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There’s a saying that sometimes life gives you exactly what you need, when you need it. That’s what happened to Aucklanders Anna and Andrew Methven when they were house-hunting four years ago. The couple met in 2011 when Andrew was an executive chef at SkyCity and Anna a florist. Having spent a few years renting, they were looking for a house for their merged family of four daughters, ranging from teenagers to a six-year-old. “We were looking for a five-bedroom house so each of the girls could have their own room,” Anna says. At the time, the couple were renting in central Auckland but despite a year of house-hunting, they couldn’t find anything to suit their specifications or budget. “A north-facing house that would give us lots of sunshine was also high…

Natural oils with a high SPF include carrot seed oil (35-40) and red raspberry seed oil (25-60.) IT’S no wonder all ancient cultures worshipped the sun in some form. The sun gives us light and heat to cultivate crops for energy. Without sufficient sun, our moods darken and diseases increase. The sun triggers serotonin which gives calm clarity and releases melatonin for sleep. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can set in without sunlight. Sunshine also supports vitamin D production which is vital for vision, healthy bones, type 2 diabetes management, and immunity. A little sun is also considered a cancer preventive as those living in low daylight areas are more prone to cancers of the colon, kidney, ovaries, pancreas and prostate. Skin conditions like acne, eczema, jaundice and psoriasis often benefit from sunbathing…

Star ingredient: Rose “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet ...” well, clearly Juliet had not sniffed some of the synthetic fragrances passed off as ‘rose’ today. Treat your skin and your senses to the anti-ageing and mood-boosting health and beauty benefits of true rose essential oil and pure rosewater. Try: Zen Botanics Bulgarian Rose Hydration Mist ($25.00, www.zenbotanics.com.au) and Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash ($17.95, www.weleda.com.au) Expert tip: Practise what you preach As children we are taught never to say anything negative or discouraging that could hurt someone’s feelings or leave them feeling less than they are. Then, as adults, we teach those same lessons to children. But are we, in fact, practising what we preach? Maybe you don’t say it out loud, you only think it, but whenever…

DAME LISA CARRINGTON Olympic Canoeist Without fail, whoever I mentioned this interview to reacted along the lines of, “I love Lisa Carrington!” Among the canon of famous Kiwis, she certainly stands out. Our most successful ever Olympian – with five gold medals and one bronze for flatwater canoeing – she was named a dame in this year’s New Year’s Honours list for services to sport, and scooped both Sportswoman of the Year and the Supreme Award at the Halberg Awards last month. Somehow, she also finds time to be an ambassador for 5+ a day – and a keen cook. We caught up to discuss her go-to fish tacos and memorable overseas dining experiences. What are some of your favourite things to eat in late summer/early autumn? Lisa: I love salads when it’s hot…

Karrin MacLeod, business manager Men in Kilts: It is a road trip through Scotland – the stars (Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish of Outlander) explore their heritage, meet local artisans, food, music…etc. It’s bloody brilliant. Available on NEON Alexandra Blackwood, digital editor The Bold Type: Like a more realistic Devil Wears Prada, The Bold Type is a juicy series about three young women working at a sex magazine. It’s light, it’s fun, it’s the perfect distraction from the fact that the walls seem to be inching inward with each day we spend above level 1… Available on Netflix The English Game: When you like pretty fiction and your partner likes sport, there is middle ground to be found in a beautiful, romantic period drama that just happens to centre around football. The English Game…

Our most recent vintage belle is named in honour of our hometown of the Gold Coast, and her colour scheme pays tribute to golden hour, our favourite time of day. We purchased Goldie [a 1970s Viscount caravan] back in 2017, and until recently she’d been sitting under our house. There was nothing to retain in this van, so we had little choice but to take her back to her shell and start from scratch. We used the opportunity to come up with a layout that worked for us and our two tween kids. We prioritised comfortable sleeping conditions (beds and window dressings) and sufficient, accessible storage space. Apart from the vintage wardrobe, Michael built every piece of joinery from scratch in this van. Anyone who’s renovated a van will tell you it’s…

A Christmas tree will more often than not form the centrepiece of a scheme during the festive season and may even set the decorative tone for the rest of the home. Choosing the perfect tree can therefore be a quandary. Should it be real or faux? Large or small? Bought or rented? Here experts share their advice on combining practicality with decorative appeal. The real deal At this time of year, there is no shortage of freshly cut Christmas trees, and paying attention to a tree’s ethical and sustainable production is key to a successful purchase. The first step is to ensure that a tree’s growing journey is traceable from start to finish. Sourcing locally ensures a low carbon footprint because trees will be home-grown rather than imported. The British Christmas Tree Growers’…

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how Champagne secured its hold over the world. Perhaps it was when Louis XV’s celebrated mistress Madame de Pompadour declared it “the only wine in the world that makes every lady beautiful”. Seductive. Smooth. Effervescent. Elegant. The go-to for celebrations of every kind; the drop of choice from movie stars to royalty to Formula One drivers atop the podium. We are captivated by its glamour, its taste of success, but also the history it represents. The story behind Champagne is as compelling as the drink itself. The popular tale of the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon accidentally discovering bubbles in the 18th century is part of the romance (although not strictly accurate; it was more a new technique of in-the-bottle fermentation). Hence, many head to Champagne’s spiritual…

A: I have always been a breast man. C: *chokes on his food* A: What’s wrong with you? I’m talking chicken. I have always been a breast man, but I think 2021 is the year of the thigh. C: I think coming out of Covid, thighs are thick and chunky, so let’s celebrate them. They’re bigger and better. A: We’ve all piled it on. We’re all a bit chunky, we’re all a bit thick… C: Everyone cooks at home now and this is a comfort food. Chicken and leek is a base. A: Why is thigh good for a pie? Because it’s thick. ‘Thicc’! Anyway, what makes a good pie? It’s pastry… C: You blanch the chicken thighs on the bone with stock and a bit of thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves and garlic. A: A pie can never…

“WHEN WE GROW UP, WE LOSE A LITTLE OF THE MAGIC OF SWEETS AS WE TEND TO THINK DESSERTS ARE TOO GUILT-LADEN OR TOO DIFFICULT. I SAY BRING BACK THE INDULGENCE WITHOUT THE HARD WORK WITH THESE TOWERING SUNDAES AND ETON MESS MARVELS! PREPARE FOR THE MEMORY OF A BELLY FULL OF QUICK, COLOURFUL AND CREATIVE DESSERTS.” MANGO ETON MESS TRIFLES MAKES 6 INDIVIDUAL TRIFLES 700ml mango juice (we used Dewlands) 2 titanium-strength gelatine leaves Juice of 2 limes 300ml thickened cream 250g sour cream 1/3 cup (40g) pure icing sugar, sifted 100g store-bought meringue nests 2 mangoes, flesh thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) chopped macadamias 1/2 cup (45g) desiccated coconut Crumbled freeze-dried mango (optional – from supermarkets), to serve To make mango jelly, place half the mango juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to just below a simmer. Meanwhile, soak…

CREATED IN A SIMPLE LOAF TIN, THIS EASY BOMBE ALASKA SANDWICHES CARAMEL ICE CREAM BETWEEN LAYERS OF CAKE, THEN COVERS THE LOT IN FLUFFY MERINGUE GINGERBREAD BOMBE ALASKA SERVES 10-12 Begin this recipe at least 8 hours ahead. You will need a kitchen blowtorch. ⅓ cup (100g) ginger preserve⅓ cup dulce de leche or thick caramel1.5L store-bought salted caramel ice cream, softened slightly GINGERBREAD CAKE 2 cups (300g) plain flour, sifted2 ½ tsp baking powder, sifted1 tbs ground ginger2 tsp mixed spice1 tsp cinnamon¾ cup (170g) dark brown sugar100g unsalted butter, melted¾ cup (270g) golden syrup1 egg, plus extra 2 yolks, lightly beaten2 tsp finely grated ginger MERINGUE 6 egg whites, at room temperature1 ½ cups (330g) caster sugar Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a 12cm x 27cm (2.5L-capacity) loaf pan with two layers of plastic wrap. Line a…

vegan tacos with orange salsa serves 6 | prep 15 mins | cooking 5 mins 60ml ( 1 /4 cup) vegetable oil 2 tbs Mexican spice mix 2 tbs fresh lime juice 750g firm tofu, sliced 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 large orange, segmented, chopped 1 cup chopped fresh coriander 18 soft mini tortillas 2 avocados, sliced Baby cos lettuce, vegan mayonnaise, chilli sauce, fresh baby herbs and lime halves, to serve 1 Preheat a barbecue grill or chargrill pan over high heat. Combine the oil, spice mix and 1 tbs lime juice in a small bowl. Brush the tofu all over with the mixture. Cook for 2 minutes. Brush the tofu again. Turn and cook for a further 2 minutes or until tofu is golden. 2 Meanwhile, combine the onion, orange, coriander and remaining 1 tbs lime juice in a bowl. 3…

It’s 9am on a Thursday and Laura Tupou is breathing a sigh of relief. After almost three weeks isolating at home as COVID swept through her young family, the broadcaster has just dropped her two-year-old Amalia back at daycare. “It’s been a long haul,” admits Laura as she settles down at her kitchen table to chat with Woman’s Day over Zoom. Her partner Andrew Patterson, an associate dean at the University of Auckland business school, hands baby Ava to her as he heads to the home office to begin his day. Lifting the adorable five-month-old up to the camera, the TV star coos, “Say hi, Ava! She’s been such a lovely addition to our family. “Getting used to having two has been quite full on, but she’s chill, quiet and goes with the…

When many New Zealanders were queuing up at supermarkets to bulk-buy toilet paper before the country went into lockdown, The Block NZ’s Rachel Martin was pushing her trolley down the eerily empty aisles of Bunnings, stocking up on nails, plywood, tools and anything else she might need for weeks of home isolation. Renovation is not just a passion but a lifestyle for army corporal-turned-real estate agent Rach, 42, and her partner, former army offi cer Graeme, 46, who have been renovating houses together for 21 years. Their three children, Jayde, 18, Quin, 16, and Liam, 15, grew up on building sites as the family moved every three to four years. Rach laughs, “We have old photos of Jayde as a toddler playing with a box of nails and Graeme made mini workstations for…

‘The honeymoon period is well and truly over for them’ When Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck tied the knot last year, after rekindling a romance that had lain dormant for almost two decades, it seemed not even a movie script could have been more romantic. Their idyllic August wedding in the American south indicated that “Bennifer 2.0” would get their happily ever after – which is why friends were so surprised to see them looking so gloomy in each other’s company at the Grammy Awards. Fans and onlookers alike were quick to note that every time the camera panned to Ben, 50, and his 53-year-old bride, the couple seemed locked in a tense exchange. “However bad of a day you’re having, I promise you’re not as miserable as Ben Affleck at the Grammys right…

‘I’m all about the money... Money and dogs!’ At just 25 years old, The Apprentice Aotearoa’s Kennedy Anderson has already achieved more than most people do in a lifetime. The social media expert’s wrist is adorned with a tattoo of six tally marks, each one representing a business he owns. “My friends are always teasing me about what happens when I run out of arm space!” he laughs. “It’s a good reminder to myself that I don’t need to own any more than what can fit – otherwise I won’t have time for anyone!” It’s not surprising this ambitious go-getter has to remind himself to slow down. The Aucklander recalls, “From a very young age, I wanted to be in business when I grew up. On my primary school reports, where they usually write…

Want a change and not sure where to start? The cooler months are the perfect time to get out of your hair rut and embrace something new. Traditionally, winter means we go darker and let our locks grow, but this season there’s a whole new class of bold and exciting trends taking over. From fantasy dye jobs to curtain bangs and natural curls, here’s some inspiration for your next trip to the hair salon. THE UNDONE BOB The square bob is a huge hit this season, but we’re steering away from the sleek ’90s style with flicked ends to a laid-back look that can take you into the warmer months easily. “This winter is about a hair texture that is more relaxed, but there’s a strong technical haircut behind this relaxed vibe…

Pumpkin, chickpea, spinach, caramelised onion and tahini yoghurt This is one of the very first salad recipes Two Raw Sisters ever made, and years later we're still making it — which goes to show how much we love it! The use of Indian spices in this recipe transforms the roasted pumpkin and crispy chickpeas into little infused flavour bombs. We love making a big batch of the tahini yoghurt dressing and storing it in a jar in the fridge, as it goes with just about anything. Serve the salad with avocado, lamb, beef or chicken. Serves 6-8 1 medium pumpkin, deseeded and sliced400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 teaspoon curry powderPinch of sea saltOil1 brown onion, thinly sliced3 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped2 teaspoons ground cumin2 teaspoons ground coriander½ cup raisinsPinch of…

The first time I saw the tiny cabins, I was immediately intrigued. Situated on an island near our apartment in downtown Helsinki, they are like miniature houses dotted among the trees. While summer cabins are an integral part of Finnish life, most holidaymakers prefer the peace and quiet of ones that are so remote that you can’t see your neighbours. These tiny cabins, however, seemed to offer the same kind of serenity without the isolation. Just a 15-minute cycle from the city centre, the cabins sit on an island named Lauttasaari, which is Finnish for “ferry island”. Previously only accessible by boat, the island is now connected to the mainland by a bridge, as well as the metro, which travels under the sea as part of the city’s subway network. Set over 24ha,…

I’ve always considered myself to have a reasonable relationship with my body, and yet, paradoxically, my body is something I think about often. I never hated my body, but I never loved it either. It was merely a vessel. As a teenager I was of course aware that my skinnier friends got the bulk of attention from guys. But that didn’t bother me; it was somehow obvious that those boys weren’t worthy of my time. In my twenties, working in the fashion industry, I knew if I was thinner I would have more wardrobe options, and that was appealing. But not as much as French fries and cask wine. I just kind of… was. I lived without any sense of pride or the envy of others. And yet no self-loathing or angst…

From long-playing vinyl, eight-track cartridge and compact cassette through to CD, Minidisc and MP3, most consumer audio formats have had one thing in common: stereo. They contain two discrete audio signals, designed to be played back through two loudspeakers or earpieces. A listener positioned between these speakers hears a ‘sound stage’ or panorama, within which individual sources appear at specific positions. For example, a mono vocal at equal levels in both channels will be heard as being halfway between the two speakers, directly in the centre. This illusion is impressive, but it’s also limited. It lets us localise sources along a line between the two speakers, and as being near or far away, but it can’t convey a sense of height, or reliably convince us that sound is coming from behind…

The herb vitex increases progesterone, making it especially helpful for treating acne and premenstrual syndrome. YOU know those people who are so healthy that their skin is literally glowing? Yes, good genes are one thing, and some people are just born with a naturally beautiful complexion - but there is a great deal you can do to shift the balance in your favour. 1.You’re only as good as your gut Most disease stems from one underlying common cause - poor gut health. It is becoming extremely rare these days for anyone not to have had some degree of dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad bacteria that live in our digestive system). If you have ever used prescription medication (especially antibiotics), over-indulged in rich, sugary or fatty foods or had too much to…

“A study looking at the survival rates of women with breast cancer found that those with the highest isoflavone intake had the lowest mortality rates.” 1. Increase soy foods There is some confusion surrounding whether or not soy is beneficial or harmful when it comes to preventing breast cancer. The main reason for this is because soy can have a mild oestrogenic effect on the body, which is why they are known as phytoestrogens. However, they also possess cancer-protective phytonutrients as well as anti-oestrogenic properties. Separating fact from fiction, the best available science today shows soy is protective against breast cancer recurrence and is associated with better survival rates. One study concluded that the consumption of just one cup of soy milk per day reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer…

Ginger granola with peach This is a healing, dairy-free and vegetarian ginger granola served with fresh peaches and coconut yoghurt, and I can’t think of a more perfect brekkie. Serves 6 • 4 cups rolled oats• 3 tablespoons honey• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted• 1 tablespoon roughly chopped crystallised ginger• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice• ½ cup roughly chopped pecans (activated if possible)• ½ cup sunflower seeds (activated if possible)• ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts (activated if possible)• zest of ½ orange• ¼ cup shredded coconut• pinch of salt flakes• peach wedges• coconut yoghurt Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Pop everything into a large bowl and mix together really well. Spoon the mixture onto the baking tray and press evenly over the base. Bake for 20 minutes…

Americans are KNOWN for their love of FITNESS whereas the FRENCH had, stereotypically, PREFERRED to sit in cafes and WATCH passers-by. Today, that has ALL changed. It all started with Parisian resident Giuseppe. He loves to run, which wasn’t always the case. For many years, he sat at a desk running his company and he was starting to get a bit tubby, so he decided to embrace a new hobby. Within six months of rising early to run around beautiful lakes and along tree-lined running paths he was back to his trim self. Now he runs marathons. To help him achieve his upmost level of fitness he hired trainer Zaima Bouta, a high-school physical education teacher who works for the start-ups Urban Running and Urban Challenge. Founded by Jean-Philippe Benoist in 2012, the…

Herb and Goat’s Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Maple Bacon Chicken thigh meat gets a cheesy herb stuffing then wrapped in maple-glazed bacon, keeping the meat tender and juicy. 6 large boneless chicken thighs, skin off 400 grams streaky bacon 3 fresh bay leaves, optional maple syrup, for brushing Stuffing 100 grams baby spinach ½ cup frozen baby peas, thawed 2 cloves garlic, crushed finely grated zest 1 lemon 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted ½ cup each parsley and basil leaves ¼ cup fresh breadcrumbs, gluten-free or regular 100 grams soft goat’s or feta cheese sea salt and ground pepper Preheat the oven to 180°C fan bake. Stuffing: Place the spinach in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Stir to wilt then drain well. Refresh in cold water then roll up in a clean tea towel and squeeze out excess water. Place in a food processor with the…

SAUSAGE & PANCETTA RAGU WITH WHITE BEANS SERVES 6-8 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil2 small red onions, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, finely chopped21/2 tbs each finely chopped oregano and parsley, plus extra parsley leaves to serve300g flat pancetta, skin removed, cut into lardons800g good-quality pork and fennel sausages, casings removed, crumbled2 tbs tomato paste2 cups (500ml) good-quality beef stock4 cups (1L) tomato passata2 x 400g cans white beans, rinsed, drainedCooked polenta and finely grated pecorino, to serve Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the onion, garlic, herbs and pancetta, and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes until onion has softened and pancetta starts to brown. Scatter over sausage meat, and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, for 4 5 minutes until meat has broken down and…

AFTER SPENDING A DECADE working in the food industry, the recipes that I and my family and friends come back to, time and again, are those that are tasty, easy to cook, nourishing and thrifty. Eating well is for everyone and every day. It can suit any budget and use ingredients from the corner shop down the road or foraged from the leftovers in your fridge or freezer. It can be straightforward to make, ready on the table in 30 minutes, and, most importantly, it really can be delicious. I want to bring the joy back to home cooking and show you how satisfying, affordable and quick food can be. These are fast, foolproof and fuss-free recipes that everyone will love and can tuck into any day of the week…

Blueberries are a fantastic addition to the home garden, be it contained on a balcony or sprawling across acres, due to their adaptability and longevity – a happy mature blueberry bush can produce fruit for many years. DESCRIPTION Blueberries are a perennial woody bush originating from North America. They can be deciduous or semi-deciduous, with a stunning autumn display of colour; or evergreen, depending on the variety and where they are grown. Bushes range in size from around one metre through to more than two metres tall, making them great for anything from growing in pots to creating edible hedges. Blueberry bushes develop delicate white and pink bell-shaped flowers, adored by bees in late winter and spring. The bushes produce fruit through summer and into autumn. Most varieties are self-pollinating, meaning you only…

Email: chris.jefferies@timeinc.com What to look for aboard the best used boats in association with COPPERCOAT The strongest copper-based antifouling available with a proven lifespan of 10 years from a single application. To see what our customers have to say visit www.coppercoat.com All it takes is one look at the Rodman 1250 to know that this is a boat that means business. The overhanging windscreen shade gives the impression of a furrowed brow, while the rising sheerline looks like a pair of hunched shoulders – in the dog-eat-dog world of fast sportsfishers, this is a bullmastiff. The mean looks are backed up with some serious deep-sea credentials. Rodman 1250 owners seem drawn to rough conditions, with Robert Taylour being a particularly extreme example. His 2005 model has clocked up 1,200 engine hours cruising from the Channel Islands…

At the end of a lengthy murder trial, the piece of circumstantial evidence that led Alex Murdaugh to be convicted of double homicide was provided by his dead son. The video, recorded by 22-year-old Paul just moments before he was shot and killed, showed one of the family’s dogs and captured his father’s voice in the background, placing the once-powerful patriarch at the scene of the crime. The clip – which the 54-year-old attorney reportedly knew nothing about until his six-week trial began – was enough to ensure he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul. Despite this, Murdaugh insisted throughout the trial that he had nothing to do with the killings. “I am innocent,” Murdaugh said on the witness stand.…

“I can run as fast as my friends – I’m not last any more!” exclaims five-year-old Lydia Golding to her mum Lauren. Born with a rare deformity that limits the growth of her right leg, it’s simple achievements like climbing into her carseat or sitting cross-legged that mark monumental milestones for the young Kiwi. It’s also these moments that remind Lauren, 43, why she relocated to the US in the middle of the pandemic to put Lydia through months of gruelling treatment, which often saw the brave girl “screaming blue murder”. The shift to Florida cost the family $500,000 and saw them separated for almost a year, with husband Hamish having to work in Auckland, while Lauren cared for Lydia and her three-year-old sister Rose. Fortunately, the Goldings are now back together in…

Matthew Ridge doesn’t count his wealth in financial terms – he counts his blessings. The former Kiwis, Auckland Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles captain believes he is richer for being a father. Also a one-time All Black and presenter on Game Of Two Halves, his career has seen him excel in rugby and league, as well as succeeding in television and business. But his greatest role of all has been an at-home dad to all his five children. “I’m extremely fortunate,” he tells Woman’s Day in an exclusive interview offering rare insight into his home life. “I’ve worked pretty hard all my life, but I don’t have to work nine to five. I can spend quality time with my children, which is what I really enjoy. “A lot of fathers and mothers these…

There’s elements of Kiwi baker Dean Brettschneider’s life that sound like scenes from an unlikely rom-com – from finding love with Danish beauty Vibeke Kring Voltzmann while still married to someone else, to navigating a long-distance relationship and blending families, then divorcing… only to remarry amid a pandemic! Now, after decades travelling the world while building his empire, the Great Kiwi Bake Off judge is relishing the blissful ending marked by the couple’s second nuptials. “It’s better this time,” Rangiora-born Dean, 52, tells Woman’s Day from Denmark, where the pair now live. “I’m present and we’re doing things together – all the stuff we never did that normal couples do. Our love and attraction are rekindled in a stronger way.” The messy love story starts in Dunedin, where he opened his first bakery…

OVERTRAINING is a unique issue. We often think about it as if someone has worked and worked their retriever to the point where its skills erode, or the dog physically can’t function, but that’s not what happens in most cases. In reality, overtraining happens when any one of us goes beyond our dog’s attention threshold in any given training session. This is almost never tied to hours upon hours of training but can instead happen in a matter of a few minutes if you’re working a young-enough dog. Knowing this, I always take a few things into account while planning a session with any dog. For starters, the length and difficulty of every training session is tied directly to the age and attention span of the dog with which I’m working. Overtraining…

It all started when I joined SASS and registered as a Classic Cowboy. Under the guidelines of this category, I selected my outfit to resemble an 1880’s working cowpuncher. As I began to assume my new persona, Curly Strait, research led me to believe they were mostly a rather “down at the heel” bunch—generally good, honest and hard-working fellers, but underpaid and lacking in top of the line “eeequipment.” I just couldn’t see myself in brand spanking new duds with brand spanking new guns assuming the role of a working cowpoke. I bought my duds secondhand and proceeded to age them by falling down in the dirt and dust, mud and grass, and wiping them with oil and grease, generally abusing both the clothes and me right down to bleeding…

Who lives with you? My flatmate, aka my lockdown wife, Shareen. We made our house into a health camp over lockdown last year, as I had just come out of breast cancer surgery. We’ve since had a couple move into our previous flatmate’s room – Carlos from Columbia and Kim from Canada. Sadly, no pets. I love dogs, but I work too hard and normally travel too much. Instead, I’m one of those crazy ladies who will cross the road to pat a dog, just to get my doggie fix. Tell us about your house. Our home is spacious and we have three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an office, so there is heaps of room to live in your own space or choose to be more social. We are all quite…

“Let’s have a cup of tea,” says the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. “I’ll put the kettle on.” These are not words I was expecting as we sat down to chat at her very humble electorate office in Morningside, Auckland. But then there’s a lot about our Prime Minister that is unexpected. Not least the fact that while she has led our country through one of the best Covid-19 responses in the world and continues to manage her team of 5 million day in and day out, she has also remained healthy and sane. I’m sure I was not the only person during those first frightening weeks, as the pandemic swept the world a year ago, to wonder how she was getting through such a stressful time. Is she okay? Is she…

THE SUN HANGS LOW OVER Birnham Hill on the evening of Saturday, October 7, and Georgina Ballantine is keen to make the most of the evening light (the clocks are due to go back the next day). They have already landed three large salmon, fishing in place of the Laird who felt indisposed, and Melvin the boatman (“blind of one eye” and taking size nine boots) has knocked off at five. Her father James settles back at his oars, and Ina steps into the boat, and into her immortal place in piscatorial history. In 1922, she was 32 years of age. James had been the last of the Caputh ferrymen on the Tay, before the road bridge was built there in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Since then, he had…

Omega-3 fats protect the adult brain: people who eat oily fish at least once a week have a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. FOR many years a low-fat diet was promoted as the best choice for weight management and heart health. This sent the food manufacturing industry into overdrive, developing techniques - sometimes nothing short of chemical wizardry - to remove natural fats from foods and make them ‘healthier’. Then the pendulum began to swing and earlier research into heart health and cholesterol was questioned, coinciding nicely with the Paleo juggernaut which highlighted the importance of healthy fats in the diet. Perhaps this was taken too far by some people, with high fat diets and energy-dense raw desserts becoming the Holy Grail for those wanting to lose weight…

I don’t know if it’s a miracle that I’m OK now - but at the same time I never, ever thought that I wouldn’t make it. AS one of Nature and Health’s columnists, you might recognise the name and face, but Amanda Rootsey is so much more than an eco-model in the cut-throat world of fashion. Having faced life-threatening cancer and treatment in her twenties, Amanda has taken the lessons she learnt through her healing and is now guiding young women to treat their bodies – and themselves – with more love and self-respect. Take us back, Amanda. You had what many girls (and women!) would think was the ideal life, living and modelling overseas - before it all fell apart. I modelled all throughout university and once I graduated, I decided to…

If you were told you should expect to live to about 80, it would sound like a banal observation because that figure is roughly the average allotment for someone living in the developed world. If it was 28,000 days or 670,000 hours, the numbers would be too large to conceptualise in a meaningful way. But 4000 weeks – that is a novel, graspable and arrestingly short period of time. Which is why it’s the title of Oliver Burkeman’s new book, Four Thousand Weeks: time and how to use it. On my review copy there is a question below the title that asks, “How will you choose to spend yours?” Put like that, it might seem a daunting challenge, as though we’re being asked to cram as many unforgettable experiences and transcendent…

Smoky Sweetcorn Chowder with Cheddar Croûtes (gf) Hearty, smoky and super quick with a glorious topping of crunchy cheesy croûtes. You could also add in cooked chicken or prawns for a more substantial meal. PREP: 10 minutes COOK: 20 minutes SCALE: easy 2 tablespoons olive oil1 brown onion, thinly sliced2 cloves garlic, crushed2 teaspoons cumin seeds2 teaspoons dried oregano4 cups frozen sweetcorn kernels, thawed and 1 cup set aside2 tablespoons instant polenta1 teaspoon smoked paprika4 cups vegetable stock, hot1 teaspoon chilli flakes sea salt and ground pepper2 teaspoons lemon juice TO SERVE sour cream2 tablespoons finely chopped corianderCrispy, Cheesy Cheddar Croutons (see recipe below) Heat the oil in a large saucepan and stir in the onion, garlic, cumin seeds and the oregano. Cover and cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the onions are cooking, put…

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE, HAZELNUT AND ESPRESSO CAKE SERVES 8 400g dark (70%) chocolate, chopped150g unsalted butter, chopped, softened6 eggs1 cup (250g) brown sugar1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar3/4 cup (75g) hazelnut meal1/2 cup (50g) good-quality dark cocoa1/3 cup (80ml) espresso, at room temperature Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease a 24cm springform cake pan and line the base and side with baking paper. Place chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool. Vigorously whisk the eggs and sugars together in a bowl until well combined and sugar has partially dissolved. Whisk in hazelnut meal, cocoa, espresso and cooled chocolate mixture. Pour into prepared pan. Place pan on a baking tray and bake for 50 minutes…

“I LOVE A HANDY HACK, AND PRE-MADE CURRY PASTES ARE A GREAT WAY TO INFUSE BIG, BOLD THAI AND INDIAN FLAVOURS IN ANY MEAL WITH ABSOLUTE EASE.” @phoeberosewood MUSSELS IN CHILLI CURRY BUTTER WITH SPRING ONION PANCAKES SERVES 4 1 tbs grapeseed oil4 eschalots, thinly sliced4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced3cm piece (15g) ginger, finely chopped2 tbs yellow curry paste1 tbs chilli jam100g unsalted butter, chopped1½ tbs oyster sauce2 tbs white wine1kg pot-ready musselsCoriander leaves, to serveSpring onion pancakes (from supermarkets), cooked, to serve In a large shallow frypan or wok, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add eschalot, garlic and ginger, and cook for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Add curry paste and chilli jam, and, cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly caramelised. Add butter and oyster sauce, and cook, stirring constantly, until…

Maggie Smith Assistant Professor of Public Policy United States Military Academy West Point The build up of Russian forces along Belarus’ 665-mile border with Ukraine is a physical manifestation of Russia’s intense interest in the region. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and now Russian President Valdimir Putin appears intent on pulling Ukraine under Russia’s influence and denying it a close relationship with the West. But even as Russia engages in brinksmanship from snow-covered fields in Belarus to meeting rooms in Geneva, Moscow is already at war with Kyiv – cyberwar. Russia has been waging this fight since at least 2014. In cyberspace, Russia has interfered in Ukrainian elections, targeted its power grid, defaced its government websites and spread disinformation. Strategically, Russian cyber operations are designed to undermine the Ukrainian government and private sector…

When Rebecca Gibney was asked to go on Celebrity MasterChef Australia, the Kiwi actress said no. Then her 17-year-old son Zac found out about it. “He was absolutely ropeable because he loves the show so much,” Rebecca laughs, speaking from their family home in Dunedin. “He was like, ‘Mum, if you’re going to do a reality show, that’s the only one you can do… Seriously!’ And I wanted him to be proud of me.” So the Back To The Rafters and Halifax: Retribution star rang back to say yes. “While he’s still at home, for the little while that he’s got left, I thought, ‘I want to do it for him.’” Rebecca, who has been married to TV producer Richard Bell for almost 20 years, admits she doesn’t really cook because she doesn’t…

There’s not much that can faze former army corporal-turned-real estate agent Rachel Martin after being deployed everywhere from Egypt, East Timor and Bougainville to remote corners of Aotearoa. So when her Team Purple partner and bestie Janah Kingi decided to quit The Block NZ after COVID-19 hit, the Papamoa-based mum-of-three wasted no time finding a suitable replacement – and who better than her fellow former army buddy Connie King? “I knew Connie would be a good fit,” tells Rach, 42, who has three children, Jayde, 18, Quin, 16, and Liam, 15, with her partner of 21 years, former army officer Graeme Preston, 46. “She’s a good friend and an electrician, and I knew she’d be amazing. I rang her and she said yes straightaway!” It was a no-brainer for 40-year-old Connie. The sparkie and…

While gearing up for Dancing With The Stars back in April, software developer and reality star Alex Vaz told Woman’s Day, “Hopefully I can woo girls with lovely dance moves one day!” The 28-year-old South African-born Kiwi was feeling “love burnout” following two mentally taxing attempts at finding “the one” on Heartbreak Island and then The Bachelorette NZ, so while he joked about tangoing his way into women’s hearts, romance wasn’t on his radar. Yet when he woke up the morning after being eliminated and knew he wouldn’t be seeing dance partner Brittany Coleman that day, Vaz grasped what a spellbinding bond dance had brought into his life. “Realising we no longer had excuses to hang out was the hardest part of the show,” Vaz reflects. “Without rehearsals after work, I suddenly stopped seeing…

Beloved broadcaster Toni Street has always been a big believer in fate. Ever since she was young, she’s had the sense that someone or something beyond her control is looking over her. “It’s comforting to think of the world like that,” she says. “It helps me to try to make sense of things.” So it’s no surprise that Toni believes fate had a hand to play when it came to her newfound close friendship with Auckland mum Sophia Perera, who won an on-air competition to join the Coast radio star on a Hawaiian holiday of a lifetime. Sophia might have been drawn at random to join Toni and her breakfast co-hosts, Sam Wallace and Jason Reeves, on the luxury week away, but as soon as the radio stars heard her extraordinary story,…

Entryways provide the important first impression of your home, a glimpse into the world you’ve created. A welcoming entry should greet people, enveloping them warmly into the household. They’re also practical spaces, a place for rushed comings and goings, and where keys and shoes and bags are often kept. Victoria Bibby from Napier interior design firm Bibby + Brady says decluttering is the first step to a stylish yet functional space. “Arriving home to clutter and mess won’t put you in a good frame of mind, so start by tidying and finding solutions for everyday items that end up in your entrance.” She recommends clearing a space in the hall cupboard or laundry for shoes, bags and other items that often end up lurking near the front door. Tip Opt for bench…

1 ORGANISE CHAOS Limit yourself to one small ‘dumping tray’ or ‘junk bowl’, where you keep odds and ends that don’t have a place. Think odd buttons, business cards and loose change. Choose something decorative so you’re more likely to keep the mess to a minimum. 2 USE TUBES Hang onto those cardboard tubes when you use up your paper towels or kitchen foil, and use them to store reusable plastic bags tidily in a drawer. You can also recycle wet-wipe canisters for this purpose. 3 PAPER TRAIL Reduce paper clutter by taking photos of takeaway menus or flyers from local businesses. Likewise, download user manuals, credit card agreements and health insurance policies, and save them in a folder on your computer. 4 KITCHEN CALM Free up bench space by attaching a magnetic strip under overhead kitchen…

Where in Napier do you live? We currently live on Hospital Hill with a view over the suburb of Ahuriri and the ocean. It really is the perfect spot. Why did you move from Christchurch to Napier? Since my husband Alex and I met, we’ve always talked about moving to the North Island as we really love the warmer climate and lifestyle here. On our honeymoon we did a road trip around different towns and cities and Napier felt the most like us. We’ve settled in really quickly and are so glad we made the move. Who do you live with? It’s just me, Alex and Stanley the cat. Tell us about your new house. Our apartment is on the first floor of a large family home but it used to be an…

I ’ve been living full time in the country for two years now. Before that I spent six years coming and going to our house in the Hokianga. During these past two years of full-time occupation, I’ve learnt a bit about how to behave. It’s not that there are any rules for living rurally that people who grew up in the city need to follow, but there are adjustments to make to how you exist in a different space. And you can only learn what those adjustments are by being in that space and opening yourself up to it. Recently I was in Kaikohe, which is our nearest town centre and where we buy our groceries as well as stufffrom the hardware store – which usually includes plants I don’t need. I was…

There’s a Canon camera for everyone. From cutting-edge EOS R mirrorless cameras to slim vlogger-friendly PowerShot compacts, from lightweight EOS M travel cameras to the good old EOS DSLRs, Canon has arguably the most complete camera portfolio in the world of imaging. We’ve had the mammoth task of whittling this incredible catalogue down to the ten key cameras that we reckon are the best. Our list spans the whole gamut, every digital camera type and lens mount. Canon EOS R3 ● Street price around £5,879 ● www.canon.co.uk The EOS R3 is Canon’s mirrorless flagship. If speed is your main concern, you can’t go far wrong with the R3 – so long as you’ve got the budget. Its spec includes 30fps shooting (using the electronic shutter) and a world-record top shutter speed of 1/64,000sec. The full-frame…

Devin Townsend has come a long way since he emptied his bowels inside Steve Vai’s guitar case. Back then, in the early 90s, Devin was barely out of his teens and had just scored his big break singing on Vai’s album Sex And Religion. But as a guitar player himself, he felt overawed in the presence of the virtuoso - and expressed his feelings in the worst way imaginable. What’s amazing is that he and Vai have remained good friends in all the years since then. And as Devin says now, that ghastly prank was really a backhanded compliment. “I was fortunate enough to work with Steve early on and realised he was so much better than me,” he admits. “And if one can’t articulate your discontent in an elegant way,…

WHAT if you have gone through so many challenging times that it’s almost obvious that life is hard? How do you find the resilience, and the hope, to continue? Amy Molloy is the author of the recently published ‘The World is a Nice Place.’ And she is well-equipped to talk about this topic: she’s survived anorexia, was widowed at 23, divorced her second husband in her late 20s, married for the third time and had two babies. And she’s only in her early 30s. So, how does someone who’s been through so much have such faith and hope, and truly believe that the world is a nice place? Amy Taylor-Kabbaz spoke with Amy about life after tragedy, and what makes some of us thrive despite the hardest lessons. You have been…

CHANCES are, you probably eat kale, honey, eggs, coconut oil, quinoa, sweet potatoes, blueberries, walnuts, and Greek yoghurt already – but maybe not on a daily basis. That's where these recipes come to the rescue; each incorporates two or more of these ultra-healthy foods into every dish, so you'll see how easy it is to make nourishing meals every adult and child – no matter how picky! – will enjoy. Blueberry bruschetta • Blueberries • Honey A perfect party-worthy appetiser! Enjoy it on toast or by the spoonful. I won’t judge. Makes 18 to 24 pieces, depending on the bread • 110g organic blueberries, mashed• 110g diced grape tomatoes• 1 tablespoon basil paste or 20 fresh basil leaves• 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for drizzling• ¼ teaspoon sea salt• 1 tablespoon olive oil• 1…

Let the bare soles of your feet walk on the earth - physical contact with the ground transfers natural electrical energy to the body. Start the day right “Swap that first coffee for a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, because this aids energy levels and nutrient absorption,” says Fiona Tuck, health and wellbeing expert. “And pay attention to breakfast: swap toast or cereal for a protein-based meal, like eggs and spinach. Starting your day with protein maintains blood sugar levels and avoids energy slumps, plus the iron from the spinach increases vitality.” Sink into a bath “Swap watching TV on the couch for a warm bath with a cup of Epsom salts,” adds Tuck. “The salts boost magnesium levels, which are required for energy, plus they reduce stress…

Beneath the new crescent moon the combine harvester sits dark and silent, a huge crouching shadow creature. Sylvie opens the cab and swings herself up into the seat. The dry scent of the grain mingles with the mineral smell of diesel, familiar and comforting. Soon the night will be shaken by the engine’s roar and the waving sea of barley will be pinned in the glare of the lights, but for a moment she savours the quiet, the hush of the wind in the trees that edge the fields and the bark of a deer away beyond the farm. It is a beginning and an end. A new lunar month; by the time the moon is full, the harvest will be all but over and autumn will be settling in with…