Drink up

Every bit an accessory now as is a handbag or wallet, a drink bottle can be the star of the show. No longer are choices limited to plain colours. Did you know? Daily recommended fluid intake is 6-8 cups for adults, and 4-6 cups for children. Check out these colourful options:  

High priestess of poetry

Acclaimed Christchurch poet Gail Ingram clearly recalls the euphoria of seeing her first poem published in the Christchurch Press in 2014. “It was amazing. James Norcliffe published it, and I printed it off and sent copies to everybody.” From her early poems as a student at Canterbury University – “they were angsty poems, […]

Coping with stress

Most people experience stress and anxiety at some time, yet just as your body has an automatic response to stress, it also has a built-in system to calm you down. The ‘relaxation response’ helps you recover from the “fight or flight” response. It brings all your systems back to normal, and returns your […]

Calling on cucumbers

Refreshing, buildable, rich, and easy, a Greek salad is simply made for balmy summer nights. With cucumbers aplenty in Christchurch pantries currently, put them to good use with this tasty feature dish. Canterbury is home to many olive farms too, so buy local ingredients where you can. Crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, briny olives, […]

Makeup without a mirror: Lucky Pinn

Waking up, stepping out of the pool, or finishing a session at the gym. All followed by a rigorous makeup routine to feel yourself again. Imagine if these daily activities required no more effort than one appointment at Lucky Pinn, to live every day with framed eyebrows, plump, pigmented lips, and smudge-proof eyeliner. […]

The joy of Christmas

People celebrate Christmas in different ways, yet for most it is a “favourite” time. Here’s how some of Metropol’s 2023 interviewees will be spending the festive season: Jason Gunn: “The week leading up to Christmas is my favourite time of the year. Our kids come home. And when our family is together… all […]

An artistic garden: Grow Landscapes

Improve the ambience of your garden this summer with fountains and garden art from Grow Landscapes & Lifestyle. Picture the gentle murmur of trickling water, sculpting a tranquil ambience for warm evenings – this is where a water feature takes centre stage. To enhance your garden’s atmosphere, contemplate incorporating corten steel garden art. […]

Soothe a sunburn

Being sun smart should always be top of mind this summer. For the dreaded day when you forget your sunscreen or are lulled into a false sense of security by overcast weather, here are some tips on how to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process: Apply an aloe vera gel, […]

A lasting legacy: Riccarton House & Bush Trust

Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush is a 600-year-old forest remnant, set in the heart of Christchurch. Due to its small size and urban setting, Pūtaringamotu is vulnerable to external pressures and activity. To increase its resilience, the Riccarton Bush Trust operates under a management plan to protect and enhance its indigenous flora and fauna, including […]

Upgrading your outdoors

Indulge in the delights of your garden sanctuary this summer by elevating your outdoor experience. Consider splurging on key elements that will transform your garden into an area of relaxation and entertainment. If you’re planning to host extended gatherings, investing in a robust table and chairs is essential. Picture an evening dinner party […]