Bold, bright winter

Colour is back and better than ever with a worldwide trend that gives you a new lease on life. It all started with fashion psychologist, Dr Dawnn Karen, when she decided to look for natural ways to boost people’s mood. The trend is called dopamine dressing and it’s the perfect way to lighten up the […]

Roasted roots soup

Serves 2 adults + 2-3 children Prep time 15 minutes Cook time 1 hour 10 minutes Ingredients     1kg pumpkin, skin on,seeds removed 500g orange kūmara, peeled 3 carrots, peeled 1 large onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 2 teaspoons mild curry powder 400g can coconut milk or cream 500ml homemade (or salt-reduced) chicken […]

Pulling the curtain

Curtains are a great way to decorate your space, as well as increase warmth and privacy. If you are looking to purchase new curtains, here are a few tips and tricks. Look and feel The curtains you choose will change the mood of the room that they go in. Ask yourself a few questions to […]

Cool beans

While there are many espresso machines to choose from, Breville’s latest offering – the Express Impress makes drinking cafe-quality coffees at home extremely simple. Metropol’s over-caffeinated gadget guru Ian Knott goes without sleep for about a month. I spend too much on coffee. Long gone are the days when you could get a decent fix […]

Ahead of the curve

Curves bring a fresh and soft wavy feeling into the home, and interior trends are showing more and more use of these rounded features. From curved corners within walls and cabinets to curved backs of couches and chairs, arched cabinets, mirrors, and accessories, it’s all about curves in the interior world right now. The trend […]

A case of canine cough

It’s definitely that time of year when coughs, colds, and flus become common. And unfortunately, for pets too. Canine cough, also known as kennel cough, can describe several bacterial or viral conditions causing a cough in dogs, much like a cold in humans. Usually a loud hacking cough, it can sound like something is caught […]

Changing our course

Many will remember Sir John Kirwan from his legendary days as an All Black, yet others will be more in sync with his work in raising awareness of mental health issues. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him during his current tour of the country to help improve children’s mental wellbeing. Proving that one […]

Warm winter wonders

The colder seasons make it easy to stay inside, however with the school holidays approaching it’s a perfect time to tap into your inner child and explore what Canterbury has to offer outside. Whether that involves venturing up to the snow, or staying in the city, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all […]

For the love of layers

Winter fashion is fun and functional, with dramatic oversized knits, chunky boots and of course the classic trench coat all trending this chilly season. Have some fun with your outfitting by layering neutrals with colour, and mixing different textures and materials. Starting with neutral colours is a great base, then you can layer and build […]

Slow cooked melt-in-your mouth

Braising, aka slow cooking, is great any time of the year for tougher cuts of meat, but really comes into its own during winter. Slow cookers are an excellent way to ensure dinner is ready when you walk in the door after work. Or create and pop your favourite slow dish dish in the oven […]