Issue 33, 2023

that's life

The magazine with heart

that's life1 min read
Letter From The Ed
It’s not unusual for me to reach for a tissue while I’m reading our mag each week. But there are times when I am caught off guard. Such was the case with this week’s story on page 62. Debra Richardson tells us how she ended up delivering 14,000 knitt
that's life1 min read
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
that's life1 min read
We Love You!
This was my first time playing golf – luckily it was just for fun! But I’m looking forward to improving my technique and playing again. Teagan Houston, Leopold, Vic My daughter Olivia, 17, loves a cuddle with Millie. Amy Chatterton, Carramar, W
that's life3 min read
I SKYDIVED at 90!
As friends and family arrived at my place for lunch, I was full of joy. ‘Happy Birthday!’ my lovely grandkids cheered, kissing me on the cheek. It was February this year, and I was dressed up in a floral dress and sipping bubbles as we all toasted my
that's life1 min read
THE Buzz
Here Down Under we take pride in being true blue. Well, this year the country actually turned blue at the Big Red Bash outback music festival. Roughly 5500 spirited patrons sporting bright blue wigs got together to form the image of Oz. They raised m
that's life3 min read
PAIN TO POWER I trapped a PREDATOR
Swimming in the family pool, my flesh crawled. As my relative Charlie swam closer, I recoiled. Smiling at me, he looked like any other family man grinning at a child. But beneath the well-practised, polished veneer lurked a twisted monster who was ab
that's life4 min read
My girl was PARALYSED BY A CRAZE
Coming to watch the footy?’ I asked my 19-year-old daughter Molly. ‘No Mum,’ she yawned. I frowned. A die-hard West Coast Eagles fan, Molly usually jumped at a trip to the footy. Now getting her off the couch was a struggle. I knew teens were moody,
that's life3 min read
I Survived!
Ryan Campbell and his friends loved camping, and, in 2014, were at Red River Gorge, Kentucky, US. About an hour after Ryan, then 27, fell asleep in his hammock, his mates watched him get up and walk towards the edge of the cliff near their camp. They
that's life1 min read
Pets Are Pawsome!
Rex likes to sit on my laptop while I do my homework. Stori Robertson, Rockhampton, Qld Why was the giraffe so well respected at the zoo? Because everybody looked up to him. Alfie the cockalier is living his best relaxing life! Fran & Jeremy Mo
that's life3 min read
Gutsy Mum ‘I’m Moving Mountains’
Hanging freshly washed sheets on the line, I struggled to put the pegs in place. That’s strange. Why aren’t you working? I thought, looking down at my hands. I must be tired, I decided. Aged 37, working long hours in my hair salon and a single mum to
that's life6 min read
TASTY Tomatoes
Home cooked never tasted SO good! SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 50 MINS 1 tblsp Cajun seasoning2 tsps smoked paprika800g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed1 onion, chopped2 stalks celery, sliced2 cloves garlic, crushed1 green capsicum, chopped2 tblsps tom
that's life2 min read
This Week We’re Loving...
SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK: 2 HOURS Melted butter, for greasing1 cup whole pecans (120g), toasted125g butter, chopped½ cup firmly packed brown sugar¼ cup golden syrup½ tsp bicarbonate of soda2 eggs, lightly beaten1⅔ cups self-raising flour½ cup Greek y
that's life3 min read
Perfect Pears
SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR, 5 MINS 2 firm William pears¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar1½ cups self-raising flour⅓ cup cocoa powder½ cup milk2 eggs100g butter, melted, cooledExtra cocoa powder and vanilla ice-cream, to serve TOPPING ¼ cup co
that's life3 min read
Family Favourites
I understand being fair, but my parents have helped my sister and me at different times for different reasons. Just because one was helped at a certain time doesn’t mean the other gets the same. Nicole Power The daughter should pay the parents ba
that's life20 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... Each 2 x 2 box, as well as each row and each column, must contain each of the four shapes (circle, heart, star and tri
that's life2 min read
Writing your RÉSUMÉ
My friend Sally has been out of the paid workforce for almost 10 years, since becoming a full-time carer for her husband, James. Sadly, James passed away six months ago and now Sally, 56, is looking for work. ‘I’ve applied for seven jobs so far and h
that's life2 min read
BRAIN Waves
When making cupcakes, pour the mixture into a jug and then pour into the cupcake moulds. It’s a lot easier than spooning it in, and less messy! Kylie Carter, Rokeby, Tas Party tablecloths make great wrapping paper for large presents. Kylie Pa
that's life3 min read
Nanna’s WISHES
My cousin Jenna and I were the same age and always had a fierce rivalry. I was good at school, she was a brilliant ballerina. We resented each other’s talents. Our grandmother, however, loved and treated us the same. She would always buy us the same
that's life4 min readCrime & Violence
How a roadtrip ENDED IN HORROR
Gabby Petito was living the dream. The 22-year-old aspiring social media star was about to embark on a trip of a lifetime with her fiancé Brian Laundrie, 23. In a converted white Ford transit, the young couple planned to set off from Blue Point, New
that's life3 min read
We Knitted 14,000 Teddies For Ukraine!
Typing the name ‘Yuri’, into Facebook, lots of profiles popped up, but not the one I needed. ‘I’m never going to find him,’ I fretted to my hubby, Andrew, then 58. It was 2018 and, 25 years earlier in 1993, we’d fostered a gorgeous little boy named Y
that's life1 min read
Healthy Herbs
What’s not to love about herbs? They’re packed with nutrients, make your food taste delicious and all that added flavour means you don’t have to rely on things like salt or processed sauces to add pizazz to your cooking. Store bought herbs can be exp
that's life3 min read
Living well ASK THE Doctor With Dr Dawn Harper
Most of us know if we’re left or right-handed, but we may not realise the majority of us also favour one foot. Around 8.2 per cent of the population identify as left footed, and 61.6 per cent favour the right, while 30.2 per cent are a combination of
that's life2 min read
MEDI-FILE The silent CRY
Squeezing my eyes shut I held my breath and waited for the bang. My partner Niall, then 28, and I had hired a mini cannon for our back garden for our gender reveal party. WHOOOMP! An explosion of blue confetti was fired into the air. A little boy! We
that's life1 min read
Winter Neutrals
A sling bag is great for days when you’re on the move and need to be hands free! A camel trench is a great wardrobe staple that can be layered with knits and scarves for the winter months. Add accessories with pops of colour to jazz up your neutr
that's life2 min read
The moving LIGHT
Pulling down the old ceiling plaster in the living room, decades of dust and grime fell everywhere. Along with my hubby Phil, I’d been working all day fixing up our very first home – a run-down, one-bedroom worker’s cottage in Sydney’s inner west. Bo
that's life2 min read
The extra WEDDING GUEST
Jodie rolled out of bed and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She frowned. Had she left it too late? Not that she cared about what other people thought. Today was the big day – the wedding. The phone rang. ‘Yes Mum, I’m fine. No I’m not ca
that's life2 min read
YOUR Stars
Is a partnered-up project, home renovation or special service in slow-mo? Rather than let your irritation do the talking, Aries, flag Wednesday for sudden acceleration on this front. Lock in quality time with a new family member. LUCKY NUMBERS 30, 4
that's life2 min read
VOLUNTEER Of The WEEK
Our admin volunteer has moved away. Would you be interested in helping out?’ my friend Maria Contoudios asked when I popped in for a catch up. Maria and I had been friends at primary school. We hadn’t seen each other in years but, after reconnecting
that's life4 min read
STRANGERS gave Me A BABY
The room felt like it was spinning. ‘Cervical cancer?’ I said in disbelief. The doctor nodded. ‘I’m afraid it’s quite advanced.’ Aged 25, I was absolutely shattered by the diagnosis. I can’t die now, I thought. Young and busy and working as a TV prod
that's life1 min read
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
that's life1 min read
Letter From The Ed
It’s not unusual for me to reach for a tissue while I’m reading our mag each week. But there are times when I am caught off guard. Such was the case with this week’s story on page 62. Debra Richardson tells us how she ended up delivering 14,000 knitt
that's life1 min read
We Love You!
This was my first time playing golf – luckily it was just for fun! But I’m looking forward to improving my technique and playing again. Teagan Houston, Leopold, Vic My daughter Olivia, 17, loves a cuddle with Millie. Amy Chatterton, Carramar, WA
that's life4 min read
STRANGERS gave Me A BABY
The room felt like it was spinning. ‘Cervical cancer?’ I said in disbelief. The doctor nodded. ‘I’m afraid it’s quite advanced.’ Aged 25, I was absolutely shattered by the diagnosis. I can’t die now, I thought. Young and busy and working as a TV prod
that's life3 min read
PAIN TO POWER I trapped a PREDATOR
Swimming in the family pool, my flesh crawled. As my relative Charlie swam closer, I recoiled. Smiling at me, he looked like any other family man grinning at a child. But beneath the well-practised, polished veneer lurked a twisted monster who was ab
that's life3 min read
I SKYDIVED at 90!
As friends and family arrived at my place for lunch, I was full of joy. ‘Happy Birthday!’ my lovely grandkids cheered, kissing me on the cheek. It was February this year, and I was dressed up in a floral dress and sipping bubbles as we all toasted my
that's life1 min read
THE Buzz
Here Down Under we take pride in being true blue. Well, this year the country actually turned blue at the Big Red Bash outback music festival. Roughly 5500 spirited patrons sporting bright blue wigs got together to form the image of Oz. They raised m
that's life3 min read
I Survived!
Ryan Campbell and his friends loved camping, and, in 2014, were at Red River Gorge, Kentucky, US. About an hour after Ryan, then 27, fell asleep in his hammock, his mates watched him get up and walk towards the edge of the cliff near their camp. They
that's life4 min read
My girl was PARALYSED BY A CRAZE
Coming to watch the footy?’ I asked my 19-year-old daughter Molly. ‘No Mum,’ she yawned. I frowned. A die-hard West Coast Eagles fan, Molly usually jumped at a trip to the footy. Now getting her off the couch was a struggle. I knew teens were moody,
that's life1 min read
Pets Are Pawsome!
Rex likes to sit on my laptop while I do my homework. Stori Robertson, Rockhampton, Qld Why was the giraffe so well respected at the zoo? Because everybody looked up to him. Alfie the cockalier is living his best relaxing life! Fran & Jeremy Moor
that's life6 min read
TASTY Tomatoes
Home cooked never tasted SO good! SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK: 50 MINS 1 tblsp Cajun seasoning2 tsps smoked paprika800g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed1 onion, chopped2 stalks celery, sliced2 cloves garlic, crushed1 green capsicum, chopped2 tblsps tomat
that's life3 min read
Gutsy Mum ‘I’m Moving Mountains’
Hanging freshly washed sheets on the line, I struggled to put the pegs in place. That’s strange. Why aren’t you working? I thought, looking down at my hands. I must be tired, I decided. Aged 37, working long hours in my hair salon and a single mum to
that's life3 min read
Perfect Pears
SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK: 1 HOUR, 5 MINS 2 firm William pears¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar1½ cups self-raising flour⅓ cup cocoa powder½ cup milk2 eggs100g butter, melted, cooledExtra cocoa powder and vanilla ice-cream, to serve TOPPING ¼ cup cocoa
that's life3 min read
Family Favourites
I understand being fair, but my parents have helped my sister and me at different times for different reasons. Just because one was helped at a certain time doesn’t mean the other gets the same. Nicole Power The daughter should pay the parents bac
that's life20 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... Each 2 x 2 box, as well as each row and each column, must contain each of the four shapes (circle, heart, star and trian
that's life2 min read
Writing your RÉSUMÉ
My friend Sally has been out of the paid workforce for almost 10 years, since becoming a full-time carer for her husband, James. Sadly, James passed away six months ago and now Sally, 56, is looking for work. ‘I’ve applied for seven jobs so far and h
that's life2 min read
BRAIN Waves
When making cupcakes, pour the mixture into a jug and then pour into the cupcake moulds. It’s a lot easier than spooning it in, and less messy! Kylie Carter, Rokeby, Tas Party tablecloths make great wrapping paper for large presents. Kylie Pain
that's life2 min read
This Week We’re Loving...
SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK: 2 HOURS Melted butter, for greasing1 cup whole pecans (120g), toasted125g butter, chopped½ cup firmly packed brown sugar¼ cup golden syrup½ tsp bicarbonate of soda2 eggs, lightly beaten1⅔ cups self-raising flour½ cup Greek yo
that's life3 min read
Nanna’s WISHES
My cousin Jenna and I were the same age and always had a fierce rivalry. I was good at school, she was a brilliant ballerina. We resented each other’s talents. Our grandmother, however, loved and treated us the same. She would always buy us the same
that's life4 min readCrime & Violence
How a roadtrip ENDED IN HORROR
Gabby Petito was living the dream. The 22-year-old aspiring social media star was about to embark on a trip of a lifetime with her fiancé Brian Laundrie, 23. In a converted white Ford transit, the young couple planned to set off from Blue Point, New
that's life3 min read
We Knitted 14,000 Teddies For Ukraine!
Typing the name ‘Yuri’, into Facebook, lots of profiles popped up, but not the one I needed. ‘I’m never going to find him,’ I fretted to my hubby, Andrew, then 58. It was 2018 and, 25 years earlier in 1993, we’d fostered a gorgeous little boy named Y
that's life3 min read
Living well ASK THE Doctor With Dr Dawn Harper
Most of us know if we’re left or right-handed, but we may not realise the majority of us also favour one foot. Around 8.2 per cent of the population identify as left footed, and 61.6 per cent favour the right, while 30.2 per cent are a combination of
that's life1 min read
Healthy Herbs
What’s not to love about herbs? They’re packed with nutrients, make your food taste delicious and all that added flavour means you don’t have to rely on things like salt or processed sauces to add pizazz to your cooking. Store bought herbs can be exp
that's life2 min read
MEDI-FILE The silent CRY
Squeezing my eyes shut I held my breath and waited for the bang. My partner Niall, then 28, and I had hired a mini cannon for our back garden for our gender reveal party. WHOOOMP! An explosion of blue confetti was fired into the air. A little boy! We
that's life1 min read
Winter Neutrals
A sling bag is great for days when you’re on the move and need to be hands free! A camel trench is a great wardrobe staple that can be layered with knits and scarves for the winter months. Add accessories with pops of colour to jazz up your neutral
that's life2 min read
The extra WEDDING GUEST
Jodie rolled out of bed and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She frowned. Had she left it too late? Not that she cared about what other people thought. Today was the big day – the wedding. The phone rang. ‘Yes Mum, I’m fine. No I’m not ca
that's life2 min read
YOUR Stars
Is a partnered-up project, home renovation or special service in slow-mo? Rather than let your irritation do the talking, Aries, flag Wednesday for sudden acceleration on this front. Lock in quality time with a new family member. LUCKY NUMBERS 30, 4
that's life2 min read
The moving LIGHT
Pulling down the old ceiling plaster in the living room, decades of dust and grime fell everywhere. Along with my hubby Phil, I’d been working all day fixing up our very first home – a run-down, one-bedroom worker’s cottage in Sydney’s inner west. Bo
that's life2 min read
VOLUNTEER Of The WEEK
Our admin volunteer has moved away. Would you be interested in helping out?’ my friend Maria Contoudios asked when I popped in for a catch up. Maria and I had been friends at primary school. We hadn’t seen each other in years but, after reconnecting

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