Let’s Split

Words and images by Vicki Ravlich-Horan My first night in Split was not ideal. Delayed flights ending in lost luggage meant I arrived around 9pm needing to buy the basics – toothpaste, deodorant and clean undies! Luckily this is Europe and even on a Monday night the town was still buzzing. With the essentials sorted […]

A Designing Life

Words Denise Irvine, Images Brydie Thompson Creating a home environment that looks and feels good sounds simple. Yet it is so easy to get bogged down by the myriad choices and plethora of products available today.  Consult a good interior designer and you may discover how quickly they hone in on your individuality and seem […]

Thorne Group – Homes Built with Foresight

Words Liz French, Images Bryde Thompson for Thorne Group While 80 may be the new 60 and many people are enjoying good health into their twilight years, there is good sense in planning your future home so you can enjoy an environment that will evolve as you do. It’s not just about retirement or mobility; […]

Bold, Beautiful Bali

Words and images by Sandy Crooks Stepping out of the airport in Bali, you feel that whoosh of the tropics – warmth, noise, smells. For me, this is the point where my shoulders drop and tension seeps away. Bali is a place of such richness – colours, customs, flavours. No matter how many times I […]

Audi Day out – Whangamata edition

Words and images Vicki Ravlich-Horan After a week of relentless rain, the sun came out for our second annual Audi Day Out.  This is the day that my Instagram feed belies reality and will have you believe I swan around the region driving luxury cars, meeting great people and eating delicious food! We meet at […]

Festive Wreath Workshop

Join Venetta from Where the Cornflowers Grow for a fun night out making a beautiful natural wreath. Using a natural twig base that can be reused year after year, along with fresh foliage, dried textured elements, and festive Christmas ribbon Venetta will show you how to create a beautiful, eco-friendly wreath to adorn your door […]

Downey Designer Homes

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Images Ashlee DeCaires Over the last few years, Kirsty Johnson from Downey Designer Homes has shown me around a few of their fabulous builds. After each tour, I leave with my head spinning with so many beautiful details and fabulous ideas. It’s these designer differences the Downey team help their clients with […]

Tatua – truly local

  Words Denise Irvine, Images Ashlee De Caires Ask Julie Langley to name her favourite Tatua product and she replies in an instant: “Cooking cream. It is great for butter chicken, and last night I made a chicken and broccoli bake with it. It’s richer than regular cream and it doesn’t split. It has a […]

New in the City

There has been a flurry of new eateries open in Hamilton Central over the last six months. Here are a few for you to go and check out. Recently opened Indian Chimney – 4 Alexandra Street Bringing the rich flavours, spices, and soul of India to the heart of the city. Expect authentic Indian cuisine […]

Spreading Kindness One Treat at a Time

Words Megan Lyon Bring to mind if you will, a stack of pillowy pinwheel scones, made with goat’s cheese and dried tomatoes; peanut butter crispies packed with Whittaker’s chocolate and rice bubbles; an oaty caramel ANZAC slice. These delectable treats have all recenty come from the kitchens of La Cave owner Brigid Sullivan for the […]