Shine a light on garden focal points with metallic accents and old-fashioned accessories.

Not many of us realise that having frogs in our gardens is a great asset.

Italian flat beans are top of the crops when it comes to side dishes. They take some serious cooking, but when done well, you’ll be proud to say they came from your patch.

This homemade fertiliser is great – just be prepared for the smell.

make your own pot cleaners from your very home!

Hold on to summer with the fragrant flavours of basil.

There are many ways to change your beauty routine to make it better for you and the environment.

Simon prepares morsels of goodness for little and big mouths.

A few simple rules to follow when it comes to using bug spray on your garden.

Discover the beauty of the begonia flower and foliage.

It’s hard being a parent – and even harder being a stepparent. Here are some tips on how to make taking on your partner’s children easier. Don’t try too hard Many stepparents are so keen for things to work out that they come on too strong. Trying to win over the child by being a […]

It’s hard to go wrong with these low-maintenance veges.

From sliced to seasoned, Simon Gault demonstrates myriad ways to use tomatoes.

Bees are key to our survival – without them, plants are not pollinated. It’s estimated that one third of the human food supply is dependent on insect pollination, yet we threaten them with common pesticides, so please “bee” careful in the garden!

Let no part of your plant go to waste – turn beautiful blooms into a delicious entrée.

A sustainable garden will ensure you and your plants are not left high and dry.

Compost trenches are an easy way to use green kitchen waste and feed your soil.

Get in theme and make the most of the sunny season!

The award-winning writer no longer fears her bank card being declined, but that doesn’t mean she’s quitting her day job.

Light up your life with a custom-made lampshade.

Transform your homegrown crop into magic meals .

Smashed pots and other cast-offs can transform your garden.

Declare your love by serving up sweet homemade gifts.

It’s time to rethink the chemical process of dry-cleaning.

Oleander’s Gorgeous appearance hides a secret.

These will bring home the romance on the big day.

When it comes to garden chores, sometimes it’s better to send in the experts.

Ditch products laden with nasties for a nurturing natural wash.

Bring a harmonious balance to your lounge by pairing colours and patterns.

It’s a good time to think about going green when it comes to back to school preparation. Check out these ideas and see if you can change old habits for environmentally friendlier ones.

Brighten up lessons with exercise book add-ons.

If you’ve experienced growing pains with coriander, don’t give up!

Create an encouraging study environment to help growing minds thrive in the classroom.

Kevin provides free budgeting advice.

Get inspired by the best of british style for your own backyard.

Take control of your debt in the new year!

Keep creative kids clean with this easy-to-wash apron.

Make a fresh start by bringing citrus tones and bright hues into your kitchen area.

*Our son borrowed some money for Christmas from a private lender and has got into a bit of strife. We’re so sorry he didn’t tell us, but now he has a $1500 debt. We tried to pay back the debt as soon as we found out, but the lender told us there are hefty penalties […]

Wise up before you commit to lending terms and you’ll keep debt from becoming an insurmountable burden.

This versatile kiwi icon deserves its place in the sun.

Bring warmth to your living room with beach-inspired colours and accessories.

Plan your pruning to save time and reap the best results.

Those of British heritage often enjoy combining the flavours of fruit and cheese.

January can be tough month for plants as the hot weather kicks in with full force. It is also the time when many of us go on holiday and leave our gardens to fend for themselves. Here are some easy ideas for effective watering: • Check if you need to water by poking your finger […]

A neutral backdrop provides a calming influence.

Homemade compost is an easy, eco-friendly way to give back to your garden.

Dare to be different and throw caution to the wind – along with some seeds – this summer.

Bury those gardening gripes by planting some new seeds of positivity.

Wile away the sunny hours with your very own bohemian picnic.

After overcoming personal crises together, Peter Gordon and Hinewehi Mohi focus their positivity on a new passion.

This is a wonderful old concoction to keep on hand for removing stains from fabric. ½ cup methylated spirits ½ cup hydrogen peroxide Juice of two lemons ¼ cup cloudy ammonia ¼ cup glycerine 1 Mix all the ingredients together, then strain and keep in a glass bottle. 2 Apply the mixture to the stain […]

You don’t need antibacterial soap. The antimicrobial chemical triclosan, used in some toothpastes and antibacterial soaps, is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in some people, and when it mixes into wastewater it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. Health experts also believe that overuse of this, and other antibacterial chemicals, is […]

Live luxuriously for less than you’d think by incorporating glittering hues into your christmas decorations.

Watering your garden in summer is essential if you want your veges and flowers to be healthy. But we waste water so often and pay for it dearly in cities. Why not collect enough rainwater in barrels to water your garden? You will not only save money, but rainwater is more beneficial for your plants, […]

Tips to use batteries in a eco-friendly manner.

It’s often overlooked, but the geranium is no wall flower.

We parents just can’t help ourselves. Our toddler said something hilarious, so we tweet it. We’re so proud of our teenager for passing their piano exam with flying colours that we post details on Facebook. Our Instagram account has shot after shot of our kids looking adorable and getting up to all sorts of mischief. […]

Farmers display expert Gillian Petzer shares the secret to great styling.

When you’re dashing about buying Christmas decorations and trying to organise garlands, wreaths and the ubiquitous tree this week, spare a thought for those who decorated London’s Covent Garden. Fifty crews worked for two weeks – at night – to install 25 truck loads of decorations. It included 70 huge red baubles, 250 metres of […]

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, let it show through a minimalist décor.

It’s a little bit more difficult than some of my usual soaps, but set aside a weekend and you will be rewarded.

Put a unique and creative spin on plain wrapping paper.

Hot and dry areas are perfect for growing stylish succulents.

You can make a really effective soothing cream for nappy changes with a plant in your backyard.

There’s nothing better for your Christmas decor than hanging snowflakes.

Protect your crops or just add a retro twist to your garden with a stylish scarer.

What’s the best way of building up savings for Christmas so you don’t get caught short?

Why is computer ink so expensive? Our family spends nearly $200 a year replacing cartridges. Is there any problem with buying refilled cartridges rather than new, leading brand products all the time? I can’t remember having to pay a ludicrous amount for ribbons in the days of typewriters! Manufacturers claim that the high cost of […]

Everyone loves a BBQ, but it’s not always the cheap option.

Commercial powder can be very toxic, containing phosphates and chlorine which are not kind to the environment. Over the years, I have tried several homemade recipes as an alternative to commercial dishwashing powders and these both have good results, so give them a try. And a tip, if you run out of powder, you can […]

Festive and fun to make.

Playing your edges straight is often desirable, but there are ways to hide any imperfections.

It’s hard to beat the feeling that comes with a predominantly white room.

Now is the time to reap the benefits of sun-loving basil.

Relax and unwind cleopatra-style with this luxurious scented bath soak.

The great outdoors is a natural relief for ailments.

Its all fun and garden games.

Tips and tricks to get underway on your dream holiday.

We all have to deal with rats at some time. I’ve always hated putting out poison for them because their slow death from thirst is not a nice thing to witness. I was in Rotorua recently, where they’re using a new rat killer throughout the forest. Rats are a significant contributor to the death of […]

Ideas for upcycling in your garden.

Natures fresh scent.

This DIY Tablet sleeve is the ideal tech protection - Case closed.

How to create a garden border.

We have all left leaky taps dripping at some time.

Bold home accessories give you the freedom to change your decor with ease.

Get sand smart this summer and do your part to keep the beaches clean.

Growing spuds is easy and so rewarding.

The rules have changed when it comes to kids' bedrooms.

Try these natural mosquito repellents this summer.

Traditionally the time to plant out tomatoes is labour weekend.

Clean out your pantry before the moths and weevils move into action.

This crochet blanket, is perfect as a christening gift.

Children-friendly and practical, invest in some feathered friends.

Instead of throwing out your coffee grounds, put them to good use around the home. Or ask your local café for some to take home next time you order a coffee. • Use as a body scrub. Mix a cup of coffee grounds with a little olive oil to make a paste, then rub all […]

A monochrome palette never fails to create a striking theme.

A worm farm can be ideal.

Our addictions to lawns has become a bad habit.

This scrub was invented by my daughter and it smells heavenly.