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Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s heartbreaking loss

<p>Penny Wong has shared the devastating news of her mother's passing. </p> <p>The Australian Foreign Minister took to Instagram to pay tribute to her mother, Jane Chapman, who passed away on Sunday. </p> <p>"Yesterday my beloved mother, Jane Chapman, left us peacefully," she began her post. </p> <p>"Mum was a woman of exceptional intellect and penetrating insight, of mischievous wit and endless curiosity. </p> <p>“Most of all she was a woman of deep compassion and principle,” Wong said.</p> <p>“She gave expression to her compassion through her courage and determination for justice, qualities that have steeled me through all my life’s challenges.</p> <p>“Through her work, her choices, her courage and her deeds, she inspired and empowered me and so many others.</p> <p>"Mum loved me completely. And she loved her granddaughters Alexandra and Hannah beyond measure," she continued.</p> <p>"We will miss her terribly." </p> <p>She then thanked Tony Michele and the staff at Mary Potter Hospice for taking care of her mum and for their kindness. </p> <p>Parliamentary colleagues and the public shared their condolences in the comments. </p> <p>"My heart goes out to you. Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a parent. Jane was an incredible woman. Sending love to you and the family," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote. </p> <p>"Sorry for your loss Penny. Losing your mum is so incredibly hard," added TV personality and former <em>Gogglebox</em> star Yvie Jones. </p> <p>"Your mum was great. Staunch, fierce, funny. I and aĺl her yoga class friends will miss her," one person wrote. </p> <p>"Words are completely inadequate at a time like this. I am so very sorry for your loss Penny. I hope the love and support of friends and family can offer you some comfort," added another.</p> <p>Chapman married Chinese-Malay architect Francis Wong while he was studying in Adelaide on a scholarship and shared two children together Penny and Toby. </p> <p>When they divorced, Chapman moved back to South Australia with her children.</p> <p>In 2001, 10 days after his 30th birthday and on the same day Wong was elected to the senate, Toby took his own life. </p> <p>Francis Wong passed away in May 2023. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Rod Stewart's rare, rockin' family reunion

<p>When it comes to reunions with none other than legendary rock icon Rod Stewart, this ain't your regular family get-together. Rather, it's a rare cosmic alignment of almost all his children in the same place at the same time. </p> <p>Sir Rod, at a spry 78, boasts quite the tribe, with eight kids from three different marriages and a few past flings thrown into the mix. We're talking a generational span that could give the history books a run for their money. His eldest offspring is a seasoned 59, while the youngest is just a fresh-faced 12-year-old.</p> <p>Usually, you might catch Rod gallivanting about town with a couple of his kiddos, but this time, it's a whole extravaganza! He's managed to gather almost the whole brood for a picture. And we bet he had to pull some serious strings and break out all his dad jokes just to make it happen.</p> <p>Penny Lancaster, Sir Rod's wife, was the genius behind capturing this monumental moment on their family holiday in Spain. Picture this: Rod flashing his rockstar grin, surrounded by seven of his beloved offspring and their significant others. It's a regular rock 'n' roll galaxy right there!</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwfTK0sClQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwfTK0sClQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Lancaster (@penny.lancaster)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Now let's talk about the missing star – Sir Rod's eldest daughter, Sarah Streeter. She was the first to grace Rod's life when he was just a young buck of 17. A family affair, but with a twist – Sarah was adopted and didn't find out about her superstar dad until she was all grown up. But fret not; they reunited, and now she's officially part of the extended rockstar clan.</p> <p>Next up, the glam diva Kimberly Stewart, the love child from Rod's first marriage. She's followed in her mum's footsteps and delved into the world of modelling and acting – and she even had her own reality show. </p> <p>Then there's Sean Stewart, Rod's offspring from the same union. He's taken a shot at acting and reality TV too, but it seems he had a bit of a "cashing out" situation with his inheritance. Third time's the charm, they say, but maybe it's time to let go of that clothing brand, Sean!</p> <p>Now, let's meet the musical maestro, Ruby Stewart. Rod's got some good genes, and she's rocking out just like her old man. She and her musical duo, The Sisterhood Band, released an album that gave us a sweet taste of the summer vibes. And in a true "like father, like daughter" moment, they even covered one of Rod's hits together. </p> <p>But wait, there's more! Introducing Renee Stewart, Rod's child from his second marriage to Rachel Hunter. She's ditched the rockstar life for a zen path as a yoga teacher. Namaste to that!</p> <p>Liam Stewart, the ice hockey champion, slides into the scene as the brother to Renee. He's got a knack for the sport and has played with some seriously icy teams. Talk about having a cool career!</p> <p>Alastair Wallace Stewart, the oldest son of Rod and his current wife, Penny, is already working his charm in the modelling world, proving that talent runs in the family.</p> <p>And last but not least, there's Aiden Patrick Stewart, the youngest bundle of joy. He might be just 12, but he's already got a strong passion for Celtic F.C., just like dear ol' dad. </p> <p>So there you have it, folks, the epic saga of Rod Stewart and his magnificent offspring. They span decades, genres, and life adventures, making this rockstar family a force to be reckoned with. Keep on rockin' and rollin', Rod and crew!</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Rod Stewart’s secret ceremony

<p>Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster have shared in a secret ceremony down under.</p> <p>As busy as he was entertaining the masses, the British rocker, 78, found the time to renew his vows with his model wife, 52, for a second time.</p> <p>According to <em>Women’s Day</em>, the vow renewal took place during their time in Sydney.</p> <p>The lovebirds arrived in Australia in early March 2023 to kick off Stewart’s tour where he wowed the nation with a string of performances.</p> <p>Stewart and Lancaster managed to sneak off to a special ceremony accompanied by their sons Alistair, 17, Aiden, 12 and their 18-year-old niece Raphaella.</p> <p>Rod “spaced out his tour” so that their sons could attend the vow renewal, <em>Woman’s Day</em> claimed.</p> <p>According to an insider the pair had plans to renew their vows for a while but held off until this year.</p> <p>They celebrated the special day afterwards at dinner with Aussie TV presenter Richard Wilkins.</p> <p>The insider, a friend close to the family, said, “There’s a very good reason why Rod’s insisted he space out his tour dates – it’s the perfect place and the perfect time to renew their wedding vows.</p> <p>“Now they can’t wait and are using this chance to do something special while here.</p> <p>“Penny and Rod love being in love.</p> <p>“They think there’s something fun about celebrating their vows in different locations around the world, so why not do it all again in Sydney!”</p> <p>Stewart and Lancaster first met after she offered to take photos of him during one of his tours in 1999.</p> <p>The 52-year-old had recently made the switch from modelling to photography just a few years before meeting him.</p> <p>The couple tied the knot eight years later at a beautiful ceremony in Portofino, Italy.</p> <p>They continued the love-fest during their lavish honeymoon in a yacht at the same location.</p> <p>The pair first renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary in 2017.</p> <p>They share two kids together, while Stewart shares his eldest child Sarah with his ex Susannah Boffey.</p> <p>The singer also has a daughter Ruby with his ex-girlfriend Kelly Emberg and Renee and Liam were born while he was married to his ex-wife Rachel Hunter.</p> <p>His daughter Kimberely and his son Sean were born during his marriage to ex-wife Alana Stewart.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Rod Stewart's wife in surprising career change

<p>Rod Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster has decided to make a drastic career change.</p> <p>The ex-model is now pursuing a career in public service as a City of London police officer.</p> <p>The 50-year-old initially joined the force in 2020 as a volunteer special constable.</p> <p>In April of 2021, she went on and completed her qualifications as a Special Police Constable which means she now has the power to arrest.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQHMjKfMSDP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQHMjKfMSDP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Page Six (@pagesix)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Cameras have caught Lancaster patrolling the city streets, and even going as far to catch someone for public urination.</p> <p>According to Good Morning Britain, Lancaster first became interested in a law enforcement role after she appeared on the British series Famous and Fighting Crime in 2019.</p> <p>The TV show pairs celebrities with police officers to get an "inside look" at fighting crime.</p> <p>"When you think of policing, you think of the most violent crimes but we're out there to help the most vulnerable," Lancaster recently said in an interview with the program.</p> <p>"At this particular time there's a lot of incidents on the bridges and I did help someone who was very desperate on the bridge the other night," she said.</p> <p>In an interview with The Daily Mail, the star revealed that being a police officer is "who I am."</p> <p>"I could be walking the red carpet with Rod, or I could be in our stable with my goats. But there comes a time when everyone questions themselves and asks, 'Who am I? Who am I at my core?'" she explained to the publication.</p> <p>"This is what I feel I should always have been doing. It's about identity."</p> <p>Stewart and Lancaster married in 2007 after eight years together.</p> <p>The pair have two sons, Alastair, 15, and Aiden, 10.</p>

Family & Pets

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Penny Wong slams Pauline Hanson over derogatory comments

<p dir="ltr">Penny Wong has called out Senator Pauline Hanson for her derogatory comments toward Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi.</p> <p dir="ltr">The One Nation leader told Ms Faruqi to “p*** off back to Pakistan” after saying she could not mourn Queen Elizabeth’s death as she was a “leader of a racist empire”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Condolences to those who knew the Queen. I cannot mourn the leader of a racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised peoples,' Senator Faruqi’s tweet read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are reminded of the urgency of Treaty with First Nations, justice &amp; reparations for British colonies &amp; becoming a republic.” </p> <p dir="ltr">In the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Hanson continued to blast Senator Farqui saying she’s happy to take her “to the airport”. </p> <p dir="ltr">This exchange prompted a heated response from Senator Wong who said Senator Hanson’s comments brought back painful childhood memories.</p> <p dir="ltr">Senator Wong called for the Senate to condemn Senator Hanson’s bigotry comments, also revealing that it was triggering her from her own experience.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think they're appalling, and they're comments that have been levelled at me countless times since I arrived in this country, and I remember getting them as a kid in the schoolyard,” Senator Wong said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Can I say to Senator Faruqi, we on this side do understand your grievance at the comment, and we understand why you are calling out such behaviour, and I pick up something that Senator Faruqi said in her contribution about how triggering this is.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's true, it is. It's triggering each time you hear it. I'm the Senate leader, I still get triggered, and I wonder how it is for kids in the schoolyard who get the same thing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Senator Wong then referenced her inaugural speech in parliament two decades ago in which she asked how long does one have to live in Australia to be accepted. </p> <p dir="ltr">“How long do you have to be here, and how much do you have to love this country before you're accepted? How long?” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Senator Faruqi then spoke up saying that she had the “right to talk about this issue (the Queen and the empire) without being racially vilified”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We've got to name and shame racism... it is a symbolic but important step that everyone in this place can take to make clear that we condemn racism in all its forms, shapes and sizes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Senate passed the motion but not specifically calling out Senator Hanson and called for all senators “to engage in debates and commentary respectfully, and to refrain from inflammatory and divisive comments, both inside and outside the chamber at all times”. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

News

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Sir Rod Stewart spotted in Italy with entire family for very special occasion

<p dir="ltr">Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster have celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with their seven children.</p> <p dir="ltr">The big family were spotted in the city of Portofino in Italy with Penny sharing an adorable snap of them posing for the camera. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Stewart Clan comes together #family #kids #siblings @sirrodstewart @alastairwstewart @thekimberlystewart @seanstewart @rubystewart @renee__stewart @discostew94 #aidenstewart,” she captioned the image. </p> <p dir="ltr">The photo shows the 77-year-old rocker along with his children, Alastair, 16, Sean, 41, Kimberly, 42, daughters Ruby, 35, Renee, 30, Liam, 27 and 11-year-old Aiden.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CguX_xns_2F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CguX_xns_2F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Lancaster (@penny.lancaster)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In a separate post, Penny shared another photo with her stepdaughters Kimberly, Renee and Ruby on stairs</p> <p dir="ltr">Penny and Sir Rod started going out in 1999 and got married in 2007, eight years after they first met. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sir Rod was first married to actress and model Alana Hamilton, the former wife of actor George Hamilton, from 1979 to 1984. He then married model Rachel Hunter from 1990 to 2006.</p> <p dir="ltr">He now shares kids Alastair and Aiden with Penny. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

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Penny Wong says Australia has “a lot to learn” from New Zealand

<p dir="ltr">Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said the country has “a lot to learn” from New Zealand when it comes to indigenous foreign policy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wong met with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, at Parliament in Wellington for their first official bilateral talks since the new Australian government came into power under Anthony Albanese, as reported by the <em><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/penny-wong-says-australia-has-lot-to-learn-from-nz-on-indigenous-issues-china-pacific-discussed/RV4VARZMDACZKX7JATZMXSRPQM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aef07535-7fff-46b6-f1fb-c90b150fc0fa"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The pair spoke at length in their private meeting, covering climate change, issues in the Pacific, Russia’s war on Ukraine, the Pacific Islands forum next month, and working together on Indigenous-based foreign policy.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3RI5xPA9M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3RI5xPA9M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Penny Wong (@senatorpennywong)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Wong’s visit to Parliament began with a traditional pōwhiti ceremonial welcome, led by mana whenua Te Āti Awa (one of New Zealand’s Awa tribes).</p> <p dir="ltr">Mana whenua and Mahuta’s side of the room sang Purea Nei, with Wong and her Australian delegation responding with E Toru Ngā Mea.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wong described the experience of being welcomed as “very moving”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-322366d0-7fff-5f13-2e30-6fd2b189b192"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an act of respect and honour, you feel the power of that. Being welcomed into someone’s land, you feel the importance,” she said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="ro">Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her delegation sing the Māori waiata E Toru Ngā Mea during pōwhiri led by mana whenua Te Āti Awa at Parliament <a href="https://t.co/KznD0Xj6WI">pic.twitter.com/KznD0Xj6WI</a></p> <p>— Michael Neilson (@mr_neilson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/mr_neilson_/status/1537270105943715840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Wong said one of the main reasons she sought to work in her current role was to be part of a government that implemented the Uluru Statement of the Heart, which calls for constitutional change to give Indigenous Australians representation in Parliament and a Makarta Commission for treaty making and truth telling.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said she appreciated learning on the topic from Mahuta - who is of the Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Manu iwi (tribes) - who has a “depth of personal wisdom”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having read Mahuta’s statements and speeches, Wong said she found the use of Māori concepts “extraordinarily powerful”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We can learn a lot from your country,” Wong said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are a modern, multicultural, diverse nation and we have the privilege of one of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we should integrate that much more into how we engage with the world and how we talk to and with the world and about ourselves.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair went on to discuss tensions in the Pacific region, stemming from a security pact signed by the Solomon Islands with China in March, with Wong noting that previous governments hadn’t done enough in the region.</p> <p dir="ltr">She pledged to “do more” for the “Pacific family” and said Australia’s partnership with New Zealand was “indispensable”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We know we can always rely on each other,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re allies, we’re friends, and we’re partners in the region and the world that, as the minister said, is experiencing a much sharper set of challenges.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When the topic of the controversial 501 deportation policy arose, Wong gave no further information besides saying that Mr Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had discussed the issue when they met in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We understand the concerns have been raised. We’ll take those into consideration,” Wong said.</p> <p dir="ltr">After their meeting, Wong will be meeting with the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers in the Solomon Islands, while Mahuta will travel to Rwanda to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9355f1e9-7fff-74b8-f1aa-cabccfba67cd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Will Callaghan's mum reveals how he survived

<div class="body_text "> <p>Penny Callaghan, the mother of 14-year-old autistic boy William Callaghan who survived in dense bushland for two nights, opened up to<span> </span>The Project’s<span> </span>Waleed Aly about how William survived.</p> <p>She revealed that it was characteristics of William’s intellectual disability that helped him survive without food or water on Mount Disappointment as temperatures hit almost 0 degrees.</p> <p>“I had people constantly around me reminding me of his strengths, he is constantly on the move remember, he is very fit,” Ms Callaghan explained.</p> <p>“He’s used to being out in the cold. He likes being outside all the time regardless of the temperature. It’s almost as though he can’t feel it,” she added.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">"I’m immensely moved because it means there are people in the community that do care and want to make a difference, his life was at stake and here they are all these people wanting to protect him." <a href="https://t.co/hJeeYkxU6q">pic.twitter.com/hJeeYkxU6q</a></p> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1272828730684190720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>She also believes the way William managed to source water was key to his survival.</p> <p>“Unlike your typical children, he will just drink from a puddle and not see anything wrong with that. In the wilderness that’s perfectly fine and that’s probably what got him through,” she said.</p> <p>She’s described the response from the public as “immensely moving” and said that it hasn’t always been like that.</p> <p>“My experience with the general public and autism hasn’t always been terrific,” she admitted.</p> <p>“I’m immensely moved because it means there are people in the community that do care and want to make a difference, his life was at stake and here they all are, all these people wanting to protect him.</p> <p>“This little person is loved, that often isn’t demonstrated in the wider community because he’s different,” she said.</p> <p>She said that William has “definitely been affected” by the ordeal as well.</p> <p>“He’s very happy to be home and he’s quite clingy with me. He often is that way when he has been distressed,” she said.</p> </div>

News

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“You’re lying”: Fury over “secret deal” between PM and Jacqui Lambie

<p>The Prime Minister has denied making a “secret deal” with Jacqui Lambie in order to repeal the controversial medevac bill.</p> <p>The bill allowed asylum seekers being held in offshore detention to be moved to Australia for medical treatment if a doctor deemed it necessary.</p> <p>Lambie tearfully announced in Parliament that she would support the repeal.</p> <p>"We've worked to an outcome I believe we both want, which is an outcome that our borders are secure, the boats have stopped and sick people aren't dying waiting for treatment," she said.</p> <p>However, she “can’t discuss” what went into the proposal as there are “national security concerns”.</p> <p>"I can't let the boats start back up and I can't let refugees die, whether it's sinking into the ocean or waiting for a doctor and I am voting to make sure that neither of these things happen,” Lambie continued.</p> <p>Just before the vote, which passed by a narrow 37 to 35 votes, Government Senate leader Mathias Cormann and Lambie were unable to agree what was said. Cormann told parliament that there was no deal but Lambie said that there was.</p> <p>The statement she gave in Parliament is a direct contradiction to the remarks made by the Prime Minister when he spoke to reporters in Canberra.</p> <p>A reporter asked Scott Morrison what the condition was for Jacqui Lambie’s approval, but Morrison refused to say.</p> <p>"I'm not sure what you are referring to in relation to her statements. I have the statements in front of me and I don't read that in her statements at all,” he said.</p> <p>Another reporter asked what proposal Lambie and the government had worked to advance, but Morrison had an answer for that as well.</p> <p>"It means she is happy with the government's policies and the bill that was presented to the Senate, and she voted for it," Mr Morrison said this afternoon, according to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/medevac-repeal-jacqui-lambie-secret-deal-with-coalition-says-labor-politics-news/58c88648-6284-4f41-9880-b47c66ab2471" target="_blank">9News</a>.</p> <p>It was<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/government-lambie-repeal-medevac-secret-deal-alleged-20191204-p53gms" target="_blank">previously reported<span> </span></a>that Lambie wanted the government to accept an offer from New Zealand to take 150 people who were permanently detained on Manus Island and Nauru to the nation. However, Morrison has rejected this.</p> <p>Labor and the Greens want the details of the “secret deal” to be known to the public.</p> <p>"There's some arrangement that the government has entered into with Senator Lambie that, through the course of this debate, the Australian people will not be made aware of,'' Greens leader Richard Di Natale said.</p> <p>"We won't know what has been decided in secret. That is not the way a parliament works. It's not the way a government should work."</p> <p>Labor’s Senate leader Penny Wong agreed.</p> <p>"At the moment we have Cabinet ministers in here like lemmings to vote for a bill on a deal you haven't seen," Senator Wong said.</p> <p>"Members of the Cabinet of Australia are coming in to vote on a deal that's been done with Senator Jacqui Lambie, that they don't even know about.”</p>

News

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How to save money without pinching pennies

<p><span>Saving is necessary – yet the idea of limiting your spending can feel restrictive and stifling. Here are a few tricks you can try to make saving easier and more fun.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Look for a great deal</span></strong></p> <p><span>Whether you’re buying a new item or signing up for ongoing services – phone, internet, insurance, credit cards and more – it’s a good idea to browse through comparison sites to find the best rates. This could help you save hundreds or even thousands in the long run. Looking through discount sites or online reviews can also help you make your financial decisions. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Review your subscriptions</span></strong></p> <p><span>It’s easier than ever to subscribe to streaming services, online newspapers and mobile apps, but that also means there may be some spending that you leave unaccounted. Take a look at your accounts to see any active subscriptions and cancel the ones you no longer use.</span></p> <p><span>You can also take advantage of the family deals that these subscriptions often offer – if the people in your household all use the same services, consider getting a joint account to make the monthly bill a little lighter.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Go for pre-loved items</span></strong></p> <p><span>From clothing to appliances, shopping second hand or refurbished can be a great option. You can also use the same platform to sell your old belongings.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Consider home brands</span></strong></p> <p><span>Some staples such as toothpaste, tissue rolls, and soap will almost always be needed in a household. If you don’t feel tied to any particular brand, it’s time to make the economical switch and go for supermarket home brands. They generally have similar active ingredients and/or quality as the name brand products, but come at a fraction of the price. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Get app’d</span></strong></p> <p><span>Some mobile apps can help you put some money aside by taking spare change from everyday purchases into a savings or investment account. This type of apps usually charge fees, so read the fine print before you begin.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Visualise the goal</span></strong></p> <p><span>Once you set your savings goal, create a visual representation to see how far along you are in the journey. This will make your goal seem more tangible and help motivate you to stay on the course and accomplish the task. If you’re aiming to save $10,000 by the end of the year, you can draw a thermometer or graph to track your progress. Looking towards a specific objective, like saving up for a Hawaii holiday? Print out pictures of the places you want to visit and place them in your wallet or other spots you frequent as a reminder. This also helps shift your focus from the restrictions (“I can’t buy this because I have to be mindful!”) to the opportunities (“This will help me purchase a new car sooner!”).</span></p>

Retirement Income

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“Two points I want to address”: Senator Penny Wong delivers a message to Israel Folau

<p>Labor Senator Penny Wong had a two-fold statement to give to Israel Folau on ABC’s <em>Q&amp;A</em><span> </span>last night.</p> <p>Wong was responding to a question from an audience member that asked whether the response to Folau’s comments would be different if he was a Muslim instead of a Christian.</p> <p>Wong took a moment to compose herself before answering the question.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">If Israel Folau were a Muslim would the Attorney-General be considering new laws to protect religious freedoms? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> <a href="https://t.co/rMNFdTomkn">pic.twitter.com/rMNFdTomkn</a></p> — ABC Q&amp;A (@QandA) <a href="https://twitter.com/QandA/status/1148208502046724096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“OK, two points I want to address,” Wong began.</p> <p>“First, in relation to Mr Folau, can I say — first on an emotional level — I wish that we could have more expressions of love and forgiveness rather than condemnation when it came to belief.</p> <p>“I wish public figures, politicians, sporting stars, may consider … where their words land with vulnerable Australians.”</p> <p>Wong is a practicing Christian herself who attends Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide and made it clear that she sees the religion that herself and Folau share very differently.</p> <p>“He is entitled to his beliefs,” she said. “I disagree. I think we ought remember he doesn’t speak for all Christians.</p> <p>“In terms of the broader issue, we are an accepting, tolerant nation … Whatever happens in this current debate around religious freedom, I think we mustn’t lose sight of those key characteristics of Australian identity.</p> <p>Wong continued by explaining that the aim of religion isn’t to become less “tolerant”.</p> <p>“We don’t want to become less accepting, less tolerant. We don’t want to abrogate our agreed view that people are entitled to equality before the law, that we believe that people are equal, regardless of gender, race, faith, sexuality, disability, etc.</p> <p>“We should hold to those objectives, that we’re not seeking to diminish that. I’m open to a discussion about how we deal with religious protections.</p> <p>“But I would make this point: There is a distinction between a right to belief and the assertion that that belief should lead to you being treated differently before the law.”</p> <p>Human rights lawyer Diana Sayed, who was also on the panel, said that the Morrison Government must not “give people a licence to discriminate”. This is in reference to the religious discrimination bill that has been developed in response to the controversy around Folau.</p> <p>“It is really important that this bill strikes a balance that people who are free to practice their religion are not granted a licence to discriminate,” she said.</p>

Legal

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“Sex is still great but no more kids!”: Sir Rod Stewart on life with third wife Penny Lancaster

<p>Sir Rod Stewart has led a varied and interesting life as a rock star. However, now that he’s 74, he has had time to reflect on his life a little and realised when things started to get “boring” in his sex life.</p> <p>The legendary singer told to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/9180298/rod-stewart-penny-lancaster-sex-kids-great/" target="_blank"><em>The Sun</em></a>: “Sex at one point was beginning to be boring, late '80s, early '90s, always flying in models left, right and centre. One would arrive, the other would leave.”</p> <p>Stewart also reflected on how lonely he was during that time.</p> <p>“It just became I was getting lonely. I thought, ‘You’ve got everything – women, great success, kids’, but there wasn’t a devotion, someone I could be devoted to, so I got bored of it.”</p> <p>That all changed when the crooner married model Penny Lancaster in 2007 and the pair now have two children together, Alastair, 13, and Aidan, 8, which means he now has eight children with five different women.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDY-BMbsm78/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDY-BMbsm78/" target="_blank">Fruit of my loins. 🍏🍇🍓🍒🍌</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sirrodstewart/" target="_blank"> Sir Rod Stewart</a> (@sirrodstewart) on Mar 25, 2016 at 1:54pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Naturally, he’s ruled out any more kids.</p> <p>“My cue is back in the rack, the banana’s back in the fruit bowl,” he says with a laugh.</p> <p>As for his vibrant career, there are plans to step off the stage for good.</p> <p>“It’s closer than you think,” he says. “I think I’ll always sing but I can’t always do this. There’s got to come a time when I’m going to say, ‘Right, put away the tight trousers and all the funny clothes’.</p> <p>“It’s nearer than you think. But retirement? No. From doing rock ’n’ roll stuff? Yes.”</p> <p>Due to the success of Freddie Mercury’s biopic <em>Bohemian Rhapsody</em> , it’s had Stewart considering his own biopic.</p> <p>“Oh, are you kidding? My ego? I’d love it. Me and my two youngest sons went to see<span> </span><em>Bohemian Rhapsody</em>.</p> <p>“My boys were saying, ‘Dad, I can play you when you were eight’ and ‘I’ll play you when you were 13’.”</p>

Body

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10 beauty tricks that don't cost a penny

<p>We've scoured the world of beauty to find the top 10 tricks to help you with your makeup, skincare and haircare. </p> <p><strong>1. Apply your foundation before your concealer</strong></p> <p>By switching your routine around you are going to not only save on foundation, but you're also going to get a more natural finish. Applying your foundation first gives you a good base to then be able to see what areas need a little tweaking. You will most definitely need less concealer than you think to touch up the areas that may need a little more coverage.</p> <p><strong>2. Make your lipstick application perfect</strong></p> <p>Once you have applied your colour, go in with a fine lip brush and some concealer and outline your lips before gently blending in.</p> <p><strong>3. Fix your broken lippy</strong></p> <p>There's no need to farewell your favourite lipstick if it snaps – simply heat up your lipstick using a lighter and then press the broken part back onto the base. Next, chill in the fridge to set the repair.</p> <p><strong>4. Keep your makeup wipes going strong</strong></p> <p>Sometimes these handy wee champs get a little bit on the dry side and we all know how annoying that is! Grab your micellar water and squeeze some into the wipes packet and this will soak through of the wipes and help to keep them moist and fresh ready for the next use.</p> <p><strong>5. Fast dry your nail polish</strong></p> <p>Waiting for your nails to be dry is quite literally like watching paint dry. Cheat your way to a touch–dry perfect 10 by dipping them in cold water. This is going to help set the colour and they'll be dry before you know it.</p> <p><strong>6. Make your bobby pins grip</strong></p> <p>Help make your style stay put by spritzing a wee bit of hair spray or dry shampoo on your clips before applying. This will help to give them more grip so they won't slide around.</p> <p><strong>7. Get luscious lashes at home</strong></p> <p>Curled lashes look a lot longer than straight ones but you don't need to hot foot it down to the salon for a lash perm. Heat up your eyelash curler using a hair dryer and blast it until it is warm before using on your lashes – the results speak for themselves. (Test the temperature on your hand first to ensure it's not too hot.)</p> <p><strong>8. Transfer your toner into a spray bottle</strong></p> <p>If you hate the step of toning, but your skin is begging for some hydration and clarity, then you'll love this trick.  Transferring your toner into a spray bottle makes the toning step quick, simple and refreshing. Your skin will love you for it!</p> <p><strong>9. DIY brow groomer</strong></p> <p>Don't ditch your mascaras once they reach their use by date. Saving the brushes means you've just gained some handy brow groomers. Soak them in some mild detergent to clean them up and then use them to keep your brows on point.</p> <p><strong>10. Super soft tootsies</strong></p> <p>Wearing sandals can mean the soft skin on your feet suffers. Nothing a good dose of foot cream won't fix, but take it one step further by wearing some socks to bed once you've applied the cream. It'll allow the cream to really soak in and you'll get faster results.</p> <p>What are your budget beauty tricks? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Sarah Simpson. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/ways-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 ways to make your perfume last longer</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/home-remedies-for-chapped-lips/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 home remedies for chapped lips</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/7-beauty-mistakes-we-are-all-guilty-of/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 beauty mistakes we’re all guilty of</span></strong></em></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Is this you? Telltale signs of a penny-pinching saver

<p>There are plenty of telltale signs of those of us focused on saving pennies. See from the examples below if you fit the bill.</p><p><strong>Old fashioned DIY –</strong> It’s a good sign if you spend more time in the kitchen or shed than in the supermarket or hardware store. One of the best ways to save on your household budget is good old DIY. Whether it be a fresh batch of home made cookies, a nifty home built outdoor table or starting your own veggie patch, making or growing it yourself will not only save you money, you also get the added bonus of personal satisfaction and the ability to impress friends and family while keeping busy and active.</p><p><strong>Sticking to your plans –</strong> Having a compelling reason for doing something can help make you stick to it and that means knowing what is most valuable and worthwhile to you. It's a lot more difficult to say no to something if you don’t know why you're saying no and not focused on what’s important to you.&nbsp;Keeping in mind the long-term goal behind your monthly budget always helps when looking at that fancy new restaurant for a casual social dinner, or not wanting to wear the same suit to a function two years in a row. Sometimes it's important to be able to just say no.</p><p><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/02/what-to-do-with-your-money-in-2015/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Related link: What to do with your money this year</span></a></strong></em></p><p><strong>Coupons and sales –</strong> You’re constantly on the lookout for bargains and deals on everything. Clothes, petrol, food, household goods, airfares, whether it’s being vigilant on end of season sales or making sure you’re always stocking up on Shop A Dockets, you’re always prepared to ensure you make the most of those handy savings.</p><p><strong>Recycling and reusing –</strong> With so many things being prepackaged and disposable these days, your vigilance here supports the environment as well as helping your hip pocket and monthly budget.</p><p><strong>Ditching the car –</strong> Deciding to jump on your bike or take a brisk stroll for those local errands instead of using the car not only saves you on petrol and vehicle wear and tear, you also get the bonus of exercise, fresh air and maybe a bit more local community interaction at the same time.</p><p><strong>Sharpening the saw –</strong> As per above,in order to maintain good habits and achieve any goal in life it's important to look after yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.&nbsp;This can be done frugally too with examples such as eating better by starting a vegetable patch; exercising simply by going for a walk or jog; interacting socially to make you feel better emotionally; exercising your mind by reading or volunteering; and spending time close to nature while expanding your spiritual self through meditation, music, art or prayer.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/02/how-to-get-things-for-free/" target="_blank">Clever ways to get things for free</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/01/supermarket-savings/" target="_blank">Six strategies to save money at the supermarket</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2014/11/great-money-saving-hacks/" target="_blank">Great money saving hacks</a></strong></em></span></p>

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