Articles in Life & Style

Spring

2011-09-03T00:58:08Z

Springing up to mow the lawn. An exclusive cartoon by Dave Wolland.

Thinking Ahead....

2011-12-07T09:14:54Z

My friend has told me all about her funeral. It’s presumably a long way off yet, but she has it all worked out. It’s even typed up on her computer. Her husband knows where to find the details when the time comes. She wants, she tells me, to have a white casket. And her makeup is to be subtle. Her face should not be ghostly white, just natural looking and her lips should neither take on the bright red of Marilyn Monroe nor the flamingo pink of Barbara Cartland. My friend is a woman of style in life, and so she wants to be seen in death.

A triumph of tenderness

2011-01-02T00:00:59Z

Lamb is such a succulent and tender cut that it should be enjoyed as a culinary experience. In this recipe, Chef Mirai Sata demonstrates why New Zealand lamb is so sought after in the very best international restaurants. (Image attached)

Let's Do It!

2010-11-04T02:55:32Z

Guy Fawkes and Commercial Space Flight. A column by Dave Wolland.

How Commercial Space Travel Measures Up

2010-11-04T03:01:10Z

Richard Branson's commercial space travel. A news cartoon by Dave Wolland.

Wi-Fi Friend Or Foe

2010-11-23T10:46:00Z

The possible dangers of Wi-Fi technology

Getting Wedded To Wi-Fi

2010-11-23T10:50:41Z

A Wi-Fi wedding

Catcalls and Doggerel

2010-12-16T19:48:18Z

Oxford Uni. research claims dogs (and other social animals) are more intelligent.

Cat Weighs In

2010-12-16T19:58:52Z

Oxford Uni. research claims that social animals (Eg dogs) have more highly evolved brains (than cats).

Internet Dating Tips

2011-01-17T13:41:49Z

With internet dating on the rise, more people are unsure of what to expect when looking for Mr or Miss Right. This piece discusses what to do and what not to do with a few other helpful tips along the way.

Diet

2010-10-15T00:56:04Z

Diet, by Falco.

Reaching Those Great Expectations - Myth or Reality?

2011-01-27T01:58:27Z

Social analyst Scotty Donaldson looks at how the media's portrayal of life encourages people to have unrealistically high expectations which they can't meet. This can cause people to have self esteem issues and lose the lust for life.

Seven Things I Have Noticed About The Supermarket Self Service Checkout

2011-03-19T02:36:23Z

Self service checkouts have popped up in supermarkets throughout New Zealand. They make life easy for some people but at the same time there are certain limitations or traits that I have noticed in recent times. Scott Donaldson sheds light on six of these issues.

The History of Buttons

2010-09-29T00:44:44Z

A brief history of the button and how buttons have evolved through the centuries. Includes a section on collecting buttons.

Heroes come in all sizes after an earthquake

2011-02-26T05:46:35Z

From firemen to friends, many people have become heroes in Christchurch. This is a letter of thanks, especially to those who have to recover the bodies of the quakes victims

What can I do?

2011-04-01T04:55:27Z

One homesick Cantabrian with few practical skills wonders how to help the people of Christchurch.

Status

2010-10-15T00:58:37Z

Status, an illustration by Falco.

10 things an author should never blog about

2010-08-18T01:59:31Z

International bestselling fantasy author, Jennifer Fallon, offers some sage (and tongue-in-cheek) advice to new authors about the perils of blogging.

Life without the box

2011-01-06T01:12:22Z

Summer days seem even longer when the TV has been banished to the wardrobe...

Thai time

2011-07-10T03:49:17Z

Ever tried learning a foreign language in the country you're living in? It's hard, but even harder when there are five tones involved. Claire Connell explores the challenges of mastering Thai.

Bird and Tree

2010-02-23T22:30:26Z

An original colour illustration of a bird and tree. Illustration is available in print and web formats. Email julie@allaboutthestory.com with queries.

3D Breakthrough

2011-09-12T04:57:21Z

Another technological breakthrough makes an impact on viewing pleasure.

Style Secrets from Small Children

2009-12-24T01:28:46Z

Think children have no idea how to put an outfit together? Think again. Many children have an innate awareness of what suits them as what doesn't - and perhaps we can learn a little something from their style tips.

Conversations in the car

2009-12-24T01:31:55Z

Traveling in the car with children can have its difficulties. It's not just the planning, it's the fact you can't escape from awkward questions.

There's more to manners than saying please

2010-03-16T02:50:11Z

One of the best gifts we can give to our children that will take them almost further than an excellent education or a desire to succeed is great manners, writes parenting advice columnist Rachel Goodchild.

Not everything is beneficial when it comes to kids

2010-03-16T03:14:51Z

In this parenting advice column, Rachel Goodchild writes that sometimes parents have to let their children try and fail, and go without, if they are to learn the skills they'll need as adults.

Lessons from a lemonade stand

2010-03-16T03:20:05Z

For those of you who want to raise a child who will one day be a business owner, or maybe an entrepreneur, it's important that you give them some of the skills they need early, writes parenting advice columnist Rachel Goodchild.

Tantrums? You've got to change the focus

2010-03-16T03:35:53Z

Parenting columnist Rachel Goodchild offers some tried and tested techniques for handling toddlers' temper tantrums.

How to give your children real praise

2010-03-16T03:38:30Z

Some simple guidelines on how to give children effective praise, from parenting advice columnist Rachel Goodchild.

Outdoors Column: Bring back adventure for children

2010-03-08T01:42:03Z

Outdoors columnist Kingsley Field remembers what it was like to be a boy on a farm when he was young, and wonders how often boys today get the room to strike out and find their own boundaries.

Developing Your Child's EQ

2009-12-24T02:11:25Z

It's not IQ that's important - it's EQ, and it can be taught. How to set your child up for a lifetime of success by teaching them to have high levels of emotional intelligence.

Hitting the Target

2009-12-21T05:33:12Z

Not all students are born with the ability to write effectively, it is a skill that takes practice. Many people would like to know how to write better, but are unsure how to start, as it feels daunting. This article breaks it down into easy to understand steps for great results.

Stretching your Money Muscle

2009-12-21T05:09:33Z

With the cost of living skyrocketing, many students find that they need help to juggle their finances and still enjoy their student days. This article offers practical tips for students to help them stretch their dollar further and stay sane.

Speak Easy

2009-12-21T05:24:48Z

Most people's worst fear in life is public speaking, however it is not always possible to avoid it as a student. Find tips in this article for developing your confidence when you need to take the stand, because let's face it, it can be a very daunting prospect for most.

Tough Love

2009-12-21T05:16:47Z

Everyone experiences times when the rubber hits the road in a relationship. This article offers insight for students into how to navigate through the rough patches and offers practical tips for moving ahead.

The life and times of the Mummy blog

2010-04-28T18:38:30Z

Perfect for Mother's Day. The ins and outs of mum blogs. Essay with interviews with Mia Freedman (mamamia), Nanette Louchart-Fletcher (rummage) and Amanda Blake Soule (soulemama).

Is spoiling your kids bad parenting?

2010-04-26T21:44:27Z

There is a huge difference between being spoilt and being blessed and I believe it comes down to ‘an attitude of gratitude’, writes Allison O'Neill.

25 ways motherhood changed my life

2010-04-26T22:00:08Z

Some unexpected, some major cliches....

Don’t waste your energy on ‘mom guilt’

2010-04-26T21:48:22Z

I am shocked at how quickly a first-time mum learns what ‘mom guilt’ is. For me it started in hospital when the midwife took my newborn for a few hours to let me get my first bit of sleep in three days, writes Allison O'Neill.

Come On In

2010-05-13T07:17:12Z

The influence of TV viewing on children. A cartoon by Dave Wolland.

Memories are Made of This

2010-05-26T00:17:40Z

At the age of 50 something, I'm thinking of getting married again. Sadly, the shorts and T shirt I wore first time around are no longer around, although other memories of my 70s wedding remain.....

The (long overdue) mom's self-esteem makeover

2010-04-26T21:57:00Z

It amazes me how many people have low self-esteem. It is the basis of happiness and success yet so many people lack it. Parents especially need to have a wonderful, balanced self esteem – if they don’t, how can they possibly nurture one in their children?

Diary of a Breastfeeding Mum

2010-06-17T03:04:59Z

Who ever said being a mum was easy?

On The Road

2010-06-17T02:54:09Z

A mother of two attempts long-haul travel with a baby and a toddler... and survives.

A new "F" word

2010-07-12T05:47:51Z

A mother comes to terms with her 10-year-old son's recent diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes.

New York Gynecologist Sells Sex Toys

2010-07-28T20:52:45Z

A Manhattan gynecologist claims to be the first doctor in America to sell sex toys through his practice, saying he wants to save -- but also maybe cause -- women’s blushes.

The challenges of breastfeeding during pregnancy

2010-08-18T02:20:41Z

This article explores the safety of breastfeeding an older child during pregnancy, the common challenges experienced and some possible solutions.

Successful settlement in a new country

2010-08-18T02:45:29Z

A brief look at some of the basic steps one can take to smooth the transition experienced when moving to a new country.

Love chat

2010-09-20T01:56:30Z

Looking for love online; an illustration by Falco.

Baby? Check. Photographer? Check. Panic? . . .

2010-09-23T01:40:53Z

Seven tips for mums to ensure a successful and enjoyable in-home, baby portrait shoot.

A Clever Ad Mate? Explaining sheep shaggers and VD

2010-11-09T23:27:56Z

Thanks to Speights and Toyota I've had to explain venereal disease and bestiality to my 8 and 10-year-old sons, writes Amanda Cropp.

You complete me

2010-10-15T00:53:51Z

You complete me; an illustration by Falco.

Heart

2010-12-09T04:58:43Z

Heart; an illustration by Falco.

Bahrain Sex Store Booms for Arab Businesswoman

2011-01-18T23:06:04Z

Business is booming for Khadija Ahmed, the female owner of the only sex store in the Arab world.

Machismo

2010-10-15T01:31:32Z

Machismo, a cartoon by Falco.

Good communication is key to handling stress

2011-03-21T01:05:36Z

People generally react to daily stress in one of three ways - acting out, burying or communicating about it. Rachel Goodchild offers some advice and observations on each.

From Racoon Eyes to Model Looks

2011-04-06T04:20:33Z

A few tips for automatic camera users to use when shooting out in the sun.

Deep love

2010-10-15T01:21:19Z

Deep love, an illustration by Falco.

Stone Cold Bottoms

2011-06-09T23:25:40Z

A trip to a gallery with our pre-schoolers got me thinking about the value of art to our littlies.

Keeping it Together at Home

2011-07-23T08:02:50Z

Five suggestions for women wishing to survive stay-at-home motherhood.

Shoes for Thought

2010-04-28T18:19:31Z

Everything I know in life I learnt from working in shoe shops.

Designing woman, working girl

2010-03-11T20:24:34Z

New Zealand fashion designer Rebecca Taylor has set up shop - and home - in New York. Kirsten Matthew talks to her about her fashion business, her family, and life in New York.

Meet the Threadheads

2010-04-27T14:32:33Z

Spurred on by Project Runway and crafty websites like etsy.com, fashionable (and frugal) New Yorkers are turning to sewing as a seemly tailor-made hobby - driving sales of sewing machines and sewing classes.

Why Are So Many Women Addicted to New Zealand's Next Top Model?

2010-10-16T12:34:18Z

Every Friday night most women in my life are busy watching New Zealand's Next Top Model on television. I look at the reasons why women watch this show from a male perspective. Sure, they often moan about the contestants, outfits or judging, but I think one reason is that they are jealous.

Sustainable fashion

2010-11-23T01:49:46Z

Obsessive recyclers Celia and Caro Allison say their commitment to sustainability is paying off for their homegrown fashion business, Dual.

From art, to hairdressing, to fashion

2010-11-23T02:14:13Z

Rebecca Herring's creative strengths have turned a painting hobby into Art Style, a fashion and homeware business that provides employment for 27 people, supplies 80 stockists nationwide and has Australian buyers knocking at the door.

Giraffe bowtie

2010-10-15T01:31:29Z

Giraffe bowtie; an illustration by Falco.

What Mends a Mexican Heart

2010-02-13T21:55:21Z

Interview with Miriam Ramos, of Wellington-based ornamental craft label My Mexican Heart. Ramos speaks on her indigenous roots, her art and being a mother.

Good Deeds

2010-02-28T07:54:18Z

Forty five years ago the South African Springboks toured New Zealand. The son of one of those players contacted Hadyn Green asking for help. Both of them ended up with a lot more than they expected.

How I Roll

2010-02-23T09:12:58Z

A look at bowling as a social pastime and how it relates to the people who play it. The comfort of the game, the sounds and how it really isn't cool, but nobody minds.

Weird science in the kitchen

2010-04-06T03:31:37Z

Meat glue, Xanthan and liquid nitrogen – they’re hardly ingredients that get tummies rumbling. But you’d be surprised how often they can be found in the fancy meals you order in New York restaurants – and how terrific they are making your food.

The speed camera, the fine, and my day in court

2010-04-13T04:43:27Z

Account of a day spent in court defending a speed camera fine: 'The presiding judges seemed to be genuinely interested in the people they were hearing. They tried hard to pay attention and understand them. I’d certainly encourage anyone who receives a traffic ticket within the Rodney area to defend it at Warkworth.'

The humble checklist has a lot to offer

2010-04-07T04:41:22Z

A look at the main ideas in US surgeon Anul Gawande's most recent book 'The Checklist Manifesto', which finds that simple checklists are one of our best tools for successfully managing complex situations - from landing a jumbo jet to operating on a patient.

A Clean Sweep

2010-04-27T15:07:27Z

There's an art to cleaning and keeping house but its secrets have been lost in our times. Just ask your mother.

Women of a Certain Age

2010-04-27T14:58:50Z

Are we doomed to become invisible once we hit a certain milestone birthday? Felicity Loughrey looks at the highs and lows of aging in an era where women feel compelled to beat the clock.

Hotel California

2010-04-27T14:52:55Z

With design by Philippe Starck, SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, is a getaway unlike any other.

Mad Men's January Jones

2010-04-27T14:41:04Z

With her breakthrough role as a fragile 1960s housewife, January Jones is the small-screen siren du jour.

Serendipity

2010-04-28T18:04:38Z

New Zealand-born Sandra Nunnerley on a little bit of New York real estate luck.

Big Sale: 100 per cent off everything

2010-05-26T02:32:05Z

Kiwi artist and activist Kim Paton has opened The Free Store in Wellington to give away food and raise questions about consumerism and needs.

Frost

2010-05-27T23:20:00Z

There's a special kind of clarity that comes with a frosty morning, writes Kingsley Field.

Stuck On You

2010-06-17T03:10:42Z

Leeches, leeches, everywhere. Close encounters of the bloody kind whilst trekking in Nepal leaves both physical and emotional scars.

Pick-Ups and Put-Downs

2010-08-26T05:29:32Z

Mind games, neurolinguistic chicanery and a painstaking array of scripts and rules for basic human interaction: no one can say pick-up artists don't work hard. But after a week with one of San Francisco's most prolific pick-up men, it's hard to be sure what all the effort's really in aid of.

Marina and Ulay: Witnessing in New Zealand

2010-08-19T05:50:06Z

New York performance artist Marina Abramovic talks about James Franco, UFOs, and her memories of New Zealand.

Zimbabwe; Land of Generators

2010-08-31T10:16:48Z

An economy which seeks to move forward is hamstrung by receeding infrastructure. Frequent lack of electricity and poor access to communication technology is keeping Zimbabwe down.

The hard-case Kiwi

2010-09-01T21:45:17Z

The question of what it takes to be a New Zealander is difficult to answer – but this story takes a crack anyway. The answer? Fred Dagg knows.

Working on winning wines

2010-09-10T10:33:31Z

Background and beliefs of the Morton Estate Winery, looking at their history, the vintner, what they win and who they supply to.

A career to die for

2010-09-11T01:01:27Z

Talking to one of the few women mortuary technicians and funeral directors in New Zealand, Erin MacDonald.

An underwater over-achiever

2010-09-11T00:32:27Z

Catching up with globally renowned underwater photographer Andy Belcher.

EARTHQUAKE! A Beginner's Guide

2010-09-20T03:54:04Z

A first-hand account of the 2010 Christchurch earthquake.

A Buyer's Market?

2010-09-20T23:30:39Z

Times are tough for everyone at the moment. Is it a good time to buy a house? This is something we recently did, and this article talks about the results.

Wine on the Brain

2010-09-30T20:18:31Z

An account of working on vintage in South West Australia that dispels a few myths about the glamour of winemaking.

Freeskiier Hannah James - proving the true shape of sport

2010-10-19T06:46:47Z

Hannah James, in her final year of school at Mt Aspiring College Wanaka, is the proof that competition is not the only, nor even the true, expression of sport.

Greening Waipara

2010-11-07T01:18:45Z

Over summer buckwheat flowers amongst ripening grapes, nature’s little helper in the battle against voracious leafroller caterpillars. This is Greening Waipara in action, a biodiversity initiative that has attracted support from more than 50 local vineyards, and spread to winegrowing regions around New Zealand and overseas.

AROUND THE WORLD WITH KARIM RASHID

2010-11-14T04:58:33Z

Prolific New York-based designer Karim Rashid has now completed so many global projects, and clocked up so many frequent flyer miles, you could take a world tour staying at hotels, dining out at restaurants and stepping on manhole covers designed by the irrepressible “Poet of Plastic”, who celebrates the completion of each major international project with a symbolic tattoo on his body.

The wild life of Natural History of NZ

2010-11-19T02:39:44Z

Violence is in and sex is out. When it comes to wildlife documentaries, Natural History New Zealand programme developer Craig Meade knows what audiences want, writes Amanda Cropp.

Pee for Paris: Taking on the Marathon de Paris

2010-12-02T01:43:57Z

In an hour, I will be hobbling painfully across the road among screaming vehicles, and cursing the prolific and steep metro stairs. But for now, I appreciate the emotion of the man crying beside me as we stop, and breathe. We have run the Paris Marathon and life is good, writes Dawn Tuffery.

Facebook Founder Launches Social Network for Good Causes

2011-01-18T22:57:51Z

Facebook Founder Chris Hughes has launched Jumo, a social network that links individuals with charities, volunteer opportunities, NGOs, and causes. He discusses Facebook, The Social Network film, working for US President Barack Obama, and his own motivation.

Cricket: Afghanistan's Fastest Growing Sport

2011-01-24T19:34:49Z

Think of Afghanistan and the first things to run through your mind will (not unreasonably) be war, Taliban, and US military forces. But Afghan cricket proudly claims more than 70,000 male participants play in most of the country’s 34 provinces and that even the country’s most unstable areas have teams that compete in national tournaments. In a country where Taliban once banned girls from attending school, today in Kabul more than 100 women play. A new documentary film follows the fortune of the national team.

Lewis Pugh - extreme swimmer and environmentalist

2011-01-29T06:02:07Z

Known as the human polar bear, UK-born Lewis Pugh has achieved some world firsts in extreme cold water swimming. This is a 800-word profile highlights some of these and Pugh's concern about the environment and the polar regions in particular.

Not one of the flock: confessions of a non-birder at a bird conference

2011-02-25T04:59:59Z

Having read Steve Braunias’ book “How to Watch a Bird" I was sure I’d prepared but it soon becomes obvious I’m out of my depth at this international gathering of bird watchers.

Funeral planning - who should be involved?

2011-02-25T05:13:37Z

Planning a funeral helps us move through the beginnings of grieving healthily. Getting in touch with all the feelings that such planning exposes is painful but helpful, writes Heather Hapeta.

How to take fabulous holiday photos

2011-03-01T03:31:11Z

how-to create those green-with-envy "wish I was there" comments from friends and family; how can you bring great photos home from your holiday - 16 tips to help you.

In search of the man behind Meurant

2011-04-15T08:36:49Z

Thirty years ago New Zealand endured with an event which changed the face of rugby and the nation - the 1981 Springbok Tour. When looking for people to talk of their experiences at this time many sources pointed toward a man who was once reviled as the face of police brutality and has since become a powerful businessman with no interest in rugby. OWEN WINTER goes in search of the real Ross Meurant.

Blind dining an eye opening experience

2010-11-15T17:21:54Z

For a few hours diners experience the life of the blind at a London restaurant as they eat their meals in the pitch darkness while being served by blind waiters. Inside Dan's le Noir? we rely on the blinds' eyes.

Avoiding the tourist avalanche in Phuket

2011-07-10T11:15:55Z

Every summer thousands of tourist flock to Phuket in search of the perfect sunny seaside holiday. Claire Connell explains how to avoid the common tourist traps and find the more unique parts of the island during your stay.

Bagpipes, Busking and Bylaws

2011-07-13T00:15:58Z

A guide to street-performance in New Zealand covering bylaws in major metropolitan areas.

Fijian Rule of the Road

2011-08-10T05:26:34Z

A road accident in Fiji demonstrates the Fijian attitudes, standards and law.

Join The Club

2009-12-16T22:17:20Z

The hottest place to dine in the Big Apple isn't a chi-chi restaurant or a posh boite - it's a private supper club. Kirsten Matthew investigates the plethora of insider-y nights out taking place all over New York.

Party Central

2009-12-16T22:24:35Z

A-listers, art stars and supermodels have all clamoured for tables at the uber-chic Indochine over the past 25 years. Kirsten Matthew gets the inside word on what went down over the years at the quintessential New York restaurant

Yes, Chef!

2009-12-16T23:55:09Z

Gordon Ramsay’s right hand man, Josh Emett, dishes on working with the famously profane British chef, and creates the perfect salad.

Eat Your Crusts

2010-05-10T21:50:44Z

There are health dangers associated with acrylimide in baked, roasted and fried food, but luckily we have a huge range of food to choose from compared to our ancestors, writes Dave Wolland.

Preparing a chook to eat

2010-09-11T23:12:11Z

This is part two in a series of three articles about keeping chickens and deals with preparing a chicken for the table.

Checking the chooks' health

2010-09-11T23:19:14Z

The basics on how to check on chooks' health; what can go wrong and how to fix it. Part three of a series on backyard poultry keeping.

Cafe

2010-09-20T01:42:29Z

Rain clouds filling coffee cup; an illustration by Falco.

Escargot

2010-09-20T02:31:12Z

Knife, fork and snail; an illustration by Falco.

Slow Cooker Bliss

2010-09-20T04:24:26Z

Slow Cooker sales have boomed and a whole new generation of home executives is learning to use them. Why are they so popular and how could you get started with your own?

The science of eating.

2010-09-21T00:54:53Z

Does the method by which we shovel food into our hungry faces influence what we choose to eat? Asks Nick Houldsworth.

Caveman cafe

2010-09-21T19:45:28Z

Caveman paints coffee cup; an illustration by Falco.

Sharkfin soup

2010-09-21T19:56:00Z

Man with sharkfin circling in spoon; an illustration by Falco.

Asian Food Explored - Singapore

2010-09-28T22:47:00Z

This article was written during a long holiday in Singapore, which was where I had lived for five years as a child. I loved the food and the people and still visit often. It covers some great Asian recipes and defines the various cultures which contribute to the flavours of Singaporean/Malay cooking.

Rustic recipes for nettles found in my grandmother's cookbook

2010-09-29T01:19:24Z

These nettle recipes were handed down from my grandmother to my mother. I have since added to my Gran's notes and provide here four updated nettle recipes, writes Monique Jones.

EGGS WILL ROLL

2010-10-03T03:31:54Z

Scotch Eggs and the art of motorcycling

Wine o'clock

2010-10-11T01:27:46Z

Wine bottle sundial (of sorts); an illustration by Falco.

Vino

2010-10-15T01:36:41Z

Wine-induced slumber; an illustration by Falco.

Foie gras combo meal

2010-11-16T23:34:28Z

Ritzy diners surprised by Mcdonalds style head waiter. Cartoon by Matthew Kelly.

Toast clock

2010-10-15T01:35:00Z

Toast clock; an illustration by Falco.

Hot dog bomb

2010-10-15T01:31:21Z

Hot dog bomb; an illustration by Falco.

A deep sea sensation

2011-01-01T20:43:13Z

Tuna is a marvelous fish and if catching it is part of the fun, then cooking it rounds off an unforgettable experience. Heather Carston shares a recipe from an international chef that's sensational to eat.

A royal offering

2011-01-01T23:50:16Z

Scallops are the undisputed queens of crustaceans and in this recipe prepared by Chef Steve Conroy, Heather Carston finds a great dish that anyone can make and enjoy.

Four Things I Think Technology Should Allow

2010-10-04T08:22:06Z

There are things in life that require technological intervention to improve ease of use and effectiveness. Technology is surely available to make this possible.

Sumptuous salmon on a summer's night

2011-01-03T01:43:01Z

By Heather Carston Salmon is a staple part of what’s on offer in our supermarkets and restaurants and these days, the preparation of it is as diverse as the waterways from which it is caught. Chef Siobhan Higgins offers this delightful summer recipe.

Organic Tomatoes: Juicy Spheres of Sunshine Packed With Flavour

2011-02-04T16:43:46Z

Considering the journey most tomatoes make from vine to supermarket, it’s a wonder they have any flavour. But, lack of flavour would be of lesser importance, if they were nutritious. This 770-word article looks at startling scientific evidence that shows that compared to the organic fruit, conventionally grown tomatoes are nutritionally almost useless.

Asian dried seafoods - market store

2011-03-19T06:53:55Z

I took this photo in 2006 on holiday in Hong Kong and China

Asian Food- dried seafood

2011-03-19T07:02:46Z

Taken in 2006 on holiday in Hong Kong and China

Fiji Holiday 2006 - Photo essay

2011-03-19T07:58:08Z

All photos on here were taken in Fiji by Monique Jones in 2006

Balolo fishing in Fiji

2011-03-21T05:19:36Z

This story was written in 2006 after a holiday in Fiji. Having never heard of or seen these strange worm-like fish, I was intrigued to learn more about them from the local people. The fish only rise to the ocean surface two days a year, in October and again in mid November.

AA

2011-04-27T22:56:47Z

AA - an illustration by Falco

Chickens - the most productive pets

2010-09-11T22:55:24Z

Even citydwellers can have chooks on small sections, creating a good food producer for the family that costs remarkably little yet provides hours of fun.

Fish in a cage

2010-10-15T00:54:57Z

Fish in a cage; an illustration by Falco.

Golfing in India: bring your own balls

2011-02-25T05:02:46Z

Love golf? Off to India? Well be warned - travellers are advised to carry not only their own golf clubs but also a supply of balls. Although this was the first country outside Britain to embrace the game, it seems India still relies on the West for its golfing equipment.

Reading Cinemas Mystery Movie Revealed - Scream 4 Just Worth The Price of Admission

2011-04-08T13:45:09Z

The Reading Courtenay team put on a Mystery Movie charging $5 for a late night movie. See what happened once Scream 4 finally starting playing? Scott Donaldson reviews the event.

Fish Escape

2011-04-27T23:58:27Z

Fish Escape - an illustration by Falco

Meeting Trout Fishing in New Zealand in Rotorua

2011-06-09T00:22:43Z

This story is about a personal journey involving trout fishing in New Zealand and how I came to arrive at the Rotorua A-Z Trout Fishing School this year. The story invokes the spirit of Richard Brautigan, and American author who created Trout Fishing in America as a character in a novel by the same name. So Trout Fishing in New Zealand becomes becomes not only a theme but also a character.

Food for thought

2010-09-10T09:53:45Z

Making the most of kitchen trends when renovating an older home.

Planning Your Organic Garden

2009-11-24T18:41:17Z

Growing your own vegetables is more popular now than it has been for years. This commonsense approach to planning will help the aspiring gardener to achieve success, taste and health while reducing the amount of labour required.

Building a 3-D jigsaw of the shards from Canterbury’s china cabinets.

2010-12-06T00:26:24Z

Hundreds of cartons, baskets and bags containing millions of fragments of porcelain, glass, and bent silverware faced Christchurch valuers post earthquake. By building a mental 3-D jigsaw from the shards: they came, they saw, they valued…

The garden of an artist

2011-01-01T05:48:14Z

Internationally famous artist Jeanette Blackburn has a second arrow to her illustrious bow - the beauty of the family garden in Rotorua sees tourists come every year just to enjoy the tranquil serenity of more than 40 years labour.

Avoiding the urban cowboy

2011-01-01T07:55:36Z

Decorating DIY is one thing - but with today's advanced technology, not knowing what questions to ask when it comes to application could land you in dire straits. Heather Carston writes of the tips and tricks of the trade - and how to avoid the cowboys.

The Story of Lavender

2011-03-19T09:12:46Z

The Romans knew all about lavender, how it soothes, relaxes and refreshes, so they had their slaves sprinkle lavender flowers into their baths.

Floral photo essay

2011-03-20T12:48:41Z

A selection of colourful blooms taken in and around the winter gardens in Auckland Domain last year.

Is it good enough to give?

2011-04-01T04:12:39Z

Grant Aldridge ponders why some household items are suitable for him but not for donating to strangers; and pines for a lost lawnmower he didn't use.

Home is where the health is.

2011-05-10T01:16:02Z

Allergies and sensitivities are rife in NZ. Many of us, without knowing, have a home that makes sick. This simple and engaging article explains how to have a healthy home.

NZ Loves You

2011-05-10T03:58:49Z

There are many healing herbs, plants and their produce in the bush and kiwi gardens. This article gives a couple of easily found examples and tells the reader how to find out more.

Part Of The Chain Gang

2011-09-13T03:53:08Z

An Historic ceramic piece. The history of its use and surrounds. The pull on a toilet Cistern.

Arrow heart

2010-10-15T00:55:05Z

Arrow heart; an illustration by Falco.

Cupid works out

2010-10-15T01:35:20Z

Cupid works out; an illustration by Falco.

Love time

2010-10-15T00:52:23Z

Love time, an illustration by Falco.

Love attraction

2011-04-27T22:40:57Z

Love attraction - an illustration by Falco

Love, protected

2011-04-27T23:06:01Z

Love, protected - an illustration by Falco

Crying

2011-04-27T23:34:40Z

Crying - an illustration by Falco

Love is complicated

2010-10-15T01:14:28Z

Love is complicated, an illustration by Falco.

Bleeding heart

2010-10-15T01:00:17Z

Bleeding heart, an illustration by Falco.

Outdoors Column: Rabbiting in the Hakarimata Ranges

2010-05-30T06:55:15Z

I was hoping to get myself one or several rabbits for the pot, and to do so I was soft-footing it along the edge of a large paddock of new grass that backed on to a big section of bush running up into the Hakarimata Ranges, west of Ngaruawahia.

Stealthy death by water

2010-09-10T09:08:39Z

Tips for anglers on preventing the spread of Didymo in North island waterways.

Fish goes fishing

2010-09-28T22:05:29Z

Fisherman about to be swallowed by giant fish on hook; an illustration by Falco.

Mountain biking in National Park

2010-09-30T21:24:57Z

Anna Carter grabs a bike and meets the challenge of the 42 Traverse bike trail through virgin rain forest and the spectacular mountain backdrop of National Park. (Includes notes and tips on getting there and what to take)

Wellington Entertainment - Hidden Gems

2011-03-14T08:07:29Z

Wellington is a great place to live with so many things to do and see. Scotty Donaldson looks at some hidden gems that most people don't know about in Wellington. These places offer excellent fun and great value entertainment.

Wellington Out Games and Taekwondo World Championship - So Many Events In Wellington

2011-03-14T08:21:54Z

Last weekend there were so many activities and events on to entertain everyone. There is enough variety to keep everyone happy. Different strokes for different folks!

Looking after yourself when there is just no time

2010-08-20T05:07:22Z

With families, careers and households, women are constantly trying to fit everything into insane schedules. There are also a proportion of people that try so hard to be perfect that anything less than the best results in depression and complete avoidance of the issue.

Habitual sin

2010-11-23T08:24:05Z

Ever get the sense that you have less control over your behaviour than you should? Sometimes it feels like I’m battling a five-year-old version of myself, one ready to sneak in bad habits whenever my guard is down.

The Age Of PC Goodness

2010-03-12T15:25:20Z

A piece on trendy and PC Greenness and Goodness. Highlights that we may not make any lasting changes by adopting new belief systems or stances, but rather, by cultivating the Goodness alive in each one of us. Tender, warm and inspiring.

Kiaora Ora

2011-08-12T08:57:51Z

Three sisters from the Hawkes Bay have set up business selling natural skin care products

Can Your GP Help You Live Longer?

2011-10-16T23:13:51Z

New research reveals how your GP can help keep the cost of your health care and hospital visits down, while extending your longevity.