Issue 51, 2021

that's life

The magazine with heart

that's life4 min read
Angels Flew Us HOME For CHRISTMAS
Emily Howard, 26, Narrabri, NSW I watched as my daughter, Lilah, five, cooed over her little sister. ‘Adley!’ she smiled, cuddling her tightly. I just loved seeing my two girls bond. At five months old, my sweet Adley idolised her big sis, and they
that's life3 min readCrime & Violence
XMAS EVE KILLERS Caught by a BOTTLE OF BUBBLY
Sameena Imam was buzzing with excitement as she dashed to the shops. It was Christmas Eve 2014, and the 34-year-old grabbed a bottle of festive bubbles and a selection of lollies, thrilled about the thought of the days ahead. She had a fancy hotel bo
that's life4 min read
FAMILY REUNION I found my SECRET DAD
Courtney Jenkins, 31, Gold Coast, Qld As the plane glided high above the clouds, I was feeling racked with nerves. Aged 17, I was flying to New Zealand to meet some of my half-siblings for the first time. Growing up, my parents Ashley and Lynne had
that's life3 min read
Love, AUNTY SANTA
Zoey, Moonee Ponds, Vic When I was a uni student, I’d stay with my brother Will and his wife Vicki over the festive break. I loved their kids, but they got everything they wanted. And Vicki could be nasty. She’d sneer at gifts I gave the kids, and
that's life1 min read
We Love You!
Here’s our annual family photo of my husband Peter, our dog Betty and me! Christine Moore, Grantham, NSW My brothers and I were lucky enough to visit Quebec City in Canada for a real white Christmas. It was magical! Elizabeth Dimopolous, via ema
that's life1 min read
THE Buzz
An Adelaide family found a very unusual present wedged among the baubles in their Christmas tree. The McCormicks arrived home one evening in December last year, to find a koala casually clinging to the tree, with ornaments scattered on the ground. Th
that's life1 min read
What We’re...
The name stands for child of deaf parents, and the story centres on a teenage girl rebelling against having to be the interpreter to her parents and brother who are deaf. It’s funny at times, and I loved the interactions of the family. They are feist
that's life3 min read
BURNED ALIVE By Presents
As the doorbell chimed, I leapt off the couch and rushed to the door. ‘Jason’s here!’ I shouted to my parents. My boyfriend, Jason*, and I hugged on the doorstep. But just as we headed to the kitchen, my dad Robert, 35, called out for me. ‘Elena,’ Da
that's life1 min read
Pets Are Pawsome!
write: AUS: GPO Box 5245 Sydney NSW 2001 NZ: PO Box 90064, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 email: thatslife@aremedia.com.au ■
that's life4 min read
Christmas Past
Christmas and cricket go together for my family, spanning the generations. There was always a cricket game at the beach or in a backyard. As a kid, I was pretty hopeless, but loved French cricket, where you stood in one spot and shielded your leg
that's life3 min read
Have Yourself A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
Your vision of peace and relaxation and your partner’s dream of adventure could cause conflict when planning a getaway. ‘There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in a place that drives you mad or doing something you dislike, especially for your lo
that's life4 min read
Potatoes Made Me DRUNK
Coming to on the lounge one afternoon, I felt disorientated. I hadn’t been asleep, but with no memory of the last few hours, it was like I’d got blackout drunk and my memory had been completely wiped. That’s strange, I thought, knowing I hadn’t had
that's life2 min read
Feeling Left Out At Xmas
Just being there for her will help. You obviously understand how she is feeling more than her family do. Maybe invite your friend and her husband to spend Christmas with you. Angie Baxter It’s sad for your friend, but she should try and find joy i
that's life1 min read
Dear That’s Life!
My friend and her husband have been trying for a baby for several years, including going through IVF, without any luck. Now, her three siblings (who all have kids) have decided they’re only going to give gifts to each other’s kids at Christmas this y
that's life2 min read
BRAIN Waves
Keep a few gift cards on hand in case you find you’ve forgotten a present or someone unexpected pops by. If you don’t need them, you can just use them yourself for groceries or other essentials. Jayne Morrison, Wyong, NSW I always get my dog a p
that's life2 min read
This Week we’re Loving...
SERVES 8-10 PREP AND COOK: 2 HOURS 6 egg whites, at room temperature1½ cups caster sugar3 tsps cornflour1 tsp white vinegar½ tsp cream of tartar300ml tub thickened creamQuartered fresh strawberries, passionfruit pulp and fresh mint leaves, to decor
that's life1 min read
Try A New Use For...
■ String together a couple of small baubles in different colours and use as serviette rings. ■ Use baubles instead of bows to decorate the top of gifts. ■ Unbreakable plastic baubles make a great cat’s toy. Remove any hooks or ties first, then roll s
that's life5 min read
FESTIVE Alfresco!
SERVES 4-6 PREP AND COOK: 45 MINS 4 chicken breast fillets1 tblsp olive oil1 tsp dried chilli flakes3 tsps sumac2 tsps ground cumin1 tsp ground cinnamon2 tblsps pine nuts1 pomegranate, deseeded ½ cup Greek yoghurt2 tblsps milk2 tblsps white wine
that's life3 min read
In Season stone Fruit
SERVES 8-10 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR 125g butter, softened⅓ cup icing sugar mixture1 tsp vanilla extract⅔ cup plain flour½ cup self-raising flour2 tblsps rice flour⅔ cup thickened cream½ x 250g tub mascarponeThinly sliced yellow nectarines, to decorat
that's life3 min read
Where Is My Brother?
Judy Sushames, 62, Hobart, Tas Craning my head around in the car, I smiled at David, transfixed by my newborn, Peta. Holding her gently, he touched the soft skin on her cheeks and cooed at her like a pro. ‘Best uncle ever,’ I said, smiling at the p
that's life1 min read
Can You Help?
David Sushames, then 44, was last seen in Tarleton Street, East Devonport, Tas, on November 1, 2005. He is described as being of slim build, 177cm, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, a short beard and receding brown, shoulder-length hair. If you
that's life3 min read
Spreaading cheeer
Jason Kelly clearly remembered the last time he saw his dad, David. He was 12 and hadn’t had contact with David for four years, but suddenly there he was. ‘I was walking down the main road and I saw him riding on his bike – he looked me directly
that's life1 min read
Hello Readers!
My name‘s Sam and I’m an average Aussie mum determined to uncover every money-saving, budget-friendly tip I can. Each week, I’ll share them with you, so that your family – and mine – can get into the best financial shape of our lives! And if you ha
that's life2 min read
Deck The Halls!
We live in a fabulously Christmassy street. My across-the-road neighbours, the Richards, put on the most wonderful Christmas display every year. It’s so elaborate they start constructing scaffolding and stringing lights in September to be ready for
that's life1 min read
Simple Swap
I’m not a big user of cosmetics. In fact, I recently found a lipstick in my bathroom drawer that was older than my teenage son. When I do need to buy beauty products or toiletries, I look for the cheapest that are still good quality. When I disco
that's life1 min readDiet & Nutrition
Have Yourself A Healthy Holiday!
Brush up on your Christmas knowledge with these health facts Yep, it’s that time of year when we deck the halls and decorate the Christmas tree. Did you know tinsel was originally made from silver? Later manufacturers switched to lead, which was b
that's life1 min read
Did You Know?
Feeling a little blue? You’re not alone. A German study found that more people prefer this colour than any other hue. Interestingly, however, the study also found that a number of people developed a preference for red or green as they got older.
that's life1 min read
No Sweat!
Cranial hyperhidrosis is a condition where people sweat excessively from their face, head or scalp. There are two kinds – primary hyperhidrosis, which often runs in families, and secondary hyperhidrosis which can be a sign of an underlying condition.
that's life1 min read
3WAYS TO… celebrate CHRISTMAS
They say it’s the most important meal of the day, and for many it’s also a festive tradition. A survey by Coles supermarkets revealed that 30 per cent of people enjoy a special Christmas breakfast. If Christmas lunch is a big deal at your home, you’r
that's life1 min read
HEALTH PLEDGE: THIS WEEK I’LL... Take It Easy
Yes, we know it’s more easily said than done, but Christmas is a time to be enjoyed – not stressing over last minute arrangements. Try to plan ahead as much as possible, recognise that things don’t need to be perfect and, if all else fails, pause and
that's life2 min read
ASK THE Doctor
Q Our daughter is expecting our first grandchild just after Christmas. It’s all very exciting except that she has struggled with her mental health over the years and I am worried that her past experience could put her at risk of postnatal depression.
that's life1 min read
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• DMD is a genetic disorder characterised by muscle degeneration and weakness. It’s caused by a mutation of the dystrophin gene. • DMD symptoms usually occur in early childhood. • The disease primarily affects boys, but in rare cases can also affec
that's life2 min read
MEDI-FILE MY BOY PLAYED BASKETBALL with Santa
My heart dropped as I noticed my son Nash’s fingernails were blue. For weeks, we’d been in and out of hospital because he couldn’t stop vomiting. Doctors said it was gastro, but I rushed him back to Emergency. Nash, 14, had suffered from Duchenne mus
that's life2 min read
’tis the SEASON
✔ 35mm decofoam wreath ✔ 3 x rolls wire edged Christmas ribbon – 5cm x 2m white/silver organza ✔ Sequin pins ✔ Scissors ✔ 1 x 6mm fine silver cord (1 roll) ✔ Jolly & Joy 50mm baubles – silver ✔ 3 x craft butterflies ✔ Felt snowflakes - white ✔ Jolly
that's life3 min read
Ho Ho Ho!
Hey you, stop right there!’ Dave called. The boy who’d slipped the chocolate bar into his pocket gave Dave a startled look, then ran. Dave sighed – yes, they definitely seemed younger these days, while he was… well, older. He gave chase, but was too
that's life2 min read
My Ornaments Came To Life!
Elisabete Lincoln, 45, Hobart, Tas They moved again last night!’ I said to my husband, Scott. ‘Don’t be silly,’ he laughed. I liked religious icons and had even collected a few Virgin Mary ornaments. With nine children, aged between 25 and two, the
that's life2 min read
YOUR Stars
Good relationships aren’t like instant coffee, Aries! They need to slowly percolate before putting a ring on it. Wait until Wednesday, at least. Purchasing on-sale kitchen appliances, computer add-ons or entertainment extras completes your Christmas
that's life2 min read
THE Warm FUZZIES
An anonymous couple in Victoria generously paid off 82 lay-bys at a toy store in Bendigo. The good Samaritans are residents of the area. Toyworld manager Debra told 3AW that the generosity was felt throughout the community, where people have been doi

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