Success with self-sufficiency: Terra Viva Home & Garden

The move to growing one’s own fruit and vegetables is stronger than ever. It’s easy, satisfying, convenient, fun, and with the current cost of living, it’s also imperative. Of course, our parents and grandparents knew this all along, and it’s not a mystery for a select few. The bonus is knowing where produce […]

Pergola paradise

With summer a hint away, and the festive season upon us, many will be thinking freshly squeezed lemons, salt-rimmed margarita glasses, and any good reason for an outdoor fiesta catch up. With hot days predicted, a pergola could add a touch of cool sophistication to your outdoor entertainment area, whether it’s an independent […]

Classy Christmas décor

Take the time now to think about what Christmas means to you, and how you want to portray that via décor, before heading out and panic buying. Christmas décor is often a stimulation overload, with lots of bright colours and kitschy items, which works well for children, although not necessarily adults. If elegance […]

Picture-perfect pools: NOVAspace

Imagine a pool in the back yard for cooling off in, socialising around, and a bit of extra fitness. It’s a popular and delightful reverie for adults and children alike. However, the space between the dream of an in-ground pool, and the family joyfully splashing around can seem a bit of a stretch. […]

Festive fragrances

Specific fragrances often evoke memories of special times and events, and so it goes with Christmas. I n keeping with that, Nevé has released three limited edition Christmas fragrances, curated by its founder, Tessa Lyes, to capture what a Kiwi Christmas truly smells and feels like. Check these out: • Wild Pine + […]

Add flower power

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 […]

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 […]