Quintessential quiche
Quiche, whether served hot or room temperature, is a versatile vessel for abundant autumnal fillings. Packed for a picnic, prepared for a party or famished family, local seasonal ingredients come alive when encased in a flaky or buttery shell. With origins in Germany and France, it’s the Kiwi-as ingredients that have revitalised the […]
In dogs we trust
The bond between human and dog is unmatched. And when a dog’s role is to help their person, intriguing tales are to be told. Love for animals was Sue Allison’s inspiration to write the book Friends Indeed: Assist Dogs and Their People. However, it was the human connections that captured her heart. The […]
Christmas makes scents
It’s that extra sensory month when taste buds rejoice in the season, eyes are bedazzled with tinsel-adorned trademarks, and ears are jiggle-belling to the jolliest day of the year. Our sense of smell too is in festive frenzy. Sniffing seasonal reminders will awaken happy memories and raise our spirits – this Christmas especially. […]
Holistic, healthy Hanmer
Simply escaping from the craziness of the city is holistically beneficial for us, so Hanmer must be a wellness bundle with bells on! Even driving through serene Waipara valley, on route to the heavenly haven, renews and relaxes all the senses. We can’t take a pilgrimage to famed spa sanctuaries of the world just […]
Something new…
As the world transforms, wedding trends in 2021 are taking on a dramatic new life, seizing every precious opportunity to tie the knot and live it up in the moment with loved ones. WEDDING DRESS – OR PANTS? From flowing frocks to modern and edgy pant suits, no one look is dominant for the […]
Taking a bite out of summer
Snacking is so summer, as we amp up the socialising, dash to our outdoor passions and host pre-Christmas catch ups. FROZEN IS COOL Invent healthy homemade ice-blocks with yoghurt or blended or squeezed summer berries, mint, lime or ginger – not just for kids. Pieces of fruit, like watermelon and strawberries, quenches straight from […]
Slip, slop, slap and reap the rewards
Modern day facial sunscreens are not only for avoiding sunburn and long term skin damage. They brighten and enhance complexion, nourish and protect against aging and melanoma, and give a gorgeous silky coverage – a priceless beauty package. Facial sunscreens are not created equally to the potent-smelling, greasy sunscreen you may be used […]
Cocktails & canapes for race day
With a decadent tipple in one hand, and a mouth-watering titbit in the other, our taste buds are racing to celebrate Cup Week. Putting on a perfect soiree is all in the creativity, so here is Metropol’s inspiration for cocktails and canapes to carry you through pre- and post-races celebrations. SEASONAL SUCCULENCE Mini whitebait patties […]
All a-skew
Colourful, sizzling, tasty skewers. As the weather warms up, so do our backyard barbecues. These simple and fun crowd pleasers set the chef’s creativity on fire – and everyone can pitch in with the preparation. MEATY MOUTHFULS: Pairing up bite-sized morsels with their likely partners always wins. Chicken and red pepper, lamb and onion, […]
She had a dream
Sometimes all it takes is perfect timing to bring your best achievement into the limelight. When she was 20, local Christchurch musician Steffany Beck won a grant with the foundation Rise NZ, to record her song I Have a Dream. Now at 30 she has just commercially released her favourite original to the […]