3 ways to refresh your home for spring

Set aside a spare afternoon to reset your home or room this season. Declutter Spring is fresh and carefree, and the idea of living a life like that is just as appealing. Start by decluttering your home spaces. Give yourself a short timeframe and walk around your house, thinking about items you no […]

Editor’s Perspective: Evolving language

The English language is constantly evolving, and not necessarily in a good way. The etymology of English shows it started as a bastardisation of numerous other languages, mainly European in origin. Adding to that now are digital era abbreviations, common usage dictates, and a general lack of word knowledge and appropriate usage. For […]

Classic architecture with team Brooksfield

A mutual admiration of classic, elegant, and timeless architecture led two young Christchurch entrepreneurs on a journey from fixing earthquake damaged homes to a booming development business. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch catches up with the men behind the Brooksfield projects. From renovation projects to 250-build housing developments, Vincent (Vinny) Holloway and Oliver (Oli) […]

Combining glycerin with flower power

Cut flowers will last longer if a preserving agent such as glycerin is used instead of water. Glycerin is an agent that can extend the life of cut flowers and keep their appearance fresh and appealing. Glycerin is a stronger form of glycerol than glycerine, available from pharmacies. Try these simple steps: Pick […]

Treating antenatal depresssion

Vitamins and minerals have been used by University of Canterbury (UC) researchers to alleviate symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Antenatal depression affects some 32 to 45 million women globally; it increases the pregnancy risks and complications in birth and newborns, and has been linked with emotional, behavioural, and developmental problems in children. PhD […]