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Boy’s hilarious poem about famous dad goes viral online

Poetry is the art of compiling words to create something that has a deeper meaning but for one famous father, this was not the case. US actor Rob Delaney, known for starring in the British sitcom Catastrophe, shared his five-year-old son’s poem with his social media followers which resulted in people reacting in tears. “The cat is a cat. Dogs barck and woof. My dad poos every morning,” the poem reads. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> My 5 year old son wrote an incredibly moving poem this morning. <a href="https://t.co/qRTw7SqXZa">pic.twitter.com/qRTw7SqXZa</a> — rob delaney (@robdelaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/robdelaney/status/1053606935289913350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 October 2018</a></blockquote> A short while after the poem was shared, users began responding as many were left in stitches due to the amusement of it all. Among those replies was Delaney’s fellow actor Bill Corbett who commended him for his “healthy poo routine". Giles Paley-Phillips, an author, commented “perfection". “Is that hai-poo?” a follower asked. “That’s why I love kids,” wrote one woman. Do you have any hilarious stories of your grandchildren to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Family & Pets

Emirates flight attendant accused of stealing $7000 from passengers

Emirates Airlines has hit the headlines again, but for all the wrong reasons. It has seen several alleged thefts on its flights, and in the latest incident, a 37-year-old Egyptian flight attendant has been accused of stealing over $AU7000 from three brothers who were flying from Thailand to Dubai in June. The men were travelling in business class when they left their valuables behind to tend to their sick father during the flight, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://gulfnews.com/news/uae/courts/airline-steward-stole-dh18-500-from-3-brothers-on-plane-1.2290870" target="_blank">Gulf News</a>. “My brothers and I went to check on my father,” one of the brothers told prosecutors during the current court case of the stolen money valued at 18,100 Emirati dirhams. “When we returned to our seats, I discovered that Dh 3700 ($AU1423) were missing from my wallet. My brothers also discovered that Dh 14,800 ($AU5692) in dollars and dirhams were missing from their wallets,” he said. “We alerted the cabin supervisor who took us to the business class galley and took photos of the money that wasn’t stolen from our wallets. These had serial numbers that were in sequential order with the stolen banknotes. “When the plane landed, police took our belongings to examine the fingerprints and they searched the plane, but the money wasn’t recovered.” The flight attendant’s fingerprints matched those on the brothers’ wallets but during proceedings at the Dubai Court of First Instance, the man pleaded not guilty, stating, “That did not happen." But according to Gulf News, an investigating policeman told prosecutors that the Emirates flight attendant had admitted his guilt when he was discovered that his fingerprints matched. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crime/1015437/chinese-man-nabbed-for-mid-air-theft-bribe" target="_blank">The New Zealand Herald</a>, last year, an Auckland couple alleged that they had €2674 ($AU4334) stolen from their hand luggage from the First Class cabin of an Emirates flight from Paris to Dubai. And in 2016, a Chinese man was arrested for theft for allegedly stealing almost 500,000 Thai baht (AU$2154) on an Emirates flight, reports the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crime/1015437/chinese-man-nabbed-for-mid-air-theft-bribe" target="_blank">Bangkok Post.</a> Have you ever had anything stolen on a flight before? Tell us in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

The surprising thing Prince George has in common with Princess Diana

The future king of England, five-year-old Prince George, has more in common with his late grandmother Princess Diana than just his fair hair. George’s dad, Prince William, revealed that his son is taking dance classes, just like Princess Di did when she was younger. While hosting a reception for inspirational teenagers, the Duke of Cambridge said: “George is doing dancing as well, he loves it.” The proud dad spoke about his son’s hobby to 14-year-old street dancer Junior, who advocates against bullying. He added: "My mother always used to dance, she loved dancing." William encouraged the young dancer to pursue what he loves regardless of what others say, just like his own mother did. "If it's something you love, you do what you love. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Keep at it," William said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Meet some of the Teen Heroes who will be recognised this afternoon at the <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCR1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbcr1</a> Teen Awards. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were honoured to meet them earlier this week at Kensington Palace and hear more about their incredible achievements. <a href="https://t.co/l29JGxMOLy">pic.twitter.com/l29JGxMOLy</a> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1054003621367607296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote> While many were not able to witness first-hand Diana’s passion for dancing, she did a handful of spontaneous performances that stunned onlookers. While at the Royal Opera House, Diana managed to surprise Prince Charles and attendees with a vibrant jazz/ballet routine to Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”. Although the dance was supposed to be ultra-exclusive, photos of Diana pirouetting across the stage were eventually leaked. Diana also shared an iconic dance with John Travolta at one of President Reagan’s White House galas in November 1985. The Princess and actor dazzled the crowd for nearly 15 minutes, while Diana wore an off-the-shoulder black gown. Travolta described the experience as “one of the highlights” of his life. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="/media/7821511/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0fc74264dda142e3b94151aa8765b758" />

Body

What to do if you see a snake – and how to avoid them

Summer is a favourite season amongst Aussies. Clear blue skies, perfect beach weather and the fact that you can walk outside without wearing 10 layers of clothing are just amongst some of the pros when it comes to the warmer months. But summer also brings about a deadly predator in Australia – snakes. Snake season has well and truly begun, with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/snake-season-is-here-four-attacks-in-four-hours-as-experts-advise-residents-to-stay-alert" target="_blank">four attacks in Victoria</a> over a period of four hours, hospitals are now alert as an increase in snake attack victims is expected. So how can you make sure you aren’t one of them? It’s important to stay cautious when it comes to the slithering reptile, so follow these tips to ensure you know exactly what to do if you find yourself in that position. What to do if you see a snake You may have heard of this advice, but while it may seem like a bizarre concept, there’s a reason it’s always repeated. When coming across a snake stay still, don’t panic and move away slowly. Victoria’s Environment Department said do not poke or prod it as that may trigger an angry response and will attack if it feels threatened. Instead, call a professional to remove the snake for you. Licensed snake catchers are usually just a phone call away, and for a small price, will safely remove the snake for you. Other ways to prevent snakes from entering the home are keeping the house clutter-free and making sure the lawns are cut short. Also observe your pet’s behaviour, as when animals get bitten by snakes then they cannot verbally speak up, which is why if you see symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, lethargy, or collapsing then take them directly to the vet. What to do if you are bitten First things first, call triple zero. As you wait for emergency services to arrive, it’s important you remain as still as possible, as any form of movement can spread the poison around the body. And whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of the common myth, which is to suck the venom out of the wound. It’s important for medical professionals to be able to correctly identify the type of venom as not only does it help with identifying the snake, but they are also able to prescribe a proper treatment. According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/" target="_blank">Royal Flying Doctor Service</a>, do not wash the area of the bite, cut the bite or apply a high tourniquet. Instead, get yourself a pressure bandage and wrap it tightly around the area affected to stop the venom from spreading further. Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-snake-and-here-s-how-to-avoid-them-20181022-p50b6q.html" target="_blank">The Age</a>, Dr Timothy Jackson, a venom expert from the University of Melbourne, says that the number one priority should be getting to a hospital. “It is true many bites do not result in serious envenoming or cause life-threatening consequences. However, every bite should be treated as if it could be,” he said. “The most important thing for people to do is get to a hospital as rapidly as possible while remaining calm. It doesn’t matter whether you have been bitten or envenomed or not – let the doctors worry about that.” What happens when snakes bite Snake attacks happen by the hundreds every year, but a study conducted by the University of Melbourne’s Australian Venom Research Unit discovered that only 35 people died from snake bites between the years 2000 and 2016 in Australia. Dr Jackson said that each snake bite varies in effect. “It depends on a lot of things, the combination of the amount of venom delivered, the physiology of the person,” he says. “We sometimes see people collapsing rapidly, sometimes people feel fairly well and then feel sick hours later. There is a huge variation in response.” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2017/207/3/australian-snakebite-project-2005-2015-asp-20" target="_blank">The Australian Snakebite Project</a> undertook a decade-long study and compiled a list of the most common consequences resulting from snake venom which resulted in: <ul> <li>Coagulopathy – a disorder that causes excessive bleeding: 73%</li> <li>Myotoxicity – a toxic effect on muscles: 17%</li> <li>Acute kidney injury: 12%</li> <li>Severe complications including cardiac arrest: 2.9%</li> <li>Major haemorrhage: 1.6%</li> </ul> The most common area for snakes to bite is the lower or upper leg. Which snakes bite <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2017/207/3/australian-snakebite-project-2005-2015-asp-20" target="_blank">The Australian Snakebite Project</a> says the most common snake bites reported come from brown snakes (41%), then tiger snakes (17%) and red-bellied black snakes (16%). “The venoms are different,” says Dr Jackson. “The important consequence from both brown and tiger snakes is quite similar, which is the way they affect the blood. They attack certain components of the coagulation cascade which allows blood to clot after injury. Both venoms attack in a similar way, though brown snakes do it faster and harder, and have more potent toxins in their venom. “The end result is the blood can’t clot … then any bleeding, especially internally, can become very dangerous. “With tiger snakes we see more neurotoxicity, so an effect on the nervous system. That’s rare with brown snakes.” From the years 2005 to 2015, 23 deaths were reported, and out of the 23, 17 of those were due to fatal bites from brown snakes, and four to tiger snakes. The remaining two were from unknown species. According to Dr Jackson, red-bellied black snakes are the least fatal out of the three snakes. “It’s the much less dangerous of the three. Most people will not need anti-venom – though let the doctor decide that.” Raymond Hoser, a snake catcher based in Melbourne, spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-snake-and-here-s-how-to-avoid-them-20181022-p50b6q.html" target="_blank">The Age</a> about when snakes are more likely to come out of hibernation. “People think peak season [for snakes] is summer and it’s not … snakes are more active now,” he said. “The main thing is it’s seasonal, they come out of hibernation and are all out and about. They are eating more, they are mating, and they move to unusual places because they are mating. And because the weather is changing you have to move from cooler to warmer spots.” It is illegal to capture, harm or kill snakes under the Wildlife Act 1975.

Caring

Turia Pitt reveals the moment she met Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan

On Sunday, Prince Harry and Meghan attended a reception hosted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney’s The Domain. Attendees at the royal reception included school children, Invictus Games athletes and burns survivor Turia Pitt. The marathon runner and motivational speaker had the opportunity to mingle with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as well as the Prime Minister and his wife, Jenny, at The Pavilion restaurant. The mum-of-one shared a happy snap of herself with the guests of honour to Instagram, letting her cheekiness shine in her caption. "Solid brunch crew today. Pity Megs couldn't enjoy the bottomless mimosas, but I did my part to help out. That's friendship I guess!" the 31 year-old joked. <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/BpMCNtxggdu/?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/BpMCNtxggdu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Turia (@turiapitt)</a> on Oct 21, 2018 at 1:13am PDT </div> </blockquote> Turia also shared a photo of herself, Harry, Jenny and Meghan, the latter two of whom were photographed mid-blink. "Typical. Harry and I the only ones on the ball," she captioned it. <img style="width: 278.96725440806046px; height: 500px;" src="/media/7821505/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cdfdf7318a9844828824270666e7e65c" /> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren’t the first royals Turia has been able to chat with. When Prince William and Kate visited Australia in 2014 with baby Prince George, Turia also had the opportunity to meet them. In 2017, she shared a photo of herself with Kate commenting: "So overdue for a hang with my bestie, Kate. She loves my jokes. #BFF." <img style="width: 500px; height: 416.6666666666667px;" src="/media/7821506/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4784f7a4dc724443bc62a35bdc405956" /> Just days before Harry’s nuptials to Meghan earlier this year, Turia joked about her friendship with Kate once again. "You know, you think you're friends with someone, sharing a laugh etc etc and then you don't get an invite to their brother-in-law's wedding? People these days, hey? #rude #IllBeWaitingByTheMailbox #RoyalWedding," she wrote. Despite being able to meet different members of the royal family, Turia has had a busy year so far. The athlete is preparing for her return to competitive events when she runs 30.5km on New Zealand’s South Island at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast event in February 2019. In December 2017, Turia and her partner Michael Hoskin also welcomed their baby boy Hakavai into the world. Talking about her new journey with motherhood, Turia has admitted that “parenting is hard”. “Parenting is hard. I’ve got a baby that sleeps, a supportive partner, parents and in-laws on speed dial, heaps of mates who’ve had babies and I’m still finding it really challenging and exhausting,” she wrote alongside a snap of herself on social media. “To all the parents out there, you’re all legends, and you’re all doing a good job!”

News

The Irwin family announce exciting news

The family of late Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin have made an exciting announcement as they continue to follow in the footsteps of “The Crocodile Hunter”. Steve’s wife Terri and their two children, Bindi and Robert, will star in a new show on the Animal Planet called Crikey! It’s The Irwins. The show will follow the family as they care for the animals at their Australia Zoo in Queensland as well as travel out on various expeditions. Steve was watched by people around the world on his popular television programs and died in 2006 after a stingray’s barb pierced his heart while filming near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Writing to her 1.8 million followers on Instagram, Bindi wrote: “Crikey! It’s The Irwins is premiering soon! Join us on October 28th for the adventure of a lifetime. Continuing Dad’s legacy means the world to us as a little family. From our Wildlife Warriors global conservation work to life at Australia Zoo, you’ll be part of all the action. See you there!” <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/Bo6KruGF6qp/?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/Bo6KruGF6qp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Australia Zoo (@australiazoo)</a> on Oct 14, 2018 at 2:41am PDT </div> </blockquote> Robert told fans that in the weeks leading up to their new show, the Animal Planet will be airing episodes from Steve’s series, Crocodile Hunter. He wrote: “Dad’s affinity with wildlife and passion for conservation inspired so many, I always love reliving these special moments!” The family will be seen working at the zoo’s wildlife hospital as well as taking trips abroad for wildlife research and conservation. Will you be tuning in to Crikey! It’s The Irwins? Let us know in the comments below.

News

Why your Christmas feast is going to cost more this year: "Hopefully customers understand"

The festive season just isn’t the same without some of your favourite Christmas meals on the table, such as turkey, ham or cherries. But due to the ongoing struggle of farmers, this year Christmas may be exactly that as Australia faces the worst drought in decades. With a combination of the fall of the Aussie dollar and crop shortages, your favourite seasonal foods may see an increase in prices. According to Colin Quast, owner of Quast Turkeys, a price increase in turkeys is to be expected this year as farmers are having to face extra production costs. “The costs of production have gone up at least 5 percent,” he said, speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/10/21/18/18/christmas-lunch-cost-drought-to-affect-turkey-cherry-prices" target="_blank">9NEWS</a>. “For turkey producers all over Australia, or any primary producer in Australia, to stay viable and stay in business, we just have to try and pass this cost of production on. “Hopefully customers at the other end will understand.” Majority of production costs come from feeding the livestock, and due to grain shortage, food for the animals is costing more than it ever has before. Mr Quast predicts a further increase in his farm’s grain bill in the upcoming months. “In our small production we’ve got here producing 60,000 turkeys a year, our grain bill by next year could be at least $300,000 to $400,000 extra,” he said. Due to this, prices are most likely going to increase even further during the New Year. “It could go up another five or 10 percent next year but a lot of that will depend on whether we get a sorghum harvest,” he said. “At the moment we’re looking at sourcing grain from Perth and places like that, and that will make turkey production next year far more expensive.” Those who are responsible for farming pigs are dealing with the same problem regarding the price of feed, but because there is an oversupply of pork, they’re not able to pass the extra cost onto customers. Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/10/21/18/18/christmas-lunch-cost-drought-to-affect-turkey-cherry-prices" target="_blank">9NEWS</a>, Edwina Beveridge said that while the pig industry was booming, their success is what is contributing to its downfall. “I think ham will be really well priced this Christmas,” she said. “Prices are coming up a little but it’s still on the good side and the same for fresh pork.” Pork prices will most likely see an increase in prices in the new year. And they aren’t the only farmers the drought has affected, with cherry growers being forced to spend more money on additional fertiliser and electricity, due to an increase in water pumping. Despite that, the extra costs will not be passed onto customers but that doesn’t mean that the price of cherries will remain the same throughout the year. “I’m sure there are lots of farmers who would love to see a bit of a premium this year, because they’re going to need it,” said Tom Eastlake, President of Cherry Growers Australia. “It will largely depend on the quantity available and the quality of cherries that hits the market this year.” This year’s cherry stock is also dependant on the weather that occurs in the upcoming weeks. While other farmers are hopeful for rain, cherry growers are hoping for a dry season as too much water can damage the fruit. “We’re looking at a very, very dry forecast for summer, which is good, as it shouldn’t split any fruit,” Mr Eastlake said. “At the moment, we’re fairly optimistic on the season. “It’ll be not without its foibles, not without its pressures, largely due to moisture restrictions, but we’re pretty confident for the time being.” The government is offering a $1.8 billion assistance package for farmers who are suffering from the drought. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has urged shoppers to try and buy local when they can, and to study the Country of Origin labels. “Take a bit more time when you go grocery shopping and just make sure when you buy this Christmas, you buy Aussie, buy local,” he said.

Money & Banking

The hidden messages behind Duchess Megan’s royal tour jewellery

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> While all eyes have been on how Duchess Meghan has been faring with her pregnancy on the royal tour, the jewellery that has adorned her is sparking plenty of interest as well. After the meaning of Prince Harry’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-sentimental-meaning-behind-prince-harry-s-bracelet" title="sentimental bracelet">sentimental bracelet</a> was revealed last week, jewellery designers have given their take on the hidden meaning behind the expectant mum’s jewellery. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-royal-tour-jewelry/" target="_blank">People</a> magazine, the 37-year-old is making some “bold” statements with the pieces, particularly showcasing jewellery that is made from sustainable material and ethically made. At the opening of the Invictus Games on the weekend, Duchess Meghan chose to wear a number of pieces by Ecksand, including stackable rings, a favourite of hers. Ecksand uses recycled hold and ethical gems in its jewellery. The jewels on the rings, sapphire, emerald and marquise diamond, are set in 18k sustainable gold. <img style="width: 341.695px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821501/markle-jewll.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d5da06097369459f878e1972e7b0c374" /> “Just seeing her wear our pieces really reiterates to us that she must already be aligned with our values,” co-founder and designer Erica Bianchini of Ecksand said in an interview with People. “And the way she brought them all together is so fun, she always put things together so naturally.” And Bianchini said that the Duchess’ choice of the brand’s jewellery also has a double meaning to go along with her message of sustainability: “everlasting love". The expectant mum was also seen wearing Ecksand’s Emerald Secret Heart Stackable ring which features a “moveable emerald heart". “I was really happy to see she chose that because I love emeralds and also they mean everlasting love,” said Bianchini, although the designer says, Duchess Meghan doesn’t need a reminder, such is the affection shown between her and husband Prince Harry. “I don’t think the duchess needs any gems to reinforce that!” And the Duchess isn’t afraid to re-wear her jewellery with some favourite pieces making repeated showings, again by another ethical jeweller British designer Pippa Small. After wearing it at Princess Eugenie’s wedding, Duchess Meghan has donned Small’s Herkimer Diamond quartz pieces during the royal tour. “I think they suit her just perfectly,” said Small. “They are quite organic, simple and pure, which somehow works really beautifully with her style.” She has again continued the re-wearable, sustainably designed trend with another jeweller aligned with her values, Los Angeles based Adina Reyter. The Duchess wore her 3 Diamond Amigos Curve Post earrings a number of times on tour. “Everything she has worn so far is very wearable, it’s not fussy and that’s her entire appeal,” said Reyter. “Customers want the personal message of the meaning behind the design and the brand – having someone like Meghan Markle wear our pieces really communicates who we are and we couldn’t be happier.” Duchess Meghan also paid tribute to Princess Diana during the trip wearing some of her most treasured pieces, her butterfly earrings and gold bracelet. </div> </div> </div> </div>

News

Inside Georgie Gardner's new $6 million Sydney home

Today show host Georgie Gardner has beaten her colleague Karl Stefanovic in the property hunt after it was reported that she purchased a home in Sydney suburb Mosman home for “about $6 million". Speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/mosman-daily" target="_blank">Mosman Daily</a>, property sources have said that Gardner has locked down a beautiful six-bedroom, architecturally-designed home in the high demanded Beauty Point region. The news comes after it was said that Stefanovic has also been searching for a property in Mosman. The home, which features Middle Harbour views, four bathrooms, a 12-metre pool and an abundance of luxury features sits on a 780sq m block of land. “Georgie paid about $6 million," said the source. “She has been looking in Mosman. Karl Stefanovic has been actively looking in Mosman too, so it looks like Georgie has won this round.” Previous owners of the property had been trying to sell the home since August 2017, with it being sold last in 1997 for $815,000 according to CoreLogic records. Only recently, Gardner and her husband Tim Baker sold their Artarmon home for $4.2 million. Scroll through the gallery above to see inside Georgie's new $6 million family home.

News

What actually happens to all the gifts given to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan

While visiting Australia as part of their 16-day tour, Prince Harry and Meghan have received a flood of gifts from well-wishers. While conducting their royal engagements, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have received flowers, stuffed toys for their baby, handmade posters and cards. After the royals thanked their fans for the sweet gesture, they’ve quickly handed whatever they’d been given to a member of their entourage who were walking through the crowd with them. At the end of their tour, the many gifts the newlyweds will receive will certainly make it difficult to lug it all back to London, leaving many to ask – what happens to all the gifts? According to the royal family’s official gift policy, there are several protocols which dictate what happens to gifts they receive. The royals are allowed to accept the gift and use it if it’s worth less than £150 ($A276) or it can be kept in storage for up to five years. Curators of the Royal Collection may choose to incorporate it into their displays, it can be donated to charity or unfortunately, it may be destroyed or thrown out. However, those who do go to the effort to provide a royal with a gift should know that each item is carefully considered. Every year, the royals release a list of every gift they’ve received, including details about who it’s from, where it was given, what it was and who it was for. <img style="width: 500px; height:295.29616724738673px;" src="/media/7821482/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c7e0310bb00c477aa15c285cfc454440" /> When Prince William visited Finland late last year, a list was released to show all the gifts he received. Today, Prince Harry and Meghan will spend the day on Fraser Island before jetting off to Fiji. Have you ever given a royal a gift? Tell us what it was in the comments below.

News

Prince Harry reveals whether he wants a boy or girl

Prince Harry has made a surprise admission about the gender he’s hoping for of the baby that he and Duchess Meghan are expecting, announced during their current tour of Australia. Attending an event over the weekend, the 34-year-old responded to a shout out from the crowd. “Congratulations, I hope it’s a girl,” said one well-wisher, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-prince-harry-hoping-baby-13453886" target="_blank">The Mirror</a>. To which the excited father-to-be said, “So do I!” It comes as Duchess Meghan has taken a step back from royal duties and a jam-packed schedule during the tour, with the pregnancy taking its toll. The Duchess decided not to attend a cycling medal presentation at the Domain in Sydney over the weekend, instead resting at Admiralty House where the expectant parents were staying during their time in Sydney, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/royal-tour-day-6-meghan-markle-prince-harry/news-story/5225a5329856d684461cda7984b85ff2" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. An onlooker in the crowd shouted out, “Harry, where’s Meghan?” Prince Harry replied, “She’s resting at home. Being pregnant takes its toll." Kensington Palace said in a statement that: “After a busy program, The Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back The Duchess’s schedule slightly for the next couple of days, ahead of the final week and a half of the tour,” it read. “The Duke will continue with the engagements on Fraser Island as planned.” Duchess Meghan is reportedly tired, though isn’t suffering morning sickness. The couple next head to Fraser Island in Queensland, though Meghan is not expected to partake in any engagements. Their 16-day tour of New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga will take in 76 events.

News

Charlotte looks just like dad! Royal fans gush over childhood snap of Prince William

It’s commonly thought that Princess Charlotte looks just like her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, but one royal fan has brought to light just how much she looks like her father Prince William. An image posted on Instagram shows a young Prince William and Princess Charlotte side by side with what the fan calls the “Diana Smirk”, referring to the late Princess Diana's famous smile. The post has been liked over 18,200 times. “Look at this and tell me they don’t look alike (to me),” wrote the royal fan alongside the image. “Ever since she was little, Charlotte has had the ‘Diana Smirk’ which William obviously got from Diana and Charlotte got from her daddy! She is definitely daddy’s little lookalike and daddy’s little girl!” <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/BpCTkrIFOGP/?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> <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/BpCTkrIFOGP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Look at this and tell me they don’t look alike 😂 (to me) Ever since she was little Charlotte has had the “Diana Smirk” which William obviously got from Diana and Charlotte got from her daddy! She is definitely daddy’s little lookalike and daddy’s little girl! 💕! ———————————————- #britishroyalfamily #princewilliam #dukeofcambridge #duchessofcambridge #katemiddleton #princegeorge #princesscharlotte #princelouis</a> <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/teatimewiththecambridges/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Cambridges</a> (@teatimewiththecambridges) on Oct 17, 2018 at 6:32am PDT </div> </blockquote> According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6290283/Childhood-snap-Prince-William-reveals-Charlottes-amazing-resemblance.html" target="_blank" title="Daily Mail">Daily Mail</a>, the picture of the Prince seen in a racing suit and holding a helmet was taken when he was 10 years old. The adjoining picture of Charlotte, three years old, was taken at Princess Eugenie’s wedding last week. Many on Instagram agreed with the resemblance with one person writing, “Wow!!!! Now that’s twinning! She is the spitting image of her father in this photo.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 326.689px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821468/diana.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d83c4586eef04f399d680e39fedda824" /> But others still stuck to the view that young Princess Charlotte took after her great-grandmother, the Queen. They noted that in the same wedding photo of the young royal posted alongside her father on Instagram, she was sporting the same pose the monarch has adopted, resting her hands together on her lap. One commentator was adamant about the resemblance saying, “She is her great grandmother.” Do you think Princess Charlotte looks more like her father Prince William or her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth? Let us know in the comment section below.

News

Travel

The secret hotel rooms you don't know about

Celebrities are some of the most followed people on this earth, with their every move being tracked and revealed to the world. So how exactly do they manage to avoid the spotlight when checking into hotel rooms? People have questioned how it’s possible that certain celebrities manage to not only take the perfect scenic shots in the country they’re visiting, but also have complete seclusion with no eager fans watching their every move. And the answer to that has been revealed. Hotels have secret, ultra-luxurious rooms for their VIP guests. And if you’re wondering how you can possibly get your hands on one of these rooms, you most likely can’t. Unless you’re filthy rich or famous, these rooms are not available to mere mortals as they usually aren’t advertised and aren’t on the books. To keep the rooms private and exclusive, you won’t be finding the luxury suites advertised on booking.com. If you still don’t believe it, then have a look at Take the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, not far from Reykjavik, Iceland. The resort is known to remain above the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and is a popular tourist hot-spot if you fancy taking a dip into a sulphur-rich pool. While the website claims the hotel has 62 suites, in actual fact they have 63. <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/BpHgdp9gJ2r/?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> <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/BpHgdp9gJ2r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Will you be visiting us this winter? #TheRetreatBlueLagoon #BlueLagoonIceland #Iceland #luxurytravel #luxuryspa</a> <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/retreat.bluelagoon/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Retreat at Blue Lagoon</a> (@retreat.bluelagoon) on Oct 19, 2018 at 7:01am PDT </div> </blockquote> The extra suite takes up a massive two floors and features everything you would ever need on a getaway. A kitchen and dining area, a hidden deck, sauna, spa and a completely private, closed off area of the Blue Lagoon so you can swim without sharing the waters with normal folk. The conditions include a two-night minimum stay and is priced at a whopping $14,600 a night. <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/BllCGE9gLg5/?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> <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/BllCGE9gLg5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Come to a place in the heart of a volcanic frontier. #TheRetreatBlueLagoon #BlueLagoonIceland #Iceland #luxuryhotel #luxurytravel</a> <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/retreat.bluelagoon/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Retreat at Blue Lagoon</a> (@retreat.bluelagoon) on Jul 23, 2018 at 8:08am PDT </div> </blockquote> The suit is completely isolated, with guests not even being able to spot it from other parts of the hotel, which is why celebrities tend to favour the overpriced stay because it gives them something nothing else can: privacy. Speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ausbt.com.au/why-hotels-don-t-talk-about-their-secret-vip-only-rooms" target="_blank">Australian Business Traveller</a>, Mar Masson, the director of marketing for The Retreat’s parent company said, “No-one ever needs to know you’re there. “It’s not visible to other guests, and there is nothing that indicates it is there.” And it isn’t only The Retreat that offers the luxury of having a lavish suite all to yourself, as the NoMad in Los Angeles and Hotel Bennett in Charleston, North Carolina, also keep their most expensive rooms a secret from those who can’t afford it. <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/BhfFkjwAUDy/?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> <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/BhfFkjwAUDy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">I'm headed to Charleston to get this Luxury Spa project started! Get Ready for another Salamander Hotels & Resorts masterpiece - Hotel Bennett . #hotelbennett #salamanderhotels</a> <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/cindi_packard_moreno/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Cindi Moreno</a> (@cindi_packard_moreno) on Apr 12, 2018 at 2:37pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The Hotel Bennett only allows guests to book the room if they have an invitation, and 21 Boulevard – a hotel in Las Vegas – gives you access to the penthouses after you drop over a million dollars on the tables in the high-roller rooms. So, what if you want to book a room but aren’t famous? Well if you have the cash to spare then you can experience the luxury after receiving the green light from hotel management. All you need to do is email the manager and request the most private room in the building. Once you get the go-ahead, you can experience the life of a celebrity for a night or two.

Travel Tips

Cruise ship passenger charged after trying to throw partner overboard

A Queensland woman whose partner allegedly attempted to throw her off a cruise ship had taken to social media to share how excited she was to be able to take time off with her “beautiful man” and go on a luxury trip. But things did not go according to plan, after her partner was arrested as soon as the ship docked in Hobart. The civil construction worker from Wamuran near Caboolture is currently in custody and has been charged with attempted murder after it was discovered that he tried to throw his partner off the ship following an argument on Thursday. Authorities were called to cruise liner Radiance of the Seas following the incident. It is alleged that the woman's partner grabbed her under her arms before attempting to throw her off the 13-storey ship. The events that followed were chaotic as passengers claim they heard an alarm and screaming early on Thursday morning. Some approached the woman to see if she was okay. Appearing at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon, the 46-year-old father-of-three pleaded not guilty but was refused bail and will be expected to appear at the Supreme Court in February. Having departed Sydney on October 16, the cruise was expected to dock in Tasmania and then return to Sydney after five days. Only last month, the woman took to her social media account to share her excitement about the holiday. “Tassie here we come!” she wrote. “Radiance of the Seas owner’s suite … holiday we so deserve. My beautiful man has rented a Mercedes for the day to take me to Table Cape Tulip Farm and eat as many oysters as I can smash.” She also went on to write: “So excited for our holiday … we are going to have our own butler, concierge and VIP gold passes for everything. The beginning of many journeys.” A spokeswoman from the Royal Caribbean issued a statement and said that authorities have the company's full support. “Our security staff responded to the incident, and Tasmania Police were notified and attended the ship on arrival in Hobart,” she said. “The safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority.”

Travel Trouble

The surprise cost of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s visit to Australia

Prince Harry and Meghan’s 16-day royal tour will see them visit various parts of Australia including Sydney, Dubbo, Melbourne and Fraser Island. Now, it has been revealed that the royal tour is expected to cost Australian taxpayers a hefty $1 million. Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au">news.com.au</a>, a spokesman for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) said the total cost of the tour was “not yet known but is expected to be consistent with past royal visits”. Prince Charles and Camilla’s trip to Australia for the Commonwealth Games earlier this year,cost taxpayers more than $1 million. The heir to the throne and his wife’s tour included 10 days travelling around Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will also spend 10 days in Australia, with another six in Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. According to the DPMC spokesman, it is normal for the host nation to cover some of the logistical costs of a visiting royal, including transport and accommodation. “The Australian Government covers some of the costs associated with a royal tour,” he said. “Any expenditure meets official procurement guidelines.” The royals, who will complete 76 official engagements on their tour, are travelling with an entourage made up of 10 members of staff, including private secretaries, personal assistant, hairdresser, a royal communications team and an orderly to carry luggage. When Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall travelled Down Under just six months ago, their entourage was made up of 13 support staff. The Prince of Wales and Camilla’s transportation costs to regional areas including Darwin totalled $314,690.78. Australia also paid for Prince Charles to make a trip to Vanuatu during the tour as well. Prior to the trip, Clarence House also sent a party of four to Australia to scout venues and timetables, which cost $131,000. “The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet paid for 13 staff from Clarence House accompanying Their Royal Highnesses from London,” a spokesperson said in response to a question from Labor’s Jenny McAllister during a senate hearing in May. “Clarence House paid for an additional staff member to accompany Their Royal Highnesses from London. Clarence House also paid for an Australian based member of the travelling party to accompany Their Royal Highnesses while in Australia.” There were also additional costs for domestic travel and security. When Prince William, Duchess Kate and Prince George visited Australia in 2014, their trip cost taxpayers $474,137, not including security and GST. A large expense of their 10-day trip was transportation, which totalled $251,338. Other costs included media liaison ($85,366), domestic travel including meals and accommodation ($73,638), and hospitality and event-related costs ($59,486). What are your thoughts on the cost of Prince Harry and Meghan’s trip to Australia? Let us know in the comments below.

Domestic Travel

Prince Harry and Meghan’s heartfelt moment as 5-year-old steals the show

Today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a visit to Dubbo as part of their Australian royal tour. Prince Harry and Meghan were greeted by local politicians and school children at Dubbo airport, including one 5-year-old who gave the newlyweds a very special welcome. Young royal fan Luke Vincent managed to wriggle his way past security and cameras to meet the couple face-to-face. After giving Harry a hug, the Buninyong Public school student reached out and touched Harry’s beard. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="/media/7821410/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bbb7037aea5b4ce2b0089c0c9388b2ba" /> Luke, who has Down Syndrome, then gifted Meghan a bouquet of flowers and embraced her as well. The youngster’s school principal, Anne Van Dartel, told 7 News that little Luke loves beards. “Luke’s favourite person is Santa Claus … and now it’s Prince Harry,” she said. “Luke waited beautifully today and waited for Prince Harry and Princess Meghan to come to us. And he even brought her flowers.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="/media/7821412/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2e6053eb217d4aa691d0efe955ca5051" /> Ms Van Dartel explained that when Luke first reached out to Harry she was nervous because they had been instructed that there was to be “no touching”. “I was very concerned when he started rubbing Prince Harry’s face and his hair, but Prince Harry was completely gracious and was so polite and realised what was happening and his infatuation with his beard,” she said. “We can only thank him so much for treating Luke with such respect who didn’t understand the situation. The way that Prince Harry and Princess Meghan interacted with him was just delightful.” Ms Van Dartel, who went to Dubbo airport with some of her school students to give the royals a warm welcome, said Luke’s moment with the couple was very special. “He’s often the star of the show at school, and now he’s the star of the show all around the world,” she said.

Domestic Travel

Health

The stretch to correct your posture

If you spend a lot of time at the computer, at a desk or looking down, chances are that your posture has been impacted. Active Senior’s Taylor Harrison says that the worse your posture is, the worse your balance will be. In this video, Taylor Harrison – author, senior’s health expert and Director of <a href="http://www.activeseniors.net.au/">Active Seniors Health Centre</a> – shows you how to correct your posture against a wall to help improve your balance. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/296347369" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/296347369">The stretch to correct your posture</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/oversixty">OverSixty.com.au</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. To see more videos and articles on improving your health and fitness from Taylor Harrison, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/search.aspx?Keyword=taylor+harrison">click here</a>. Will you be trying out this exercise? Let us know in the comments below.

Caring

The Queen's simple $5 hack for getting a good night's sleep

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to get to sleep – and stay asleep. But there could be a very majestic, and simple, way to help you nod off. Queen Elizabeth II’s method of choice is very reasonably priced, not to mention very comforting, even by its very mention. She uses a hot water bottle for a good night’s sleep, placed between the sheets to make her bed nice and cosy, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://homes.nine.com.au/2018/10/19/11/59/queen-elizabeth-sleeping-hack?app=applenews" target="_blank">9Honey</a>. She may not need to carry a passport, but this sleep hack is a must-have in her luggage while travelling, wrote historian Robert K. Massie in a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/1992/10/queen-elizabeth-199210" target="_blank">Vanity Fair</a> profile on Queen Elizabeth, as are other comforts like her feather pillow, favourite china tea set, and even her own white kid toilet seat. And at just $5 at Kmart, it’s an affordable way to see if a hot water bottle could help you if you have trouble sleeping. <img style="width: 480px; height: 480px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/7821498/water-bottle.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0cb88f355ec54afbb928e3e10f8ce7e7" /> But take care when using one, says <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.productsafety.gov.au/about-us/videos/hot-water-bottles-the-hidden-dangers" target="_blank">Product Safety Australia</a>, to avoid burns. It advises <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/aussie-mums-dire-warning-after-hot-water-bottle-explodes-on-4-year-old-son" target="_blank" title="buying a new water bottle each year">buying a new water bottle each year,</a> and not to pour boiling water directly from a kettle as it can damage and weaken the rubber the bottle is made of. Also, be sure to cover the bottle with a towel or fitted covering, and use it to heat the bed and remove it when you get in. The royal water bottle is such a necessity for a comfy sleep for the Queen that she’s even been known to fill it herself when a housemaid neglected to do so, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2624790/The-Queens-missing-hot-water-bottle-knives-minder-Scouse-dockers-daughters-growing-power-sparked-mutiny-stairs.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. So if this sleep hack helps you have a restful night, you can thank Her Majesty for that. What remedies help you sleep? Let us know in the comment section below.

Caring

Snake season is here: Four attacks in four hours as experts advise residents to stay alert

Four people have been admitted to hospital within hours of each other after a series of deadly snake attacks. Two of the attacks, which occurred in Victoria on Sunday afternoon, are presumed to be from one of the world’s deadliest snakes – the brown snake. The attacks come after snake catchers were seen <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/youll-get-them-everywhere-snake-catchers-grim-warning-of-aussie-plague-this-summer">issuing warnings</a> to residents as snakes make their way out of hibernation and search for a mate. One man, who is reportedly in his 80s, was taken to Goulburn Valley Hospital in Shepparton due to a leg injury on Sunday afternoon. He is currently in a serious but stable condition. Another man in his 60s was transported to Wangaratta Base Hospital in Victoria due to a snake bite on his leg and is also in a serious but stable condition. A man believed to be in his 40s dealt with a snake bite to his ankle and was taken to Western Health in St Albans NSW, and is reported to be in a serious condition. The fourth victim is a woman in her 30s and was bitten by a snake on Seven Mile Road in Nar Nar Goon. After the attack, she was taken to Casey Hospital at Berwick in a stable condition. Queensland snake catcher, Tony Harrison has advised people across the country to be aware of their surroundings as the weather gets warmer. According to Harrison, snakes and reptiles come out of hibernation during summer to get some sunlight. It was only last week when a young boy named Naish Dobson was attacked by a python while he was sitting on the verandah of his home in Julatten, North Queensland. The python wrapped itself around the boy’s body and only let go after Naish’s grandfather stabbed the reptile down the spine, reported the <a href="https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/far-north-family-saves-baby-from-being-eaten-by-python-on-veranda-of-home/news-story/26f8105120133e0b28c54933f437ac0e">Cairns Post</a>. While Naish escaped with surprisingly minor injuries, the grandfather was forced to kill the snake after the python attempted to attack him. Naish was taken to Cairns hospital and was treated for snake bites and bruising.

Caring

Duchess Meghan opens up about what being pregnant feels like

A week ago, Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan were expecting their first child just shortly after the couple touched down in Sydney to kickstart their royal tour. Although the Duchess of Sussex has a noticeable pregnancy ‘glow’, the 37-year-old royal has candidly confessed how her body is actually feeling. While speaking with guests at an event at Bondi Beach on Friday, the former actress used a unique analogy to describe her pregnancy so far. Meghan, who is due to give birth in the UK springtime next year, said it's "like having jet lag without actually travelling". To make sure she is taking care of her body and mental health during the 16-day royal tour, reportedly Meghan is having 4.30 am yoga sessions. Meghan, whose mum Doria Ragland is a yoga instructor, said to fans at Bondi that she is including it in her jam-packed schedule because it’s “so good for healing your mind”. <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/BpGDJ9VHtF8/?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/BpGDJ9VHtF8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Oct 18, 2018 at 5:26pm PDT </div> </blockquote> During their beach visit, the royal couple participated in an “anti-bad-vibes-circle” with a local community group. The event was hosted by Grant Trebilco, founder of OneWave, a surfing community which works to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing in a fun way. Speaking to the group, Harry said: “Each and every one of us will experience poor mental health, it doesn't discriminate." Today, Prince Harry and Meghan will spend the day on Fraser Island before jetting off to Fiji.

Body

Lifestyle

The heartbreaking story behind this note found by the side of a lake

A school rowing club has shared the heartbreaking story behind a mystery note the team discovered at a lake. Earlier this week, a school rowing club from Sutton Coldfield in the UK went down to their local lake for a training session when they made the unexpected discovery. Tied to the gate was an emotional note from an anonymous woman who had visited the lake, asking for a very important favour. "This note was left on the gate at the water this afternoon," Bishop Vesey's Grammar School Rowing Club wrote on Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> This note was left on the gate at the water this afternoon. No name or number left but whoever you are, rest assured your rose is in place in the middle of the lake. <a href="https://t.co/GAQcbQRSZJ">pic.twitter.com/GAQcbQRSZJ</a> — BVGS Rowing (@BVGSRowing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BVGSRowing/status/1052911464456081410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote> The note read: "Please can someone throw this into the lake for me? My late husband’s ashes are in the lake and I can’t get to the lakeside in my wheelchair anymore and gates are locked – have to drive back up north tonight. Thank you x." Alongside the note, the widow left a single red rose. After reading the heartbreaking message, the rowing club made sure they fulfilled the woman’s wishes. "No name or number left but whoever you are, rest assured your rose is in place in the middle of the lake," the rowing club tweeted, sharing a photo of the rose in the middle of the water. Since sharing the woman’s emotional story, the rowing team’s tweet has received over 162,000 ‘likes’ and over 46,000 retweets. The story has been impactful for many users, with one even saying it has “restored their faith in humanity”. "I really hope karma exists, because you guys only deserve the very best," wrote one user. Another wrote: "It touched my old heart. Just a wonderful thing to do for someone you'll never know and I hope whomever this lady was she somehow finds out." Another added: "There are some wonderful, caring people in the world, if you can't find one, be one.”

Relationships

How should your cutlery drawer be arranged? Huge debate sparks online

A New Zealander has unwittingly set off a furious debate about how one should arrange their cutlery drawer, in a post on social media platform <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/9of3ee/how_does_nz_arrange_the_cutlery_drawer/" target="_blank">Reddit</a>. Should it be a left-right configuration of fork, knife, spoon? Or knife, fork, spoon? And which direction do you place the head of the cutlery? The post was headlined: “How does NZ arrange the cutlery drawer?” “How is the cutlery drawer arranged in your kitchen?” they wrote. “My whole life I’ve gone with the (L-R) fork, knife, spoon configuration (teaspoons below) but have stayed places where knives are on the far left.” “What’s the setup at your place?” As it turns out, people are very passionate when it comes to their cutlery configuration of choice, with hundreds giving their opinion. Some became quite angry about the issue voicing some very cutting commentary. “I actually get so irate over this,” said one Reddit user. One person spoke of a familiar cutlery situation many of us will be familiar with – both order and chaos. “Large knives, knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons at the bottom,” they said of their ordered drawer. “And then other two drawers a mess of utensils until you have a clean out every three years, because you just can’t find the f***ing quarter cup.” Another user agreed, saying, “This is the standard my household follows.” And one person praised the owner of the cutlery drawer as a “cultured individual with a fine taste in cutlery organisation”. But the debate was far from over. The utensil talk became even more controversial with the issue of which direction you should place the head of your knives, spoons and forks. Should it be towards the drawer handle or to the back of the drawer? “What sort of animal would arrange the handles towards the back of the drawer?” wrote one person. But as another Reddit user pointed out, “If all the handles are at the front then all forks, knives and spoons look the same.” However, another commenter admitted their cutlery drawer was “pure chaos”. “I just throw them all in the drawer together, no organisation, pure chaos,” they wrote. When someone branded the disrupter a “monster” they replied, “Survival of the fittest.” How do you arrange your cutlery drawer? Let us know in the comments section below

Home & Garden

The $13 Kmart appliance sending shoppers wild

Coffee is famously known to provide everyday Australians with the energy they need to get things done – and now, caffeine addicts are turning towards an affordable staple to give them their daily fix. Kmart, known for its budget items, has done it again, as its latest coffee grinder has sent social media wild with people around the country grinding their own coffee beans – and it only costs $13. <img style="width: 480px; height: 480px;" src="/media/7821463/41191743-1-f.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bcbffbc683574a538243a5d13951a731" /> Photo: <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/coffee-grinder/128170">Kmart Australia</a> Making a promise where you will receive “the same taste in every cup” the coffee grinder is easy to use and operates using a simple “one touch” method. Despite being made to grind coffee beans, savvy shoppers have found various other uses for the handy item. Customers have shared their hacks for the budget item, as some are using it to create a perfect combination of spices, ground rice or crushing nuts. Proving that there isn’t just one use for this compact appliance. Another shopper posted her secret on how to make pancakes using the grinder, saying she used the item to grind flax and sunflower seeds into flour which was the main component of the recipe. Posters on popular online forum Reddit shared a photo of the appliance stocked at Kmart, with plenty available due to the high demand. Coffee fans were also pleased to know that they can now save money as buying coffee every morning was proving to be an expensive habit. “This may surprise you, but beans are more cost-effective way to go, if you like a strong cup,” explained one commenter. “A half kilo of Blend 43 will give you about 125 cups at two teaspoons per cup, but you can get a kilo of beans for the same price and get about the same number of cups.” But not everyone was a fan, as some speculated the quality of the appliance saying that it’s better to splurge on a high-end, milling grinder instead. “You’ll be looking for a while to find a good (grinder) for under $60,” one person wrote. “’Good’ coffee grinders use a milling action, rather than chopping, and I excitedly snapped-up my DeLonghi when Big W had them for $90.” But if you’re on a budget, then it won’t hurt to try it out. Will you be checking out the $13 coffee grinder from Kmart? Let us know in the comments below.

Home & Garden

Another Aussie fashion label goes bust

Yet another Australian fashion retailer has bitten the dust, joining the likes of Diana Ferrari, Maggie T, Oroton, and David Lawrence. After 76 years, men’s fashion chain Roger David has gone into administration, its collapse because of competition from online and international retailers, reports <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/rogers-david-goes-into-administration/news-story/e8f278b7030938c6e2b039cf63e99f97" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. It is now in the hands of administrators KordaMentha. “Despite the directors’ best efforts with the business, it simply could not compete with the influx of multinational retailers and the rapid, global evolution of online shopping,” Roger David directors said in a statement yesterday. “Thank you also to Roger David’s loyal customers who have been on a journey with Roger David since we opened our doors,” said the directors. “Like you, we are heartbroken but forever grateful to have served generations of your family since 1942.” KordaMentha administrator Craig Shepard said that, "Roger David, like many other fashion retailers, has been buffeted by global competition, stagnant sales and rising fixed costs," according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/heartbroken-roger-david-collapses-into-administration-20181018-p50adk.html" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>. "The company has been exploring all options, including a sale of the business, but has been unable to find an alternative to administration." “The competition in the market, the internationals and in general online, it has just got tougher and tougher." Roger David had already closed over half of its stores, downsizing from 135 to 57 locations, and the administrators announced that a closing down sale would begin immediately. Shepard said gift cards for the brand would be honoured for a month. The chain, which employs over 300 staff, is due to operate throughout the Christmas shopping season.

Beauty & Style

Finance

The sneaky loyalty card trick catching people out

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> A psychologist has put forward a fascinating theory as to why we’re hooked on loyalty programs. The impact of those plastic loyalty cards we carry with us could be having a surprising impact, changing our brain chemistry. Dr Rachel Grieve of the University of Tasmania says loyalty programs make us less “rational” as we chase rewards, even though consumers have to spend a lot to receive comparatively little in points or redemptions. (Coles’ Flybuys and Woolworths Rewards may return as little as 0.5 per cent of customer expenditure, for example.) “Receiving rewards actually changes our brain chemistry, with different neurotransmitters released in response to rewards,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/loyalty-cards-change-our-brain-chemistry-and-make-us-less-rational-shoppers/news-story/69881f2ccf9326ac02897ae074af533a" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. “These are often pleasurable in nature. Getting a reward feels good. “This means that we are more likely to engage in the behaviour that got us the reward in the first place, and then the cycle gets reinforced and begins again. It doesn’t matter that the reward might be very small. “With these strong neurological processes in place, it is unsurprising that people will stick with a program once they sign up.” And the huge companies behind these loyalty programs know how addictive the chase for rewards can be, openly using the “spend stretch” technique offering, for example, extra points to encourage consumers to spend more than usual. According to a study by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank">Finder.com.au</a>, 82 per cent of Australians are part of a loyalty program. The most popular of these are the Frequent Flyers program from Qantas, Woolworths Rewards, Coles’ Flybuys, Myer One, and Priceline Sisterhood. And if you’re encouraged to shop according to the brand your loyalty programme is attached to, you’re not alone, with 60 per cent of Australians doing the same. Dr Grieve separates the type of rewards loyalty programs offer into three categories: constant (points), intermittent (product), and social (status). “It is a powerful combination,” she said. “And in fact, our brains have particular neural networks that detect rewards, including anticipating rewards.” And some loyalty programs are also tapping into the social conscience of consumers, like the Priceline Sisterhood program where customers buy products at the chain with the company donating to charities, predominantly for women. “It’s emotional in nature and based on favourable attitudes towards the company itself,” Dr Grieve said. “These are social rewards and the more rewards a customer gets, the more this strengthens their emotional bond with the company, which makes them more likely to continue purchasing.” Dr Grieve says consumers can become addicted to reward programs, and their emotional pull. “As you get emotionally closer to each goal, like the new item or status level, it can make you less rational about purchasing decisions,” she said. If you find you’re addicted to chasing rewards, she says it may be time to avoid loyalty programs. And Dr Grieve cautioned that people should remember that nothing comes for free. “You are, in fact, paying for the rewards you receive. The money companies make from you is what pays for your reward,” she said. “So why not cut out the company and just make your own purchase? You’ll certainly get it quicker.” </div> </div> </div> </div>

Retirement Income

The sneaky speed camera plan that could cost you dearly

A new report released by the NSW government has proposed a very sneaky change to speed cameras that would potentially increase government coffers substantially with speeding fines. In the report by NSW Auditor-General Margaret Crawford, the argument is made for ditching the 250m-ahead warning signs for speeding cameras, in order to catch more motorists out. The Auditor General cited Victoria’s approach of using “covert and unconcealed” mobile speed cameras (MSCs), and said that, “The number of infringements issued by MSCs in these jurisdictions is many times higher,” reported <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/its-not-going-to-happen-mp-on-auditors-call-to-ditch-speed-camera-warning-signs/news-story/c19599a3209d1cf46527809cd1c6732d?utm_source=Daily%20Telegraph&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a>. Surprisingly, the report found there was “limited evidence” that speed cameras led to motorists slowing down, with under 0.1 per cent of drivers fined. Yet, it also found that at the 30 most effective speed camera locations around NSW, fatal and serious accidents had been reduced. But the number of speed-related fatalities in the state has increased by 19 per cent, with speed a contributing factor in 40 per cent of fatal crashes in the 12 months to April, according to The Daily Telegraph. Crawford argued that there aren’t enough speed camera locations across the site, and with a more limited number, motorists become more savvy as to where the hot spots are. The cameras were introduced in 2010, with the government planning on increasing their locations to as many as 2,500. But based on the dangerousness of each site and crash history, there are over 1,000 sites that have been approved for NSW, with only 650 were being used in a six-month period to 2017. “The limited number of approved locations impedes the program’s ability to randomise visits and increases the likelihood that enforcement will become predictable,” she wrote. The Auditor General also noted that putting up the speed camera warning signs was time consuming and potentially dangerous for the government contractors installing them. “The time for their set-up and removal … deploying signs also puts operators at risk of injury,” the report said. But motorists can breathe a sigh of relief for now, with the office of Melinda Pavey, NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, saying that the government would not be implementing the proposal to ditch the speed camera warning signs, or set up more cameras. “It’s not going to happen, it’s not our policy,” said a spokesperson. “We’re not going to start pulling down signs like they do in Victoria.”

Legal

Supermarket bake-off! ALDI, Coles and Woolies cakes vs expensive patisserie treats

For shoppers who decide to buy rather than bake their tasty treats, supermarkets and patisseries provide an abundance of choice. Now, cake expert Daniella Boutros from Buttercreme Lane has tested desserts from ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and Costco to see how they rate in terms of flavour, quality and price. Speaking to A Current Affair, Daniella revealed which treats impressed her the most. Firstly, Daniella compared a $16 chocolate gateau from Coles with a $40 mud cake from a patisserie. “I am really impressed by this,” she said. “It tastes great, it’s nice, light and it has a rich chocolate flavour." <img style="width: 457px; height:216px;" src="/media/7821475/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/653c31d882b74491ac9a9affe2c82f10" /> A $12 cheesecake from Coles was also ranked against one from Patterson’s Patisserie, priced at $38. While the dessert from Patterson’s was pricier, she said the addition of real vanilla bean gave the patisserie cake the edge in taste. Daniella also highlighted a $16 rainbow cake from Coles that is “super popular” and perfect for birthday parties as “kids just love it”. Product development chef at Coles, Michael Weldon, believes the supermarket’s cakes are so popular as shoppers see them as a “blank canvas”. “With items like the rainbow cake and the mud cake, people at home can 'go wild' and decorate them as much or as little as they like.” While ALDI doesn’t have a bakery, the German retailer does stock a range of frozen desserts. Daniella believes the company’s $2.80 cheesecake was “not bad but definitely not a thick luscious cheesecake”. However, she recommended the supermarket’s $4.49 sticky toffee pudding, which she believes is much better value for money. <img style="width: 500px; height:289.2249527410208px;" src="/media/7821476/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bb35b220f2f04ca297885b9a86874e48" /> A range of cakes from Woolworths were also ranked in terms of taste, flavour, quality and price. Daniella believes the $3.50 mini carrot cake from the supermarket is not only affordable but also tastes great, compared with a patisserie one for $19.50. Daniella said carrot cakes relied on “the icing”, noting that the supermarket’s dessert fared well in terms of taste. <img style="width: 500px; height:340.6940063091483px;" src="/media/7821477/3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/86166f851344484b9e64b0524ce8add5" /> A Current Affair went to the Woolworths factory to speak with head pastry chef, Michael Digairo. Michael, who has worked in gourmet patisseries all around the world, says he doesn’t compromise on taste as he produces 6,000 cakes a day. “This is exactly what I used to do in the patisserie, I just do it here in bigger bowls.” After sampling desserts from Costco, Daniella praised two products on the outlet’s shelves. Costco’s $13.99 pavlova was praised by the cake expert for its “nice, crisp outer layer” and for being “soft and goey”. She also recommended the $29.99 larger chocolate cake for those who are catering for a larger celebration. Daniella says the cake can be cut up into 100 finger slices. “No filling but it has an ample amount of icing on the outside. It is fake buttercream but I don't think the kids are going to mind,” she said. In recent months, savvy shoppers have shared the ways they’ve transformed their $4 Coles and Woolworths mud cakes. Sharing their results to Instagram, the inexpensive cakes can be turned into stunning desserts. One woman transformed three mud cakes into a white and pink ombre cake for a birthday party. <img style="width: 500px; height:418.76971608832804px;" src="/media/7821478/4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c99cde35c0e74eb4ade8607682fb8662" /> She stacked the cakes on top of each other using icing to hold them in place. “Do a ‘crumb’ layer of frosting, refrigerate for one hour and then repeat,” she said. “I added some food colouring to a portion to give it an 'ombré' effect. Then topped with sprinkles. Tooooo easy!” What supermarket dessert is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Could this be the end of The Reject Shop?

With Australia being one of the most expensive countries in the world, it's no surprise that shoppers are constantly on the hunt for a bargain. However, despite our love for a good discount, one of the country’s most popular discount store chains, The Reject Shop, is struggling to survive. Yesterday, the company was forced to slash its profit forecast, triggering a staggering 44 per cent slump in its price. The Reject Shop slashed its profit forecast from $17.7 million to between $10 million and $11 million for the first half of the year. Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/">news.com.au</a>, Queensland University of Technology associate professor Gary Mortimer said there were a number of key factors making it extremely difficult for The Reject Shop to thrive. Mr Mortimer believes the greatest challenge for the business has been the rise of the discount department store, which allowed many other retailers to offer the same goods at the same prices. “The appeal of The Reject Shop was that you could go in and buy a bag of lollies for $1 and a bottle of shampoo or conditioner for $2,” he said. “But, now you can go to stores like Kmart (and similar stores such as Big W and Target) and pick up pretty much the same thing for the same price.” Business trends expert Dr Lauren Roswarne from The University of Melbourne believes Kmart’s recent store renovations has also meant that shoppers can now find bargains “in an environment less ramshackle and a little more Zen than the Reject Shop offers”. In recent years, discount stores have also had to deal with the ever-expanding German retailer, ALDI. Mr Mortimer believes the bi-weekly ALDI Special Buy sales have made it difficult for The Reject Shop to keep up with an ever-changing range of merchandise. “The growth of ALDI has also been a major challenge because they are very focused on low prices and they will constantly evolve their biweekly specials,” Mr Mortimer said. Dr Rosewarne believes The Reject Shop needs to offer an experience to customers to encourage foot-traffic. “The Reject Shop never had a ‘destination’ or ‘experience’ element to it for customers, nor an ability to truly offer visitors goods they couldn’t get elsewhere,” she said. “These two things need to be worked on by chain retailers wanting to survive in a challenging space. A store needs to be more than a place to by an emergency roll of wrapping paper or a close-to-expiry box of cereal in 2018.” However, The Reject Shop’s managing director, Ross Sudan, believes the drop in sales is due to an “extremely challenging consumer environment”, rather than any decisions made by the company. “The continuing absence of real wage growth and increases in the cost of many basic expenses (including mortgage rates) ensures that competition for the discretionary spend of consumers remains high,” he wrote in a market statement. “In addition, we have seen increased investment in promotional pricing across many retailers, particularly in the fast-moving consumable goods (FMCG) space, resulting in additional investment in our FMCG pricing to ensure our value proposition is not damaged.” Despite the dramatic reduction in profit forecast, Mr Mortimer believes the company still has its edge – selling items for a bargain price. “The Reject Shop often based itself on procuring cancelled orders and oversupplied products and tapping into parallel-sourced products manufactured for the Indonesian or Filipino market, for example,” he said. “It will source those products and supply them in store at a cheaper price than many other stores.” Do you shop at The Reject Shop? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Entertainment

The breathtaking moment the Queen unveils new portrait of herself

In honour of 100 years of the Royal Air Force Club, Queen Elizabeth has unveiled a new portrait of herself. The painting, which was concealed behind a red curtain, drew gasps from the audience as it was revealed at the anniversary event. Her Majesty looked pleased with the outcome of the image, which shows her sitting in a drawing room in Windsor Castle, wearing a light blue dress with her Launer London handbag sitting beside her. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Queen unveils a new portrait that was commissioned to celebrate 100 years of <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRAFClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRAFClub</a>. Started in February 2018 and set in the White Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, the portrait was painted by Benjamin Sullivan – who won the BP Portrait Award in 2017. <a href="https://t.co/4ZkETFJrPD">pic.twitter.com/4ZkETFJrPD</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1052527258844504064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote> The Queen’s handbags rarely make it into her portraits, however, one appeared in her official 90th birthday photos because Mike and Zara Tindall’s daughter, Mia, was holding it. Reportedly, the 92-year-old monarch owns more than 200 Launer handbags, starting her collection in 1968 when designer Sam Launer first sent her one. During the event at the RAF club, the Queen chatted with guests and admired a new stained glass window feature, which was commissioned to pay tribute to the role women have had in the RAF over the past century. She is also took her gloves off to sign the visitors book, revealing her favourite nail polish colour, Essie Ballet Slippers. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> The portrait includes a number of <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalAirForce</a> elements: the background features a Spitfire from 253 Squadron which the artists grandfather, F/Lt JM Sullivan, flew over Albania during WW2. The image on the right is a portion of ‘Hurricanes in Flight‘ (1944), by Eric Ravilous. <a href="https://t.co/Bn7CgYTUT4">pic.twitter.com/Bn7CgYTUT4</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1052528011906609152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote> The Queen’s relationship with the RAF and the British army is historic. Earlier this month, the former husband of Camilla, Andrew Parker-Bowles, revealed the Queen’s “<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-queen-reveals-the-most-ghastly-day-of-her-life-and-it-s-heartbreaking/">most ghastly</a>” day of her life was on July 20, 1982, when the Irish Republican Army attacked London. "[Queen Elizabeth] said to me it was 'the most ghastly day of my life'," he told The Express.

Art

Grant Denyer hits back at 'fake' contestant claims: "They're not actors, they're just Aussies"

Grant Denyer has fired back at claims that the contestants on his hit new TV show Game Of Games are paid actors. Despite only being on air for a short time, viewers took to social media to raise their concern over the contestants and their over the top behaviour. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> I realise it's a new show and trying to get people interested but the Contestants are too over the top and obviously actors for the first shows. Tone it down a little I think. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfGamesAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfGamesAU</a> — Guerilla Radio™🎙🎧 (@Guerilla_Kmac) <a href="https://twitter.com/Guerilla_Kmac/status/1048869321814855680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> These contestants have to be getting paid to act like this right? 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfGamesAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfGamesAU</a> — Em Martin (@emilymartin1995) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilymartin1995/status/1051408308014215168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> I get it that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfGamesAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfGamesAU</a> needs whacky contestants but I reckon they could be toned down a bit. We Aussies love a bit of fun but we’re not nut jobs who can’t stand still for 2 minutes. — Les Egan (@selnage1960) <a href="https://twitter.com/selnage1960/status/1051412030471659520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Real people????? .......come on these actors are clearly way OVER actors. Get some genuine people and we might stay tuned in Good show / Bad acting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfGamesAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfGamesAU</a> — chops (@cablefan_espnhd) <a href="https://twitter.com/cablefan_espnhd/status/1051410815994146816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote> Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-shows/grant-denyer-hits-back-at-claims-game-of-games-contestants-are-actors/news-story/187b1545489e040747d93adc7c2653b2" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>, Denyer shut down the claims and said that the contestants are not paid actors or professionals. “They’re not actors, they’re just Aussies,” he said. “Sometimes when you put a call out to contestants, obviously the most animated ones become more attractive or appealing to you.” The show is inspired by a concept created by Ellen DeGeneres in the US, which is what Denyer claims is the reason behind the contestants' dramatic behaviour. “I think because Ellen has such a massive international reputation and her show is so globally known and loved, that I think everybody came with that Ellen spirit,” he told news.com.au. “You know how her show is OTT and all her fans and people in the audience just go crazy, so I think people kinda came with the same spirit.” And it wasn’t only viewers at home who noticed the dramatised behaviour, as Denyer himself told them to take it down a notch. “We definitely noticed because Australian contestants aren’t like American contestants, but they were really full on and just gave it 1000 per cent. Some we were a little concerned about,” he said jokingly. “I just think they wanted to put on the biggest possible show they could, and they watched so much American television they thought that’s how you had to act. “We had a little word to them and just said, ‘It’s OK, you can be yourself, it’s fine. You’re in a safe place.’” Another reason for the “next level” contestants is the nerves of going into something where you don’t know what to expect. All of the episodes of Game Of Games were filmed before the pilot was aired on Network Ten. “There’s a lot of nervous energy,” Denyer said. “The set is so big that it’s quite overwhelming and the challenges they face are also quite nerve-racking. “We stress them out. Yes, we give them a chance to win $50,000 per show but we make them work for it. They could be three stories in the air … and we drop them through a random trapdoor of which they have no idea where it goes. Or we shoot them in the face with a giant cannon full of explosives and paint. They’re intimidating situations. “We’re seeing really crazy and whacky responses from the contestants. It surprised us a lot.” Despite the backlash, the show has proven to be a huge hit for Network Ten, as users on social media are praising the show as enjoyable to watch. “In this world where everything is dark and angry and frightening, there’s more room for this on television now than ever,” said Denyer to news.com.au. “There’s enough people making serious television shows around the world … why can’t we just make a show where people fall down stuff or get shot in the face with stuff? “It is so simple, it’s brilliant,” he said. Game Of Games airs Sunday nights on Network Ten and the WIN Network at 7.30pm.

Can you guess this TV judge from this 1980s throwback pic?

You may know him from a hit TV show on Channel Nine, but back in the '80s this star looked a lot different to the man he is now. Wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, a black scarf and rocking a full head of dark curly hair, the TV personality is seen sitting on his bed in a photo that was uploaded to his Instagram on Tuesday. “What Barbra Streisand had, I had to have. That’s how I rolled,” wrote the TV star in the caption. He proceeded to make fun of himself with a string of hashtags that included “#curlyperm #unidays #proofs #badhairday #university #1980 #studentlife #eyebrows #warwickuniversity”. Have you guessed who it is yet? The mysterious man in the photo is none other than The Block judge and interior designer Neale Whitaker. <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/Bo8cQEclO6C/?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> <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/Bo8cQEclO6C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">What Barbra Streisand had, I had to have. That’s how I rolled 😉😂 #curlyperm #unidays #proof #badhairday #university #1980 #studentlife #1980s #eyebrows #warwickuniversity</a> <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/nealewhitaker/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Neale Whitaker</a> (@nealewhitaker) on Oct 14, 2018 at 11:53pm PDT </div> </blockquote> These days, Neale is now almost always seen donning a suave outfit, and the design guru is best known for his gig on The Block, where he critiques and praises teams' home makeovers and designs. Neale also features on Love it Or List It Australia on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, starring alongside Selling Houses Australia's Andrew Winter. <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/BmxW_rRgPdF/?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> <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/BmxW_rRgPdF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">So @haydenandsara @theblock you’ve thrown down the gauntlet. This is how I looked in the 1980s. Do I still dress like this now? 😉😂😂 #vintage #headshots #1980s #80sstyle #londonstyle</a> <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/nealewhitaker/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Neale Whitaker</a> (@nealewhitaker) on Aug 21, 2018 at 11:32pm PDT </div> </blockquote> And this isn’t the first time the TV judge has shared a flashback from the past. In August he posted an image to his Instagram showcasing four photos of himself from the '80s wearing rather questionable attire. “This is how I looked in the 1980s. Do I still dress like this now?” Neale captioned the image.

Art

Buckingham Palace left red-faced after Princess Eugenie blunder

On Friday, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank said “I do” in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. While the wedding was quickly overshadowed with the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan are expecting their first child, a mistake by Buckingham Palace has added to the insult. The official Instagram account of The Royal Family made one disastrous blunder while announcing the sale of commemorative mugs marking last Friday’s nuptials. The post, which informed followers that the limited edition mugs were available “only till Saturday”, mistakenly referred to Princess Beatrice, rather than Eugenie. “This exclusive mug issued in commemoration of the wedding of HRH Princess Beatrice of York and Mr Jack Brooksbank is now available for purchase by following the link in the description,” the caption said. <img style="width: 313px; height: 418px;" src="/media/7821438/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e5e178aa9c1e4366a095fb6c1e229f37" /> Princess Beatrice is Eugenie’s older sister and was chosen to be her maid of honour on her wedding day. The post was quickly deleted and has been uploaded again with the correct details. <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/BpBd3i5DdWB/?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> <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/BpBd3i5DdWB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Available only till Saturday! This exclusive mug issued in commemoration of the Wedding of HRH Princess Eugenie of York and Mr. Jack Brooksbank is now available for purchase by following the link in the description! #RoyalWedding Purchase yours today!</a> <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/buckinghamroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@buckinghamroyal) on Oct 16, 2018 at 10:43pm PDT </div> </blockquote>

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