Our Life

Discover something new with our top picks of what to wrap your ears around this month. Reviews from our wider CountryWide Media team.

The sun is out so it is time to shed the layers and have a little more fun! While neutral looks are as popular as ever, colour is back in cosmetics and giving skin a refresh never goes out of style. Tracy O’Connor shares her must-haves to effortlessly welcome summer in style.

Two Christchurch businesses that played a huge part in Christchurch’s post-earthquake regeneration have teamed up to revitalise part of the city’s red zone.

This issue we turned to our favourite booksellers for their picks on what to read this month – Sara Shand from Emmas at Oxford and Millie Blackwell from Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. And they didn’t disappoint! We can’t wait to get reading.

Describing her clothing brand, Jessica Flora, as a love letter to Mother Earth, Jess Beachen is on a mission to make clothes that the fair lady herself would be proud to wear. We talk about sustainable fashion and what it means to her. 

There are a number of other dietary and lifestyle recommendations that can improve the way we sleep.

Shaz Andrew, Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist from Hana shares seven ways of supporting a healthy lymphatic system.

We asked our wider editorial team for their must-listens of the moment – enjoy adding them to your listening library!

Let’s stop using the word ‘normal’ to talk about women’s bodies. As a registered nurse and midwife, Frances Green has had a front-row seat to absolutely everything the female body can do. After 35 years of experience, she explains why there’s no such thing as ‘normal’.

A rare hypercar lives out its retirement, seldom driven but much admired.

Understanding disposition could revolutionise ageing, offering tailored strategies for optimal longevity.

How to Make an Adjustable Cookbook Stand

With its sliding base, this stand can snugly hold any recipe card, tablet or cookbook – no matter how chunky or slim. Choose your favourite colours to ensure it is the perfect match for your kitchen or as a great gift idea. Plus, when it’s not in use, you can easily store both parts flat!

Too Good to be True?

We are on the cusp of a once-in-a-decade influx of properties on the market. Nathan Miglani, Director of NZ Mortgages, explains.

Working from Home? Top tips for insuring your set-up

Whatever your work situation, here are some valuable insurance tips to help safeguard your home office.

Do the Swab

New Zealand is nine months into the roll-out of a new cervical screening programme which includes a self-swab as an initial step. Dr Pip Shirley explains how this simple test aims to reduce cervical cancer cases.

Easy, Affordable and Cute as Pie

Hannah Porter’s relatable personality is connecting with parents with her online children’s store Bear & Moo providing a vibrant line of cloth nappies, clothing and more, with quality and affordability at its heart.

For Everyone and Every Body

Within five minutes of meeting Anna King I am hooked – I feel the need to roll out my mat and get back into Pilates.

Designed and Built, For You

Building a home with character that mirrors the homeowner’s own personality and lifestyle is what David Reid Homes Canterbury is all about.

Keeping the Wairarapa in the dark is a six-year mission for a resident and his band of like-minded enthusiasts.

Hemi Sundgren's quest to reclaim identity and te reo Māori has put him in the roles of historian, artist and tribal leader.

Going into retirement: Why a ‘zest for life’ is crucial

Answer this unusual question: What would you cross on an I-beam for?

A snapshot in time: Earliest known photographs of Aotearoa/New Zealand exhibited in new book

Piha’s community effort to resurrect their land

The Piha community rallies to plant native bush on slips caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The company marching into battle against cleaning product giants

Auckland start-up Cleanery is cleaning up the supermarket aisles, one sachet at a time.

An Otago woman’s quest to find the perfect locally made woollen coat turned into a sustainable fashion brand starring the wool from her own sheep

Recommended Reading: Books by Aotearoa/New Zealand authors

Our resident bibliophile shares her thoughts on novels penned within our own shores

The remote beauty of the Seaward Kaikōura Range allows for the avid climber to trek through historical footsteps.

Confidence on the Rise – The Property Market in Christchurch

NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani offers an insight into where the property market is heading and why stability is a reason for confidence.

A Celebration of Friendship

In the enchanting world of children’s literature, a new book has emerged to captivate young hearts and minds.

The Art of Limewashing

Transforming walls into works of art, Resene’s FX Paint Effects – used to create a limewashed finish – offers a timeless and elegant way to add character and depth in any space, with its unique ability to create a soft, mottled texture reminiscent of aged plaster.

Advice for Staying Safe Online with Abbott Insurance

In today’s hyperconnected world, social media is an integral part of our daily lives. Matt Hantler from Abbott Insurance Brokers shares a social media survival guide to keep you, and your loved ones safe.

A loss is a loss, no matter how early

Across both public and private practice, Dr Greg Phillipson treats many women who have to cope with the devastation of recurrent early pregnancy loss. Seeking answers quickly can help to make sense of the emotions.

A full-time school principal and part-time pickleball player hopes his sport will become New Zealand’s next big thing.

DIY: Miniature Garden

Time to downsize! Create your own tiny landscape out of moss, flowers, twigs and foliage.