Dear Diane, I was widowed this year. While my husband was ill for a long time and his death wasn’t unexpected, it’s still going to be a strange Christmas for our kids and me.

Lee Ann looks at ways to make a grand entrance in any setting.

Make the outdoors truly great with these inspiring tips.

The Taranaki Garden Spectacular festival is bursting with inspiration.

Our fashion editor gives us a peek at her stylish retreat.

Not only does she write about horrific crimes, Patricia Cornwall has seen the dreadful aftermath of real-life cases up close.

Be inspired by our tips about Christmas decorations – from the perfect Christmas tree, to Christmas lights to decorating the Christmas table – we have ideas for you. The Perfect Christmas Tree A handy step-by-step guide to trimming your tree. Christmas Decorations Why do we gift wrap at Christmas? Wrapping presents at Christmas time stems […]

Sparkling and bright, whether it’s indoors or outdoors decorative lighting brings holiday cheer to your home and garden, with a warm glow that will exude the festive spirit. With so many options for lighting that will bring that extra special touch to your holiday season, here’s everything you need to know about brightening up Christmas. […]

Wrapping presents at Christmas time stems from several traditions that have been passed down and evolved through history – from the act of gift giving to the origins of the wrapping paper. The act of gift giving could be said to date back to the birth of Jesus Christ, when the three wise men brought […]

Many of us choose the restful ambience of our garden as the location for the festive meal.

Collections of well-worn items can add character and charm to a garden.

Here are some budget- conscious ideas for gifts your kids can make this Christmas.

Here's come history around our favourite time of the year.

Many New Zealand families consist of one parent with dependent children – and that parent is usually a woman. At this time of year, her already difficult role becomes even more so. Her finances are stretched at the best of times, and now she’s expected to buy Christmas presents, engage her kids in summer activities, […]

There’s no place like home at Christmas time. But with divorce no longer an uncommon occurrence, when it comes to the children, whose home will it be?

Lee Ann adds a tropical twist that’s just ripe for spring.

With Christmas almost here, it’s time to set the table – and there are any number of ways to approach this pleasant task. If the big day dawns bright and sunny where you are, an alfresco lunch will lift everyone’s spirits and help reduce some of the tensions that can arise when a large number […]

These are so easy!

A handy step-by-step guide to trimming your tree.

The queen of cupcakes shows us round her delightful home.

Put the pastels aside – co-ordinate your garden with earthy, dark hues.

Welcome the coming summer into your home with splashes of warm yellow, orange and ochre.

This “pesky weed” can add interest and beauty to any garden.

The fascinating yet friendly home of writer Lisa Scott.

Are the latest garden trends all they stacked up to be?

Get back to basics with a calm and nature-inspired décor.

Looking for some inspiration to add a bit of pizzazz to your garden? Take a leaf out of Lee Ann’s book.

Colour theming your herb garden will help feed both body and soul.

Let summery treats such as sorbet and macaroons inspire your home’s palette.

Summer meals are right around the corner, so stock up on salad staples.

The ash from your wood burner is an all-natural boon for your garden – and it won’t cost you a cent.

Drawing a blank when faced with an empty wall? Try these tricks to turn a clean slate into a work of art.

Vegetables are making a resurgence in the US - particularly wild leeks.

Maria Goodhew has created a haven overlooking the Hokianga Harbour.

Grow your own versions of these multipurpose decorative gems.

Look on the bright side and try these sterling metallics in your home.

Eight great home improvements you can do for less than $200

Growing healthy herbs will give you a fragrant garden and garnish.

Fabulous ideas for adding life and pizzazz to your interiors.

Orchids can be addictive, says colour therapist Juilia McKenzie.

We deal with all your decorating dilemmas.

Create fun, seasonal designs full of colour by using annuals and perennials

Turn an awkard garden function into a well-designed landscape feature.

You don't need an island holiday to discover the joys of tropical fruit.

Add drama to an entranceway with planning and care.

Get quick fix ideas for decorating your interior home with books, shoes, frames souvenirs and more.

You may not love these veges, but the health benefits are undeniable.

Dear Wendyl, When I first met my wife, she smelled delicious to me. She didn’t wear any perfume and was a very natural sort of lady.

Dear Wendyl, I have a mother who is 98 and in care. Her sight and hearing are bad and every time I visit it’s really depressing to see that her quality of life has been reduced so much. Last time I saw her she told me that she wanted to die. She said she had […]

There’s nothing like flickering flames to really make you feel at home.

Dear Wendyl, My sister has a five-year-old daughter who I am worried about. I recently heard that she offered her daughter a small piece of venison for dinner and my niece refused to eat it. My sister sent her to bed without tea and for the next two to three days offered only that same […]

Dear Wendyl, My 20-year-old son was the result of a brief fling on a holiday many years ago, but I’ve always fudged this a bit with him, saying his father and I “lost touch”.

Dear Wendyl, A few years ago a member of our family went off the rails and descended into a sordid life of drink and drugs, with some thieving too, which resulted in time in prison. The good news is that he has found God and is now a different person. The downside to this is […]

It’s everywhere in nature, and it looks just as good in your home.

If it's difficult to get into the orchard, why not bring the orchard to you?

Dear Wendyl, What should you do if you think there is a case of elder abuse going on? I suspect that the little old lady next door is being assaulted by her son...

Dear Wendyl, I am one of five children, but my widowed mother has decided that I am the one who must look after her...

Dear Wendyl, I have recently ended a relationship. I lost it in a fit of anger after some months of being rejected and pushed away.

Multifunctional and low maintenance, agave can revolutionise your garden.

Dear Wendyl, I had been with my boyfriend for six years and then we broke up because we are of different religions...

Dear Wendyl, My 18-year-old daughter and I used to have a really good relationship. But lately, every time we go out she seems to enjoy criticising how I look.

**Dear Wendyl, **My brother-in-law recently split up from his wife and had nowhere to go, so we said he could come and stay with us for a while. Well, it’s been six months and he’s still living with us – rent-free, slobbing around in a depressed state and making no effort to find his own […]

Your living space should be as safe as houses.

This rustic metal is back in fashion, adding a sense of warmth to winter.

Dear Wendyl, I recently met a man at a party who I really like. We are both in our forties and he’s been single for two years, while I’ve been alone for a lot longer.

Dear Wendyl, I am a working mum with two kids and a very nice husband who does his fair share of the housework. My problem is that he has boundless energy and I don’t.

Entertain outdoors this winter with stylish and functional additions.

Dear Wendyl, I recently took my mother-in-law on an overseas trip to see my two adult children who live in Australia with their father.

Dear Wendyl, My granddaughter is four years old and an absolute delight to be with. When she spends time with me we get up to all sorts of mischief with adventures in the bush and quite a lot of playtime, which leaves her a bit dirty. Her mother has asked me to stop playing with […]

Dear Wendyl, I have an 18-year-old daughter who is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend of two years.

Break away from traditional gardens and go vertical.

It’s time to reflect on your inner sanctum – redecorate your house and make it feel like your home.

Dear Wendyl, I’m in my sixties and my husband died two years ago. I’ve found that since he has gone, I have no friends...

Dear Wendyl, Two years ago I met and fell in love with a man, and before we knew it we were pregnant.

No need for flashy products or gimmicks – turn to nature for the perfect present.

Dear Wendyl, My boyfriend has spent the past six months training for a marathon and is looking fantastic. He has lost 20kg and is gorgeous...

Breaking up is always hard, regardless of whether you are the “dumper” or the “dumpee”.  Too often we stay in a relationship that no longer serves us well, and soon become trapped in a downward spiral of emotional misery. Staying true to yourself is a hard thing to do, and being upfront and honest from […]

Dear Wendyl, When I split up from my husband I had no interest in starting another relationship, preferring to focus entirely on my two children...

Dear Wendyl, I’ve been having an affair with someone I shouldn’t be having an affair with and I really want to stop, but he won’t let me.

Gone are the days of bulky, ugly fittings – now you can really make your garden glow.

Simple touches can make a big difference – and you can change your mind.

Dear Wendyl, I’m a divorcee, in my forties and desperate to be in a relationship again. I’ve met guys who I think are right for me...

Dear Wendyl, Am I being a stalker if I became a Facebook friend of my ex by using another name?

Dear Wendyl, I’m a teenage girl and I live in a small town. Last year my friend had a party and after a few drinks I found myself in a corner with her...

Put the heat back into winter gardens using vibrant hues.

Dear Wendyl, My next door neighbour eats a lot of junk food and so do her kids. I, on the other hand, take my children’s health really seriously...

Dear Wendyl, I’ve been taking the Pill for years and I’m a bit sick of it as it makes me put on weight and feel quite bloated and disgusting.

Dear Wendyl, My partner’s ex insists that when we have his child to stay, I write down everything I feed him in a diary. I started doing it, then realised she might be being unrealistic. Surely his father (and I) can be trusted? What do you think? Jane, by email Dear Jane, Just don’t do […]

Keep the kids busy during the school holidays with these special projects from our guest craft editor, Jane Aubrey.

Creative chaos reigns at this 19th century Auckland home.

Casual or formal, a lush hedge has an elegant beauty that no fence can match.

Dear Wendyl, When my coffee group has its regular get-togethers the conversation often turns to sex. Although I’m not a prude, I feel quite awkward...

Dear Wendyl, My husband of nearly 20 years came home the other night and told me he has gone off me sexually. He said it while we were watching TV.

How can you tell if he really loves you? Is it in his kiss? He says he loves me but he’s always late, never pays, prefers his mates, flirts openly, fires up regularly, ignores my family, tells porkies, criticises my dress sense, forgets my birthday, does nothing around the house and is the host with […]

Dear Wendyl, I have a dear friend who has always been eccentric, but it’s something I love about her. During the last four years, however, she has had three life crises which have involved yoga retreats, shaving her hair and living by some new book she found. I’ve always tried to be supportive but have […]

Look across the ditch for the best of these back-in-fashion beauties.

Dear Wendyl, My sister had her engagement party recently and everyone had a good time, or so I thought. My other sister told me my engaged sister was “disappointed”...

Dear Wendyl, My husband and I signed up at a local gym two months ago as we both decided it would be fun to get fit together and have a shared interest.

Dear Wendyl, My daughter is mad-keen on soccer and athletics. She has practice most nights and plays games or competes on weekends.

Equip your outdoor environment with these creative storage ideas.