sunrise family! Weather and features presenter James Tobin and his wife, Farrah, have welcomed their first child. In a post on James’ Instagram, the happy couple introduced “Our little girl, Tilda Tobin,” and shared some sweet family photos taken in the hospital, shortly after Tilda’s arrival. The post has been flooded with well-wishes and excitement from friends and colleagues. Natalie Barr wrote, “Congratulations you two. She’s absolutely beautiful,” with a love-heart emoji at the end. Samantha Armytage joined the conversation with, “Beautiful… congratulations to you all”, while Manu Feildel said, “Omg!!! This is such a great news.” James, 45, wed cardiologist Farrah last October. They began dating around 2021, and prefer to keep their relationship private.…

Is there trouble in paradise for Ed Sheeran and wife Cherry Seaborn? The pair have been married for seven years and share two daughters – Lyra, five, and Jupiter, three – together. But the ‘Perfect’ singer-songwriter has shared some deeply personal insights about their relationship via some new lyrics. He released a deluxe version of his latest album Play – which originally came out in September – with 13 additional songs. In ‘Problems’, Ed, 34, reveals how his Mathematics world tour – which he was on for three years – put a strain on his relationship with his family. The song opens with, “Flowers in our garden are dying. When did the water run dry? Who can tell? But you want the truth, we’re not fine. We don’t need space,…

After an exceptionally difficult few weeks, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped up to support King Charles and Queen Camilla as they hosted a state visit to the UK by the German president. “The King especially has been noticeably drained by dealing with his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor recently,” a royal insider told New Idea. “William and Kate pulled out all the stops to support Charles and Camilla during this three-day event. They wanted to show that, despite all the drama, it’s business as usual for senior royals.” After the couple greeted the German dignitaries at Heathrow Airport on December 3, and accompanied them to Windsor Castle to meet Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78 – William and Kate, both 43, also co-hosted the glittering state banquet, held inside a festively…

Barbra Streisand is dealing with a family crisis ahead of the holidays, with friends calling for the reclusive star and her husband, James Brolin, to step in and save his son, Jess, “before it’s too late”. Recently, Jess was seen looking down on his luck while waiting for a bus in his neighbourhood in Ojai, California. According to the Daily Mail, Jess, 53, is living in the three-star Topa Vista Hotel. In 2024, it was reported that he had been homeless after a trust fund previously ran out. “Of course, the whole family is worried,” confirms New Idea’s exclusive source. “They have tried many times to help, but he refuses every time. If Jess wanted, he could be living in the lap of luxury… Barbra and James would provide whatever…

2 weeks to go! Merry Berry Meringues MAKES ABOUT 21 PREP & COOK 2 HOURS 40 MINS ■ 8 egg whites, at room temperature ■ 2 cups caster sugar ■ 3 tsp cornflour ■ 1 tsp white vinegar ■ 600ml thickened cream ■ 3 tsp vanilla extract ■ Fresh mint or strawberry leaves, to decorate BERRY SYRUP ■ 250g punnet strawberries, sliced ■ 125g punnet raspberries ■ 1 tbsp pomegranate arils ■ 2 tbsp icing sugar mixture ■ 1 tbsp pomegranate juice 1 Grease three large oven trays. Trace 21 x 6cm circles onto baking paper. Place onto prepared trays, trace-side down. 2 Beat egg whites in large bowl of an electric mixer until frothy. With motor operating, gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating well after each…

NSW CHRISTMAS BUSH As the name suggests, NSW Christmas bush really does signify the festive time of year as it gets covered in salmon-red starry flowers. If left, this ‘bush’ will become a tree in the garden, but a good yearly prune to bring those festive blooms inside will keep it in check. Fertilise this plant with a low phosphorus fertiliser and keep it well-watered while it establishes. Catch Charlie on BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS Fri. 7pm on Channel 7 and in Better Homes and Gardens magazine every month. Christmas is a wonderful time of year – the world seems to slow, the stresses of work disappear and, thank goodness, we have more time to enjoy the plants in our gardens … and at this time of year, there are…