Make it a mocktail

Refreshing, fruity, and sometimes frozen are all words we associate with the drinks we enjoy during the summer months. Virgin cocktails, or mocktails, become a simple alternative when we desire a break from alcohol. Just as easy, just as delicious, but possibly healthier. Plus, almost any mocktail can be made frozen for the days we […]

Bee a host

Our precious pollinators are facing a homelessness crisis, having lost much of their natural habitat due to urban development, change of land use, and intensive farming. You can help by putting a bee hotel in your garden. Good bee hotels mimic the natural cavities that solitary bees would use, such as holes in wood or […]

Homes you’d love to live in: Brooksfield Townhouses

Christchurch is renowned for its heritage homes. While many of these have been lost in time, new classics are being built by local specialist company, Brooksfield. Classical timeless homes are their forté. Strong foundations Building on Christchurch’s housing heritage, Brooksfield is helping to shape the future of the city for decades ahead with its classical […]

Plan for sustainability

When aiming for a sustainable build, planning is essential. Work together with experienced architects and designers who share a passion for sustainability to ensure a smooth process and that no materials are wasted. When designing or renovating, consider adaptive reuse of existing structures. Transforming old buildings into new spaces may be more sustainable than starting […]

Pet prezzies

The festive season is a special time for people and also for their pets. We collectively own 4.6 million pets, which equates to more pets than people. Cats are the most popular pets, with 44% of New Zealand homes having one. Aside from 1.1 million pet cats, just over a quarter of (28%) own dogs, […]

Casual chic

Quiet luxury, and the rise of Victoria Beckham’s namely ‘posh’ style have brought a resurgence in comfortable and casual, yet utterly chic dressing. Living a casual chic lifestyle all comes down to styling and a complementary colour scheme. Neutral tones ooze elegance, navy, browns, beige, and creams, splashed with gold to accessorise. Avoid more than […]