Issue 24, 2023

that's life

The magazine with heart

that's life2 min read
Welcome
There is something so special about random acts of kindness. Both the receiver and giver feel good, and hearing about them makes the rest of us feel good too! That’s why I loved reading our three stories of kind acts on page 60. It got us all talking
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That's Life!
Deputy editor Sarah FirthFeatures editor Beth YoungDeputy features editor Amber WemyssSenior writer Lisa BrookmanWriters Claudia Siron, Lizzy DimopoulosSenior copy editor Jude DurrantCopy editor Mari GibsonFood editor Karen Buckley Art director Darre
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PROPELLER HORROR A blood clot SAVED MY LIFE
Gliding across the water’s surface, I was amazed by the creatures swimming beneath me. Seeing sharks, a spotted manta ray and a green sea turtle, I was giddy with excitement. It was December 2022, and my husband Chase, then 37, and I were on holiday
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We Love You!
I had a lovely time at the beach for a baby shower with my kids Zara, 12, and Easa, eight. It was the perfect day for it! Zunaira Shahid, via email WINNERS are grinners Thanks for the prize, that’s life! team. I will be whipping up some treats fo
that's life5 min read
I Escaped Life As A CHILD BRIDE
Kneeling at the altar in the middle of our living room, we prayed for a happy and healthy life. ‘Our father who art in heaven…’ my mum, my four siblings and I said in unison. Devout Catholics, we went to church every Sunday, said grace before meals a
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THE Buzz
Queensland couple Melanie and Wil love pottering around in their garden. So when the couple heard about World Naked Gardening Day in 2020’s Covid lockdown, they thought they’d give it a crack! ‘We love making people laugh and putting a smile on their
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MARVELLOUS MINNIE An Aussie pioneer
Speeding along the outback highway, I looked at the red earth on either side. I never get tired of remote wide-open spaces. I’d lived in Australia on and off for 20 years, after moving as a baby with my parents from the Netherlands to Geelong, Vic. I
that's life3 min readDiet & Nutrition
I lost 60 kilos TALKING TO MYSELF
Arriving home from work, I popped the fish and chips on the bench. ‘Dinner!’ I called out to my daughter, eight, and son, six, as my husband Simon, 40, kissed me hello. Juggling a teaching job and the kids, life was always hectic. And taking care of
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I’m 100... And Still Driving!
Pulling up to the kerb, I brought the car to a stop and climbed out. A passer-by did a double take seeing me emerge from the driver’s side. Well, I guess you don’t see many 100-year-old women driving a car! Having got my licence at 34, I’ve been driv
that's life4 min read
OUR DOGS SAID I DO For A Good Cause
Running onto the court with my son Corey, then six, we took our sides of the net. ‘Ready?’ he beamed, serving the ball towards me. Every weekend, my boy dragged me to play tennis at Kippax Tennis Club. It was our special place. A family of tennis lov
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Pets Are Pawsome!
My eight-month-old pup, Hope, looks so sweet and innocent and I simply love her to death. Julie Wood, Charleville, Qld What do you call an illegally parked frog? Toad! Eddie is worn out after chasing seagulls. Ellie Carruthers, Auckland, NZ
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WEEKNIGHTS In Minutes
Home cooked never tasted SO good! SERVES 4-6PREP AND COOK: 30 MINS 750g lean beef mince375g jar enchilada cooking sauce420g can Fiery Mexican style beans (see Tip)175g packet original corn chips, coarsely crushed1 cup grated Tasty cheeseChopped
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Winter Warmers
SERVES 8-10 PREP AND COOK: 50 MINS 1½ cups pitted dates, finely chopped (250g)½ tsp bicarbonate of soda125g butter, softened¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar2 tsps vanilla essence3 eggs2 cups plain flour2 tsps baking powder150g dark cooking chocolate
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This Week We’re Loving...
SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR, 5 MINS 125g butter, softened⅔ cup caster sugar1 tsp finely grated lemon rind2 eggs, at room temperature1½ cups self-raising flour½ cup milk1 medium red apple2 tblsps lemon juiceIcing sugar mixture, to decorate 1 Gre
that's life21 min read
PUZZLE Central
WIN! MAZDA CX-3 SUV WORTH $26,990 1 TO BE WON We would love to hear from you. Email us at thatslife@aremedia.com.au HOW TO WIN... One letter of the alphabet cannot be found in the grid. When you know which one it is, write that letter only
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My In-laws Moved In
Helping with the housework and children is a kind gesture but taking over is not right. You’ve been good enough to open you’re home to them. I’d be telling them exactly how I feel and taking back control. Then encourage them to find accommodation. Th
that's life2 min read
Affordable FITNESS
I love going to the gym. My husband, Shannon, and I go at 5am Monday to Friday and I always feel better for it. It costs $18.95 each a week and considering we spend around five hours using their equipment, it seems like a reasonable charge to me. How
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BRAIN Waves
For a rainy-day activity with young kids, try pulling out some old-fashioned writing sets and getting the kids to write a letter to their Nana and Pop. It will be a lovely surprise! Josephine Pollock, Perth, WA To make it quick and easy to chang
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The LUNCH THIEF
Yes, lunch time! I gazed at the wall clock facing my desk. My stomach rumbling, I was keen for the spaghetti bolognaise I made the previous night. Heading over to the staff kitchen, I opened the fridge. Where’s my container? I wondered, confused. Th
that's life3 min read
The Gift Of Kindness
In 2020, when the world was locked down due to the pandemic, Emerson Weber, 11, was home-schooling and missing her friends. She started writing letters to her pals and leaving them in her mailbox for their postie, Doug, to collect. One day, Emerson l
that's life4 min readCrime & Violence
CROCODILE TEARS HE KILLED HIS FAMILY for sympathy
Richard ‘Alex’ Murdaugh, 52, came from a legal dynasty. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all top prosecutors and Alex, a prominent lawyer, was following in their footsteps. Married to Maggie, 52, the couple had two sons, Buster, 24,
that's life2 min read
ASK THE Doctor
Q As I have diabetes, I have regular check-ups on my feet. Recently, the podiatrist commented that the pulses in my feet were rapid, and suggested that I should get this checked by my GP. I’ve been checking it myself – sometimes it’s fine and at othe
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Living Well
When pain strikes, our first step is to seek relief. Kunzea Pain Relief Cream is a topical analgesic cream that contains 100 per cent natural active ingredients, plus vitamin E, to help assist muscle and joint pain. With coconut and macadamia oils, y
that's life2 min read
ELENA THE STROKE warrior
Packing water bottles in their bags, my two-year-old twins Annabelle and Elena were so excited about day care, which they’d just started. It was June 2021, and I was returning to work after a break. Later that afternoon, the day care teacher called.
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Stay Cosy
Found in the skin, ceramides are natural lipids, or oils, that are essential for maintaining our skin’s balance and keeping it hydrated. This key ingredient can be found in products from body washes to serums, and it’s a great way to help keep skin s
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Life In The FAST LANE
The red one,’ muttered Stephanie, excitedly. She was sure the two-door vehicle with the chrome flashes and tail fins, would really move. Steph looked around but no-one was watching her. It was late afternoon and there were lots of people about, all i
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Butterflies FROM MUM
My mum Eutrice was the epitome of health, even at the age of 77. A retired clinical dietician, she volunteered at the local church and adored spending time with her grandchildren, friends and family. She also loved caring for her herb, fruit and vege
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YOUR Stars
Isn’t the fact you’re attracting newbies into your work or social circle enough reassurance for those next steps? Wednesday is the big day. A family member or good friend shows signs of a medical breakthrough. LUCKY NUMBERS 24, 38, 40 Is your hear
that's life2 min readCrime & Violence
VOLUNTEER Of The WEEK
Throwing my bag on the couch, I sat down with a thud. ‘Bad day?’ my wife Melissa, 38, asked. I worked in the child protection, family support and domestic violence sectors as a social worker. Lately, I’d been feeling frustrated at the way the system

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