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From drab to fab: Why fashion in your 60s doesn’t have to be boring

<p>Just because you are in your golden years, doesn’t mean you have to have a boring or restricted relationship with fashion and seasonal trends.</p> <p>There is a wealth of experience, emotions and styles that you have encountered throughout your life, and that should shine through your style.</p> <p>If you feel like your wardrobe is in need of a pressing transformation, the good news is that it is never too late to work at decluttering the drab pieces and start investing in new clothing.</p> <p>Here we look at three new collections from Australian women’s fashion label <span><a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/">Black Pepper</a></span> – which has just relaunched its brand with a fresh new look – to see how you can make fashion fun again. </p> <p><strong>1. Throw out the rulebook</strong></p> <p>In order to transform your wardrobe, it is important to make sure you aren’t being intimidated into buying fashion you know you won’t feel comfortable wearing. But don’t let that insecurity stop you from walking into a trendy shopping store.</p> <p>Recently, Black Pepper relaunched with a completely new fashion look. Customers can now expect to find nice classic pieces and outfits for all occasions which can be worn again and again, season after season. Black Pepper offers a variety of styles and patterns so shoppers can find investment style pieces that flatter their body type.</p> <p>Black Pepper understands how hard it can be for women in their golden years to find stylish pieces, so it has curated three collections – Platinum, Style and Classic – to ensure shoppers can find trendy items without compromising on comfort and functionality. The <span><a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/platinum">Platinum collection</a></span> provides a wide range of fun pieces for special occasions.</p> <p>The Platinum range also features shimmer and sparkle so that you can mix-and-match whatever materials you like to achieve a look that suits your personality no matter the dress code.<img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/media/7821989/1-black-pepper-platinum.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/44f10a971aa9409392e424768ba360b1" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Platinum collection: Veronique Top, $89.95; Veronique Skirt, $89.95. (Available in store and online from November 30, 2018.)</em></p> <p><strong>2. Get colourful</strong></p> <p>Clothing retailers will always have an endless supply of neutral colours with black, brown and navy-blue tones always considered ‘on trend’. However, although those colours are safe, if you don’t show off a little bit of colour in your outfit, it can make your wardrobe look tired.</p> <p>Black Pepper isn’t only renowned for its unique fabrications but also the wide colour range it offers. Colours not only can be used to reflect your mood but can be used to make subtle nods to the current season or the theme of an event you are going to.</p> <p>Experimenting with different colour and print combinations can turn the simple task of getting dressed into an exciting creativity challenge.</p> <p>Don’t smother your beauty in dark colours – have fun and let your personality shine through your ensemble.</p> <p>Black Pepper’s <span><a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/style">Style collection</a></span> has an assortment of prints, colours and layers which are perfect for those who want to look trendy but still get creative with different combinations.</p> <p><img style="width: 333.239px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821990/1-black-pepper-style.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e9518f41b737465f89a1e0a98a44e5bb" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Style collection: Mali Lavina Dress, $129.</em></p> <p><strong>3. Always wear confidence</strong></p> <p>Clinical psychologist Dr Jennifer Baumgartner said: “Our clothes help place us where we think we want to be.”</p> <p>If you feel like certain items in your wardrobe don’t make you feel great, be bold and throw them away. If you have the budget, consider investing in new staple pieces that you can wear on a day-to-day basis to spice up your wardrobe.</p> <p>Often we think about saving for an outfit for a special occasion that we then neglect updating the items that we live in each day.</p> <p>If your clothes help you to feel confident and self-assured, you will be able to project those feelings onto others no matter what your itinerary for the day looks like.</p> <p>Black Pepper’s <span><a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/collections/classic">Classic collection</a></span> is built around providing everyday pieces that exude a feminine touch, so that you can look good and be comfy all the time.</p> <p><img style="width: 333.239px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821991/1-black-pepper-classic.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/34c7148ad6da4b41ac1f951b03f3f33f" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Classic collection: Primula Shirt, $89.95; Liberty Pant, $79.95.</em></p> <p>What are your tips for avoiding a boring wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>This is sponsored content brought to you in conjunction with <a href="https://www.blackpepper.com.au/">Black Pepper</a>. </em></p>

Beauty & Style

Duchess Kate’s simple lesson for kids of all ages will warm your heart

<p>As a mother-of-three, Duchess Kate has firsthand experience raising her children with Prince William. Over the past five years, since her eldest child Prince George was born, she has learned many parenting lessons which she now feels should be passed on to other growing families.</p> <p>At a recent event, Duchess Kate openly shared her parenting advice at Basildon Sporting Village in the UK, as one admirer named Janet Emery hugged the royal.</p> <p>Kate welcomed the embrace, thanking the woman, and shared with Janet, “Thank you very much. Hugs are very important. I keep saying that to my children.”</p> <p>Janet is part of an organisation, Sport for Confidence, which provides sporting events and activities for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems, as well as giving them a supportive space.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvrC2gYHs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvrC2gYHs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse)</a> on Nov 13, 2018 at 2:05pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Prince William has previously given insight into how he and his wife raise Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 6 months. He revealed that besides their royal status, they do all they can to give their children a normal life.</p> <p>“As far as we’re concerned, within our family unit we are a normal family. I love my children the same way any father does, and I hope George loves me the same way any son does to his father, so we are very normal in that sense,” William explained to BBC News in 2016.</p> <p>Surprisingly, along with many parents across the world, William and Kate are against giving their children electronics, such as iPads, computers and gaming consoles.</p> <p>“As two people who grew up without gadgets for entertainment themselves, William and Kate are firm believers in toys, outdoor play and encouraging an active imagination,” shared a royal insider with <span><em><a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/prince-william-kate-middleton-george-charlotte-technology-toys">Us Weekly.</a></em></span></p> <p>What do you think is an important lesson for kids of all ages to know? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</p>

Family & Pets

Bad news Australia: Christmas Day is going to be a wet one

<p>Summer is officially set to arrive in two weeks, but it seems that we won’t be blessed with sunny days anytime soon, as Australia’s east coast is expected to experience heavy rain fall.</p> <p>December is predicted to be wet and gloomy with the soggy weather leading all the way up until Christmas day.</p> <p>According to The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), there is a 65 per cent chance of rainfall in the month of December with some areas being affected more than others.</p> <p>Speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6392191/The-east-coast-smashed-rain-Australia-gears-WET-Christmas.html" target="_blank"><em>Daily Mail</em></a>, senior climatologist at the BOM, Agata Imielska, said that the rain will give drought-stricken farmers something to celebrate as some areas are expected to receive close to 400 millimetres of rain.</p> <p>“It’s a pleasant surprise for areas especially for areas that have been quite dry,” she said.</p> <p>But despite the good news, the BOM doesn’t expect the consecutive rain fall to have an effect on the drought.</p> <p>“It would be nicer to see the signal across the entirety of the state and particularly west of the Great Dividing Range,” said Ms Imielska.</p> <p>“Still better than seeing a dry outlook obviously.”</p> <p>In NSW, the western areas are expected to remain fairly dry as most of the rain is expected to fall throughout the eastern and south-eastern parts of the state.</p> <p>But the rain isn’t going to stop summer in its tracks as residents in NSW have been warned of extremely hot days and nights towards the end of the year.</p> <p>The BOM is predicting a number of heatwaves and increased chances of bushfires despite the wet weather.</p> <p>“Sometimes that rainfall can actually stimulate some growth which can then dry out and actually pose a potential bushfire risk,” said Ms Imielska said.</p> <p>Since January, NSW has been dangerously dry as it has received less than 20 per cent of its expected rain fall, with Australia going through the driest July in 20 years.</p> <p>Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.weatherzone.com.au/" target="_blank"><em>Weatherzone</em></a>, Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, the heatwave expert for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, said that Australia should brace themselves for a very dry and extremely warm summer.</p> <p>“We are heading towards an El Niño summer, so we are more likely to have hotter and more extreme weather,” said Dr Perkins-Kirkpatrick.</p> <p>“We should certainly be worried.”</p> <p>El Niño is a phenomenon that occurs during severe droughts and causes extreme temperatures that increases the risk of bushfires and decreases the chance of rain and can last up to two years.</p> <p>Are you looking forward to more wet weather? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Domestic Travel

The outrageous advice Centrelink just gave this 55-year-old woman

<p>A devoted wife has been advised by Centrelink to divorce her husband of more than 20 years as he suffers through a devastating stroke.</p> <p>Wayne Mitchell, a former PDHPE teacher and a man who held a passion for sport, has been left unable to walk and talk after suffering from a stroke in August.</p> <p>Requiring round the clock care, the 55-year-old is forced to live in a nursing home which is proving to be a huge expense for his family.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="/media/7821999/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5884b4ca6eba43739a8a96cb97801e5b" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo: <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2017">A Current Affair</a></em></p> <p>Sitting down with <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2017" target="_blank">A Current Affair</a></em>, Colleen Mitchell said the government has recommended a divorce from her husband, so he can be eligible to receive the pension.</p> <p>“I’ve been told it would be cheaper to divorce, he’d go on a pension,” said Colleen.</p> <p>If Colleen decided to proceed with the divorce, Wayne will be entitled to complete care from the federal government as he would be a single disabled person.</p> <p>Due to the tragic circumstances, Colleen is considering taking the advice given even though she loves her husband dearly.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:280.625px;" src="/media/7822000/http_2f2fprodstatic9netau2f_2fmedia2f20182f112f152f182f582fmd2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/14f24862a95f488c9ee0e05a44a4b47e" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo: <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2017">A Current Affair</a></em></p> <p>The family have attempted to get through to Centrelink to request funding for Wayne’s condition but due to the couple owning a home, their requests have been denied due to the house being considered an asset.</p> <p>According to Colleen, she either divorces her husband or has to look into selling her home, which she shares with her daughter in order to cover the costs of nursing home care.</p> <p>“There’s no way he’d be saying, sell up, because I would have nowhere to live,” she said.</p> <p>But despite the struggles the family is currently facing, Colleen says divorcing her husband is an option she doesn’t want to take.</p> <p>“We’ve been together for 22 years, so that would be the last thing I would want to do but if it comes down to it,” she said.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="/media/7822001/http_2f2fprodstatic9netau2f_2fmedia2f20182f112f152f182f582fmd6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6119de73b7864e4faa733a7a251f76f5" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo: <a href="https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/2017">A Current Affair</a></em></p> <p>The family created a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/inspire-stroke-care-centre?fbclid=IwAR31-mXmv3OC87p1HRar_h2ousxnlmeVQA4Ra4UspaNDYrI2dNDVStIK1Ow" target="_blank">Go Fund Me</a> page in October to help raise money for a facility that hopes to help young stroke survivors that require the level of assistance only provided in residential care.</p> <p>“On the 27th of August 2018, my 55-year-old father (Wayne) suffered a major Basal Ganglia Haemorrhagic Stroke,” wrote Wayne’s daughter on the Go Fund Me page.</p> <p>“The original prognosis was that he would not survive the original bleed given its severity. He has pulled through, although it is still a long road of rehab and recovery.”</p> <p>Since the page went up, they have received over $25,000 worth of donations.</p> <p>“We want to create a residential care facility specialising in direct support for young stroke and ABI and TBI survivors or any young person who has been put into the situation of requiring 24-hour support,” the page read.</p> <p>“Being cared for around other young people, can provide more mental stimulation and promote rehab, healing and interactions.”</p>

Retirement Income

Hay fever alert: Experts advise to stay indoors as pollen hits 'extreme levels'

<p>Brace yourselves, hay fever sufferers! Pollen in the air is set to reach extreme levels over the weekend.</p> <p>The areas which are considered to be hit with the highest amount of pollen are Sydney, Perth, Bendigo and Adelaide, as experts advise people to avoid those locations.</p> <p>Peak period for hay fever is said to begin in November, but those who suffer from the allergy can start to feel irritated as early as September.</p> <p>According to Weatherzone, pollen levels are at its highest during hot days and days where there is dry wind present.</p> <p>Sydney-siders are going to be affected the most as winds are set to reach 17km/h on Friday and Sunday, with pollen levels set at “very high".</p> <p><span>Weatherzone has advised those who are sensitive to pollen to remain indoors, saying “most sufferers of pollen allergies will experience symptoms on very high pollen level days".</span></p> <p>Temperatures in Perth are set to soar, as the city will experience 30 degrees on Friday combined with winds of 20km/h. The pollen forecast is predicted to be high.</p> <p>Adelaide will have a warm Sunday as the weather is forecasted to be 33 degrees with four days of high-level pollen.</p> <p>Those in Melbourne are also expected to face high pollen levels by Monday but the weekend is set to be quite clear.</p> <p>But those in Bendigo, Victoria, are advised to stay indoors as pollen levels are set to reach extreme.</p> <p>Dr Connie Katelaris, head of the immunology and allergy unit at Campbelltown Hospital, spoke to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6390783/Pollen-reach-extreme-levels-weekend-experts-warn-horror-season.html" target="_blank"><em>Daily Mail</em></a> and advised those who suffer from the allergy to remain cautious.</p> <p>“If you know you have regular problems, you should be starting up one of the preventative sprays, the nasal sprays, so that you can block the reaction before it gets going.”</p> <p>Close to 15 per cent of Australian’s suffer from hay fever, and speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6390783/Pollen-reach-extreme-levels-weekend-experts-warn-horror-season.html" target="_blank"><em>Daily Mail</em></a>, professor Simon Haberle, from the Australian National University who specialises in pollen, said the worst is yet to come.</p> <p>“Most of the pollen comes from trees in August and September, and now we’re moving into the grass pollen season, which starts around late October and November,” he said.</p> <p>“If you’re suffering from hay fever and asthma at the moment and feeling the effects of it, it’s probably relating to tree pollen because it’s quite prominent.”</p> <p>Do you suffer from hay fever or asthma? Tell us in the comments below. </p>

Caring

The alarming story behind Bunnings’ new sausage sizzle rule: “It happened so fast”

<p>When Bunnings announced earlier this week that it was changing its <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/the-big-change-coming-to-bunnings">sausage sizzle rule</a>, where onions would be placed under the sausage rather than on top, Aussies around the country were up in arms.</p> <p>Due to safety recommendations, the hardware giant has been forced to implement the change to reduce any hazards or danger imposed by dropped pieces of onion on the floor from customers’ sandwiches, posing a risk for people to slip on in Bunnings’ warehouses.</p> <p>While the decision has outraged many people around the country, calling it “un-Australian”, a Queensland farmer has come forward, revealing he was left seriously injured after slipping on dropped sausage sizzle onion in a Bunnings store three years ago.</p> <p>Trevor, from Mary Valley north of Brisbane, told ABC Radio that he fell flat on his back at Bunnings’ Gympie store when he went to purchase a whipper snipper in 2015.</p> <p>The 65-year-old explained, “It is serious stuff, this onion thing. I used to be an amateur boxer and I learnt the punch is not going to kill you, it’s hitting your head on the concrete that is going to,” he said during the radio interview.</p> <p>“I went to another Bunnings a couple of weeks after and I had a panic attack,” Trevor admitted.</p> <p><img style="width: 375.476px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821996/1-sausage-sizzle.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8ef9d226f5214e49881718fa308b0e54" /></p> <p>Speaking about the day of the incident, he recalled, “I walked into the store and it happened so fast, I had leather boots on … I went down on my back.”</p> <p>The farmer confirmed to ABC Radio yesterday that he also received compensation from Bunnings due to the incident but did not confirm how he was repaid.</p> <p>A woman from Victoria also spoke out on the <em>Sunrise</em> breakfast show Facebook page, claiming she was also a victim of rogue sausage sizzle onions on the floor, and is in the process of suing the hardware chain.</p> <p>Dianne Cook wrote: “It has had such an impact on my life.”</p> <p>She continued, “Only those close to me will ever understand. One trip to Bunnings nearly cost me my career … nearly my life.”</p> <p>What do you think about Bunnings’ new sausage sizzle rule? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Legal

"I'm fatter than I thought" – Karl Stefanovic urged to "make some changes" by doctor

<p>With his health at risk and his upcoming wedding in Mexico next month, Karl Stefanovic is preparing to tie the knot by sticking to a gruelling exercise regime.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram, the breakfast show host shared his struggles with his physical health as doctors advised him to lose weight.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMKmYuHjZU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMKmYuHjZU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">I was told a little while ago by a doctor I needed to make some changes to my physical health. It’s been tough. I was fatter than I thought. Ha. But I’m getting there. Slowly. I want to thank @osher_gunsberg for the inspiration. And @emiliebrabonhames and @chiefbrabon for making me bleed. Its been really positive. For anyone out there I truly believe it’s never too late.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/karlstefanovic_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> karl stefanovic</a> (@karlstefanovic_) on Nov 14, 2018 at 9:58pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The photo, which shows the 44-year-old lifting weights, was captioned with: "I was told a little while ago by a doctor I needed to make some changes to my physical health. It’s been tough. I was fatter than I thought. Ha. But I’m getting there. Slowly.</p> <p>“I want to thank @osher_gunsberg for the inspiration. And @emiliebrabonhames and @chiefbrabon for making me bleed. Its been really positive. For anyone out there I truly believe it’s never too late.”</p> <p>And to keep the momentum going, fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, seems to be supporting Stefanovic’s plans to shed the extra weight as the two are frequently seen going for walks and playing tennis in Mosman, where the couple reside.</p> <p>The pair became engaged in January this year and took part in a commitment ceremony in March.</p> <p>Yarbrough, a shoe designer, met Stefanovic in December 2016 following his highly publicised marriage split from Cassandra Thorburn, his wife of 21 years.</p>

Body

The cult $59 item from Target that keeps selling out

<p>It’s just over 5 weeks until Christmas and there is one product that is in such hot demand at Target, customers are desperately trying to get their hands on it at stores all over the country and online.</p> <p>The item causing such a frenzy is the discount chain’s $59 Snowy Aspen Christmas tree.</p> <p>Yes, a humble white plastic tree is what all the fuss is about!</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/media/7821994/1-target-xmas-tree.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/95f27bda7c124c2c80132d6671584f77" /></p> <p>A Facebook page called Target Mums Australia has been flooded with posts from customers in their desperate search for the sell-out Christmas tree.</p> <p>Savvy online shoppers have even stumbled upon it on eBay, being sold for ridiculously inflated prices.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpeKRSwnTRW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpeKRSwnTRW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Inspired by the Australian coastline, our crafted nature trend has a pared-back, organic vibe ❤️🎯 #givealittlelovethischristmas #foundattarget #targetaus</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/targetaus/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Target Australia</a> (@targetaus) on Oct 28, 2018 at 2:10am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A spokesperson for Target Australia, Emma Duxbury-Thompson, Head of Design/Hardgoods, spoke to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/christmas/the-cult-59-target-item-being-hunted-around-the-country/news-story/20ee1267139bc9f711f6fd79db861188">news.com.au</a>, and explained: “Our Christmas trees this year have been hugely popular with our Snowy Aspen tree being a massive hit with customers already.”</p> <p>She added, “I think it has worked so well because we were able to deliver a stylish boutique-looking tree at a really affordable $59 price for our customers … There are still some Snowy Aspen trees scattered in stores across Australia that are selling really quickly.”</p> <p>Will you be trying to get your hands on this cult Christmas item from Target? Tell us in the comments below.</p> <p> </p>

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The official royal title Princess Diana once had that Camilla now uses

<p><span>One thing many royal fans might not know about Princess Diana is that when she married Prince Charles on the 29th of July in 1981, she also inherited a number of royal titles. </span></p> <p><span>Although she became formally known around the world as Her Royal Highness, Princess Diana of Wales, she also was bestowed the titles of Countess of Cheshire and Duchess of Rothesay. </span></p> <p><span>Furthermore, the official royal title now used by Prince Charles’ wife Camilla Parker Bowles – who married the future king in 2005 and became the Duchess of Cornwall – also belonged to Princess Diana once upon a time. </span></p> <p><span>And Diana and Camilla aren’t the only ones to be honoured with the title of Duchess of Cornwall. Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother who was married to King George V, also held the title in previous times. </span></p> <p><span>But the age-old question all royalists want to know is: ‘Why is Camilla not the Princess of Wales, like Diana was?’</span></p> <p><span>It is understood that, when Camilla married Charles 13 years ago, she decided to take the royal title Duchess of Cornwall in a move that’s believed to be a sign of respect to the late Diana. </span></p> <p><span>While she is also technically the Princess of Wales, as she is married to the Prince of Wales, royal insiders hint that when Charles becomes king, Camilla will be known as Princess Consort, not Queen Camilla. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLUxJ4AEn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLUxJ4AEn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House this evening before departing for The Prince’s 70th birthday event at Buckingham Palace. The photograph was taken by @chrisjacksongetty. 📸</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/clarencehouse/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Clarence House</a> (@clarencehouse) on Nov 14, 2018 at 2:07pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>The debate around Camilla’s title when Charles succeeds the throne is also spelt out on the official royal website in the frequently asked questions section: “As was explained at the time of their wedding in April 2005, it is intended that The Duchess will be known as HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne.”</span></p> <p><span>But not everyone agrees this will still be the case. </span></p> <p><span>According to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/why-queen-camilla-has-always-been-on-the-cards">Princess Diana’s former private secretary</a>, the Duchess of Cornwall will be formally declared Queen when her husband Charles become monarch.</span></p> <p><span>Patrick Jephson, who worked for the People’s Princess from 1989-1996, says that Camilla receiving the title of 'Queen' has “always been on the cards”.</span></p> <p><span>"You'll never find it acknowledged," he added.</span></p> <p><span>"You'll find clever wording like 'there are no plans' or 'it is not envisaged'. But I bet you a dollar to a donut Her Majesty Queen Camilla will be crowned."</span></p> <p><span>Royal correspondent Andrew Robert has also previously disagreed with the official royal website’s explanation and stated: “Technically, unless there’s a change of law or an act of parliament [Camilla] will become ‘Queen Consort’, they’d have to change the law to stop her being ‘Queen Consort.”</span></p> <p><span>Do you think Camilla should be given the title of Queen when Prince Charles becomes King? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p>

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The Queen’s unexpected comment about Prince Charles in emotional speech

<p>With Prince Charles turning 70, no one could be prouder of his achievements than his own mother, Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>Hosting a party on Wednesday night at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the monumental occasion, the Queen gave a heartfelt tribute to her eldest son and the heir to the throne.</p> <p>In what was considered a rare occasion of public affection, the Queen spoke fondly of her son and said it was a “privilege” to be able to celebrate the milestone with Prince Charles.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLN9gFnwGq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLN9gFnwGq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">“My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out.” Her Majesty described The Prince as “passionate”, “creative” and as “a duchy original”. Read the full speech by clicking our link in bio. This photograph was taken in the grounds of Windlesham Moor, country home in Surrey, in 1949 when Prince Charles was around 8 months old and in this second photograph The Queen and The Prince of Wales are pictured together at the Braemar Games in Scotland last year.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on Nov 14, 2018 at 1:08pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70<sup>th</sup> birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like – to use an analogy I am certain will find favour – planting a tree and being able to watch it grow,” she said.</p> <p>“My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out. Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader – a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history – and a wonderful father,” she continued.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLNy9nHtZb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLNy9nHtZb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">“It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up,” The Queen has said in a speech at the Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Party this evening. “It is rather like —to use an analogy I am certain will find favour — planting a tree and being able to watch it grow,” Her Majesty said. Read the full toast by clicking our link in bio. This first photograph was taken at Buckingham Palace on The Prince of Wales’ fourth birthday and the second on The Queen’s 90th birthday in Windsor in 2016. 📷 PA Images</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on Nov 14, 2018 at 1:07pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So, this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original. To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales,” she concluded.</p> <p>Many were surprised to hear the Queen mention the Duchess of Cornwall in her speech, as it is said that the pair don’t get along after author Tom Bower mentioned an argument between the two in his unauthorised biography <em>Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles</em>.</p> <p>But after giving an emotional toast, it seems as if there is no bad blood between the Queen and her daughter-in-law.</p> <p>The Queen’s tribute to Prince Charles was posted across official royal Instagram accounts and other social media platforms, along with photographs of the pair throughout the years.</p>

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10 royal Christmas traditions Duchess Meghan has to follow this year

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The 4 signs Prince Charles is about to take over from the Queen

<p>Great Britain’s longest reigning monarch, 92-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, has reigned for 66 years on the throne.</p> <p>In recent years, the Queen has started reducing her demanding schedule and has instead offered more responsibility to her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles.</p> <p>Now, royal spectators believe that the Queen could soon be passing the reigns over to Charles.</p> <p>Speaking to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/mailonsunday"><strong><em><u>Mail on Sunday</u></em></strong></a>, royal correspondent Robert Jobson said, “I understand the Queen has given the matter considerable thought and believes that, if she is still alive at 95, she will seriously consider passing the reign to Charles.”</p> <p>Reportedly, there have been four key signs that are hinting that Charles will soon become monarch.</p> <p><strong>1. Prince Charles’ charm offensive</strong></p> <p>Recently, the Prince of Wales has been on the charm offensive, showing the public a more emotional side to the doting grandfather. In a recent photo released by the Palace, Charles can be seen playing with his youngest grandchild, Prince Louis.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp74bqJFmkj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp74bqJFmkj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A new photo of Prince Charles, The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis by royal photographer Chris Jackson. . SO CUTE AWWW! ♡ . #katemiddleton #duchessofcambridge #princecharles #princelouis #princegeorge #princesscharlotte</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/thecambridgespage/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Cambridges.</a> (@thecambridgespage) on Nov 8, 2018 at 2:11pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The sweet photo was shared ahead of the UK premiere of a new BBC documentary, <em>Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70</em>.</p> <p>In the documentary, viewers see Charles swinging Camilla’s grandchild around as his wife gushes about his family values.</p> <p>“He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him,” said Camilla.</p> <p>“He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think children really appreciate that.”</p> <p><strong>2. Support from his sons</strong></p> <p>Although Prince Charles and Prince Harry have always shared their love for their dad, recently the two royals have been vocal about their support and respect for their father.</p> <p>In the BBC documentary, Harry reflected on when his father stepped in to replace Duchess Meghan’s father and walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.</p> <p>Harry, 34, recalled the moment he asked his father to step in for his then soon-to-be wife.</p> <p>“I asked him to and I think he knew it was coming and he immediately said, ‘Yes, of course, I’ll do whatever Meghan needs and I’m here to support you’,” Harry said.</p> <p>“For him that’s a fantastic opportunity to step up and be that support, and you know he’s our father so of course he’s gonna be there for us.</p> <p>“Just because he’s my father that doesn’t mean I can just sort of go, ‘Okay, that’s all, I’ll take it from here.’”</p> <p>In the same documentary, William complimented his father for being a wonderful grandparent and admitted that he wants Charles to “have more time with the children”.</p> <p>Last year, Harry and William opened up about the moment Charles told them the heartbreaking news about their mother Princess Diana’s death.</p> <p>“One of the hardest things for a parent to have to do is to tell your children that your other parent has died,” Harry said.</p> <p>“But he was there for us, he was the one out of two left and he tried to do his best and to make sure we were protected and looked after.</p> <p>“But, you know, he was going through the same grieving process as well.”</p> <p><strong>3. Charles the thought-leader</strong></p> <p>Last month, Charles appeared on the cover of <em>GQ</em> magazine for their October issue.</p> <p>His interview with the publication positioned him as the modern figurehead of the British monarchy, discussing his views on certain topics.</p> <p>The heir discussed his passion for environmental issues, highlighting how his viewpoints often differ from others.</p> <p>“You are accused of being controversial just because you are trying to draw attention to things that aren’t necessarily part of the conventional viewpoint,” he said.</p> <p>On his official website, Prince Charles explains why he is so passionate about taking care of the environment.</p> <p>“For His Royal Highness believes that economic and social development will best succeed when it works in harmony with Nature, rather than in conflict with Nature,” the Prince of Wales website states.</p> <p><strong>4. Performing the Queen’s duties</strong></p> <p>Charles has increasingly stepped in for this mother at various engagements. Last year, Charles took centre stage for the laying of the wreath during the Remembrance Day ceremony while his mother looked on.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 476.78508617657405px;" src="/media/7821927/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b8761785c16c4b8293e4c31bd3144c9a" /></p> <p>Last year, Charles also completed the most engagements in his family – fulfilling 374 engagements in the UK and 172 abroad.</p> <p>In April this year, the Queen discussed Charles taking over from her as the Head of the Commonwealth.</p> <p>”It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity to future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” she said, addressing the Commonwealth heads of government at Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>While some royal speculators suggest the Queen will officially abdicate when she turns 95, others believe Charles could soon become Prince Regent.</p> <p>This will mean that Charles will “become King all but in name”.</p> <p>Do you think Charles will become King soon? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

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Travel

Powerful new photo shows heartbreak of Aussie crisis

<p>A photo posted to social media shows the desperation of Australian farmers who have been affected by the worst drought the country has seen in decades.</p> <p>The photo, which was captured by Rhonda King, shows her 83-year-old father Alf King making a prayer for rain as he kneels in the middle of dry land a little outside of Bingara near the NSW-Queensland border.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frhonds.king%2Fposts%2F2190611847817453&width=500" width="500" height="508" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>The photo was taken as the father and daughter were feeding their cattle on Sunday morning and was posted a couple of days later on Rhonda's Facebook page.</p> <p>It didn’t take long for the photo to gain momentum, as it has already garnered hundreds of comments from well-wishers as they too prayed for Alf and farmers around Australia.</p> <p>“Heartbreaking picture so hard to take after a lifetime of hard work,” said one user.</p> <p>“Bless his soul,” wrote another. “Hope it rains soon.”</p> <p>According to Rhonda, this is the worst drought to have ever hit the area.</p> <p>“Four generations have toiled hard on this land,” she said. “Never seen before, first time without water.”</p> <p>The farm, which has been in the family for four generations, is 2000-acres and Rhonda, who is a farmer and an army veteran, says her father still helps out despite his old age.</p> <p>“There’s just myself and my dad,” she said, speaking to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/powerful-photo-shows-drought-stricken-farmers-desperation-075151076.html" target="_blank">Yahoo7</a>.</em> “He helps me out and he’s almost blind.</p> <p>“If you look at the photo, you’ll see a patch over his eye, so he’s only got a little bit of sight in one eye.”</p> <p>The image comes after the Prime Minister’s announcement to increase the government’s food relief budget, as he hopes that those charities that are responsible for providing food for 710,000 people a month don’t have a cut in funding.</p> <p>Organisations such as Foodbank lost $250,000 a year due to the government wanting funds to be distributed between three providers instead of two, which resulted in them almost cutting their services for those who need it the most.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">[1/3] Yesterday I promised to review the Foodbank decision. I have listened and decided to increase the Food Relief budget by $1.5 million over the next 4.5 years and have asked the Minister to place more focus on relief in drought affected areas.</p> — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1062078060613103616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">12 November 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">[2/3] This maintains Foodbank’s funding at $750K/yr, with Second Bite and OzHarvest funded as announced last week.</p> — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1062078133900177408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">12 November 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">[3/3] Important that food relief in drought areas is delivered in a way that does not undercut local businesses. Minister will work with providers to get the right plan in place.</p> — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1062078287705329664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">12 November 2018</a></blockquote> <p>“I have listened and decided to increase the Food Relief budget by $1.5 million over the next 4.5 years,” said Mr Morrison through his Twitter account. “This maintains Foodbanks funding at $750k/yr, with Second Bite and OzHarvest funded as announced last week.”</p> <p>The food relief budget has now been increased to $6 million. </p>

Domestic Travel

The 5 things you need to do when visiting Morocco

<p>From the twisting, bustling alleyways of the Medina to the fresh sweet taste of mint tea, Morocco is a wonderful assault on the senses. These are the five things you must do in this incredible country. </p> <p><strong>1. Shopping</strong></p> <p>If you love delicate glass tea sets, intricately-woven carpets and expertly-made leather handbags, you will love shopping in Morocco.</p> <p>Sharpen your bargaining skills and head to the markets for the most authentic experience. The Souk Market in Marrakech is the one most often featured in films. Wander through the vast twisting alleys and you will find anything your heart desires from spices and perfumes to leather goods and souvenirs. Be prepared. This is a wonderful assault on the senses. Take good shoes, a bottle of water and a secure bag.</p> <p>Many Morocco tours also take some time to visit a tannery. Here you can see exactly how leather goods are made. To counter what may be an overpowering smell, the owners hand out sprigs of mint. Hold one to your nose as you listen to the workers detail the process of tanning a hide and turning it into luxury goods.</p> <p>Make sure you also seek out a carpet-maker, particularly in Fez. Colourful threads hang from the walls and the intricate Moroccan carpets are woven on-site.</p> <p>Moroccan argan oil is world-famous for making hair shine and heal. The best place to buy it is in Marrakesh. Speak with your tour operator to make sure the oil you find is authentic.</p> <p><strong>2. Ancient ruins</strong></p> <p>The empire of Rome once stretched all the way to Morocco. The best-preserved example of the ancient Roman ruins can be found at Volubilis, between Rabat and Fez.</p> <p>Volubilis was founded in the 3rd Century BC and was once the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. The Romans saw this isolated city as a strategic outpost for their empire. It grew into a vast city under their occupation from the 1st century AD. Volubilis lies on a fertile plain surrounded by wheat fields. The city’s wealth came from olive production. Grand residences were decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles, marble and bronze. It once had terraced gardens and a triumphal arch. The 42-hectare site is UNESCO-listed.</p> <p>“It is one of the richest sites of this period in North Africa, not only for its ruins but also for the great wealth of its epigraphic evidence,” UNESCO says.</p> <p>Local tribes overtook the city in 285AD. Rome never re-took it.</p> <p><strong>3. Food</strong></p> <p>Moroccan food is influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab and French cultures. The result? It is delicious.</p> <p>Morocco’s most famous dish, couscous, is made from small steamed balls of crushed duram wheat semolina. The word couscous is derived from the Arabic word Kaskasa which means “to pound small”. In Morocco, the dish is often called seksu or kesksu. It’s served with chicken, lamb or mutton and vegetables cooked in a spicy broth or stew.</p> <p>When in Morocco, you need to try the sweet version, called Stouff – steamed couscous served with almonds, cinnamon and sugar.</p> <p>Tagine is another must-try Moroccan dish. Tagine is served everywhere, from roadside stalls to fancy restaurants. This delicious meat stew is slow-cooked inside a cone-shaped clay pot.</p> <p>Khobz, a crusty bread baked in communal wood-fired ovens is another delicious Moroccan staple. You can buy it fresh from street vendors all over Morocco.</p> <p>The one Moroccan staple you can expect to have every day is mint tea. Simple, fresh leaves steeped in water and served in glass teacups. It’s a ritual you will take home with you. No more mint teabags. Fresh is the way to go.</p> <p><strong>4. Fez</strong></p> <p>Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Less crowded than Marrakesh, Fez is known as a centre for traditional art and artisans. Fez’s old town, or Medina, is UNESCO World Heritage listed. It’s a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks and shopfronts selling traditional food and crafts.</p> <p>Fez is home to the world’s oldest university – the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859. The mosque and university are off-limits to tourists. But you can visit the public library, also one of the oldest in the world.</p> <p>If you love Moroccan tiles, head to Medersa Bou Inania. This building was once a theological college. It is the only religious building in Fez open to non-Muslims. Inside you will find breathtaking mosaics, fine lattice screens and incredible stucco-work.</p> <p>Gardeners should check out Jnan Sbil Gardens, just outside the Medina walls. Sultan Moulay Hassan donated the gardens to the people in the 19th century. Wander along the pathways and breathe in the scent of citrus and eucalyptus.</p> <p><strong>5. Hammam scrubs</strong></p> <p>Just as you need to do Turkish baths in Turkey, in Morocco, you need to do a hamman scrub.</p> <p>The traditional bathhouse is quite the experience. The first step is to steam and soak. Guests split off by gender, remove their clothes and head to the steam rooms. Take some water from the buckets inside the room and pour it over your head. Or soak in wonderful pools like the one above. </p> <p>Next comes the scrub. The masseuse will scrub every inch of your body, delighting in the removal of dead skin cells. Once you’ve been scrubbed, head back to the steam room to relax. Our top tip – make sure you pay to have your own scrubbing mat, otherwise, they will recycle. </p> <p>You will never view a massage in the same way again.</p> <p><em>Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/5-things-you-must-do-in-morocco/">My Discoveries</a></span>. </em></p>

International Travel

How not to behave on a plane

<p>Flying economy, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact we’re all in it together.</p> <p><strong>1. The Armrest Warrior</strong></p> <p>They dominate the shared armrests and can provoke an in-flight turf war.<br /><strong>Strategise:</strong> Sharing is best, or one ‘outside’ rest for window and aisle seats and both for the middle. If someone’s obsessed with claiming ownership, it may be worth retreating peacefully for a more relaxing journey.</p> <p><strong>2. The Recliner</strong></p> <p>Their seat goes back as soon as the plane levels out and stays there until landing, making it impossible for those behind to work or eat.<br /><strong>Strategise:</strong> On a short flight, reclining is frowned upon. On longer flights, keep your seat straight until it’s acceptable to recline – generally once meal trays have been collected.</p> <p><strong>3. The Hygiene Offender</strong></p> <p>It’s a long flight, so they took a long run beforehand, then covered up with the strongest deodorant available. <br /><strong>Strategise:</strong> While most of us arrive at the airport fresh and clean, the close quarters of a plane mean that normally pleasant smells like curry and fragrance can affect other passengers. On long-haul flights, pack wet-wipes for an inflight wash and a change of socks, top and underwear.</p> <p><strong>4. The Chatterer</strong></p> <p>These flyers can’t wait to talk your ear off for the duration of the flight. <br /><strong>Strategise:</strong> Have headphones or a laptop ready to show you’re busy. Nervous flyers may need you to chat to calm them; remind them planes are statistically the safest way to travel.</p> <p><strong>5. The Overhead Storage Hog</strong></p> <p>They get on early and stuff every available overhead locker with their excess carry-on.<br /><strong>Strategise:</strong> Store heavy items under the seat in front of you, then look for free space in the overheads, accepting you may not get it above your seat.</p> <p><em>Written by Jackie Middleton. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/flights/How-Not-to-Behave-on-a-Plane"><span>Reader’s Digest</span></a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <span><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">best subscription offer</a></span>.</em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Travel Trouble

Why you need to go to Switzerland

<p>Wendy Fernandes is a regular visitor to Switzerland. She has been to the European nation at least two or three times a year for the past 12 years.</p> <p>“I go primarily to visit family, but I also love the country because you feel so safe travelling there, everything is clean and well organised, and it’s breathtakingly beautiful,” Wendy says.</p> <p>Switzerland is a small nation, at 41,277 square kilometres it would fit in New South Wales 10 times. But don’t be fooled by its size. It is incredibly diverse.</p> <p>“Visiting Switzerland is like experiencing three European countries in one as the German-speaking, French-speaking and Italian-speaking areas all have their own unique ambience,” Wendy says.</p> <p>Lucerne is one of Wendy’s favourite cities. This compact city sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is known for its medieval architecture. It’s here you will find the lion monument carved into a rock and the Swiss Transport Museum.</p> <p>“The lake is beautiful with picture box wooden pedestrian bridges crossing it,” Wendy says. “You can do boat trips on the lake, it has a pedestrian-only central shopping street and lots of cafes and restaurants.”</p> <p>In Zurich, you’ll find an attractive old town mingled with modern shopping streets. Daily guided walks (in English) leave from the train station in the centre of town.</p> <p>Zermatt is in the French-speaking part of the country and is home to the dramatic Matterhorn mountain.</p> <p>“It’s a year-round resort and thanks to the glacier one can ski for 8 months,” Wendy says.</p> <p>“In the summer there are wonderful walks to suit all abilities with guides available for the more challenging hikes. The town centre is full of places to stay and eat and has a vibrant atmosphere.”</p> <p>If you’re going to Zermatt, Wendy says you should walk across the Charles Kuonen bridge. At 494m it is the longest in the world.</p> <p>What you will really love, Wendy says, is the trains. Swiss trains are known for their efficiency and for the stunning scenery of the countryside they pass through. The Glacier Express is perhaps the most famous Swiss train. It connects Zermatt and St Moritz in the centre of the Swiss Alps and glass roofs offer jaw-dropping views of the mountains.</p> <p>The Chocolate train links Montreux and Broc-Chocolat and the Golden Pass train runs from Luzern to Interlaken and Montreux.</p> <p>“Travelling is easy and public transport operates 352 days a year, runs like clockwork and covers the whole country,” Wendy says.</p> <p>“When buying a ticket at the station they will give you a print out of times/platform numbers and any changes required.</p> <p>“You can buy various train/boat/bus passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days. If you are visiting for longer the Half Fare card on the trains is valid for 30 days.”</p> <p>If you are travelling by car and using the motorways you need to buy and display a Vignette for CHF 40.</p> <p>Australians travelling to Switzerland will appreciate the excellent coffee. Swiss food is wholesome, always homemade and nourishing.</p> <p>“Try Fondue (bread cubes dipped in hot cheese), Alpermagronen (a bake of cheese and potatoes served with apple puree), Bircher muesli (a breakfast dish of oats soaked overnight and then mixed with forest fruits, yogurt and cream), Raclette ( a type of cheese heated to melting point and then dripped over potatoes and pickles) and Rosti which is almost the national dish being potatoes thinly grated and then pan-fried in butter until crisp and golden,” Wendy says.</p> <p>“Wash any of the above down with white wine (which the Swiss keep to themselves) or fresh apple juice.”</p> <p>What more could you ask for? No wonder she keeps coming back.</p> <p>Here are Wendy’s quick tips for Switzerland must-sees:</p> <ul> <li>The large lakes – Geneva, Constance, Lucern, Zurich, Neuchatel and Lugano to name but a few.</li> <li>Mountains – Matterhorn, Pilatus, Rigi or Jungfrau.</li> <li>Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen.</li> <li>Interlaken for chocolate-box views, walks and mountain flowers.</li> <li>Parade of the cows dressed in flowers as they are brought down from the Alpine Pastures in October.</li> <li>Fireworks and bonfire display to mark Swiss National Day on August 1.</li> <li>Sunday is still a day of rest in Switzerland. Shops are closed, and no one hangs out washing or mows their lawn. Trains, boats and buses run as usual.</li> </ul> <p><em>Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/switzerland-travel-activities/">My Discoveries</a></span>. </em></p>

International Travel

Health

The $2 hack for the “best sleep ever”

<p>It is no secret that many Aussies live their lives sufficiently sleep-deprived.</p> <p>According to the Sleep Health Foundation’s 2016 Sleep Health Survey, up to 45 per cent of the country suffer from inadequate sleep.</p> <p>However, one holistic health specialist Dr Ron Ehrlich has revealed the trick that could solve a major sleeping problem.</p> <p>The author of <em style="font-weight: inherit;">A Life Less Stressed</em> said that a $2 roll of tape could be the answer to getting the “best sleep of your life”.</p> <p>He recommends using paper-thin micropore tape, which is sold at most chemists, to tape your mouth shut before going to sleep.</p> <p>Dr Ehrlich says that this trick will “retrain” your body to breathe properly, causing sleep to dramatically improve.</p> <p>“Noses are for breathing, and mouths are for feeding, talking and smiling,” he said.</p> <p>“When you breathe through your nose, it warms, humidifies and filters the air before taking it into the lungs. When you breathe through your nose you also have five levels of filtration.</p> <p>“If you breathe through your mouth you bypass the first four and put a lot more strain on your tonsils and respiratory system. Mouth breathers are predisposed to a whole range of allergies, asthma and infections.”</p> <p>Dr Ehrlich also says the sleeping hack improves bladder health by encouraging the production of nitric oxide.</p> <p>One of the benefits of nitric oxide is improving bladder function, improving sleep for those who have the tendency to wake in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.</p> <p>“There has been great research which has shown (the tape) has very positive affects on sleep so there’s no reason not to use it,” he said.</p> <p>The $2 sleep hack also benefits other areas of life, including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.</p> <p>“Without a doubt sleep is the most important part of everybody’s day — it is our own built-in life support system and it has been described as the Swiss Army knife of health care because it improves hormone balance, metabolism, emotional stability, libido, ageing, inflammation and your immune system,” he said.</p> <p>“Better sleep also leads to better concentration, performance, memory, mood, productivity, enjoyment, engagement and it reduces absenteeism — you name it.</p> <p>“The key is in getting consistent good sleep and prioritising it.”</p> <p>Dr Ehrlich said Aussies should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.</p> <p>“It’s not enough to have your head on a pillow for eight hours every night — you also have to sleep well,” he said.</p> <p>Have you ever tried this sleeping trick before? If so, share your results in the comments below. </p>

Body

What you need to eat to stay healthy

<p>As we get older, we need to be aware that our bodies are changing, and we can’t eat the same way we did when we were 20 – when you could get away with anything.</p> <p>Generally speaking, we burn fewer calories and move less as we reach middle-age. This is not ideal, as putting on weight tends to happen at this time in our lives – figures show about 63 per cent of adult Australians are either overweight or obese.</p> <p>Another not-so-fun reality is that health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, dementia and other conditions such as bowel cancer occur more often as we get older.</p> <p>A poor diet won’t help maintain wellbeing. The saying, “You are what you eat” has never been truer. Eating well does not need to be difficult, boring, or expensive – it just means you need to consider more if your diet is getting the right mix.</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.simoneaustin.com/">Simone Austin</a></span>, a practicing accredited dietitian with the <span><a href="https://daa.asn.au/">Dietitians’ Association of Australia</a>,</span> says this could mean rethinking what we put on our plate. For example, as we get older, our bodies’ muscle mass reduces so boosting our consumption of protein is important.</p> <p>“Make sure you spread your protein consumption over the day. If you weigh about 75 kilos, aim for 75 grams of protein – say 25 grams at breakfast, 20 grams at lunchtime, and 30 grams for dinner,” she says.</p> <p>“It’s a good idea to have a fair bit of protein at breakfast because you’ve had an overnight fast where you haven’t eaten. Think about something like baked beans or even sardines on toast. Or, if you like, include a small handful of mixed, raw, unsalted nuts and seeds – around 30 grams at the most – to your rolled oats. Carbohydrates are important, but there tends to be too much emphasis on having them at breakfast,” Austin adds.</p> <p><span><a href="https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/">Bowel Cancer Australia</a></span> says we consume an estimated average of 565 grams of red meat per week, whereas the <span><a href="https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/n55">Australian Dietary Guidelines</a></span> recommends men have 455 grams a week and women 195 grams a week. </p> <p>In practical terms, this means men ought to aim for about 65 grams of cooked lean red meat a day; women the same amount three times a week. And this is where it gets tricky: a piece of steak this size would fit in the palm of a small hand but you’re unlikely to find that small a size at the supermarket. Packaged steak starts at about 140 grams, so you’ll probably need to cut up your red meat – or, if you can – find a friendly butcher willing to cut it for you.</p> <p>The National Dietary Guidelines recommend we eat five serves of vegetables a day and two serves of fruit, but many of us don’t meet those quotas. One serve equals one cup of raw veggies, or half a cup cooked. Austin says it’s often easy, as we become empty-nesters or live alone, to not cook a meal because we can’t be bothered. </p> <p>“Surveys show about 93 per cent of Australians don’t eat five serves of vegetables a day,” she says. “It is easy and quick to prepare something tasty and nutritious, even using snap-frozen vegetables or canned legumes.”</p> <p>A quick meal could be poached eggs on wholegrain toast with mushrooms, chickpeas and baby spinach leaves.</p> <p>An area which can really confuse people is where to find good sources of fibre and how much to include. We ought to consume 30 grams a day, but what does that look like? This is what you need:</p> <ul> <li>3/4 cup of cereal made up of whole grains like muesli (make sure it’s not too high in sugar and fat)</li> <li>2 slices of wholemeal or wholegrain bread</li> <li>1 apple and 1 orange (leave the skin on the apple)</li> <li>2 cups of mixed raw vegetables</li> <li>¼ cup of baked beans or other legumes</li> </ul> <p>Eating foods rich in calcium is needed to maintain bone health. According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, we need extra serves of low-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese as we get older. Men need to have two and a half serves of dairy a day, whereas women need four serves a day. A serve could be a cup of milk (250ml), two slices of cheese (40 grams), or 200 grams of yoghurt.</p> <p>Of course, most of us love foods like bacon and eggs, sausages, fish and chips, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, takeaway meals, and an alcoholic drink (or three). Think of these as treat foods rather than the norm and limit them to one or two meals a week – if you are exercising daily and your weight is in the healthy range.</p> <p>Unfortunately, if your normal diet consists of high-fat foods, you drink a lot of alcohol and soft drinks combined with little exercise, you’re a smoker, and you’re also overweight, you may not thrive as you age.</p> <p>Is eating a well-balanced diet important to you as you get older? Why?</p> <p><em>Written by Robin Hill. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/nutrition/what-you-need-to-eat-to-stay-healthy.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a></span>.</em></p>

Body

Struggling to start an exercise plan?

<p>Many of us don’t like the idea of exercise, so we avoid it.</p> <p>Here’s the thing: our bodies were designed to move. Yet in developed countries like Australia, many of us spend far too much time sitting on our backsides.</p> <p>The fact that we are more sedentary has become a health issue: in fact, it’s killing us.</p> <p>The <span><a href="http://www.health.gov.au/">Department of Health</a></span> says low levels of physical activity is the <span><a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-evidence.htm">fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable diseases</a></span> (NCDs) worldwide, with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers contributing to more than three million preventable deaths annually (six per cent of deaths globally).</p> <p>The seven diseases most closely linked to physical inactivity (in descending order) are:</p> <ol> <li>Diabetes</li> <li>Bowel cancer</li> <li>Uterine cancer</li> <li>Dementia</li> <li>Breast cancer</li> <li>Coronary heart diseases</li> <li>Stroke</li> </ol> <p>The Department of Health says if all Australians did an extra 30 minutes of brisk walking at least five days each week, this would reduce “the disease burden” due to physical inactivity in the population by 26 per cent.</p> <p>The good news – and any personal trainer will tell you this – is that it is never too late to start exercising. In fact, recent research has found no difference between people who had always been fit and those who decided to take it up later in life.</p> <p>But even armed with this information, starting an exercise regimen can seem like more trouble than it’s worth. A lot of this has to do with the perception that exercise has to be goal-oriented, and a lot of us don’t enjoy feeling pressure to perform. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.</p> <p>“People often associate exercise with pain,” says Brisbane-based sports and exercise psychologist <a href="http://positivepsychologystrategies.com.au/about-patrea/">Patrea O’Donoghue</a>.</p> <p>She says exercise can be anything you want it to be these days – the image of a macho instructor barking at you to do 50 push-ups is a thing of the past. A lot of people don’t like showing their bodies in public, yet you can have your own trainer or yoga instructor on your phone via an app or do a workout in the privacy of your home on a treadmill and cycling machine. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.</p> <p>“People think it has to be all about joining a gym or buying a $2000 bike or looking the part, but you don’t need a fancy kit. You can just start with a decent pair of walking shoes.”</p> <p>Here are a few points exercise newbies need to consider:</p> <ul> <li>See your doctor. If you’ve never really done much exercise, ask your GP to give you the all-clear to start an exercise program.</li> <li>Assess your diet. There is not much point in starting to exercise regularly if your diet doesn’t complement it. Even if your goal is not to lose weight but to rather get fit or healthy, a balanced diet will help.</li> <li>Think about what you would enjoy doing – walking, cycling, tennis, golf, jogging, swimming, yoga, or even skipping.</li> <li>Turn your exercise into a habit.</li> </ul> <p>“If you decide, for instance, that you’ll go for a walk or to the gym twice a week, take steps to follow through with it no matter what,” says O’Donoghue.</p> <p>“If you find that work or a personal commitment means you won’t have time to go to the gym on the day you’d allocated, go anyway. Even if you just spend five minutes in the gym on that day, that’s psychologically and physically better than not going at all, as you’ve maintained the habit and you’re sticking to your commitment.</p> <p>“With any habit, any time you start to make excuses like not having time – you’re in danger. It’s like many people who make a New Year’s Eve resolution to get fit: they attack the gym for two weeks and completely overdo it, then never follow through. That’s never going to work.”</p> <p><strong>Remember to take baby steps</strong></p> <p>“If the person has been very sedentary in their habits and wants to make some lifestyle changes, I’d say to them, ‘Let’s start small’. I’d get them to look at one small thing they could do that they could attach to an existing behaviour, so they could say to themselves, ‘When I get home, I put on my walking shoes straight away and go for a walk’. Even if they just start off with five minutes, depending on their level of health. Start with just one thing and stick to it.</p> <p>“As they progressed, I’d ask them how long was acceptable to them to keep going so that the five minutes is turning into 15 minutes and so on. I’d ask them to tell me how many times a week they’re committing to do it. It’s not about saying it’s good or bad whether they did it or not but maintaining the habit and what’s realistic for them."</p> <p>O’Donoghue says she’d also ask the exercise newcomer to think about what successes they’ve had in their life (not associated with exercise) such as in their career or personal life and ask them to think about how they achieved that success. “It might be a presentation or how well they cook – get them to extract the key principles from that and apply it to their exercise.</p> <p>“It’s important to look at the role of feelings associated with exercise,” she says. If we have the thought one cold dark morning that we just don’t feel like doing any exercise and there is that self-talk going on in our heads, making sure you turn that around. Maintaining the momentum is very important.”</p> <p>You can exercise alone, with a friend, or in a group. What’s important is working out what will work best for you. “If someone said they really did struggle to exercise by themselves, I’d be encouraging them to exercise with a friend or neighbour or a group,” says O’Donoghue. “They are more likely to uphold a commitment to someone else than themselves. That sense of accountability can be useful.”</p> <p>It’s worthwhile knowing that research shows you don’t have to do a big block of exercise in one hit. You can break it down into 10-minute blocks – walk to the shops instead of driving; go up the stairs instead of taking the lift; even doing housework, standing up while watching TV, or doing some gardening counts! Think about anything that contributes to you burning calories.</p> <p>Before you start patting yourself on the back, O’Donoghue says it’s important to recognise the difference between being healthy and being fit. Initially, regular exercise such as fairly brisk walking for half an hour for five or six days is about getting healthy so that you are mildly out of breath as you walk – but if your aim is to get fit, your heart rate needs to go up when you exercise.</p> <p>Older Australians also need to think about doing some light strength training up to three times a week, using exercises to work all the major muscle groups of your body (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders and arms) to maintain bone health and muscle mass. To avoid injuries, have a professional show you how to apply low levels of impact on the muscles. Elastic band exercises, for example, are ideal.</p> <p>Are you ready to start exercising? What made you decide to give it a serious go?</p> <p><em>Written by Robin Hill. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/exercise/struggling-to-start-an-exercise-plan.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a></span>.</em></p>

Body

Aussies left fuming as My Health Record phone lines go into meltdown

<p>Those hoping to opt out of the government’s My Health Record initiative have been left furious after having zero access to phone lines due to a technical meltdown.</p> <p>With the opt out deadline originally ending tomorrow, the Senate has come together to extend the due date until January 31, 2019 after many people missed the chance of removing their name from the scheme.</p> <p>One Nation leader Pauline Hanson proposed the idea to the Senate and it didn’t take long for the government to agree with her sentiments.</p> <p>The news is welcomed by Australian’s around the country who were unable to opt out this morning.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">I've just tried calling the 1800 number and it doesn't even ring.</p> — Jon (@Jon00073511) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon00073511/status/1062479780900102144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">13 November 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/MyHealthRec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MyHealthRec</a> This is a shambles. I can't opt out and the phone lines are crashing long before being able to speak to anyone. <a href="https://t.co/scWEnlhc4L">pic.twitter.com/scWEnlhc4L</a></p> — Daniel Bevan (@DanielCBevan) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielCBevan/status/1062467641569243136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">13 November 2018</a></blockquote> <p>According to Adelaide resident, Ben, he and his wife had attempted to contact the phone line for days before the due date but had no luck.</p> <p>“My wife has been on hold for an hour and it has just dropped out,” he said to <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/lastditch-push-to-delay-my-health-record-deadline/news-story/eba3f460b22b8b9795a85a5b0e9ee7dc">news.com.au</a>.</em></p> <p>“I’ve been on hold a couple times and it has dropped out, including this morning. I was on hold for 15-20 minutes before it dropped out.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, others claim that they received an automated message as soon as they called, saying “your call cannot be completed at this time” and asked those trying to get in touch to call back later.</p> <p>A spokesman from the Australian Digital Health Agency denied the reports saying that the system was not operating.</p> <p>“The opt out website and the My Health Record Help Line are both operational. We are experiencing high demand, which has slowed the system down, and some people have experienced difficulties opting out this morning. These issues have now been resolved,” he said.</p> <p>“The Agency anticipated higher call volumes and has increased the number of help line operators available to support callers.</p> <p>“A call back feature has been enabled allowing people to leave their details for a customer service representative to return their call and process their request to opt out.</p> <p>“If a person leaves their details for a call back, the help line will return the call over the coming days to opt the person out. No record will be created for individuals in this circumstance.”</p> <p>But despite these statements, Ben and one of his sons had first tried to opt out online through the website provided and were successful, but when it came to his wife and other son, they received an error message.</p> <p>“We’ve been trying for a couple of weeks (to get through on the phone line) but particularly in the last few days,” he said. “It’s obviously very frustrating.”</p> <p>And it wasn’t only Ben who was frustrated by the whole process, as many others have complained about the same thing, saying they’re having issues getting through to the phones.</p> <p>Sydneysider Anton Francis told <em>news.com.au</em> that he’s been calling the number provided at least seven times since 10:08am this morning, but still hasn’t been able to reach the other side.</p> <p>Another resident Elena experienced the same problems as she tried calling “quite a few times” and also attempted to get through on the website but it “just did not work”.</p> <p>“It is unbelievable how disorganised this process is,” she said.</p> <p>“The online system does not work and when you try to phone, it just hangs up on you. There is no automated message or any sort of system in place that can cope with demand.</p> <p>“I’m really against my records being on the system and I am unable to opt out. This is just ridiculous and makes me feel angry and helpless and not in control of my information.”</p> <p>Around 4 per cent of the population have already opted out of the controversial health system to date and it is expected that 17 million Australians will be automatically added when the deadline passes.</p> <p><em>If you wish to opt out, visit <a href="http://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au">www.myhealthrecord.gov.au</a>, or call 1800 723 471.</em></p>

Caring

Lifestyle

Just like mum! Prince Louis' uncanny resemblance to Duchess Kate in childhood photo

<p>In honour of Prince Charles’ 70th birthday, the palace has released a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/art/family-first-prince-charles-celebrates-70th-birthday-with-heartwarming-new-portraits" target="_blank">series of news photographs</a> giving a rare glimpse at the relationship between the three different generations of royals – including the youngest, Prince Louis.</p> <p>Taken in the gardens of Clarence House in September, the portrait features Charles sitting amongst his family which includes his wife Camilla, his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, their wives the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex and the future king's three grandchildren.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvobkHrkB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvobkHrkB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">This new photograph of The Prince of Wales and his family has been released to celebrate His Royal Highness’ 70th birthday. The photograph was taken by @chrisjacksongetty in the garden of @clarencehouse</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on Nov 13, 2018 at 2:04pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIv49HHm2k/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIv49HHm2k/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">This second photograph of The Prince of Wales and his family has also been released by @clarencehouse to celebrate HRH’s 70th birthday. The photos were taken by @chrisjacksongetty in the garden of Clarence House.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on Nov 13, 2018 at 2:07pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The royal family, which are known for their strict protocol, seemed visibly relaxed in the photos with Prince George, 5, sitting on his grandfather's knee and everyone around them beaming with joy.</p> <p>But people were quick to notice the uncanny resemblance between Prince Louis and the Duchess of Cambridge, as the new photos gave a rare glimpse at the baby Prince.</p> <p>The photo below shows the youngest royal at 5 months old next to a photo of his mother, who was also roughly the same age during the time of the photograph.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLKJakFW9_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLKJakFW9_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">We see who Prince Louis Arthur Charles looks like! #PrinceLouis #CatherineMiddleton #britishroyalfamily</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/royalchildrenofcambridge/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Olivia Page</a> (@royalchildrenofcambridge) on Nov 14, 2018 at 12:35pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Only a few days before, an adorable photo of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/art/adorable-new-portrait-of-prince-louis-released" target="_blank">Prince Charles playing with his youngest grandchild</a> was released by the palace, offering a rare insight into the relationship between the 70-year-old royal and his grandchildren.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp74bqJFmkj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp74bqJFmkj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A new photo of Prince Charles, The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis by royal photographer Chris Jackson. . SO CUTE AWWW! ♡ . #katemiddleton #duchessofcambridge #princecharles #princelouis #princegeorge #princesscharlotte</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/thecambridgespage/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Cambridges.</a> (@thecambridgespage) on Nov 8, 2018 at 2:11pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In the new documentary <em>Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70</em>, Prince William shares his sentiments on Prince Charles as a grandfather and hopes he will be able to spend more time with his grandchildren before he becomes King.</p> <p>“It’s something I’m working on heavily. I think he does have time for it, but I would like him to have more time with the children,” said the Duke of Cambridge.</p> <p>“Having more time with him at home would be lovely – and being able to, you know, play around with the grandchildren. When he is there, he’s brilliant, but we need him there as much as possible.”</p> <p>What do you think of the uncanny resemblance between Prince Louis and his mother Duchess Kate? Do you think they look alike? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. </p>

Family & Pets

“Please restock!” The $15 Kmart shoes everyone is going crazy for

<p>Kmart is not only the king when it comes to homewares and hacks, with its latest hot ticket item a pair of summer shoes for the bargain price of just $15.</p> <p>The shoes are in such hot demand, fans on social media have been begging the discount department store to “Please restock!”</p> <p>Always on the forefront of providing its customers with budget-friendly knock-offs of the latest trends in fashion and homewares, the bargain $15 mules feature a woven, closed-in toe look, and come in white, beige and black.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp_BljHHPiY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp_BljHHPiY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Slip into spring with our $15 Almond Toe Mule Flats in white. With a beautiful woven texture they also come in beige and black. Thanks @rochelle.dare for the wardrobe inspo! #kmartaus #kmartaustralia #kmartfashion #kmartshoes #spring</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kmartaus/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Kmart Australia</a> (@kmartaus) on Nov 9, 2018 at 7:29pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Customers who have already been lucky enough to score themselves a pair of the in-demand shoes have praised them as being “comfy”.</p> <p>One Kmart devotee wrote online, in reference to the three colours available, “Just need one more pair to complete my collection.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo8Yj5hlcB5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo8Yj5hlcB5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">These new favourites have us daydreaming of sunny summer days! Don't miss out on our $15 Woven mules and $12 Cross body bag. #kmartaus #kmartaustralia #kmartstyling #kmartaccessories #kmartfootwear</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kmartaus/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Kmart Australia</a> (@kmartaus) on Oct 14, 2018 at 11:21pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, not everyone has been so lucky getting their hands on the trendy $15 fashion item.</p> <p>One unlucky customer shared, “They are out of stock everywhere I go in my size, including online. Please restock the beige in all sizes.”</p> <p>Will you be trying to score a pair of these trendy slide-on mules from your local Kmart? Tell us in the comments below.</p> <p> </p>

Beauty & Style

Little custard pot

<p>These creamy baked custards, delicately flavoured with vanilla and accompanied by a fresh cherry compote, are easy to make and sure to be popular with all ages. Take care not to overcook the custards – they should be just set when you take them out of the oven.</p> <p><strong>Serves:</strong> 6<br /><strong>Preparation:</strong> 15 minutes<br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> About 1 hour</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>600ml low-fat milk</li> <li>½ vanilla pod, split</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>2 egg yolks</li> <li>2 tablespoons caster sugar</li> <li>½ teaspoon cornflour</li> <li>Cherry compote</li> <li>2 tablespoons raw sugar</li> <li>500g fresh cherries, stoned</li> <li>2 teaspoons arrowroot</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation</strong></p> <ol> <li>Place the milk and vanilla pod in a saucepan and heat until almost boiling.</li> <li>Remove from the heat, cover and set aside to infuse for 15 minutes.</li> <li>Preheat the oven to 160°C.</li> <li>Put the whole eggs, egg yolks, caster sugar and cornflour into a bowl and lightly whisk together.</li> <li>Bring the milk back to boiling point, then remove the vanilla pod and pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking all the time.</li> <li>Strain the mixture into a jug, then divide among 6 lightly buttered ½ cup (125ml) ramekin dishes.</li> <li>Set the ramekins in a roasting tin and pour enough hot water into the tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.</li> <li>Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly set – the custards should still be slightly wobbly, as they will continue cooking for a few minutes after being removed from the oven.</li> <li>Lift them out of the tin of hot water and place on a wire rack to cool.</li> <li>Once cold, chill until ready to serve.</li> <li>For the cherry compote, put the raw sugar and 90ml water in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved.</li> <li>Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and add the cherries.</li> <li>Cover and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.</li> <li>Lift out the cherries with a draining spoon and put them into a serving bowl.</li> <li>Mix the arrowroot with 1 tablespoon cold water.</li> <li>Stir into the cherry juices in the saucepan and simmer for 1 minute, stirring, until thickened and clear.</li> <li>Allow to cool for a few minutes, then pour over the cherries.</li> <li>Spoon a little of the cherry compote over the top of each custard pot and serve the rest of the compote in a bowl.</li> </ol> <p><em>This recipe first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/little-custard-pot"><span>Reader’s Digest</span></a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <span><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V">best subscription offer</a></span>.</em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Food & Wine

Fetta and couscous salad

<p>Apart from being an excellent source of starchy carbohydrate, couscous is a great background for other ingredients. In this lunch salad, both raw and lightly steamed vegetables are added to the couscous together with toasted almonds, fresh mint and creamy fetta.</p> <p><strong>Serves:</strong> 4<br /><strong>Preparation:</strong> 30 minutes<br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> About 5 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1¼ cups (230g) couscous</li> <li>300ml hot vegetable stock</li> <li>170g slim asparagus spears, halved</li> <li>2 zucchinis, cut into thin sticks</li> <li>1 red capsicum, seeded and cut into thin strips</li> <li>⅓ cup (30g) toasted flaked almonds</li> <li>Handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped</li> <li>170g fetta</li> <li>Chilli dressing</li> <li>3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>Grated zest of 1 lemon</li> <li>1 tablespoon lemon juice</li> <li>1 clove garlic, finely chopped</li> <li>½ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation</strong></p> <ol> <li>Put the couscous into a large bowl and pour over the hot stock.</li> <li>Set aside to soak for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.</li> <li>Meanwhile, steam the asparagus for 3 minutes.</li> <li>Add the zucchini and continue steaming for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still retain some crunch.</li> <li>Tip the vegetables into a colander and refresh under cold running water.</li> <li>Drain well.</li> <li>To make the dressing, combine the oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, chilli flakes, and salt and pepper to taste in a screw-top jar.</li> <li>Shake well to blend and emulsify the mixture.</li> <li>Fluff up the couscous with a fork, then fold in the capsicum strips, almonds, mint, and asparagus and zucchini.</li> <li>Pour over the dressing and stir gently together.</li> <li>Crumble the fetta over the top and serve.</li> </ol> <p><em>This recipe first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/fetta-and-couscous-salad"><span>Reader’s Digest</span></a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V"><span>best subscription offer</span></a>.</em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Food & Wine

Finance

Aussie father-of-four opens letterbox to find random act of kindness

<p>A father-of-four from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was very surprised after opening his mailbox to find a kind anonymous note.</p> <p>Sharing his discovery on discussion website Reddit, he revealed upon opening the note he also noticed $20 was attached.</p> <p>The heartwarming message on the note read, “Hello, this is a random act of kindness."</p> <p>“I think this $20 would be of more benefit to you than it is to me. All I ask is that maybe one day you do an act of kindness for someone else.”</p> <p>The man told <span><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/father-four-opens-letterbox-find-random-act-kindness-023106840.html">Yahoo7</a></span> that he believes the letter was hand-delivered and he spent some time trying “to think if it was someone I know”.</p> <p>Revealing how he spent the money, he shared, “I used it on activity books and pencils for the kids. They had been asking all week for some.”</p> <p>Following his feel-good post, the Queensland father received his fair share of scepticism on the internet, with the picture he posted attracting an abundance of comments as well as various reactions.</p> <p><img style="width: 345px; height: 368px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821984/1-letter-money.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fa595084b67c4c81b96f3f60034fea01" /></p> <p>One user wrote, “Far out, your house must look pretty rough to elicit random donations.”</p> <p>While another asked if he needed the money to which he replied, “Nope but the kids enjoyed it.”</p> <p>A third person commented, “So apparently you look like the kind of guy who needs $20. How do you feel about that?”</p> <p>And the criticisms didn’t stop there. Another user responded, “I can’t be the only one who thinks this is a little weird and creepy? Why not just hand it to a bum on the street?” while another directly stated the note is “clearly fake”.</p> <p>However, the dad-of-four clapped back at the dubious non-believers, writing, “It’s most definitely not a fake. I posted because it’s great people do this. Some people still have time in their lives to think of others.”</p> <p>The Queenslander added that he hoped they will someday “receive something like this that will change their mind”.</p> <p>Some Reddit users were hopeful and optimistic, with one person commenting, “Awesome. Hope you pay it forward one day”, to which the father responded, “I most definitely will.”</p> <p>Do you believe in small acts of kindness like this one? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Money & Banking

How Coles’ new makeover is set to change the way you shop

<p>Coles has introduced its first new “upmarket” store which includes an in-store chef and barista to make the shopping experience easier for busy customers.</p> <p>The new chain of stores, which have been named ‘Coles Local’, will cater to gourmet enthusiasts.</p> <p>Yesterday, the first store, which is 1280sqm and half the size of a standard supermarket, opened in Melbourne’s Surrey Hills.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:334.1232227488152px;" src="/media/7821965/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/33df8fe225a0436bbe6fcecd1be9cd09" /></p> <p>The new stores will feature Coles Local-branded products, including convenience meals and ready-to-go locally sourced fruit and vegetables.</p> <p>Coles Local stores will also feature a ‘Foodie Hub’ where a resident chef will be ready to assist customers with recipes or offer product samples.</p> <p>The ‘Foodie Hub’ will have a selection of meats from famed Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell’s Meatsmith.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:334.1232227488152px;" src="/media/7821966/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/df0bf5d40db0493790744ee09067a524" /></p> <p>Over the next 10 months, Coles will spend $120 million to roll out seven of these stores in Victoria.</p> <p>Coles chief executive Steven Cain said the focus of the new store is to target people who have a love for food but also juggle busy lives.</p> <p>“Our customers have told us they’re often juggling shopping with a busy family and work schedule, so there will always be a friendly team member who can help them find the specialty products they want to take home for their families,” he said.</p> <p>The line of supermarkets will be in competition against Woolworth’s Metro stores.</p> <p>Will you be making a visit to a Coles Local store? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Money & Banking

Who has the right of way? The road rules quiz that has drivers stumped

<p>You would hope that those who sit behind the wheel will have a good grasp on road rules, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, as motorists were left confused after a quiz asked them to decide which car has the right of way.</p> <p>Posted on the NSW Road Safety Facebook page on Sunday, an image showed three cars, a cyclist and a pedestrian at an intersection with arrows to map out which way they were heading.</p> <p>They then asked drivers to determine who has the right of way.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnswroadsafety%2Fposts%2F1919746358073590&width=500" width="500" height="639" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>The photo shows car A waiting at a stop sign as it plans on turning right with cyclist E making his way into the traffic from his left. Car B is about to make a U-turn from his right.</p> <p>Car C is directly opposite car A and intends to take a left turn with cyclist E riding past him and car A turning right in front of him.</p> <p>The illustration also shows a pedestrian who is about to cross the road past cars A, B, C and cyclist E.</p> <p>It didn’t take long for comments to start pouring in, as the post racked up hundreds of comments in a short time, but despite a stream of answers, it was evident that many motorists don’t have a clear understanding of the road rules.</p> <p>“First off, you’re all driving on the wrong side of the road,” wrote one person.</p> <p>“Be nice if you could actually chuck u-turns at lights in Australia and but that is much too high IQ rule making,” said another.</p> <p>One person commented: “To clear up some confusion here, NSW law states that when making a u-turn, you must give way to all other traffic.”</p> <p>Some couldn’t take the question seriously.</p> <p>“D will die first then E and it will be just luck who survives the last three way smash knowing what NSW drivers are like!!!” wrote one user.</p> <p>“Ok don’t worry about the bike, should not be on the road so ignore. The pedestrian is still on the footpath (smart). So, B, C, A,” said a second person.</p> <p>Another added: “E every time. B if driven by non anglo man and if there are lights present. A if it is a taxi. D if fixated on iphone. C may as well park it up.”</p> <p>After all the speculation, NSW Road Safety – NSW GOV posted the correct answer for everyone who was dying to know.</p> <p>Cyclist E had the right of way as he was riding through an intersection without a stop sign. Next was pedestrian D as they need to give way to oncoming traffic, but the cyclist was the only one in their path. Then it was car C, A and B to have the right of way.</p> <p>One commenter felt concerned after so many drivers failed to give a correct response.</p> <p>“Maybe it would be a good road safety measure to have these scenarios & the correct answers in ads on tv to educate everyone, so we are all on the same page,” she said.</p> <p>Did you get the answer right? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Legal

The big change coming to Bunnings

<p>The Bunnings experience is set to change for customers all over the country because of one new occupational health and safety requirement. </p> <p>Aussies who enjoy visiting Bunnings and purchasing a sausage sizzle outside stores will soon notice a change to the iconic treat.</p> <p>The new rule, which has targeted the warehouse chain’s national fundraiser, is tackling the apparent dangers posed by a few pieces of fried onion.</p> <p>Each Saturday and Sunday, Bunnings stores across the country are populated by community group volunteers who are serving bread-wrapped snags to raise money for their cause.</p> <p>The proceeds support the community group while Bunnings supply the equipment and shade cover for the day.</p> <p>Grabbing a sausage after leaving Bunnings has become an Aussie tradition that is treasured by shoppers.</p> <p>However, keeping in line with society’s overly cautious nature, a new safety rule dictates that the fried onion can now only be served on the bottom of the sausage.</p> <p>“Safety is always our number one priority and we recently introduced a suggestion that onion be placed underneath sausages to help prevent the onion from falling out and creating a slipping hazard,” Bunnings chief operating officer Debbie Poole said.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/"><strong><u>news.com.au</u></strong></a>, the guideline was quietly introduced but was made known this week, creating a spark of interest from regular customers.</p> <p>“This recommendation is provided to the community groups within their fundraising sausage sizzle welcome pack and is on display within the gazebos when barbecues are underway,” Ms Poole said.</p> <p>Many have voiced their disapproval on social media, with one person dubbing the new rule as “un-Australian”.</p> <p>“Totally un-Australian way to eat a sausage sizzle. snag goes on bread first then onion. OH&S gone mad,” one man wrote.</p> <p>“It is really getting out of hand … no one wants to accept their own stupidity nowadays. It’s mind-boggling frustrating,” another said.</p> <p>But at the end of the day, Bunnings believes the change won’t have an impact on their much-loved sausage sizzles.</p> <p>“Regardless of how you like your onion and snag, we are confident this new serving suggestion will not impact the delicious taste or great feeling you get when supporting your local community group,” Ms Poole said.</p> <p>What are your thoughts on the new rule? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Money & Banking

Entertainment

Carrie Bickmore’s emotional farewell from The Project

<p>With her third child on the way, Carrie Bickmore is saying farewell to The Project to focus on her new bub as she goes on maternity leave.</p> <p>Posting to Instagram on Thursday before her last episode, Carrie posted a snap of herself alongside The Project team.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMTcADg3U-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMTcADg3U-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">My last night on the desk.🤰Maternity leave is such a strange time. I always feel genuinely sad leaving a job I love and work family who I genuinely enjoy spending time with but on the other hand I am so excited and (slightly terrified!!😱) heading off to have another bub and spend precious time with my beautiful family. I am looking forward to having my head out of the news cycle and into smelly nappies. See you back on the desk next year. 😘😘</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bickmorecarrie/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Carrie Bickmore</a> (@bickmorecarrie) on Nov 14, 2018 at 11:15pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The photo included co-hosts Waleed Aly, 40, Peter Helliar, 43, and Rachel Corbett, 37, as Carrie held back emotions.</p> <p>Carrie will go on maternity leave to focus on her newest family member but will return to hosting the show next year.</p> <p>“My last night on the desk,” she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“Maternity leave is such a strange time. I always feel genuinely sad leaving a job I love and work family who I genuinely enjoy spending time with but on the other hand I am so excited and (slightly terrified!!) heading off to have another bub and spend precious time with my beautiful family.</p> <p>“I am looking forward to having my head out of the news cycle and into smelly nappies. See you back on the desk next year.”</p> <p>Towards the final moments of her last episode, her co-hosts gifted her with a photo of Peter, Rachel and Waleed in baby clothes.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="/media/7821993/capture.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/792679b6e15b47ee9941bd93443dca23" /></p> <p>“You need some lovely artwork for the nursery, I think,” said Pete.</p> <p>“Something calming,” added Rachel as Carrie laughed.</p> <p><span>Carrie made a few admissions on last night's show, as she said it was “hard” for her colleagues to work with her during her time being pregnant, as she had been in “so much pain”, but she appreciated the support of her co-hosts.</span></p> <p>She was also presented with a giant bouquet of flowers.</p> <p>Carrie announced her pregnancy back in June.</p>

Edwina Bartholomew’s secret $10 supermarket beauty hack

<p>Anyone who works on breakfast TV has to be a morning person, right? <em>Sunrise</em> host and reporter Edwina Bartholomew has an early wake-up call of 3am, before she heads off to the gym.</p> <p>“I go to the gym at 3.15am and I get to work around 4.30am. Then I go straight into makeup,” Edwina shared with <span><em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/sunrise-host-edwina-bartholomews-3am-beauty-routine/news-story/1055fd459a88383e5e44ba9718caaa17">news.com.au</a></em></span>.</p> <p>With such early starts and a gruelling schedule, just how does the TV favourite manage to keep her skin looking so amazing?</p> <p>Edwina revealed that she showers and completes her skincare at the gym, after her workout, before heading to the Channel 7 studios, so her skin is fresh and prepped before the makeup artists get started on her.</p> <p>“I wear a lot of makeup for work, lashes and everything. It’s very thick, so when I’m not working I don’t wear any makeup at all really,” the <em>Sunrise</em> star explained.</p> <p>“I might wear a tinted sunscreen and mascara, but that’s all. I try not to wear any on weekends,” she confided, highlighting her focus on minimalistic makeup to allow her skin to breathe on her days off.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5O-NLHROH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5O-NLHROH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">First time wearing @evetildawn millinery and she made me matching earrings!! @kathcarlinmakeup used @revlonanz #boldmatters lippie. $2 from every lipstick sold until Sunday goes to @droughtangels #oaksday</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/edwina_b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Edwina Bartholomew</a> (@edwina_b) on Nov 7, 2018 at 1:30pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Although she doesn’t use much to conceal imperfections during the day, she dedicates her time to an amazing and diligent skincare routine.</p> <p>And you will be surprised by one of the products she credits for her glowing complexion – a budget $10 men’s face scrub by Bulldog, which she buys when she’s doing her groceries.</p> <p>“This is a man’s product, just from the supermarket, but it works really well,” Edwina admitted.</p> <p>“It’s an exfoliating face wash that just does the job … you feel like you’re really taking it all off. I love it,” she exclaimed.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn4tIP_HNOB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn4tIP_HNOB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">@sunriseon7 from Rodeo Drive #emmys2018 #hometime</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/edwina_b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Edwina Bartholomew</a> (@edwina_b) on Sep 18, 2018 at 4:32pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Another part of her regime she swears by is a hack to get rid of puffy eyes – hydra gel eye patches.</p> <p>“I wear these into work in the car and I find they wake my eyes up. People think I’m a bit mad, but I get really puffy eyes,” Edwina admitted.</p> <p>Do you have a cheap supermarket beauty product hack you swear by? Tell us what it is in the comments below.</p>

Why this mum isn’t going to tell her kids it’s Christmas Eve

<p>A mother has faced scrutiny over her controversial decision to not tell her children it’s Christmas Eve.</p> <p>Posting under the username “Mama Hechtick”, the mum asked for people’s opinions on parenting forum Mumsnet, as she explained that her reasoning behind not telling her children it’s Christmas Eve is, so they could have a good night’s sleep.</p> <p>“I have this idea, that for this year we won’t tell DC [Dear Children] it’s Christmas Eve,” wrote the mum. “We don’t do Christmas Eve boxes and they are usually disinterested in their advent calendars by mid-December so don’t really countdown as such.”</p> <p>According to the mum, her children, who are aged five and six, are unable to rest before Christmas day due to the sheer excitement. She plans to hide the fact that it’s Christmas Eve and wake them up early the next day and tell them it’s Christmas, as she believes that is more exciting.</p> <p>“I’m thinking that waking them up early and telling them it’s Christmas morning will be a far bigger and exciting surprise,” she explains.</p> <p>“Would I be unreasonable or mean for doing this,” she asks.</p> <p>“I think it’s the only year we’d get away with it. We don’t have any plans for Christmas Eve except a fairly quiet day with just us at home. Friends I’ve briefly discussed this with seem a bit off with it.”</p> <p>But her question had many parents disagreeing with the decision.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t,” said one mum. “The build-up is so exciting for children, don’t take that away from them.”</p> <p>“Waiting for Santa is half the fun,” says another. “I think it seems a bit mean.”</p> <p>“Don’t you put out milk and biscuits for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer, or track Santa online, watch a Christmas movie or read the night before Christmas?” asked one mum. “It’s not something I would miss out on but if you don’t do anything at all then why not?”</p> <p>“You can’t do that,” said another. “When I was a kid, I was so excited for Christmas Eve. Trying to stay awake to see Santa, the excitement of the next day, don’t take that away from them just so they get a good night sleep.</p> <p>“Kids aren’t kids for long, let them enjoy the build-up and don’t suck the fun out of it.”</p> <p>What do you think? Do you think the mum should keep Christmas Eve from her kids? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Technology

Karl Stefanovic's awkward interview with Bindi Irwin leaves viewers shocked

<p>Karl Stefanovic took Bindi Irwin and her boyfriend Chandler Powell by surprise on Thursday as he made a comment that many would consider inappropriate.</p> <p>The young couple appeared on the breakfast show to celebrate the legacy of Bindi’s father by promoting Steve Irwin Day at Australia Zoo.</p> <p>The pair were seen smiling from ear to ear as they spoke fondly of the famous zoo keeper who passed away in 2006 after a stingray injury to his heart.</p> <p>But it didn’t take long for Karl to intervene as he implied that Steve would not have approved of Chandler.</p> <p>“Chandler, I don’t want to be uncharitable, but I’m not sure Steve would have liked you,” said Karl.</p> <p>“I’m not sure Steve would have liked anyone going out with his daughter,” he continued.</p> <p>“You can imagine what he would have said … ‘Crikey, if you want to go out with Bindi, you have to go wrestle a komodo’ or something.”</p> <p>He went on to say: “Just that sheer legacy and that sheer manliness, it’s a lot to live up to.”</p> <p>Chandler, who was taken aback by Karl’s comments, didn’t let it get to him as he responded carefully.</p> <p>“Definitely. And it definitely is an honour just to be able to continue his legacy and I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he replied.</p> <p>But that didn’t stop Karl from poking further, as he tried to add a few more snide remarks before Bindi stepped in.</p> <p>“I think Dad would have said you’ve got to swim the croc pond first and you’ll be set. So lucky Chandler used to wakeboard,” said Bindi.</p> <p>“It works out!” she went on to add, before sighing: “Oh dear.”</p> <p>Do you think Karl was out of line? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

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