Luxuriously lounging outdoors

Sultry evenings demand an appropriate level of inactivity, such as alfresco dining and relaxed reclining while absorbing the sounds of summer. More »

The heart of a family compound

Tuesday, 02 February 2010
Residential compounds are usually associated with the rich and famous around the world – the Kennedys at Cape Cod, north of New York, come to mind – but one Auckland family has created its own compound on land that has been in the family for more than 100 years.

Room to breathe retirement

Monday, 30 November 2009
An exceptionally crafted property boasting some of Auckland’s most picturesque views has been crowned house of the year.

Southern branch of the family

Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Twenty-two years ago, aged 17, Anette Gay was smitten by the Christmas bug when living in her native Denmark, where a focus on decorations, festive foods and family is paramount.

Tony's tips on little jobs

Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Fixing up a house after a “cowboy” has had a go at it is the bane of life for repairs and maintenance tradespeople.

Jesma's Blog : Tricked for no treats

Monday, 16 November 2009
I dread Halloween. It sneaks up on me like a thief in the night and I’m never prepared for it. As a former, chubby chocoholic, I stopped stashing bags of lollies and chocolate bars in my pantry years ago, for fear of filling out again.

Jesma's Blog : Finding room to work

Monday, 03 August 2009
Many articles about creating successful bedrooms state that this sacred space should be used only for sleeping and sex.

Jesma's Blog : My brush with swine flu

Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Words said in jest have a habit of returning to the person who uttered them in the spookiest of ways. And statements made confidently such as: “I haven’t had a dose of the flu in years,” inspire many usually sane people to immediately touch wood, out of superstition, hoping that what they’ve just boasted about won’t become a reality.