Issue 23, 2023

that's life

The magazine with heart

that's life1 min read
We Love You!
My great-grandson Arlo Jay, one and his pet bull Bully love each other to bits. Julie Wood, Charleville, Qld ME and my PET My sister Sharan and I took our that’s life! magazines on a recent flight to the Gold Coast. Cheryl Gough, Ingleburn, NSW
that's life2 min read
Letter From The Ed
This week’s story of how Sydneysider Greg Donovan came to found the Big Red Bash music festival near Birdsville, Qld, is truly inspiring. I won’t spoil the story, which is on page 10, but the desert party is now in its 10th year and has raised millio
that's life3 min read
Around The World In 80 Days... FOR OUR 80TH!
Tucking into dinner, I smiled across the table at my bestie, Sandy, then 79. ‘We’re turning 80 next year and I think we should do something big to celebrate,’ she said. ‘Go on,’ I encouraged. ‘Why don’t we travel the world in 80 days – like the book?
that's life4 min readCrime & Violence
KILLED On Her WEDDING NIGHT By Her GROOM
It wasn’t exactly a conventional wedding ceremony. The bride, Dawn Walker, 52, was wearing a blood-red satin gown and had a red bow pinned in her jet-black hair. The groom, Thomas Nutt, 45, who was powerfully built, filled out his grey suit, adorned
that's life4 min read
Welcome to BASHVILLE!
Stuck behind a desk at my insurance job I could barely think. Every day felt like wading through treacle From the outside I had everything – a good job, house, loving wife and three kids, Laura, Matthew and Stephen. But inside I was crumbling. Back h
that's life2 min read
Olivia’s OBSESSION
Shuffling on the ice rink, I began to wobble. ‘Gotcha!’ Michael swooped in. It was our second date and I lost myself in his brown eyes as we laughed at what hopeless ice skaters we were. We went back to his place and locked lips on the sofa. When his
that's life2 min read
THE Buzz
This amazing painting on the Soldier’s Memorial Hall in Quandialla, NSW, by Victorian artist Simon White, tells the story of the region’s history. The wonderful mural features the original C-30 class steam train, an Anzac soldier and depictions of th
that's life4 min read
I’m Paying For Renos... WITH CHOOK HATS!
Checking on my 10 chickens in the pen out the back, I fed them some pellets. It was June 2017 and, apart from babysitting my grandkids and spending time with my husband Jason, 56, my favourite pastimes were caring for my feathered friends and posting
that's life4 min read
My Boy Had An ARROW IN HIS EYE
Mum, if I do extra chores, can I buy a bow and arrow?’ asked my son Whyatt, then nine, at home one day. ‘I’m not sure about that, darling,’ I replied, nervous. Whyatt was always getting into scrapes. The year before, he’d broken his arm playing handb
that's life1 min read
Pets Are Pawsome!
This is our daughter’s pampered pooch, Violet. Debby Barnes, Werribee, Vic Charlie is looking for his dinner in the fridge. Irena Golab, Bagdad, Tas I wonder why Cleo always picks this pillow to sit with? Stephanie Dent, Drouin, Vic
that's life6 min read
Comfort FOOD
SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR, 30 MINS 4 chicken thigh cutlets (900g), trimmed4 chicken drumsticks (750g)405ml can apricot nectar¼ cup soy sauce40g sachet French onion simmer soup1 tblsp sugar 1 tblsp finely grated fresh ginger3 green spring oni
that's life4 min read
My cancer revealed A FAMILY SECRET
Staring at the message on my phone, my world tilted. Welcome to the fam! I read, over and over – four little words that, at 31, changed my life. And it was all thanks to my cancer diagnosis. I’d ignored the signs for months. Every time I’d spotted th
that's life2 min read
MIGHTY Mushrooms
SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 30 MINS 8 slices rindless streaky bacon (200g)25g butter500g cup mushrooms, sliced3 green spring onions, sliced¼ cup sour cream8 thick slices ciabatta bread, toasted4 slices Edam cheese, halved diagonally1 bunch rocket, torn
that's life2 min read
This Week We’re Loving...
SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR, 45 MINS 125g butter, softened⅔ cup firmly packed brown sugar2 eggs¼ cup maple syrup1¾ cup plain flour2 tsps ground ginger1 tsp bicarbonate of soda¼ cup warm milk2½ cups (300g) frozen raspberries¼ cup icing sugar mix
that's life20 min read
PUZZLE Central
HOW TO WIN... Each 2 x 2 box, as well as each row and each column, must contain each of the four shapes (circle, square, star and triangle) in the grid. Work out the shape in the coloured square and write the name of that shape only on the entry coup
that's life2 min read
I Think They’re Having An Affair
If it were family, I’d straight up tell on them. Since it’s at work, tread very carefully as it could come back and bite you. People can be vindictive. But I do not condone this behaviour. Denise Scully What other people choose to do with their l
that's life4 min read
My Mission To SAVE LIVES
Glancing at the large holes in the wall in the hallway, and the elderly Greek lady standing in front of me, I sighed. All cases of domestic violence are sad, but elder abuse – abuse against older people – is particularly hard. ‘Does he punch holes in
that's life3 min read
Best birthday EVER
Brianna Hagood’s husband, Tyler, surprised her with a weekend at the beach for her birthday. On the way, they pulled into a Macca’s drive-through for a bite to eat and spotted a dog wandering around the car park. Tyler knew Brianna had a soft spot fo
that's life2 min read
Zero Surplus
I was chatting to a few of my friends recently about budgeting and trying to save money. What I discovered is that choosing a method for managing your finances is as personal as picking a perfume. We all have different needs, different expenses and s
that's life3 min readMental Health
Beat The Winter Blues!
For some people, winter is a time to enjoy the cooler days, but for others it can prompt a mood shift known as the winter blues. The exact cause isn’t known, but some experts think shorter days interrupt our natural body clock. ‘Our body clock helps
that's life2 min read
ASK THE Doctor
Q I was diagnosed with epilepsy in my teens but it’s been under control with medication for ages and I haven’t had an episode for about five years. Now I want to start a family but I’m a bit worried about what that might mean. My specialist says that
that's life2 min read
I Beat My DEATH Sentence
Tidying up the kids’ toys, I heard the phone ring. Answering, I was surprised to find it was my GP calling to discuss a routine blood test I’d had after consulting an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. ‘You’ve got a low white blood cell count. I’
that's life1 min readPopular Culture & Media Studies
Denim Do-over
For an off-duty style, comfortable jeans can be worn with anything you like. Layer with a tee and a soft sweater for a relaxing day at home or switch to a floral blouse if you’re heading out with friends. Sneakers and a plush tote will become your go
that's life3 min read
In the FOREST
Buster strutted along with a spring in his step. He loved our Saturday morning walks almost as much as I did. After spending my week working as a detective chasing criminals, I always appreciated some downtime. And I could focus all my attention on m
that's life2 min read
Message FROM BEYOND
Good to see you, Rik,’ Dorothy said, giving me a hug. ‘You too, Dot,’ I smiled. Dorothy and I had always got on well. The mother of my girlfriend Denise, Dot was a lovely, cheerful lady, despite having had a difficult life. After six years together,
that's life2 min read
YOUR Stars
Receiving an unexpected warm reception on Sunday assists in instigating an exciting new connection or business networking. A follow-up appointment or interview provides missing information or a confirmation. LUCKY NUMBERS 13, 25, 30 Jazz up your r
that's life2 min read
BRAIN Waves
When packing a jigsaw puzzle away once completed, put the edge pieces into a separate bag to save going through the whole puzzle again to sort them out. Christine Pinkerton, Chester Hill, NSW Cut lemon or other citrus into slices or cubes, then
that's life2 min read
VOLUNTEER Of The WEEK
Nodding her head to the Peppa Pig theme tune, my daughter Codee-Jo, then two, was all smiles. ‘Byah, sit,’ she said. This is what she called her big brother Tylah, six. Codee was a happy girl, but lately she cried at nappy changes. And she was always

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