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Retiree shocked to find super account drained of funds

A retired couple have received the shock of their life after finding out their super was drained to next to nothing after years of hard work. Stephen Lockwood worked his entire life but was forced to retire after having open-heart surgery, a plate placed in his neck for sciatic nerve, and two hip replacements. At 65 years old, Stephen believed that he had enough in his super account for him and his wife Denise. But when Denise went to take a look at the account, she was horrified to find only $48,863.80 of the expected $200,000 that was meant to be in there. It is understood that in 2010, Stephen took advice from MBA Financial Strategists to merge all his super accounts into one. Based on life insurance cover, all three accounts were merged into AXA's Summit Personal Super Plan before merging into AMP the following year. Five years later, Stephen had a record of $79,613.71 in his super but things took a turn despite the couple contributing $800 each month. This was caused by multiple fees each month, particularly for his life insurance and total permanent disability cover, which almost quadrupled from $509 per month in 2013 to $1960 a month this year. He was also being charged for a financial advisor. "They were taking $24,000 a year," Stephen told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/adelaide-couple-call-out-superannuation-fees/3bf0e217-3d45-4dd2-b155-7842490d0205?ocid=Social-9News&fbclid=IwAR0r0e5KfoEOrTIjSGaa_K70Cf7fGheE6E6HeLrsWbGFxDBx6y_pyGX5iv4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. Stephen admitted he wasn’t keeping tabs on his account and assumed that being charged for an advisor from MBA Financial Strategist was okay. MBA Financial Strategists told the publication that they attempted to reach out to Stephen in 2017 but heard no response. "At his most recent review in 2017, we alerted Mr Lockwood that his life insurer was increasing his premiums and it would be prudent to review his level of cover," a spokesperson told A Current Affair. "We made multiple attempts to contact Mr Lockwood over a number of years to assist with his annual review, however due to lack of contact we ceased charging his annual fee for advice in 2020.” Stephen’s account has since been referred to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority with AMP cooperating to receive the best possible solution. Image: ACA

Retirement Life

The most trusted cruise operators in Australia

Image: Getty Most trusted cruise operator: Royal Caribbean According to our data, people love Royal Caribbean for many different reasons. “They have high standards and offer very personal service,” said one respondent. “A hardworking cruise line that ensures your holiday is a relaxing and memorable one,” replied another. Royal Caribbean is bringing world-class, technologically-advanced ships to local waters, with amazing ‘Only On Royal’ activities, such as the North Star observation capsule, sky-diving simulators and bumper cars. With ships sailing from both Sydney and Brisbane from summer 2022-2023, guests have even more choice with departure points. Royal Caribbean has also assembled a taskforce of the world’s leading medical and scientific experts – the Healthy Sail Panel – to help establish measures to keep guests healthy and safe, including upgraded air filtration systems and upgraded onboard medical facilities and medical care. Highly commended cruise operator: Cunard Cunard passengers can travel in luxury on any number of voyages on Cunard’s three magnificent ships: the flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, with guests able to experience a world of freedom and possibility, from learning fencing or tango, listening to an astronaut, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in one of the beautiful atriums. “I think Cunard offer premium quality cruises which makes me think of them as offering a higher quality experience than other operators,” said one happy guest. Highly commended cruise operator: P&O Cruises P&O’s local heritage coupled with an inherent understanding of how Aussies like to cruise is infused into everything it delivers, with the cruise line taking pride in leveraging local Australian talent and entertainment, locally sourced food and beverages, top Aussie chefs and unique live shows. In 2021, P&O Cruises is welcoming two grand class ships, Pacific Adventure® and Pacific Encounter, both with a huge range of signature and new features. Enhanced health measures and protocols, improved impacts on the natural environment, as well as a refresh of onboard experiences including personalised digital applications, all await returning and new guests. “Wonderful experience. Everything that was promised was delivered,” enthused a previous guest. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/cruising/the-most-trusted-cruise-operators-in-australia">Readers Digest</a>.

Cruising

5 benefits of using natural deodorant

Between antiperspirants, traditional deodorants, and now natural deodorants, there are so many options when it comes to helping us smell great. Though these products seem to do the exact same thing at first glance, they differ slightly in how to work to neutralise B.O. While antiperspirants reduce body odour by stopping sweat from reaching the surface of the skin using aluminium salts, traditional deodorants contain ethanol or ingredients with antimicrobial properties to kill the bacteria that eats sweat and produces smell. As for natural deodorant, a relatively new player in the odour-erasing game, it usually contains <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-deodorants-work-smart-girls-guide#what-makes-a-natural-deodorant" target="_blank">three components</a>: ingredients with disinfectant or antibacterial properties, naturally absorbent ingredients to mop up sweat, and essential oils to add a pleasant scent. If you’re considering changing up your routine, here are five benefits that could come with giving natural deodorants a try. 1. It actually allows you to sweat One of the biggest benefits of natural deodorant is that it helps to eliminate unwanted odour while still allowing your body to sweat. Anna Mitsios, the founder of <a rel="noopener" href="https://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/" target="_blank">Edible Beauty Australia</a>, says: “Mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants contain ingredients such as propylene glycol and aluminium salts, which block sweat glands and stop the natural process of sweat. “Sweating is not a body action we want to stop as it allows our bodies to maintain a healthy body temperature.” 2. It stops odour naturally It’s not your sweat that causes body odour, but rather the sweat combined with bacteria already existing on your skin. Natural deodorants help to neutralise your odour, rather than stopping you from sweating. Common ingredients used to neutralise odours include baking soda and magnesium hydroxide. Both have anti-microbial qualities that kill bacteria before they digest sweat and create odour. However, Anna says magnesium hydroxide “is less irritating than baking soda and is less soluble which means it takes longer to fully dissolve in sweat, leading to more staying power”. 3. Care for your clothes Did you know it’s the aluminium in your deodorant that causes those dark yellow stains on your whites? When aluminium mixes with sweat it rubs on your clothing leaving marks over time, and they’re near impossible to get out. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWZeLzfAcLJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWZeLzfAcLJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Edible Beauty (@ediblebeautyau)</a> </div> </blockquote> 4. It’s gentle on your skin If you’ve removed hair from your underarms via shaving or waxing, then you know just how sensitive this area can be. Natural deodorants actually help to combat irritation and provide a more conditioning feel than general aerosols and roll ons. For those who experience skin irritation, eczema, or contact allergies to the fragrances in <a rel="noopener" href="https://dermnetnz.org/topics/antiperspirant" target="_blank">antiperspirants</a>, natural deodorants can also be a gentler option for the skin. 5. An eco-friendly option Choosing a deodorant that is natural, sustainable, biodegradable not only ensures you are armed with the best protection, but means you are also keeping the environment in mind by limiting plastic single-use items and omitting chemicals and toxins. Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Olivia Newton-John receives Japan’s highest honour

Olivia Newton-John <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-03/dame-olivia-newton-john-to-receive-japans-highest-honour/100589182" target="_blank">will receive</a> Japan’s highest honour for her contributions to developing the country’s musical culture and relations between Japan and Australia. The Japanese government announced it would be conferring the Order of the Rising Sun on the Australian singer, who was the first foreign artist to perform in Fukushima following the nuclear disaster that forced the city to evacuate. “I first visited Japan in 1972 and since then I’ve been back more than 10 times, one of my favourite countries and favourite people. A particularly memorable moment was my ‘Pray for Fukushima’ concert in 2015 in Fukushima,” she said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Congratulations, Olivia Newton-John DBE AC <a href="https://twitter.com/olivianj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@olivianj</a>. My favorite singer was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, the Government of Japan announced today. Here is a video message from her! <a href="https://t.co/lNAcLTuwOR">pic.twitter.com/lNAcLTuwOR</a> — Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo (@YamagamiShingo) <a href="https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1455625764267773973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote> “I was deeply touched by the resilience of the people affected by the disaster and it was a heart-warming experience. “I so look forward to visiting Japan and seeing you all again soon, thank you so much.” The 73-year-old has advocated for several causes, including promoting awareness of cancer, and post-disaster recovery efforts such as Fukushima and following Australia’s Black Summer bushfires. Newton-John was previously made a dame in the Queen’s 2020 New Year’s honour list in 2019 in recognition of her services to charity, entertainment, and cancer research. Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

“Human race is doomed”: Model slammed over pose at her father’s funeral

An Instagram model has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/instagram-model-slammed-for-disrespectful-pose-at-fathers-funeral-c-4336312" target="_blank">called out</a> online after posting a “disrespectful” image from her father’s funeral. US influencer Jayne Rivera sparked a heated discussion on Reddit after she posted a photo of herself posing beside her father’s casket. “Butterfly fly away,” she captioned the photo in what was meant to be a heartfelt tribute. She went on to describe her dad as her “best friend” and said his life was “well lived”. But, it was the image she shared alongside the tribute that prompted it to go viral. In the snap, the influencer is wearing a black strapless dress, casting her eyes downward, and posing with her leg bent in a “foot prop” pose that has become popular on social media. In a second image, Ms Rivera was captured in a close-up shot with her hands together and standing right in front of her dad’s open casket. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> this Instagram model’s father passed away,,,, and she did a photo shoot with the open casket…. <a href="https://t.co/u1EVNxaajz">pic.twitter.com/u1EVNxaajz</a> — Mac McCann (@MacMcCannTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MacMcCannTX/status/1453030106528632836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote> Initially, her followers urged her to take it down - but its emergence on Reddit sparked further outcry. “Holy crap, is this so incredibly disrespectful,” one commenter shared. “Hey my dad died, let’s get 5000 likes!” another fumed. “I found her on Instagram and started following her, because one day I’ll have kids of my own, and I need to see where all these parents went wrong,” a third commented. “I can’t have my future kids grow up like this.” Ms Rivera’s Instagram account has since been deleted. <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845135/funeral1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/21fbd12e84124d0a95ce8b2bd1cd6cf7" /> Image: Reddit Another commented on the changing attitudes towards funerals in general. “Last funeral I went to everybody just wanted it to be over so we could go to the bar and tell funny stories about the deceased,” they shared. “Human race is doomed there’s no way it will last till 3000, we need a hard reboot,” another wrote.

Beauty & Style

First look at James Middleton’s French wedding

Just a week after saying “I do”, photos <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/royals/british-royal-family/james-middleton-alizee-thevenet-wedding-photos-69133" target="_blank">have emerged</a> from James Middleton and Alizée Thévenet’s secret French wedding. James and Alizée were wed in the French village of Bormes-les-Mimosas on Saturday, September 11. In an exclusive with Hello! Magazine, which shared the first snap from the ceremony, the newlyweds opened up about their big day. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUAl8EYMtBj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUAl8EYMtBj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by HELLO! Magazine (@hellomag)</a> </div> </blockquote> “There are three important things for a good party: good music, good food and wine, and wonderful people,” James told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/20210919121951/james-middleton-alizee-thevenet-wedding-pictures/" target="_blank">the outlet</a>. “We were lucky enough to have all three.” In the photo shared on the outlet’s Instagram page, James and Alizée are shown beaming while posing together in a classic white car decorated with dried flowers. James wore a cream suit, paired with a blue suit and tie, while Alizée chose a chic, off-the-shoulder white dress that featured a fitted bodice and delicate lacework along the neckline. As her “something borrowed”, the dress was worn by her new mother-in-law Carole Middleton at her own wedding in 1980. “It fitted me perfectly and was exactly what I wanted,” Alizée told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/20210920121962/james-middleton-wife-alizee-thevenet-wedding-dress-borrowed-carole-middleton/" target="_blank">HELLO</a>. “It always troubled me that wedding dresses are only worn once so it was amazing to give such a beautiful dress a second lease of life.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CT44ywAMAo0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CT44ywAMAo0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Alizée Thévenet Middleton (@alizee.thevenet)</a> </div> </blockquote> The couple also revealed that two of their beloved dogs - Ella and Mabel - joined in the ceremony as flower girls. HELLO confirmed that James’ sister Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attended the ceremony with Prince William and their three children. James told the outlet that he couldn’t be happier to be married, especially after having to postpone the wedding twice due to the pandemic. “It was wonderful to finally celebrate with family and friends despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” he said. Images: alizee.thevenet / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Julie Bishop stuns on Brownlow red carpet

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has stunned onlookers once again with her style - this time appearing on the Brownlow Medal red carpet. Julie Bishop posed for photos with her partner David Panton, 60, in Perth on Sunday night. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844210/brownlow1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/70424f921df34d8e923d66dffb07f859" /> Dressed in a black-and-nude dress with an Art Deco pattern, the 65-year-old matched her body-hugging gown with platform heels, and half-updo. Panton complemented her look, donning a white dress shirt, a black velour suit jacket and matching trousers, finished off with a black silk bow tie. Bishop has become well-known for her sense of fashion, describing her style as “classic” in an earlier interview with news.com.au. Bishop and Panton weren’t the only well-dressed couple to grace the red carpet either. West Coast Eagles player Nic Naitanui appeared alongside his girlfriend Brittany Bown, contrasting his matching black suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie against her sea-green gown. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUANPcqh1XR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUANPcqh1XR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Brittany Lee Bown (@brittanybown)</a> </div> </blockquote> Despite his arm brace, Eagles player Dom Sheed appeared with partner Brooke Parker, who dressed in a one-shoulder red gown with an elegant side slit and short train. Matthew Pavlich, former Fremantle Dockers and current 9News presenter, appeared in a suave suit alongside his wife, Lauren O’Shannassy, who donned a pink long-sleeve dress covered in stars and swirling rainbow patterns. Georgia Mitchell, girlfriend of Gold Coast Suns player Sam Collins, arrived at Brisbane’s Brownlow Medal in a stunning white gown with bubble sleeves, a fitted bodice, and full skirt. Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

"The company no longer has the right to exist": AMP sparks outrage

Former AMP customers and consumer rights groups have been outraged by the wealth manager’s tactic to delay returning money that it stole in the “fees-for-no-service” scandal. The “fees-for-no-service” scandal included customers being charged ongoing fees by financial advisors despite not receiving a yearly review as well as charging accounts of people who have died. AMP is now putting the money that it stole into new accounts and then charging new fees. The company has been forced to refund hundreds of millions of dollars in fees and charges that it took from clients, according to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-11/banks-drag-feet-on-fees-for-no-service-response-asic-says/10889194" target="_blank">ABC</a>. Late last year, AMP started to alert former clients about the money that it took in fees while providing no service and opened a new super account in the clients name instead of sending the money back to the client. "As your account with us is closed and we can't pay super benefits directly to you, we've paid this amount into a new AMP Eligible Rollover Fund [ERF] account that was opened in your name," it told them. The move has been slammed as “simply unbelievable” by regulatory and corporate governance academic Andy Schmulow, who lectures at the University of Wollongong. "It is simply unbelievable that after the horror show of the royal commission, AMP has learned nothing, it hasn't changed, won't change and demonstrates that the company no longer has the right to exist," Dr Schmulow said in an interview to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-21/amp-fees-for-no-service-scandal-cash-repaid-in-new-accounts/11883032" target="_blank">ABC</a>. An independent advocacy centre for superannuation customers has also criticised AMP’s move as a shameless grab for new accounts that can be charged the new fees. "This is absurd — people left the fund because it was ripping them off, they're now being forced to re-join to get their money back," Xavier O'Halloran from Super Consumers Australia said. "To make matters worse, they are being thrown into an AMP fund which has massively underperformed comparable funds over the longer term." While there is no entry or exit fees in the AMP fund, there is nothing said about the fees that are charged while the account is open. Administration fees for the fund start at 2.36 per cent with another 0.69 per cent charged as an investment fee. These are far heftier than the fees charged by some of Australia's top-performing investment funds, which return in excess of 20 per cent," Mr O'Halloran said. "For people with low balances, this looks like a naked attempt by AMP to claw back its ill-gotten gains." In the letter received by former clients however, they were urged by AMP not to do anything as the payment has already been made. The payment was made into new accounts that the customers knew nothing about. Mr O'Halloran said: "People would have been much better off being reunited with the money AMP stole from them by having it put into their existing super accounts." AMP responded briefly to questioning from the ABC, explaining why it didn’t first contact former clients before setting up new accounts on their behalf, saying that the practice was legal. It declined to say just how many new accounts were set up or why information about moving the money into a new super account wasn’t included in earlier correspondence to clients. "Remediating customers as quickly as possible is our priority — for members without a current AMP super account, payments were made through an eligible rollover fund (ERF), which was the fastest way to return money to clients and meets the legal requirement for the money to remain within superannuation," an AMP spokesman said.

Money & Banking

The “worst of the worst” products that are “ripping off and misleading” Aussie shoppers

Consumer group Choice has called out some of the “worst-of-the-worst” products being sold to Aussies in their 14th annual Shonky Awards. Choice CEO Alan Kirkland said in a statement the award aims to highlight the items Australian consumers should avoid as they are “ripping off” and misleading” shoppers. “Choice’s job is to stand up against companies doing the wrong thing. The Shonkys draw upon our unique testing, reviews and advocacy to help you identify the worst-of-the-worst,” Mr Kirkland said. “In a time of fake reviews, cash for comment, salespeople and lobbyists everywhere, it’s more important than ever for independent voices to tell the truth. “Following the banking royal commission, it’s no surprise that financial services businesses are such a feature of this year’s Shonkys.” 2019 Shonky Winners Kogan The online retailer has earnt themselves a shonky award this year for their “poor” customer service. Topping the NSW Fair Trading complaint register, the retailer has clocked over 300 complaints from January to July in 2019. Mr Kirkland says Kogan should “stop beating around the bush when its products are defective”. “Kogan must simplify the process for refunds, repairs and replacements to meet community expectations and the law”. He also mentioned the company must improve its customer service, and their refunds and returns policy. Medicare Medicare has been called out by Choice for their “basic” cover health insurance actually costing more than the cheapest “bronze” cover in NSW, the ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Mr Kirkland said: “2019 is the first year that private health insurance has topped the list of financial worries in Choice’s regular national surveys, and it’s easy to see why. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsZlUPMlzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsZlUPMlzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Artyguy (@aussieartyguy)</a> on Jan 8, 2019 at 8:04pm PST </div> </blockquote> “A new system that was meant to make things simpler has turned into a mess. Medibank’s ‘basic’ junk cover costs more than many higher-cover bronze policies. Medibank deserves a Shonky for failing at the basics — simple and affordable health insurance.” IKEA The Swedish furniture retailer has taken a spot on the 2019 Shonky Awards list for their Nedkyld fridge after it's score came in at just 35 per cent for food and freshness, and further failing an energy test. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B077R4PnK5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B077R4PnK5z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Arjun Singh Jain (@arjunsinghjain)</a> on Aug 9, 2019 at 1:21am PDT </div> </blockquote> The Ikea Nedkyld is one of the worst fridges we’ve ever tested,” Mr Kirkland said. “Not only is it terrible at keeping your food cold, when Choice tested the Nedkyld’s energy use against its star rating, it failed the test. “It’s hard to understand how this fridge is still on sale in Ikea stores, especially with a misleading energy label.” AMP superannuation Choice has given AMP superannuation a Shonky award for their being over one million “zombie” super accounts eating away at the retirements of Aussies. Based on APRA data: “AMP received some of the strongest criticism from the banking royal commission — and it was deserved. If your superannuation is with AMP, chances are you’ve had your retirement leeched off of to fund its executives’ lifestyles,” Mr Kirkland said. “Choice has partnered with the new consumer group — Super Consumers Australia — and found that AMP holds the largest number of zombie accounts of any other super fund — accounts that sit there being wasted away by fees and insurance. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BacX4Bkjp1X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BacX4Bkjp1X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by AMP Australia (@amp_au)</a> on Oct 19, 2017 at 1:39pm PDT </div> </blockquote> “For AMP, it’s money for doing nothing. Managing people’s retirement funds isn’t your average business — there’s a higher moral standard to meet when it comes to people’s security and comfort in older age, and AMP have failed this standard.” An AMP spokeswoman told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/choice-shames-products-in-2019-shonkys-awards/news-story/a8c1bd878dd75cedee4a417a501fd412" target="_blank">news.com.au </a>it “can be difficult to draw accurate comparisons and conclusions in relation to inactive accounts due to the varied characteristics of products within trusts and across superannuation providers.” “For example: a large proportion of the AMP accounts classified in APRA’s data as inactive receive a capital guarantee. It is often in members’ best interests to maintain these accounts given the future benefit they will provide. “AMP supports legislative measures that identify and aim to reduce duplicate or inactive accounts.” Freedom Foods XO Crunch The XO Crunch cereal received a Shonky after having 22.2 per cent sugar in their product that they claimed was “a fun and nutritious way to start your kids’ day”. “Freedom Foods proudly displays four health stars on this bag of sugar. Choice says it should be one-and-a-half if health star ratings accurately reflected the amount of added sugar in a product — something that industry groups have lobbied to prevent,” Mr Kirkland said. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/6Lnvb-MNK0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/6Lnvb-MNK0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Freedom Foods (@freedomfoods)</a> on Aug 9, 2015 at 4:46pm PDT </div> </blockquote> “This Shonky shows why the food industry needs to be kicked out of (the) room when it comes to health star ratings. The food industry has gamed the health star system to make a big bag of sugar look like a healthy choice for your kids — and that’s a disgrace.”

Home & Garden

From $200K to $25 – Grieving widow shocked to find late husband’s super fund drained dry

After Kim Garbutt’s husband, Craig, passed away 10 years ago, his family was expecting a cheque for more than $208,000 in death benefits from AMP – Craig’s superannuation fund. Instead, they received $25.09 13 days later. The grieving widow was shocked to find that the account had only a small sum of money when she was under the impression that her husband had left her with $208,000. “When the account arrived, I was a bit dumbfounded,” she told <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-13/widow-expected-$200,000-super-death-benefit-amp-paid-her-$25/10114662">7.30</a>. “Sometime after that I spoke to them and they were saying basically the account had run dry. They went, ‘So sad that he’s died but too bad, the accounts got no money in it.” Ms Garbutt only discovered the account was $212 in arrears – and that AMP had cancelled the policy – five months before Craig’s death. Before his death in 2008, Craig had fought an alcohol addiction which put strain on his marriage with Ms Garbutt. Although the two split shortly after the wedding, they decided to stay legally married for the sake of their two children. Craig, who passed away at the age of 39, was described by Ms Garbutt as someone who was “super smart…he was funny, he liked to dress well.” “He wasn’t ostentatious, he was bombastic, he was just a nice friendly guy. He was well-liked, he was well-loved.” While he tried to seek help by attending rehab facilities, in the end, he couldn’t rid himself of his addiction. Before he passed away, Craig was using friends’ couches and his car to live out of after his business went bankrupt. “He was in debt to what we think is $300,000 to $400,000 to maybe six or seven creditors. Phones had been cut off,” said Ms Garbutt. After investigating, Ms Garbutt discovered that Craig had transferred $1621.93 into the account from his previous super fund in 2003, but in as little as 5 weeks, the amount was down to $1433.77 after he was charged over $188.16 in fees and premiums. Even though Craig had no further contribution to his account after the initial $1621.93, AMP continued to deduct fees and charges – many of which were hidden. AMP claims to have contacted Craig before his death to let him know that his account was low on funds and would be cancelled. They advised her that there was nothing more they can do. According to Ms Garbutt, AMP was not cooperative and refused to speak with her on compassionate grounds, and since Craig’s passing, she has been struggling to compete with the insurance company about Craig’s superannuation and insurance. Ms Garbutt reveals that while AMP sent her late husband letters regarding his fund, he was seriously ill and was not opening mail at the time. A spokeswoman from AMP said that the company “strongly rejects” the idea that Ms Garbutt had been uninformed throughout the process. “At no time were we informed that [Craig] was unwell, and we corresponded with him as early as seven months before his death that he was at risk of losing his valuable insurance,” said the spokeswoman. “We do allow customers to reinstate lapsed policies based on medical evidence, however, we do not allow this where the reinstatement is due to the customer now wishing to claim.” Ms Garbutt claims to have “begged and pleaded” with the insurance giant regarding where Craig’s money had gone, but AMP remained uncooperative. “It was ‘Nope, we told Craig it was going to be cancelled’,” she said. “I went, ‘Craig wasn’t functioning, we wouldn’t have read the letters’.”

Legal

What you can expect from cruising in 2016

Thousands of New Zealanders jumped on a cruise last year and there’s certainly no signs of this slowing. With cruise season just around the corner we’ve taken a look at what to expect in 2016. New additions to fleetsAll signs are leading to another record-breaking season for the cruise industry with the expansion of P&O Cruises’ fleet to five ships expected to make a big difference. Joining the Pacific Dawn, Jewel and Pearl will be the fully refurbished and redesigned Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.P&O Cruises' senior vice-president Sture Myrmell says, “The maiden visit of one ship is always a big occasion, but to have two ships make their first Sydney call together, accompanied by their three big sisters, will make history. It's going to be amazing.”More ships availableFor the first time ever Royal Caribbean is set to have four ships sailing closeby in Australian waters. In December, Royal Caribbean is set to unveil its new Quantum-class ship called Ovation of the Seas. Bookings opened in June and there were reportedly thousands of calls in the first 24 hours!Broader choice of itinerariesPrincess Cruises will have five of its 18-strong fleet visiting nearby Australia. This is set to open a range of cruising possibilities with more itineraries choices than ever from short breaks to places like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Singapore, as well as longer services to popular Pacific Islands and New Zealand routes.

Cruising

Why you should never refrigerate your bread

What do you with leftover bread? Do you wrap it in plastic and keep it in the fridge? Well, despite everything you’ve been told, if you want to keep your bread fresher for longer that’s not the way to do it.Food website Serious Eats broke down the science behind why, explaining that as the bread cools after being baked, its starches will regroup back to the original, crystallised state that causes bread to harden and grow stale. Putting the bread in the fridge actually accelerates the process and the bread becomes stale much faster.So what should we be doing with our bread?Freeze it! Freezing slows down the recrystallisation process of bread so wrap it in an airtight bag or container, store bread in the freezer and let it thaw completely before eating it.Or you can buy unsliced bread, as a bread’s shelf life is reduce once it’s cut. Cut off what you want to eat and if you’re going to be eating the bread in the next few days, place the loaf cut-side down against the table.Related links: <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/01/ways-to-avoid-food-temptations/" target="_self">4 easy ways to avoid food temptations</a><a href="/health/wellbeing/2014/11/7-signs-your-house-could-be-adding-to-your-waistline/" target="_self">7 signs your house could be adding to your waistline</a><a href="/health/wellbeing/2014/11/australians-eat-too-much-salt/" target="_self">Australians eat too much salt</a>

News

Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta

This simple creamy chicken Alfredo fettucine will appeal to palates of all ages.Serves: 4Ingredients: <ul><li>375g fettucine pasta</li><li>400g boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into strips </li><li>2 tablespoon butter</li><li>1 small brown onion, finely diced</li><li>3 cloves garlics, crushed</li><li>2 tablespoons plain flour</li><li>2 cups milk</li><li>¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving</li><li>Salt and pepper</li><li>Fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish</li></ul>Method: <ol><li>Cook fettucine in a boiling saucepan of salted water according to packet instructions. Drain.</li><li>Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Melt butter in frying pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken and onion until chicken is golden. Add garlic and cook for a further 1 minute. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine.</li><li>Turn heat to medium and gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Season to taste. Stir in cheese and pasta. Toss to combine. Garnish with parsley and serve with extra Parmesan.</li></ol>

Food & Wine

Buttermilk scones

Food & Wine

Buttermilk scones

The perfect snack or breakfast on the go, these buttermilk scones are delicious served with jam or whipped cream.Makes: 12Ingredients:<ul><li>2 cups of self-raising flour</li><li>1 tablespoon of caster sugar</li><li>A pinch of salt</li><li>60g of butter</li><li>¾ cup of buttermilk + extra</li><li>6cm round cutter</li></ul>Method: 1. Preheat oven to 220°C and line a baking tray.2. Into a large bowl, sift flour, sugar and salt. Add butter, chopped, and use fingers to mix together until mixed thoroughly.3. In the centre of the dough mix, make a well and pour buttermilk inside. Stir together until a dough forms.4. On a floured surface, knead dough until smooth. Roll dough out using a rolling pin until dough is 2cm in thickness.5. Use round cutter to cut out scones, pressing remaining dough together and repeating until all dough is used.6. Place scones on baking tray and brush with extra buttermilk.7. Bake scones for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2014/12/sour-cream-scones/">Sour cream scones</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/04/cheese-scones/">Cheese scones</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/08/cinnamon-bread/">Brown butter and cinnamon pull-apart bread</a>

Food & Wine

Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta

Food & Wine

The Queen’s style secrets revealed

In Juliet Rieden’s new book, The Royals in Australia, the editor from Australia Women Weekly’s reveals all the Queen’s style secrets.Dresses<ul><li>Sometimes a straight lining is sewn underneath a flared skirt so if the skirt is blown up, the lining isn’t.</li><li>Weights are occasionally sewn into the hems of skirts that may lift in a breeze.</li><li>Fabrics must not crease or crush when Her Majesty sits down, and need to be heavy enough to hang well.</li><li>Day dresses and skirts in the late 1960s and 1970s crept above the knee, but today are just below the knee.</li><li>Cocktail dresses are never longer than the lower calf.</li><li>All dresses need to be easy to stand and sit in, with special attention given to getting in and out of cars.</li><li>Splits must not be revealing when Her Majesty sits down.</li><li>Long gowns must stop just shy of the floor, and not impede walking.</li><li>Beads or crystals on fabrics must not be so large that the dress is uncomfortable to wear and sit in.</li></ul>Coats and jackets<ul><li>Cuffs must not catch on jewellery – such as the Queen’s watch or a bracelet.</li><li>Necklines or collars and lapels must not impede the Queen’s movements or stand too high.</li><li>Fitting is tailored – not too loose.</li></ul>Sleeves<ul><li>While sleeveless dresses and short sleeves featured in the Queen’s early wardrobe, today sleeves are always three-quarter length or full length. The latter stop at the wrist to avoid dipping in soup.</li></ul>Hats<ul><li>Must be off the face and secure so Her Majesty can have both hands free.</li><li>Are secured using two hatpins covered in the same material as the hat and sometimes with a comb sewn into the crown of the hat.</li><li>Must not have a wide brim that prevents people from seeing Her Majesty’s face.</li><li>Must not drop at the back to impede Her Majesty’s collar or sitting in a car.</li><li>Must not have scarves, fabric or feathers that can flap across Her Majesty’s face.</li></ul>Gloves<ul><li>The Queen wears up to five pairs a day.</li><li>The gloves, all made by Cornelia James, are pure cotton jersey, to allow the hands to breathe, and in a variety of colours to match each outfit.</li><li>Evening gloves are three-quarter length to the elbow.</li></ul>Handbags<ul><li>The majority of the Queen’s handbags are custom-made by Launer and similar in shape and style. Her Majesty has been a customer for almost 50 years.</li><li>All Her Majesty’s handbags are lightweight, with a large loop handle that can fit over her arm without impeding handshaking.</li><li>Smaller bags are used for eveningwear, but still with the loop handle.</li><li>What is in the Queen’s handbag has fuelled hundreds of newspaper column inches with no conclusion. In 2014 Her Majesty was photographed taking a lipstick out of her bag, but another essential would certainly be one of the Queen’s hand-stitched handkerchiefs. The collection of royal hankies includes white for the morning and tartan for the country.</li></ul>Shoes<ul><li>Rayne made the Queen’s shoes until 1993, as well as those for many other members of the royal family.</li><li>In her twenties, Her Majesty wore peep-toe sandals and slimmer heels, but the monarch has worn the same courts with a brass chain or bow feature for five decades. The original Rayne shoes are now made by Anello & Davide of Kensington, who bought the wooden lasts (foot model) made from the Queen’s foot and took over the commission from Rayne. The courts are handmade in calf leather in black, patent black, white and beige.</li><li>Day shoes have a two-inch heel. An additional sole is sometimes added for wearing on grass.</li><li>Evening shoes are low-heeled slippers made in gold or silver kid, or courts with a T-bar or silk bow.</li></ul>Umbrellas<ul><li>The Queen uses one model of umbrella for official occasions. It is bell-shaped and transparent so that the monarch can still be seen even in the wettest conditions.</li><li>Umbrellas have a coloured trim, which is matched to Her Majesty’s outfit.</li></ul>Source: The Australian Women's WeeklyRelated links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/09/daphne-selfe-photos/">Iconic images of the world’s oldest model</a><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/09/senior-fashion-icons/">5 fashion icons that prove style is timeless</a><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/08/72-year-old-blogger-style-lessons/">5 looks you’ll want to steal from Judith – the 72-year-old fashion blogger</a>

News

Halloween witch finger biscuits

Spook and delight the grandkids with these delicious, creepy Halloween witch finger biscuits.Makes: 30Ingredients:<ul><li>2 tablespoons of food colouring, red</li><li>30 blanched almonds</li><li>2 eggs</li><li>¼ teaspoon of vanilla</li><li>½ cup of butter</li><li>½ cup of icing sugar</li><li>5 tablespoons of sugar</li><li>1 pinch of salt</li><li>1 ⅔ cups of flour</li></ul>Method: 1. Preheat oven to 175°C and line two baking sheets.2. In a shallow bowl, add food colouring. Half each almond and stir into food colouring. Let sit for darker colour.3. Separate one egg, saving the white. In a separate bowl, whisk yolk, second egg and vanilla.4. Set up your electric mixer with the paddle attachment. Add butter, icing sugar, sugar and salt. Beat until combined. Add egg and beat again until mixture is smooth. Add flour and incorporate into a dough.5. Wrap in plastic wrap and let chill for 20 to 30 minutes.6. Divide dough into two portions, letting one portion chill. On a floured surface, divide one half into 15 pieces. Roll the pieces to form the shape of fingers, pinching to form knuckles. Fingers will expand, so make them skinnier than you want the final result to be. Using a knife, add lines to knuckles.7. Place on baking sheets and repeat.8. Brush fingers with reserved egg white. Add almonds as nails, pushing into dough.9. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned and let cool.Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/jam-drops/">Jam drops</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/02/toffee-apples/">Toffee apples</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/04/baked-apples/">Baked sticky date apples</a>

Food & Wine

Simple potato gratin

This cheesy potato side dish is the perfect complement to any meal – although it’s really good enough to eat on its own!Serves: 8Ingredients: <ol><li>3 tablespoon butter, plus extra for greasing</li><li>3 tablespoon plain flour</li><li>2 cups milk</li><li>1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese</li><li>1 brown onion, finely diced</li><li>8 potatoes, peeled, cut into ½ cm slices</li><li>Salt and pepper, to season</li></ol>Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a casserole dish with butter.2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and salt and pepper. Stir for one minute and then pour in milk. Bring to boil, cooking until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and onions until cheese is melted.3. Layer potatoes on bottom of casserole dish. Add cheese mixture and continue to layer potatoes and cheese. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for one hour. Uncover and bake for a further 30 minutes or until browned. Serve.Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/07/classic-moussaka/">Classic moussaka</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/leftover-chicken-pie/">Leftover chicken pie</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/spaghetti-carbonara/">Spaghetti carbonara</a>

Food & Wine

10 things you didn’t know you could do with talcum powder

While it may evoke memories of nappy changes and bath time, the humble talcum powder is actually one of the most useful products you can have stashed on the shelves. Here are 10 things we bet you didn’t know you could do with a bottle.<ol><li>Set your make-up – Hot weather can cause your tinted moisturizer or foundation to slide right off before lunchtime. Help keep things in place by gently dusting with a light coating of talc to absorb oil and set makeup perfectly.</li><li>Longer lashes – Dust lashes with a light coating of talc before applying mascara for extra length and volume.</li><li>Soothe and treat eczema – If the warmer weather causes havoc with your skin, try smoothing some talc onto sore spots to soothe and calm. Just make sure to pick a fragrance free, dermatologically tested product for sensitive skin.</li><li>Prevent chafing – There’s nothing worse than red raw, chafed skin. Prevent it from happening by applying talc between your thighs or in any other place where friction tends to happen.</li><li>De-sand – Sand sticks to sweaty, hot skin, especially after a day at the beach! Remove it easily by dusting yourself with talc. Talc will remove the moisture and take the sand with it!</li><li>Use as a dry shampoo – If you’ve run out of dry shampoo, talc can be the perfect substitute. Simply sprinkle some under the top layer of hair and brush out. If you’ve got darker locks, mix with some cocoa powder for a perfect result.</li><li>Sort smelly shoes – Sweaty, stinky shoes? Try sprinkling some talc into them and leaving overnight then shaking out the next day.</li><li>Cool your sheets – If the heat is getting the better of you at night, sprinkle some powder between the sheets before hopping into bed. You’ll stay cool and dry all night.</li><li>For silky smooth skin – Apply talc before you wax your legs for a great result, every time. Talc removes any moisture meaning the wax adheres better and also minimizes redness.</li><li>To remove musty smells – If your wardrobe is smelling less than fresh, a small jar or plate of talc will absorb any odours and leave things smelling lovely and fresh.</li></ol>Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/10/style-lessons-from-iris/">Style lessons from Iris Apfel</a><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/10/beauty-product-storage/">The correct way to store beauty products</a><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/10/hair-dye-mistakes/">8 hair-dying mistakes that are more common than you’d think</a>

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