Table of contents for Issue 49, 2024 in that's life!

There’s nothing better than feeling like you’ve bagged a bargain. I picked up a top in a clothes shop the other day because I saw it was marked down in their sale. Originally $30, it’d been reduced to $15. Then I spied another sticker on it for $8. But when I it took it to the till it was actually just four bucks! ‘There’s another 50 per cent off,’ the cashier smiled. Of course, I was thrilled! Apparently, now’s the time to shop if you want to bag a bargain ahead of Christmas. Friday November 29 is Black Friday, the first Friday after the American holiday Thanksgiving. What started out as day of sales and discounts in the US has spread around the world, and it’s a welcome import…

Kelly had no idea how deep her husband’s lies went Kelly Delaney, 62, Victoria Swaying side to side, I sipped my drink as I moved to the music, and smiled at my date Luke*, then 23, as we danced. ‘Thanks for coming out,’ I said, over the sound of the band. It was June 1981, and Luke and I had been set up on a blind date by a work colleague of mine from the pharmacy. We’d come to see Aussie rock band, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. At 18 years old, I was ready to settle down. Luke was funny and charming, and cared for his mum, who he helped to support as illness prevented her from working. What a great guy, I thought, impressed. My own…

When Connie Claxton started working at a burger restaurant in 1970, it changed the course of her life. A single mum to young boys, Mark and Dale, raising kids and working full time was difficult. Starting as a cashier, back when a Whataburger cost $1, Connie worked her way up to be general manager. It was on a shift that Connie met Glenn, a customer. After a few months of chit chatting, Glenn worked up the courage to ask her on a date, and the pair went on to marry in July 1983. ‘He was the kindest person I’ve ever in my life met… We had a wonderful life together,’ Connie told People. Together for 30 years, Glenn sadly passed in 2013. After 54 years of service, in August ‘Miss…

Carefully placing one foot in front of the other, I took a moment to appreciate the views of the ice-capped mountains around me. It’s so beautiful up here, I smiled. It was July 2023, and I was taking part in the World Highline Championships, a sport where participants perform acrobatics while suspended around 60 metres in the air. This time I was in Switzerland, and my mum Julie, then 49, had come to support me. ‘Way to go, Taylor,’ she cried from the ground. Growing up I was deathly afraid of heights. My stomach would turn at the thought of climbing a tree, and roller-coasters terrified me. But in 2016 when my twin sister Michaela and I, both 19, were offered jobs at our family friends’ climbing gym, we…

Sweet surprise Rebecca Mahota had been feeling strange for a few days before she went into labour with her and husband Danya’s second daughter. After dropping off their daughter Kendall, nine, at a camp she was attending, the couple began making their way to hospital. Without traffic, the journey normally took 40 minutes, but on this morning the cars were bumper to bumper. Even with the hazard lights flashing and lots of horn-beeping the couple were making slow progress. ‘About 26 minutes into the ride, my wife’s tone changed,’ Danya told Today. With their baby girl crowning, Danya quickly pulled over to the side of the road and within a few minutes, baby Summer James was born. ‘She was blue and grey and not breathing,’ Danya says, recalling the panic…

Born on the side of the road, Tara’s bubs saved her life Tara Bishop, 34, Sunnybank Hills, Qld Stomach cramping, my eyes flew open as the pain pulled me from my sleep. It was October 2022, and I was 32 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins. ‘I think we need to go to the hospital,’ I said, waking up my husband Hayden, then 30. Within minutes, my waters broke. Working full time in a software support role, I’d planned to start my maternity leave at 34 weeks in preparation for a scheduled C-section three weeks later. ‘It’s too early,’ I cried, fighting my rising panic. Hayden speedily packed the hospital bags for the car, ready to rush to the Mater Mothers’ Hospital. But when my contractions intensified, we called an ambulance…

WITH PSYCHIC MEDIUM Michelle De Angelis A s we enter the festive season, the moon’s cycle, as always, weaves a powerful influence over our emotions, intentions, and energy. The lunar energies this December have a lovely synchronicity, adding depth to our celebrations. Understanding the moon phases can enhance our connection to nature, helping us align with its cycles for personal growth, reflection and manifestation – in other words, to go with the flow! Here are the key moon moments this December and what they mean! New Moon DEC 1 December kicks off with a New Moon in Sagittarius on the 1st, signalling fresh starts and new intentions. The New Moon is the darkest night of the cycle, perfect for introspection and planting the seeds for the month ahead. Sagittarius energy…

WE PAY FOR EACH PHOTO USED Thank you so much that’s life! for my gardening prize I won. Maria Biasi, Tully, Qld WINNERS ARE GRINNERS Lorraine, Barney, Terry and Peter enjoyed visiting Lake Tyrrell, Vic, on a recent caravan club trip. Debbie Delaforce, Chirnside Park, Vic Snørre and Tommy sharing a perch in the sunshine. Paul Delaney, Carrum Downs, Vic $50 CASH WHAT’S ODD? PUZZLE HOW TO WIN... This image has been taken from the film Jaws. We have tinkered with it and have added something that doesn’t appear in the original scene (5). Write which object doesn’t belong only on the entry coupon and you could be a winner. Turn to entry coupon (p50) to enter! I ♥ THAT’S LIFE! My twin sister Denise and I enjoyed our time…

Watching The Rookie – 7Plus Starting over at 40 years old isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan, who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of becoming an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, if he can’t keep up with the young cops and the criminals, he’ll be risking lives. But if he can use his life experience, determination and sense of humour to give him an edge, he may just become successful in this new chapter of his life. A great weeknight flick to get your crime fix! Lizzy Dimopoulos – Writer COMPILED BY LIZZY DIMPOLOULOS PHOTOS: FACEBOOK PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; INSTAGRAM @CALLIOPE.NUBZ.INSTA; WHATABURGER…

SIMPLE SWAP As well as spending more, we also tend to get out more at this time of year. Whether it’s visiting family or taking a road trip holiday, keeping our cars fuelled up can be expensive. The ACCC recommends not filling up based on convenience, but instead using a fuel app to keep track of price fluctuations and make the most of lower cycles. They say that last year consumers who filled up with 50 litres of regular unleaded each week could have saved between $156 and $740 on fuel, depending on what state they were in, had they used an app to find cheaper prices. Check out apps like Petty or MotorMouth, or Gaspy in NZ. At this time of year we make more purchases than ever.…

Keith Fryer was 18 when, in May 2010, police knocked on the door of his high school classroom. As he was led to the principal’s office, he joked with officers about what kind of trouble his little sister, Kaleigh, then 15, had got herself into this time. The pair had lived with their dad, Lewis, then 50, since he’d split from their mum, Trisha, 13 years earlier. The arrangement worked well, and for years Keith and Kaleigh remained incredibly close. In recent years the pair had drifted apart after Kaleigh started to get mixed up with alcohol and drugs and was expelled multiple times, but their dad never gave up on her. ‘He was constantly just trying to make our lives better,’ Keith told The Sun. So when police…

Q Why is it that I seem to be getting one infection after another at the moment? A couple of weeks ago, I had an insect bite that got infected. I’d only just finished the antibiotics for that when I developed a chest infection and needed more antibiotics. Is there a tonic you can recommend as a pick-meup? I’m worried that I won’t be able to keep up with all the festive socialising. A So many factors affect our immunity. It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and get a good night’s sleep. I also advise anyone over 50 to take a daily multivitamin. Recurrent infections can also be associated with high blood-sugar levels, so you could ask your GP about having your wee tested. HEALTH…

After a rough start to life Zayn is finally home with his family Tania Warner, 33, Kearns, NSW P lating up spoonfuls of pasta, I topped the steaming bowls with bolognaise sauce. ‘Dinner’s ready, guys!’ I cried, as my kids Zakariya, nine, Aliyah, eight, Zara, four, and two-year-old Zayn made their way to the dinner table. ‘Looks amazing, love,’ my husband Arli, 35, said, planting a kiss on my cheek before grabbing a seat. It was September 2024, and I couldn’t remember the last time we’d eaten together as a family. Our brave little boy Zayn had endured 520 days at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW, and it was his first dinner since coming home. Zayn was just three days old in August 2022, when I noticed his…

3 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS After escaping an unhappy marriage, my mum had been left with nothing, so she was working two jobs. At 16, I was the eldest and had to look after my younger siblings after school, as well as do my homework and cook dinner. Mum was always tired when she came in from her after-hours cleaning job. ‘Are you okay, Mum?’ I’d ask her. ‘I’m fine,’ she’d say. ‘Just a bit down, love.’ ‘It’ll get better, Mum,’ I’d assure her, trying to stay upbeat for her sake. However it was hard on me as I spent all my time looking after my brother and sister while my friends had boyfriends and went out after school. Then Mum changed. She seemed a lot happier and started going out…

CARAMELISED PINEAPPLE GLAZED HAM SERVES 20-25 PREP & COOK: 1 HOUR, 30 MINS 7.5kg cooked whole leg ham Fresh rosemary sprigs, to garnish GLAZE 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice 2 cups packed brown sugar ⅓ cup wholegrain mustard ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 tblsps sriracha sauce 2 tblsps light soy sauce  3cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, cut into thin strips  2 whole star anise 1 To make glaze, combine all ingredients in a large saucepan over a medium to high heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Gently boil, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes, or until slightly thickened (reduced to about 2 cups). Remove. Cool. Transfer half the glaze to a container. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 2 Make a cut through ham…

Great ideas Cake trimmings can be crumbed then placed in a freezer bag to freeze for up to two months. If you don’t have a round cutter use a glass and cut round with a small knife to remove the centre of the cake. CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD WREATH CAKE SERVES 10 PREP & COOK: 1 HOUR, 35 MINS 2 x 470g packets vanilla cake mix 2 tsps mixed spice 2 tsps ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon MASCARPONE CREAM 1¾ cups thickened cream ½ cup icing sugar mixture  1 tsp vanilla extract  250g tub mascarpone  TO DECORATE  Macarons, fresh raspberries, blueberries, halved strawberries, dried edible flowers 1 Invert base of a 24.5cm springform pan (base measures 23.5cm). Grease and line base and side with baking paper.  2 Prepare cake…

Thank you Bronnie Mackintosh Sydney, NSW W atching as a group of teen girls rushed to rescue someone stuck in a burning car, pride swelled in my chest. It was August 2011 and, thankfully, it was part of a simulation to teach the group how to extinguish fires using heavy duty equipment. ‘Teamwork is what you need to succeed as a firefighter,’ I encouraged the rookie recruits. I’d been employed as a firefighter for Fire and Rescue NSW since 2002, and after reading online about a female firefighting camp in Seattle, US, that was looking for volunteers, I jumped at the chance. I loved working with my male teammates, but felt there was a lack of women firefighters in our country. This is a great way to introduce newcomers…

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Kate Kirsten, Editor Sarah Firth, Deputy Editor Beth Young, Art Director Darren Monaghan, Picture Editor Holly Campbell ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Andrew Cook, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Head of Consumer Marketing Louise Cankett Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. that’s life! is a…

Kerry Alderuccio, Melbourne, Vic M um, do you want to watch this with me?’ asked my son Sam, then 17. He held up a DVD of Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. ‘Sure,’ I said, surprised as it wasn’t his usual action film choice. Ghost was about a man, also named Sam, trying to communicate with loved ones after his sudden death. ‘Do you believe in the afterlife, Mum?’ Sam asked afterwards. ‘I do,’ I replied. After leaving school, Sam was set to study criminal justice. His dad Sergio, sister Carla, then 21, and I were so proud. On May 3, 2012, I woke in tears after dreaming police had terrible news. I chalked it up to the fact that it was the 34th anniversary of the death…

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20 Bumping into the love of your life, a blast from the past or a possible future boss confirms there is a higher power. Five stars for searching up the most interesting course, smartest holiday deals, or fairest rental prices. LUCKY NUMBERS 10, 13, 21 Taurus Apr 21 – May 21 You know how to take control of your love life when things get sticky, so why cave to others’ negativity? Planting new seeds for your working world, domestic domain, or health soon shows new shoots. LUCKY NUMBERS 23, 28, 29 Gemini May 22 – Jun 21 Can you cope with hurdles? That unforgettable connection you found could return with bells on, needing urgent readjustments. Your famous mind changes make Monday’s money flip no surprise,…