T his time next week we’ll be on the plane!’ I smiled to my boyfriend, Jonathan, 34, as we unloaded the Christmas presents we’d just bought from the car. ‘Are you nervous? My nan’s pretty scary after a few wines!’ he teased. I had a few butterflies

The Roll family have a quirky way to celebrate the festive season. Rather than a Christmas card with the family in matching Chrissy shirts, they go the extra mile. Olympia, Frank and their daughter Meadow pose for pics themed around movies or events

SERVES 8 PREP & COOK: 35 MINS 380g 2-pack crusty baguettes (34cm long) 125g piece brie cheese ⅔ cup cranberry sauce 150g sliced leg ham, off the bone 1½ cups grated mozzarella (200g) Micro parsley, to garnish (optional) 1 Spray a 35cm round pi

SERVES 8-10 PREP: 30 MINS 500g packet frozen raspberries, thawed ½ cup icing sugar mixture 400g jam sponge roll, cut into 2cm thick slices 2 tblsps butterscotch-flavoured liqueur 4 medium ripe yellow peaches 300ml tub thickened cream 2 x 250g

David Baird, 42, Albury, NSW Running around the centre of the body.’ park, our daughter We were devastated, d, but Harper seemed like prayed our girl wouldn’t any other toddler. lose her ability to walk. But in 2014, when Harper Harper started wee

Dave Kroupa was enjoying life. Dating again in his 30s was daunting, but he’d matched with Liz Golyar on the dating site Plenty of Fish. A 42-year-old single mum of two, she shared his love of motorbikes, heavy metal music and sci-fi movies. Having r

It was a few weeks before Christmas when I took my niece to the shopping centre to see Santa Claus. Mia, who was as sweet as a candy store, asked for a toy bear, a tennis racquet, and a new boyfriend for her Aunty Phoebe. ‘Because her heart hurts,’

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS often struggle with weight gain because the condition can lead to insulin resistance. But losing weight could help to improve some symptoms of (PCOS), and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes or high blood pr

Dani Hearn, Menai, NSW Declan was bright, happy and larger than life. Barely in his 30s, due to a debilitating, terminal condition, he was sadly in the palliative care unit, where I worked in nursing administration. Declan roamed the ward, chatting

Got a problem? Let that’s life! readers help! Here’s what they had to say about this week’s dilemma I have a large extended family, and I love buying Christmas presents. But this year I don’t know how I can afford it. I don’t want to seem like a grin

WE PAY FOR EACH PHOTO USED Ruby is getting ready for Christmas! Trent Farleigh, Springfield, Qld Country folk love to recycle, even if it’s tractor and car tyres to make an impressive Christmas tree. Pamela Deckert, Nhill, Vic I love dressing up

Heather Moore, 35 As thousands of Christmas trees towered over us, the smell of fresh pine filled my nose. Holding hands with my hubby, Bobby, then 32, our twin daughters, Carmen and Cate, six, ran through the farm, in awe. ‘Mummy, Daddy, we want t

James Edwards, 45, Gold Coast, Qld My eyes widened as I took in the ultrasound screen. It was September 2022 and my wife Casey, then 40, and I were expecting our first baby together. ‘Looks like it’s twins!’ the sonographer said at our 12week scan,

Jo Woolley, 57, Melbourne, Vic Fastening the final buckle on the wheelchair, I gave Missy, a Shetland sheepdog, a scratch behind her ears. ‘That should do the trick,’ I told her owner, Michelle. Built from aluminium, the wheelchair sported a custom

Q All through my adult life I have suffered intermittently with dermatitis. It often flares up when I’m under pressure and usually affects my hands. I think I’ve taken too much on during the run-up to Christmas, and I’ve broken out in dermatitis all

Thank you Tony Davis, Charmhaven, NSW Hearing the rumble of more than 170 motorcycles, some decorated with tinsel and Santa hats, was music to my ears. It’s not just because I love motorcycles. As founder of The Bikers Hand charity, it meant a gre

The average household wastes around 98 kilos of food every year – that’s up to $2500 a year. The good news is that most of that food is actually usable. So around Christmastime, where leftovers are often in abundance, it might be time to consider you

Make a tabletop Christmas decoration by covering a cardboard cone in gift wrap and gluing on red ribbon bows. Alison Dorann, Sunshine Coast, Qld To ensure your roast turkey is tasty and succulent, baste it with juices from the pan during cooking.

Cait Bransgrove, 29, Melbourne, Vic Waiting in line at my favourite cafe, I spotted a familiar face sitting by the window. Though I didn’t know the older gentleman’s name, I’d seen him sitting alone a few times before. I wonder if he’s up for a cha

Chicken and dressing can be prepared a day ahead. Keep covered separately in the fridge. You will need one large bunch of fresh coriander and parsley for this recipe. SERVES 6 PREP & COOK: 35 MINS 1kg chicken breast fillets ¼ cup lemon juice 2 ba

Amelia Grozdanovski, 33, Newcastle, NSW I’m home!’ my mum Lorrin, then 42, smiled walking in through the door. It was February 2013 and she’d been at an evening accounting class while I looked after my four half-siblings. Though I’d moved out of hom

In Italian tradition, this old woman delivers gifts to children, rewarding rd the good and chastising the naughty. Dating back before Saint Nick, Befana, who like a witch rides a broomstick, is still celebrated in Italy. Frau Perchta is a similar wit

Q I’m on a course of antibiotics as I’ve had ongoing dental problems. My dentist told me not to drink alcohol while I’m on them, but we are hitting party season. I’m not a big drinker, but would like to let my hair down a bit. Will the antibiotics s

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.