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Madonna is a royal watcher and fan of Kate’s style

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Madonna is a royal watcher and fan of Kate's style

Despite coming under fire for her style choices in the past, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge can rest easy knowing that one style icon is a fan.

Madonna has praised Catherine for her wardrobe choices saying that she is able to mix elegance with fun, People magazine reported.

“She is a lovely girl with a great sense of style,” the Material Girl said.

“Her wedding dress by Alexander McQueen was very beautiful.

“I like her choices. She’s elegant and still knows how to have some fun. I’m a fan of her style.”

But the Duchess isn’t the only royal Madge is loving. She is also a fan of Wallis Simpson — the American divorcee for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England to marry.

“She developed a style and stuck with it whether people were interested or not. I admire her individuality,” she said.

The pop star, who is an avid royal watcher after becoming obsessed with Queen Victoria while living in England in mid 2000s, said she admires the way the Duchess and Prince William are living their married life.

She said she is happy that they get to live a less restricted life.

“The freedom that [Kate] has and the freedom the Royal family has now is nice and is refreshing,” she said.

“It’s too bad that Edward VIII didn’t have that same kind of freedom back in 1937 to make his own decisions and to be the prince of the people, which Prince William is allowed to be. I like how modern they are now.”

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Do seniors need friends and family less as they age?

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Seniors need friends and family less as they age

The older we get, the less we need our friends and family to be happy, new research has claimed.

The latest Gallup analysis found that US citizens require less and less social time as they age.

People over the age of 65 require just three hours of socialising a day to maintain a happy outlook, while people aged 30 and under required at least six hours a day to report the same happy feelings.

Teenagers needed more social time again, requiring at least eight hours a day to feel good about their lives.

Researchers conducted phone interviews with a random sample of 31,486 American adults.

Respondents were quizzed about their social habits, and their feelings of wellbeing.

Although older individuals spent far less time their friends and family, they reported the biggest boost in happiness from time spent.

Sixty-seven percent of seniors reported feeling a lot of enjoyment and happiness without much stress after just three hours of socialising per day, compared to only 33 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds who did the same.

The research found that younger people would have to spend twice as long with their friends and family — more than six hours — to report the same feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

“It may be comforting to know that older people’s emotional state does not necessarily suffer as the average time they spend daily in the company of others declines with age,” a Gallup spokesperson said.

Your say: How often do you need to see your family and friends to be happy? Contact us at [email protected]

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Kate Middleton: A year in dresses

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In one short year, Kate Middleton has become a fashion phenomenon.

From the moment Kate announced her engagement to Prince William in November 2010, every item of clothing she wears sells out in stores worldwide within seconds.

From red carpet glamour to garden party chic, the Duchess of Cambridge has the perfect dress for every occasion.

Here are our favourite frocks from the past 12 months.

Kate dazzles in Jenny Packham at a charity gala in June 2011.

Kate wore Alexander McQueen at a BAFTA gala in Los Angeles in July 2011.

Kate in a Grecian-style Jenny Packham gown in November 2011.

Kate’s famous Alexander McQueen wedding gown.

Kate’s Alexander McQueen wedding reception dress.

Kate in a stunning red Beulah dress at a dinner in October 2011.

Kate in Amanda Wakeley at a reception in London in October 2011.

Kate in a figure-hugging Erdem dress in Canada in July 2011.

Kate in Jenny Packham again in Canada in July 2011.

Kate in Roksanda Ilincic in Los Angeles in July 2011.

Kate in another lace Erdem dress in Canada in July 2011.

Kate in yet another Jenny Packham dress in Los Angeles in July 2011.

Kate in a Joseph dress with Queen Elizabeth in July 2011.

Kate in a purple Issa number in Canada in July 2011.

Kate in Catherine Walker in Canada in July 2011.

Kate attends a wedding with sister Pippa in June 2011.

Kate in a short Zara dress in London in December 2011.

Kate recycles her Reiss engagement portrait dress in Canada in July 2011.

Kate in Alexander McQueen in July 2011.

Kate in Diane Von Furstenberg in August 2011.

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Working mums are happier and healthier study finds

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Working mums are happier says study

Are you trying to decide whether to be a stay-at-home mum or head back to work? The results of a new study may help you make up your mind.

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that mothers with jobs were healthier and happier than mums who stay at home during their children’s infancy and pre-school years. It found that the best way for mums to balance their working and home life was to work part time, which involved between one and 32 hours per week.

The research involved interviewing 1364 mothers, including 24 percent ethnic minorities, 1 percent without a high school degree, and 14 percent single parents, shortly after their child’s birth with interviews and observation over 10 years from 1991.

Lead author Cheryl Buehler, PhD, professor of human development and family studies, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro said the study found there was no difference between mums who worked part time and full time.

“In all cases with significant differences in maternal well-being, such as conflict between work and family or parenting, the comparison favored part-time work over full-time or not working,” she said.

“However, in many cases the well-being of mums working part time was no different from mums working full time.”

The study found that mothers employed part time reported better overall health and fewer symptoms of depression than stay-at-home moms.

There was no reported differences in general health or depressive symptoms between mums employed part time and those who worked full time.

The mums who worked part-time and the mums who worked full time showed no difference in their perception of how their work supported their family.

The study also found that the part-time working mums were just as involved in their child’s school as stay-at-home mums, and more involved than mums who worked full time.

In fact, it was found that part time working mums appeared to be more sensitive to pre-school aged children and provided more learning opportunities for toddlers than stay-at-home mums and mums working full time.

The authors of the study said that part-time employment worked well for both the employees and their employers.

“Since part-time work seems to contribute to the strength and well-being of families, it would be beneficial to employers if they provide fringe benefits, at least proportionally, to part-time employees as well as offer them career ladders through training and promotion,” said study co-author Marion O’Brien, PhD, professor of human development and family studies, said.

The researchers of the study, which was published in APA’s Journal of Family Psychology, said more study needed to be done on other employment-related factors such as professional status, scheduling flexibility, work commitment and shift schedules.

Your say: Do you agree with the study? How do you balance work and raising your children? Tell us in the comments box below.

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Luxury and relaxation in New South Wales’ Wolgan Valley

From its tranquil, unspoilt surroundings to the exquisite design and top class service, a short-break at Wolgan Valley is set to soothe body and mind.
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Wolgan Valley

From its tranquil, unspoilt surroundings to the exquisite design and top class service, a short-break at Wolgan Valley is set to soothe body and mind.

It all begins with a four-wheel drive trip down a meandering dusty orange track through the magnificent valley floor. As we weave across the countryside, we’re greeted by an abundance of wildlife from all vistas. With wombats and wallabies, kangaroos, hares and even the rare platypus sighting, it’s quite the Aussie safari. As the resort’s impressive winding drive comes to an upbrupt end, we pull up at the front doors of Wolgan Valley, nestled in the heart of the 1600 hectares of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Competition: WIN the chance to enjoy a luxurious two-night stay at Wolgan Valley!

Far from a scar on the landscape, the resort blends in discreetly to its rugged surroundings. The heart of this hideaway is the magnificently restored homestead, complete with its 40 free-standing guest suites (with private terrace and pool no less) scattered at its feet. The architecture is understated and inventive, using local materials wherever possible, from timber to sandstone. The interior design follows suit, completed with meticulous detail by local artisans creating a luxurious, comfortable atmosphere but without even a hint of ostentation.

Having opened in 2009, this secluded spot attracts visitors from across Australia and far beyond. Despite its renowned ‘green’ ethos, this is by no means a detox boot camp. The restaurant and bar are as fine as any top establishments you’d find in a major city. The produce used to create each meal is fresh seasonal, local and organic — so while not of the ‘rabbit food’ variety is wholesome and nutritious — and the wine list well considered. For those keen to keep on top of their fitness regime, there is a state of the art gymnasium (alas we were not in this mindset!) as well as a sizable outdoor pool with a back drop of the draw-dropping mountains. As for the spa, well it’s a pampering and relaxation haven with a treatment menu that will cater for the world’s most weary.

The spa sanctuary keeps to the theme of understated chic with a sizable relaxation room boasting an imposing fireplace to warm up cold winter days and for summery climes panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. Having opted for the Traditional Swedish Massage, stress release was instantaneous. In the comfort of the treatment bed, we took in a few deep breaths of essential oil infused air as muscles were being expertly soothed with just the right level of pressure. After an hour of blissful massage, a gentle gong reverberated to mark the end and we were escorted back to the private changing facilities. With the choice to opt for a herbal tea in the spa’s relaxation area or make short meander back to your suite (golf buggies await for those too relaxed to walk) it will leave your body and mind in a state of complete tranquillity.

Thrill-seekers’ appetites can be equally as sated here too with the selection of outdoor activities. The horse riding is more than a trot in the park (as we quickly discovered!) and the trail takes you across flowing rivers, through steep woodland to the vast open valley plain. More experienced riders have the chance to canter while beginners can soak up the surroundings at their leisure. It’s a fantastic means to see the countryside off the ‘beaten track’.

A two-night escape allows enough time for the tranquillity and beauty of the resort to work its magic. For those that can afford the time and tariff, a longer stay will set you up for months ahead.

For more information on Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa visit www.woganvalley.com or call +61 2 9290 9733

During your stay here, your breakfast, daily lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and a selected range of regional alcoholic beverages with meals are all included in the tariff. You can also take advantage of two on-site nature-based activities per day.

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Are men spending more on Christmas gifts than women?

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Men spend more on Christmas gifts than women

Women are said to be the fairer sex, but when it comes to Christmas presents they spend an average of 50 percent less on their partner than he spends on them.

A British survey has found that women were planning to spend a maximum of $175 on their husband or boyfriend, while men were anticipating spending at least $230 on the woman in their lives.

The men surveyed said they expected their partner to splash out the same amount, but repeatedly received gifts of a much lower value, typically around $150.

Fortunately, 41 percent of couples said they didn’t care how much their other half spent on their gift as long as it was thoughtful.

“Married couples of course have certain expectations when it comes to receiving presents from each other,” Caroline Weaver — spokeswoman of Me to You, which commissioned the research — told the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper.

“But at the end of the day, it is great to see that as the old saying goes it really is the thought that counts when it comes to gift buying.”

A thoughtless gift, however, spells disaster for many couples, with 22 percent saying they weren’t speaking last Christmas because they were given an inappropriate gift.

Four in 10 people would like a present that shows their partner knows them inside out, while 36 per cent want proof that their partner cares.

“It’s great to know that the majority of people aren’t wishing for something big or expensive this Christmas,” Weaver said.

“The results prove people want their present to show their partner cares about them, know them inside out and have not ignored their needs.

“Whatever you buy your partner for Christmas, the most important thing is that it lets them know how much you love them.”

Your say: Do you think thoughtful gifts are better than expensive ones? Tell us at [email protected]

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Australia’s biggest family wants another baby for Christmas!

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Australia's biggest family wants another baby for Christmas!

For this ever-growing Aussie family of 17, Christmas is a case of the more the merrier!

Ask mum-of-15 Jeni Bonell what she wants for Christmas and you’d expect her to say a bigger house, or maybe a bit of peace and quiet, or even a getaway car for a very quick escape. But you won’t hear any such words from the lips of this proud and protective Queensland mum. “I want another baby,” the 42-year-old says, longingly. “I’ve made out my wish list, and another baby is certainly at the top of that list. That’s what I’m really hoping for. That’s what I’ve told Santa.” It’s a good thing husband Ray, 44, shares her zeal for parenting. As far as he’s concerned, 15 kids aged between six months and 22 years are not nearly enough.

“We’d love more,” says Ray as the fun-loving Bonell siblings get ready for our special Woman’s Day Christmas photoshoot. “We always hope for more, but the stork might shoot me. He was looking a bit ragged last time, when he dropped in with our fifteenth bub.” “We love the stork,” adds Jeni. “I just wish he’d bring more than one at a time.” It’s likely that Jeni and Ray, who works as a door technician, will get their wish. It seems they have a direct line to Santa through their good friend Ralph Cockle.

As they gather in Toowoomba’s famous Rose Gardens in historic Newtown Park, he breezes in from the North Pole to find out who among the Bonell kids – Jesse, 22, Brooke, 20, Claire, 18, Natalie, 16, Karl, 15, Samuel, 13, Cameron, 12, Sabrina, 10, Timothy, 9, Brandon, 7, Eve, 5, Nate, 4, Rachel, 3, Eric, 21 months, and new addition Damian, 6 months – has been naughty or nice.

“They really are a special family,” Santa confides to Woman’s Day. “I just love their passion and their love for each other. It really moves me when I see them together. “Naturally, with a family of this size, Mum and Dad have to be highly organised, but it’s organised in a caring way. I’ve visited their home many times and it’s not regimented, it’s beautifully done, and I’m a very lucky Santa to have these people in my life.” Excited to see Santa, Tim happily declares that, like the famous song, all he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.

Read more about how the Bonell family will be spending Christmas in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale December 12, 2011.

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Giaan Rooney’s romantic country wedding

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Giaan Rooney's wedding

The Olympic swimmer weds her chopper pilot fiance in a romantic country setting.

If Sam Levett didn’t know how lucky he was to be marrying gorgeous Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney before their intimate wedding last weekend, he certainly does now. In fact, he’ll be wearing a constant reminder for the rest of his life! “We have this little joke,” Giaan explains. “Sam likes to wake up most mornings, turn to me and say, ‘You’re so lucky’.

“Before our wedding, I told him I was going to get his ring engraved, and he said, ‘It’s not going to be anything cheesy is it?’ I told him he’d have to wait and see.” Sam found out exactly what she meant on the big day. “I felt he needed to have it on his hand, so I had, ‘I’m so lucky’ engraved onto his ring!” Giaan laughs. “It’s his little reminder.” But something tells us her fun-loving, chopper-flying husband already knows just how fortunate he is to have found his soul mate in Giaan. As he stood waiting for his soon-to-be wife to make her big entrance at their garden wedding, he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. And a good thing, too!

“I told Sam I wanted to be able to see him smiling at me as I walked down the aisle, to make sure he didn’t think he was making the biggest mistake of his life,” Giaan laughs. And sure enough, there was a huge grin plastered on his face. “As soon as I saw him, I couldn’t wait to actually get there and be standing beside him.” For Giaan and Sam, their country wedding, which took place on December 3 at the Seven Creeks Estate in Euroa, a two-hour drive north of Melbourne, was the culmination of their long-distance love story.

When the two met at a mutual friend’s barbecue, the bubbly Channel Nine presenter was busily focusing on her career. Thousands of miles north, Sam was in the process of gaining his helicopter pilot’s licence while mustering cattle at various stations across the Top End. The last thing either of them expected was to fall in love.

See all the beautiful pictures of Giaan Rooney’s big day in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale December 12, 2011.

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*The Block*’s Polly and Waz engaged!

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The Block's Polly and Waz engaged!

The reality stars are finally getting married! And Waz’s romantic proposal couldn’t have been more perfect.

They were the couple we couldn’t get enough of during this year’s series of The Block – gorgeous, down to earth and madly in love. Yet despite calls from across the country for Waz Jones to make girlfriend of three years Polly Porter his wife, the stubborn renovator refused to use the reality show as a platform to propose. There was national outrage.

“It was at a point where I was getting berated by every young girl, every teenager, every mum and every granny on the street, coming up to me and saying, ‘Why haven’t you asked Polly to marry you? What’s going on?’” Waz, 28, laughs, looking at his now-fiancee sitting beside him sporting a huge smile and a dazzling diamond sparkler. “They’d pick up my hand, look at it, realise there was no ring and say, ‘Come on Waz! If you don’t, I will!’” adds Polly, 25. “It was hilarious.”

It’s great she can laugh about it. After all, there can’t be many women who’d find their boyfriend’s reluctance to commit amusing. But Waz says she wasn’t always so understanding. “About 18 months ago, Polly was getting anxious that I was never going to propose. She was really worried that, for whatever reason, it wasn’t going to happen. I had to explain to her that I wanted to be as excited about the engagement as she was, that I had no intention of marrying anyone else, but that I wasn’t ready to get married just yet.” “After that, I relaxed a bit,” Polly adds.

“I guess I knew then that it would happen. Waz said, ‘Let’s just relax and enjoy having a good time together.’” Fast forward 18 months, and they’ve done just that. After Polly was fired from The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, the couple took a well-deserved break. Spending some of their The Block prize money – they pocketed $115,000 – on a holiday, they jetted off late last month to Thailand with good friends and fellow The Block contestants Rod and Tania Walsh and their sons, Jye and Daniel. While an international holiday seems the ideal time for Waz to drop to bended knee, Polly says the idea hadn’t entered her head.

See Polly’s beautiful ring plus find out how Waz popped the question in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale December 12, 2011.

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Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy spotted together again!

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Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy

It was a royally romantic reunion when the prince bumped into his ex at a Christmas concert. Our veteran royal reporter Judy Wade witnessed the encounter.

She is his lost love, the girl he adores but can never marry. So it brought a rush of mixed emotions when Prince Harry bumped into Chelsy Davy at a Christmas carol concert in London. Surprise turned to joy as the blonde bombshell and the royal rascal arrived separately, then collided in a crush of guests entering St Luke’s Church in Chelsea. In one moment, Harry reached out and drew her into his arms for a lingering kiss, while Chelsy looked ecstatically happy to see him again. It was almost as if their May 2010 split, which ended their seven-year love affair, had never happened.

Oblivious to the crowd around them, the former lovebirds clung to each other for a few minutes, hugging as if they would never let go. While Chelsy, 26, has chosen independence and her legal career over being a prince’s bride, her body language hinted that she might be having second thoughts. And though dozens of gorgeous young women gathered around, all anxious to say hello to the world’s most eligible bachelor, Harry, 27, had eyes only for Chelsy. Sadly their reunion could only be brief.

As guest of honour, Harry knew he had to move inside, greet his hosts and do his princely duty, leaving Chelsy to walk off and find her own seat several rows away. The concert was a fundraiser for the charity set up in memory of Harry’s best friend at school, Henry van Straubenzee, who died in a 2002 car crash. As patron, the prince gave a heartfelt speech declaring, “It’s never easy losing someone close to you.”Although, of course, he was referring to his buddy and his late mother, Diana, one guest tells Woman’s Day, “It seemed to me he was also talking about Chelsy because he often gazed at her as he spoke.

”As the concert ended, Harry lingered outside the church, chatting to Carole Middleton, mother of Kate and Pippa, as if hanging around in the hope of stealing another moment with Chelsy. He was rewarded when she appeared with a group of friends and they asked him to join them at the nearby Brompton Club bar, where they partied until 2.30am. The former flames parted with another lingering hug before going their separate ways once again.

See more, including the exclusive pictures of Harry and Chesly’s reunion, in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale December 12, 2011.

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