Life

Talk to a friend in the northern hemisphere, and they can never understand why leaving the garden for a Christmas break is so difficult. That’s because their garden is well and truly on holiday itself by the time the festive season comes around, and probably buried under a layer of snow! For Kiwi gardeners, however, getting away for even a few days over summer takes some serious planning. To make it a little easier, here are a few tried and true tips to help.

I've made a Christmas resolution. This year, I aim to give 'consumable' gifts, which have a purpose, rather than just 'stuff.'

These protein-packed crepes are simply delicious, and can be eaten fresh from the pan or made in advance and reheated. We enjoy them for breakfast, but you could have them at any time of day. The choice is yours!

As research into the nature of animals advances, we also continue discovering that some pets do, in fact, feel certain emotions. Although little research has been carried out with cats in particular, cat owners generally believe their pets recognise those they know well, and relate to them.

These mildly spiced biscuits can be made in advance, and kept in the fridge up to a week. Just slice them up and bake when you want! Perfect for a festive nibble or when visitors call in.

An interest in personal ancestry isn’t new but, historically speaking, there have always been some cultures that have valued it more than others. Within society in general, there have definitely been periods when the study of ancestry has blossomed, and even boomed.

The significance of any age depends entirely on how you look at it. Reaching 21, 50 and 65 celebrate important stages of our lives just as much as reaching 100.

This is a great comfort bake that’s filling, tasty and freezes well. I often make two at a time – one to eat and one to freeze, to save me time during the week when I feel like a night off from cooking.

Most of us wish we didn’t have to deal with weeds, yet these traditionally bothersome plants ...

A blast from the past. I had not eaten or even seen a chocolate ripple cake since my teenage years. But at my brother’s party for his 70th birthday his charming neighbour Carina volunteered to make a collection of sweet dishes.