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Aretha Franklin farewells Whitney in her own words

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Aretha Franklin farewells Whitney in her own words

Despite her trying times, Whitney Houston always had the support of her number one fan and godmother, Aretha Franklin.

Speaking to People magazine, the queen of soul said that no matter what, she always had the utmost support for Houston, who died on Saturday February 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“We were all aware of her challenges,” Franklin said. “And I was always rooting for her.”

The 69-year-old said she was looking forward to Houston’s triumphant return to the silver screen in the movie Sparkle which Houston had just finished production on alongside Jordan Sparks.

“Seeing previews for the new Sparkle movie I thought, boy she looks good, healthy, fresh and has that twinkle in her eyes!”

Franklin says that although it may have been a struggle for her goddaughter to keep her life on track.

“In looking back now, I recall her European tour. Still exciting, but unable to sing what she wanted to had to be disheartening.”

At first hearing of Houston’s death, Franklin posting a picture of her and Houston together on her Facebook page saying: “I just can’t talk about it now. It’s so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.”

Franklin is expected to participate in Houston’s funeral which is planned for this Saturday at noon in Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, New Jersey where Houston first developed her singing as a child.

Other Hollywood heavyweights who will attend the service include Stevie Wonder, Clive Davis, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby.

There has been uncertainty around whether Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown would be in attendance, but a source from People said he planned to attend.

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Richard Wilkins: The Whitney I will remember

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Richard Wilkins: The Whitney I will remember

Whitney was at the opening of Sanctuary Cove in 1987 and the two headline acts were her and Frank Sinatra. I was booked to introduce her and of course I stuck around to watch the show.

She was fantastic – statuesque, beautiful, everything you would expect her to be. She sang every note perfectly and gave you chills down your spine. It really was the start of her ascent to divadom and clearly things were on a roll…

I first realised things were going off the rails when she was booked to appear at Crown Casino in Melbourne for the opening in 1997. Her husband Bobby Brown was with her and he had some issue with the address of the casino…

Whiteman’s Street, and Bobby was demanding the name of the street be changed. Things were pretty weird. But the most controversial thing about that trip was that Whitney was booked to do two nights. She peformed the first night to a standing ovation. After the first concert she was captured on CCTV at Fidels, the cigar bar under the casino, smoking and partying till the wee hours.

Sometime the next day she cancelled the second concert claiming she was suffering from exhaustion. The organisers were livid and after some heated negotiations, threw them out. I thought then, ‘Wow what are you doing lady?’ This girl was just blessed, she had it all, money, fame, voice… and seemed to be throwing it all away.

Read more of the Whitney Houston Richard Wilkins remembers in our special tribute issue to Whitney in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Friday February 17, 2012.

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Coming out for love: Magda’s proudest day

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Coming out for love: Magda's proudest day

It was no secret in showbiz circles that Magda Szubanski is gay, but publicly she kept mum – until the gay marriage debate inspired her one-woman crusade.

The decision to “out” herself could not have come easily to Madga Szubanski. It was a secret she seemed determined to keep to herself, often laughing off or deflecting questions about her private life in interviews, while at the same time opening up about the benefits of therapy, and sharing her weight loss journey with Australia – as the country got right behind her.

But the fierce debate over marriage equality finally inspired Magda, 50, to “come out” to her fans and the wider community, to encourage other Aussies to support the Australians for Marriage Equality campaign to legalise same-sex marriage, in a fight that she feels very strongly about.

“I am 1000 per cent in favour of gay marriage,” Magda says. “We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store window. And the chances are gay people designed whatever it is you’re wearing!”

Her public declaration about her sexuality comes after some huge changes in Magda’s life, including the loss of her father and her increased public profile on the back of her amazing four-year weight loss journey. As the weight dropped off – 35kg to date – Magda seemed to blossom.

Read more about Magda’s mission for same-sex marriage in our special tribute issue to Whitney Houston in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Friday February 17, 2012.

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Prince Harry in the danger zone

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Prince Harry in the danger zone

The royal is a prime Taliban target – and it’s feared his hot-headed ways could put him in the line of fire.

Prince Harry couldn’t wipe the grin from his face as he greeted soldiers during a visit to RAF Honington in Southern England recently. It wasn’t just that he’d been named “Top Gun” of his class, or that he’d finally completed the gruelling 18-month training to become a frontline Apache attack helicopter pilot.

The royal, who sets hearts aflutter when he slips into his combat gear, was smiling because his new qualification means he’s ready to return to war-torn Afghanistan.

But his position is an extremely dangerous one. According to Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, Prince Harry will be their prime target. Just last week, the insurgent group promised to use “all its power” to kill or capture him – though the 27-year-old simply shrugged off the deadly warning, saying, “There’s threats coming in all the time”.

While instructors say Harry’s a “natural and instinctive” flying talent, an army source close to the prince says it’s not his title, but a burning desire to prove himself, that could endanger him. “He’s obsessed with proving his bravery, to the point where it crosses over into recklessness!” the source says.

Read more about Prince Harry in the danger zone in our special tribute issue to Whitney Houston in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Friday February 17, 2012.

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Get runway ready hair in five easy steps

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Get runway ready hair in five easy steps

Take some New York fashion week beauty inspiration from the Autumn/Winter 2012 DKNY show.

With a theme of rich, refined and elegance at this year’s DKNY show, the perfect hair was a must. Eugene Souleiman, Global Creative Director, Care & Styling, Wella Professionals says this hair look may look simple, but it is all about preparing the hair to look good and shine.

“This hair look is all about preparation, so we started by washing and conditioning the girls hair, adding Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier to wet hair, then spraying with Perfect Setting before blow drying with a round brush to get a rich, smooth finish to the hair,” he said.

In just five simple steps, here’s how you can get the look:

  • Start with clean freshly washed and conditioned hair.

  • Prepare wet hair with Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier then add Wella Professionals Perfect Setting before blow drying with a round brush to create a smooth sleek finish.

  • Section the hair at the front of hair and create a deep side parting. Smooth hair down and spray very lightly with hairspray to add shine and keep the ‘flyaways’ down.

  • Pull the hair back behind the ears and use straightening irons through the back section of the hair, then using a wide barrette clip, secure the hair in to a low tail at the nape of the neck. The tail should be wide and flat with straight edges.

  • Finish with a soft spray of hair spray to hold the look in place.Related video: Go behind the scenes of our beauty shoot where Woman’s Day Beauty Editor Mary Zavaglia shows us how to create three different lash looks.

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Aussie quins celebrate their first birthday!

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Aussie quins celebrate their first birthday!

A year on, the Aussie same-sex couple and their five adorable bubs are thriving.

Open the front gate to Rosemary Nolan and Melissa Keevers’ Brisbane home and you’re instantly delighted by a scene of fun-loving bedlam. The moment you step into the yard, five very cute little redheads come crawling through a sea of bubbles and balloons.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since the loving same-sex couple first showed off their quintuplets conceived via a US sperm donor. And little Noah, Charlie, Eireann, Evie and Abby couldn’t be happier than they are today, totally embracing – and destroying – their very first birthday cake.

“I think the first year has gone better than we expected,” says birth mum Mel. “We were facing so many challenges. Trying to get them into a structured routine was the first big challenge, and making sure it was stuck to.” As the quins approached their first birthday, Rosie says the burden of adjusting to an instant large family (they had daughter Lily, 2, prior to the arrival of the quins) became easier.

“We are in such a better place now,” she beams. “It really started at around nine months – when they could hold their bottles and when they started to move and entertain themselves, it made a huge difference.” Adds Mel, 28, “As soon as they could crawl and get to where they wanted to go… it wasn’t quite ‘easy street’, but it did ease the stress.” Rosie, 23, says the gift of sleep has been largely restored to this bustling family. “We might get six hours of sleep now, whereas in the beginning, we’d often get none. As soon as they’re in bed, they generally won’t wake up until 4.30 or 5am… They get a good night’s rest, which is wonderful for all of us.”

Read more about Rosie and Mel’s quins this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale February 17, 2012.

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Best foods to start your day

Starting the day with the right foods is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.
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Starting the day with the right foods is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

Starting the day with the right foods is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

Not only do these healthy choices kick start your body giving you the energy to get up and go, they also help you feel good and positive about the day ahead.

Try these energy boosting foods that will get you on your way to a vibrant healthy lifestyle!

Fruit for breakfast is a no-brainer! But if the thought of another apple or banana is doing your head in, then why not make some juice? Experiment. Mix the juice of your favourite fruits, or throw in some seasonal vegies. The health benefits are enough of a reason to have this food group at the start of the day. Try our [Mixed vegetable juice](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/everydayrecipes/8122298/mixed-vegetable-juice|target=”_blank”)

Fruit for breakfast is a no-brainer! But if the thought of another apple or banana is doing your head in, then why not make some juice? Experiment. Mix the juice of your favourite fruits, or throw in some seasonal vegies. The health benefits are enough of a reason to have this food group at the start of the day. Try our Mixed vegetable juice

With smoothies you can combine your favourite fruits with dairy. Milk is packed with calcium, Vitamin D, B12 and A and is important not only for healthy bones and teeth, but general well being. And drinking a breakfast smoothie on an empty stomach means all that goodness is digested more easily. Try our [Banana and berry breakfast smoothie](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/everydayrecipes/8122300/banana-and-berry-breakfast-smoothie|target=”_blank”)

With smoothies you can combine your favourite fruits with dairy. Milk is packed with calcium, Vitamin D, B12 and A and is important not only for healthy bones and teeth, but general well being. And drinking a breakfast smoothie on an empty stomach means all that goodness is digested more easily. Try our Banana and berry breakfast smoothie

A good cereal can be a great meal at breakfast. A lot of cereals have too much sugar, but if you choose wisely and find one high in fibre and low in sugar, salt and saturated fat, then you’re off to a good start. Always check the nutrition information panel, or make your own. Try our [Bircher muesli](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/everydayrecipes/8122258/bircher-muesli|target=”_blank”)

A good cereal can be a great meal at breakfast. A lot of cereals have too much sugar, but if you choose wisely and find one high in fibre and low in sugar, salt and saturated fat, then you’re off to a good start. Always check the nutrition information panel, or make your own. Try our Bircher muesli

Like milk, yogurt has too many health benefits to ignore. Not only is yogurt a rich source of calcium and protein, but it can lower cholesterol. It contributes to colon health and will boost immunity. It also aids healing after intestinal infections, so is often recommended after a course of antibiotics. Try our [Berry, yogurt and muesli parfait](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/everydayrecipes/994488/berry-yogurt-and-muesli-parfait|target=”_blank”)

Like milk, yogurt has too many health benefits to ignore. Not only is yogurt a rich source of calcium and protein, but it can lower cholesterol. It contributes to colon health and will boost immunity. It also aids healing after intestinal infections, so is often recommended after a course of antibiotics. Try our Berry, yogurt and muesli parfait

Eggs pack a punch in the nutrition stakes. They are loaded with high-quality protein and fat, both of which keep you full after you’ve eaten. And you can eat them a heap of ways — scrambled, poached, fried, hard-boiled or as an omelet. Team them with your other favourite foods. Try [Salmon Benedict](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/everydayrecipes/8122289/salmon-benedict|target=”_blank”)

Eggs pack a punch in the nutrition stakes. They are loaded with high-quality protein and fat, both of which keep you full after you’ve eaten. And you can eat them a heap of ways — scrambled, poached, fried, hard-boiled or as an omelet. Team them with your other favourite foods. Try Salmon Benedict

Toasted bread is an easy way to start the day. Not only is it cheap and easy to prepare, but it’s filling and contributes fibre and protein to your diet. Deciding which bread to eat can be confusing, but the best are wholegrain and wholemeal. Or try sourdough: many experts say this is the best when it comes to metabolism and blood sugar and insulin levels.

For a delicious treat, pancakes and pikelets can be the way to go. You can make them as healthy, or as unhealthy, as you like. But the most nutritional are those made with whole wheat or buckwheat flour. Adding flaxseed will also increase the overall fibre content of the dish. Try our [Coconut ricotta pikelets with tropical fruit salsa](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/everydayrecipes/997359/breakfast-coconut-ricotta-pikelets-with-tropical-fruit-salsa|target=”_blank”)

For a delicious treat, pancakes and pikelets can be the way to go. You can make them as healthy, or as unhealthy, as you like. But the most nutritional are those made with whole wheat or buckwheat flour. Adding flaxseed will also increase the overall fibre content of the dish. Try our Coconut ricotta pikelets with tropical fruit salsa

Muffins are also a great way to start the day. There really are an endless number of possible combinations to make tasty and nutritious varieties, which can be sweet or savoury. Up the nutritional content by adding fresh, frozen, dried or pureed fruit or vegetables. Try our [Banana, date and pecan muffins](http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/food/readersrecipes/996409/banana-date-and-pecan-muffins|target=”_blank”)

Muffins are also a great way to start the day. There really are an endless number of possible combinations to make tasty and nutritious varieties, which can be sweet or savoury. Up the nutritional content by adding fresh, frozen, dried or pureed fruit or vegetables. Try our Banana, date and pecan muffins

Many of us swear that our morning caffeine hit is the ideal start to the day. And coffee in moderation is not a bad thing. In fact, recent studies have shown that coffee can lower depression, lower the risk of prostate and skin cancers and protect you from Type 2 diabetes. What more do you need to know?

And if tea is your thing, not coffee, then you’ll be heartened to know that this little beverage has been shown to have amazing health benefits. Not only can it build bone strength, but also lower cholesterol and help with weight loss. Green and white teas, rich in antioxidants that protect against cancer and heart disease, also help fight allergies.

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Justin Theroux throws Jen a star-studded birthday bash

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Jennifer Aniston and Juston Theroux's wedding countdown

Jennifer Aniston rang in her 43rd birthday in style on Saturday night, thanks to her boyfriend Justin Theroux.

An unnamed sources tells US Weekly that Justin rented out a penthouse suite overlooking West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip for his girlfriend’s A-list party which included a guest list of Hollywood pals including Courteney Cox, Chelsea Handler, Jimmy Kimmel, Ben Stiller, Emily Blunt and Jason Bateman.

“She seemed very excited to see her friends, but she never got too far from Justin,” the source said.

“Every once in a while, Justin would come up from behind and give her a big hug and kiss. They would embrace and whisper to each other for a minute but then go back to socialising. She seemed very relaxed.”

The loved-up couple who, moved in together six months ago, created a fun atmosphere for their guests, despite the cold weather.

“There was minimal decor with white hurricane candles lining the room and the balcony. A bar was set up inside along with a table where guests put presents,” the insider said.

“It was a cold night, but there were heaters on the patio. There were servers walking around with appetizers and jazz music playing.”

Meanwhile, Justin has told New York magazine that he is still getting used to being in a relationship with one of the most-talked about woman in Hollywood.

“I understand the curiosity, but other than saying I am happy, I am not going to indulge it…That’s building your own torture device,” he said.

Despite not giving away too much about their relationship, he did gush about the pair’s newly adopted three-month-old boxer-pitbull mix named Sophie.

“She’s the most adorable little cookie you’ve ever seen,” he said. “She looks like she just smoked an exploding cigar.”

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Magda Szubanski: Fear stopped me from coming out

Magda Szubanski has spoken about the "fear" that stopped her from revealing her sexuality for decades.
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Magda Szubanski

Magda Szubanski has spoken about the “fear” that stopped her from revealing her sexuality for decades.

The 50-year-old actress has been one of Australia’s most beloved comediennes since she starred in The D-Generation and Fast Forward in the 80s and 90s.

Yesterday, she revealed she was a lesbian as she joined the push to legalise gay marriage in Australia.

Magda said she had been living an openly gay lifestyle for most of her adult life, but was scared to make a public statement about her sexuality for fear it would damage her career and tarnish her reputation with the Australian public.

“To know the love of a nation is an extraordinary feeling, and it does make you feel kind of scared,” Magda told ABC’s Radio National this morning.

“If I am there just being my real self, how will they respond? But that urge to be your real self is overwhelming. I don’t know how this is going to affect my work.

“I feel very privileged to have such a great relationship with the Australian public and there’s a fear in you that every gay person has… it’s an issue that pushes buttons for people. But what difference does it make? I’m the same person.”

Magda said she hopes her coming out will help others battling privately with their sexuality, and challenge the beliefs of those who campaign against same-sex unions.

“It is such an important fight, this one, and I absolutely felt that I had to get behind it,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have banged on about myself if I didn’t think it would hopefully change attitudes.”

Yesterday, the Magda released a statement saying she was “1000 per cent” behind a push to legalise same-sex marriage, and that laws prohibiting it were unfair.

“We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store windows,” she said.

“And, chances are, gay people designed whatever it is you’re wearing.

“All Australians, including gay Australians, should have exactly the same rights, including the right to love, marry and take care of our partners.

“The law means that you could be a serial killer and have killed all of your spouses and yet you would still be considered fit to marry,” she said.

In parliament on Monday, two independent MPs lodged private members bills attempting to redefine marriage in Australia as a union of two people, rather than between a man and a woman.

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Brains scans could reveal if your relationship will last

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Brains scans could reveal if your relationship will last

A simple scan can predict how long your romance will last, neuroscientists claim.

Researchers from Brown University say a brain scan conducted at the very beginning of a relationship can determine whether a couple is destined for love and marriage or heartbreak.

Study leader Xiaomeng Xu performed fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans on 18 Chinese men and women who were in the early stages of romantic love.

The participants were shown photos of their lovers, triggering a flurry of brain activity.

But while all of the participants showed scientific signs of love, the researchers identified subtle differences in each individual’s brain scan.

Eighteen months later, the scientists contacted the study participants again to find out how their relationships were going.

They were shocked to discover a strong correlation between certain characteristics in the original brain scans and the participant’s relationship status a year and a half later.

After another two years, 12 of the participants were contacted again. Six were still in the relationships they had started at the beginning of the study, and the other six weren’t.

Despite the small sample study, Xu found a ‘striking’ link between brain activity in the first scan, and the length of the relationship.

The brain scans of participants whose relationships lasted showed lower levels of activity in the brain regions associated with judgement and ‘sense of self’.

This indicates successful relationships are those in which people refrain from judging their new partners, even overlooking any negative traits.

Those in long-lasting unions also prioritised their lover’s feelings and desires over their own.

But while ignoring your partner’s flaws and putting their needs above yours bodes well at the beginning of a relationship, everything changes when it comes to marriage.

A study by Bianca Acevedo from Cornell University found that the happiest marriages were formed by individuals who had strong senses of self and realistic views of their partner’s strengths and weaknesses.

Acevedo conducted fMRI scans of newlyweds who had been with their partners for an average of four years.

She compared their brain activity shortly after their marriages, to how happy they reported feeling 12 months later.

The participants who were happier a year after their weddings reported heightened activity in the regions of the brain associated with judgement and sense of self — the exact opposite of the activity needed to start a successful relationship.

This suggests that while true love is blind and selfless in the early stages, it has to mature into a realistic partnership that nurtures each individual separately to last forever.

Your say: Do you think putting your partner’s needs over your own is the secret to a happy relationship? [email protected]

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