Ghoulish glow up
Halloween needn’t be yet another expensive occasion. Metropol’s Gadget Guru Ian Knott looks at a crafty options for spicing things up. Halloween “celebrations” still struggle to get a foot-hold in New Zealand compared with the likes of the USA. Whether your family goes all-out, or simply lights the odd candle to make some […]
Charming hand-crafted gifts: The Lyttel Kiwi Gift Shop
Handmade gifts tell a story. Masterful creations communicate value through naturally grown or up-cycled products, woven and tempered to speak to the discerning customer. A handmade gift is more meaningful and exclusive, directly supporting New Zealand artists in their specialised crafts. Lyttelton is home to The Lyttel Kiwi Gift Shop, nestled in a […]
A real grass act: Al-Mows
A well-mown lawn with classic British stripes is indeed a thing of beauty. A chieving that result for his clients all over North Canterbury gives Alan Davies immense satisfaction. “Mowing is what I do,” says Alan. “That’s why I called my business Al-Mows – obvious really.” Alan delights in driving his ride-on mowers […]
Unique and locally made: A Personalised Place
Handcrafted decorations that stand the test of time help make a sustainable Christmas. I f they don’t break when the cat knocks over the Christmas tree, and are personalised with family names and dates, magical memories will reappear year after year. It’s Tina Dudley’s fourth year at Christchurch’s Riverside Market, where she sells […]
I’m in the mood for lighting
Customisable lighting helps set the mood, and enhance the experience of almost any occasion. Metropol’s Gadget Guru Ian Knott explores some very clever options. Whether it’s a romantic night in, an action movie night, sporting occasion, video game session, or just some ambient room lighting; being able to change colours and brightness is […]
Survive in the dry
Canterbury is due for a scorching summer so if you’re planning on planting a garden, it might be worth thinking about drought-resistant plants. Portulaca Portulaca is a bright and beautiful low-growing ground cover with succulent-like leaves. They tolerate many kinds of soil but prefer sandy, well-drained soil and love full sunlight. Dietes They […]
Equipped to host: Total Food Equipment
When it comes to hosting, selecting, and curating, the right kitchenware is crucial to craft a welcoming ambiance for your guests. Consider investing in a selection of beautiful and practical items from Total Food Equipment. This staple home and kitchenware store on Moorhouse Ave is celebrating 14 years in business. Pop in on […]
All eyes on the avairy
If you are a bird lover and want to keep some of your favourite species close by, an aviary will make a great addition to your property. Firstly, take some time to properly consider the responsibilities, what type of birds you want to house, and how many. Common types of pet birds in […]
Happy first birthday: VVV Real Estate
Reaching their own milestone anniversary, VVV Real Estate is celebrating how far they have come in just one year since launching their business. Business Owner, Stephanie Robertson had a clear vision for the company she wanted to build, and while the year has been anything but easy for real estate, she is proud […]
Think seasonal
Fresh fruit and vegetables are often more available and less expensive to buy during their regular growing seasons, which explains why eateries regularly offer seasonal menus. Many foodies also adapt their eating to enjoy seasonal produce, swapping out an item or two here and there. For instance, try swapping tomatoes for orange slices […]












