Fresh is best when it comes to flowers, and spring is amazing for fresh, fragrant seasonal blooms with which to add beauty to any room. From daffodils, freesias, gerberas, and tulips, to roses, orchids and hellebores, options are colourful, scented, and seemingly endless. Here are four suggestions for getting creative with flowers and water. Casually […]

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 spooky shadows, […]

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 charming historical […]

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 or his […]