LIVING WELL

Try these classic gingerbread cookies with a twist. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and a hint of cocoa, the dough only takes minutes to whip up, making them a fantastic homemade gift. Just 8-10 minutes in the oven, and they ’re perfect. Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate if you ’re feeling fancy.

E L E A N O R O Z I C H Home wellness expert

Chocolate & maple gingerbread cookies

MAKES 24

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp sea salt 75g butter, cut into cubes 1 free-range egg ½ cup pure maple syrup

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two trays with baking paper. 2 Add all ingredients to a food processor, and pulse until the dough starts to come together. 3 Bring the dough together into a ball and roll out onto a lightly floured surface, about 3mm thick. 4 Cut out shapes using cookie cutters, then place them 2cm apart on the baking trays. Re-roll any scraps of dough to cut out more shapes. 5 Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until crisp around the edges. They will harden as they cool. 6 Allow to cool on the trays. Decorate, if preferred, with melted chocolate and toppings of choice. Store in an airtight container.

L I V I N G W E L L

A planet-positive gifting guide

Spread some joy in a considered, mindful way and have yourself a merry, eco-friendly Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, I value slow, sustainable and intentional gift giving. I opt for quality over quantity, and believe that less is always more. Most conventional stocking stuffers involve plenty of plastic and excess wrapping, which often ends up in the landfill – something I don’t enjoy thinking about. But not to worry, as I’m here to offer some lovely, thoughtful alternatives.

In a time where we’re mostly shopping online and trying to spend less money, I’ ve curated a list of 21 ideas that inspire a feel-good Christmas. Not only are these gift ideas friendlier on the earth, they ’re also an excellent opportunity to share the joy of local or artisan-made goodies with your loved ones.

A few of my favourite online stores offering beautiful gifts

· Paper Plane Store paperplanestore.com · Sunday Homestore sundayhomestore.co.nz · Trade Aid tradeaid.org.nz · Mt Atkinson mtatkinson.co.nz · Garden Objects garden-objects.com · Father Rabbit fatherrabbit.com · Citta Design cittadesign.com · A&C Homestore achomestore.co.nz · Ornament ornament.co.nz · Tessuti tessuti.co.nz

eleanorozich.com

21 ideas for fun stocking fillers

1. Plastic-free lip balm. 2. A considered book or novel. 3. Beeswax candlemaking kit. 4. Reusable sandwich bags. 5. Fancy herbal tea, chai or hot chocolate mix. 6. Fun patterned underwear. 7. Artisan or fair-trade chocolate. 8. Reusable cotton mesh produce bags. 9. Natural beeswax crayons. 10. Homemade gingerbread cookies (see recipe). 11. Bamboo or melamine plates for summer picnics. 12. Homemade layered cookie or cake mix in a jar. 13. Sweet little packets of wildflower or vegetable seeds. 14. Small ceramic vessels such as a jewellery holder or soap dish. 15. Knitted reusable dishcloths or tea towels. 16. Mini jigsaw puzzles or card games. 17. Natural watercolour paints. 18. Quirky patterned socks. 19. A beautiful notebook for journalling. 20. Bamboo or wooden cutlery set. 21. Neat wall hooks.

Come dine with me

Bringing family together round the table to celebrate Christmas is even sweeter when your dining room has been remodelled. For more about this updated villa, turn the page.

H O M E S

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Home for the holidays An Auckland villa blossoms for Christmas.

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Ahead of the curve Maiko Nagao Irvine remodelled her home in her signature natural style. The same goes for Christmas.

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Family tree Mid-century style rules in this family home.