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The sad state of Aussie ski resorts ahead of winter holiday season

Ski resorts in Australia have had to get creative ahead of the tourist-heavy ski season after a lack of snowfall, despite plunging temperatures. The ski season begins this year on the June long weekend, running alongside the King’s Birthday on June 8th. Despite expecting a huge influx of keen skiers, there has only been light flurries of snow so far, according to WeatherZone, which melt away quickly and don't settle on the ground for long. In order to accommodate the busy season, Thredbo has had to resort to using fake snow for people to ski on. Manufactured snow happens by combining pressurised air and water through a ‘snow gun’ that gets blasted out into the air. The most ideal time to create the fake snow is on clear nights with low humidity, as the higher the humidity the colder it needs to be to make the flurries. Several photos from ski.com.au's cameras have shown popular ski sites with a disappointing lack of snow, in scenes similar to last year's ski season. “No significant snowfalls are on the horizon for the mainland Australian ski resorts before the official King’s Birthday Long Weekend season opening,” Weatherzone reports. “Snow-making began on the weekend at several resorts and has continued into the working week in the cold dry, air in the wake of the cold front.” According to WeatherZone, high-pressure systems, which have brought constant rain to the east coast recently, have been blocking the snowfall. Image credits: Xinhua News Agency / Thredbo

Travel Trouble

“Bloody ripper of a meteor” lights up Perth skies

A few lucky Western Australians have witnessed the moment a bright green meteor flashed brightly across the state's South West. The meteor was the size of a cricket ball and had a 200-kilometre-long tail, which was first spotted at around 8.50pm on Wednesday after entering the atmosphere over Pemberton. The rare spectacle, which only happens around three times a year, lasted about five seconds and travelled at a speed of 30 km/h before the mix of iron, rock and ice dissolved over the Southern Ocean. “Iron meteors give off that beautiful green glow,” Perth Observatory spokesperson Matt Woods told 7NEWS. Experts also said that this was triggered by the outer layer of the meteor melting because of intense friction. The observatory said that the meteor had set off a flood of messages, emails and calls from the people that witnessed the natural phenomenon. “That was a bloody ripper of a meteor tonight,” they posted on their Facebook page. One witness said that you had to see it with your own eyes to fully appreciate its beauty. “I will say it was way better in person. It looked almost rainbow-coloured. Just spectacular,” commented one person. “Did anyone just see a bright streak of light shooting from the sky? It was too bright to be a shooting star,” another person shared on social media. “It was massive and extremely bright.” Image: 7NEWS

Domestic Travel

Princess Di's black sheep jumper sells for 14 times over asking price

Princess Diana's famous "black sheep" jumper has sold at auction for more than $1.1million. The iconic red and white (and one tiny bit of black, of course!) jumper fetched precisely $1,143,000 at Sotheby's in New York - making it the most expensive piece of clothing owned by the former Princess of Wales to sell at auction, as well as the most expensive jumper to ever be sold at auction. There were a total of 44 bids within the final 15 minutes of a two-week online bidding process for the famous item of clothing - during which the bidding leapt from $190,000 to $1,143,000, which ultimately pushed the sale to a staggering 14 times over the initial asking price of $80,000. The woollen jumper was worn by Lady Di to a polo match in Windsor in June 1981, just one month before she married the then-Prince Charles. Soon after Diana wore the garment, it was returned to Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the label Warm & Wonderful because of a tear at the cuff. It was sent back to the designers along with a note from Buckingham Palace, requesting that the jumper be either repaired or replaced. A new jumper was knitted for Diana, with Osborne believing the original garment had been lost after the replacement was sent to the Princess of Wales, which she wore to another polo match in 1983. However, Osborne later discovered the jumper, which had been preserved underneath an old cotton bedspread, while searching her attic looking for an old pattern. She got in touch with Sotheby's auction house which gave the garment an auction estimate of around $80,000 - $120,000. Speaking to The Telegraph UK, Osborne said, "We didn't think we had any of the original sheep jumpers, because at the time, we were so desperate to complete orders that we never owned one ourselves, so I couldn't believe I'd found the original Diana sheep jumper." "It took a while to sink in. And we're so lucky it's not fallen to pieces." Sotheby's said of the now-iconic design, "The Black Sheep sweater is one of the most iconic pieces worn by Princess Diana to ever come to market." "The cultural impact of this moment from the 1980s is exemplified by the head of Rowing Blazers, Jack Carlson, who in 2020, requested to partner with the original designers and license the sheep design to be reproduced for his own fashion line." "Since stumbling upon the sweater ... we have been reliving the fond memories of Princess Diana appearing on the front pages of every newspaper in 1981, wearing our very own sweater. "While we are forever indebted to her for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design. We are thrilled that this cherished sweater has now found a new home, carrying with it the enduring legacy of Princess Diana." Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

Princess Diana's iconic jumper to be sold at auction

The iconic black sheep jumper worn by the late Princess Diana is going to auction. The woollen jumper was worn by Lady Di to a polo match in Windsor in June 1981, just one month before she married Prince Charles. Soon after Diana wore the garment to the polo match, it was returned to Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the label Warm & Wonderful because of a tear at the cuff. It was sent back to the designers along with a note from Buckingham Palace, requesting that the jumper be either repaired or replaced. A new jumper was knitted for Diana, with Joanna Osborne believing the original garment has been lost after the replacement was sent to the Princess of Wales, which she wore to another polo match in 1983. However, earlier this year Osborne discovered the jumper, which has been preserved underneath an old cotton bedspread, while searching her attic looking for an old pattern. She got in touch with Sotheby's auction house which has since given the garment an auction estimate of £50,000-£70,000 (approx. $95,000 - $133,000 AUD). It will be auctioned online between August 31st and September 14th. Speaking to <a title="The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/you-can-now-buy-princess-dianas-original-sheep-jumper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph</a> UK, Osborne said, "We didn't think we had any of the original sheep jumpers, because at the time, we were so desperate to complete orders that we never owned one ourselves, so I couldn't believe I'd found the original Diana sheep jumper." "It took a while to sink in. And we're so lucky it's not fallen to pieces." Sotheby's said of the now-iconic design, "The Black Sheep sweater is one of the most iconic pieces worn by Princess Diana to ever come to market." "The cultural impact of this moment from the 1980s is exemplified by the head of Rowing Blazers, Jack Carlson, who in 2020, requested to partner with the original designers and license the sheep design to be reproduced for his own fashion line." "The business partners reported an outstanding response from consumers, emphasizing the immortality of Diana's taste and her influence on popular culture." Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Olympian tragically killed at just 24

Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who only just competed for the United States in the 2022 Beijing Games has tragically passed away at the age of 24. Gasienica died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, according to the Bull Valley Police Department. USA Nordic took to Twitter to share tribute for the late ski champ. “USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica,” they began their post. “A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate and friend. He will be dearly missed. “Rest in peace, Patrick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkiJumpingFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#SkiJumpingFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#TeamUSA</a>." The U.S Ski & Snowboard Team also posted on Twitter about his tragic death. “We are deeply saddened by the passing [of] Patrick Gasienica, an incredible athlete, teammate and person. "Sending love to his family, friends and the entire ski jumping community." Gasienica finished 49th and 53rd in individual events at the Beijing Olympics and secured 10th place in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner and Decker Dean. “We don’t really have a lot of jumpers, but it’s getting better,” Gasienica said in 2022 in China. “Especially since the pandemic, a lot of different kids are joining the different clubs around America. Hopefully in a couple of years — five, 10, maybe — we’ll have a really, really great team.” Image credit: Twitter

News

"Just one snowfall away": Aussie ski resorts dismiss doom and gloom warnings

Australian ski resorts have dismissed warnings about the possibility of a below-average snowfall this season as they prepare for opening weekend. Meteorologists have warned that if a number of climate factors combine this winter, the 2023 snow season could be one of the worst in decades. Although images have shown poor snow coverage at NSW and Victoria’s biggest ski resorts, staff have rejected concerns the season won’t pick up. Michael Fearnside, operations director at Perisher Ski Resort, the largest in the southern hemisphere, told news.com.au it is “certainly not doom and gloom” for the industry. According to Fearnside, only time will tell. “This is my 38th winter working in the snow industry and some of our best seasons have begun with low snowfall at the start,” Fearnside said. “Our business is weather dependent but we’re always just one snowfall away, it’s no different to a farmer waiting for the weather to break.” Similar to other resorts, Fearnside added Perisher had made significant investments in snow-making and as a result, they haven’t had to rely on snowfall, with snow guns ready to be deployed “as soon as the conditions are right”. “Our snow-making covers 53.4 hectares across the resort and sets us apart for having the most reliable ski and board experience all season long,” “It’s certainly not doom and gloom, we’ve seen this before and we’re just waiting for the weather pattern to settle down.” Snowy Mountains ski resort Thredbo will need to rely on its own snow-making, despite it and Perisher being the first to see snow in April. Meanwhile, in Victoria’s Alps, the Mount Buller Alpine Resort has been steadily producing a mass amount of snow since the beginning of May and has a network of 341 snow-making guns ready to “kick into action” when necessary. Resort spokeswoman Rhylla Morgan said it is “all hands on deck” to finalise preparations. “In recent seasons there have been bumper early snowfalls and we’ve been spoiled with plenty of natural snow from the beginning,” she said. “And as much as we love to see snowfall at any time, we are taking comfort in the fact that early snow doesn’t translate to a better snow season.” Morgan noted two of the best snow seasons on record at Mt Buller, 1956 and 1958, “had no snow for the season start in June”. “But we’ll leave the forecasting to the professionals and, like all snow enthusiasts, we’ll be watching the forecast closely and hoping for the best.” Victorian resorts, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek are hoping to repeat the record-breaking 2022 snow season, the first full return after the Covid lockdowns. Mt Hotham’s general manager of operations Len Dobell said the mountaintop resort had its “best season on record” in 2022. Falls Creek Alpine Resort head of marketing Andrew Eckersley said the resort had “more than 500,000 visitation days” in 2022, and was already expecting similar numbers of bookings in 2023. “Last year there was massive pent-up demand from people not being able to ski as much as they want over the last few years in,” Eckersley said. “The fact there’s not a huge amount of difference shows there’s still the appetite to visit the snow.” Although those numbers could be attributed to earlier snowfalls leading to an earlier season opening, Eckersley said he was hopeful the cold front ahead would bring some snow. Sky News Australia meteorologist Alison Osbourne confirmed that despite there being a cold front shifting across the alpine regions, it is not guaranteed to bring snow. “The best weather systems for good snowfall have the most precipitation after a cool change, so it's cold enough for heavy snow,” she said. “This is the opposite, heavy rain is coming before the cold weather does. The freezing level is far too high. “This rain is very likely to wash away the existing cover and while it remains warm, windy, and wet, conditions for snow-making are unfavourable.” Cooler westerly winds are expected to push over the Alps on June 16, lowering the freezing level in time for the June 10 snow season opening, but not enough for significant snowfall. “The silver lining is that snow-making conditions improve for the rest of the weekend.” Image credit: Getty

Travel Trouble

What’s better than a hand-knitted jumper they’ll never wear?

Grandchildren are so simple when they’re young. You give them all the things that their parents say no to – late bedtime, endless sugary treats and drum kits, for example – and you’re good to go. That special bond you share is strong, and you’re at the centre of their world. But as they start to get older, grandchildren can get a whole lot more complicated. What was cool last year is embarrassing this year, and who can keep up with all the technology and media they’re into these days? Yes, you could put some cash in a card, but this approach can lack that personal touch. And while a few fifties inside a birthday card, or something you knitted yourself, may seem like a safe and lovely gift, you know you can do better. That’s why Personalised Plates are an excellent gift idea that your grandkids will cherish for many years to come. Show you really know them The beauty of Personalised Plates is that you can tailor them to be unique and distinctive, making them the perfect way to show your grandchild that you care about them and their interests. More than just a random collection of letters and numbers, Personalised Plates give you the chance to celebrate your grandchild’s hobby, career, interest, identity, family nickname, or even simply just their name, in a way that’s fun and memorable. And unlike those fifties or that jumper, a personalised plate won’t be forgotten by this time next year – it will be around for years to come. Something else that makes Personalised Plates a great gift is that they’re practical. Your grandchild will use it and be reminded of you every time they drive their car. It’s perfect for everyone Plus, it’s a gift that can suit anyone, regardless of their age or interests. That versatility means you can get one for each grandchild – for birthdays or Christmas, or perhaps to celebrate them passing their driving test or when they get their first car. It can be your thing – and you don’t have to think of a new gift for each grandchild. All you have to do is come up with a personalised plate idea for each one as they reach that milestone. How to choose When it comes to choosing the right Personalised Plates for your grandchild, the options are almost endless, but don’t let that overwhelm you. When you’re choosing Personalised Plates for your grandchild, the first thing you’ll need to do is check whether the plate combination you want is available. That’s the unique number and letter combination. You can check availability on the <a href="https://www.ppq.com.au/?utm_campaign=gifting&utm_source=over_sixty&utm_medium=fabulate&utm_content=grandparents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PPQ website</a>. Let your imagination (or family stories or your own unique relationship) be your guide here, but if you want some help getting started, some ideas you can use are: <ul> <li>Name</li> <li>Initials</li> <li>Birthday</li> <li>Anniversary</li> <li>Family nickname</li> <li>Job or business name, or perhaps their career goal</li> <li>Hobbies</li> <li>Personality trait</li> <li>A family joke or shared memory.</li> </ul> Then it’s time to choose the plate design. Choose from a range of different styles and themes to find something that suits your grandchild. Are they a big rugby league fan? An animal lover? Are they into DC Comics or Loony Tunes? Or do they prefer classic European or Japanese styling? There’s a personalised plate to suit all tastes. Get creative While many of the more popular names and words might be taken, don’t be afraid to get creative with the spelling, by using numbers or phonetics. Think P3TER, K4REN, D4V3. Or JESSSS or JOOLS. Plates really are the perfect personalised gift, because they’ll suit all your grandchildren, but they’ll never see another one quite like the one you’ve given them. And no matter what you choose, now and into the future, their Personalised Plates will be a reminder of your special bond, and your grandchild can be reminded of how much you care every time they hop into their car. It’s a gift that can last them a lifetime. Start designing your perfect personalised plate gift on the <a href="https://www.ppq.com.au/?utm_campaign=gifting&utm_source=over_sixty&utm_medium=fabulate&utm_content=grandparents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PPQ website here</a>. Or, if you want to give your grandchild the gift of Personalised Plates but you’re worried about making the right choice, give them a PPQ gift voucher and let them decide for themselves. Gift vouchers start at $100. <a href="https://www.ppq.com.au/products/gift-vouchers?utm_campaign=gifting&utm_source=over_sixty&utm_medium=fabulate&utm_content=grandparents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more here</a>. Images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with PPQ.

Family & Pets

"She's really left us": Stunning double rainbow graces the skies

As news of Queen Elizabeth's passing broke, people in the UK took to the gates of both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to pay their respects to the monarch. As mourners gathered arm-in-arm to remember their Queen, they were graced with an emotional and magical sight. A spectacular double rainbow appeared over the dreary skies of London, with devastated Brits saying the Queen "sent us a sign" and that she has "really left us". The double rainbow even appeared over the Victoria memorial, prompting some to say it is "Queen Elizabeth with Prince Phillip". One twitter user said, "The rainbow at Windsor Castle made me cry. The rainbow Queen sent us a sign." Another said, "A rainbow breaks out, as the Union Jack is lowered to half-mast at Windsor tonight. A remarkable image. Farewell, Ma'am." The monarch was under medical supervision due to her deteriorating health but unfortunately died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8th at 8:30pm local time (3:30am AEDT). “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” The Royal Family tweeted. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” The public was notified of her death through the traditional form of a formal message placed on an easel on the railings outside the Palace. Image credits: Getty Images / BBC News

Caring

Diana dubbed an “icon” of this winter fashion trend

Those hitting the slopes this winter have been inspired by a surprising fashion icon, with Princess Diana’s iconic ‘après-ski’ style being adopted on the snow and runway. Though many of us might turn to snow jackets and pants, insulating thermals, and helmets for a trip to the snow, the trend of ‘après-ski’ - meaning the ‘after ski’ socialising Diana is considered an icon of - has even made an appearance in Balenciaga’s latest runway show, starring Bella Hadid in a faux snow field. <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbXoLJ9g93L/?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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbXoLJ9g93L/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)</a> </div> </blockquote> Leather pants, chunky knits, faux fur headbands and stirrup leggings are mainstays of this trend, with celebrity stylist Elliot Garnaut noting that it is all “about transitioning” from the slopes to socialising. “The key to a chic après look is incorporating your pieces from the slopes: your ski jacket becomes your going-out jacket,” Mr Garnaut told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/fashion-trends/bye-bye-helmet-apresski-style-you-need-to-know-this-snow-season/news-story/1d581d07e6e1aa3ec2d6689632e3c8ab" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. “Ditch the thermals and skivvys from day, replace with an oversized knitted turtle neck for evening. “Bye bye helmet, woollen hat or beanie, replace your face covering with your favourite scarf. It’s as simple as replacing your technical elements with those of fashion items.” LA-based Australian luxury fashion expert Gab Waller said her clients have requested “unique pieces” to dress up their post-skiing outfits, adding that ski capsules are a feature across the major fashion houses each year. “As always, whatever the celebs wear on their ski holidays tends to influence the slope style for the season,” Ms Waller explained. “So when Kendall Jenner wore New Zealand brand, Entire Studio, snowboarding we got several requests for their oversized puffers.” She pointed to Diana - known for styling thick headbands and red snowsuits - as an icon of this trend. “I am a huge fan of the iconic looks by Princess Diana from the 90s,” she said. “My tip for great après-ski style is definitely to stay warm but play with colour and accessories to accentuate your look. “A bold ski goggle or helmet goes a long way to making a look pop.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/diana-apres-ski.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Princess Diana’s bold snow-suits and ski attire have made her an icon of the après-ski style. Image: Getty Images Unsurprisingly, this trend isn’t a new one, with Vogue Australia fashion features director Alice Birrell noting that après-ski was at the fore in the 1960s. “From cocktails on the slopes at ice bars, to stand-up picnics and drinks by the (heated) pool, there was an occasion to dress for and, continuing through to today, it demanded comfort as much as style,” Ms Birrell said. “Après-ski means high-winter style cues like faux fur-accents, luxurious soft knits, with an undercurrent of sportswear; think athleisure with the glamour factor dialled up. “More than anything, it’s an attitude. In a throwback to those salad days of the jet-set, it’s about luxuriating in the post-ski glow of knowing you’ve put in a decent session on the slopes and rewarding yourself with a hot buttered rum (the drink de jour back then) in an outfit that signals elevated ease.” For those looking to adopt this attitude in their own outfits, Ms Birrell suggested trying a matching knit set in a monochrome or matching print. “Those who prefer the sportier side of ski are leaning into second-skin jumpsuits – think a modern catsuit worn under boots- or leggings,” she continued. “Look for accents that nod to performance wear like contrast colour details, or high-vis colours. For accessories it’s oversized sunglasses – to block out the glare – and the return of the moon boot.” Images: Getty Images / @bellahadid (Instagram)

Beauty & Style

Devastating reason ski-resort won’t reopen

A ski-resort in NSW won’t be able to open up this winter due to the early snowfall which has now delayed a rebuild that was destroyed in the 2020 bushfires. Selwyn Snow Resort shared the devastating news on Facebook explaining the hurdles they keep overcoming and will come out stronger after this one. The family friendly ski-resort was completely destroyed during the horrific bushfires that blanketed the state in 2020. “We’re deeply saddened that we find ourselves in this situation,” the post read. “Due to unprecedented early snowfalls the Selwyn re-build will not be complete by 2nd July.” Despite occurring during off-season, five of their employees had to be evacuated but with high hopes of reopening. The past seven days has seen some record snowfall and the resort was upset after the builder explained that it would be difficult to complete the renovations and rebuilding on time. “It’s difficult to be here after the hurdles we have faced over the last few years, and we want to thank our guests and the public for your ongoing support. “We know that this is devastating news for our guests, employees and local communities, and want you to know that we share this sadness with you and look forward to a fresh start in 2023.” Guests who purchased products from Selwyn Snow Resort will be refunded in full. Image: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Possible jail time for border jumpers who snuck into AFL Grand Final

Two Melbourne socialites have been arrested in Western Australia following a state-wide manhunt on Monday night, with the pair facing accusations of sneaking into Perth for the AFL Grand Final. The Melbourne Demons fans came from Victoria - which is currently battling through a wave of COVID infections - and have been charged with failure to comply with directions. Hayden Burbank and Mark Babbage were found near Margaret River on Tuesday and have been arrested over claims they’ve broken COVID-19 rules in three states. Burbank first came to the attention of police after being spotted in a photo of the grand final on AFL’s official Instagram account. <img style="width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844460/demons-afl.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7ace81cbd1d84aa7914feabe319a7ddc" /> Hayden Burbank (left) spotted celebrating with Demons players. Image: Channel 7 The men were seen laughing, shaking hands, and posing for photos with Demons players and the coach. One has returned a negative COVID-19 test result, while the second man’s result was inconclusive, prompting a second test on Tuesday night. Health protocols are being put in place in the areas where the pair were following their arrival in WA. Police allege the pair left Melbourne on September 14, stayed in Darwin, and then flew to Perth on September 22. The men allegedly falsified their application for G2G passes to enter WA, after providing Northern Territory driver’s licence papers and other supporting documentation. Since the Northern Territory is classified as a low-risk border, no exemption was needed. But, WA Police now allege the driver’s licence papers were false. Police received an anonymous tip-off on September 27 that the men were in Victoria 14 days before their arrival in WA. <img style="width: 500px; height: 312.3076923076923px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844461/demons-afl2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8d77551100864fc290195a68ce2aeac2" /> The two men were spotted celebrating at the AFL Grand Final. Image: 7NEWS The authorities also claim the pair didn’t complete a full 14-day quarantine after travelling from Melbourne. “To say this is a disappointment is an understatement,” WA vaccine commissioner Chris Dawson said. “How people can knowingly put people at risk in these times is selfish and contemptible.” Both men will appear in a Perth court on Wednesday, facing a maximum penalty of $50,000 or 12 months jail if found guilty of COVID breach charges. Northern Territory Police have said regional Victoria was not a hotspot at the time the men arrived in Darwin, but that they are investigating the information the two men provided when they entered the NT. Image: @afl / Instagram

Travel Trouble

Kochie and Natt Barr shocked by "border jumpers" during live cross

The hosts of Sunrise have been left stunned during an interview on the Queensland border. David Koch and Natalie Barr were interviewing a pair of elderly sisters who have been separated since the last minute decision to close the NSW-QLD border. 72-year-old Susan Sice was turned away from her home state of Queensland after going to work in NSW, with officials saying she needed to fly back into the state and go into hotel quarantine. The pensioner is unable to afford these drastic measures, and is being forced to pay $600 a week to stay in a caravan park in NSW. Susan's sister Sandi told the Sunrise team that the “heart-wrenching” situation has left her sibling, who struggled to speak, “absolutely gutted”. “She can’t eat, can’t sleep, feels totally abandoned by our Queensland Government,” she said. “They don’t care, she’s got pets at home, she had been 10 minutes from the border doing half a day’s work and she can’t get home. It’s an absolute disgrace.” During the interview with the emotional sisters, Kochie and Nat were shocked as school children began jumping the barricade in the background to go to school. The children of essential workers are allowed to cross the border for face-to-face schooling. “Hang on, there are people behind you jumping the fence! They’re going to school and your sister can’t get back home,” Kochie said. “To expect her to fly in and go to quarantine and kids are jumping the fence to go to school just shows the hypocrisy and ludicrousy of it.” Sandi went on to explain that because her sister has been identified by the police, she is unable to simply hop the fence herself. "All she wants to do is drive home. They won’t allow her in. They expect you to fly in and go into quarantine. She’s here for god’s sake," she said. Nat and Kochie went on criticise the Queensland government as as “absolutely heartless,” "criminal,” and “just stupid”, saying “there’s got to be some flexibility”. “We can see Susan is suffering terribly, we understand that they’ve got border rules in place to keep Queenslanders safe but surely there are some exemptions and surely this is one of them,” Nat said. Susan has applied for a travel exemption to get into Queensland, but has yet to get a response from the government. After the interview aired on Sunrise, an anonymous viewer offered to pay for Susan's accommodation until she is allowed to return home in an incredible act of kindness. Image credit: Channel Seven

COVID queue jumper met with road rage response

A frustrated man in Cairns has confronted a daring queue jumper at a busy drive-through COVID-19 testing centre. On the first day of lockdown for the city in the north of Queensland, tensions were high as many lined up in a queue stretching for kilometres to get tested for coronavirus. The argument kicked off when one driver pulled into an empty stretch of road in front of several vehicles who had been waiting for their turn to get tested. A man witnessed the car jump the queue, and waved down a cameraman for 9News who was filming the area to expose the audacious driver. When the driver refused to leave their spot in the queue, the man made aggressive hand gestures at the car's driver and stood in front of its bonnet. <img style="width: 445.4828660436137px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842985/cairns-man.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8d806272ecd1408db4183845bf73ba9d" /> Image credit: Nine News The car then rolled forward, forcing the man to slide up onto the bonnet and sit there defiantly. "Mate it was pretty full-on wasn't it, ay," witness Jan Bradley told 9News. Residents have said that sights like these are becoming more common, as COVID-19 cases grow in the region causing long lines and wait times at both testing and vaccination clinics. One local said, "People's tempers getting frayed sitting here, but I mean you've gotta do it." Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman has urged locals to re-assess their behaviour during the three-day lockdown, as police have called for patience and calm during the difficult time. Image credits: Nine News

Legal

‘Pink’ supermoon will light up our skies tonight

Looking up at the sky tonight, you can expect to see a full moon making its closest approach to Earth this month in a phenomenon described as a supermoon. In North America, the April full moon is also known as a “pink” moon. Despite the name it actually isn’t pink in colour. According to folklore, the moon is named for the first pink flower of the season. While the Moon will look full for the whole of tonight, the full moon happens at a specific point in time in astronomy, when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun (syzygy). This year, the full moon occurs just after midday on April 26th in every state except Western Australia, where it falls at 11am. 12 hours later, perigee happens, where the Moon comes within 357,378 kilometres from Earth. Because perigee happens within 24 hours of a full moon, it’s also called a “supermoon”. But astronomers prefer to call this kind of “supermoon” a perigee-syzygy moon. Whatever name you choose to call it, you can see the Moon in all its glory from the moment it rises. <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/COIxVNDhuTb/?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/COIxVNDhuTb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Maus Taus Trading Co. (@maus_taus)</a> </div> </blockquote> “The astronomical full moon is 12 hours away from perigee, but to the casual observer it makes no difference,” says casual astronomer Ian Musgrave. When can I see the supermoon? Though the Moon will look huge as it rises just above the horizon, the time to see the Moon at its closest point will be just before or after midnight, depending on your time zone. For those in AEST time, the Moon will be its largest at 1.22am on April 28, while those in ACST and AWST can catch the phenomenon at 12.52am and 11.22pm respectively. In reality, it can be hard to tell the difference between a supermoon, normal full moon, and mini moon with the naked eye. “But if you are measuring the Moon in a telescope, you’ll see it get bigger as it gets higher in the sky [and] as it gets closer to actual perigee,” Dr Musgrave says. How common are supermoons? Surprisingly, supermoons occur pretty frequently. Last year, there were three supermoons, including a pink one. But, the actual number of supermoons depends on how you define the term, according to astronomer Andrew Jacob of Sydney Observatory. The term was originally coined in 1979 to describe full moons and new moons that occur when the Moon is within 90 per cent of perigee. Some define supermoons by the 24-hour rule, while others believe a supermoon occurs when the Moon is less than 360,000 kilometres from Earth. Under the first rule, there are two super full moons this year. Using the second rule, there are three super full moons and two super new moons occurring this year. The next super full moon will fall in May. Not only will it be slightly closer than the April full moon, it will also be a total lunar eclipse across Australia. This means the Moon will actually change colour as it passes through Earth’s shadow and will be red. Known as a “blood moon”, the colour is caused by sunlight that is filtered and refracted as it passes through the atmosphere.

News

Come ski with us

‘Haere mai - welcome to all our Aussie friends and rellies,’ says Justine Tyerman as the first snows of 2021 dust mountain tops around Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island. ‘Now the trans-Tasman bubble is open, come ski with us!’ Crack open the bubbly . . . or the beer! This coming winter season, with the long-awaited trans-Tasman bubble now open, we are welcoming our Aussie rellies and mates back to our ski resorts. It will be a time of great celebration! Our Sydney-based family will finally be able to join us so we’re planning a family reunion at beautiful<a href="https://www.buchananlodge.co.nz/"> Buchanan Lodge</a> on the shores of Lake Wanaka. We’re all keen skiers so depending on the weather and snow conditions, we’ll head for either Cardrona or Treble Cone which are both now covered by a single lift pass. <img style="width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840885/2-justine-on-cardronas-southern-boundary-with-willows-basin-in-the-background.gif" alt="Justine on Cardrona's southern boundary with Willow’s Basin in the background. Picture by Chris Tyerman" data-udi="umb://media/d371d59177fa4fd7aaaf7c2429fc5425" /> Justine on Cardrona's southern boundary with Willow’s Basin in the background. Picture by Chris Tyerman Cardrona purchased Treble Cone Ski Area in January, 2020, so the winter of 2021 marks the second season that Treble Cone has operated under the banner of Cardrona Alpine Resorts. Prior to this, Cardrona, 34 kilometres south-west of Wanaka up the Cardrona Valley, and Treble Cone, 23 kilometres north-west of Wanaka on the Mt Aspiring Road, had been arch rivals. Cardrona marketed itself as a friendly, fun field accessible to all levels of skiers and snowboarders while Treble Cone was largely the exclusive domain of experts. Cardrona’s 400 hectares are characterised by cruisy, open, undulating, perfectly-groomed pistes, gentle basins and world-class terrain parks. The field is classified as 25 percent beginner, 25 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced and 20 percent expert. Treble Cone’s 550-hectare field is famous for its long, steep, uncrowded runs, natural half pipes and chutes, legendary off-piste terrain and spectacular panoramas over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The resort is classified as 10 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate and 45 percent advanced. In the words of Cardrona Alpine Resorts’ General Manager, Bridget Legnavsky, the pair are a perfect match. ‘Cardrona and Treble Cone are the yin to each other's yang . . .’ Cardrona is my preferred mountain. It’s more mellow than Treble Cone - I’ve skied at ‘Cardy’ for 40 years and know it so well, I can find my way down in a complete whiteout. I’ll leave Treble Cone’s steep, challenging pistes to my daredevil sons-in-law. Besides, the winter of 2021 brings a real game-changer at Cardrona – there’s thrilling new terrain to explore this season thanks to the installation of the Willow’s Basin chairlift, the first of the Soho Basin developments on Cardrona’s southern boundary. <img style="width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840886/3-soho-basin-and-the-southern-alps-from-the-top-of-cardrona.gif" alt="Soho Basin and the Southern Alps from the top of Cardrona. Picture by Justine Tyerman" data-udi="umb://media/abe0fdfc561045b283a96a1dc9bdb329" /> Soho Basin and the Southern Alps from the top of Cardrona. Picture by Justine Tyerman Real Journeys, who own Cardrona Alpine Resorts, bought the ski field rights to the privately-owned Soho Basin in July 2018. When development is complete, the resort will effectively more than double in size to over 900 hectares of skiable terrain, creating New Zealand’s largest alpine resort. I’ve long drooled over Soho’s wide, pristine slopes which overlook the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern Alps - itching to plunge off the edge of the Skyline cat track and carve lines in the virgin snow. The high altitude, southerly-facing aspect of the Soho field means it receives and retains a great cover of early and late snow. So this winter, skiers and snowboarders will be able to blast their way into virgin territory hitherto accessible only by snowcat. <img style="width: 500px; height: 374.609375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840884/1-from-this-winter-skiers-and-snowboarders-will-have-access-to-the-wide-open-slopes-and-valleys-of-willows-basin-on-cardronas-southern-boundary.gif" alt="From this winter, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the wide open slopes and valleys of Willow’s Basin on Cardrona's southern boundary. Picture supplied" data-udi="umb://media/3099cca6422345f0ae3aeda77e527a2a" /> From this winter, skiers and snowboarders will have access to the wide open slopes and valleys of Willow’s Basin on Cardrona's southern boundary. Picture supplied Ironically, the Willow’s chairlift – the upcycled, refurbished former McDougall’s Quad that was replaced by the McDougall’s Chondola in 2017 – was originally destined for the Pringles area below Captains Café but the discovery of rare and endangered lizards in the construction zone in 2019 necessitated a radical rethink. I for one, was ecstatic with the news. While the Pringles lift would have undoubtedly unlocked some seriously-challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders, for people like me who only get to ski a week a year if I’m lucky, the cruisy, sunny slopes of Willow’s Basin will be absolute perfection. After all, the experts have a whole mountain to themselves at Treble Cone. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.5px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840883/new-zealand-skiing.gif" alt="Treble Cone is known for its long, steep, uncrowded runs. Treble Cone photo" data-udi="umb://media/81e2e453e61645c5b2c523cd6109c431" /> Treble Cone is known for its long, steep, uncrowded runs. Treble Cone photo Looking down into Willow’s, there’s no sign of the eponymous trees which grow so prolifically alongside Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River. Turns out the basin and the new lift were named after the cult classic film, Willow, scenes of which were filmed at Cardrona in the 1980s. Further lifts are planned for Soho in the future, including a main express chairlift which will link the area to the top of Captain’s Basin. But thanks to the lizards, the Willow’s lift is under construction right now! And there’s more good news — the Valley View Quad will be back in operation for the 2021 season after being out of action last year due to Covid-19 severely restricting Cardrona’s operational capacity. This lift, combined with the new Willow’s Quad, will increase the resort’s uphill lift capacity by 44 percent compared with last season. We’re now on the countdown to Cardrona’s opening day sometime in June. The first snow of the season has dusted the mountain tops and Central Otago’s spectacular autumn colours are a riot of scarlet, gold and amber. <img style="width: 500px; height: 333.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840887/4-cardrona-has-cruisy-open-undulating-perfectly-groomed-pistes-mellow-basins-and-world-class-terrain-parks.gif" alt="Cardrona has cruisy, open, undulating, perfectly-groomed pistes, mellow basins and world-class terrain parks. Cardrona Alpine Resorts photo" data-udi="umb://media/525c3f9f49b248fb9dafe6dbfcefa702" /> Cardrona has cruisy, open, undulating, perfectly-groomed pistes, mellow basins and world-class terrain parks. Cardrona Alpine Resorts photo So make sure to get your Earlybird multi-day pass before April 30 when the sale ends. Apart from saving money, having a multi-day pass (or even better, a season pass) allows you to avoid ticket office queues at Cardrona’s base facilities because you can park further down the road in the Valley View Quad car park or sneak into a small park just above the bottom of the Whitestar lift. It also shaves valuable minutes off the drive up the mountain . . . so you can beat the Aussies to the powder! * For more information go to:<a href="https://www.cardrona.com/winter/"> Cardrona Alpine Resorts</a> * Stay at<a href="https://www.buchananlodge.co.nz/"> Buchanan Lodge</a> overlooking Lake Wanaka * Hire a<a href="https://www.jucy.com/nz/en/"> JUCY</a> Rental vehicle from the depot near Queenstown Airport.

International Travel

Grace on the mountain: Crown Princess Mary's adorable ski-holiday snaps

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has given royal fans a glimpse of the family’s latest skiing holiday via the Danish Royal Family Instagram account. Princess Mary, 48, relaxed against the mountains of Switzerland with her beloved dog Grace, who has been with the family since 2017. Her son, Vincent, 9, was also shown in another photo relaxing in the snow next to Grace. Princess Mary and her four children Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine began a 12-week spring term last month at the Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland. It’s clear that the family are enjoying their time in Switzerland, as the Danish Royal Family Instagram account captioned the snaps “A greeting from Switzerland where Grace enjoys life in the mountains and snow.” The snaps quickly racked up 28,000 likes from royal fans who were excited to see the family relaxing with their dog. Scroll through the gallery to see the snaps.

International Travel

Reese Witherspoon could be her daughter’s twin in stunning ski selfie

Reese Witherspoon’s 20-year-old daughter, Ava Phillippe is growing up to look exactly like her after her mother took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of the duo on a skiing trip. Looking more like sisters rather than mother-daughter, Witherspoon captioned the selfie “Weekend ski bunnies” as the photograph overlooked the mountains. Ava showed her appreciation in the comments, writing, “I love youuuu”. The pair are known to have a close relationship with the actress regularly sharing snaps of the two on her Instagram page. <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/B8orIcvAzGT/?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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8orIcvAzGT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Weekend ski bunnies 🎿</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reesewitherspoon/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Reese Witherspoon</a> (@reesewitherspoon) on Feb 16, 2020 at 9:06am PST </div> </blockquote> Ava, who is currently in her second year of college at the University of California, Berkeley, also shared a photo of her mum while she was visiting her on campus. Phillippe is also her mother’s biggest supporter. In December last year she posted a congratulatory caption on Instagram after Witherspoon was honoured with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women in Entertainment gala. <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/B5HYpgFn6kt/?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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5HYpgFn6kt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">quick visit from my cute mama ❤️</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/avaphillippe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Ava</a> (@avaphillippe) on Nov 20, 2019 at 9:15pm PST </div> </blockquote> “Major congratulations to my mama, who received an award today for her leadership in the industry that she cares so deeply about improving. I’m so grateful to have a mom this thoughtful, passionate, and courageous, and I’m glad other people can recognise how special she is!” she wrote. <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/B58gwMDJcKT/?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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B58gwMDJcKT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Major congratulations to my mama, who received an award today for her leadership in the industry that she cares so deeply about improving. I’m so grateful to have a mom this thoughtful, passionate, and courageous, and I’m glad other people can recognize how special she is! 💐</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/avaphillippe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Ava</a> (@avaphillippe) on Dec 11, 2019 at 12:26pm PST </div> </blockquote> Phillippe’s dad, actor Ryan Phillippe, told Entertainment Tonight in 2017 that he finds it strange to be constantly told how his kids, Ava and Deacon, look exactly like their parents. "I mean, it's weird, because isn't that obvious?" he joked. "Who else are they going to look like, you know? I always find that such a weird thing, like, [Ava] looks exactly like her mother, who else is she going to look like? It's an odd thing that people fixate on that."

Beauty & Style

The item set to walk off the shelves during ALDI's biggest sale of the year

Those who shop at ALDI love the annual snow gear Special Buys sale. The event, launched in 2008, is ALDI’s most popular Special Buys event. From jackets, goggles, boots and thermal wear, ALDI’s Special Buys snow sale provides shoppers with everything they need to stay warm in the snow at a low price point. Insiders revealed to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/ski/item-aldi-insiders-say-will-walk-off-the-shelves-during-snow-sale/news-story/ec080817b090c4c8042a9f4b57cec4b2" target="_blank">news.com.au</a> what items will be in high demand when the sale launches on Saturday, May 18, which just so happens to be the same day as the federal election. Some of the items that are in high demand include: Adults Merino Thermal Underwear As they’re all under $40 and are also breathable, these are set to be a big seller. Adults and Children’s Ski Jackets and Pants The jackets are waterproof, but each item holds a different rating. The higher the number is, the more waterproof the jackets and pants are. All items are under $60. The jackets and pants also have DuPont’s Sorona wadding, which is a renewably sourced fibre that keeps the outer garments insulated, moisture resistant and heat retentive no matter the alpine conditions. The jackets also contain a ski lift pass pocket and zips in the pockets for wet conditions. Children’s Thermo Boots The boots contain a polar fleece lining and are all under $20. The boots also contain a three-layered EVA in-sock in aluminium and thinsulate layers, as well as being waterproof to keep feet warm and dry. The boots also look like sneakers, which will be popular with the kids. Adults and Children’s Goggles This is possibly the most crucial item you need whilst hitting the slopes, and it’ll only cost you under $15. The goggles have an adjustable head strap, two different lenses to choose from, as well as offering UV protection. They come in two colours, which are black and grey, and are anti-fog coated so you can still see whilst the weather isn’t the nicest. As the journey of heading to the snow can be an expensive venture for the family, there’s a reason that this sale is so popular amongst Aussies. “A ski holiday isn’t the most affordable vacation option, so we’re proud to do what we can to make this experience more affordable for Australian families,’’ ALDI textiles buying director Renata Hay told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aldi-faces-competition-in-ski-gear/news-story/e0a00a48884a43915631bbaa45f87d26" target="_blank">The Weekend Australian.</a> “We’ll be shipping more than 10 per cent greater volume of ski products in to our stores this year than last. The demand and double-digit growth have continued to surpass population growth and our store growth.” The ski and snow sector is now dominated by ALDI’s annual sale and has created such a cult following that ALDI has now introduced a competition that gives shoppers the chance to win a Perisher weekend package. One of 10 Perisher weekend packages are on offer, which include accommodation, ski lift passes, lessons and ski or snowboard hire. The competition gives shoppers the chance to win more than $30,000 in prizes. As always, items are available Australia-wide until stock sells out.

Travel Tips

Experts reveal: What you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T buy from ALDI

Over the years, ALDI has built a cult following for its affordable prices and various specials which offers massive savings to shoppers. However, as the supermarket chain continues to grow in popularity in Australia, leading consumer advocacy group Choice has found out what products are worth spending your money on – and which aren’t. While there are many gems to be found at the beloved ALDI, there are a few items you can skip out on throwing into your shopping trolley. Here is what you should and shouldn’t buy from ALDI. What to buy 1. Stain remover and dishwasher tablets ALDI has a number of top performing cleaning products, and the Di-San Oxy Action alongside the Enzymes Pre-Wash have proven to be two effective sprays that will get the job done. At $1.25, what can go wrong? Alongside those items, you can throw in ALDI’s Logix dishwasher tablets. 2. Nappies If you’ve got a tiny tot you’re babysitting anytime soon, then it is best to stock up on the Mamia range of nappies – not only are they some of the most affordable on the market, they are very popular based on Choice reviews. The reviews completed by experts tested each nappy brand for absorbency, leakage and strength. 3. Ski gear ALDI’s annual ski gear sale is coming up on May 18, and so many fans of the German supermarket are thrilled to be able to get the opportunity to get their hands on some bargain-priced, well-made snow goodies. 4. Premium ice-cream If you’re looking for a reason to treat yourself, let the fact ALDI’s Monarc Indulge Vanilla Opulence gourmet ice-cream be the one. For just $4.49, the sweet item is one of the cheapest gourmet ice-creams on the market, and according to Choice customer reviews – it will NOT disappoint. What to avoid 1. Televisions Denis Gallagher, TV expert for <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/everyday-shopping/supermarkets/articles/aldi-best-buys-and-things-to-avoid" target="_blank">Choice</a>, said despite the reasonable prices for the electronic item, there may be better options out there. “ALDI has offered pretty good value on TVs over the years, but these days there's more competition and prices are coming down across the board. “You're better off going with a branded product – the ALDI TVs we've tested in the past have had variable results,” he explained. 2. Capsule coffee machine It may have sold extremely well and is a popular product among shoppers, but Choice experts say satisfaction based on taste was at just 45 per cent. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative for a coffee machine, the $120 ALDI Expressi multi-Beverage Capsule Machine 595 could be a good option but may not fulfil all your coffee-loving desires. 3. Liquid laundry detergent for top loaders If you have been shopping for laundry detergent from ALDI, it may be best to think again, as items such as Trimat Advanced Laundry Liquid Sensitive, and Almat Laundry Liquid Concentrate did not perform well based on customer reviews. If looking for a better alternative, try Trimat Advanced Laundry Liquid Regular, although keep in mind it did not perform much better than its competitors.

Money & Banking

Get ready: ALDI's craziest sale of the year returns

Everyone loves a good bargain and ALDI’s annual snow gear Special Buys sale is not an exception – people all over Australia go crazy to get their hands on the best deal. Launching in 2008, the ski sale has proven to be the German supermarket’s biggest Special Buys event of the year. This year, however, fans better come prepared for the event as it’s supposed to be best snow gear sale yet for 2019. <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/Bi-h_h6ACje/" 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/Bi-h_h6ACje/" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Roberts (@mandy_snapz)</a> on May 19, 2018 at 4:13pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The next event, however, falls on the date of our federal election – Saturday, May 18. The sale has caused chaos in the past before, attracting thousands of customers all over the country who are eager to get their hands on affordable snow gear. Adult ski jackets and pants retailed for less than $70 last year – a steep fall from the pricey cost of other competitors who have proven to find it difficult to compete with ALDI’s cheap prices. Just some of the offers expected to hit shelves include snow jackets, goggles, boots, under-layers and other items that will be revealed on the 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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUSw8h2luoe/" 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/BUSw8h2luoe/" target="_blank">A post shared by Debbie Tsang (@debbdesign)</a> on May 19, 2017 at 4:58pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The ski and snow retail sector in Australia is estimated to be worth over $2 billion a year and the ALDI annual sale has proven to be a dominant contender. The consumer following for the anticipated yearly bargain sale has become so big the retail giant has introduced a competition that gives customers the chance to win one of 10 Perisher weekend packages, which covers accommodation, ski lift passes, lessons and ski or snowboard hire.

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