Melissa Platt

Marketing Yourself If You’re Not An Extrovert

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Whatever industry or job you’re in, a cornerstone aspect of developing your career is your ability to market both yourself and a brand. 

Whilst that may come naturally to people with extroverted tendencies as myself (like… if I had a dollar for every time I’ve been told I am a rainmaker), I do feel that the commonly held belief that being an extrovert is the preferred personality style to be in marketing is a misconception. 

If you are introverted, doing things such as attending networking events and mixers or speaking in large groups may be things that you shy away from. However, there are ways you can still excel. Introverts make up 30-50% of the population, and many extroverted people have introverted qualities so unpacking how to market in a way that suits your personality is pertinent. 

An introvert is defined as a personality type that gains energy and is more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what is happening externally. In general, they enjoy spending time with just one or two people rather than constantly being in a crowd. 

So how can you make sure you engage with people, build your brand and continuously network if you’re more introverted?

Form real connections

A few weeks ago, I attended a talk by a very successful international lawyer who started his firm at 22 years old. He is well known for being extremely sociable, amicable and well-liked in the legal community. He talked about how he actually was extremely shy when he first got into this game, but slowly built up his international connections by aiming to actually create meaningful connections. He said his number one tip was to make sure you catch up with at least 1 person a week – be it for a coffee, a lunch or even a drink. By doing this, you’re building a real and intimate relationship and can ask questions that are personal and find similar interests. He anecdotally also recited that there’s now one partner at a firm in London who he exclusively only catches up with by going on hikes as they both found that as a point of common interest.


Attend with a friend

A great way to decrease the stress of a networking event is to attend such mixers in smaller groups with people you know. It ensures company and you can be a part of a table of people you already know and meet new people alongside them.

Attending with a friend is one of my favourite tips despite being extremely extroverted, as it’s nice to have somebody to turn to and it can also attract other people in pairs or small groups to come up to you. I also like to check whether any friends from the same industry I already have may be attending, so that there’s always people to gravitate towards.


Use the internet to vet the scenario

Using social media to figure out who may be there, and some people you may want to connect with will make the event far more intentional and considered. 

I like to also run a google search on people generally, to understand their background and think about talking points that may interest me and them.

If there’s a specific speaker you want to introduce yourself to, trying to understand a bit about them and their history will show that you are interested, which will increase the likelihood of them reciprocating. I recently attended an event where the speaker had lived and worked in New York, and when approaching them, I asked about this experience which ignited a 25 minute conversation about living in the East Village and how incredible New York city was.


Use the introvert tendency to be a good listener to your advantage

My final tip is that generally introverts are good listeners. At most events, people tend to talk about themselves and promote themselves which can undercut the premise of forcing a meaningful connection. As introverts are inherently comfortable with silences and are reflective, you can use the ability to actively listen and have more substantial conversations.

Hopefully, these tips give you the confidence to go out there and get networking. 





Bright And Beautiful: Going Bold With Your Interiors

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We’re moving swiftly on from monochrome as the energy, interest and vitality added to living rooms by a bold and confident use of bright colour emerges as one of the biggest design trends. And it is Spring after all!


Into the Pink

A museum curator’s jewellery box of an apartment is a joyful explosion of contrasting colours that has been lifting its owner’s mood for more than two decades. In the living room, apple-green walls complement a bright pink ceiling, with a mustard-yellow velvet armchair setting off both shades to perfection. Finding the exact colour tones that the homeowner wanted to use in the various spaces was a challenge, and he made use of a colour specialist to assist with the task of tracking down the perfect shades.



Blue Note

“I love colour,” says the owner of this large family home, in which each room sports a different but equally strong hue. “It’s about mixing and layering and not making it obvious and predictable,” she adds – and the confident combination of bold colours with black-and-white plus animal print makes for a lively and sophisticated feel throughout, as demonstrated in this supremely smart living room.


Jewel Tones

A contemporary jewellery designer’s home is, like her wearable creations, bold and exuberant in its use of colour. “I’m not afraid of mixing shades together,” she says, “but you have to be deliberate about it to pull it off.” In the living room, she’s done just that, combining pillar-box red, dark denim blue, fuchsia and yellow with real flair to create a mix that makes for a fun, energising and effortlessly multi-generational living room.


Emerald City

Well-known for her superbly gutsy approach to colour, the interior-designer owner of this suburban family home simply adores a bold hue. “Once I start, I can’t stop,” she smiles. “White just looks blah.” A plethora of patterns and textures – from the cane armchair and velvet sofa to the Senegalese plastic mat used to cover the ottoman – both complement and set off the bold green and blue hues used in her living room.


Culture Club

Mixing multiple patterns and colours judiciously isn’t always easy, but when done well – as seen in this apartment, owned by two artists – it is irresistibly attractive. A particularly important element in this living area is the inviting takht or “river-bed” that, strewn with colourful pillows and bolsters, is a vernacular piece of furniture commonly found in teahouses and at roadside kiosks, shrines, entrances to mosques and restaurants across Iran, the Caucasus and Central Asia.


Pop Stars

It’s a truism that those not confident enough to deploy swathes of colour should instead add “pops” of it, ideally against a monochrome backdrop, but doing so can also make a space slide into the realm of decorating cliché. The chain hotel décor look has been resolutely avoided in this living room, however, where multiple colourful elements – including the golden-yellow display recess, turquoise-blue side table and colourful striped and patterned rugs – create multiple sparks of visual interest.


Enviably Green

The decision to paint all the walls and much of the ceiling of this heritage coastal holiday cottage in a single shade of green was one of the only changes made to the original home when its new owners took over, and was suggested by a friend who suggested the green would make the original yellow beechwood floors “look considered”. Not only did his prediction turn out to be accurate, the green also varies between hues of fern, olive and pistachio, depending on the light conditions as the day goes by.


Modern Hues

When decorating her mid-century modern home, a young fashion designer decided she wanted to use colours that were popular in the 1960s, which was when her house was built. “I researched what colours were popular [then] and chose the ones that I liked,” she says – shades that included the saturated pastels seen here in her living room – which she then combined with fearless verve to create a look that is both retro and fresh.

Production: Sven Alberding. Photography: Greg Cox/Bureaux, Warren Heath/Bureaux, Elsa Young/Bureaux.

The Mowbray Way

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Anna Mowbray helped to build one of NZ’s most successful companies but she tells Sharon Stephenson why she walked away, how she learned the value of a dollar and why the time was right to disrupt the job market.

Billionaires, say people who know about these things, are rarely happy.

Not only do they have to worry about losing their fortunes, there’s the constant anxiety of increasing their net worth and/or being overtaken by people with more zeros in their bank accounts.

If Anna Mowbray isn’t a billionaire, she probably isn’t far off – the National Business Review estimates that Anna and her brothers Nick and Mat, co-founders of ZURU, one of the world’s largest toy companies, are worth around $3 billion. But Anna defies every unhappy mega-rich stereotype there is.

The 40-year-old is kind, relentlessly positive and radiates so much energy she could be plugged into the national grid. The sort of person who, if we were doing this interview in person, would probably have whipped up a batch of biscuits and sent me home with the rest in a Tupperware container.        

Instead, we’re chatting by Whatsapp, ostensibly about Anna’s new venture, the online recruitment app ZEIL which launched in August and has been branded Tinder for Jobs (more on that later).

First, though, I want to know why anyone would walk away from the top table of one of the most successful NZ companies in recent history, one they helped build from scratch.

“I get asked that a lot,” says Anna, pushing a lock of her trademark platinum blonde hair behind one ear.



“But when I turned 35, I realised that I didn’t want ZURU to be the biggest mountain I ever climbed. I wanted to do something else before I was 40, something that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and push into uncomfortable spaces. I was itching to start again, to do the all-nighters and feel the stress of a start-up.”

She’d been here before, of course, leaving Aotearoa straight out of Massey University to join her brothers in their madcap quest to take on global toy giants Mattel, Fisher-Price and Hasbro.

“We were three young, naive Kiwis with no understanding of business or the corporate world, dropped into the middle of China without being able to speak the language. I’d only ever been to Australia once when I was 13 and had never even travelled to the South Island and here I am, in a city of 15 million people. It was a wild, exhilarating and crazy ride but we had a vision of building a million dollar company, then a billion dollar company, then the biggest toy company in the world.”

As with most start-ups, there were lean times.

“We lived in the factory for ages, with my bedroom just off the factory floor,” recalls Anna who today resides in a $24 million home in Auckland’s Westmere with her partner, former All Black Ali Williams.

“There was no air-conditioning so it was boiling in summer. We survived on a few dollars a day for years, working 16-18 hour days.”

But the Mowbray siblings are black belts in never giving up. “We were so driven and focused on today, then tomorrow, then the next challenge. Yes it was tough but that experience taught me that you can’t let challenges paralyse you. You have to use them to push yourself forward because that gives you the confidence to keep going.”

We all know how pushing themselves forward worked out: 17 years after starting ZURU, it employs more than 8,500 people in 26 offices globally and its reach covers not just toys but also fast moving consumer goods and, most recently, property. 

“It taught me that when you change the life of a woman, you change a generation.”

Anna Mowbray

While Anna loved the cut and thrust of finding new markets and setting up production facilities, her real passion was people.

“I realised my purpose was to empower others to unlock their talent and capability, to help them achieve things they didn’t think they could.”

That came not only via the global teams she put together and the business culture she was responsible for setting, but also via ZURU’s philanthropic projects which work with women in remote parts of China.

“We set up a project where we’d go into rural areas to work with women who hadn’t been able to get an education, many of them single mothers. We’d put them through various vocational and  educational programmes, including medical, sewing and cooking training, to enable them to find work.”

It wasn’t just about giving money, she says, it was also about giving time and opportunities. “ZURU staff would stay with these families, often sleeping on dirt floors next to pigs and farmyard animals that they’d bring inside for the night. Spending time with those families in their homes was one of the most grounding and humbling things I’ve ever done. We put 800 women a year though the programme, women who’ve gone on to open their own shops and find work in factories, opportunities they wouldn’t have had before. It taught me that when you change the life of a woman, you change a generation.”

Her passion for people is what led Anna to ZEIL. While researching HR tech to find out where the disruption was, the mother of two boys (11 and 6) and a 10-year-old daughter was surprised there wasn’t any.



“The online job recruitment space hasn’t been disrupted since the internet came along! It was an opportunity for me to look at how we could bring innovation to job seekers in a way that’s data-driven, fun and delivers jobs the way the digital-native workforce wants them to be delivered, as well as allowing businesses to showcase their brand and culture and use data to understand what candidates are looking for.”

Enter the Tinder-style app, which allows job seekers to swipe right on jobs recommend by the ZEIL algorithm.

Anna, who admits she pulled “quite a few” all-nighters getting the business up and running, has been overwhelmed with the response.   

“It’s been incredible. ZEIL was the biggest business app in NZ for the first 10 days after we launched and third among all apps, ahead of TikTok, Instagram and Threads, and well above Seek and Trade Me who were #46 and #47 respectively. More than 15, 000 people have downloaded the app and we now have 700 companies on board, from a start of 115, and 1,000 jobs on the platform.”

But there’s more to come she says proudly, pointing to the whiteboards dotted around her Freemans Bay office with headings such as ‘One Month’, ‘Three Months’ and ‘Dream Bigger’.

“After we’ve established ZEIL in Aotearoa, we’ll be taking our Kiwi ingenuity and culture to the world.”

Flick through any society pages and you’ll invariably see Anna dressed in a designer gown with impeccable hair and make-up, surrounded by NZ business and sporting royalty.

It’s a stark contrast to her childhood on a Waikato lifestyle block where, thanks to her three brothers, Anna was “a real tomboy who ran with the boys, played with the boys and fought with the boys”.

“I remember when I was five screaming and refusing to wear a dress.”

Her parents – father an engineer, mother a teacher – had relocated the family from Tokoroa, where Anna was born, specifically so that their four children could attend St Peter’s School in Cambridge.

“We didn’t have a lot but Mum and Dad focused on our health, well-being and education. They also had this incredible entrepreneur spirit we all inherited that empowered us to be whatever we wanted.”

Anna credits her parents with teaching her the value of money and hard-work.

“I knew I always wanted to be wealthy. I’ve worked since I was 12 babysitting, feeding out the neighbour’s horses and picking lilies. Even when I was at university I had a part-time job because I didn’t want to take out a student loan.”

After constantly nagging her parents for a horse they finally bought her one for $400. Anna later sold it for $800.

“I was always buying things, making them better and selling them for more.”

The initial plan was to become a vet but after a summer working with a local vet who told her there was no money or career progression in the profession, she switched her allegiance to a food technology degree at Massey’s Palmerston North campus.

“University was always really a box to be ticked, because I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Nick and Mat had gone to China the year before and they called me saying, get on a plane we desperately need you. But I wanted to finish my degree. I’m actually the only one of us four kids who finished their degrees.”

Anna might still be living in China if it wasn’t for Covid.

“We always brought the kids back to NZ during Chinese New Year but in 2020 we got stuck here when the borders closed. We had to have our house in China packed up and our new puppy put into quarantine and sent over. We basically had to reset our whole lives but we love being back home.”

Anna admits her biggest challenge these days is finding balance between work and family.

“Like all working mothers I have to redefine what balance looks like for me. My three children live with us and Ali shares custody of his two daughters so we always have a full house. But our focus is on raising our kids to be passionate, driven and humble.”    

It’s a schedule that doesn’t leave a lot of personal time but Anna admits she doesn’t need much.

“My EA is always trying to book me massages and facials which I never go to because I’m not the type who can lie there doing nothing, my head doesn’t stop whirring! I’m an active relaxer and Ali and I do Pilates and boxing. To be honest, I get energised by being with the kids, I don’t need time to myself.”

By now, we’ve overshot our allotted interview time by 20 minutes and although I’ve yet to ask Anna about her future plans or philanthropic work, she warns me she’s getting “the look” from her EA. 

I manage to sneak in one last question: the hardest job Anna’s ever had.

“Raising children, without a doubt! It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the one I stress the most about, but it’s also the most rewarding.”

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Sam’s Roasted Pumpkin Salad

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Sophie Hansen and Annie Herron share a selection of their favourite recipes with WOMAN.

This is everything a “bring a plate” salad should be – happy to sit around at room temperature, substantial enough to be a side dish or main on its own, and absolutely delicious. I loved how Sam solved her “no platter big enough” problem by lining a basket with brown paper and layering her salad inside.

Prep time: 25 mins
Cook time: 55 mins
Serves 6-8

Ingredients

1kg butternut pumpkin (squash)
¼ cup olive oil
Grated zest and juice of 1 orange
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
½ cup hazelnuts

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Slice the unpeeled pumpkin into 1cm-thick slices, removing any seeds. Place the slices in a bowl, then drizzle with most of the oil and the orange juice. Add the spices and season with salt, then gently toss.

2. Spread the pumpkin over a couple of baking trays, then roast for about 45 minutes or until soft and beginning to caramelise around the edges. About 10 minutes before the pumpkin has finished cooking, add the kale to the trays, then drizzle with the remaining oil. Return the trays to the oven and cook until the kale is crispy.

3. Spread the hazelnuts on another baking tray and pop them into the oven for about 10 minutes or until aromatic. Tip the nuts into a clean tea towel, then rub to remove the skins. Roughly chop the nuts.

4. Transfer the pumpkin and kale to a large platter (or get a lovely big basket, line it with a few layers of brown paper, then a layer of baking paper, and arrange the pumpkin and kale on top). Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and grated orange zest over the salad and serve warm or at room temperature.

Note:

You could also sprinkle some feta or goat’s cheese over the salad.

Extracted from Around the Kitchen Table by Sophie Hansen and Annie Herron. Photography by Sophie Hansen. Murdoch Books, RRP $45.

TVNZ Presenter Inspired By The Combination Of Te Reo Māori And Shakespeare

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Te Rauhiringa Brown was captivated by hearing the words of William Shakespare performed in te reo Māori and inspired her to excel in a career in the screen industry.

TVNZ personality and performer Te Rauhiringa Brown remembers the moment when she was inspired to become an actor and tell stories on the stage and screen.

It happened ten years ago while Te Rauhiringa was studying media in Auckland. She went to see a Māori performing arts company staging a te reo Māori version of the epic William Shakespeare play Troilus and Cressida, before they took the production to the home of Shakespeare, The Globe Theatre in London.

Te Rauhiringa, a fluent Māori speaker, was mesmerised by the entire production, and was greatly impacted by hearing the words of William Shakespeare being spoken in te reo Māori.

“I just sat there, blown away. It was the largest Māori production that I had ever seen. Most of the people on stage were not even actors but te reo Māori advocates that were proficient in the language,” she explains.

“They executed this Shakespeare play so well that it made me want to become a performer, to work in theatre at the highest level because it was another platform to share and express my love for te reo Māori.”

This week, Te Rauhiringa’s journey has come full circle. She will be acting in a reading of a te reo Māori version of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet, Entitled Rōmeo rāua ko Hureita, the performance will be held at Te Pou Theatre in Auckland during its annual Koanga Festival.

The reading is directed by acting legend and te Maori advocate Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand.

“It felt special walking into the rehearsal room for the first time, to be around beautiful people with beautiful minds who had a passion for speaking te reo Māori and bringing to life one of the most famous love stories in the world,” she says.

That moment made Te Rauhiringa realise how far she has come in her career in media, theatre,TV and film. Her passion for te reo Maori has driven her throughout her career to ensure that it is heard and felt across many diverse media platforms.

The 30-year-old grew up attending kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori-language immersion schools.

She started her TV career at 19 as a presenter on te reo Māori children’s show Pūkana and has been a regular presenter on various kids’ shows. She has since become an actress and writer of theatre shows in both English and Māori and has travelled her plays across the country.

The all-rounder has also acted in films. She joined TVNZ in 2018 as a journalist and worked on Te Karere before joining Seven Sharp. This year, she was asked to juggle her role on the week-night current affairs show with being a fill in weather presenter.

Te Rauhiringa, whose iwi are Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Apakura and Ngāti Kahu, is currently on maternity leave from TVNZ.  Fourteen weeks ago, she gave birth to her third son, Taimaririkura; a little brother to Te Māpuna, 13, and Te Rangikohea, 9.

Little Taimaririkura accompanied his parents to his very first rehearsals during their time with the Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta cast. Te Rauhiringa’s partner, fellow actor Mauri Oho Stokes, is also cast in the reading.

Te Rauhiringa Brown with partner Mauri Oho Stokes, during the rehearsals of Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta.
Te Rauhiringa Brown with partner Mauri Oho Stokes, during the rehearsals of Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta.


“We hope he will follow in his parents’ footsteps and has that spark to tell stories,” she says.

Director Ward-Lealand has recently finished starring in a sold out season of the Shakespeare classic King Lear for Auckland Theatre Company. By directing a te reo Māori version of Romeo and Juliet she is combining her passion for Shakespeare and her love for the Māori language.

“What I most appreciate about combining the Māori language with Shakespeare is how the writer used metaphor, which is widely used in te reo Māori as well,”  she says.

“Shakespeare’s language is also full of references to the natural world. In that way, te reo Māori seems the perfect language in which to translate Shakespeare into. Te reo Māori is connected to the natural world, and that’s what I love.”

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand directing a rehearsal of Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta.
Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand directing a rehearsal of Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta.

Romeo and Juliet was translated into Māori by acclaimed translator Te Haumihiata Mason. The book of the translation was released in August. Other te reo Māori translations of Shakespeare’s plays include The Merchant of Venice, Othello and Julius Caesar, by Dr Pei Te Hurinui Jones, a series of love sonnets by Dr Merimeri Penfold, and Mason’s translation of Troilus and Cressida.

“Shakespearean English is the bridge between te reo Māori and te reo Pākehā,” says Te Rauhiringa.

“His characters speak with so many similes and metaphors. It’s not the kind of English that you hear every day. When I watched the Māori translation of a Shakespeare play for the first time, it made perfect sense to me.”

She says that it’s perfect timing that the very special reading of Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta will be performed during Te Wiki o te reo Māori – Māori Language Week.

“This week celebrates the te reo Māori advocates who paved the way for us. For me, Māori Language Week is when I get to live in an ideal society where te reo Māori is everywhere. But I dream that our nation will one day be celebrating our beautiful language every single week of the year.”

Rōmeo rāua ko Hurieta will be performed Friday, 15 September at 7pm at Te Pou Theatre, Henderson, Auckland.

This is public interest journalism funded by NZ on Air.

Book Review: The List by Yomi Adegoke

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Call me a cynic, and plenty have, but I tend not to believe reviewers when they say things like ‘this book will define a decade’ or ‘this novel embodies the zeitgeist like no other’.

But they weren’t far off the mark with The List, the debut novel from British journalist/podcaster Yomi Adegoke.

The Guardian and British Vogue columnist blasts into the literary stratosphere with her tale of secrets, lies and the internet, in particular, our morally complicated online culture.

Influencers Ola and Michael are a young Insta-famous couple, the king and queen of #blacklove. They’re about to get married in a ceremony that will scorch London’s social media-scape.

But a month before the wedding, someone anonymously publishes The List on Twitter, a document featuring the names of men in the media accused of sexual misconduct against women. Quelle surprise, it quickly goes viral.

Ola, the slightly precious star journalist of feminist publication Womxxxn, would normally be all over the story. Until she sees Michael’s name on The List.

Her beloved it turns out, has been accused of harassment and assaulting a woman at a Christmas party, claims he strenuously denies.

Moral meet dilemma. Does Ola stand by her man or does she end the relationship because of an anonymous allegation? Does she really know who Michael is? And who the hell is behind The List?

Narrated from both Michael and Ola’s perspective, this is a murky deep dive into the paradoxical nature of social media – it can make you, but just as quickly break you. Anyone with a brain in their head knows social media can be a useful forum for voices but are those voices always honest? Or are they motivated by revenge?

Other gnarly questions arise: how far should Ola go to defend the one she loves, what of those who are falsely accused and where do we even start with cancel culture?

You know it isn’t going to end well for either Ola or Michael, although I’m sure I wasn’t the only one feeling a little bit sorry for the latter (and some of the others on The List although clearly not all, as evidenced by some of the heinous blokes Yomi introduces us to). But as a treatise on
contemporary digital culture, this exciting new writer breaks fertile ground.

Naturally, this book has TV adaptation written all over it and no-one is better placed than Yomi, who explored the permutations of black British celebrity culture as co-author of 2018’s bestselling self help manual Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible, to write the screenplay.

She invites us to step over the threshold of social media and into the court of public opinion – and even if we don’t like what we see, it’s a cracking read.

Book Cover The List

The List By Yomi Adegoke (HarperCollins, RRP $35.00)

Plum & Gin Cured Salmon with Cucumber Salad 

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This dish embodies everything that a classic Prada heel captures – classy, timeless and divine – and will leave an impression on any path it walks. Deceivingly simple, with minimal effort required, the fridge and gin are doing the heavy lifting here. 


Salmon is a cult favorite for many. Its delicate texture and palatability creates a canvas ready to paint with fresh citrus, herbs and spices. This dish is one to indulge with your own flair. Plums are my personal preference due to their tangy nature and sun-and-sugar-kissed skins. This is a not-so-ordinary fruit to add a sweet and sour flavour to your next dish. Salmon is also commonly cured with beetroot as it offers a stronger skin stain, but the plum will always have my heart.


Preparation

Find the freshest piece of salmon you can source. Curing salmon is a very safe process if done correctly, but with fish, fresh is best! Place your salmon in a dish big enough to cover with juices. 

In a blending device, combine 6 dark purple plums (fresh or canned), 1tbsp fennel, 1 bunch of dill, 50ml of your favourite gin, lemon and orange zest, 3 tbsp sea salt and 3 tbsp white sugar. 

Spoon the cure over the salmon to cover the entire flesh. Cover with glad wrap and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.


Finishing

Take the salmon out of the fridge. Place a cooling rack on top of an oven tray, and transfer the salmon on top. Scrape away excess cure and pat dry with paper towels. 

Find the sharpest knife you can and slice to your desired texture. I opted for some very thin diagonal slices – some thicker to roll, and used the ends to dice them up.


Serving Suggestions


Cucumber Salad


Salmon and cucumbers are like bread and butter. Both exclusively delicious, but perfectly balanced when paired. 

Use a peeler or mandoline to thinly slice the cucumber. I always leave the skin on for extra nutrients. Cover in rice wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and sugar and leave to rest for 15 minutes. Finish with chilli flakes and sesame seeds. This one is irresistible! 


Horseradish Whip:

Horseradish is the opposite in terms of food palate, making it the perfect accompaniment to salmon. Its creamy fragrant taste leaves you wanting more. Simply combine horseradish, cream cheese (or feta, ricotta, cottage cheese) salt, and lemon zest to a blitzer and combine. Serve on a perfect side dish and drizzle with a herb oil, or olive oil of your choice.


Jalapeno Hot Sauce:

It feels right to have something green on every dish. The jalapeno hot sauce is an insane combination. This is something I always make at home every time I can get my hands on some jalapeno peppers. Additionally, source the best quality at your local supermarket or taco store. I used the cutoffs from the salmon and diced them, coated them in the hot sauce and sesame seeds and ate them on a cracker as I was preparing the rest of the dish! 10/10 would recommend, every chef needs a simple snack that’s almost better than the entire dish itself.

Looking for an amazing salmon breakfast recipe – check out salmon toasties here


Five Ways To Become A More Financially Free Woman

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Women are naturally more risk averse and perceived to be worse with money. It’s statistically proven that we are far less likely to make a risky, bullish move than a man. Is there an underlying expectation that the man is our breadwinner? Despite the fact that women are in positions of power in the workforce more so than ever before, we’re still disproportionately disadvantaged when it comes to achieving financial freedom and investing. We often get ‘mansplained’ about the basics of investing from wannabe Wall Street men, who tend to overcomplicate it in an attempt to make it sound far more complex than it is. 

Although understanding money and investing is risky, there’s often a proportion of people that get extremely wealthy during a bear market (which is when the market experiences prolonged price declines and on average, lasts around 230 days). We are currently experiencing what is anticipated to be the ‘worst bear market of all time’. 

This is an opportune moment for us, as women, to seize the opportunity and educate ourselves on some healthy money habits so as to better equip ourselves with the resources to build a more financially free future

Here are 5 things you can do to kickstart your journey to be more financially free:

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Get Reading

Books like Robert Kiyosaki’s ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ are great to get into the mindset of multiple streams of income. Similarly, ‘The Intelligent Investor’ by Benjamin Graham is also a great place to start. If you want something closer to home, there’s a great book by Mary Holm who is one of New Zealand’s most trusted and favoured personal finance journalists. Not only does she write a great personal finance Q&A column in The Herald, she also wrote a great book which appeals to our Kiwi sensibilities and need for banter – ‘Rich Enough? A Laid Back Guide For Every Kiwi.’ With summer right around the corner, picking up any of these great-for-beginner books will help get into the mindset of planning, goal setting and ultimately being more efficient with your money.

Listen to a Podcast

During lockdown, one thing that kept me sane were my daily park walks where I would listen to podcasts. The great thing about podcasts is how accessible they are and that they may even do things like recap whole books whilst being short, sharp and usually quite captivating. My favourite podcast that really got me into the genre of podcasts focused on financial wellbeing was ‘She’s On The Money’. Hosted by Victoria Devine, this podcast has a format that’s compelling and useful with listeners often sharing their money wins and losses of the week. More interestingly than that, they have a Facebook community which makes achieving your money goals more attainable and they’ve created useful things like ‘Savings Bingo’ where you pick a tile each week and save an amount based on that, and ultimately it may get you to $1,000 or $5,000 within a year! Other great podcasts for beginners are ‘Girls That Invest,’ created by NZ’s very own Simran and Sonya, or ‘Cooking The Books’ with Frances Cook.

Stay up to date with financial issues

Although people like to believe that ignorance is bliss, being up to date with financial issues and legislative changes and any benefits you may be eligible to receive is actually one of the best steps you can take in ascertaining financial freedom. Things like the cost of living payment that came out earlier this year, and being aware of tax legislation changes and even the effect of inflation are pertinent to understanding the wider picture and the bargaining power of your dollar. With current inflationary pressures and the employment market in NZ booming with the effect of significant brain drain overseas post Covid, you should be going into your next pay review or negotiations with the amount of inflation as the BARE minimum of your pay rises, before asking for more money.

Make a Budget

This seems simple and counterintuitive, but understanding your incomings vs. your outgoings is such an easy way to see how much you could actually save. Having a benchmark and an understanding of how much you could actually save each week, fortnight or month will make you look back and reflect on where you may have gone wrong. It’s also a regular routine, so for those of you who are creatures of habit, it’s a good way to keep yourself on track and fight the urge to splurge.

Start Investing Now

It’s never too late to start investing, but the best time to start is now. Technically, we’re in a ‘bear’ market. And whilst the study of economics is a study of patterns over time which help us to predict what trends may occur in the future, most bull markets (where security costs significantly rise) are marked by the end of a bear market. This means that shares are technically on sale at the moment, with potential for significant growth over the next 10-20 years. With compounding interest (which means you earn money on both the interest you’ve earned AND the money invested), investing has been historically proven to be the single most efficient way to grow your money. Whilst being an investor and trading on the stock market may seem daunting, there are way more accessible ways to start. Platforms in New Zealand like Sharesies, Kernel Wealth, Hatch, InvestNow and Stake (and a few more) make it easy to invest through their platform whilst paying them a management fee. You can even invest in Exchange Traded Funds or whole stock market products, which decreases the risk involved with investing by making the direction of your investment move with the stock market as a whole.


The worst thing you can do for yourself is to do nothing, so follow these 5 tips to pave the way for a financially free future!



Lemon And Pistachio Semifreddo

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Prep this great summer dessert a day ahead and serve it by itself or alongside another dessert. You can buy lemon curd at the supermarket or, if you have a lemon tree, whip up a big batch to share with friends. Serves 4. Recipe from Together – By Cherie Metcalfe

Ingredients

250g frozen raspberries 

¹⁄3 cup caster sugar

3 large eggs 

500ml cream 

Zest of 2 lemons 

½ cup lemon curd 

70g raw pistachios, chopped

Fresh raspberries, to serve

Method

1. Place raspberries in a small pot with 2 tablespoons of the sugar on a low heat and simmer for 5 minutes until they break down. Set compote aside to cool.

2. Separate eggs, reserving whites. Whisk yolks with remaining sugar until pale and doubled in volume. Set aside. 

3. Whip cream to firm soft peaks. Fold in lemon zest. 

4. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. 

5. Fold whipped cream and lemon curd into egg yolk mixture, then carefully fold in egg whites.

6. Line a loaf tin with baking paper. 

7. Spoon a third of the semifreddo mixture into loaf tin. Spoon half the raspberry compote over the top and swirl lightly with a knife. Sprinkle with a few pistachios. 

8. Add another layer of semifreddo, then the remaining compote, and swirl again. Add the final layer of semifreddo mixture.

9. Place in the freezer, uncovered, for at least 6 hours or overnight. 

10. Garnish with remaining pistachios and fresh raspberries.



Bestselling author Cherie Metcalfe is a trained chef and the creator of Pepper & Me, a successful food brand, with a range of delicious products that help make meal preparation easier and tastier. Pepper & Me’s range of products – including rubs, spices, butters, pastes and grinds – are sold online and via stockists nationwide. Cherie lives in Tauranga. Together: Food for Sharing is her second cookbook, with photography by Melanie Jenkins and styling by Jo Bridgford. (Allen & Unwin, RRP $49.95).



Prawn Bisque Pasta & Grilled Caesar Salad

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Prawn Bisque Pasta and Grilled Caesar salad

Eating oysters has become almost a personality trait of mine. They’re hard to resist at any restaurant but challenging to source at home. Same goes for truffle fries. If you’re craving that sea-salty umami flavour, I’ve got the perfect alternatives to satiate that craving without the need to head to the Viaduct’s Soul Bar. 

Prawn Bisque Pasta pairs well with my elevated caesar salad – arguably, the second best thing since sliced bread. The crunchy leaves, creamy dressing and butter parmesan dousing is something to salivate over. Grilling your romaine lettuce adds a juicy, mouth watering feel that has you dipping and diving for more. Plus, quail eggs – I think that is even higher up the food chain than oysters. 

Prawn Bisque Pasta
Prawn Bisque Pasta


Prawn Bisque Pasta

A bisque is a french style soup, made from turning crustaceans into stock. Cheffy tip – you can pretty much interchange any soup, sauce and dipping into another form by adjusting the texture and intensity. I am always using tomato soup as a base for a casserole, and soups reduced down to sauces. 

Prawn Bisque Sauce Ingredients

  • 700g Prawn (approximately – I suggest grabbing enough prawns to feed your party and use the shells and heads in this sauce)
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 cup white wine
  • Herbs such as bay leaves, parsley, dill
  • 1.5L fish stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 50mL double cream
  • Lemon juice to taste
  • 30g butter

Use any pasta of your choice. This dish works well with a fettuccine or paccheri.

Method

Heat a large saucepan, adding the oil of your choice. Add the prawn shells and heads and fry. I like to get a very solid colour on these to intensify the flavours. Once the shells are orange, add shallots and tomato paste and stir continuously.

When they become lightly coloured, add ¼ cup of white wine to deglaze your pan. Reduce this down, then add the fish stock and bring to a boil. Add your remaining wine and herbs. Simmer for a further 20 minutes. Add the salt and lemon zest to taste

Remove the bay leaves from the pan. Add the soup to a blender in batches. You want to whizz it efficiently to blend all of the shells into the sauce. Once blitzed, pour through a fine sieve. Once sieved, it is recommended to go through again with a muslin or choux cloth. This is going to get rid of any shell remnants and provide a clean smooth texture. Add back into a clean saucepan, with lemon juice and cream. Season to taste, balancing the acidity from the lemon and ‘fresh ocean taste.’ Heat until a gentle simmer. Note – cooked lemon juice has an incredibly different taste to fresh lemon juice. I try to add it at the last possible minute, but make sure you allow time to balance the acidity with the saltiness.

Boil your pasta in heavily salted water according to the guidelines. Once cooked, add a ladle of pasta water to your sauce, along with 30g of butter to add shine and textural satisfaction.

Just as the pasta is cooked, I transfer the sauce out of the saucepan and use this pan (without washing) to cook the meat of the prawns. Stir around the remnants of the sauce with the cooking prawns to glaze. Once the translucent touch is just removed, the prawns are ready. Plate and eat fast, before your neighbors steal the leftovers! I love to top mine with fresh olive oil, chilli flakes, and pickled spring onion roots!

Grilled Caesar Salad
Grilled Caesar Salad


Grilled Caesar Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, or 2 small ones
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, chilli flakes
  • 1-2 cups diced ‘old’ bread
  • Parmesan (powder or grated)
  • 6 Quail Eggs


Method

Turn your oven on the grill setting. Add the chopped croutons, garlic powder and olive oil to the pan. Add in the oven while the grill is heating up. Get them as crispy as you like!

Add your quail eggs to pre boiled water, that is now simmering. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add to iced water and peel the skins off. Slice as desired.

Once your croutons are cooked, remove and use the same tray for the rest of your dishes, keeping all the goodness! Add halves of romaine lettuce, doused in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder and chilli flakes. Place under the grill until the tops of the leaves go a dark crisp brown colour. Note – this is definitely something I would do under the grill or on a BBQ – doing this in a warm oven will wilt the lettuce instead.

Dressing Ingredients

  • 6 anchovy fillets (essential – don’t skip this please)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 large full egg 
  • 1 large lemon (juiced)
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • ⅔ cup oil of your choice (homemade garlic oil, made from sunflower oil is my favourite)
  • 3 tablespoon parmesan
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste 


Method

Roughly chop the garlic and anchovies and add to a blender. Add in the egg, and additional egg yolk. Blend until lightly combined. Add salt, dijon mustard and lemon juice. Once completely combined, slowly drizzle in your oil of choice – doing this too fast will ‘split’ the oil instead of thickening it. Once thickened, add parmesan and seasoning to taste.

To serve:
Add the lettuce to the bottom of your desired dish. Spread on the dressing, then sprinkle in parmesan powder. Add sliced eggs, bread crumbs, and a final wink of seasoning. This is best eaten right away, but will last in the fridge to snack on.

I promise to you, the sea saltiness of the prawn pasta, with the grilled parmesan, bready, crunch salad to pair will satisfy your inner oyster feen. Pour yourself a glass of chardonnay and say ‘bon voyage’ to your taste buds to the beach.


Steps To Becoming A Climate-friendly Gardener

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The planet is warming up, and we need to change the way we grow to create resilient gardens that can cope with weather extremes.

Recently, a friend asked if I spend a lot of time worrying about climate change. I really had to stop and think about it. Absolutely, climate change is on my mind every day. Should I really buy that dress? Can that packaging be recycled? Would it be better to get that second-hand? But I find that contemplating climate change is a bit like thinking about space – its scale is so enormous that I feel overwhelmed and sometimes slightly fatalistic. 

Internationally, there is evidence of climate change altering our gardens. A recent UK study showed that on average plants are flowering 26 days earlier than before 1987, and gardeners across Aotearoa say plants are working to a new schedule. A Whangarei gardener I interviewed last July reported that all her spring-flowering bulbs were blooming a month earlier, and on the West Coast, my parents-in-law harvested their tamarillos in June rather than October and their apple tree blossomed and set fruit twice within a year.

Without large-scale international change, it can be hard to see how composting our food scraps or replacing our lawns can help save the polar bears or prevent the sea from rising. But the act of gardening provides us with agency to have a positive impact in our own tiny corner of the world – and as more extreme weather becomes the norm we can prepare our gardens by making them more resilient.

A magnolia tree at Auckland's Botanical Gardens
A magnolia tree, such as this one in the Auckland Botanic Gardens, makes a beautiful and hardy addition to any yard.

Grow Trees – the original ecosystem regulators

All plants “sequester”, or take carbon out of the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis to help them make glucose so they can grow. They store it in their leaves, branches, stems and roots. Their longevity and mass make trees best at this job, which is why there are massive tree-planting projects all over the world. Gardeners can play their part by planting a tree or 10. Even if you don’t have much space, you’ll still have room for something small. Many magnolia and Japanese maple varieties are suitable for small sections, or opt for a small kōwhai or a forest pansy.

Plant Natives

It’s a bit of a no-brainer that native species, which have evolved to our conditions, are best suited to our environment. This doesn’t mean they’re immune to climate change, but a 2020 study by the Bio-Protection Research Centre, hosted by Lincoln University, showed that they’re better at sequestering carbon and that when exotic plants decompose, they release 150 percent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere compared with natives.

Native Pigeon sitting in kōwhai
An added benefit of planting New Zealand native trees such as kōwhai is that they will attract native birds to your garden.


By planting natives, you’re also providing ideal food and habitat for our indigenous birds, insects and lizards. Forest & Bird has information on its website about native bird species and their preferred foods, but if you have the space, a pūriri will provide nectar, fruit and seeds almost year-round, and if you don’t have much room, kōwhai and flax provide tūī and bellbirds with nectar. Don’t overlook a pittosporum hedge either, which serves up fruit, seeds and nectar.

Right Plant, Right Place

Before you plant any new species, check that it’s suitable for your climate. This goes for native species too, as many of them are endemic to particular regions – for example, puka don’t like frost. Most councils have information on their websites about plants that are suitable for your area, but you can also see what grows well in your neighbourhood. 

Auckland Botanic Gardens, which is part of the international Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens, carries out trials to investigate which plants are suited to the local climate and maintains a database of these on its website.

“Planting things appropriate to the conditions rather than struggling to maintain unsuitable plantings is a big part of making things easy for ourselves and sustainable in the long run,” says Ella Rawcliffe, who is the Gardens’ botanical records and conservation specialist.

Bird of paradise flower foreground and wine vines in the background
Bird of paradise (foreground) and grapes can withstand extreme weather conditons.

“We also keep an eye on pest plants and diseases, which are both likely to become more prevalent as conditions in Auckland become warmer and there are more extreme weather shifts.” 

While you don’t need to go full succulent and pull out all your roses yet, it’s worth thinking about plants that can cope with extreme weather and drought. Good options include borage, hebes, echiums, figs, geraniums, French lavender, pelargoniums, cotton lavender, rosemary, bird of paradise and grapes.

Grow Your Own Food

Food waste statistics in New Zealand are pretty appalling. The Kantar New Zealand Food Waste Survey shows that we waste more than 100,000 tonnes of perfectly good food per year. Vegetables make up a third of the figure, with oranges, mandarins, apples, bananas, potatoes and lettuce appearing in the top 10 list of foods we waste the most. Though it’s still too cold to grow bananas in many parts of the country – for the time being – it’s easy to sow and grow greens such as lettuce, silverbeet and perpetual spinach (a silverbeet lookalike that is much less finicky than regular spinach). And if you have room, don’t forget to plant a fruit tree or two.

Man and 2 young children tending to vegetable garden

Love Your Soil

One of the keys to sequestering carbon is to treat your soil right. Healthy soils are like sponges and will soak up carbon from dead plant matter – you can even call yourself a carbon gardener!

The first rule is to never leave any soil uncovered. Just as you don’t see naked patches of soil in nature, ensure your soil is densely planted with a diverse range of plant species. Diversity is important because the roots of different plant species will penetrate the soil at different levels, resulting in maximum carbon drawdown. Think of this as living mulch. Borage, nasturtiums, phacelia and marigolds are all good living-mulch contenders. If vege gardens are left bare in winter, plant nitrogen-fixing cover crops such as legumes or blue lupins to avoid the soil sitting bare for a season. 

Alternatively, lock moisture into the soil by adding a layer of pea straw, bark or compost around your plants. Don’t forget to mulch around plants in pots too, as they dry out quickly. 

Instead of tilling soil, opt for “no dig” methods to avoid releasing carbon back into the atmosphere, damaging the soil structure and disturbing the microorganisms doing the hard work underground. Instead, build your garden beds up with compost, manure and other organic matter. 

Make Compost

Home composting is a more environmentally friendly option than sending food scraps to landfill where they emit methane, a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. Compost is the ultimate soil conditioner, and homemade compost is the best you can get because you know exactly what goes in it. To make good compost, aim for a 50/50 mix of greens, which add nitrogen, and browns, which add carbon. Greens are plant matter, fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, grass clippings (never add more than 5cm at a time as they’ll stink out your bin), weeds and animal manure. Browns are dried leaves, dead branches, twigs and cardboard. 

Water Wisely

Last summer was the fifth driest on average in New Zealand and 55 locations had a record or near-record warm summer. This trend means that water restrictions will become more widespread across the country. Consider installing a rainwater tank that diverts rainwater from your downpipe. We have a DIY one that collects the water that runs off our garage roof and stores it in an upcycled food-grade barrel.

It’s important to water correctly. Limit watering to just two or three times a week during the hottest part of summer, and make sure the water penetrates about a spade’s depth down into the soil. This will encourage plants to send their roots down deep where it’s cool, making them more resilient during dry periods. 

Gradually harden up plants such as fruit trees so that they can cope without any additional water. Plants in nurseries that have been cosseted with daily watering won’t survive if you plant them and leave them to fend for themselves. However, if you start off by watering them just once a week or so in summer, then gradually reduce the amount of water over time, they will adjust their growth rate to suit the new conditions. 

Orchard growing apricots

Lose The Lawn

Think hard about whether you really need a lawn. In a 2022 study by Auckland University of Technology, researchers showed that once mowing, fertiliser and watering are taken into account, lawns actually emit carbon rather than capture it, and that if a third of grassed spaces were returned to treescapes in cities, up to 1600 million tonnes of carbon could be absorbed from the atmosphere. Consider replacing your fine sward with a diverse selection of plants, or plant more trees – an orchard would be lovely!


Feed Naturally

Synthetic fertilisers disrupt the relationship between plant roots and microorganisms, and they emit a lot of carbon into the atmosphere when they are manufactured. Instead, give your plants a boost by enriching soil with compost and manure, or make nutrient-rich tonics out of natural ingredients. To make seaweed tea, fill up a tub with seaweed, add water, put a lid on it and leave it to sit for three weeks. Dilute it with water to the colour of weak tea before spraying it on your plants. You can use this method with weeds as well, especially troublesome ones that you don’t want to relegate to the compost heap. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

Stopping To Smell The Roses

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To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow, but to write a book about them is to believe in the present. Writer Rosemary Barraclough and Photographer Juliet Nicholas travelled from the top of Aotearoa to its southernmost regions to put together a varied collection of 50 stunning private and public gardens that all welcome visitors. It was a dream project for a couple of garden lovers, but it wasn’t without its challenges. We sat down to talk to them. 


Where did the idea for the book spring from? 

RB: I’d been thinking about it for a while. There’s an amazing range of private and public gardens around Aotearoa, and many people, even avid garden-lovers, don’t know about them all. I’m a magazine journalist, and when Covid came along I was working at Bauer Media, which suddenly closed its doors. It was quite a shock, but I thought – here’s my chance to finally do this book I’ve had bubbling away at the back of my mind. Luckily Juliet, who is a friend, and a fabulous garden photographer with 11 books under her belt, was happy to work with me on it. 

Hamilton Gardens.

Any challenges along the way? 

RB: Covid again, of course. I was meant to be travelling with Juliet last spring to visit a range of gardens and interview their owners. Luckily she lives in Christchurch and could continue on her own, but Auckland was locked down, so I had to wait until December and then race around to visit as many as I could.

What have you noticed about what’s happening in the gardening world? 

JN: Sustainability and ecological issues are much more at the forefront of everyone’s thinking. For example, Paripuma is a spectacular garden in Marlborough, and its owner, Rosa Davison, is very focused on biodiversity – she’s created a whole new part of her garden purely for attracting butterflies, including threatened native species. There’s also a move to a more naturalistic, relaxed style, and although everyone has been using natives for a while I think gardeners are getting more confident about using them with other plant materials. Fishermans Bay Garden, on Banks Peninsula, is on the cover of our book and is a beautiful example of naturalistic planting that incorporates natives. It really is one of New Zealand’s must-visit gardens.

Paloma Gardens, Fordell.

Anything that surprised you? 

JN: Hamilton Gardens is quite incredible in terms of its scale and the authenticity of all the different garden areas. We’ve featured several of their enclosed gardens – the India Char Bagh garden, for example, is a mind-blowing blast of colour. Hamilton Gardens is a very busy place though, so as we say in the book, it’s probably best to go in the morning or later in the day if you don’t want to be swamped by the crowds. 

Any ideas you’ve brought home to your own gardens? 

RB: Quite a number of cuttings, which is lovely, as they are a reminder of the gardens you’ve visited and the people you’ve met. I am also cooking up a plan to enlarge my vegetable garden. In our travels we’ve seen some beautiful examples. There’s a tiered potager garden at Hlomo Hlomo near Palmerston North, which is incredible, and Carolyn Ferraby’s potager garden at Barewood, her Marlborough garden, is my dream – it’s surrounded by a hedge, has bricked paths and is a glorious mix of fruit, flowers, berries, herbs and vegetables. 

JN: I’m always learning about different plant materials and experimenting with them in my own garden. I’ve started growing Verbena bonariensis, for example – I love its height, its rich purple colour and the way it moves in the wind. 

Barewood Garden, Marlborough.

How did you choose the gardens? 

JN: It was difficult. There are many we couldn’t fit in the book, but we tried to have a whole range of different types of gardens and something from every region – from Te Mata House, which has a Paul Bangay garden that’s clipped and perfect, to Paloma, near Whanganui, which is this huge, intriguing collection; it’s like travelling the world in plants. 

RB: Some of the gardens also make a natural road trip. For example, if you visit Fisherman’s Bay Garden you could also go to the Giant’s House in Akaroa, which is this joyful place that’s full of huge mosaics. Very uplifting, and we can all do with more of that at the moment. 

Te Mata House, Havelock North.

Any tips for garden photographers? 

JN: Light is everything, so look for times when the light is soft, perhaps with a bit of cloud cover. A bright sunny day might be nice for visiting a garden, but the light might be too harsh for the best photographs. And don’t just walk around a garden in one direction; if you walk back the other way you might spot different planting compositions you missed at first glance. And mix things up – look for photo opportunities close up, in the middle distance or take a longer view. 

Fishermans Bay Garden, Banks Peninsula.

How do you get the most out of a garden visit? 

RB: Make sure you allow enough time to just meander and take it all in. Don’t rush. Find a seat and sit for a while. I think it’s good to know something about the garden before you visit, so you don’t miss something special – and we’ve tried to provide this information in the book. Some of the gardens in the book have accommodation, and if you stay in a garden you can have it all to yourself at the end of the day, and really soak up the atmosphere.


New Zealand Gardens to Visit by Rosemary Barraclough and Juliet Nicholas (Penguin Random House NZ RHNZ Godwit, RRP $55).

Photography by Juliet Nicholas

A Tribute To The Raw Talent That Bubbles Up From Trauma

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Sinead O'Connor graffiti wall

As a late 80s and early 90s teen, I searched for role models of women who were doing things differently and breaking the mould.

Sinead O’Connor was one such woman. Shaved head. Unusually beautiful. Opinionated and outspoken.  She didn’t care what other people thought or said, but later in life this vitriol can catch up with you.

Fans pay tribute to musical legend Sinead O'Connor at a memorial in Dublin
Fans pay tribute to musical legend Sinead O’Connor at a memorial in Dublin

Since You Took Your Love Away

Rewatching the music video of Nothing Compares to you, we see deeply into her soul through her eyes as they go from softness to sadness, to anger.  She didn’t write the song, of course, Prince did, but I had always wondered who she was thinking about when she sang this song.  In an interview with Piers Morgan on BBC in 2019 she admits that she thinks about her mother. Learning about the abuse she suffered in her childhood, before her mother died in a car accident gave new meaning to the words in the song “since you took your love away” and that a daughter can continue to love their mother no matter what kind of love they give you, or how much they hurt you, “nothing compares”.  

Her music lives on many of my Spotify playlists, something I apparently share with  over 7 million other monthly listeners across the globe.  Friday nights, a glass of wine, and a session of couch-karaoke belting out Sinead songs that, thanks to the lyrics option on Spotify, I now realise I have been singing wrong for thirty years.

To be fair, her death was not really hugely surprising.  Sinead O’Connor could well have been part of the “The 27 Club” – joining Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix, among others, all of whom died at the age of 27.  It was not that she lived a life of hedonism, but it was definitely evident that she was troubled not just by the world we live in, but extreme personal trauma – something that only came out in the past five years.

Sinead O'Connor leaves Roxbury nightclub in 1991
Sinead O’Connor leaves Roxbury nightclub in 1991.

Polarising From The Start

Sinead was famously polarising from the start – her views and sentiments best captured in this very awkward interview with Arsenio Hall In 1991.  She refused to attend the Grammy Awards because it celebrated “material success” above talent.  She also refused to allow the American National Anthem to be played at her concerts.  And it was in this interview that she first alluded to what would become her most personal cause in life when she said about the world, “we abuse our children in every way possible.”

One of her most polarising moments was when she tore up a picture of the Pope in front of the camera on Saturday Night Live in 1992 after singing a very sombre-sounding a cappella version of Bob Marley’s protest anthem ‘War’. 

“My intention had always been to destroy my mother’s photo of the pope,” she wrote in her book, Rememberings, “it represented lies and liars and abuse.”  At the time she was making a statement about the abuse children were suffering as Catholics in Ireland and globally.  This statement sent shockwaves and alienated many of her fans.   

She Ran A Torture Chamber

It was only in her late forties that she came out about the personal abuse she suffered as a child.  “She ran a torture chamber,” Sinead says in her 2017 interview with Dr Phil where she opened up about her mother’s abuse of her and her siblings. “She was either a sadist and a paedophile, or she was possessed by the devil” she says.  She describes how her mother wanted her to be a boy.  Shaved her head and physically trampled on her stomach to destroy her reproductive organs.  In one scene she describes how her mother takes a phone call whilst this is taking place, and has a happy casual chat with a friend with her foot firmly on Sinead’s vagina.  Her mother taunts her with a smile telling her to repeat “I’m nothing”, “I’m nothing”.  It’s heart-wrenching to listen to this interview. In the interview, Dr Phil asks; if you had one minute with your mother again, what would you say?  She says she would throw her arms around her and never let go; “I love you, I love you, I miss you so bad, my life has been terrible.” 

Much like when she sings “Nothing compares to you”; it’s this concept of ‘a mother’ that you never let go of, no matter how badly she treated you.  Then you get to your own later years as a woman, and somehow you look back with even more empathy and forgiveness.

Sinead O'Connor during the City Culture Zone festival, 2008.
Sinead O’Connor during the City Culture Zone festival, 2008.

Fire On Babylon

Initially, Sinead was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but when these stories began to unfold, all her previous diagnoses were attributed to PTSD. 

However, in 2015, she was given a radical hysterectomy to relieve chronic endometriosis which put her straight into full-blown menopause at the age of 48.  She says she left the hospital with some paracetamol and no knowledge or discussions about the possible need for HRT (hormone replacement therapy).  This set her off on a five-year journey to hell and back where she spent up to four to six months in mental health institutions.

“I think everyone needs to break down at least once in life,” she says reflecting on her soul-destroying public video she made in a hotel room in 2017 as a cry for help from her friends and family.  “I’m 10% bipolar, 40% complex traumatic stress, and the rest is a borderline personality disorder,” she says in her memoir Rememberings.

All Apologies

In March 2020, Sinead O’Connor made a bit of a comeback, but this time as Shuhada’ Sadaqat in a Muslim hajib.  In an interview and documentary of her tour across the United States in March 2020, she tells The Washington Post that she had come out of hospital with “8000 Quid in her bank account and needed to do something.”  She told the interviewer she wanted to write new material, and not write about the previous five years of darkness. Sadly her sell-out tour was cancelled due to COVID, and she instead spent the time on self-healing and writing her book Rememberings. 

This interview goes deeply into her state of mind less than three years before her death. They talk about the healing process of something they call radical acceptance. It’s a distress tolerance skill that is designed to keep pain from turning into suffering.  A process of acceptance, but not approval of the pain. Accepting with your mind, body and spirit that we cannot change the past and the facts, but we can radically accept the things that are out of our control to prevent ourselves from becoming stuck in unhappiness, bitterness, anger, and sadness. This can help us stop the suffering. 

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor during the first concert of "THE CRAZY BALDHEAD TOUR"
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor during the first concert of “THE CRAZY BALDHEAD TOUR”

Lost In The Bardo*

Yet her suffering didn’t end there. Last year in 2022 Sinead’s son Shane committed suicide.  She describes herself as “living as an undead night creature.” she says, “He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul. We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the Bardo* without him [sic].”

Reaching out to the world so publically on Oprah and Dr Phil was something of a final desperate call for help for Sinead.  She likely had no agenda or idea as to what these confessions would do to fix anything and perhaps they made things worse for her. 

It’s been ten days since she passed, and my search for the reason has led me to all this information that deeply saddens me, but not an exact cause of death.  She died inside so many times in her 56 years of ups and downs. A story so many of us can relate to; a daughter’s love for her abusive mother. A mother’s loss of her child. The struggles so many women face and endure with endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and menopause. The alienating state of mental health underpinned by a deep sadness for the world around you. 

Rest in peace, Sinead. We hope you transition from the Bardo to a better life, but continue to use your music to speak to us with empathy, understanding and compassion.  

This will not be the last day of our acquaintance.

*The Bardo is a Buddhist state between life and death where your being can get stuck roaming endlessly before being reborn.

Related Article: Susie Cave On Grief And Her Close Connection To New Zealand

Meet John Franich, The Artisan Behind The Jewellery

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John Franich Jewellers is a New Zealand family owned and operated business that offers a range of unique diamond jewellery pieces, working with authentic, high quality and ethical stones. WOMAN chats with John Franich about the beginnings of the family-run company, how trends come-by in jewellery, and where to start when you want to select a commitment ring! 

How Did You Get Into Jewellery?

I came back to Auckland after high school in the 1960’s… Back in those days, when you left school you went to see a vocational guidance office to figure out a career. This one was down on Custom Street. They walked me through town and after telling them my brother was a hand-engraver, he took me into Cliff Garvie at Garvie Jewels in Randolph St, Newton.

I introduced myself to Cliff Garvie and we only spoke for about five or 10 minutes before he said “I’ll offer you a job and I’ll pay you twice as much as what you are getting now.”  So that was that, I decided there and then and here I am 60 years later.

In those days, the trend in jewellery was driven by hand engraving, so the craft went hand-in-hand with jewellery making. Every wedding ring had hand engraving on it, not just on the inside, but on the outside with organic patterns inspired by nature being the most popular. 

Jewellery trends come and go, but unlike clothing fashions, they tend to last for at least ten to twenty years at a time. Since the dawn of jewellery, which really dates back as far as Ancient Egypt being most synonymous with jewellery, the styles have always been heavily detailed with engraving, symbolism and embellishments. When less was definitely not more.

It was really in the 90s that jewellery trends started to evolve to the smoother more refined looks we see today. This was not just driven by design trends, but also the accessibility to larger diamonds, the development of the tooling and skills to cut diamonds and stones into a more varied style and shape, as well as the discovery and processing of a wider variety of precious and semi-precious stones.

The older processes of hand mining and gemstone processing made jewellery a lot more exclusive and expensive and the domain of kings, queens and the nobility.  However, in the late 20th century, new technology and the global expansion of mining means precious jewels and materials are more accessible, widely available and due to the basic economic principles of supply and demand which has also made jewellery more affordable.

John Franich Jewellers
‘Alexis’ Platinum Tourmaline & Diamonds Cluster Ring

So When Did You Open Your First Store?

It was only in 1970 that we registered John Franich Jewellers and then in 1992 Jenni and I decided to take the giant leap and open up a retail store. Like many trades, and in particular one so specialised as jewellery, there’s a community of crafts persons, retail store owners and suppliers and manufacturers that get to know each other over time. These people have remained our support network throughout our time in the jewellery trade and we are grateful for their support.

So John Franich Is Really A Family-Run Business? What Are The Benefits Of This?

Independence. Vision. A shared sense of purpose and values and being true to those values.  Jenni and I have worked together in the retail store since inception. We’ve built a loyal following of customers who respond positively to the authenticity of our hands-on approach and accessibility. Having heritage helps customers feel secure in forming an attachment to our brand. A high level of discipline and staying focussed.

What Is Your Favourite Product Or Material To Work With As A Jeweller?

My favourite material is 18k yellow gold because of its malleability and durability and the high level of polished finish.

John Franich Jewellers
‘Milan’ 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, John Franich Jewellers

So for someone reading this who knows nothing about jewellery, How would they approach you?

We have many customers who started their jewellery journey with us in exactly this same way. Especially for men, traditionally they have not paid any attention to jewellery until they are ready for that big commitment.  Often their friends know nothing either, and depending on their background, their family may also not be much help.

We treat every customer according to their needs. Some need to start with the basics: what’s the difference between 18k and 9k gold. How do I know the difference between Platinum and Silver. Where do I start with diamonds?

We can either sell to customers from our range of hand made jewellery designed by John Franich, or we have a variety of options that we bring in from other manufacturers.  However, if they are looking for something bespoke that they designed, well, that’s a special process that takes some time.

Luckily through the use of CAD we can now draw up highly accurate 3D renders of designs and specify the materials according to the client’s budget. That process really helps the customers visualise and be certain about what they are getting.

From approval, we begin to create.  Using engraving either on the outside of the ring, or hidden on the inside of the band is a beautiful way to share your memories, moments and milestones with one another.

Years of design experience coupled with a significant design library are the catalysts that will set you on your way to creating a jewellery masterpiece that is uniquely yours. John Franich invites you to visit our store and sit with us. Together we can create a design as individual as you.

Visit John Franich Jewellers online to start your diamond journey today.  John Franich also offers Afterpay to help spread the upfront cost of your investment.

Related Articles: 

Is A Bigger Diamond Really A Better Diamond? 

Could a Charm Bracelet be the perfect Gift?

How About a Really Unique Engagement Ring?

Gut Instincts: How One Woman Made Her Mark on the World

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At just 22, one woman decided to make her mark on the world and ended up helping found a company that aims to right some of the wrongs modern life has wrought
on our systems.

Life is definitely more stressful than ever, especially over the last couple of years. A decade ago, the science of microbiomes was a relatively new study. Even though probiotics and yoghurts have been on the shelves for decades, its DNA and the effects on the brain were only just being realised. 

One of the interesting things we’re beginning to understand about microbiomes is their messaging system inside the human body. From eczema to diabetes to any one of the multiple inflammatory diseases that the 21st century has wrought upon us, the microbiome is either exacerbated or mitigated by them. In the gut there are good bacteria and bad bacteria and each one keeps the other in check. It’s when they get out of kilter that the trouble starts. 

One of the astounding discoveries about the microbiome was how it produces neurotransmitters which it sends from your gut to your brain. 

This is an area of research Colleen Cutliffe has spent the last 10 years of her life investigating. With a PhD in Biology, she’s one of the founders of Pendulum, a start-up that uses DNA sequencing to pioneer effective solutions to the ailments tied to gut health. 

Colleen’s daughter was born prematurely and was fed antibiotics early and has a range of food sensitivities. When Akkermansia muciniphila – a unique probiotic strain that is found in your gastrointestinal tract – was discovered, it all made total sense for Colleen.

“It used to be that we didn’t know what causes the microbiome to be depleted over time,” she says. 

“Now we do. As well as antibiotics, your circadian rhythms also have a big impact on your gut. When you fly to another place and your day becomes night and your night becomes day, it actually depletes your microbiome because your circadian rhythm and your microbiome are linked to each other. There are certain microbiomes that get turned off and on at certain times of the day so when you move into a different time zone and are changing your behaviour, not all the microbiomes can keep up. 

“Everything just gets a bit chaotic and results in a less diverse microbiome than you had before. Similarly this happens when we have stressful periods and when we go through menopause.” 

At one point we were able to eat and drink anything and never had to worry about it, but life isn’t like that anymore. On a fundamental level, glucose control helps you metabolise sugars. We’ve been eating fruit since the beginning of time, and we have evolved to develop microbes that help us metabolise sugars, but when we lose them or disrupt them everything gets off-kilter. 

“Taking a Akkermansia muciniphila supplement is just giving you back the microbes that help you metabolise things,” Colleen says. 

“Because when your body understands it has the microbes to metabolise sugar better, it sends a signal to your brain that says ‘you don’t need as many sugars, we’re good to go here’ which puts you onto a much better cycle.

“These strains are what young people have in abundance and all we’re doing is giving them back. You had them, you lost them, they’re essential and you need them.”

It’s complicated but very cool how it is all linked together. Science is helping us live better lives. What were once signals from our bodies we couldn’t read are now lights that go off and cause us to act.

“It’s like being in the car when the check engine light comes on,” Colleen says.  “We don’t just put a piece of tape over it and say ‘Oh great, I can’t see that light anymore’. We do actually check the engine.”

Colleen Cutcliffe is the CEO and co-Founder of Pendulum Therapeutics, which with backing from the Mayo Clinic has recently launched its patented probiotics in New Zealand.

Busting Health Myths: Should We Rely On Sweeteners As a Weight Loss Tool?

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Woman sprinkling sugar on pie

It’s been common wisdom for years that cutting back on sugar is good for health, and a useful thing to do if we’re looking to drop calories and control weight. One way to achieve that and still have a sweet-tasting treat, can be by using drinks and foods sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners such as stevia, aspartame, sucralose and others.

Now the World Health Organisation (WHO) has challenged that idea. It’s released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners, which recommends against their use to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

That’s off the back of a systematic review – a study of the available evidence – which suggests using non-sugar sweeteners doesn’t offer any long-term benefit when it comes to reducing body fat. That review also found there may be potential downsides from long-term use of these sweeteners, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

This adds to previous research which has suggested sweeteners might not be great for our gut bacteria, and could interfere with how the body interprets sugar cravings: even though they taste sweet, it’s thought non-sugar sweeteners might not quite hit the brain the same way when it comes to satisfying the desire for a sweet taste.

So what to do instead? So-called ‘natural’ sweeteners such as honey, rice syrup and coconut sugar act in just the same way as refined sugar in the body – so keeping our intake of those low is wise, too.

Dates and Honey in a dish

The WHO recommends a limit of around 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day. So our best bet is to try to reduce the sweetness of our whole diet, which eventually will re-train our palate and tame those sweet cravings.

Enjoying foods with natural sugars – such as fruit – is a good way to go; there’s no need to cut this out, and the sugars in fruit come packaged up with lots of other good things, like fibre and vitamins that are great for our health.

RELATED ARTICLE: The “Why” Behind Your Sugar Addiction. Dr Libby Talks About Emotions, Beliefs, And Habitual Treat Eating

Floral Chandelier: Create a Beautiful and Unique Botanical Arrangement

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Thy eternal summer shall not fade with floral artist Georgie Malyon’s gorgeous suspended arrangement of flowers and foliage that will dry in situ.


Step One

You will need: chains or rope for suspending your chandelier, cable ties, chicken wire, plastic water vials (optional) and flowers and foliage with a variety of different shapes, colours and textures. I used toetoe, shiny copper beech leaves, orange pincushion protea, eucalyptus foliage, tasselled amaranthus, mophead hydrangeas, lichen-covered prunus branches and frothy white gypsophila.

Step Two

Create your structure by shaping the chicken wire to the appropriate length and size you want your chandelier to be, such as the length of your dining table (wear gloves if you find the wire too scratchy). Attach heavier branches first, fastening them to the chicken wire with cable ties so that they’re secure (guests won’t appreciate being struck by tree debris!).

Step Three

Once your heavier branches are in place, use the chains or rope to suspend your arrangement at its intended site. By arranging the rest of the flora in situ, you can ensure that each end of the chandelier is evenly weighted. Add the rest of your foliage, attaching the stems by inserting them through the holes in the chicken wire.

Step Four

Once your stems are in place and your chandelier has a well-balanced leafy framework, fill out the centre with flowers, poking them through the chicken wire. Add bunches with a larger mass first, such as the gypsophila. (Single-stemmed flowers should be added last). Trim cascading stems, although it’s quite lovely to brush against the tips of overhanging greenery as you pass.

Step Five

Add any single-stemmed flowers. Finally, insert any flowers or foliage that will wilt quickly into plastic vials of water, then poke the vials through the chicken wire where the surrounding greenery will disguise them. Refill the vials with fresh flowers as required and enjoy observing the rest of the flowers change colour as they age, capturing the essence of their endless summer.

Tips

• Your chandelier will require less maintenance if the majority of your flora is suitable for drying.
• Flowers that wilt quickly can be inserted into plastic vials of water.
• Replace wilted blooms with different ones to alter the look.

PHOTOGRAPHY: REUBEN LOOI

Woman+ Mothers Day Gift Guide

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Mother’s Day is getting close, and now is the time to show your mother all your love by treating her because we all know how much they deserve it. Our gift guide has everything from opulent hotel experiences to practical yet stylish gifts. We’ve curated a collection of items to make mum feel pampered, cherished, and appreciated. So, look no further than our guide below, whether you want something useful or something lux.


The Hilton Karaka



Let’s start with a bang, shall we? Hilton Karaka offers an incredible experience where you can indulge in some of town’s best food and drinks. You’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the hotel and its lush gardens, making for a picture-perfect Mother’s Day memory. To celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, the 14th of May, the Hilton’s chefs have curated a special menu, which will be paired with a glass of bubbles. Don’t miss this opportunity to treat one of the most important people in your life. Limited spaces are available.

Book a table here: https://bit.ly/dtkarakamothersday23


Wild Poppies x Black Pineapple



Kiwi cocktail connoisseurs Black Pineapple and leading New Zealand floral and gift provider Wild Poppies have come together to create a specially-conceived hand-crafted gift called ‘Wild at Heart’ this Mother’s Day. It brings together the best of both worlds – cocktails and flowers. Who’s mum isn’t going to love this perfect combo? 

“Teaming up with Black Pineapple is the perfect collab for Wild Poppies. Wild at Heart is such a beautiful and thoughtful gift to celebrate mum and we can’t wait to bring a smile to the faces of amazing mums all over New Zealand.”  – Georgia Brodie of Wild Poppies. 




Aesop Gloam Fragrance



Looking for a bottle of heaven? Look no further than this new blend by Aesop. A co-creation by the brand’s long-term fragrance collaborator, Barnabé Fillion, whose approach favours the impressionistic to create scents that are highly susceptible to body chemistry, emerging unique to each wearer. This scent is the perfect combination of neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, and sandalwood. It’s a complex tapestry of rich, warm spice interwoven with light floral notes that simultaneously evokes interior worlds of an antique charm. 


Ashley and Co


If your mum is into self-care, Ashley and Co have got you sorted. The modern day scent experts announce a new limited edition scent to join their unique fragrance library. The new fragrance captures the essence of a fresh bouquet abundant with juicy berries and blooming buds. Bonberry Waxed Perfume is the gift that keeps on giving as its sweet aroma circulates through the home with each burn, transporting you to a garden bursting with florals.


Holski



Help transform mum’s skin from the inside and out with marine collagen and clinically proven ingredients that care for her and the planet. 

Consisting of a simple two step system – one silky smooth hydrator and a great tasting supplement powder full of marine collagen, natural antioxidants, prebiotics, vitamins and peptides – this skincare duo is perfect for those seeking healthy, beautiful skin in a sustainable way.


Glasshouse’s Latest Collection



Glasshouse Fragrances has launched a limited-edition collection of eight fragrances that celebrate the beauty of femininity and the strength of nature. One of the highlights of the collection is Pink Suede, featuring the delightful scent of Peony that brings out the texture and depth of the fragrance. Imagine a stunning bouquet of flowers wrapped in soft pink suede, and you’ll get a sense of what this fragrance has to offer. Give your mum a gift that captures the essence of beauty and femininity this Mother’s Day!


July Suitcases



July suitcases are the perfect companion for the mums who love to travel. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also lightweight, durable, and built to last. From the very on trend moss green cases to metallic mirroring sleekness, your mum will love how easy it is to manoeuvre around the airport or down to the bach with one of these suitcases.



Saben Handbags



Every outfit isn’t complete without a fabulous handbag, and Saben has got you covered.  Designed by the wonderful Roanne Jacobson (an epic mum herself) their collection of bags are both stylish and practical. I am very lucky to own a couple of Saben’s top sellers and you can best believe I’m going to hook my mum up this year with one of their navy perfectly sized wallets. You can choose from various sizes and colours to find the perfect one for your mum.


Asap Skin Care

For the mums who love to take care of their skin, asap has got the perfect skincare routine. This very fun limited edition pack contains the powerhouse of serums. Their products are gentle on the skin and effective at the same time. My favourite from this pack is the Super B Complex, famous for its hydrating properties and high niacinamide content. Your mum will love how her skin feels after using these highly credible products.


Be Pure



Bepure’s wellness supplements are perfect for the mums who prioritise their health. If herday starts with breakfast and her supplements, why not introduce a bottle from BePure? Their supplements are made with natural ingredients that are safe and effective. They’ve got everything from magnesium to energy formulas that she will love. Can’t decide which one to start with? My all time favourite is their One multivitamin which is packed with pretty much everything good for you.


Specsavers



Does your mum wear glasses? Or do you want to encourage her to check up on her eye health? Specsavers has a fantastic range of prescription frames and lenses that are both stylish and affordable. With some of the best customer and practitioner service, your mum will love how attentive their team is and will soon fall in love with how comfortable and stylish her new glasses feel. It’ll be you that she thanks for it too (big win).


Skintopia – Cooling Globes


For the mums who are always on the go, Skintopia has got a unique and refreshing product – cooling ice globes! Include these globes into mum’s skin care regimen to provide her with a relaxing, cooling face and eye massage anytime she wants. Cooling Ice Globes are everyone’s favourite part of Skintopia’s skin treatments, so now they’ve made them available for use in the comfort of your home. 


Hej Hej



Looking for something fashionable, high quality and sustainable? Check out Hej Hej’s women’s clothing boutique. Think colour, texture, and style – they’ve got it all. You can see their collections on their online store or head into their Wellington store. Your mum will love the confidence these clothes instantly emit. 



Riser by Allbirds



Allbirds has got you covered with the perfect sneakers for your mum. These shoes are stylish, eco-friendly, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear. Allbirds have released their latest creation – the Riser, the perfect shoe for dressing up and dressing down. Your mum will love how easy it is to style them with any outfit. But watch out. She may get addicted to Allbirds like so many other New Zealanders!


Cricut Explorer 3



For mums who love DIY projects, Cricut is a must-have. This machine can cut, write, and draw on various materials, making it perfect for any crafting project. Your mum will love how easy it is to use and how creative she can get with it. I’ve used one of these impressive machines to cut stickers, print onto t-shirts, and I have so many more things on my to-do list that I can’t wait to get busy with—the ultimate hobby holder. 


Deebot Vacuum Cleaner



Watching mum work all day and look after us all night, I know how frustrating it can be to try to keep the house clean with chaos running around. The Deebot takes the hassle out of vacuuming by doing it for you. This robotic vacuum cleaner is a game-changer, with its intelligent mapping technology that ensures every corner of your home is thoroughly cleaned. One of the things I love most about the Deebot is how easy it is to use. Simply set it up using the app on your phone and let it do the rest! Plus, its sleek and modern design means it will look good in any home.


We hope that something in this guide has tickled your fancy and inspired something special to add to the shopping list. We want to take this opportunity to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our motherly figures – you deserve the world.




Naked Malt Blueberry Whisky Sour Recipe

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If you’re an avid reader of WOMAN+, you may have noticed that we’re ramping up our cocktail making game. Following on from our Strawberry Whisky Sour, we’re back with another iteration of the classic sour – but this time, it’s with the beloved blueberry. 

As per, we will be using the award-winning blended malt liquor, Naked Malt. Aptly named, it reflects the fact that it is a malt blend that’s been aged in naked first-fill sherry casks. What sets it apart is not only its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to sustainability. Since its rebirth, the bottle is now 100% recyclable, which is something we can all greatly appreciate. 

Its tasting profile is sweet with creamy notes of vanilla custard and stewed fruit. But it’s the rich sherry spice finish that will leave you swooning. Up until the 1950’s, sherry casks were readily available in Scotland but since the distribution legislation changed in Spain, these rich and fruity barrels are becoming more and more of a rarity. 

As a lover of fine spirits, you can take it from me that Naked Malt is an absolute dark horse of a drop. Made from high-end single malts, the taste is truly spectacular and the price is equally staggering – in a good way. It seems too good to be true that such a great whisky can be purchased at $40-$60 per bottle. Even those with the most discerning palates will be impressed. Let’s not second guess as to how it could possibly be this affordable – let’s just accept it as a golden nugget to keep between us. If by some chance you’re not completely satisfied, well then, I’ll personally refund your taste buds. 

Blueberry Whisky Sour with Naked Malt

Since winter is the time to get the whisky and bourbon out, I highly suggest that you stock up on some bottles of Naked Malt. Creamy, spicy, sweet and smooth, you’ll be able to create cocktails at home that are far better than your local bar. 

The perfect accompaniment to the Naked Malt is a little citrus, sweetness and ice. The whisky on its own creates a beautiful blend of flavours that just needs a mere kiss to enjoy its flavours. Like the strawberry whisky sour, we turned to the hot Frenchman Julien Maddalon to craft the perfect recipe. 

Blueberry Whisky Sour with Naked Malt


Blueberry Whisky Sour Recipe


Ingredients

  • 45ml Naked Whisky
  • 30ml lemon juice
  • 15ml Aqa faba
  • 20 ml Blueberry syrup
  • Long block of ice, blueberry powder and blueberries skewer.


Instructions

  1. Add the whisky, lemon juice, aqa faba and syrup into a cocktail shaker. 
  2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds. 
  3. Double strain into a highball glass full of ice or if you want to get fancy, pop in a long block of ice.
  4. Add raspberry or blueberry powder (easy to find in the bakery section in the supermarket) and adorn with a blueberry skewer.

You can play around with different flavoured fruit syrups to find out what tickles your fancy the most. All you have to do is stick to the Naked Sour formula of ‘Naked Malt + citrus + sweet + ice.’ With the sweet aspect, you can chop and change this and bring utilize sugar syrup or opt for honey and pair it with ginger or pineapple.


Blueberry Whisky Sour with Naked Malt





Naked Malt Strawberry Whisky Sour Recipe

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When it comes to the world of whisky, there’s a lot of pompous hooha that surrounds the topic – is it single malt or a blend? Where was it distilled? What cask was it matured in? What’s the history behind the brand? While we can appreciate the intricacies of analysing a golden drop, it doesn’t always have to be this way. The reality is, there are no rules of how to enjoy whisky. 

If you’ve got a free-spirited attitude to whisky, Naked Malt should be on your must-buy list the next time you hit the liquor store. Radically different to other whisky brands that push a more hoity toity message, Naked Malt urges you to “drop the act” and just enjoy the darn whisky however you please – something that we can all get behind.

Made with a unique blend of the world’s finest single malts, Naked malt is matured in ‘naked’ Oloroso sherry casks, meaning the casks have never held whisky before. This is what gives the drop the abundance of rich and fruity flavours. 

To be fair, it’s hard not to fall in love with a sherried whisky once you try them. But what’s notable is how much this amber fluid will set you back – and it’s not very far. Sitting at the very affordable price point of $40-60 per 700ml bottle, Naked Malt is an absolute no-brainer of a choice. Comparatively, well-known sherry-matured whisky such as the very exquisite Macallan is around the $200 mark. You probably wouldn’t go around mixing something like this… 

If you love a good whisky cocktail but happen to be quite the fusspot, Naked Malt will quite easily become the poison you pick. For a meticulous blend at this price point, you can play around and swing from a sour to an old fashioned or even take a spin on the dark and stormy. If you love a good pickle, why not go for a pickle back? You don’t need to ask me twice when it comes to those. It allows for creativity and that’s what they’re all about. 

In the spirit of creativity, we come to you with a spin on a classic – the strawberry whisky sour. Created by NZ’s very own resident French bartender Julien Maddalon of Lemon Lime and Butter, you can hire the tanned Frenchman for your next soiree. His drinks are just as sweet as he is eye candy. 

Made with Naked Whisky, lemon juice, aqa faba (chickpea water), strawberry syrup, and a dash of vanilla liqueur, this recipe is at the top of its class. It’s the perfect cocktail to impress your guests by playing the hostess with the mostest. 


Naked Malt Strawberry Sour Cocktail Recipe



Strawberry Whisky Sour Recipe


Ingredients

  • 45ml Naked Whisky
  • 30ml lemon juice
  • 15ml Aqa faba 
  • 20ml strawberry syrup
  • Big block of ice and dash of vanilla liqueur


Instructions

  1. Add the whisky, lemon juice, aqa faba and syrup into a shaker with ice and shake for 10 seconds. Double strain into a rock glass with a block of ice inside the glass. 
  2. Finish with a dash of vanilla liqueur or your choice of bitters.

Once you have your first taste of this cocktail, you’ll have your Eureka moment and understand why it’s an award-winning drop. 



Naked Malt Strawberry Sour Cocktail Recipe






The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control

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I recently came across a book entitled “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” by Katherine Morgan Schafler. Schalfer is a multi-talented woman to say the least – a psychotherapist, writer and speaker based in NYC. She’s earned her psychotherapy credentials from both UC Berkeley and Columbia University, so it’s safe to say that she’s well trained in this area.

This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience

Her book took the world by storm, and was titled an invitation to every “recovering perfectionist” to challenge the way they look at perfectionism and themselves.

This book is well-written, enlightening and a good read because Schafler tells us we’ve got our take on perfectionism all wrong and that we must look at it from a distorted lens. It’s full of anecdotal stories, humour, some darkness and depth, all while being informative and educational. 

She says that for years, we’ve been told that as women we need to find balance to be healthy, but she wants to break that paradigm with a different approach. She wants you to embrace being a perfectionist rather than being embarrassed by it.

In the first half of the book, Schafler focuses on breaking down the meaning of perfectionism so that we can understand the type of person we are. The second half of the book focuses on ways to restructure particular types of habits so that they aren’t working against you. She uses real life examples and stories of her experiences with female clients, so it feels relatable and really lived. 

She breaks down the 5 subtypes as:

Classic Perfectionist

These perfectionists tend to be reliable, consistent, all about the minutiae of the detail and they like their stable routine. They struggle to adapt to any new obstacles or changes, and experience immense inertia. 

Intense Perfectionist

These perfectionists are driven by their ability to maintain intense focus for their goals. Their standards appear to be impeccably high, and they can be extremely judgmental and punitive if their goals are not met. 

Parisian Perfectionist

These perfectionists hold immense value in interpersonal connections and relationships and are extremely intuitive and empathetic. They have an extreme desire to be loved, accepted, valued and seen and left unchecked they can become toxic people pleasers. 

Messy Perfectionist

These perfectionists push through anxiety of change and adapt to spontaneity well, and are naturally enthusiastic and optimistic. They struggle to stay focused on their goals, and therefore end up spreading themselves quite thin and feel a sense of restlessness. 

Procrastinating Perfectionist

These perfectionists love preparing, planning and running admin. They see opportunities holistically and have good impulse control, but struggle to translate that into action and this can result in indecisiveness.

The Perfectionists' Guide to losing control

Schalfer notes that once you understand your perfectionist profile, you can understand how to manage that form to work for you, rather than against you. Upon reading the different perfectionist types, I immediately resonated with the profile for a messy perfectionist. 

I utilised Schafler’s teachings to use that as my power, and harness it in a constructive way. Now, I use my tendencies to focus on the immediate needs, rather than over-committing and under-delivering.


Is Ageing Turning Into A Trend?

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Jamie Lee Curtis Serving Silver Hair Heiress

Many women have been fighting ageing as if it’s a battle, using anti-aging skincare to try minimise wrinkles, stocking up on collagen supplements, and reaching for the box dye at any sight of a grey hair. But the truth is, there’s just no stopping it, so why don’t we flip the narrative and embrace ageing rather than trying to reject it?

Many of our favourite celebrities are welcoming ageing, ‘pro-ageing’ if you will. A few of these celebrities include Jamie Lee Curtis, Andie MacDowell, Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet. Actress, Julia Foxx, even sprayed the roots of her hair silver at the CFDA fashion awards last year. “This is a love letter to getting older. Yeah, we’re embracing getting older.” She stated proudly. 

Julia Fox Sprayed Silver Roots
Drew Barrymore Leading Lady for Pro-aging Trend
Andie MacDowell



Men age ‘like fine wine,’ they get ‘salt and pepper hair,’ they grow more mature, develop dad bods… need I go on? Men supposedly gain value as they age. Whereas, if women don’t age ‘gracefully,’ they are discarded by the media. It’s almost as if there’s an invisible expiry date looming above our heads – Thanks patriarchy. 

The media industry has encouraged impossible standards of beauty for far too long. With almost every photo we see (of models, actresses, singers, or any woman in the public eye) airbrushed to smoothen skin, brighten eyes, and whiten teeth, it’s not a surprise that celebrities who’ve had their appearance scrutinised their whole lives are speaking out and working to remove the stigma from feminine ageing.

The patriarchy has socially conditioned women to subconsciously believe that our worth is held in our beauty, and we are only considered beautiful when we are young – how bloody silly is that? In reality, the way we look is the least interesting thing about us. All of us. We are so full of passion and talent, knowledge, wisdom, power, inspiration, and strength. We can be soft or hard, we can be silly or serious, we can work hard and play hard. Women are very versatile, and completely capable creatures, and we are women. 

Jennifer Anniston Team Pro Ageing
Kate Winslet Naturally Ageing



With this being said, none of us are above using creams, supplements, or botox, and don’t look with judgement at those who have used them. This ageing trend is simply spotlighting what is truly important – that a woman’s value does not lie in her beauty or youth. It isn’t the external that’s important, it’s the internal. There is so much power in growing older that we should be looking forward to harnessing and using to our advantage. There are new experiences we are yet to gain, people we are yet to meet, stories to tell, and more kindness to be shared. 

Unlike most trends, this ‘pro-ageing’ movement looks like it’s not going anywhere and it seems like it’s only going to get more intense. Healthy ageing truly is based on your attitude, not your appearance. So wear your age with pride, as not everyone is lucky enough to age. Those wrinkles by your eyes show years of laughter and love. The stray greys sprouting around your temples are a symbol of your wisdom – you earned them.


 

Dog Breeds that Match You

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Probably one of the most exciting chapters you’ll ever embark on is getting a new pup. Whether it’s your first or you’ve homed many through your life, the decision of what type of dog all comes down to doing some homework. Likely, you will probably have one hundred questions about breeds, personalities and qualities. The big question is, which breed will best fit your lifestyle (and theirs)? 

*This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience

I love the common stereotypes of dogs matching the personalities of their owners. But research has shown that this is entirely true. You can learn a lot about a person based on the breed of dog they own.

Whippets were particularly common among risk-takers.

Big-shot optimists were more likely to own golden retrievers.

Those who were well-organized had tiny schnauzers.

Pomeranians were preferred by friendly extroverts.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Jack Russell terriers belonged to loving and kind people.

With these fun partnerships in mind, you can delve deeper into things to consider when  searching for the best dog to fit you and your family…



Woman with afro and fluffy dog



Deciding on the Breed

Choosing the right breed is a big decision. What’s important to establish is that you can’t just pick the cutest puppy in the patch. With over 400 dog breeds, each with its own needs and qualities, aligning with the right breed for you is essential. The more compatible you are with your dog, the easier and more enjoyable your time together will be. You also need to consider how your lifestyle will change over the next 10-15 years by ensuring you will live in a home that is still fit for a dog’s lifestyle.


Level of Physical Activity

Your dog’s activity level must match yours. Ask yourself, how much exercise can you give your dog? All dogs require some training, although the degree varies widely from breed to breed. You don’t want to deny your dog something as vital as exercise since it might lead to other problems: a well-exercised dog is a calm dog who is less prone to create commotion! It doesn’t mean you have to be a fitness freak to own a dog; certain breeds don’t need as much exercise as others. It’s simply a question of choosing the proper match. Furthermore, remember that size only sometimes matters regarding workout needs!


High Energy 

Australian Cattle Dogs

German Shepherds

Border Collies

Boxers 

Dalmatians

Jack Russell Terriers

Labradoodles

Huskies

Doberman


Low Energy

Bulldog

Bull Mastiff

Cavalier

Spaniel

Chow Chow

French Bulldog

Pug

Chihuahua

Maltese


Trainability

Before getting a new dog, you need to be honest and think about how much time and energy you can put into training your new pup. If your dream dog is obedient and well-trained, you must spend two hours a day training and schooling. Some dog breeds are far more laid back and casual, while others have a higher intelligence which benefits owners that can keep their activity stimulation high. All dogs can be trained and taught obedience; however, it will all come down to how much effort their owners will put in.


Woman on a cliff watching the sunset with her red haired dog



Highly Intelligent Breeds

Border Collie 

Australian Shepard 

German Shepherd

Poodle

Huntaway

Kelpe 


Laid Back/Calm Breeds

Shih Tzu

Maltese

Basset Hound

Cavalier 

Bulldog

Greyhound

Pug


Rescuing a Dog

So many dogs need good homes at animal shelters that encourage people to adopt dogs. With so many incredible dog-fostering teams across New Zealand, you can feel assured that you will have support from these teams when you are ready to adopt. You can always talk to the team at the rescue group if you wish to adopt one of their dogs, they will be able to tell you more about the dog’s character, and whether or not they have any behavioural concerns you should be aware of.


Awesome Dog Rescue Teams

Rescue Revive Rehome – Bay of Plenty

The Last Lamp Post 

Chained Dog Rescue 

North Auckland Dog Rescue

Keysar Rescue




The Ultimate Breakfast Spread

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Rise and shine, foodies! Amberley Rose Kennish here, ready to give you a glimpse of my dreamy ultimate breakfast spread that’s sure to get your mouth watering. From a perfectly smoked salmon toast to a refreshing grilled peach salad and, yes, even a slice of cake, my breakfast menu is guaranteed to start your day off on the right foot. 

As someone who has spent countless hours in the kitchen, I can confidently say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And what better way to start your morning than with a luxurious spread of smoked salmon toast, grilled peach salad, and cake!

Smoked Salmon Breakfast Toast Recipe

Ciabatta slices with breakfast toppings. Roasted tomatoes, salmon and basil.



Ingredients

  • 2 thick slices of artisanal bread
  • 2 oz of cream cheese
  • 2 oz of smoked salmon
  • Fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
  3. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each slice of bread.
  4. Top each slice with smoked salmon and sprinkle with fresh dill.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious smoked salmon toast!

Grilled Chorizo and Peach Breakfast Salad Recipe

Grilled chorizo salad with slices of roasted peach and crumbled feta



Ingredients

  • 2 Chorizo Sticks
  • 2 fresh peaches, sliced
  • 4 cups of rocket
  • 2 oz of feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp of balsamic glaze
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the chorizo, then the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the grilled peach slices. Add the chorizo.
  4. Add crumbled feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, and toss until well combined.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing grilled peach salad!

The Ultimate Gooey Delicious Breakfast Banana Bread

Banana bread slices



Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Slice and serve your gooey and delicious banana bread warm or at room temperature.

There you have it, foodies! Three delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will take your breakfast game to the next level. So go ahead and indulge in my ultimate breakfast spread, featuring smoked salmon toast, grilled peach salad, and banana bread.

Bon appétit!

Feel like adding a breakfast smoothie – try these!

Our Top 6 Picks for Running Shoes

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Running shoes have to be the unsung heroes of our exercise gear. 

This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience


Let’s face it, those old trainers you’ve been wearing since 2017 aren’t even up for a quick walk to the shops anymore, let alone a 5k. But alas, finding the perfect trainers for jogging and sprinting is easier said than done.

Whether you’re looking for trainers to help you achieve that marathon goal or maybe you’re looking for a little wardrobe refresh to revive and motivate your daily runs, we’ve done the research to track down the best running shoes on the market so you can conserve your energy for the racetrack than the internet!

P.S.If you want to become a committed runner, it’s best to visit a local running store for a complete arch evaluation before investing in a new pair to uncover what type of runner you are.


ON Cloudsurfer Womens

ON Cloudsurfer Womens $279.99


The ON Cloudsurfer provides all-around comfort for your feet. The premium training shoe is specifically developed for road runners and allows for softer landings and more explosive take-offs thanks to the revolutionary rubber pods embedded in the midsole. Additional foam is strategically placed throughout the outsole to provide durability and shock absorption, while the zig-zag pattern ensures good grip and traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

The Cloudsurfer is light and bouncy, with a rocker shape in the sole that ensures a seamless transition with each step. Overall, an excellent all-around shoe that is cushioned enough for easy kilometres yet light and responsive enough for your short stints.


 

Adidas Adizero Running Shoes

Adidas Adizero Running Shoes $200


Adidas’ most recent addition to the high-performance Adizero family is great for anyone aiming to set new personal bests without breaking the bank. Adidas ADIZERO SL is a quick daily training shoe packed with important components and design cues from our world-renowned Adizero series. The midsole is made up of a full-length lightweight Lightstrike EVA chassis that delivers stability, robustness, and cushioning. The complete rubber outsole ensures grip on every surface, which is important as we head into New Zealand’s unpredictable and stormy weather. Don’t let the rain stop you in these kicks!


Zoomx Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Zoomx Invincible Run Flyknit 3 – Women’s $299


Nike has transcended its status as America’s apparel giant to become a source of invention, knowledge, and potential in their quest for peak human performance. Every pair of swoosh-branded footwear is developed and made using biomechanically verified technology that has been shown to minimise injury risk and improve perception and feel. The ‘Just Do It’ brand has revolutionised the route to athletic achievement with the Nike Air midsole, Lunarlon Foam cushioning, and FlyKnit fibres. These invincible fly knits are a go-to for serious runners who love running long distances. These are incredibly lightweight and breathable. Just note that due to the soft fibres, don’t tie the laces too tight!


Ultra Glides

Ultra Glides $210


When your trail running ambitions take you far and wide, you’ll need a shoe that will keep you comfortable all day without weighing you down. That’s why Salomon crammed as much grip, fit, and lightweight comfort as they could into the new Ultra Glides. You can conquer any long-distance obstacle with these on your feet. These trainers feature an amazing bounce that will have you on the go with a fresh spring in your stride. I love how these feature a drawstring toggle which replaces the usual laces. You won’t need to worry about undone or loose laces anymore.


PE Nation x Gel-Quantum 180 VII

PE Nation x Gel-Quantum 180 VII $250


One of my best pals is a runner; she couldn’t recommend this pair enough – “This pair from P.E. Nation and Asics, designed specifically for more uncertain trail terrain, felt like a dream from my first run.” The ASICS Institute of Sport Science developed the GEL-QUANTUM 180TM VII shoe, which blends a futuristic form with innovative cushioning technology. Its top has been redesigned with a jacquard mesh upper for improved ventilation and comfort. The streamlined appearance of the design also includes smooth lines and fewer layers to produce a more adjustable fit. 

They just look freaking awesome, which is difficult to achieve with trainers. I hypothesise that dressing in bright, cheery colours makes the average joe more inclined to get up and move about. And with this jazzy design, this entertaining pair surely meets the description. They’re incredibly light and bouncy, and they will feel great straight away.


Allbirds Wool Tree Flyers

Allbirds Wool Tree Flyers $270


If you’re one for sustainability, look no further than Allbirds for all your eco-friendly shoe needs. Meeting the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental care and social sustainability, these lightweight and uber warm sneakers are made with a ZQ certified Merino wool upper. The midsole is made from sugarcane, the insole foam is made from castor bean oil and the outsole is natural rubber. If you’re wondering how these are water resistant in a sustainable way, the shoes are treated with a fluorine-free water repellent coating! Even the nylon eyelets are bio-based and the shoe laces are made from recycled plastic bottles. Flexible and warm with sufficient traction, once you try Allbirds, there’s no going back. 

So, there you have it team, the unsung heroes of exercise gear – running shoes! Don’t let your tired old trainers hold you back from achieving your running goals. Check out our researched list of the best running shoes on the market and treat your feet to the support they deserve. And remember, a visit to a local running store for an arch evaluation is always a good idea to find the perfect pair for you. Happy running!




Our Fashion Week Faves

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Fashion-week-faves-runway

As we all know, fashion inspiration starts at the tent pole shows before they quickly trickle down to fast fashion companies that produce dupes at alarming speeds . Both New York and Paris Fashion weeks have been and gone, but WOMAN+ is here to discuss some of our favourite collections  that were seen on the runways.



Fendi

This year, we saw a very wearable collection with a mostly neutral, earthy toned coloured palette. Calm camel beiges, muted grey-blues, pale burnt oranges and funky pops of fluoro green were donned in free-flowing silhouettes with plenty of movement. However, the focus was without a doubt on the highlighter green we kept seeing in accessories and outfit essentials. Although we thought the era of green was done and dusted since Bottega Veneta took the world by storm in Daniel Lee’s Spring 2021 collection, it seems that fluorescent lime is the 2023’s take of the colour of lush tranquillity.

Grey-blue-look-big-bag
highlighter-green-fendi
pale-burnt-orange-fendi
highlighter-green-accessories-fendi




Mugler

Oh how we missed Mugler’s presence on the runway. This was their first show since lockdown and it was nothing short of striking. Full of 90’s supermodels and cultural icons, Mugler had a range of models spanning widely in age, ethnicity and size to hero the diversity. Denim, leather, and lace was a feature in this collection and asymmetry was also a big star of this show. Boundary-breaking in classic Thierry Mugler’s fashion, the designs and fabrics in this collection made for a playful yet sultry runway experience.

structured-corset-and-denim-mugler
leather-and-diamonds-mugler
asymmetrical-mugler-look




Ferragamo

This collection was inspired by Ferragamo’s historic connection to Hollywood to give it a strong 1950’s-esque vibe. Designer Maximilian Davis seems to have plucked out our 50’s fashion soft spots and modernised them to make this collection more wearable. Have we mentioned how big bags have subtly started to take over the mini bag trend? That’s right, move over mini, big bags are in, and this Ferragamo Fall 2023 collection absolutely aced it.

big-blue-bag-ferragamo
blue-vinyl-big-bag-ferragamo
red-micro-shorts-ferragamo




Diesel

Described as a sexually charged show, the Diesel collection was a highly anticipated one. Diesel is named the designated ‘it’ brand of the moment in online discourse, sharing the title with Miu Miu of course. In the jean world, we are still loving low-rise but they’re slowly getting skinnier – a scary thought for those of us who have latched on to our baggy mom jeans.

pink-diamante-boots-diesel
jean-are-getting-skinnier-diesel
distressed-denim-coat-diesel
classic-diesel-silhouette




Miu Miu

Tights – everyone has a pair, which makes this new look accessible to everyone without spending a dime. Miu Miu have truly started something with this rather innovative exposed tights idea. The way the top part of the tights adds dimension and breaks up each outfit is a unique way to style a pair of tights.




Honourable mention to the Miu Miu ‘no pants’ or ‘micro shorts’ – this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Micro skirts have become so popular that it only makes sense for shorts to follow suit.

burgendy-miu-miu-micro-shorts


Paris and New York fashion week woke the innovators of fashion and invited countless styling ideas. There truly is nothing like a bit of inspiration to prepare us for the upcoming change of season and liven up our wardrobes. These past fashion weeks have only made us even more electrified waiting for the next few. Look out for London fashion week, scheduled for early June 2023.

5 Reasons You’re Tired And How To Combat It

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With daylight savings officially over, we’re entering the colder days. I’m sure I don’t just speak for myself when I say that I’m struggling to keep my energy levels and stay awake.

Research has split tiredness into three aspects, and this is how most doctors analyse fatigue. They can stem from psychological, physical and lifestyle causes. While psychological causes are common (such as insomnia or stress), they’re more contextual and related to specific people. On the other hand, the physical and lifestyle causes are far more easy to detect.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the 5  main reasons that you’re feeling tired.



You Overslept

I was going to start this article off with the classic “you overslept…” but I thought that it was far too obvious and cliche. We all know that if you don’t get enough sleep, your body tends to crash throughout the day. 

So I decided to go the less obvious route of oversleeping. Yes, oversleeping is bad for you. 

Quite often, we think a big long sleep is good, but research by the US’s National Health Society has proved that sleep debt can never be repaid; you can never make up for lack of sleep by oversleeping another day.

Research from the Johns Hopkins Medicine institute has shown that too much sleep is just as bad as getting not enough sleep, as it increases general lethargy and brain fog, but can increase the risk of diabetes, coronary heart diseases, anxiety, obesity, depression and consistent headaches. 

As an adult, you should be aiming for 6.5 – 8 hours of sleep to hit the optimal point.




Nutrition Deficiencies

A lack of key nutrients in your diet can lead you to feel exhausted and fatigued, despite the fact that you’ve clocked a full 7 hours of sleep. 

Common deficiencies that are linked to feeling fatigued, and are also common in people are Iron, vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin C. 

As a person who has been deficient in iron in the past, I know that this is very common and fatigue was the most common symptom which had a severe turnaround as soon as I implemented iron supplements into my daily routine. 

As the above deficiencies are very common, if you’re feeling particularly drowsy, I would urge you to get your levels tested.


Dietary Imbalances

Closely linked to point (2) above is your overall diet. 

Your diet affects your energy levels, your attention span, and ultimately, the way you feel. To maintain an energy level that’s commensurate with the energy you expend in a day, you need a balanced diet which is packed with nutrients and proteins. 

If you undereat, your body doesn’t get enough nutrients and will break down fat and muscle to meet its energy demands, which can in turn, trigger fatigue. If you overeat foods that are more processed and high in sugar, your body will start to crave more food of this sort which impacts your sleep cycle, blood sugar levels and insulin levels. We’ve all fallen victim to a sugar high and subsequent crash. 

Following a diet low in processed foods and added sugars like grains/legumes with vegetables and a protein source such as fish, eggs or meat can reduce fatigue. So trade in that caramel slice for a mandarin instead!


Hydration

This is one of the biggest lifestyle causes of tiredness and fatigue. I know we always hear people say that you need to drink water, but we really underestimate the importance of staying well hydrated.

Our body is approximately 60% water, so we need adequate water level restoration to replace the water loss that takes place on a daily basis through sweat and urination. 

When we get dehydrated, our entire bodies are affected. On a smaller scale, dehydration can cause dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, tiredness, dry mouths and skin, fatigue, lethargy, inability to concentrate, bad breath and have negative repercussions on our sleep cycles. Left unchecked, it can lead to kidney stones and failure of your kidney function. 

The average person should be aiming to drink around 8 glasses of water a day. I’ve found that buying a cute water bottle and aiming to drink 3 full refills of my 750ml bottle (keeping in mind that I exercise daily!) has helped me keep my dehydration in check.




Caffeine Dependency

Who doesn’t start their morning with a coffee. It’s part of my daily routine to wake up, go to the gym, go to work and then make coffee. 

While they do give us a boost of energy, studies have shown that a dependence on caffeine is detrimental to us in many ways. In some people this can manifest as shakes and tremors, but very commonly, it can lead to caffeine cravings and dependencies, and feelings of extreme tiredness without caffeine. 

Many studies have shown that due to caffeine dependence, people tend to consume large amounts of caffeine, which causes an overuse of caffeine and negatively impacts our sleep cycle. As you may have experienced, caffeine causes energy crashes at unexpected times during the day and if you top up regularly, it can also keep you up at night by causing nighttime anxiety and worrying and disrupted sleep due to the increased frequency of waking up. This all leads to sleepiness and fatigue the following day. 

A dependency on caffeine is directly linked to sleep disturbance, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my sleep at night now that I’ve restricted myself to only having one coffee per day at 8:30am. 

If you’re heavy on energy drinks or coffees but find yourself feeling lethargic and in a slump, I’d highly recommend cutting out one or two of those caffeinated beverages and replacing it with a walk or some movement to release some endorphins and restore energy levels immediately.




Awareness is key – hopefully this list has made you aware of why you may be feeling fatigue and the means to combat it!

Bathroom Mirrors You’ll Love to See Everyday

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The right mirror can make a world of difference, whether you’re redoing an old bathroom or upgrading from the old crusty mirror that came with the house when you moved in. The perfect mirror for your bathroom can do such wonders for your space, like making the room feel more spacious, dividing the room up to create a fresh look, and even serving as a storage station.

In my research to create this epic lineup for you, I learnt some incredibly useful tips. For instance, designers say that round mirrors work particularly well in narrow vertical areas. If you are tight for space, longer and more narrow mirrors work best for giving the room a better height appearance. 

To save you the trouble of settling for a mirror that you may regret, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the finest solutions available in various sizes, designs, and prices. Each mirror selected in this edit below is sophisticated and chic but simple enough to work within any space.


Citta Oval Wall Mirror



Oval mirrors are an excellent way to make a subtle statement in a bathroom. Designed by David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen, this classic mirror is a favourite. The classic design of this oval wall mirror ensures that it will last for years to come. Looking at it from the side, you can see a thin, natural wood stripe that serves as the perfect finishing touch.


Backlit Large LED Mirror


Need a big mirror for your double sink? Mirror World presents this Backlit LED Mirror. This rectangular design comes in five sizes that are suitable for horizontal and vertical displays. If you prefer a higher appearance, you may need to acquire two and hang them vertically; most sizes will span the width of double sinks when placed in a horizontal orientation.

An awesome LED system lights the mirror’s frame with dimming settings and a built-in defogger! Installation requires two people because of its weight and size, neither of which are typical of standard bathroom mirrors. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last and won’t need replacing very soon.


Brass Outline Mirror by Joska & Sons



If it’s within your budget, consider the stunning Brass Outline Mirror by Joska & Sons. This beautiful mirror is handmade in Christchurch. You can add the option of a LED glow of diffused light to your bathroom to elevate your space. This mirror is a great choice if you want to add more style to your bathroom and want to do so in a chic, New Zealand-made way. AC Homestore also gives you the option of black or gold finishings, which may suit your style perfectly. 


Hayden Oval Pivot Mirror



Amplify the space and light in your home with the Hayden Oval Pivot Mirror in chrome. The pivoting design is perfect for the bathroom or at the dressing table. I’m such a lover of this mirror’s sleek chrome finish, as it matches most bathroom faucets and shower utilities. It’s all in the small details, right? 


Sail Backlit Mirror



If you prefer a more obscure shape but still want a frameless mirror with an elegant look, we recommend the Sail Backlit Mirror as a great option for bringing a statement into your space. This one hangs flush against the wall without any visible hardware for an elegant look. You can hang this artsy sail-shaped mirror vertically or horizontally.


Mirror with an Aluminum-Alloy Frame




This Aluminium Frame rectangular mirror is a timeless and budget-friendly option if you’re shopping for a new mirror at The Warehouse. The sleek profile and clean design are very upscale. The square shape is distinctive enough to attract attention without compromising timeless elegance or adaptability. It’s great since it lasts a long time and doesn’t impose any certain design aesthetic on the room.

The standard size this comes in is ideal for most vanities, and if you need extra light in a larger bathroom, you can just hang two of them side by side. It comes with everything you need to hang it up, and it can be done quickly and easily.




The Winter 2023 Boot Edit

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I’m usually open to exploring new brands and styles, but when it comes to selecting the best boots for the winter season, I like to learn a little bit about the brand before making my final decision. After all, harsh weather can inflict a lot of wear and tear on a shoe and I want to know that my beloved boots will last me a long time – which is good for both the environment and my bank account. It may be dreary and grey outside, but if you wear a new pair of shoes, things will certainly feel a little better. All of this prompts the question: which brands and boots have the most reliable styles to pick from?


What To Look For

The best women’s boots are versatile. When the temperature cools, they can replace your trainers, party heels and sandals – yes, the perfect pair can do all three!

Women used to pick between practicality and style, but we’re now seeking chunky, punk shoes with comfortable platform soles due to the geniuses behind brands like Bottega Veneta and Prada. The kind who can toughen up slinky evening gowns and floral day dresses while also looking terrific in skirts, denim, and everything in between. If the biker/hiker aesthetic isn’t your thing, our selection has plenty of attractive easy-to-wear choices with wedges, block heels and strong soles that will easily transition from day to night. Take a look at our WOMAN+ approved picks below.


Annie Cowboy Boot

Annie Cowboy Boot $600



Have you heard that 70’s styling is coming back? Mi Piaci’s Annie boot rocks the cowboy boot trend with Western-inspired topstitching and a Cuban heel that feels incredibly modern and wearable. You heard it here first: embroidered, stack-heeled Western cowboy boots are coming back. If you don’t believe us, just ask Dua Lipa, Kourtney Kardashian, or Kendall Jenner, who have all been seen wearing them recently. Wear it with an over-the-knee skirt or underneath your favourite denims.


London Rebel Chunky Boots

London Rebel Chunky Boots $116



For something stylish and versatile, meet these chunky knee-high boots. All of our favourite fashion ‘it’ girls have been spotted in this style. These ones are from ASOS and are made from faux leather. I have a pair similar to these, which are such a fun pair with short dresses and skirts as their silhouette adds a loud statement.


Tucky Ankle Boots

Tucky Ankle Boots $103



These are the boots you’ll reach for night after night. Perfect for dinner dates and even the office, these ankle boots are comfy and durable, with raving reviews online. Their pointed toe ups the level of the class immediately, and you’ll have plenty of fun click-clacking away in these heels. Everyone needs a pair like this in their life!


Nora Combat Boot

Territory Leather Ankle Boots $400



The Nora ankle boots are beloved by Mi Piaci women. This stunning pair combines delicate aspects of grunge while maintaining a basic form, making them the ideal style for year-round attire. We’re obsessed with the snakeskin leather boot vibe at the moment as the perfect neutral that still stands out from the crowd.


Territory Leather Ankle Boots

Territory Leather Ankle Boots $229



The ROC Territory boots are worn-in leather and have a utilitarian look. ROC Territory is the place to go if you’re looking for gothic/punky combat boots. The lace-up design lends a military vibe to the shoe, while the block heel adds height without sacrificing comfort.


Edam Combat Boot

Edam Combat Boot$349.90



Adding height without the discomfort of heels? Easy peasy with Merchant’s Edam Combat boot. The Edam ankle boot is the brand’s best-selling style. Designed with comfort and elegance in mind, the subtle grunge characteristics that will enhance everything from jackets to jeans. I bet you’ll reach for these everyday this Autumn/Winter!


Anine Bing Mid Tania Boots

Edam Combat Boot $349.90



Tania Boots by Anine Bing are revised for Autumn ’23 with a little longer, stylish and classic shaft. The warmth of the toffee suede pairs perfectly with denim, neutral trousers and print! Subtle western stitch details enhance the Mid Tania Boot’s timeless vibe. You’ll hold onto these forever.


Joy Chelsea Boot

Anine Bing Mid Tania Boots $879



The chunky platform Chelsea boot is not going anywhere. The Joy Boot by Karen Walker is an edgy twist on the classic Chelsea boot style, with its hefty high-heel sole, increased height, and stylish almond toe. It’s made of 100% croc-embossed leather with a silky leather inner. It also has an elastic gusset and a back pull tag to make it easy to put on. The stacked heel is set on a lugged rubber sole with a styled trail that combines elegance and utility.




It’s important to research and choose a reliable brand when selecting boots for the upcoming season to ensure durability and save money in the long run. Exploring new styles is exciting, but the quality of the shoes is crucial, especially in harsh weather conditions. A good quality pair of boots not only benefits the environment but also adds excitement to the daily routine, making the dreary and grey weather so much more bearable.

Easter Weekend 2023: High Tea Edition

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Feeling fancy this Easter? Well, lucky for you, the team at WOMAN+ have rounded up some of the best high teas on offer across New Zealand for you to celebrate in style.

From petite sandwiches to perfectly crafted macarons, get classy with any of these options.




Cordis Hotel



This year for Easter, between 7 to 10 April, the Cordis Hotel in Auckland are doing a special high tea sitting in their Chandelier Lounge for $99 per adult, or $55 per child. 

On entry, you’ll be treated with a glass of bubbles (or a special iced chocolate for the kids), and served an array of delights from cranberry chicken tarts, smoked salmon and high tea classic egg sandwiches to savoury muffins.


DeBretts Kitchen 


Hotel DeBretts, nestled in Auckland’s CBD are well renowned for their annual Easter High Tea. 

This beautiful art deco themed hotel serves the special Easter high tea at either a $59 per person option, or a tipsy tea option at $79 per person. From smoked salmon pinwheels, to devilled eggs, hot chocolate and easter bunnies, there’s nothing not to love about this choice.


Intercontinental Wellington


Intercontinental Wellington is a hotel which exudes luxury and modern indulgence. Located in the prime location of the Wellington CBD, this high tea experience takes place in the lobby lounge. 

The Easter High Tea experience is available all across Easter weekend with their classic hand-crafted treats served with an Easter theme and twist. We’re talking petite hot cross buns, roast lamb finger sandwiches, chocolate bunnies and many more bunny themed treats. 

The base package is only $64 per person (or $35 for children under 12), which includes a glass of bubbles. It’s an absolute steal – this is one you won’t want to miss!


The George Christchurch


The George hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel which overlooks the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avalon. Situated in the most vibrant cultural precinct of Christchurch, the George is a fantastic location. 

From apple and cinnamon scones, to chocolate chai macarons and beef sliders; this tea has a number of incredible snack options. This Easter high tea runs for the duration of the Easter weekend and is located in the 50 Bistro. Prices are $50.50 for each adult, or $33.50 for children 12 and under. 


Novotel New Plymouth


This high tea is for the chocoholics. The special Easter high tea runs for one day only on Sunday 9 April between 11:30 to 4:30 pm. 

Dilmah teas are on offer, served with your classic quiches, egg and chive sandwiches, salmon buns, and sausage rolls. For the sweet options, all options are chocolate and easter themed – with the chocolate hot cross buns stealing the show. 

Adult prices are $49 per person, with kids at $29. A family friendly, and more relaxed option, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend Easter sunday.




No matter where in New Zealand you are, we hope we’ve given you the inspo to eat your hot cross buns in style this Easter! If you’re after more Easter treats, read our article on where to get the best hot cross buns in New Zealand here.




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