M2Woman May/June 2017

M2woman.co.nz

MAY/JUNE 2017

WHEN IS WORKPLACE STRESS TOO MUCH?

EXCLUSIVE

Annabel Langbein’s latest aspirations

TECH EDGE:

Decoding

SEXISM

Redefining

MOTHERHOOD

9

CAN WE HAVE IT ALL?

SMART WAYS TO FINANCIAL CONTROL

HOW TO:

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THE BIGGEST FITNESS MISTAKE WE MAKE

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44 CANDIDLY BELLA

MAY / JUNE 2017

FEATURES 36 REAL WOMEN SUPERMUM Can we really have it all?

40 WORK REPORT DECODING SEXISM Are we close to where we should be?

44 COVER STORY CANDIDLY BELLA The youngest Hadid sister is an icon of her generation

93 HEALTH DEBATE Is your gut the secret to a health lifestyle?

100 SUCCESS PROFILE FACING FAILURE Sarah Robb O’Hagan’s stand out advice

102 SUCCESS FINANCE 9 smart ways to financial control

120 WELLNESS 84 TASTE MAKERS EXCLUSIVE Annabel Langbein’s latest aspirations

92 FOOD NEWS CHECKOUT What’s hot in the culinary scene

94 FITNESS TREADMILL FOR DUMBBELLS Strength training is the secret to results

96 HEALTH NEWS CHECK UP The latest in the health world

98 HEALTH WELLBEING 9-5 STRESS When does it become too much?

120 TRAVEL ESCAPE NEW CALEDONIA Experience France in the South Pacific

125 TRAVEL NEWS GOING PLACES Update your travel essentials and get inspired for your next trip

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BEAUTY 56 TRENDY PEEPERS The best tricks and products picks for stand-out eyes

58 FRISKY FLORIENTALS New season, new scent.

C ONTENTS FASHION & LIVING 30 FASHION UPDATE HOT THIS

116 84

60 BEAUTY SHOOT 66 BEAUTY PICKS HOT LIST This season’s must-haves

71 BEAUTY NEWS BEAUTY SPOT What’s new in the world of beauty

SEASON Our top picks from the hottest trends

77 WISH LIST REPTILIAN TENDENCIES 78 STYLE FILE TAKE A HIKE 82 FASHION NEWS What’s new in the world of beauty

110 ON TREND DREAM WEAVER 116 LIVING LAGOM The latest Scandi trend you need to know

119 LIVING NEWS LIFE IN STYLE Keep updated with the latest from the interior design world

126 DRIVE TIME EURO CHARM Holden Astra

78 EVERY ISSUE 16 EDITOR’S LETTER 17 DOWNTIME The latest books, music & films

24 WHAT’S ON DIARY Our pick of the best upcoming events

26 YOUR SAY Q&A NEW ZEALAND WOMEN What makes them tick?

106 SUCCESS M2woman Coach 130 LAST SAY TELEVISION TIMES

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The New Mazda2 is the sophisticated small car making a bold statement. The luxe interior means your tribe travels in comfort, while seamless connectivity integrates your smartphone so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always in touch. Check out the New Mazda2 today and discover how imagination drives us.

Letter

S

ociety has seen to it that women the world-over have found themselves at some point and in some way, beholden to the idea of “having it all” – and more recently, this turn of phrase has come to almost exclusively apply to mothers combining children with having a career. When Helen Gurley Brown, coined the phrase "having it all” in the '80s, she did not have or want kids. Her "all" did not include children. It was about love, success, sex, and money. Somehow though, it seems to have become a benchmark for all mothers to adhere to. The “all” is to have the baby but not to lose any of the pre-diaper and hourly breast feeding ambition.

It seems to be an external social perception in general that motherhood in itself is not a valid career but perhaps us mothers ourselves don’t need any outside help to feed the guilt of taking time away from the office to be with our

children. Arguably, there is increasing pressure on duel income households but even beyond financial considerations, there seems to be more and more ambition outside of motherhood.

But perhaps it is possible to have it “all” in the new updated sense of the term. And perhaps it doesn’t need to be at the sacrifice of raising healthy, happy children. As New Zealand fashion designer, business owner and new mum, Turet Knuefermann suggests in our Redefining Motherhood special, our ambitions and passions can be as much a valuable lesson to our children than a singular focus. “I think that exposing Ayrton to my way of life, and the experiences it brings, is stimulating for him and I know he will learn and grow from this.”

While this feature is a celebration of mums who are juggling motherhood with their own career goals, it is not about establishing any new benchmark but it is about empowering mums to follow their hearts and not the opinions of other people’s expectations of motherhood.

Heloise Garrity, Editor

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MAY / JUNE 2017 ISSUE 46 On sale 1 May 2017 M2 Magazine Limited Telephone: (09) 377 6290 M2woman.co.nz

EDITOR Héloïse Garrity DEPUTY EDITOR Emma Taylor EDITORIAL Yasmin Forsythe Kellie Stevenson-Border Almaz Rabb Greg Sinclair DESIGN Matt Genefaas Amy Carmichael BEAUTY Sophie Chung ADVERTISING Greg Sinclair Dave McLeod Sophie Chung SUBSCRIPTIONS Graeson Kermode CONTRIBUTORS Daisy Conroy-Botica Fiona Quinn Juvena Worsfold Amber Carroll Laura Court Janet Xuccoa MANAGING DIRECTOR Tim Lawrence CONTENT DIRECTOR Andre Rowell ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Greg Sinclair COVER IMAGE TAG HEUER

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of M2 Magazine Limited or its staff and no liability is accepted. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material. All letters or materials forwarded to us will be assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated. ISSN 1174-1953 ©2016 M2 Magazine Limited All rights reserved. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or part, without our prior written permission.

THE NEW FRAGRANCES

Kellie Stevenson-Border

Juvena Worsfold

Janet Xuccoa

Amy Carmichael

Kellie Stevenson-Border

This issue I worked on… ‘The Last Word’ – A hard-hitting piece of journalism about my obsession with reality TV cooking shows.

The first lesson I learnt from my mum was… That she loved me no matter what.

Also, always wear clean undies in case you get hit by a bus. Although I follow her sage advice, I can’t help but wonder about the proficiency of the medical team who is more concerned by my well-laundered smalls rather than my massive internal bleeding.

Equality to me means… I think it is impossible to achieve true equality without starting with equity. In order to have equality, we all need access to the same opportunities to start with.

To keep my mind and body healthy in the winter, I swear by… Listening to nature.

In particular bears; I like to stuff myself with nuts and berries (well, fruit and nut chocolate) and then sleep for four months.

Juvena Worsfold

This issue I worked on… Compiling and styling the living and style pages.

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The first lesson I learnt from my mum was … To learn to be a gracious loser – very hard for an only child!

Equality to me means… I think true equality only comes about with love. If you have love for others you will want them to have the same benefits as you do, and viceversa; we can’t have equality if we only put our own interests first.

To keep my mind and body healthy in the winter, I swear by… Red wine (in moderation!) and supplements that have vitamin C and olive leaf.

Janet Xuccoa

This issue I worked on… ‘9 Smart Ways to Financial Control’

The first lesson I learnt from my mum was… The thoughts I have and the actions I take today create my tomorrows. Accordingly, be careful what you think and do. If you make a mistake, look back but don’t stare.

Think what you’d do differently and then move on – towards your future.

opinions and, where possible, partake of opportunities to make the very most of their skills, talents and lives, irrespective of their race, gender, sexuality, country of residence and political or religious persuasion.

To keep my mind and body healthy in the winter, I swear by… Olive leaf supplement, healthy food with some chocolate thrown in for good measure and, of course, a couple of weekly workouts at the gym followed by water and then a glass of champagne!

Amy Carmichael

This issue I worked on… the design of the magazine.

The first lesson I learnt from my mum was … Listen to her, because she is always right.

Equality to me means … Men and women should be treated the same. I can’t believe even now this is still and issue that has to be discussed. It’s kind of ridiculous that people still don’t believe in that. It should be a given that men and women are treated the same.

Equality to me means… Permitting

To keep my mind and body healthy in the winter I swear by… Blankets, scarves and

everyone to have a voice, to form their own

red wine. Just overall cosiness.

culture Lordeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic return New Zealand's pop prodigy is back four years after her acclaimed debut album with her new album Melodrama.

CHANGING FACE OF FEMALES IN FILM

Rebecca MCFADZIEN If there is one thing Hollywood needs more of, it is movies that challenge stereotypes and empower women, something Kiwi actress Rebecca McFadzien managed to do in the most unexpected film genre.

Film CREDIT

W

hen you think of women’s roles in most horror films, you will likely picture a damsel in distress who needs a strong, brave man to save her. Quarries, an award-winning drama-horror-thriller starts out like this; a group of women embark on a hiking expedition and then find themselves in grave danger, having crossed paths with savage hunters.

“This is where Quarries deviates from the usual ‘damsel in distress’ convention, which usually involves the girl being rescued at the very last minute by someone else,” McFadzien says. “No one is comingg to save

get involved with the stuff that goes on behind the camera, as well as continuing on with my work as an actress.

“When I first read the script, I was struck by how incredibly strong and diverse the female characters were. I love challenging stereotypes, and empowering women through the work I do as an actress, so I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it,” she says.

McFadzien had been in Los Angeles for just one month when she was given the opportunity to audition for a role in Quarries; it just so happened to be her first audition. She was soon cast as Brit, a cute, blonde Californian girl, but after the director got to know her, Brit became a Kiwi girl and her accent shone.

these women, and they know it. They work together as a team to fend for themselves, and they fight to stay alive using both physical strength and emotional bravery. They are each pushed to their absolute limits and ultimately, they discover just how strong they are.”

Winning Best Narrative Feature at the 2016 Women’s International Film Festival and Best Feature Film at the Los Angeles Thriller Film Festival, this movie brings girl power to Hollywood and horror. “I'm really excited to be a part of this new wave of female-driven film and television content” McFadzien says. “Girl power is all about women really supporting each other instead of feeling threatened or comparing themselves to another... I think in today’s society, we can never have too much girl power, nor can we have too much positivity, optimism or general encouragement of one another! There seems to be an awful lot of uncertainty in the world right now – but my hope is that we can rise above it all, as a team, with compassion and kindness. We truly do rise by lifting others.”

“I absolutely loved getting to use my real Kiwi accent in the film! It’s an honour to have the opportunity to represent New Zealand women in an international film...

I think one of the biggest challenges for me during this shoot was embracing the fact that I was different from the other actresses.

Before moving to LA, I assumed I’d need to hide my accent and always speak in my American dialect, in order to be successful.

However, the director of Quarries [Taylor] chose to have me keep my authentic Kiwi accent, which I felt a little self-conscious about at first, but ended up loving. I learned to celebrate my individuality in a whole new light!”

McFadzien thinks embracing our differences and what makes us special is an important theme that needs to be addressed through films; so should the stereotypical female roles that dominate Hollywood: “I would love to see more empowered, independent, feisty women in every genre.

World domination! Mwahaha!”

Quarries is directed by Nils Taylor, but it is a very female-driven film, something McFadzien says was incredibly empowering. “We went on a journey together, and I feel that I have been changed forever by the experience. I came out at the other end having a deeper understanding of who I am, and feeling stronger for it. It has also inspired me to write more of my own material and

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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What’s ON

MAY

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE APPEAL MAY 8-14

CULTURE

NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AUTUMN EVENTS New Zealand’s four main centres, April 21-May 14

The New Zealand international film festival is a diarised event for any film buff. It all begins with their autumn event showcasing one New Zealand premiere, Voyage of Time: Life’s Journey – a mind-boggling creation from Terrence Malick narrated by Cate Blanchett, and three classic films: Woody Allen’s classic Manhattan; a return to peace, love and music with Woodstock; and Werner Herzog’s legendary Fitzcarraldo. ticketmaster.co.nz

OUTDOORS

CLOUDY BAY PINOT & DUCK TASTING TRAIL

CULTURE

Nationwide, May 1-31

What better to do this May than taste your way around 28 top restaurant chefs’ bespoke duck dishes, designed to perfectly complement Cloudy Bay’s tasty tipple of wine. Now in its seventh year, the unique trail will allow wine and food enthusiasts to experience a range of diverse pairings, from some of the country’s most renowned restaurants. cloudybaypinotandduck.co.nz PERFORMANCE

THREE BY EKMAN ASB Waterfront Theatre, May 24-June 1

The Royal New Zealand Ballet knows how to make a show, this time with three works that showcase Alexander Ekman’s style. They;re bringing back his acclaimed work, Cacti, this time paired with Tuplet and Episode 31, both of which premiered in New York. The RNZB is the first company in the world to present these three works together.

Joined onstage by the New Zealand String Quartet, the performances are unique in the size, sound and style. ticketek.co.nz

AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL Aotea Centre, May 16-21

With its most expansive programme yet, the 18th Auckland Writers Festival promises to give you an insight into the minds of some of the best writers, historians, scientists, radicals and thinkers in print. The lineup includes: one of the world’s greatest detective novelists, Ian Rankin; US 2016 Man Booker prize-winning novelist, Paul Beatty and US feminist icons, Susan Faludi and Roxane Gay. They are joined by homegrown wonders Catherine Chidgey, Stella Duffy and Lloyd Geering. Take your favourite book and meet your literary idol. writersfestival.co.nz

OUTDOORS

MOTHER'S DAY MAY 14

JENNIAN HOMES MOTHER'S DAY FUN RUN/WALK Nationwide, May 14

What better way to show your love for your mum than with a five-kilometre fun run… or walk, if you are that way inclined. In conjunction with Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women, this is an incredibly loving way to start the day, both in the sense of loving your family and loving your heart. This year, put your health before the brunch you are sure to reward yourself with after... Running nationwide, there are no excuses, especially when you will receive a Dick Frizzell-designed souvenir event t-shirt. Jennianmothersday.com

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JUN.

PERFORMANCE

CARMEN ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, June 22-July 1

Remember that scene in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to the opera for her first time and she wells up over the spectacle that is opera? It’s magical and romantic and now you can recreate it with a trip to the enduringly popular opera, Carmen. It is the tale of a fearless heroine who will be free at any cost.

Sexy, sensual and gripping, this Bizet opera may move you, like Roberts, to tears. ticketmaster.co.nz PRIMP & PREP

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY RACE DAY Ellerslie Racing Club, June 5

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY 5TH JUNE

Bubbles, fancy dress and your girls – how else would you celebrate a birthday? Especially a birthday for a Queen. As the last hurrah in the racing calendar for the season, it would be rude not to head along to the spot Queen Elizabeth herself would approve of. She has actually visited Ellerslie once, after all. Pack a picnic, minus the alcoholic drinks, or let Ellerslie cater for you and treat you like a Queen for the day. Ellerslie.co.nz

PERFORMANCE

WEST SIDE STORY The Civic, June 22-30

Following wildly acclaimed and sold-out seasons around the world – from London to Tokyo and Sydney to Johannesburg – the show comes to New Zealand stages. Inspired by Shakespeare’s tumultuous Romeo and Juliet, a star-crossed lovers tale unfolds from the rivalry of teenage gangs in 1950s New York through high-energy dance routines and an astounding vocal range. Songs such as ‘Maria’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Somewhere’, ‘America’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’ will be stuck in your head for days after the show. ticketmaster.co.nz

FESTIVAL

QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL Queenstown, June 22-25

WORLD REFUGEE DAY JUNE 20

Forget small, confined festivals, the Winter Festival takes over Queenstown. Street parties, fireworks and international and local acts fill the town as people celebrate the arrival of winter in style. The 43rd Queenstown Winter Festival is changing things up this year, with a new four-day format for even more fun in the crisp weather.

The festival started in 1975 when a bunch of locals decided the start of winter was a good excuse for a party, and so they did. Leave your heels at home and put on your party ugg boots. winterfestival.co.nz May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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Downtime FILM

WONDER WOMAN It’s about time we get to see a DC Comics movie based solely on a kickass, strong woman. Keeping the Wonder Women ethos alive, Patty Jenkins, director of the film, told Entertainment Weekly she wants: “Wonder Woman to be hot as hell, fight badass and look great at the same time.” As with most superhero movies, the protagonist spends most of her time saving the world, this time from the war.

BAYWATCH

ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE This incredibly heartfelt war drama is going to leave you reaching for the tissues in a big way. Based on the nonfiction book of the same name, the film recounts the story of a couple (Jessica Chastain and Johan Heldenbergh) who are keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, and who helped save hundreds of Jews and animals during the German occupation of Poland. This movie promises to be an inspirational tale of courage and bravery.

Zac Efron and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson sporting red board shorts and abs on abs… there isn’t much more that needs to be said to get you to the cinema.

This action-comedy is based on two mismatched lifeguards (Efron and Johnson), who must put aside their differences to stop a criminal plot. It’s a little bit cheesy, in the same vein as Pamela Anderson’s runs along the beach in the original TV show. With Identity Thief’s Seth Gordon at the helm directing, the film is bound to be one that gives you a good, lighthearted laugh.

THE CIRCLE Dreams come true as Emma Watson and Tom Hanks join forces in this science fiction drama. Watson’s character seizes the opportunity of a lifetime to work at the world's most powerful technology and social media company. She joins a groundbreaking experiment that pushes the boundaries of privacy, ethics and personal freedom.

Watson’s films always rate well in our hearts, so we are excited to catch this film.

THE HOUSE If there was an actor and an actress we would put together for a hilarious comedy, it would have to be Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. Andrew J. Cohen – the man behind Neighbors, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and The 40-Year-Old Virgin – beat us to it. Ferrell and Poehler star as a husband and wife who convince their friends to create an illegal casino in their basement after they spend their daughter’s college fund. Hilarity will ensue.

MY COUSIN RACHEL Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin star in this mystery-romance that promises to be intriguing and beguiling. A young Englishman (Claflin) plots his revenge against his mysterious cousin (Weisz), who he believes murdered his guardian. Complication arises when he starts to fall for her charms. This film is based on a book of the same name, published in 1951, and first adapted in 1952 with Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton.

Downtime MUSIC MELODRAMA Lorde

Like any true Millennial, Lorde announced her new album’s title on Twitter to her incredibly excited fans that stretch the globe.

Green Light, her lead single from the album, is more pop-based and inspires you to get up and dance, but it not lacking Lorde’s iconic and unique, sultry voice. Liability, her second single to be released is more of the slow, heart wrenching song we expect from the lyrical sensation. Seeing a strong, New Zealand, female artist killing it worldwide fills us with pride and makes us want to actually purchase her album, rather than hitting reply on Spotify.

DUA LIPA Dua Lipa

The English singer/songwriter who brought you the ultimate dance track, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), is releasing her first studio album. The self-titled album is full of girl power tracks, as she sings about love, rising about, sex and self-empowerment. Five of the tracks have already been released; Last Dance, Hotter than Hell, Be the One, Blow Your Mind (Mwah) and New Love. Dua Lipa’s voice is a unique take on the pop that is on the radio, the singer herself described it as “dark pop” in an interview with Music Feeds.

KALEIDOSCOPE EP Coldplay

Set to drop on June 2, their EP will have five new tracks: All I Can Think About Is You, Something Just Like This, Miracles 2, A L I E N S and Hypnotised.

Their first single to be released was Hypnotised, which gave us a taste of the quintessential Martin lyrics through none other than a ballad. These songs are said to be leftovers from their seventh studio album, A Head Full of Dreams. Quite frankly we couldn’t care less when they were recorded, we just want some new songs from the band to fill the new-song-void that hasn’t been filled since 2015.

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Downtime BOOKS Escape your day-to-day life with novels that make you think, a bedtime story for modern princesses and cookbooks dedicated to a healthy lifestyle.

LUCKY BOY

Shanthi Sekaran This is the story of two women with two possible futures, all based on one little boy. Solimar arrived in California undocumented and pregnant. Kavya had the ‘perfect’ life, all it was missing was a child. Their lives collide when Solimar is placed in immigrant detention and her child is placed in Kavya’s care. This is the tale of motherhood and a revelatory look at the evolving landscape of the American Dream.

GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Forget telling tales of Cinderella at bedtime, these are the fairy tales you need to be sharing with your children.

Encouraging girls to dream bigger, aim higher and fight harder, these are bedtime stories for ‘princesses’ who are going to grow up to change the world – the kind of girls who wear their tutu with their chucks. Tales are shared of heroic women, from Elizabeth I to Marie Curie and Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the globe.

INTO THE WATER Paula Hawkins

In the last days before her death, Nel called her sister. Jules didn’t pick up the phone, ignoring Nel’s plea for help. Now Nel is dead. They say she jumped. So Jules has been dragged back to the one place she hoped she had escaped for good, to care for the teenage girl her sister left behind. But Jules is afraid. So afraid. This is the addictive new psychological thriller from the author of The Girl on the Train.

With the same propulsive writing and acute understanding of human instincts that captivated millions of readers around the world in her explosive debut thriller, Hawkins delivers an urgent, satisfying read that hinges on the stories we tell about our pasts and their power to destroy the lives we live now.

IN THE KITCHEN

THE HAPPY KITCHEN

Rachel Kelly with Alice Mackintosh We all feel tired, bloated, stressed and under the weather from time to time, and this book will help you cook yourself happy. It might sound doubtful, but this good mood food cookbook will do it by educating you on food not just as fuel, but as a powerful way to boost your mental health. Boasting recipes like the zesty morning kick-start juice and a gutloving sauerkraut to improve your day and body, as well as dark chocolate brazil nut brownies for when you are feeling fragile – the author understands us so well.

MY UNDERGROUND DELI Jess Daniell

It all started with her ‘underground kitchen’, when Jess sold ready-made meals out of her pink house in Ponsonby. Now Jess has released her second cookbook, and a second deli is set to open its doors in Remuera, Auckland. What is most enjoyable about My Underground Deli is that it is broken down into six practical sections; sunrise, midday, happy hour, sunset, after eight and road trip. Thankfully, the meals are also practical and easy to create; think smokey butter beans, raw pomegranate slaw and chicken and spinach lasagna – oh, and champagne pops!

DANIEL GRISALES

A CONVERSATION WITH...

Shanthi

SEKARAN AUTHOR OF LUCKY BOY What inspired you to write Lucky Boy, and what is the significance of its title? I’d heard about immigrant parents stuck in detention centres as their children were being adopted away from them, and I was struck first by the very fact that this was happening – that this could happen.

I then immediately wanted to know the story behind the news story. I wanted to understand the people involved in these adoptions. So I started researching the novel that would become Lucky Boy. The title refers to Ignacio, the little boy who is born to Soli, but fostered by Kavya when Soli is detained. The word lucky is mostly sincere.

Ignacio is absolutely fortunate to be loved and wanted by two sets of parents. But it’s also ironic, because this love destabilises his future.

The time that was taken to craft a factually and emotionally accurate story is incredible. Can you talk us through your planning and research for this book? I knew from the outset that I was taking on a big project with Lucky Boy, and punching above my weight in terms of what I knew. So [researching is] where I started – reading personal testimonies and watching documentaries about immigration and La Bestia. I emailed people and interviewed every immigration lawyer or policy expert or adoptive/foster parent willing to talk to me.

In terms of Trump’s recent immigration decisions, why do you think your book is so important?

Trump’s immigration policy – the plan to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, the general vilification of immigrants, the portrayal of undocumented immigrants as criminals and nothing else – relies on the idea that undocumented immigrants don’t have individual stories.

What my book does is simply to tell the story of one fictional undocumented young woman – from her first steps away from her hometown to her journey across the border to her establishing a life as a mother and worker. But in the atmosphere of the Trump presidency, storytelling itself – and

“In the atmosphere of the Trump presidency, storytelling itself – and the recognition of an immigrant as a human individual – is an act of rebellion.” the recognition of an immigrant as a human individual – is an act of rebellion.

What do you hope your book can help achieve, especially in terms of the immigration situation today? I hope someone reads it who thinks they have immigration all figured out, because my primary goal here is not to answer questions, but to ask them. Immigrants themselves – as we see with Soli and Kavya – are as varied in experience and privilege as their histories are There is now a stronger sense of fear felt among immigrants worldwide, and particularly in the US. How do you think your book would differ if you were writing it during President Trump’s administration? I’m glad I wrote this during the relatively calm Obama years.

I was able to take my time layering and building this story – it took me about five years in total. If I were to begin this novel now, I think I’d very much feel the burden of Trump’s immigration policy. I’d feel the panic of what’s happening to undocumented immigrants now, in America.

What encouraged you to tackle such a deep, and now incredibly topical, issue as a fiction book? It’s my strength. I understand the world through story. I process what I don’t understand through dialogue, by playing out scenes in my head. I think a lot of us do. When I started hearing about real-life immigrants fighting for custody of their children, my first impulse was to wonder about what

they were feeling, what the parents adopting their children were thinking and feeling.

What is the most important role that fiction can play in tackling such issues as Lucky Boy does, in regards to immigration, family, privilege and motherhood? Story is a great way to welcome someone to an issue. Our brains are neurologically more receptive to story than statistics, especially when we’re faced with situations we don’t understand or don’t agree with.

How did your own experience as a mother shape Lucky Boy and the crafting of its characters? I couldn’t have written this book before I had kids. For one thing, I now understand the everyday nitty-gritty work that goes into being a mother. This is something that Kavya – the foster mother – takes on as wholeheartedly as Soli. It’s that daily, dedicated, loving work that makes someone a mother, no matter what their official title is.

What influence, if any, did your own family heritage and history play in writing Lucky Boy? I’ve grown up with a constant, ongoing narrative of the immigrant experience.

I think having parents who are immigrants from India has given me some respect for the complexity and depth of the immigrant experience.

about the beach and cocktails.

FAVOURITE BOOK: Anything by Jodi Picoult or Marian Keyes. I used to read once, before I had a million kids and a business. Now all I read are emails and the kids’ home reader books.

Alien by Thiery Mugler.

The Shawshank Redemption, it’s my absolute favourite movie.

LIFE MOTTO: Wake up, kick ass, be kind, repeat.

SIGNATURE SCENT:

MOVIE WITH THE BEST ENDING :

Kelly Coe AGE: 34 OCCUPATION: DESIGNER/MUMMY I’D NAME MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: How to be a Mum in Sequins TO ME SUCCESS MEANS: Having a healthy family. My nana always said

money can buy you anything except your health and I honestly feel lucky every day to have my health and healthy children – life is precious.

MY MOST TREASURED POSSESSIONS: My babies, husband, house and phone.

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS: Walk before you can run. My husband tells me that all the time, as when we first started our business I was trying to cater to everyone in every market.

MY DEFINITION OF A FEMINIST IS: Just being a strong woman and doing what you love and doing it well. I tell my daughters daily they need to be strong independent women – so when they complain about pathetic things I tell them off, haha!

BIGGEST ‘PINCH ME’ MOMENT: Every time I have given birth; nothing beats that moment when you see your newborn face for the first time – surreal! They are yours to keep forever.

I MADE MY FIRST DOLLAR: Selling avocados from the tree in our front yard; I had an honesty box at the letterbox and my sister and I would check it a million times a day. We made enough to buy ourselves a boogie board each.

BIGGEST FRUSTRATION FOR WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS WORLD: Time – there is and never will be enough. Because we are businesswomen and we are mothers, both are full-time roles, but we still only get 24 hours in a day.

THE ‘MISTAKE’ I LEARNT THE MOST FROM: Don’t try and be everything to everyone; be the best something to someone. I have stopped trying to please the world and realise I will never make all 136,000 of my Facebook followers happy! I am aiming for 99 percent instead.

THE BIGGEST STRUGGLE I FACE AS A WOMAN IN MY FIELD OF WORK IS: I honestly don’t face any, as I am a woman in a female industry. My

husband may have a different answer though…

MY SECRET TO ACHIEVING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: I’m not sure there

is a secret, or that I have totally achieved it either, but I try to only work school hours most days, so I can pick the girls up and take them to their after-school activities. Then I do more work at night when they are in bed. I want them to know I work hard but my main priority is always them.

IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME I SEE MYSELF: As a mother of a teenager!!! So probably drinking a lot of wine. But in terms of business, I want to keep growing and expanding the House of Augustine.

BEST MEMORY WITH MY MUM: Camping every summer holidays at the lake, with our ski boat, pup tents, portaloos and BBQs. My whole family can barefoot waterski, including my mum – that’s not something everyone can say!

DREAM WINTER GETAWAY: Any hot island – we are going to Bali this year… I hate the cold and would never go on a winter ski holiday. I am all

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Natalie Christensen AGE: 37 OCCUPATION: SENIOR WINEMAKER, YEALANDS ESTATE I’D NAME MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: La Jefa (pronounced heffer). When I was working in Spain a few years ago, someone came to the winery and asked one of the cellar guys: “Who is in charge here?” He pointed at me and said “Ella es la jefa!” (she is the boss)… hmm… possibly a title of respect in Spain, but not where I come from!

TO ME SUCCESS MEANS: Putting yourself out there, doing something that you think is out of reach, owning it and then looking for the next challenge.

MY MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My late Nana Thelma’s engagement ring. It is so petite and intricate – it only fits on my pinky finger. She used to live next door to us when I was growing up and I was always going through her jewellery box and trying on her lipsticks.

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS: Always be kind, you never know what someone else is going through.

MY DEFINITION OF A FEMINIST IS: Bra burning, no makeup wearing, hairy arm-pitted ladies getting fired up about something.

BIGGEST ‘PINCH ME’ MOMENT: Being in the wine industry feels like one big long pinch – in a good way! The incredible and sometimes crazy places, people and situations that this industry gets you into are awesome.

I MADE MY FIRST DOLLAR: When I was at primary school, my mum used to knit us all a jersey for winter. With the leftover wool I would knit scarves and sell them at school for $5.

BIGGEST FRUSTRATION FOR WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS WORLD: There are all the ones you read about: lower pay, harder to get senior positions etc... but from my circle of female friends, a lot of them are very successful in their fields. They are positive, intelligent women who love and live lives to the fullest.

THE ‘MISTAKE’ I LEARNT THE MOST FROM: The time I sprayed ‘Sun In’ on my hair when I was 15 and it went orange... When dealing with matters of the hair, always go to a professional.

THE BIGGEST STRUGGLE I FACE AS A WOMAN IN MY FIELD OF WORK IS: Finding work boots that are stylish! Kathryn Wilson please bring out

a steelcap range.

Your SAY MY SECRET TO ACHIEVING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Find a job and a workplace that you love. Also learn to say no. I used to be the biggest sufferer of FOMO… I have now learnt that you can’t do everything and be everything to everyone all the time, and that it is totally OK. IN FIVE YEARS TIME I SEE MYSELF: Last year in October I was in Hong Kong and went to SikSik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, which is famous for fortune tellers. The man told me that I would be married and have a child at 39 and another at 40, also that I need to have a wooden horse and a fish tank on my desk for good. I am not really a five-year plan sort of person, but this could be a reality??

BEST MEMORY WITH MY MUM: Making pinch pots with clay in the back garden. Mum was always making clay creations in our garage on her wheel.

DREAM WINTER GETAWAY: Going to a yoga and meditation retreat somewhere warm and beautiful where they feed you incredible healthy meals and massage you with essential oils. I would then pop over to France – Paris, then Champagne and undo all the good work by bingeing on cheese, wine and baked treats. Life is all about balance.

FAVOURITE BOOK: The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati. It is funny how things pop into your life when you need them and that is what happened with this book.

SIGNATURE SCENT: Incense & Cedrat by Jo Malone.

MOVIE WITH THE BEST ENDING: Point Break – the original.

LIFE MOTTO: Enjoy the ride – the ups and downs are all part of it. Embrace it all.

for yourself, read, relax and chill.

IN FIVE YEARS TIME I SEE MYSELF: Travelling to places I haven’t been and

spending time with the people I love.

BEST MEMORY WITH MY MUM: Travelling through Italy with my Mum. DREAM WINTER GETAWAY: Maldives.

FAVOURITE BOOK: River God, Wilbur Smith (anything about Egypt).

SIGNATURE SCENT: Eau de Marveilles by Hermes.

MOVIE WITH THE BEST ENDING: The Shawshank Redemption.

LIFE MOTTO: Life is full of surprises and you never know just what is

around the corner, so keep smiling!!

Kate Walsh AGE: 40 OCCUPATION: DIRECTOR, LITTLE HONEY I’D NAME MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Life Is What You Make Of It……

TO ME SUCCESS MEANS: Being a good mum and inspiring others.

MY MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My son, Nikau. My treasure, not

my possession.

Emma Harron AGE: 41 OCCUPATION: INTERIORS CONSULTANT I’D NAME MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: What Has Made Me Into the Woman I

Am Today TO ME SUCCESS MEANS: Enjoying what you do and getting well paid

for it.

MY MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: An Oroton necklace my dad got my

mum when they were first dating.

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS: Don’t complicate things, keep it

simple.

MY DEFINITION OF A FEMINIST IS: Someone who supports gender equality.

BIGGEST ‘PINCH ME’ MOMENT: Meeting Bob Geldof and Rod Stewart

through work in London.

I MADE MY FIRST DOLLAR: Dancing as a child (modern jazz).

BIGGEST FRUSTRATION FOR WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS WORLD:

Pay equality.

THE ‘MISTAKE’ I LEARNT THE MOST FROM: Trying to please everyone.

THE BIGGEST STRUGGLE I FACE AS A WOMAN IN MY FIELD OF WORK IS:

Thankfully in my workplace there are no extra struggles based on gender MY SECRET TO ACHIEVING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: In all the craziness of work, play, exercise and friends/family, always remember to take time

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS: Keep good relationships with everyone who crosses your path as you never know when those people could open doors for you in the future.

MY DEFINITION OF A FEMINIST IS: Being an equalist: We are all equal regardless of gender, age, race or any other factor that defines us.

BIGGEST ‘PINCH ME’ MOMENT: Seeing my product on the shelves.

I MADE MY FIRST DOLLAR: Working in a pharmacy.

BIGGEST FRUSTRATION FOR WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS WORLD: Equality THE ‘MISTAKE’ I LEARNT THE MOST FROM: Not going with my gut instinct.

THE BIGGEST STRUGGLE I FACE AS A WOMAN IN MY FIELD OF WORK IS: Work/life balance.

MY SECRET TO ACHIEVING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Early nights, exercise

and an annual trip away with the girls.

IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME, I SEE MYSELF: Expanding my brand – but lifting others up as I climb.

BEST MEMORY WITH MY MUM: Being allowed to stay up to watch the Benson and Hedges Fashion Awards in the 80s together.

DREAM WINTER GETAWAY: Coromandel with the family any time of the year.

FAVOURITE BOOK: Skin Revolution by Leslie Kenton.

SIGNATURE SCENT: Fleurs d’oranger by Serge Lutens.

MOVIE WITH THE BEST ENDING: Whale Rider.

LIFE MOTTO: No outfit is complete without a tan!

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

27

Designed for YOU

iD Dunedin Fashion Week driven by the all-new Holden Astra

BUILT IN EUROPE. MADE FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Catwalk images by Chris Sullivan, Seen in Dunedin.

The all-new Holden Astra is designed, engineered and built in Europe for drivers who demand class-leading luxury, ground-breaking technology and cutting-edge style. This is a European car perfectly in tune with New Zealand conditions; exciting to own, exhilarating to drive and exceeding expectations with a level of sophistication you simply [MPP RSX Ă RH MR SXLIV GEVW MR XLMW GEXIKSV]

STYLE TII P Look for versatility in a statement p piece, make sure it ca an be worn dressed d up and down.

$1440, RM WILLIAMS

$599, WORLD

Karen Walker Kar

COAT of ARMS Bra the onset of chilly weather with outerwear Brave ar that hold holds ds its own. The key piece in winter wardrobes this year will be b the statement coat. Autumn collections saw designers igners taking taking the plunge with a plethora of textiles from shearling rling to PVC PV VC and even chain-mail. Break all the rules and exp experiment periment with with pieces outside your comfort zone. one.

$279, KOWTOW

$499, RUBY

$499.90, WITCHERY $599, C&M

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M 2 W O M A N .co.nz May / June 2017

$860, TWENTYSEVEN NAMES

$229.99, MAX

$389, STAPLE+CLOTH

$1199, CAMILLA AND MARC $399.90, SEED

$897, TAYLOR

Louis Vuitton

STYLING BY JUVENA WORSFOLD

$879, WORLD

3

of

THE BEST

Over-the-Knee Boots

SHOE CONNECTION, $149

MI PIACI, $390

MERCHANT 1948, $289.90

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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STYLE TII P Always y investt in q quality y textiles. P Pill illin ing g and worn fabricss look l oo ookk slovenlyy rather than effortless.

Top, $249.99, MOOCHI

General Sleep

Dress, $299, KOWTOW

LAZY SUNDAYS For days when only comfort will suffice, rely on essentials alss that are both stylish and easy to throw together. A buzzword in the design world, Hygge (Danish for coziness), esss), encapsulates the feeling p g of manyy an autumn collection.. A mixture mix ixture x ture of Scandinavian minimalism and feel-good textiles, textile ess, it calls for comfort to be key.

Jumpsuit, $549, WORLD

Cardi, $220, LONELY

Jumper, $199.90, WITCHERY

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M 2 W O M A N .co.nz May / June 2017 17

Jacket, $219.95, SEED

Coat, $199.99, MAX Tee, $99, LIAM

Jumpsuit, $275, STAPLE+CLOTH Trouser, $199, RUBY

Rag & Bone

Tee, $99, KOWTOW

Dress, $575, TAYLOR Tee, $190, TWENTYSEVEN NAMES

3

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Sleek Sneakers

ADIDAS, $210

NEW BALANCE, $130

NIKE, $240

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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STYLE TIP Toughen g up pap prettty pink dress with p tough g biker bootss or sporty sneakerss .

Dress, $864, CAMILLA AND MARC

Kate K a Sylvester Dress, $179.90, WITCHERY

MODERN ROMANCE C Calling all hopeless romantics. romant Gone are cutesy details tails and an nd childish florals; feminine frills in this day and age have n havve grown edge. Taking cues from the g gro own up and taken on an ed o e likes likes off Fendi , Valentino and Erdem, o Erde this ethos of dark beauty eautyy melds with biscuit-pink tones, m elds moody, pared-back florals fl oness, tailored silhouettes. lace and tailor

Dress, $299, RUBY

Dress, $299.99, MOOCHI

Top, $179.90, SEED

Dress, $599, WORLD

Skirt, $450, TWENTYSEVEN NAMES

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M 2 W O MA M2 M A N .co.nz May / June 22017 017

Top, $229, LIAM

Top, $552, CAMILLA AND MARC

Skirt, $280, LONELY

Pant, $169, KETZ-KE

Skirt, $249, STAPLE+CLOTH

Fendi

Jacket, $490, TWENTYSEVEN NAMES

3

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Printed Scarves

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, $280

KAREN WALKER, $85

RUBY, $49

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

35

Redefining MOTHERHOOD We all try to be superwoman – the perfect, caring mum, a professional, high-flyer career woman and, of course, a supportive, loving partner.

But is it really possible to have it all? More to the point, what does having it all mean to us?

O

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR

ne day a year we collect flowers from the garden, make a pot of tea and prepare our mum’s favourite breakfast.

Why? Because it is Mother’s Day and we are celebrating the woman who probably provided the original meaning of the word love to most of us.

Mothers also add their own definition to the term ‘sacrifice’; whether it was their job or their freedom, your mum’s life changed when you came into the world.

In a society where some women are deciding to start a family later and are instead travelling or focusing on their careers, we are met with critics who suggest the role of mother is being devalued because of career mums and ‘mummy wars’ are breaking out. Dummies are being thrown and dirty nappies hoarded in order to ‘win the war’. Here, five career mums of varying circumstances and backgrounds shared with us their definition of the elusive ‘perfect balance’, the pressure to have it all and how they kept doors open after having their children.

Full-time career mum and self-proclaimed workaholic Turet Knuefermann, 43, runs both the retail and manufacturing for her brand KNUEFERMANN (TK), all the while keeping up with her nine-month-old son Ayrton.

“Being self-employed, I don’t have a choice but to be close to the business, and thankfully I can do a large part of it with him around,” Knuefermann says of her circumstances, which saw her have little choice but to continue working. This is, however, not something she regrets. “I think that exposing Ayrton to my way of life, and the experiences it brings, is stimulating for him and I know he will learn and grow from this.” At the beginning, Knuefermann admits she struggled to balance her work and family, “I briefly felt guilty to not be working when I was with him, then guilty for not being present with him [as I was] thinking I have the biggest respect (and am a little about work. Now I try to jealous) of people who are in a position to allocate time to both and be thoroughly present in be able to be a full-time mother, but I feel I each.” She admits most of can offer Ayrton more insights, support and the guilt she felt was selfconfidence through the lifestyle that I lead. imposed. “You should never feel judged by others; if you feel good about what you are doing and you know within yourself that it’s right for you and your child, both will be happy and content.”

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M 2 W O M A N .co.nz May / June 2017

While some career mums face backlash and judgement, Knuefermann says she has experienced nothing but support. “If anything, I have found more kindness and generosity surrounding me than ever before... also because there’s Danilo - the most incredible husband who supports me in everything I do.” Knuefermann says she has never felt that pressure to ‘have it all’ and have the ‘perfect balance’ and seems to be juggling having real commitment to both a business and a son that rely on you just fine. She regards balance as “feeling happy and content in everything you do and being happy with what you have. I love working in my business, and when I come to spend time with my son I’m excited...

One without the other was great when I didn’t know any different, but now I feel even more fulfilled and focused.” Owning your own business and having a child leaves you with fewer options in terms of time off, however, Knuefermann admits she never had balance anyway. “I was always a workaholic. Things are just a little extrabusy, but now that includes more sunshine and stepping on toys.

Xxxx XXXX

“I’m a strong believer in having it all. I’m determined to have a strong marriage while raising a well-rounded young man and achieving my own goals in my career. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but who says we can’t have it all!”

Jess Samuta, 28, works full-time as a field sales representative for LEGO and says her decision to be a career mum to her two-year-old son, Boston, was simple, despite the judgements she received.

“I always knew I would be a working mum, as I am a very driven person and love the satisfaction I get from work,” Samuta says.

“I have career goals in life, and also want to be financially stable, but I have also always wanted a family… so here we are.” While this decision came easily for her, others were less understanding. “Unfortunately, the judgments come primarily from the older generation. Comments like, ‘I would have never let other people raise my kids’ and ‘if you’re at work, who is looking after Boston?’ I don’t like the notion that my place is at home looking after my son and the household duties 24/7.”

Samuta is strong believer that women can carry many titles and are not restricted to be defined by one thing. “There isn’t one mould that says, ‘this is what defines the perfect mum’. We have to create this mould ourselves, and then support each other in our choices,” she says. While all of this sounds good in theory, it isn’t as easy in practice and Samuta admits the hardest thing about balancing work and family is the guilt. “I would often see this on movies and wonder if I would feel it one day, and it really is the most challenging feeling – to feel like there are never enough hours in a day to perfectly achieve both work life and mum life.” Her aim is to have all of her work done by the weekend so she can spend quality time with Boston and her husband. A lot of the time the guilt comes from ourselves and our own worries, although Samuta has received a lot of criticism around some of her parenting choices, such as giving their son a dummy and how early he started attending day care.

“I also think, most importantly, that as women, we should spend less time judging each other and more time supporting each other. There are many versions of an awesome mum.”

“[I] approached motherhood as something unexpected... I was never bound by a clock that was ticking. I was very much focused on a life, of creating my dream life.

And I was very fulfilled by that.”

There is little about Janine Hall’s approach to motherhood and being a ‘career mum’ that is conventional. The 43-year-old is the founder of Escape Haven, and a mum to Indii, her six-month-old daughter.

Having a child at 42 was unexpected for Hall, someone who was never 100 percent sure if she wanted children. “I didn’t really feel the need to tick the box of getting the man, settling down and having the baby,” she says. As for her entry into being a career mum, this is something else she crafted to fit her lifestyle. We work remotely, she says, so – again – we sort of defy convention.

“We both stay at home. But yet we go to Bali to visit our retreat as well. So, we’re kind of an amalgamation of the two, of working and staying at home.”

Although a lot of her lifestyle is quite Bohemian, Hall says there seems to have been surprisingly little critical reaction to her decision to have a child later in life or to live a unique lifestyle.

After all their family car is a golf buggy, something Hall says would send some people into a tizz. They call it ‘lifestyle architecture’.

“When I left the corporate world eight years ago, I thought, ‘what lifestyle do

I want?’ [I decided] that was very much a Bohemian one, where I wasn’t bound by convention and I wasn’t bound by restrictions of a 9 to 5 [day]. Rather, I work when I want to work.” It may seem like the perfect solution for any career mum – being able to work when and where you want. And for Hall’s family, it does work well, however, when it comes to the perfect life, she is adamant that it can only be a case-by-case basis. “It comes down to understanding your core values, [then you] create a lifestyle that’s on purpose.” This unconventional stayat-home/career mum situation that Hall has going on works for her because she understands her values. “My core value is positively affecting women. I love doing that. Whether it’s speaking or running a workshop at retreat. So, my work is very much a large part of what defines me...

And then, being a mum, it’s just fun. I get so much happiness from it. It’s sort of an amalgamation of all of that, rather than one or the other.”

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

37

â&#x20AC;&#x153;People feel they have to rush back to work but really you should just enjoy being a mum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however that looks for you and your child.â&#x20AC;?

Susie Hickey, 32, works part-time for PR company, Natural Things, while looking after her son Hugo, 3, While it may appear, from an outside perspective, that she has the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;perfect balanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, she has had a lot of criticism from people asking when she was going back to work full-time.

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The minute he was in my arms in hospital and looked up at me, I felt like a mum, Hickey says. The decision to work parttime came easily, especially when both her previous job and her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job involved a lot of travel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want both of us doing that if we could help it, so when I got offered a part-time role at Natural Things it seemed perfect.â&#x20AC;? Hickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest annoyance concerning mothering, is how the doors close when it comes to job offerings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many companies offer roles that are ďŹ ve days or nothing. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand why there are not more job shares and split roles. There are so many skilled mums out there wanting to work in their qualiďŹ ed ďŹ eld but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ nd a job that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ ve days.â&#x20AC;? It was her own mum whose wise words rung in her ears when she picked her job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mum has always said to me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of time to work when your children go to school; enjoy the ďŹ rst few years, they go too fast. And she was right!â&#x20AC;?

For Hickey and many other mums, as soon as they had their child, priorities changed.

Hickey realised how focused they had been on work.â&#x20AC;? Now we love travelling together as a family and having little adventures every weekend.â&#x20AC;? Working part time has allowed Hickey and her family to do this, although it was met with judgement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People without children [told] me I â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;neededâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to be working so I had something to focus on and [asking] â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what do you do all day at home?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;! I also ďŹ nd myself justifying to people why I work part-time, which is stupid.â&#x20AC;? When it comes to the perfect balance, she follows a simple thought/philosophy: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about the things that are out of your control,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone is doing whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for their family...I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand why people judge that! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfectly ďŹ ne to be a working mum doing three days or ďŹ ve, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as ďŹ ne to be a stay-at-home mum, whether you have one or four kids!

Real WOMEN

“As a working mum I have never felt judged or insecure about that decision, in fact, it wasn’t really a decision as I would never want to be a stay at home mum, it’s just not my nature.”

Catherine Melo, 36, followed in the footsteps of her own career mum as she balances her own business, Burrow and Be and her two children Isabel, 5, and Leandro, 9.

Because she grew up with a mother like most career mums do at one point or who was a school teacher, Melo says another, Melo is not obsessed with ‘having being a career mum was her ‘normal’. “I it all’. was always brought up with a working “I don’t think it’s healthy to think we can mother, and friends have it all; it’s healthy to with working mothers, strive for your best but also but it never really be appreciative of what you I don’t think it’s bothered me.” As a selfalready have.” Just because proclaimed workaholic, healthy to think we she could never be a stay-atMelo would not say can have it all, it’s home mum herself doesn’t her job ‘defines’ her, healthy to strive for mean she judges other however, she believes your best but also be mums’ decisions. “I am not it has taught her a lot appreciative of what in their shoes,” she says. “I about herself. “The know that a lot of the kids’ fact that I have started you already have. school trips and events a business and it is couldn’t be done without still growing, while the help of stay-at home having two children, mums. We are not all made equal and I love shows me I’m a very resilient and hardmy children just as much as any other mum, working woman.” She also says she never but I’m happy doing what I do, and sending felt shamed or judged for her decision, them off to childcare was great for them, so instead, she often receives a lot of praise: it was a win-win situation in our household.”

“Now I run my own business,s most Melo’s message to other career mums is to people are impressed [with] what I have do what works for you, after all, life is too achieved.” This doesn’t mean she has not short to care what others think. “Whatever felt any guilt; but it’s basically just guilt decision you make, just do it well, so you can about time management and work-lifefeel proud of what you do.” family balance. Despite battling with this,

“I don’t believe the decision to ‘stay at home’ or be a ‘career mum’ is necessarily something we are in control of. It’s not always black or white, circumstances can change, the confidence or ambition to be one or the other doesn’t necessarily come naturally; perhaps these roles are expected of women?”

Julie Wilson, 40, is grateful to be able to spend time looking after her four children – Harper, 9, Rory, 8, Scout, 7, and Olivia, 3 – while also continuing with her passion for architecture as a graduate architect in various forms, and also helping other women juggle careers and children.

“I was very fearful of my ability to ever step back into an architectural career,” Wilson says. “I couldn’t see how I would be able to juggle a career and such young children.”

There was a time where Wilson had three young children all under the age of three, and while the family would have financially benefited from her return to full-time work, it was not that easy. She started to discuss her concerns with two very important mentors and co-collaborators, architects Megan Rule and Lynda Simons.

They all saw that the problem created a real gap. Together, they are founders of Architecture+Women. “Formed while I was a ‘stay-at-home mum’ with three young children under four, I am now reaping the rich career rewards of an ‘alternative

career project’ that opened many doors for me, and I am grateful to all my cocollaborators for this… The formation of this organisation has been very rewarding.”

Wilson has adapted motherhood into her career, with the help of her mentors and her husband. She is a design tutor and has created flexibility and mastery of her ‘own hours’ with her own architectural business and her position as secretary of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. “With regard to my early concerns about balancing motherhood with a career, a good friend once told me to not worry about ‘the work’ when I had my first child. She said that work will always be there and encouraged me to enjoy the new early weeks/months/

years of being a mum to young children.

Despite my early nervousness about sabotaging my career, she was right.

Although there were financial setbacks because of this, many more opportunities have presented themselves to me as a result of trying to adapt and work motherhood into my career, rather than choosing one over the other.”

In terms of the elusive ‘balance’ and having it all, Wilson does not believe there is such thing. “Ultimately, I try to be humble, grateful for and acutely aware of my ‘place of privilege’ in this world, living in this time and place. I often think of how lucky I am with the freedom of choice and how my great-grandmother’s choices and workloads compare with mine.”

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Decoding

SEXISM The inner workings of the tech world have come into question, with reports that suggest the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;males onlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; club is in full swing. Yasmin Forsythe investigates what it is really like to be a woman in the tech industry.

Work REPORT

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n recent years, some reports have claimed the gender gap is slowly but surely decreasing. But for women in fields like technology and science, the gap is far from closed. According to new data from recruitment specialist Absolute IT’s 2016 Remuneration Report, men are still in the overwhelming majority.

With women making up just 21 percent of the tech workforce in New Zealand, the technology industry is living up to its notorious reputation of being a ‘males only’ club.

Unfortunately, it’s a statistic that seems to correlate with recent reports of an industry rife with harassment. From an Uber scandal exposing the secret ‘bro code’ used to keep unwanted sexual advances and discrimination under wraps, to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the former female co-founder of Tinder, the past few years have been anything but easy for women in the sector. Still, many are hopeful 2017 will be the year of change.

Thanks to numerous organisations both here in New Zealand and abroad, a growing number of women are joining forces in the hopes of creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.

the majority of the two years she spent with the company, Wolfe claimed she was unfairly removed from the list of co-founders. The harassment itself, which ranged from verbal abuse to lewd images, was allegedly cause enough for Wolfe to eventually resign. Settling for an undisclosed sum, Wolfe went on to launch another successful dating app. But in the wake of Wolfe’s lawsuit, many other women launched their own claims, some of which were also made against other high-profile companies such as Twitter and Facebook.

Just like Wolfe, Susan Fowler – a former engineer for ridesharing app Uber – claims to have suffered ongoing harassment while employed by the well-known ride-sharing app. In a tellall blog post, which quickly went viral earlier this year, Fowler explains why she resigned. Describing her first day in the office on her website susanjowler. com, the engineer discusses how she was almost immediately propositioned by her manager. “[He] was in an open relationship, he said, and his girlfriend was having an easy time finding new partners but he wasn’t,” Fowler writes.

“He was trying to stay out of trouble at work, he said, but he couldn't help getting in trouble, because he was looking for women to have sex with. It was clear that he was trying to get me to have sex with him, and it was so clearly out of line that I immediately took screenshots of these chat messages and reported him to HR.

It’s about conditioning, it’s about how mothers and fathers were brought up and the messages that they received and how they pass that information on to their children.

(Kennelly)

Jane Kennelly – co-founder of the Fantail Network, a local organisation that works to promote women in technology – is one of these women.

After recognising a need to provide support to women in industries like tech, Kennelly, with her business partner Kathy McCombe, launched the network in 2014. Comparing the current state of the industry to a chicken and egg scenario, Kennelly believes the issue needs to be dealt with from numerous angles. “On the one hand, we want more women in technology,” she explains. “On the other hand, we have to offer cultures that are friendly to them and that allow them to feel accepted and included to create a sense of belonging. Building these cultures means we to have to have more women in these environments to create success-breeding cultures that welcome women.”

Coincidentally, the launch of the Fantail Network occurred in the same year as one of the most infamous tech scandals in recent history. In 2014, Whitney Wolfe, Tinder co-founder and former marketing VP, filed a lawsuit against the dating app, along with media conglomerate IAC, which owns a majority stake in Tinder. Alleging both the chief executive officer, Sean Rad, and chief marketing officer, James Mateen, sexually harassed her for

“I expected that I would report him to HR, they would handle the situation appropriately and then life would go on – unfortunately, things played out quite a bit differently.”

Despite making numerous complaints about discrimination and sexual harassment, the former company engineer says Uber continually prioritised ‘bro-code’ rather than take any substantial action. According to Fowler, making complaints only resulted in being told she was ‘overreacting’ or that the male abuser was a high performer and therefore his behaviours could be ignored.

Shockingly, Fowler claims to have been told by the Human Resources department that she had one of two choices: either stay on the team and most likely receive a poor performance review or leave her role for another team. “One HR rep even explicitly told me that it wouldn’t be retaliation if I received a negative review later because I had been ‘given an option’.” Eventually, Fowler would go on to join another team. But the stories of sexual harassment would

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Slowly the tide is shifting. I think people are realising womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more human rights issues. (Noyes)

continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the next few months, I began to meet more women engineers in the company. As I got to know them, and heard their stories, I was surprised that some of them had stories similar to my own. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the women even had stories about reporting the exact same manager I had reported, and had reported inappropriate interactions with him long before I had even joined the company.

It became obvious that both HR and management had been lying about this being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;his first offenseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and it certainly wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t his last.â&#x20AC;?

Throughout her time with the ridesharing company, Fowler and her female colleagues would continue to report incidents of harassment. But it would be to no avail. Frustrated and fed up, Fowler claims many of the women ended up leaving because of it. Shortly before leaving the company herself, the engineer also says she was illegally threatened with dismissal for continuing to report harassment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I joined Uber, the organisation I was part of was over 25 percent women,â&#x20AC;?

Fowler writes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On my last day at Uber, I calculated the percentage of women who were still in the organisation. Out of over 150 engineers in the SRE teams, only three percent were women.â&#x20AC;? Unsurprisingly, when news first broke of the Uber scandal, female tech employees were quick to express their dismay and disgust online. More surprisingly, one emotion missing from the equation was shock.

As Sarah Noyes, director of diversity and inclusion for technical recruiter Speak with a Geek, explains, this behaviour is not uncommon in Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tech hub of Silicon Valley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank goodness Susan Fowler had the voice to speak out because you and I know sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the only one facing this kind of discrimination,â&#x20AC;?

Noyes says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If she had felt valued, and if her team had appreciated her diversity and implemented measures of inclusion in the software engineering team that she supported and that she was a part of, then these issues of harassment, whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sexual harassment or a hostile work environment, could have been minimised and mitigated.â&#x20AC;?

Fortunately, not all female tech employees will go through such traumatising experiences as Wolfe and Fowler â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but, according to Noyes, director of diversity and inclusion, many will still be on the receiving end of microaggressions. Little remarks, sexist language and jokes are pervasive in the technology industry, she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the tech space, terms such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brogrammerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exclude women software engineers from being recognised as coders just like their male peers. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merely the mention of attire in the workplace, if women choose to not don the usual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sweatshirts and sneakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; look,â&#x20AC;? Noyes explains, remarking that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the height of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heels does not reflect oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to codeâ&#x20AC;?.

While it may seem obvious that fashion choices rarely have little to do with an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to perform well at work, stereotypes about women often play a significant role in the discrimination faced by female tech employees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s these stereotypes, perpetuated over time, that have really driven our thinking that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a certain type of person that will actually be successful in the technology field,â&#x20AC;? Kennelly says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about conditioning, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about how mothers and fathers were brought up and the messages that they received and how they pass that information on to their children.â&#x20AC;?

Noyes, who shares a similar view on the issue, says girls are conditioned from an early age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beginning almost

at birth, girls receive subtle messaging that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] are for not for them. Everything from gendered toys, stereotypical advertisements and even the subtle suggestions by parents and teachers can steer girls in directions outside of STEM subjects,â&#x20AC;? she explains. According to Noyes, this social conditioning affects women in three phases. As children, young girls are not encouraged to show an interest in non-STEM subjects. As young women entering the workforce, they are then faced with biased hiring managers. Finally, when these women are eventually hired, they are often forced out of their roles due to discriminatory work environments. The result is that each phase leaves fewer women in the field. Often referred to by those in the industry as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pipelineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problem, it has been said by some that there simply arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough qualified, under-represented minority candidates to fill available positions. But for others, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more than that.

Describing the term as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cop outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in an interview with US National Public Radio, Kalimah Priforce, who runs the inclusive innovation company Qeyno Labs, believes

THE FACTS The progress may be underway, but it is definitely a slow game for women in tech. t *O /FX ;FBMBOE XPNFO NBLF VQ QFSDFOU PG UIF *5 XPSLGPSDF t (MPCBMMZ XPNFO DPNQSJTF KVTU B RVBSUFS PG UIF UFDIOPMPHZ XPSLGPSDF t ,JXJ NFO JO UIF TFDUPS BSF PO BWFSBHF QBJE QFSDFOU NPSF UIBO UIFJS GFNBMF DPMMFBHVFT t +VTU POF JO mWF *5 TUVEFOUT JO /FX ;FBMBOE JEFOUJGZ BT GFNBMF t (MPCBM TUVEJFT TIPX CPUI HFOEFST BSF UXJDF BT MJLFMZ UP IJSF B NBO GPS BO *5 KPC BT BO FRVBMMZ RVBMJmFE XPNBO 4PVSDFT "CTPMVUF *5 /FX ;FBMBOE 6OJUFD %FMPJUUF

Work REPORT

there is more to consider when discussing the progress of women in technology. “The pipeline has a bias... Their version of the pipeline is what’s creating the outcome that we see.”

Looking at research on the subject, studies seem to confirm Noyes’ views, with both social conditioning and gender perceptions proving to be a crucial factor in how women’s work is perceived by their peers. In a recent study by US researchers, which analysed nearly 1.4 million users of GitHub (a leading software development platform), researchers found coding suggestions made by women are more likely to be accepted than those made by men – but only if their gender is unknown.

Conversely, when the gender is known, the acceptance rate was found to drop by just over 16 percent, highlighting favouritism towards men in the industry.

Unfortunately, the statistics aren’t much brighter for women of colour. In 2014, data from Google, LinkedIn, Yahoo and Facebook revealed that just 2 percent of the work force (across all four companies) was black. Although the data did not provide a breakdown of both race and gender combined, other studies show just how rare it is to be a woman of colour in the industry. One 2016 study found tech startups by women of colour account for just 4 percent of an estimated 2200 women-led ventures in the US. The study, which was led by Kathryn Finney, founder of Digital Undivided (a support organisation for entrepreneurs who are women of colour), also found a tiny 0.2 percent of black women founders (or 24 out of 10,238) were able to obtain venture funding from 2012 to 2014.

“Black women, they have an even more difficult time,” explains Noyes, who believes there is a danger in hiring minority groups in such small numbers. “Having just one minority on the team is not the solution, because that voice will be overshadowed and will not be able to thrive in that environment, if there aren’t multiples of those voices in the crowd,” she says. According to Noyes, minority groups also often feel heightened pressure to perform. “[Minorities] feel the extra burden because when they make

mistakes, it validates some of those people who think they can’t cut it in this field.” But she believes it’s all about striking a balance and making every team member feel valued – not just those who identify with minority groups. “We need to be very careful of the diversity space, to also ensure that we are not excluding members in our diversity efforts,” Noyes says. “So, for instance, if you have some white male software engineers on your team, they should still feel valued as well.”

Beginning almost at birth, girls receive subtle messaging that science, technology, engineering and mathematics are for not for them. (Noyes) In a bid to create a more inclusive environment for all, many tech firms are now releasing diversity reports and investigations. Uber, for example, has just launched an investigation into the claims made by Sarah Fowler, while Google regularly releases its own diversity reports.

But for some in the industry, ticking boxes is not enough. “I have had hiring managers that have told me: ‘Well Sarah, I have my woman engineer, I’m good right?’ And I’ve said: ‘No you’re not, because you have eight members on your team, of which one of them is a woman – that is not sufficient. It’s a great start, I commend that you do at least have one on your team, but let’s talk about where else we can go with this’.”

Like Noyes, Kennelly is pushing for more hands-on solutions to increase diversity numbers. One of these is mentoring.

“What we need are more inspirational mentors and figures in our society that really represent what the future could hold,” suggests Kennelly, who believes role

models can have a powerful impact for both new talent and more established figures in the industry. “We’re certainly looking at getting people into the industry, but keeping them there is equally as involved, and one of the most successful ways that we can manage that is mentoring and developing mentoring programmes in organisations, so that women can be mentored by inspirational, courageous and capable individuals who really want to encourage them.

“What we’ve seen is that those women who have mentors – [who] encourage them to go into this field, because [the mentors] have recognised that true leadership potential in them – they tend to thrive,” adds Noyes, who is hopeful businesses will soon embrace not just more women, but minority groups of all kinds. “It’s really important that when we think about diversity as a whole, it is not just restricted to race, sexual orientation and sex.

You might also want to think about diversity of thought or other diversity measures such as disabilities.”

Evidently, some of the world’s largest technology companies are making slow but steady gains in the realms of diversity.

Female employees at Google, for instance, now account for 31 percent of its global workforce. Likewise, initiatives to encourage girls to study STEM subjects are on the rise.

In 2016, supermodel Karlie Kloss made global headlines when she announced she would be partnering with the Flatiron School in New York to launch a scholarship programme for teenage girls interested in programming.

“Slowly the tide is shifting. I think people are realising women’s issues aren’t really women’s issues, they’re more human rights issues,” says Noyes, who hopes trends such as these will continue.

The multifaceted issue of increasing the number of minorities in the sector means there is no quick easy fix – and initiatives need to cover all sides of the problem. But with the continued efforts of organisations like Speak with a Geek working towards promoting diversity, and with programmes like Karlie Kloss’ working to increase interest from a young age, the future is looking decidedly brighter for tomorrow’s women in tech.

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Candidly BELLA Bella Hadid is quickly rising through the ranks as the hottest go-getter and itgirl icon of her generation. As she makes her mark on the world in her own way, she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the pressure of fame, lost Olympic glory and so-called sibling rivalry get in her way.

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TAG HEUER

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I

n just three years, Isabella Khair ‘Bella’ Hadid went from being Gigi Hadid’s younger sister and Olympic equestrian hopeful, to becoming a seemingly permanent fixture on catwalks for some of the most prestigious fashion designers, and a frequent face on covers of renowned magazines worldwide.

There is, of course, so much more to this woman than her stunning, multi-faceted look. Despite being born into an already well-connected family – she’s the daughter of former model and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster and real-estate tycoon Mohamed Hadid – she has forged her own path.

Hadid’s passion, drive and kindness have all contributed to building success in her various ventures, attributes most credit to her passion. In an interview with TAG Heuer, after she recently became an ambassador for the brand, she said the most important thing is her passion: “I think it all starts with passion, but it takes discipline and hard work to develop your talent and skills.”

As a young woman who grew up in the limelight, it is no surprise she is wise beyond her years. Chances are this is a result of the close-knit family she is part of. Her siblings, Gigi and Anwar, are a big part of her life; she even told TAG Heuer her brother is her lucky charm and her most precious possession is the bond she has with her family and close friends. Unsurprisingly, the best advice she received was from her mum, who always told her to “be humble, work hard and treat everyone with kindness and respect”. It is this down-to-earth quality that glows from within the model, even as she admits her struggles with perfection: “The hardest thing about being me, sometimes, is being judged by the way I look rather than being seen for who I am in my heart.”

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So, the model has learnt to accept herself for who she is; she says: “Learn to love all your imperfections because perfection does not exist.” This journey has been made easier for the model by the women she looked up to. “Growing up, my spirit always resonated with Kate Moss, so I guess she inspired me to be myself, even if that wasn’t always perfect,” Hadid says. Subject to a lot of pressure and judgement, she gets through by having a self-care policy. “I meditate, listen to my music and try stay centred inside of me, but I am only human and sometimes the pressure does get to me. But I find that dealing with the emotion without too much judgement is the fastest way to [handle] it,” she says.

It’s rare for us ordinary women have much in common with models, however, Hadid’s statement to TAG Heuer about her favourite way to unwind is incredibly relatable. She just loves having “time to relax without a clock, eating pizza in bed while watching a movie with a friend”.

The life that Hadid has created for herself is, in large part, due to a hugely significant decision she made. “There are many life-changing moments in life, but moving away from home and starting my own life in New York city was a big one, and probably a moment in time that I will never forget.”

Her vision for the future was not always to have been in front of the camera; instead, in 2014, Hadid moved to New York where she began studying photography at the Parsons School of Design.

The hardest thing about being me, sometimes, is being judged by the way I look rather than being seen for who I am in my heart.

As her success in modelling blossomed, Hadid dropped out of school to focus on that career.

The 20-year-old hadn’t always dreamt of catwalks and runways; when she was younger, she dreamt of jumping and dressage. “If I wasn’t a model I, would be a photographer or a professional equestrian, training for the Olympics,” she told TAG Heuer. Until 2014, Hadid was training to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Her adoration for horses began when she was just three years old and they say she could ride horses before she could walk. Growing up on a ranch just outside of Santa Barbara probably had something to do with this.

Cover STORY

May / June 2017

My mom always told me to be humble, work hard and treat everyone with kindness and respect.

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Growing up, my spirit always resonated with Kate Moss, so I guess she inspired me to be myself, even if that wasn’t always perfect.

Unfortunately, Hadid’s health complications meant she had to stop training. “Bella had to give up her lifelong dream of having a professional riding career and a shot at the Olympics due to her severe symptoms and inability to ride. This was the biggest heartbreak of her life and an extremely sensitive subject for her. She is resilient and focused on a new direction. She’s made a name for herself in the modelling industry, while she struggles with symptoms of chronic Lyme disease every day,” Hadid’s mum says in a blog post.

Having to stop doing what it is you love because of something out of your control is a lot for anyone to handle, especially someone who had been doing it for so long and was on the brink of Olympic levels. Instead of letting it get her down, she overcame the obstacle and put her energy into modelling.

While it is a topic Hadid rarely talks about, she reckons her passion for equestrian taught her a lot; after all, she is a cup-half-full kind of girl.

Her relationship with her horse not only taught her about love and, in the end, loss, but it also taught her a lot about her mind and body. “You know how every model is like, ‘I do yoga’? Well, I find horses have the same effect. You have to put your ego aside and concentrate on making the horse do the things you want it to do, and move in the way you want it to move,” she told Porter. Likewise, it taught her a lot about time and structure. “My childhood was filled with a busy school, training and horseshows schedule that was run like clockwork, so now, looking back, I guess I relate time to structure,” she said in the TAG Heuer interview.

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Thankfully, as a child, Hadid had a watch that fitted her obsession; she told TAG Heuer: “I was mesmerised by my first watch because it had a horse on it that moved around, it was the cutest thing ever.”

Her passion and drive has kept the model on track to where she is today, especially after the Lyme disease diagnosis. In 2016 Yolanda Foster shared with the media that behind all the glamorous runway shows and the photo shoots, her smiling daughter was quietly struggling with health issues.

At the Global Lyme Alliance second annual Uniting for a Lyme-Free World gala, Hadid really opened up for the first time about her disease. “Life isn’t always what it looks like on the outside, and the hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look instead of the way you feel,” she told the crowd. “[Riding] was my [life] dream and what I did every single day until I just stopped and realised I didn’t have the brainpower to ride horses any more; so that was the end of that,” she explained.

“I know what it feels like to not want to get out of bed from bone pains and exhaustion, and days on end of not wanting to socialise or be around people because the anxiety and brain fog just isn’t worth it. After years of this, you begin to get used to living with the sickness, instead of getting cured and moving on with your life.”

Despite living with Lyme disease, Hadid does not want to be defined by it. Instead, she wants to work hard and be defined by what she can control. “I’m really tired a lot. A few weeks ago, I had a big campaign shoot that I had to reschedule. It’s hard, but I push through, because at the end of the day, if you’re not working, somebody else is,” she said to Glamour. Giving up is not an option for Hadid, a trait that exemplifies the work ethic she originally had instilled in her and which she’s since built on off her own back. The model, who often gets comments asking how, if she has this disease, she is actually working every day, responded to Glamour that she is still young, she still has a “life to live and things to do”.

Motivating other women and supporting inclusiveness –and not just for those with Lyme disease – is something that drives Hadid. In January 2017, Hadid attended the “No Ban, No Wall’ march with her sister, something she disclosed in an interview with Elle that was close to her heart. “I come from a really diverse background. I’ve had incredible experiences all over the world… and I’ve learnt that we’re all just people, and we all deserve respect and kindness. We shouldn’t treat people as if they don’t deserve kindness just because of their ethnicities. It’s just not right. And that message – to be compassionate whenever possible – that’s so important to me.” Hadid is of Dutch and Palestinian ancestry and she told Teen Vogue her dad was a refugee when he first came to America. “It’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me,” she says, referring to President Donald Trump’s travel ban that targeted six Muslim-majority countries. “[Dad] was always religious, and he always prayed with us,” she said, “I am proud to be a Muslim.”

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I think it all starts with passion, but it takes discipline and hard work to develop your talent and skills.

It is this, her unique ancestry, that helps makes her so versatile for both high-fashion and street-style modelling. Signing with IMG models in 2014 proved to be another of Hadid’s best decisions, with doors opening left right and centre.

The model is the latest Lifestyle Ambassador for TAG Heuer, fulfilling the brand’s desire to have individuals who were ‘born for adventure’. The ‘stellar beauty and social media icon’ certainly lives a dauntless life. She struts the catwalk under the eyes of thousands and more regularly fearlessly shares her life on social media to her 10 million, and counting, followers. Whatever she does is scrutinised by the media and her fans, but that does not stop the model from managing her own social media. “I have managed and build my social media presence on my own because that has always been something that felt natural to me even before I was a model,” she says in the TAG Heuer interview. Securing herself a spot as one of the most talked about woman of her generation, she is becoming an icon of her time proving it possible that we all can, and do, keep composed under pressure.

In the interview following the announcement of Hadid as the Tag Heuer ambassador, the model said it was the perfect fit.

“The other ambassadors in the TAG Heuer family are strong, they work hard and the message is incredible; it’s great to be a part of and to be aligned with these people who don’t crack under pressure.” Also at the event, TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver shared why they welcomed Hadid. “We need someone like Bella to help us capture the bold and confident spirit of young people today.” This opportunity gives Hadid the opportunity to combine her passions and be the girl in front of, and behind, the camera as she works with TAG Heuer on various projects.

Hadid is also putting her talent and motivation to work as an ambassador for Dior and Bulgari. It is this, her spirit and confidence to give everything a go, that saw Hadid make a quick rise in the modelling world. In 2015 she won Models.com Readers’ Choice Breakout Star Award; the next year she took home the Reader’s Choice Model of the Year. Not to mention, in 2016 she was named Model of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards and the Second Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Remember, modelling was never her primary dream and she admitted to Vogue it was more “Gigi’s thing”. “There wasn’t really one time in my life where I was like, ‘I want to be a model!” she said.

Despite her rise to glory, the sisters do not see each other as competition. Bella admitted to Seventeen magazine that comments about their differing looks is hurtful: “People still love to compare and contrast us – what’s better about her or what’s not that good about me – and it’s hard because people are really mean.”

However, instead of letting the competition get to them, the two revel in being able to go through big life successes together. As the first siblings to walk Victoria’s Secret catwalk, one of the biggest fashion shows on the planet, they were honoured. “It’s amazing to be able to experience all this and to be so excited for each other,” Gigi told the VS cameras at the show. “She’s my best friend and it’s so crazy to be here together.”

From runway to social media, it is hard to turn anywhere and not see Bella Hadid’s face looking back at you, whether it’s the face of a model, an ambassador or a muse. The latter is something she has most definitely mastered in the style world. Countless Instagram accounts and women lust over her style. Her red-carpet dresses leave us in awe, but it is her comfort in athleisure wear that we can’t get enough of. Having grown up in a family devoted to fashion, the model most certainly has taste.

Despite the availability of the newest pieces, Hadid admitted to TAG Heuer that her most loved pieces have a story. “I have always been drawn to old things that have history, so my favourite outfit will probably be something I found at one of my favourite vintage stores.”

The model is also one for accessorising, understanding the importance of understated and complimenting pieces: “I use watches more like an accessory item, so I go for whatever fits my look,” she says. “My perfect watch would be small, delicate and sporty.”

It was a big year for the model in 2016, as she became the ‘it-girl’ of the moment. And 2017 is sure to be a big one too, as she signs on to fashion powerhouses and makes her mark in even more ways. As she rises into the model leagues of the likes of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, there is no chance of anything slowing Hadid down.

Reality television, public break-ups, faded dreams, Lyme disease and countless catwalks worldwide… TAG Heuer’s newest ambassador has proven she doesn’t crack under pressure.

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Add some gilded opulence to your dresser to beat the winter blues with this perfect lux capsule collection.

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color in Soft Berry $64. Flower By Kenzo Eau de Lumière EDT 50ml $129. Nude by Nature Loose Eyeshadows in Rose Sand. Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, 60 capsules $150. JOYS of London Caramel Natural Soy Candle $45. YSL Touché Éclat Le Teint, $98. Oribe Split End Seal $60. Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Lips $96. Too Faced Love Light Highlighter $47. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze $110. NARS X Charlotte Gainsbourg Multiple Tint in Jeanette $62. YSL Y Brush $89.

Trendy Peepers L’ORÉAL PARIS

With winter in full swing, it’s time to adorn and dramatise your eyes to match the moody, broody weather. For a trend-transcending colourway that no one has yet taken to the streets, try out a high-fashion chic, multidimension terracotta eye – a look predicted to be “bigger than ever before” by Smashbox Director of International Education, Artistry and Communication, Will Malherbe.

Alternatively, pick up a new-season smokey eye palette or some coloured eyeliners for those nights you’re feeling fiercely frisky and ready to party.

WORDS BY SOPHIE CHUNG

PREP TIP For amplified colour payoff, maximised longevity and crease-free smoothness, use an eye primer to keep your artistry intact. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer in White $50; Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (paraben-free) $36; Jane Iredale Smooth Affair for Eyes in Naked $68.

TOP TIP Pick a shade that matches the root of the brow hair.

Make little strokes to imitate the hairs and brush up with a spoolie for a feathered look. look Mellow Cosmetics Brow Definer Pencil $24; Benefit Precisely My Brow Bene Pencil $44.

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1. BAKE & BURN Back in our Jan/Feb issue, Will Malherbe disclosed the future trends to hit the streets from the runway. The New Age terracotta eye is a key look that will “feel so wrong but look so right,” Will said. There are multiple interpretations: you can opt for an earthy look with a bronzed cheek and peach-based nude lip, or warmer eyes paired with a stained smokey lip. Try mix ‘n’ matching burnt orange, brick, cranberry, burgundy, wine and browns in different textures for a multi-dimensional look – there are no wrong answers.

1. Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Trio 04 Sunstone $64. 2. NARS Eyeshadow duo in Mediterranee $57. 3. NARS blush in Taos $47. 4. The Balm Meet Matt(e) Trimony $109.99. 5. YSL Couture Palette Collector: Keep an eye on me $122.

6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Relish $34. 7.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Spike $34.

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MATCH WITH… bareMinerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lipgloss in Popular $28; HOURGLASS Girl Lip Stylo in Visionary and Warrior $50.

Beauty MAKEUP

The classic sexy smokey eye is always a solid go-to for when you need a confidence boost or when you want all eyes on you.

Try bringing in a cool, dark shade of blue, purple or green to really make them dance, and if you’ve mastered the cat-eye flick, make this your second-to-last step before mascara. Keep the standout effect on the eye and leave the lips neutral with a hint of gloss or a swipe of soft nude.

MATCH WITH… Bobbi Brown Liquid Art Stick in Honey Bare and Perfect Nude $56; Dr. Hauschka Lip Gloss in Bush Plum, Cornelian and Tamarillo $40.

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L’ORÉAL PARIS

2. SHOW STOPPER

3.

1. Maybelline Rock the Nudes Palette $29.99. 2. Nude by Nature Smoky Eyeshadow Trio $34.95. 3. Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Smokey $60. 4. YSL Couture Variation 04 $150. 5. Diorshow Pump‘N’Volume $64. 6. HOURGLASS Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner $54.

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3. MAKE ’EM DO A DOUBLE -TAKE If you’re bored with repeating the same old thing and craving something quirky, why not swap the traditional black eyeliner with a coloured one?

It’s a simple solution to pack some personality into a monochrome outfit.

If you’re feeling super-fly and jiggy, double-line your eyes for extra edge; it’ll look like you’ve blended your eyeliner like a true pro. You’re not asking for approval here, so celebrate your mood with a punchy hue of purple, orange or pink.

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L’ORÉAL PARIS

MATCH WITH…

1. Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner in Fireball, Kush and Chaos aos $40 each.

2. INIKA certified organic Eye Pencil in Purple Minx and Gold Khaki $34 each.

3. M.A.C. Work It Out Chromagraphic Pencils in Genuine Orange, Primary imary Yellow, Landscape Green, Marine Ultra and Process Magenta $35 each.

Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lipcolor $26.50; Urban Decay y Vice Liquid Lipstick in Tryst $32; Stila Colour Balm in Becky $34.

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Beauty SCENTS 2.

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Frisky

FLORIENTALS The unexpected dichotomy of fresh, fruity florals enveloped by warm, rich musks will add an edgy dimension to your presence this season.

WORDS BY SOPHIE CHUNG

5.

1. Calvin Klein introduces a lighter incarnation of the original Deep Euphoria parfum that truly celebrates a sensual femininity (EDT, 50ml, $99). The alluring mid-notes of jasmine sambac and black magic rose, with the dry notes of patchouli and mineral woods, create the intoxicating opulence of a provocative woman.

2. The reincarnation of Coach’s eponymous fragrance adds new energy and complexity to the original’s three-way blend (EDT, 90ml, $150). The sweet freshness of pear and mandarin oil leads to the timeless note of white alba rose and sambac jasmine, evoking the free-spirited sense of a youthful city dweller.

3. A sparkling floral combination of pink grapefruit and magnolia opens DKNY’s latest fragrance, Be Tempted Eau So Blush

(EDP, 50ml, $89). Despite its fruity notes of redcurrant and blood orange, the peony and warm, creamy wood balances the sweetness to create an appealing freshness.

4. The new romantic fragrance by L’Occitane captures the dazzling sky during the Golden Hour in Provence. Opening with a masculine freshness of bergamot and pink pepper, Terre de Lumière leads you into a soft, feminine accord of lavender honey and warm musks (EDP, 90ml, $165).

5. Inspired by the vivid palette in Marc Jacobs’ resort collections, the new Daisy Eau So Fresh Kiss Edition, is equally vibrant and crisp (EDT, 75ml, $99). The mid-notes of peony, cherry blossom and pink rose are what makes this sheer fragrance so fresh and clean.

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6. Mon Guerlain is a tribute to the history, relationships and raw materials used in generations of Guerlain’s perfumery (EDP, 50ml, $173). Sambac jasmine, carla lavender and sandalwood revolve around the potent core of Tahitensis vanilla for a rich, feminine scent.

7. This year’s limited collector’s edition of Giorgio Armani Si Rose Signature is an ode to both the rose and elegant femininity (EDP, 100ml, $225). The double accord of May and Turkish roses soars through the blend of bergamot, mandarin and freesia to create a powerful veil of sensuality, perfect for the winter days.

8. A playful and fresh blend of magnolia and grapefruit zest opens this floriental fragrance

by Abercrombie & Fitch. Wild orange

flower, butterfly orchid and water lily bring a sensual femininity to the heart of First Instinct with a trail of amber, tonka and musk to follow (EDP, 50ml, $92).

9. The iconic Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb has undergone a transformation to rival the original classic. Bloom retains the robustness and strength with a burst of bouquet freshness much like a floral grenade (EDT, 50ml, $145). Pomegranate, bergamot and mandarin fit harmoniously with the vanilla and patchouli base.

10. Indicative of its name, Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue will remind you of the sparkling dew on a flourishing green meadow (EDP, 50ml, $140). The harmonious blend of lily of the valley and earthy Akigalawood® evokes a nostalgic stroll in the nippy morning.

11. Capturing the tranquil moment experienced during the first sip of tea, Elizabeth Arden offers a pure, simple and relaxing fragrance for daily indulgence.

White tea extract and sea breeze accord blend with tonka bean and musks in White Tea to help you inhale and exhale in a moment of bliss (EDT, 100ml, $99).

12. A refreshing burst of water lily, cucumber and lime opens Michael Kors’ new water-like fragrance, Turquoise (EDP, 50ml, $138). Fleur de Sel, French for flower of salt, is the unique note that gives a nostalgic edge of a salty coastal breeze.

Hints of soft ambrox, jasmine and wild orchid complete the juxtaposing yet harmonious duality of cool and warm.

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BLACK TULIP Give your lips new-season impact with the darkest matt purple hue.

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SILVER BULLET Make a statement with flashes of silver under the eye and in the cupid’s bow.

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STONE FOX Be bold with matt texture, use a warm grey lip and a fractured graphic liner M 2 W O M A N .co.nz May / June 2017 62 eyes. on the

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METALLIC SMOKE Vamp up the smokey eye with brushstrokes of silver and charcoal.

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SNOW QUEEN Dare to be different with this textured, avant garde evening look.

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GLOSSY COAL Take your look from day to night with a fresh gloss texture on the eye and highlighted skin.

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PE ACHY KE E N Give the By Terry GlowExpert Duo Stick, $82, a swift swipe to highlight, sculpt and add a healthy flush all in one go. If the cream texture is giving you second thoughts, think again, for this multi-use stick is goof-proof for any level of artistic abilities.

PARISIAN CHIC Featuring eight nude hues with a twist of pearl, metal or shimmer, Bourjois Palette Les Nudes, $29, puts subtlety in focus. The cream powder formula allows you to easily build up the intensity for a spontaneous night-time affair.

PE ARLS OF LIGHT Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most lux of all? The magical pearls in La Prairie’s White Caviar Illuminating Moisturising Cream, $725, is injected with a formula that targets three chromatic disorders – melanininduced spots, redness and dullness – to lighten, firm and shield your skin.

LIGHT RE FLECTOR A modern renovation of the original Rainbow Face Powder, Shiseido’s 7 Lights Powder Illuminator, $79, combines seven light-reflecting pigments that blend a vibrant freshness to any skin tone.

ANTIOXIDANT A AN N TI T I OXID DANT BURST BURS RST For when feeling F or wh hen n your you ur skin’s skin s feeli ling ing fragile, dry and n dull, give nd ve Environ’s Hydrating drrating Oill Capsules, $133.80, 3333.80, a whirl. wh A powerful pick-me-up pick-me-u up that delivers an intense ntense burst bu urst of hydration and d antioxidants, antiox oxidants, your complexion xion w will become ome instantly soft ftt and calmed. ccalm

SKIN - LOVING SHE E R Jam-packed with organic medicinal plant extracts to protect and nourish your skin, Dr. Hauschka’s Foundation, $63, is perfect for those who are seeking a sheer and lightweight formula to enhance their natural beauty instead of conceal it.

BEAUTY hot list

From wrinkle-disappearing wizardry to clever little contraptions, hhere are all the gorgeous things you never knew yyou needed.

BO BOL O LD L D SECOND SE EC C ON O N D SKIN S K IIN SK N BOLD siilk lk y and aan n nd d long-wearing, long-w long lo -wearing, Lancôme’s new Ma atte Soft, silky Matte Juuiccy Sh SShakers, hak akers, s $45, $ 45 45, introduce intro nttro rodu d ce a new generation of liquid Juicy lipsti lip li tick. ckk. Ut U til ilis il lis isiin ng th ttheir hei eirr Ultra-Thin Ulltr U lt a-Thin Film technology, techno nology, lipstick.

Utilising t e fo th form r ulla is rm is intensely int nttense en nseely ly pigmented piiggmented with a barely-there, bare rely-there, the formula ffeea eat athe athe hererr--lliigh ght, second-skin secon nd-sk d-sskk iin dn sensation. sen nsa s tion. feather-light,

BLUR THE LINES BLU Noticing the first signs of wrinkles can be Notic disheartening moment, when you may a dishe accepting defeat to time. Don’t feel fe el you’re yo fr jjust fr fret usst yet, as Thalgo’s Collagen Cream, $128.70, delivers a surge of moisture to $128.70 gradually diminish those pesky creases and skin. form ultra-smooth ultr

PUSH ACTIVATE Vitamin C is a key ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing, however, its potency degrades over time when exposed to oxygen. Clinique’s new Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%, $130, is sealed in a light and air-proof chamber and delivers fullpower Vitamin C untainted by oxidation.

THE Y’RE RE AL SE X Y Create dimension, definition and volume with Benefit’s They’re Real Double the Lip, $38. The tear-drop tip combines two wellpaired hues to create an illusion of naturally fuller, more smoochable lips.

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BODY BEAUTIFUL healthy-looking skin all over

Experience the best of Environâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Body Range with the limited edition Body Essentials Value Pack.

The Body Essentials Value Pack contains a regular 200ml Derma-Lac Lotion and an UPSIZED 200ml A,C,E Oil. When you purchase this incredible offer, you will receive an EXTRA 100ml A,C,E Oil FREE (value $98).

Offer available while stocks last.

Find your nearest Environ stockist at www.psb.net.nz

RITEof PASSAGE STEVEN MEISEL FOR COACH

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A

windswept young woman leans on a vintage purple Cadillac. Wild f lowers reach up from the ground to touch against her floral dress. The misty skyline of New York City backdrops the scene. It’s a moment of contrasts. The moment when the American rite of passage meets its destination and carefree Midwestern innocence meets the city that never sleeps.

However, the young woman in question isn’t a naïve small town hopeful – at 20, Chloë Grace Moretz is already a Hollywood veteran, with more than 30 movies under her belt. The scene is also more than a moment in one woman’s journey, it is the latest campaign shoot for Coach, a company that has come from a small family-run leather workshop founded in 1941 to a leading global lifestyle brand.

Shot by renowned photographer, Steven Meisel, this latest campaign is all about contrasts. Not just a contrast in terms of the company’s evolution from its humble beginnings, but also contrasts in terms of its general approach to creativity.

This iconic American brand has British-born Stuart Vevers as its executive creative director – a position he has held since September 2013, leading all creative aspects for the leather house, including women’s and men’s design, brand imagery and store environments.

Vevers cast Moretz as the face of the campaign, and for good reason.

“Chloë has a sense of optimism that is the perfect juxtaposition to the New York City backdrop, Coach’s home city, her ease and effortlessness of style feels relevant and very Coach.”

STUART VEVERS, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF COACH

This theme of juxtaposition is even carried through to Coach’s new fragrance. Created by perfumers Sonia Constant and Natalie Gracia-Cetto, Coach Eau de Toilette is inspired by the spontaneous energy and downtown style of New York City. A fragrance full of contrasts, it opens with fresh pear, which gives way to timeless and elegant white Alba roses, before drying down to a sensual cedarwood base note.

This is all captured in a bottle that is the ideal tribute to the heritage of the original American house of leather, a feminine oval bottle references many of Coach’s iconic codes. Its spray cap is shaped like a silver turnlock, imitating the signature clasp on Coach bags. A hangtag in pink leather and polished metal add a distinctive finishing touch. A horse and carriage logo, an enduring symbol of Coach craftsmanship, is subtly engraved into the glass.

A juxtaposition between modern day luxury and heritage perhaps, but it’s also a continuum of innovation and creativity.

The perfect gift for Mum! M2woman.co.nz

MAR/APR 2017

WOMEN’S ARCH MARCH WHAT HAT PPENS HAPPENS XT? NEXT?

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Telephone: 09 377 62 90 or E-mail: graeson@M2now.co.nz

NOT FOR THE HE FAINT- HEARTED The trend of matte lips ps seems to be reaching its maximum peak. peak Coming in strong is a high-shine lacquered look that’s rich in vibrant pigments.

An easy way to brighten up your dark winter wardrobe, try experimenting with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Sexy Balm, $21.99, for a classic bold hue or Dior Addict Lacquer Stick, $62, for electric neons and punchy pastels. For added iridescence, swipe on the new By Terry Techno Auro Terrybly Shine in Midnight Star or Spicy Crush $66.

Beauty TH E

LONG LAST THE LOCKS If you’ve been searching for salon-quality tools to ensure longevity of your hairstyling, Remington’s new PROluxe Salon range may be just what you need. With an extra digital sensor that detects drops in temperature, the straightener, $199.99, maintains a consistent minimum temperature of 185 Celsius for longerlasting styles. For those who have mastered the art of blow-drying, the dryer has a unique concentrator and style shot function to boost and distribute the heat evenly while releasing more ions for less frizz, $249.99.

SPOT

ABSOLUTE FUSION Rich, creamy and high coverage, yet lightweight, Lancôme has released a luxurious portable cushion compact to join its most premium foundation range. The Absolue Cushion, $150, combines anti-aging performance skincare with complexion makeup that focusses on improving the skin’s texture while providing the golden glow that we all yearn for.

SUSTAINABLE DIRECTION

LUXURIOUS NECESSIT Y A tip that you’ll be eternally grateful for – and will continue to follow – is to invest in a silk pillowcase, or two. If you’ve always wondered why you get random unexplainable wrinkles and pimples, your pillowcase may be the reason. In contrast to cotton, silk allows your face to glide around during the night without friction or creasing. Plus it doesn’t extract the moisture from your skin, which is the last thing you need in the middle of winter. Go-To has created Face Case, $70, a 100 percent mulberry silk pillowcase that greets you with ‘Hi, Cute Face’ every time you go in for a snooze.

As we become more informed about the ingredients in our products and how they’re sourced, there is an increasing demand for natural personal care products that respect the environment. Free of sulfates, silicones and parabens, Kérastase’s new Aura Botanica range uses hand-pressed Samoan coconut and organic Moroccan argan oils that are responsibly sourced and 98 percent biodegradable. Rich in Omega-6 and -9, the Bain Micellaire, $48, gently cleanses while the Soin Fondamental, $52, detangles and hydrates dry surfaces. Follow up with a tiny dose of Concentré Essentiel, $79, an oil blend to add shine.

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Reveal the Pretty Whatever your skin concern, there’s a face mask out there that can deliver an instant solution – that’s the beauty of them and why they’re so addictive. Texture, sensitivity, pore size, oiliness, dullness or all of the above;all these issues can be improved within 10 minutes. The latest trend to emerge is multi-masking, which caters for multiple skin concerns at once; simply identify where and what your concerns are and target the application onto those specific problem areas.

OILINESS Breakouts suck – target those pesky pimples by painting on a layer of Kaolin clay-based mask to absorb excess sebum, draw out impurities for balanced, mattelooking skin. Trilogy’s Mineral Radiance Mask, $37.99, houses their famous certified organic rosehip oil within the formula, so it can also be used on dry skin. For an affordable yet organic offering, try Essano Clarifying Clay

Masque, $16.99.

DULLNESS LLNESS

Many off us are living by the mantra of ‘work ork d hard, play hard’, leaving us impoverished in the ‘solid eight-hour sleep schedule’ department. Fake your beauty sleep by grabbing a caffeinated formula to invigorate fatigued skin. For a good ol’ fashioned exfoliating scrub with a potent aroma of espresso, take a tub of LUSH Cup O’Coffee, $19.50, into the shower to wash away the mess. If you’re in search for something creamy and hydrating, try frank body’s Glow Mask on the cheeks, $24, with added antioxidants from goji berry extract.

CND Vinylux in Palm Deco, Splash of Teal, Ripe Guava

Via Montenapoleone

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Sally H Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Sal Society Socie Ruler, World Is My M Oyster, Devil Wears Nada

DARK CIRCLES

Sometimes, we will wake up to a shocking reflection that makes you realise you’re not the chipper 20 year old girl you used to be. Whether you’ve been working or partying all night, it all shows in and around your eyes. If you need some moisture, slap on a Lonvitalité 24K Gold & Collagen Eye Mask, $32, which all the celebrities have been gramming. For a no-fuss, quick fix for puffiness and dark circles, keep a jar of Patchology Flash Patch Eye Gels, $79, in the cabinet.

Timeless

DRY LIPS

No one wants to kiss lips with white flaky skin on them, and it looks plain awful when pigments catch on them.

If you’re serious about your lip artistry, you’ll know that smoothening the texture of your lips is vital for the best colour impact. Buff the dead cells away with a gentle sugar-based scrub like M.A.C. Lip Scrubtious, $32. To exfoliate your lips on the go, try Dior’s Lip Sugar Scrub, $59; a self-vanishing exfoliating lip balm that melts the grains away to leave a flattering rosy hue.

POSH & CLASSY

If you consider yourself an exquisitely classy creature, the latest winter palette will definitely please you. Focusing on elegant, timeless earth tones as well as metallics, Faby’s Posh collection, $20 each, is a range to bump up the sexy on your dark outfits.

If you’re into formulas that already include a base coat and top coat, try Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, $16.99, or CND Vinylux, $21.95, for week-long wear.

Never Disagree with Faby

Haute Couture

Mother’s Day GiftGuide

jane iredale’s Free Gift to Mum Your free gifts available when you purchase jane iredale at selected stockists. Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day with a fresh new makeup Starter Kit containing trial sizes of jane iredale products; her original Amazing Base Loose Minerals and the popular PurePressed base, along with a Smooth Affair facial primer and a delicated fragranced eco-approved Pommist hydrating spritz. All in a gorgeous zip up makeup case. And to give Mum an extra pamper we will include a refreshing Harney & Sons Mother’s Bouquet floral tea, created in honour of all mothers.

For stockists and details visit www.psb.net.nz Please check with individual stockists for their terms and conditions for this free product.

Only while stocks last.

SMITH & CO. CO TRIO HAND CREAM SET The Aromatherapy Company’s Smith & Co. Trio Hand Cream Set introduces an exquisite selection of botanical fragrances mindfully harmonised to create unique aromas.

These hand cream are combined with Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Coconut Oil as well as extracts of Elderberry, White Tea and Marigold to help keep your hands soft and moisturised.

Brighten your day with the luscious blend of Orange & White Pepper, Winter Violet & Cherry and Golden Honeysuckle.

RRP$24.99. thearomatherapycompany.co.nz

Winter Soother In celebration of their 50th birthday, Dr.Hauschka has brought out their best-selling hand cream in a large size just in time for Mother’s Day. Incredibly nourishing while absorbing immediately, this residue-free formula is a must for the drying winter days and suitable for any Mum. Included with this limited edition size is a Tube Roller, a must have for getting every last drop out of your hand cream or any product in a tube.

Dr. Hauschka Limited Edition Hydrating Hand Cream 100ml with Tube Roller $59. Available online at drhauchka.co.nz or at selected department stores.

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TRACK WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF Measure your body fat and muscle mass percentage right from your wrist with the touch of a button on your new TomTom Touch fitness tracker. See how your body composition changes over time to discover what’s working, so you can get the best results, faster. Get 24/7 activity tracking, including heart rate information, call and text notifications, and when you head to the gym don’t forget to put your tracker in sports mode. Add a touch of colour to your day to suit your mood with their interchangeable straps.

RRP $249.00 tomtom.com/sports/fitness-trackers

Protect Mum this Mother’s Day

Gift GUIDE

Give your Mum the gift of beautiful skin for a lifetime with this Environ’s Mother’s Day Duo. Hydrate and protect with the Hand and Nail Cream for youthful soft, smooth hands and guard against environmental stress with the Antioxidant Gel which contains a powerful protective blend of antioxidants and vitamin A. Environ’s Hand and Nail Cream is a light, nongreasy lightly fragranced cream formulated to assist in providing nourishment and the perfect moisture balance to help improve the overall appearance and texture of hands and nails.

Environ’s Antioxidant Gel is a lightweight waterbased gel, rich in vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and other nutrients, specially suited for dry, sensitive and problem skin.

BVLGARI ROSE GOLDEA A new tribute to femininity, combining radiant rose and sophisticated musks into a blend of desire. Inspired by the iconic Serpenti design, this fragrance is a bold jewel of seduction, symbolising the passionate and impassioned loves.

Bulgari Rose Goldea Eau de Parfum 50ml, RRP $166, available from Smith & Caughey’s, David Jones, Ballantynes and selected Farmers and Life Pharmacies.

With these two protective products Mum will be well looked after for Mother’s Day. RRP $75.00 (normally $95.00). For stockists visit www.psb.net.nz

MARC JACOBS DECADENCE Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau de Parfum is a fragrance with a luxurious, sensual and woody scent. It features top notes of Italian plum, iris and saffron, heart notes of Bulgarian rose, jasmine sambac and orris, and base notes of liquid amber, vetiver and papyrus woods.

Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau de Parfum 50ml, RRP $160, available from Smith & Caughey’s, David Jones, Ballantynes and selected Farmers and Life Pharmacies.

chloe Miniature Limited Editions chloé introduces my little chloés, a limited edition collection of mini fragrances. The collection of miniatures that consists of chloé eau de parfum, chloé eau de toilette and the new chloé fleur de parfum and all three come in delightful 20ml miniature versions.

Chloe 20ml miniature limited editions, RRP $59, available from Smith & Caughey’s, David Jones, Ballantynes and selected Farmers and Life Pharmacies.

NZ SPA The exclusive collection of NZ Spa body care products embody the spirit of NZ and are as fresh and invigorating as the South Pacific environment from which they came. Grab a Flax Flower Shower Gel and Body Lotion for Mum in this gorgeous flax bag and receive a FREE Flax Flower 30 ml Body Scrub.

NZ Spa Shower Gel has a silky texture that gives you a refreshingly soothing shower experience, revealing soft, clean skin. Combining ingredients ideal for sensitive skin, this product is very gentle and non-drying. For optimum results, use NZ Spa Shower Gel daily.

NZ Spa Body Lotion has a gorgeous, silky texture that moisturises and cares for your y skin and leaves you with a reminder of the beautifully fragrant NZ Spa journey. Regular use adds luxurious benefit to your body and to you. $42 $42.50, available from www.nzspa.co.nz

THE PERFECT GIFT FORÂ MUM!

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ONLY $169.99

1 Year of M2woman (RRP $59.70) plus Hunters Race Apollo Watch (RRP $275) Total value of $334.70 for only $169.99 Telephone: 09 377 62 90 or E-mail: graeson@M2now.co.nz

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Reptilian TENDENCIES

Wish LIST

It may be an imitation game, but faux snakeskin and crocodile accessories are still the real deal when it comes to serving up style.

STYLING BY JUVENA WORSFOLD IMAGES BY LAURA COURT

Clockwise from top left: Yellow Crossbody $529 and Grey Clutch $475 by Deadly Ponies, Handbag $65 by Topshop, Clutch $199.90 by Merchant 1948, Purse $379 and Envelope Sling bag $1329 by Alexander Wang from Workshop, Wallet $199 by RM Williams.

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Style FILE

Take a HIKE

Tan boots $735 by RM Williams, Cardigan $349 by Kowtow.

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These boots are made for walking. From casual ankle boots to sleek stilettos, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve curated the best picks to soldier in through wintry days.

Blush patent boots $145 by Topshop, Black crocodile boots $1029 by Acne from Workshop, Black patent boots $429 by Kathryn Wilson.

From left to right: Ponyskin boots $320 by Mi Piaci, Grey studded boots $449 and Snakeskin Print boots $349 by Kathryn Wilson, Grey suede boots by See by Chloe $679 from Workshop, Taupe boots $269.90 by Merchant 1948.

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Style FILE

Embroidered boots $92 by Topshop, Pink boots $280 by Mi Piaci, Navy boots $279 by Merchant 1948, White jacket $549

by Black Luxe, Scarf $230 by Deadly Ponies.

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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CHALLENGING SOCIETAL NORMS RM MS We adore underwear, it must be a female thing, and unsurprisingly we also adore the new Lonely Lingerie range. Not only are the colours and cuts lustworthy, but the campaign celebrates women in the most beautiful and d inclusive way. Their new campaign features Mercy Brewer, r, the 50-something model who owns the runway and proves that age is but a number. It is no surprise then that Mercy was excited to be part of a campaign. “Perceptions of beauty have changed, and always will change, therefore I think we utt y can conclude its standard is not set in stone, and new beauty is always waiting to be discovered,” she said in a release. In n a society where you have to be the right size, age, colour and goodness knows what else to fit the perfect ‘mould’, d’, itt is refreshing to see a brand as well known and as loved d aass Lonely tackling the bigger issues.

On

Trend

The cooler months may be slowly creeping up on us, but there are plenty of ways to heat up our lives – start by dressing head to toe in the latest trends.

PRINTS CHARMING Too often we find ourselves head to toe in black. It’s easy, it’s safe and there is no doubting that it is chic and sophisticated. But in the winter, when we are already feeling a little dreary, it is nice to add a hint of print to our wardrobe. Juliette Hogan’s Shadow Play collection boasts the ‘voodoo’ silk print, which is this season’s unique and exclusive print.

Showcasing the dreamiest colour combination of navy and blush, it is a collection that you can easily dress up or down with heels or sneakers. No winter collection would be complete without a slouchy merino knit, which is a definite JH classic. Don’t worry, we aren’t suggesting you retire the black completely, we are simply nudging you in a brighter direction.

May / June 2017

BIGGER IS BETTER The runway has been swarming with oversized, chunky jewellery by everyone from Dolce & Gabbana to Ellie Saab.

Unleash your inner fashionista and invest in this trend, which looks like it’ll be around for a while. Your best option, of course, is to embrace the idea that bigger is better, don your favourite oversized earrings and never think that you can’t pull it off. Pair them with a slick bun and a black turtleneck for an understated but glamorous outfit. Here are some we are dreaming of. Left to right: AW17 tassels $25 from Tassels

by J; Dolce Earrings $285 from VALÉRE jewellery; Chandra earrings $300 from Zoe and Morgan.

ADD A SPARK OF COLOUR We have all been there, donning Converse at some point in our life. Whether we were one of the originals or not, there is no denying that Converse or ‘chucks’ as they are lovingly known, are the staple shoe for your wardrobe. The Pro Leather LP is the perfect weekend shoe, or the perfect way to tap into the edgy feminine ‘dress with sneaker look’ that is all over the runways and streets. With a touch of silver or gold metallic detailing, this is a pair of white sneakers with a touch of individuality. Complete with a Nike Lunarlon insole, these lightweight shoes can take you from festival to brunch.

wellness

Better LIVING

Kiwis create 735,000 tons of waste packaging a year, and we only recycle 53% of that. Never create trash again by getting all your health food at the new, organic refillery in Ponsonby. Kombucha is on tap and chia seeds are in bulk.

Essential Living

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There is nothing better than a homecooked meal with your loved ones, but this is a luxury of life too many of us have started to sacrifice for dinner in front of the television and takeouts.

It’s time to get back to essential living.

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR

ANNABEL LANGBEIN’S LAMB AND BARLEY SOUP

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W

e all live incredibly busy lives; in fact, it would seem they just keep getting busier.

As a result we are pressed for time, and once pleasurable activities, such as creating a wholesome home-cooked meal, become a chore. We increasingly find ourselves opting for takeouts because we believe there are no quick and easy meal alternatives, or if there are, we have whipped them up for the past few weeks and simply cannot face eating more spaghetti bolognese. Annabel Langbein, an incredibly busy woman herself, has a solution with her ‘toolkit’ of meals for busy lives – Essential Annabel Langbein.

Langbein was motivated to create this cookbook for a multitude of reasons, it had been 20 years since she wrote her book The Best of Annabel Langbein: Great Food For Busy Lives, and in those 20 years, she has brought up her family and, as she says, her life has been as busy as ever. She also wanted to keep up to date with New Zealand’s changing food scene, as a more accessible global pantry has

RECIPE READY IN 3 HOURS SERVES 6-8 DF GF 2 lamb shanks 8-10 cups water 500g pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and cut into small chunks 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 2 bay leaves 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 cup barley, lentils or farro 2 Tbs tomato paste Salt and ground black pepper, to taste ½ cup chopped parsley leaves, to serve Place lamb shanks and water in a very big pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 hours.

Lift out lamb shanks and reserve stock.

When shanks are cool enough to handle, shred meat and discard bones. Add meat back to the stock pot with all other ingredients except parsley and simmer for 40 minutes. Lift out bay leaves and discard. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Garnish with parsley and serve hot. This will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. * If you have had a roast lamb, take off most of the meat and use the bone in the soup. It’s a great way to use it and make something new. * The great thing is you can be really flexible; you could put in green vegetable like kale and spinach at the end.

ANNABEL’S TOP TIPS

become available over the past few years.

She believes it has become easier as a busy mum and cook to put something “yummy on that table that isn’t a lot of effort”.

Some of us are like Langbein and understand why we do what we do when we are cooking, why we add this with that and how to perfectly time cooking things.

Then there are others who simply use a cookbook to tell them what to do. The trick to easy, quick cooking is to become the former and understand how to use the food you have and make the food that is in season work for you.

“The best memories you create are around food. So making that really easy for people to engage with has kind of been my mantra; [that] and lowering the bar and demystifying it and saying ‘this is why’ and ‘this is how’.

“Most people have a few dishes they can make with their eyes shut. They know their way in and out, I am trying to give them more of those so they have a toolkit of recipes and methods they can use depending on the ingredients they have and what the weather is like,” Langbein says. “I’ve created these [how-to] pages, and at the end of it, I want you to feel confident as a cook, not just to be able to follow a recipe. I want you to be able to go ‘oh that is how I make a really delicious stew, or frittata’. You’ve got this simple methodology so you understand what the important bit is, so you can substitute ingredients and slightly change the flavours... it is like a toolkit, they will enable you to be resourceful with what’s in season and save money with what is in season and not be wasteful... It’s giving them the permission to actually experiment as a cook with what they have got and the ingredients that they like.”

So, we are armed with the help to become a master cook like Langbein, but what else do we need to do to hang up the phone on the local takeaways and become the mistress of home-cooked goodness? It would seem that it is rather achievable.

“Having a well-stocked pantry is a really good idea and [so is] almost making a meal plan. Then you don’t come home and think ‘oh my gosh, what am I going to have for dinner?’ You actually make the plan at the beginning of the week, you check what’s in the pantry already. Then when something is on special at the markets or the supermarket, any kind of protein, you buy that way and buy by freshness and don’t get caught into going ‘I have to have this cut’.” Langbein encourages us to follow her lead and stock our pantry with aromatics and a global spice kit. Not only does this give you plentiful options for one meal, but it makes things even easier when

With years of experience under her apron, Langbein has countless tips, including: too many chardonnays ruin the cook.

1. Dress your chicken when it is room temperature, don’t chill it and then try and dress it because it doesn’t shred or absorb the flavour as well and the texture won’t be as nice.

2. If you put too much salt in something, a pinch of sugar can sometimes help counter that.

3. Often when people’s vegetable or salad greens look wilted, they throw them away. As long as they haven’t gone slimy or black, fill a big bowl with water and ice and put the vegetable in.

It might take an hour or two, but they will come to life again and go crunchy.

it comes to creating a quick, tasty meal. The other trick to getting back to basic home cooking is to shift your way of thinking. “[Make] mealtime a moment; it’s the really simple things that create a sense of ritual. We always have candles and we always sit up… you just create this little moment where people feel very nourished by that and it doesn’t take a lot of effort.”

To Langbein, cooking is more than just crafting a meal of proteins, vegetable and aromatics that perfectly tantalise tastebuds. For her, it is a sense of control in a world where control isn’t always possible. “What I think it does, is it enables you to have this sense of ownership in your life,” she says. “There are a lot of things you can’t change in life; you can’t change a lot of the big things, but when you cook it’s the best way to build a good life.

You bring people together around the table and have some fun. If it’s about money, you could make beans and rice. It’s sort of a big philosophical drive for me, food has been the way I have managed in the simplest of ways to actually feel that this is my life.”

When you think of your mother’s or your grandmother’s kitchen, chances are they had a cookbook that was somewhat of a bible.

Recipes were passed down from family members, scribbles were in the corners sharing notes and tips and, if you were lucky, the secret to Nana’s perfect stew. Langbein’s new book is a nod to that tradition: sidebarscribbled tips and tricks are plentiful and the secret to perfect fritattas, steaks and stew are shared. Inside this 650-recipe-rich cookbook you can find quick and easy meals that can be whipped up in the time it would take to drive to the closest takeaways.

Essential Annabel Langbein Volume One: Savoury $65, available from all good bookshops nationwide.

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ANNABEL LANGBEIN’S CHICKEN MARBELLA

“A lovely dinner party meal. It’s a great recipe you can scale it up or make it a day ahead of time if you want to.”

T IP S 1. Use free-range chicken as it will soak up the flavour more.

2. Annabel likes to use chicken legs for this as they stay nice and moist and don’t dry out as much.

3. The trick to make it taste really good is to leave it to marinate for a full 24 hours ahead of time.

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READY IN 1 HOUR + MARINATING SERVES 8 DF GF 2 chickens, quartered, or 8 chicken leg quarters 6 cloves garlic, crushed 2 bay leaves Zest of ½ a lemon, cut into strips with a vegetable peeler 1½ cups white wine 1 cup pitted prunes ½ cup green olives 3 Tbs red wine vinegar, plus 2 Tbs extra 3 Tbs capers, plus 2 Tbs of the brine 1 Tbs oregano leaves 1½ tsp salt and ground black pepper, to taste 1 Tbs runny honey Mix chicken with all ingredients except honey and second measure of vinegar in a large nonreactive bowl or clean plastic bag.

Cover or seal, then chill for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 180°C fanbake.

Transfer chicken and marinade to a roasting dish, arranging skin-side up in a single layer.

Drizzle with combined honey and extra vinegar and bake until chicken is cooked through and golden (about 50 minutes), basting after 30 minutes.

ANNABEL LANGBEIN’S SHAKSHUKA EGGS READY IN 50 MINUTES SERVES 4 V GF 3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges 1 large red pepper, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 400g can chopped tomatoes ½ cup chopped parsley leaves ½ tsp salt Ground black pepper, to taste 4-6 eggs 60g feta, crumbled 2 Tbs chopped coriander or parsley leaves, to serve Preheat oven to 200°C fanbake.

Heat oil in an ovenproof frypan.

Cook onion and pepper slices over a low heat, stirring, until soft but not brown (8 minutes).

Add garlic and spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer until reduced and lightly thickened (10 minutes).

Add parsley, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Make wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each. Sprinkle with feta and bake until eggs are just set (about 8-10 minutes). To cook on the stovetop, add 2 Tbs water, cover and simmer until eggs are set.

Scatter with coriander or parsley to serve.

TI PS

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1. You can make this ahead of time, however, the trick is to bring it back to simmer so when you put your eggs in they go into a warm sauce and cook more evenly.

2. If you cook it on the stovetop, add a bit of liquid and cover it to create steam, which helps cook the eggs.

“People love having this as a weekend brunch.”

May / Ju ne 2017

M2WOMAN.co.nz

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THE BEST REDS from the Antipodes I set out on a mission to find some of the best reds New Zealand has to offer… here is my list.

WORDS BY GREG SINCLAIR

1. TE MATA, COLERAINE, 2015 (HAWKE’S BAY) Te Mata is New Zealand’s oldest winery – dating back to 1896. The Coleraine is considered by many to be the best of our New Zealand reds.The only major issue with this wine, though, is getting your hands on a bottle, since the winery sells out of Coleraine within a matter of weeks.

Having tried the 2013 and the 2014 Coleraine (these two vintages were described by Michael Cooper as the ’twin peaks’), needless to say I was looking forward to sampling this one. I described the 2014 before as New Zealand’s ’best red yet’ and I can say the 2015 measures up nicely with its predecessors and I can comfortably say that Te Mata winery has achieved the inconceivable and created a trifecta. At just $120 a bottle (RRP), and selling out so quickly, I can see this wine reaching $200 a bottle in coming years and it will still be well worth the investment.

The wine itself is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc blend; a Bordeaux style, but the winemakers from Te Mata say, “the Coleraine is a Hawke’s Bay-style wine” – since the area is gaining international recognition for the unique styled wines they are producing.

First produced in 1982, the Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate.

John’s late grandfather was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family home to the wine.

Flame red in colour, with splashes of magenta and brilliant purple, the wine has a wonderful floral bouquet of lavender, violets and roses with a hint of cassis. The first thing you’ll notice on tasting this wine is the rich fruity sweetness, a bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherries and wild strawberries laid over with a touch of cedar and hints of French oak.

2. TRINITY HILL, HOMAGE SYRAH, 2014 (HAWKE’S BAY) When I approached winemaker John Hancock about including this in my list of the best of our local reds, he commented: “ I think it would be great. Homage is kicking goals!! I think the Homage will stack up more than well against those wines!!” Like John’s winemaking, he was right on the money.

The Homage is in honor of Hancock’s inspiration and mentor, the late Gerard Jaboulet from Côte-Rôtie, in the Rhône valley, who took Hancock under his wing.

Traditionally blended with a small amount of Viognier, and produced from grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels of Hawke’s Bay, 2014 was one of the best growing season the region has seen and this wine has to be one of the pinnacles of Hawke’s Bay Syrahs.

Highlights include that it is dark in colour with beautiful floral notes overlaid with oak and blackberries; is powerful and fragrant with great structure and length; and it has strong tannins and incredible layers, leaving the mouth savouring for more. At $130 a bottle, this wine will cellar well for years to come.

3. ST HALLETT, OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ, 2013 (BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA) St Hallett produce the Old Block Shiraz from selected parcels of grapes from the Barossa and Eden valleys, where only the best are selected and blended to create the Old Block Shiraz. The vines that produce the grapes must be grown from root stock that is at least 40 years old, however, in the case of the 2013, there was no rootstock under 80 years of age. Blind tasting by the winemaking team ensures that only the best quality wine goes forward for careful blending by the senior wine maker.

Wine GUIDE The resulting wine is a fabulous blend rich in colour, textures and complexity, underpinned by lingering tannins that make this an outstanding wine.

The bouquet is slightly floral, with lingering tones of black plums and dark berries with a hint of nutmeg. It has a delicately balanced palate, rich and smooth, spicy and full-bodied with dense fruit at its core and long, lingering finish. This is an impeccable wine that will cellar well for 30 years or more if stored correctly.

4. VILLA MARIA, NGAKIRIKIRI CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2013 (HAWKE’S BAY) A milestone in Villa Maria’s 53-year winemaking history, and the culmination of years of winemaking achievements from New Zealand’s most awarded winery, the Ngakirikiri has been years in the making, as they waited for the very best vintage before they finally produced this outstanding wine.

Ngakirikiri is the Maori word for the gravels on which the vines were grown. The Hawke’s Bay is an area recognised for some of the best wine production in New Zealand and the best place to grow the Bordeaux-style grapes that went into the production of this wine.

It is deep ruby in colour, with intense aromas of plums, cassis and notes of violets, mocha with hints of thyme.The palate is complex and layered, beautifully balanced from start to finish with flavors of ripe blackcurrants, fine grain tannins and French oak emerging throughout at levels that perfectly complement and take the palate on a wonderful journey. At $150, this wine is well worth adding to the cellar and will keep well for up to 20 years.

5. CROSSROADS, THE TALISMAN, 2013 (HAWKE’S BAY) This is an outstanding blend from the best areas within their company vineyards in the Fernhill, Twyford and Mangatahi sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay. The winery itself was established by a leading chemist from Auckland University, who moved to the area to try his hand at winemaking. Using his knowledge of chemistry, he set about creating a blend of grapes to come up with the very best possible blend he could.

The original blend used something like eight different wine varietals and the blend to this day remains a closely guarded secret known only to the winemakers of the Crossroads winery, and the current winemaker, Miles Dinneen. Today the wine uses just six varietals and, to date, even the best wine aficionados have only managed to identify four of these grapes.

It is my understanding that the main grapes here are Bourdeaux in origin, but more important is the outstanding result from the blend.

The 2013 vintage has been described as one of the best growing seasons in Hawke’s Bay, the grapes selected producing a beautifully balanced, multi-layered wine with incredible complexity (no doubt the results of the multiple grapes in the blend) and a rich creamy softness that ensures this treat makes it high on our list of outstanding wines and, priced at less than $60, it is highly recommended.

With a bouquet of cherries, blackberries, blackcurrants and blueberries, the palate is rich and smooth with smoky savoury notes and dense plummy fruit, toasty oak and rich tannins. The finish is long and fine.

6. ELEPHANT HILL, AIRAVATA SYRAH, 2013 (HAWKE’S BAY) This is one of the youngest vineyards on the list, first established in 2003 by German-born Reydan and Roger Weiss after falling in love with the Te Awanga coast when visiting New Zealand in 2001. Within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean, with majestic views of Cape Kidnappers, and boasting one of the best restaurants in Hawke’s Bay, the winery has become one of the region’s leading tourist attractions.

They have invested a lot in the design of the winery, with state-ofthe-art water treatment, sustainability accreditation and inspired architecture ensuring that it fits seamlessly into the environment.

Currently under the management of second-generation family member, Andreas Weiss, the commitment continues with their quest to create great wine, as particularly expressed in their Icon range (the selection to which the Airavata belongs), where only the best seasons and the best grapes are selected to become an Icon wine. The Airavata is the Icon Syrah and has only ever been produced twice in the history of Elephant Hill winery. The 2009 vintage won plenty of acclaim, even taking out gold in the UK Sommeliers Awards. Of course, 2013 was an exceptional growing year too. In creating the 2013 Airavata, the team selected Syrahs from the home block in Te Awanga and from their Gimblett Gravels vineyard and blended these with a touch of Viognier to come out with an outstanding Syrah.

The colour is rich ruby, the aroma has elements of savoury and a touch of violets; you’ll pick up hints of bayleaf and olive tapenade on the palate, mixed with plum, dark cherries, pepper and spice. Firm tannins and oak deliver a lingering finish and, while this wine is great for consuming now, it will be even greater in years to come. (Priced at just $120 a bottle.)

7. YALUMBA, THE CALEY, 2012 (BAROSSA AND COONAWARRA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA) Yalumba is one of Australia’s oldest wineries and has a long history of innovation, with pioneering wine research at its heart. Yalumba boasts the pre-eminent Viticultural Nursery of Australia and is the only Australian winery with its own on-site cooperage.

The Caley is a brand-new ‘rare and exceptional’ release from the Yalumba family and a culmination of more than a century and a half of creating great clarets. Claret is a wine style that has developed over the years, and it’s a favourite of Australian winemakers. It pulls together two great varietals, Cabernet and Shiraz, to to create the ‘Great Australian Red’. Cabernet is often referred to as the doughnut grape, with a great beginning and a great finish, but not a lot in the middle.

With 2012 being both an exceptional growing year for Yalumba and the culmination of 168 years of winemaking, they launch that year’s Caley this month. Named after one of Yalumba’s most adventurous sons, Fred Caley Smith (the grandson of founder Samuel Smith), this is a nod to the journey that brought them to this point.

It’s great to drink in its youth but it’s also a wine that will be even greater with some maturity. If the Cabernet Shiraz is the Great Australian Red, then this has to be the Greatest Australian Red. The wine is superb, with incredible depth in colour, richness and warmth. It’s savoury with hints of pepper, blackcurrants and has smokiness on the nose and luxurious smoothness on the palate with hints of tobacco, leather, mocha, blackcurrant and berries. It comes in at $395 a bottle and, believe me, it is worth every cent.

8. LOWBURN FERRY, HOME BLOCK PINOT NOIR, 2015 (CENTRAL OTAGO) We couldn’t complete a list of the best reds from this part of the world without including a Pinot Noir from Central Otago. The 2014 Home Block Pinot Noir took out not only the Pinot Noir trophy but also the overall trophy for Best Wine of the Show at last year’s Air New Zealand wine awards (arguably New Zealand’s most influential wine awards). The 2015 took out the best Pinot Noir award at the Sydney International Wine awards too.

For a small family winery, both awards in one year – and for two different vintages – is an outstanding achievement. And a richly deserved one, too. Pinot Noirs don’t get much better than this and I’d challenge even the best Burgundys of France to beat this little number.

Probably the least expensive on our list ($55 RRP), this wine should be in everyone’s best-wine selection.

The colour is deep red with flashes of purple; the wine has a floral aroma mixed with dried herbs, spice and smokiness, while the palate has hints of tobacco and leather blending nicely with sweet plums, black cherries and fine silky tannins. There’s a long, lingering finish of sweet red berries.

WINES AVAILABLE FROM GLENGARRY

Winter Welcomers Coming into to winter and the weather is starting to change. As the days get shorter and the nights are get cooler our tastes start to change. The BBQ has been packed away until next year and out comes the slow cooker. Here I have discovered four quite special wines that are worth trying, All under $40 and highly recommended. Either with a meal or just relaxing by an open fire – welcome in the winter with some great reds…

Grant Burge 5th Generation Paradox Barossa 2015 Barossa Shiraz Shiraz 2013 The Burge family have been associated with the wine industry in the Barossa for more than 150 years. It was March 1855 when John Burge migrated to the region with his wife and two sons and started making wine in the celebrated Barossa region.

This was to be the beginning of a winemaking tradition in the family that was to span five generations.

Grant Burge, the 5th generation of Burge Family winemakers, produced this wine from grapes mainly sourced from the Barossa region. The 5th Generation Shiraz 2015 it quintessential Aussie Red. With notes of ripe plum, dark chocolate and blackberries, at just $16.99 a bottle this wine is great value from an ‘A list’ Aussie winemaker.

TASTING NOTES: Medium to full bodied, the silky palate is rich with red fruits and vanilla. The soft integrated tannin structure gives the wine a real elegance and mid palate structure. The multi-layered depth of flavours and long lingering finish make this an impressive wine.

Food Match: Slow roasted braised lamb shank or a classic roast beef. Perfect match for red meat dishes all around. Ideal match for a stew, beef ragout.

Yalumba are one of the earliest producers from the Barossa valley and a one of the brands responsible, in a large part, for the development of what is the Aussie wine industry today. Responsible for introducing quite a few ‘new’ varieties to the region, with experimentation and innovation being central to their success.

The name of this wine ‘Paradox’, from the Distinguished Sites, range is an expression of the contradictory nature of this wine.

Not a wine you’d expect from the Barossa region - rather than the high octane ‘big Aussie’ Shiraz with strong new oak flavours this wine is instead a lot more subtle and velvety, soft and gentle.

TASTING NOTES: An inky, crimson colour with complex aromas full of spice , crushed black pepper, violets and fennel with hints of blueberries. The palate is like layers of velvet with great structure and flavours reminiscent of satsuma plums, olives, black pepper and anise.

FOOD MATCH: A great match with Pumpkin & mushroom risotto with truffle & roasted beetroot grilled lamb backstrap with chimichurri & roasted potatoes Dark chocolate cake with poached sour cherries & fresh cream.

Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015

Akarua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015

Central Otago has a reputation for turning out some of our best Pinot Noirs. With a short growing season, hot dry summers and tough soil, the stress on the vines create very thick skins with a huge amount of flavour, structure and colour.

This wine was made from grapes sourced from a vineyard in Bendigo denoted as Claim 431. Grown in free draining loam soil over schist gravel makes this area perfect for growing outstanding Pinot Noir. At just $32.99 this wine represents great value for money and is a great expression of a central Otago Pinot Noir TASTING NOTES: Ruby red in colour with a bouquet of freshly crushed wildberries, dark plums, brooding spice and underlying elegant oak nuances.

A generous and layered palate is woven with elegant and textured dark fruit tannins and integrated woodspice notes. A backbone of classic Central Otago acidity helps to balance and maintain vibrancy in the finish.

FOOD MATCH: Juicy and succulent red meats such as duck, venison or lamb with a light flavoursome jus will pair beautifully with this Pinot Noir.

Akarua has always been a favourite of mine from discovering the winery quite a few years back on a Central Otago wine tour. Still in it’s infancy back then, the central Otago wine industry has grown to take on international acclaim. Akarua, as one of the early iconic producers from the region, has sat front and centre with a good stakeholder within the much coveted Bannockburn sub-region of the Central Otago wine region.

This wine is a stunning representation of the Bannockburn Pinot Noirs and without doubt maintains the mantle of being one of the best.

And at just $34.99 it represents incredible value if you are looking for something a little special without a huge budget.

TASTING NOTES: Deep ruby red in colour with a bouquet of sweet spices dark fruit and undertones of forest floor. The palate is finely balanced with the distinctive red and black berries you’d expect to find in a pinot noir, fine tannins and an elegant finish FOOD MATCH: Try this with venison, a fine roast duck, even something mildly spiced like a Peking duck, or dark chocolate.

Taste PROMOTION

AUCKLAND’S BEST ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT JAPANESE BUFFET

Haru NoYume The New Zealand market is overwhelmed by cookie cutter Japanese restaurants, however there is one restaurant that is clearly changing the way Japanese cuisine is served up.

Nestled in a quiet spot near Victoria Park, on 3 Vernon Street, lies one of Auckland’s best kept secrets.

Established in 2008, and originally located in Mt Eden, Haru no Yume is operated by executive chef Rex Chang, who prides himself on his ability to source the freshest ingredients on a daily basis. Working with head chef Takashí Ueno, who has more than 32 years of experience, he transforms those fresh goods into mouth-watering Japanese dishes to tickle your taste buds.

Lunch is where Chang gets into his experimental element, drawing on his own years of experience to ramp up the personal dining encounter for those wanting to impress clients. With a wide range of options to choose from on the lunch menu – including sushi, donburi and bento boxes – when we were there, we could see why a sizeable queue was lining up for a quick lunch. Personally, my favourite is the chicken karaage!

But wait, there’s more. Despite fantastic lunchtimes, Haru no Yume really comes into its own at dinner time. At only $49 a head, the all-you-can-eat buffet begins with a large sashimi platter, which you might have seen going crazy on social media at the moment!

Edamame bean appetisers and chicken karaage are then followed by the traditional shabu-shabu (hot-pot), where you can order an

unlimited supply of raw meats to cook along with fresh vegetables from the buffet. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a wide range of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, and tempura prawns available from the buffet, to name but a few.

At Haru No Yume, you will be sure to never leave hungry – in fact, you’ll most likely be full of way too much sake and sushi. Which reminds us… HNY boasts some of the top sakes in Auckland, including Ozeki premium sake – an essential element of the Japanese dining experience.

It’s official; we’ve found heaven on earth, and it’s an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet on Vernon Street.

Book now at harunoyume.co.nz or call 09-309-5446

GYOZA POT

BEEF TATAKI

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Food NEWS COOKING WITH CLASS Spending time in the kitchen has never been less of a chore than it is now, with new appliances that are as smart as they are chic. The Miele ArtLine series showcases just how classy and elegant minimalism can be. With not a handle in sight, the new range blends seamlessly with flush kitchen cabinetry fronts. No hazards or balancing acts here with the exclusive Touch2Open and SoftOpen technology, which ensures smooth and easy door opening. Staying true to its colour scheme, the new range comes in the classic Miele alluring Obsidian Black, as well as a new Graphite Grey, which is popping up in trendleading kitchens worldwide. miele.co.nz

Gluten-free pizza dough that tastes as good as the real deal

Check OUT

The latest must-try and must-buy foodie treats, as well as a few new trends to get your taste buds around.

Let’s be honest with each other, most gluten-free stuff doesn’t have the best reputation for being as tasty and satisfying as the ‘real dough’. That is why we have moved on to try cauliflower pizza bases, which are delicious in their own right but still far from the real deal. Home St. set themselves a challenge to change that and satisfy our cravings, so they’ve brought us their GF, sprouted, good seed pizza bases ($6.90). Top them with ‘the works’ or simply cheese. These pizza bases, whatever you do with them, will soon become a staple in your cupboard.

LOVE YOUR TEA There aren’t many things more therapeutic than nestling in bed, hands wrapped around a hot mug of tea. Not only is tea good for your mental health – and staving off dementia, some studies are stating – but also for your overall health. Turmeric tea is incredible for reducing inflammation throughout the body, licorice root tea supports your respiratory system and your adrenal glands while lemongrass and ginger can relieve indigestion and calm an upset stomach. Love Tea stocks certified organic versions of all of the above, along with teas to help with fertility, glowing skin, breastfeeding, sleeping, liver cleansing and your metabolism. Buy for $14.95 at stockist, naturalthings.co.nz

Your dream kitchen addition just got better Y At some point in time, most of us have lusted for a KitchenAid. Whether it is the colourful punch they pack, or the fact they make you bake like a pro, we would all love one. The iconic countertop appliance is to a baker what w th the perfect golf clubs are to Tiger Woods, they enhance your skills and make you look good. New Zealand now finally has available the best of the m be best, as the KitchenAid Pro Line® Series blender is here. Even the most ch challenging ingredients are blitzed by the asymmetric stainless steel blades an and there is the ability to do more, such as the Thermal Control Jar with a un unique dual-wall that heats blended ingredients. Whether you are making gr grandma’s recipe or trying out a new healthy alternative you found on the in internet, the KitchenAid can make anything easier. kitchenaid.com

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Health DEBATE

FOLLOW YOUR

gut feeling

It is part of our body that few of us spend much time thinking about… until it gurgles after a dodgy meal, but new studies and experts alike are arguing that our gut is the secret to optimal overall physical and mental health.

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR

Many of us complain that we are constantly tired; that no matter how hard we try, every diet is unsuccessful; and we catch every cold that does the rounds. We try every pill, potion and fad we can possibly think of to feel better, but we are always unsuccessful.

This is because we are forgetting to look after our gut.

THE GUTS OF IT Our gut, or what we should call the ‘engine room’, is believed to play a pivotal role in our wellbeing. From managing depression to weight loss, and immunity to acne, it all comes down to the gut’s microbiota.

Registered clinical nutritionist, award-winning author, educator and speaker Maria Middlestead explains that the microbiota (formerly called gut flora) comprises the microorganisms in the gut, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

“They can weigh up to 2 kilos,” she says. “A healthy population enables good digestion and immunity, influencing mind, mood, cravings, weight and potentially every aspect of health. The living, adaptive gut microbiota is part of why the gut has been called the ‘second brain’.” There is, it seems, so much more to our guts than good or bad digestion. Experts and studies alike state the variety of microorganisms that call our gut home have pivotal roles in how many kilojoules we absorb from food, how well our immune system works and how much serotonin we produce. Middlestead believes that physical and mental health starts in the gut. “Without good gut health, myriad problems

with digestion, absorption and elimination can occur,” she says.

“Most recently, research shows that a diverse microbiome (gut population) from eating a wide range of whole foods can help prevent obesity and diabetes.”

KEEP YOUR GUT HEALTHY – YOUR WELLBEING COUNTS ON IT There are many signs of poor gut health, Middlestead says these can include bloating, gas and loose or sluggish bowel function. Thankfully there are plenty of things we can do to create a healthier lifestyle for our gut. “At last there is one dietary truth that every part of the nutrition spectrum – from Paleo, vegan to mainstream advocates – agrees on: eat minimally processed foods,” Middlestead says. “Emphasise high-fibre and eat five colours of fruit and vegetables daily.

Read labels and avoid [additive] numbers, too much ‘white’ or otherwise highly refined food.

Gradually achieve this for at least 80 percent of your eating, this allows for social flexibility.”

It isn’t, however, all down to what you eat. “Just as important is the role of stress on the gut,” she says. “Eat slowly and calmly, exercise, play, relax, socialise, contemplate and have heart-toheart talks with supportive others to help deal with life issues. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the need for medications, the most common side effect of which is digestive problems.”

NOT ALL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AGREE Hippocrates famously said, ‘all disease begins in the gut’ and

years later, while some doctors and scientists are beginning to realise he was right, others remain hesitant. “Medicine has become so specialised and its toolbox too focused on drugs and surgery. GPs and most specialists commonly do not hear about the impressive research on how diet and gut health influence systemic health,” Middlestead says.

Research into gut microbiota is rapidly growing and expanding, according to Alan Fraser, associate professor of medicine at University of Auckland and gastroenterologist at Auckland Gastroenterology Associates.

However, he believes the varying opinions between medical professionals and “alternative natural therapists” should be addressed with scientific rather than anecdotal evidence.

“There is the implication that a ‘healthy gut’ can improve overall wellbeing – now [that is] moving away from scientific evidence. This might include claims of improved energy and concentration... all of this is unproven!” he says. “There are no obvious risks to taking probiotics or taking natural products or making dietary changes that will alter gut microbiota, but the evidence for health gains are slim.”

PROBIOTICS VS PREBIOTICS Both are said to be good for your gut health, but what is the difference?

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that maintain a healthy digestive system by controlling growth of harmful bacteria.

Prebiotics, according to Maria Middlestead, are the “favourite food of the good guy bacteria and help increase their population and lower that of invading pathogens”.

PROBIOTICS s +OMBUCHA TEA AND Kefir have high probiotic counts, but just be mindful of how much you have and the sugar content of flavoured options. s +IMCHI LIVE CULTURED yogurt, miso soup, tempeh and sauerkraut are also high in probiotics.

PREBIOTICS s ,INSEED CHIA SEAWEED

oats, barley, onion, garlic, apple, mango and Jerusalem artichoke are good ways to inject prebiotics into your diet.

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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TRADE THE

treadmill for barbells

When we head to the gym there is one thing we all want: maximum results in minimal time.

We run, cycle and row ourselves silly, all while avoiding weights because many women are under the impression it will make us ‘bulky’ or ‘masculine’. Truth is, we could be missing the secret to a dream toned, taut body.

I

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR

t is not uncommon, as we walk into the gym, to see the cardio equipment mainly occupied by women, or as they are known in the fitness world – cardio bunnies. There is nothing wrong with cardio, in fact it is important for a healthy lifestyle. There is, however, something very wrong with the idea that women should not be in the weights room because ‘doing weights will make them bulky or masculine’. Trainers and researchers alike agree that two of the biggest misconceptions surrounding gaining muscle – hypertrophy – is that it will happen easily and by simply lifting weights. The truth is, for women to gain muscle mass, it is difficult and will not come with simple lifting.

Kate McEntee, owner of Auckland CBD and Karaka F45 training, wants to put an end to this incorrect assumption. “Strength training will not make you bulky or masculine, as it is actually harder for women to build muscle because they have far less testosterone than men,” she says. “But what it will do is give you well-shaped, toned muscles. Another great thing is it will continue to burn calories even after you have completed your workout!” As a trainer at F45, the latest training style to take the world by storm, McEntee is eager to see more women partaking in weight training. “We absolutely love seeing our female members come into our studio scared of lifting weights and often saying ‘we’ll just do light weights’, but then after a few weeks we see them increase those weights, push themselves to their limit and really get excited about our strength-based sessions because they can see the changes in their body and they feel stronger and more defined.”

Part of the problem with the misconception around strength training lies in the idea that men and women should be training differently.

This myth is often not helped by the weight section at the gym that is overwhelmed with grunting men lifting heavy weights, a daunting experience for any gymgoer. McEntee believes that men and women should train the same. At F45, men and women complete the same sessions and the same exercises, she says.

After learning this it may be tempting to head straight to your nearest gym or studio and pick up the heaviest weight you can manage, but McEntee advises against that. “First, learn to do a move using only your body weight. Once you’ve got the form correct, then add weights. Finally, when you can complete nearly all of your reps with proper form, add another set or more weight.” There are a lot of other common mistakes that can be made in the fitness world, especially by those eager for quick changes. We are, of course, all guilty of looking

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for shortcuts. McEntee says the most common mistakes she sees are people skipping warm ups, executing poor form and neglecting opposing muscle groups. “Working cold muscles can lead to sprains and tears, so spend that extra time prepping those muscles for the workout,” she says. “At F45, we have a dynamic warm up before every session involving push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges and burpees to prep our muscles prior to the workout.”

As for poor form, we are all guilty of this at some point or other in our fitness lives, no matter how short or long-lived it might be. “Correct posture is crucial and we are constantly reminding members to stand straight, head over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over feet, eyes looking forward to prevent shoulders rounding, core tight and knees over your second toe,” McEntee says. The last mistake, neglecting opposing muscle groups, is one that few of us think about. “For every exercise that works the front of the body (chest, biceps, quads), be sure to do an exercise that targets the rear (back, triceps, hamstrings),” McEntee says.

The more you get into strength training, and the more you understand about the dos and the don’ts, the easier it is to understand why people are so addicted. The front runners of the fitness scene – High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and F45 – both incorporate strength training into their programs and are scientifically proven to be effective.

“The best thing about HIIT-style workouts is they encourage excessive post-exercise oxygen consumption, or what is more commonly known as the ‘afterburn effect’. The body can continue to burn fat for up to several hours post workout,” McEntee says. “HIIT is also extremely effective as we become increasingly time poor, so you want a workout that is efficient and effective.” F45 is a relatively new form of workout and is popping up all around the world. F stands for functional and 45 for the workout duration, and it merges three leading-edge fitness training styles into one group training experience – HIIT, Circuit Training, and Functional Training. “The F45 combination of interval, cardiovascular and strength training has been proven to be the most effective workout method for burning fat and building lean muscle,” McEntee says.

It is clear that strength training needs to be incorporated into your workout regime. It is, after all, the best way to get the body you are after. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more muscle, less fat, a higher resting metabolism and, in turn, a body that burns more calories at rest? More importantly, in a high-stress society, it is important to take time for yourself – and not just a hot bath and a face mask on a Saturday night. Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy. And happy people live a more motivated, moderated and mindful life.

Workout PLAN If you truly want to get fit, try incorporating some of these moves into your everyday workout.

Kettlebell Swing

Health FITNESS

HOW TO:

Feet shoulder-width apart, descend into a quarter squat and push your hips back. Arms straight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and without rounding your back â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thrust your hips forward and swing the kettlebell. Allow gravity to pull the kettlebell down as you push your butt back; bend your knees.

TIP: The biggest thing with a kettlebell is never rounding your back.

HOW TO:

Barbell Deadlifts TIP: Maintain good form by keeping your body tight and imagine putting your shoulder blades back and down into your back pockets.

Pull the bar as close to your shins as possible, feet shoulder-width apart, and pick up the bar. Keeping your chest maintaining tightness, lower the weight back down by bending forward at the hips, move the bar back down the front of your legs until it touches the ground.

HOW TO:

Barbell Squat TIP: For the perfect form, keep your chest up, shoulders back and eyes forward.

Place the barbell on the muscles on your upper back, squeezing the shoulder blades together to ensure the bar is secure. Position your feet slightly wider than shoulder width and toes pointing slightly outwards. Maintain pressure in the heels and keep a neutral spine throughout the duration of the rep.

Health NEWS CREATE A NEW, NE ZEN YOU THIS WINTER

Check UP

Just because the weather w is starting to turn, it doesn’t mean our health-focused motivation motivatio needs to cease. It has never been so easy to take care of yourself.

As the colder months ccreep in, excuses arise for not getting up and going to the gym; gym you are not alone in this. A trick for keeping motivated is doing yoga, a workout that just so happens to be f both our minds and bodies – especially in the good for winte winter. Director of Creature Yoga and Wanderlust yoga instr instructor, Tahl Rinsky, says yoga “helps lift dull lazy energ energy that is usually present during colder months... We tend to be less mobile during the winter months; yoga helps us stay opened and expansive in our bodies, it releases stress and builds internal heat.” heat According to Rinsky we should focus on sun salutations, spinal twist and pigeon, as each focuses on major muscle groups and common problem area areas. Whether you are a yoga novice or a yogi, the best way to look like you know the difference between a downward facing dog and the child pose is dressing fo for success.

THE RIGHT TOOL

We love WE-AR’s 100 percent naturally sourced, recyclable rubber mat, which is embedded with jute for nonslip yoga practice.

WE-AR Yoga mat, $95.

THE RIGHT GE AR

Yoga is a time when you should let your individuality shine, which is why these Venus & Milo yoga pants are perfect. venusandmilo.nz $140

O Over-the-counter contraceptive pill cont

WHEN TECHNOLOGY MEETS TRAINER It is all about keeping yourself motivated and moving in order to live a healthy, happy life – not just in the winter.

Apple Watch apps can help evaluate your workout, encourage you to drink enough water and coach you like an athlete with the latest new and award-winning offerings.

Zova for Apple Watch tracks and evaluates your daily exercise and guides you through walks, runs and 10-minute workouts that make a difference.

WaterMinder reminds us to stay hydrated, which not enough of us do. Friendly reminders get you off your feet and to the water cooler or tap.

PEAR gives you audio coaching, developed by Olympians and fitness leaders, and it responds to your body’s feedback to give you a real-time training experience.

We all know the trick to embarking on a new healthy lifestyle is someone holding you accountable, in this instance that motivator is just on your wrist.

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Women have hav fought long and hard over th the past few centuries to get tthe right over their own of control ove bodies. We are regularly taking steps ste forward and backwards... but it can be backwa said we never give up. In good news for women of go New Zealand, they will soon be able to access their oral contraceptives over the counter at selected pharmacies.

The decision, which was made in February, announced that ‘within the next three to four months, selected combined oral contraceptives and progesterone-only pills would be available from trained Unichem and Life pharmacists. Let’s be honest, we are all incredibly busy and fitting in a doctor’s visit to get our next prescription can get knocked down the list of priorities, which makes this decision even more significant.

SPIN CLASS TO EGGS BENEDICT IN ST YLE It is proven – by us at least – that new activewear motivates you to work out. So, scientists may not be lining up to confirm our hypothesis, but we are pretty certain new activewear gets us to the gym. That is why we are stocking up this winter on pieces that can go from spin classes to eggs Benedict. Under Armour has us sorted for activewear pieces that a) look good and b) are practical for a sweaty spin class or braving the elements and running on cold mornings. The material feels like it reads your mind: think ventilation where you need it, high rise waistbands for optimal support and quickdry for all-day comfort.

Pressure POINTS

C

Whether you work to live or live to work, chances are you have experienced your own level of stress in the workplace.

That is what life in the real world is all about, right?

But what happens when this accepted stress becomes unacceptable, what happens when it is bordering on anxiety?

ast your mind back to the day before a big brief or the week of deadline, everyone is a little highly strung. If the coffee machine runs out of beans that day, there might be a riot. Stress is in the air, but it is the sort of stress that can be embraced. It can give you that triple-shot, adrenaline rush that you need to achieve the task at hand. The thing is, this is just a sporadic occurrence and these people are stressed for good reason. But what happens when you are stressed every day? When your work stress makes it hard to breath, makes your fingers tingle and makes your negative thinking run into overdrive. In these cases, the adrenaline doesn’t kick into gear and the stress doesn’t stay within the four walls of your office.

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR

figure out what your way of coping with stress and/or anxiety is.”

Our modern working life is inundated with environmental factors that can cause anxiety and stress. We struggle daily with work-life balance, as constant communication comes from all directions, with unwanted emails popping up every few seconds, and DMs or IMs persistently buzzing us on our mobiles. The majority of us also fight to overcome the financial stress of not making enough money to live the life we envisioned. For others, their work is plagued with unrealistic deadlines and pressure. To add fuel to the fire, a lot of us are wholly wrapped up in the idea that we must only do what we are passionate about.

It’s starting to sound familiar, right?

In turn, people are increasingly finding First things first: we need to put themselves taking work home and an end to the idea that if you being completely defined by their get overly stressed at work WHAT IS jobs. It isn’t all because of tyrant you are weak, that it is bosses like in The Devil Wears WORKPLACE your emotions getting Prada either, rather it is the ANXIETY? the better of you or expectation and pressure we Excessive and constant that you are simply worry, inability to relax, poor put on ourselves to be perfect, not doing your job sleep, edginess, irritability, successful business women. right. Counsellor at difficulty concentrating Think back a bit, maybe an Fillan Healthcare and and avoidance. hour or maybe a day, and recall founder of The Balanced the last time you said ‘yes’ to Life, Ellie Hancock, reminds someone asking you to do something us that what is weak is ignorance while you were at work. Maybe it was and we shouldn’t ignore the ways we are your boss you were trying to impress or feeling. “There is nothing ‘weak’ about a stressed out colleague who you wanted acknowledging what is happening inside to help. None of us want to disappoint your head, what you are thinking and anyone, least of all ourselves. That is why feeling,” she says. “Everyone has this so many of us have a to-do list longer than voice, and [even though] we all learn to our ASOS wish list and the constant feeling do everything in our own special way, of pressure and stress weighing down on us. sometimes you need a little help just to

IS YOUR WORKPLACE STRESS BECOMING TOO MUCH? ARE YOU… Thinking about work 24/7?

Not sleeping?

Jumping from task to task?

Skipping work lunches/events with coworkers?

Struggling to meet deadlines?

Struggling to speak up at meetings?

If you answered yes to one or more of these, you should consider whether your stress is too much.

“A little bit of stress is normal and can be healthy, it keeps you on your toes,” Hancock says. “However, you should be able to switch off when you leave work and unwind. [If] it begins to affect things such as sleep and eating habits, consequently, overall mood can become quite low as anxious thoughts become harder and harder to quieten. It can also lead to a lot of illness and you can feel unwell and quite burnt out. If you find yourself not being able to sleep at night or eat in the morning, or waking up thinking about work, it’s definitely time to address those thoughts.”

The biggest problem is that whether you are experiencing one or all of these factors on a scale from a little to a lot, in today’s society, stress and anxiety have become the norm. Anxiety in general is a large part of our lives, even if it is at times unspoken,

Health WELLBEING with one in four Kiwis having experienced anxiety and panic attacks. Workplace stress and anxiety is also common and, unsurprisingly, on the rise. A 2015 Business New Zealand survey on Wellness in the Workplace found general stress/anxiety levels did increase during 2014, with the major stressors being workload, family relationships and long hours, closely followed by pressure to meet work targets.

Hancock says while it is hard to pinpoint an exact answer as to why workplace stress is becoming more common, it is likely to come down to pressure we put on ourselves.

“I can see that many think they should automatically know exactly which dream career they want/should have. So people often find themselves in a rut, in a job they don’t particularly enjoy, putting pressure on themselves that they should be doing something else.”

None of this is wrong per se, that is until it is affecting your wellbeing. Whether your job is your passion or paycheck, it is important to switch off for the sake of your health. A study completed by Marianna Virtanen and her team, published on PLoS ONE, found that “working 11 or more hours a day could double your risk of severe depression.” Likewise, a joint 2015 Harvard and Stanford universities study compared work-related stress to the harms of secondhand smoke exposure. Your happiness also depends on your health.

Take Denmark for example, one of the happiest countries in the world. Danes own the work-life balance. Their official work week is 37 hours and they work 1563 hours every year, which is significantly less than the OECD average of 1739.

Considering working less hours is not likely to be an option for most of us, it is important to understand how to take care of ourselves. Internationally acclaimed nutritional biochemist, author and speaker, Dr Libby has a lot of experience in helping people take care of themselves, from stress and exhaustion to beauty from the inside out. “We are living in a time like no other.

We are connected 24/7 and pretty much on the go from the moment we get up until the moment we lay our head on our pillow.

Once upon a time there was naturally, without effort, more food for our souls and downtime in our lives,” she says. “Fatigue, low moods, apathy and anxious feelings are just some of the ways our body might choose to let us know that we are physically, mentally and/or emotionally exhausted.

I cannot encourage people enough to pay attention to what adds to their energy and what depletes it, because, let’s face it, everything in life is more difficult when we are exhausted.”

There is nothing ‘weak’ about acknowledging what is happening inside your head, what you are thinking and feeling.

Ellie Hancock

WAYS TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS AND ANXIETY tt Have a self-care policy to follow when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. tt Create a bedtime routine to help wind down. Also, consider taking natural supplements like magnesium to help relax you. tt Spend a set amount of time on each task and do it right the first time. tt Talk to a trusted colleague about your stress; having a trusted support person will help. tt Keep a healthy mind and body; limit alcohol and caffeine, eat healthily, prioritise sleep and working out. tt Don’t tie yourself to your desk when you are ‘too busy to leave’. tt Have plenty of downtime, preferably free of social media.

Important in this case is the Rushing Woman’s Syndrome, both a real issue and the name of a book Dr Libby created. “So many women are now living in a constant state of stress, trying to do more and be more to all people. They are demanding more and more of themselves physically and mentally and, over time, this can compromise their health. This way of living comes from a beautiful place – it’s because we care so much. I want women to know that prioritising their own health and wellbeing isn’t selfish – it can actually help them to show up every day as the person, mother, daughter, partner, friend and colleague that they want to be.”

When it comes to prioritising your own health, whether it is because you are stressed at work or simply stressed from modern day life, there are plenty of options that do not include quitting your job or reaching for medication. Both Hancock and Dr Libby agree it is important to take time for yourself. Whether it is creating what Hancock calls a self-care policy, a routine of things that help you prevent becoming overwhelmed or Dr Libby’s approach through food and nutrients.

“It would be wonderful if people could get all the nutrients they need from eating nutrient-dense foods, however, unfortunately, this isn’t a reality for many people. The food we eat contains fewer and fewer nutrients and if a nutrient is not in the soil, it cannot be in our food. Studies have shown that our body is better able to absorb and utilise nutrients from our food. This is a big part of why I developed Bio Blends, my food-based (not synthetic) nutritional supplement range,” she says. Many of us shy away from ‘taking’ anything but it is important, like Dr Libby says, to ensure you have the right vitamins and take the right things to give your body what it is missing. “Chronic stress can deplete nutrients in the body and can compromise the health of our adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones, so appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation can be game-changing for many people.”

Whether this piece resonates with you so much it feels like a diary entry, or is more of a note to your future self, the most important thing we need to remember is that nothing is ever more important than our health. It is easy to adopt the attitude of ‘she’ll be right’, or start to think that being busy and taking on all tasks that are handed to you is a sign of success, after all, who doesn’t want to be the go-to golden child? Unfortunately, stress and anxiety may start as small, internal problems but, left to fester, they can become colds, infections, headaches, stomach problems and fatigue, which can all open new doors to new problems. In other words, take a deep breath and consider whether it is time to assess your situation.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH We are always told to take a deep breath and then tackle the issue.

That is because slow, deep breathing can decrease anxiety and panic.

Take a deep breath: breathing in for four counts, hold it for five and then release your breath for five counts.

Try these apps to help you manage your breathing.

BREATHE+ Control your breathing with the soothing visualisations.

HEADSPACE Go through guided meditation for days when you just need to take a break and slowdown.

For many, being fired from two consecutive high-profile jobs would be enough reason to just call it a day (or at the very least, seriously reconsider their career path). But then, Sarah Robb O’Hagan isn’t most people.

0

WORDS BY YASMIN FORSYTHE

nce an unemployed Kiwi graduate, O’Hagan is now the chief executive officer of the successful Flywheel Sports, an American sporting company that operates indoor cycling ride studios across the US. She’s also the woman behind the ExtremeYOU movement, designed to help others become their best selves by embracing failure and maximising their potential. And if anyone knows about failure, it’s Sarah Robb O’Hagan.

Less than 20 years ago, O’Hagan was in a very different position. Stranded in a foreign country, laid off and in danger of being deported, the 20-something O’Hagan was ready to give up on a career in marketing. Fired from her role at Virgin and then laid off from her vice-president of marketing position at Atari Interactive just two years later, O’Hagan believed her career was officially over. The two experiences, to this day, still make her cringe.

“I had to go through the experience of packing my desk into a box and walking through the office with everyone looking at me ... twice,” the CEO would later recall in an interview with the Business Insider. “It was awful.”

As awful as it may have been, O’Hagan’s predictions of the end of her career wouldn’t eventuate. Not long after leaving Atari, she went on to land a marketing director role at Nike. From there she became the president of multibillion-dollar sports drink company, Gatorade. And, in 2012, she was named president of Equinox Holdings, the parent company of fitness chains Equinox, Pure Yoga, and Soul Cycle. A far cry from the hopeless young marketing graduate at the turn of the millennium, the current CEO of Flywheel Sports is energetic, optimistic and eager to pass on advice to others who may be struggling to get their careers moving.

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Following the launch of ExtremeYOU, which encompasses both offline and online tools, O’Hagan has also tried her hand at writing to get her message across. Her book, aptly titled ExtremeYOU, is about helping people become ‘extreme’ versions of themselves in order to achieve success. A key part of which, O’Hagan says, is learning to embrace failure. “Honestly, the reason I wrote the book is that people get scared of failure because they haven’t experienced it but, actually, if you haven’t failed you simply won’t reach the ultimate point of your own potential because it is in failure that some of the most important growth happens,” the author explains. In a bid to remove the stigma surrounding failure, O’Hagan is sharing her own experiences and those of others to demonstrate how failure can eventually lead to success.

After interviewing numerous successful people (or what O’Hagan likes to call her ‘Extremers’) in various fields from fashion to food, O’Hagan began to notice a pattern involving failure. “All the people I interviewed in the book – every single one of them – they’re extraordinarily successful people on a global scale and when I said to them the premise of this book is: ‘I want to hear what were the tougher failures and difficult stories that you went through,’ they all said, ‘Oh my God where do I start? There are so many’.”

But she also acknowledges taking risks and facing failure is a difficult skill for those living in the modern age. “We are in a much more thriving time than our grandparents were and I think when you have less to lose you’re willing to take more risks,” O’Hagan explains. “Whereas I feel we’re all being raised in a time where we have a lot to lose because life is good, so I think there are real cultural underpinnings to it.” And if recent research is

DYLAN COULTER

Facing FAILURE

anything to go by, risk aversion seems to be on the rise. A 2015 Wall Street analysis found that US startups by people in their 20s were at their lowest in 24 years. Surprisingly, the population perhaps most suited to taking risks – young, healthy, unmarried 20-somethings with no children, mortgages and somewhat low debts (excluding student loans) – are in fact, the least likely to take risks. Conversely, the fastestgrowing group of startups in the US is those aged over 50, according to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, an organisation that studies small businesses.

Some experts suggest attitudes towards risk and failure can also be put down to upbringing. O’Hagan says she does feel parenting, schooling and culture can all be major factors in how we handle failure. “As Kiwis, we were raised culturally to have what I call the underdog advantage, we worked our asses off for every win we got,” says the ExtremeYOU author, who was inspired to write the book after noticing how her own children were being taught about failure and success.

“One of my kids started playing youth sports and they were coming with participation trophies and I was just like, ‘Seriously, what is that?’” After noticing the connection between risk taking and upbringing, O’Hagan says she now understands why some of her younger employees struggle with a fear of failure.

Driven to act, the young mother of three was determined to offer a counter-culture view on failure and success. “I just felt really strongly that we as a culture have been raising a generation the wrong way. It’s not fair to just tell everyone that everyone’s going to be a winner. It’s better to give people the tools and the honest stories of failure and the things that go behind it [i.e.success] to help them understand that it’s a totally normal part of life.”

Despite having young people in mind when she launched the ExtremeYOU platform, O’Hagan believes people of all ages and career stages can benefit from what she calls “checking ourselves out”. In other words, taking time to understand yourself as a person and to discover your own unique traits and talents. Only once this is achieved will Extremers be able to maximise their talents and push past failures. Understandably, O’Hagan says, this is not always easy. “How I was able to find mine was a lot of trial and error,” she says. The key, according to O’Hagan, is moving past that fear and seizing every opportunity you get. Her biggest advice? Don’t wait for opportunities to come along – go out there and find them.

“If you worry too much about that, you’ll end up standing on the sidelines for too long, as opposed to just getting in there and starting and trying things. Inevitably, whatever you do, it will open up new doors because you’ve started on something.”

Indeed, taking well-calculated risks is heralded by both experts and successful people alike as being a contributing factor in success. And arguably, it’s a skill that women may have more difficulty grasping than their male counterparts.

According to some studies, women are more risk averse than men. In 2012, psychologists from the British Psychological Society who surveyed more than 2000 working men a nd women worldwide found that men are twice as likely to take risks than women.

Although the cause of this is debatable (some experts believe this has more to do with wage gaps than it does human nature), playing it safe in the workspace is not always the best policy according to O’Hagan.

but at a personal level. “I was just so much more confident because I was effectively being myself, speaking my own language… as opposed to editing myself into a system that was very foreign to me.”

Although she didn’t know it at the time, O’Hagan’s refusal to conform would later become one of her greatest attributes. A technique she fondly refers to in her book as ‘getting out of line’, O’Hagan stresses the importance of knowing when to challenge the status quo.

But the CEO also warns while it is important to be confident enough to make bold moves and speak out where appropriate, true Extremers always strive to remain humble. ‘Getting over yourself ’, and acknowledging your weaknesses are also required to achieve greatness, she says. This is because Extremers, while positioning themselves for great success, are likely to also face great failures. Just like O’Hagan, all of the successful subjects featured in ExtremeYOU faced significant setbacks. But, like O’Hagan, they mastered the art of grit. A hot topic among researchers in recent years, the concept of grit and resilience is often said to be the backbone of success. First brought to the public eye by Angela Duckworth, a prominent member of the psychology community and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the term grit has now become a popular teaching tool for students.

If you worry too much about that you’ll end up standing on the sidelines for too long, as opposed to just getting in there and starting and trying things.

She believes many people in the work force with a tendency towards conforming and ‘editing ourselves down’ could actually be doing themselves a disservice by not being true to their character. The pressure to conform to business and industry norms is something the CEO and writer has grappled with herself. Describing a time early in her career when she worked for Air New Zealand, O’Hagan says she would frequently find herself in a state of distress because of this. “At times, I would go home at night in tears because I had to put my presentations together in a way the company liked to do it and it was like speaking a foreign language for me,” the author explains. “I remember saying to my boss, ‘this is it, you should either fire me right now or I’m going to start doing things the way I know how to do them’.”

Dubbing it her ‘Jerry Maguire moment’, O’Hagan’s brave decision to confront her boss would eventually pay off – not only for the business

Today O’Hagan is hoping to use the tool to help Extremers of all ages find the determination they need to succeed in their chosen field. “There are a couple of incredible stories in [the book], of people who really were at the top of their game and their willingness to go back and start over on something, and really deeply learn again, was incredibly courageous,” the author explains. “It just made me realise that it is a journey. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s or 60s, there’s still so much opportunity to develop and learn – but you have to have the humility to be willing to do it and I found that to be really inspiring.”

Coming to terms with her own humility, the Kiwi businesswoman is determined to continue challenging herself. With more self-help tools in the works, and plans to bring ExtremeYOU to disadvantaged youth communities, O’Hagan is hoping to seriously expand the ExtremeYOU platform. And between running two companies and running multiple marathons, the CEO and author has even found time to pick up a new hobby – piano lessons. Ironically, it’s not the running of two companies that O’Hagan struggles with the most. It’s the piano. “I actually didn’t enjoy [the piano lessons] very much,” says O’Hagan, who describes herself as “useless” at playing the musical instrument. But, as she so clearly challenges, you’ll never know until you try.

*epson.co.nz/ecotank

9

Smart Ways to FINANCIAL CONTROL

No one likes to talk about money, whether it is the debt they have occurred or their uncertainties around their net worth. Presenter and Money Secrets 101 author, Janet Xuccoa, opens the discussion and shares some financial tips to help us stand on our own two feet and control our finances.

I

t’s this flipping simple – the one relationship you’ll constantly have throughout your whole life is the one you have with money. You can choose to be in control of that relationship or have the relationship control you.

To my mind, I like dictating the rules and being in control. It’s liberating.

It’s empowering. It’s downright comforting when I get to call the shots as to where dollars, pounds and euros go.

Ultimately, I like to have my money working for me rather than me working for my money. If you want to be in this situation, try some of the points I’m making here.

1

Understand Your Own Financial Health

The actual exercise of getting a grip on what financial shape you’re in is easy. All you have to do is calculate your net worth. Add up the value of all your assets (cash, stocks, bonds, value of your home, value of investment properties, etc.). Next add up all your debts (credit card debt, retail shop card loans, student loan, hire purchase loans, vehicle loans, personal bank loans, mortgage loans, etc.). Now subtract the total amount of debt from the total value of assets. The resulting number is your net worth.

Some people find this exercise easier to do over a glass of wine. Others need a bottle.

Whatever the case, understanding your net worth is vital because it enables you to set a plan on increasing that special number.

2

Know Thy Self

If you want a life that doesn’t involve scrambling to find money all the time, you need to understand how much you earn and how much you spend. This may seem straightforward, but most people don’t know where their coin goes until they’ve completed the exercise in Money Secrets 101.

This frequently results in them having too much month left over after they’ve spent all their cash.

A word of caution… when completing this exercise, remember to look back but don’t stare. Don’t berate yourself over past behaviour. Instead gain an awareness of your past actions. Now move on.

Understanding money inflows and outflows not only reduces financial stress but also provides us with a sense of empowerment.

This is because it permits us to take action, which in turn leads us to greater financial freedom.

Once you know your true monthly financial position, you’ll be ready to find ways to cut expenses and/or develop ways to increase cash, all so you can travel towards achieving the money goals you’ve set yourself.

3

What You Own Is Important.

Knowing What You Owe Is Vital

Debt can seriously affect our financial health.

It’s amazing how it can spiral out of control in a really short space of time. Debt problems can leave you feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed. Rabbit and Ostrich behaviour follows and, in succession, domino effects occur. Total debt can – and frequently does – outweigh total asset values. Legal proceedings begin. Assets get seized by creditors. Here’s my first suggestion: give up the cross – we need the wood. Stop beating yourself up over the debt. Instead spend your energy fixing the problem.

The first step is to talk with a professional.

Trying to manage things on your own is like trying to drive to a place you’ve never been before without directions! The second step is to have your professional create a plan.

Involve your creditors with open dialogue.

Implement a budget and practice careful money management. Choose one of the money management systems and the debt repayment strategies I’ve mentioned in Money Secrets 101.

4

Get A Financial Friend

Often it helps to talk problems over with a friend. That said, be careful with any ďŹ nancial advice your friends offer you.

Remember the best advice they can give will always be limited to their own personal knowledge and experience. Additionally, what has worked for them may not work for you for a whole host of reasons. Far better to call in an expert in my view. They tend to think of things others havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought of because they have the training and experience to deal with ďŹ nancial crisis. If, however, you do have a ďŹ nancial friend on your team, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d want them to: s "E A SOUNDING BOARD (EAR YOU OUT and be non-judgemental, understanding and empathetic. s "E PRACTICAL BY HELPING YOU COMPLETE A LIST of your bills and compiling a budget. s "E ENCOURAGING YOU TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL who could help you with ideas about budgeting, debt repayment, dealing with creditors, reaching your money goals, etc.

Maybe even going with you to support you when you see that professional. s "E CONlDENTIAL BY NOT MENTIONING YOUR money issues to anyone else. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be going to them because you trust them and you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want them to blow your trust by spreading gossip.

5

Get A Professional On Your Team

Having a professional on your side, who is used to dealing with money and who helps their client achieve their wealth objectives, is invaluable. Ensure, however, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end up with a simple â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bean counterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, someone who just gets the debits and credits right when completing your financial statements and tax returns. They are often cheaper than an actual accountant, who is a strategic thinker, who will be proactive in assisting you to grow your wealth by evaluating problems and offering solutions.

Sure, accountants are usually more expensive than bean counters, but then they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t counting beans! Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re concentrating on giving you what you need to move ahead.

Remember: cheap frequently turns out to be expensive in the long run.

On the subject of choosing an accountantâ&#x20AC;Ś ensure they are professionally qualified and belong to an accredited organisation so you know training, ethics and monitoring are in place. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to choose an accountant who walks the talk.

Having someone who has done the hard yards, cleaned up debt, taken up investing and got ahead means you will beneďŹ t from their experience and knowledge when you put them on your team. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like ďŹ rst-hand knowledge as a professional to pull upon when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re guiding a client through the forest.

TIP Some people obtain advice but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow it. Tears before bedtime usually follows, so listen up, evaluate pros and cons and heed professional advice given.

*epson.co.nz/ecotank

Success FINANCE

6

Decide Where Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Going

Everyone knows using a map and a GPS are invaluable tools when travelling to a new destination. They can save us time, money and pure frustration.

Achieving our ďŹ nancial goals is no different.

A simple recipe is needed: s $ECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE s $ETERMINE YOUR TIME FRAME s 3URROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL GIVE you sensible pertinent advice.

This seems like common sense but, unfortunately, as the saying goes: common sense isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that common!

Ultimately you have to decide what you want from your money. Then you have to commit to making the coin work for you.

This involves developing an awareness of your money personality, how your mind works and then changing the frequencies. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge connection between your personality, feelings, mind workings and behaviours.

Money Secrets 101 shows you how you can manage yourself in order to manage your money and your ďŹ nancial future and, on the basis youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re intending to have a future, you may as well make it the best you can.

7

Achieve Your Money Goals Quicker

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re determined to achieve your money goals, you should be exceptionally mindful of gaining control of your coin. These tips will help you do just that: s ,IVE BELOW THE LINE 4RULY ASK YOURSELF IF what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spending money on is satisfying a need or a want. Most things, by the way, fall into the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; category. s !VOID THE PLASTIC )T S NOT THAT FANTASTIC WHEN the credit card bill arrives at the end of the month and you have to repay the debt. s !VOID THE LIFESTYLE CREEP *UST BECAUSE YOU VE got a raise and are earning more than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever earned, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to splurge on new gadgets or acquire expensive toys.

AfďŹ&#x201A;uence isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cool. s 7ATCH THE @FRIENDS EFFECT /CCASIONALLY paying for someone is a nice gesture, but when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying more than your fair share for girlfriends and men, wise up. You arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a bank and shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be treated like one.

Remember, the best way to predict your financial future is to create it yourself.

Get moving.

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8

Avoiding the Clash Over the Cash

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re single you can do what you like with your money. You have no one to answer to or work in with. Plusses and minuses abound. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a couple, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a different boat. Ask any couple what they argue about and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell you kids, sex and money. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m taking the Fifth Amendment on the ďŹ rst and second of these topics, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give you some pointers about the third.

Arguing with a nearest and dearest over money is rarely productive. It leads to lots of stress and relationship break-ups. It can even create secretive behaviour. Studies have shown ďŹ nancial inďŹ delity is far more rampant than sexual inďŹ delity.

To avoid the clashes, try this: s !CKNOWLEDGE IT S PRETTY NORMAL TO HAVE different ideas about money. After all, we have different money personalities. s #HOOSE YOUR TIME TO HAVE A CALM DISCUSSION where you at least try to agree on money goals. s "E HONEST AND UPFRONT WITH YOUR PARTNER about the gold, and require the same in return. s 7ORK OUT HOW YOU WANT TO DEAL WITH MONEY as individuals and as a couple. Try out one of the money systems for couples Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mentioned in Money Secrets 101. s 7ORK OUT YOUR MONEY ROLES )F ONE OF you is going to pay all the bills, ensure the other is involved by communicating what is happening and when. That way youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll both have a joint appreciation of where the dollars are going and the stress of managing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put all on one partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulders.

9

No One Will Care As Much About Your Money As You Should

Regardless of your relationship status, know the truth in this heading. Once you understand the truth, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll appreciate the need to take responsibility for each ďŹ nancial decision you make rather than letting other people make choices for you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plain donkey dumb. Self-responsibility is key to ďŹ scal empowerment. Here are four rules to live by: 1. Ask questions about what you are being/ have been charged. People make mistakes when billing customers. Even if an error hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occurred, the answers to your questions could help you make cost-cutting decisions.

2. Meticulously check all accounts, invoices and receipts to establish they are correct. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

amazing how many mistakes occur that go unnoticed and cost you your hard-earned dollars. Likewise, fraud is easier to detect if you have your eyes wide open.

3. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired or feeling pressured, never ever make a ďŹ nancial decision. Generally, decision making is impaired when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in this state, leading to poor money outcomes.

4. Listen to your gut. This has permitted human beings to evolve and survive the ages.

If in doubt, get a second opinion.

Getting to grips with our money situation, achieving our ďŹ nancial goals and enjoying a life of relative ďŹ nancial stability and freedom is not something that happens overnight. It is however a possible state to attain providing we are willing to gather information, make informed decisions and practice smart ďŹ nancial behaviours. For most of us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an excursion. The sooner we start our personal journey, the quicker weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nish and arrive in that stress free place known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ďŹ nancial comfortabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

On the RISE

Glass ceiling effect In New Zealand there is clear evidence of the glass ceiling effect, something that we are unfortunately not surprised about. The Empirical Evidence of the Gender Pay Gap in New Zealand report, which was released by the Ministry for Women, found that as we move up the wage distribution the gender pay gap increases as do the ‘unexplained factors’ which surround the gender gap. Acting Chief Executive of the Ministry for Women Margaret Retter stated in the report that around 80 percent of the gender pay gap is due to ‘unexplained’ factors, which she says “the Ministry views primarily as behaviour, attitudes and assumptions about women in work, including unconscious bias.”

Success means different things to everyone, but one thing we all know is you want to do success in style.

WATCH OUT FOR E LEGANCE

It is easy to feel as though your outfit is incomplete without a watch, even if we forget to check our wrists and habitually reach for our phones. Ulysse Nardin’s Jade ‘Grand Feu’ is the perfect marriage of style and substance, and is so eyecatching your phone will stay safely in your pocket - here's hoping you can still tell analog time at a quick glance. The new editions are adorned with a rare enameling technique, which is only seen on a handful of timepieces by the world's most prestigious watchmakers. The enamel meets the swirl of diamonds across the face in a way that is still easy to read practical and elegant. ulysse-nardin.com WORK YOUR WARDROBE

You know the old saying, ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have.’ While this doesn’t mean we should wear a tiara and a dressing gown in order to be the queen of relaxation, we should step up our work-wardrobe game. Rarely can we find comfortable, flattering pieces that can be worn from meetings to mojitos with the girls. KNUEFERMANN (TK) is for the sophisticated lady that is after elegant pieces with a timeless cut, whether that is for work wear or working it on a night out. Their latest arrivals include the Boyfriend blazer, for those after the less conventional approach to the classic suit, and the return of the Pentagon blazer with velvet lapels, which introduces a new take on work to play wardrobe. tk.net.nz

SE LFIE GAME TO THE NE X T LE VE L With all the new smartphones making their way into our hands it can be tough to keep up-todate with the latest game-changers on the market.

HUAWEI’s newest entrant has combined technology and art creating the new P10 and P10 plus, which have brains and beauty. The P10 plus is the world’s first 4.5G smart phone, meaning you get size without weighing yourself down. Inside, the most important features you need to know about include: the world’s first Leica front camera, a larger aperture that provides more light in low-light situations and a phone that can detect whether you are taking a solo selfie or a group selfie and switches modes. These phones are also the first smart phones to offer Te Reo Maori as a standardised language option and the industry’s first phones to feature a Hyper DiamondCut finishing. huawei.com

*epson.co.nz/ecotank

COACH LEADERSHIP HURTS – the price of not being liked True leaders who inspire, motivate, coach and push people to achieve more than they would otherwise do are very seldom liked by everyone they lead, at any given moment in time.

Many people find it uncomfortable being stretched and challenged – even when the end result will likely be more rewarding for them in terms of career and remuneration outcomes. Their immediate reaction to any change or progress can often be to complain about and criticise their leader. This can be awfully uncomfortable for any aspiring leader whose self-esteem is linked to the need to be liked by everyone.

Here’s what I have learned in my many leadership roles, including as managing director of Partners Life: Being liked by everyone all of the time, and being a leader who truly delivers outstanding results, are mutually exclusive. So if you aspire to be a true leader, do not expect to be liked by everyone – because you simply won’t be. For example, if people are threatened by you, wish to make themselves look good at your expense, find change uncomfortable or don’t want to be measured and/or managed, then no matter what you do, they will never like you. You do not need to be liked, but you do need to be trusted and respected by the people who count. To gain the respect of your team, even those who don’t like you, one of the worst things a leader can do is to play favourites with those people who make them feel good about themselves.

As a leader, you will be judged on how well your entire team performs. Surrounding yourself with, and listening to the opinions of, only those people who will do just what you say, or say what you want to hear, means you will never be exposed to anyone else’s good ideas – and someone else will always have ideas that you don’t.

Those people who are really good at their jobs, who challenge the

status quoe, or who have significant leadership potential themselves, will – in all likelihood – never fit into such a clique, meaning you as a leader miss out on getting the outcomes that their talents would deliver and the business may lose those people all together.

So, while those members of your clique or gang are providing you with the adulation you crave, everyone else will lose respect for you – potentially including people who may hold your own next career step in their hands.

A great leader is comfortable enough in their own skin to surround themselves with people who have different views and with people who are better than they are in different ways.

Managing people who confront and challenge you is much harder than managing people who will simply follow you, but the end results will be much greater. You don’t need to be revered by your team – not being so in fact, instead demonst rate s you r respect and admiration for each member of your team and it will help you get the best out of them – that is true leadership.

Leadership can hurt, but, as the saying goes: no pain, no gain.

NAOMI BALLANTYNE IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PARTNERS LIFE. PARTNERSLIFE.CO.NZ READ HER COLUMNS AT M2WOMAN.CO.NZ

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Success COACH

5 Effective Marketing Tactics to Target Niche Audiences

3 Tips to Building a Lifestyle That Works For You

Many marketers think the wider their potential market is, the greater the opportunities for marketing. But, the options for more specialised, niche businesses also abound. Successful marketing is all about appropriate and relevant targeting and it’s hard to do that if your market is “anyone – men and women – aged 5 to 95”. Although your market may be smaller overall, with a niche product or service, it’s at least a bit easier to define who you need to be talking to. I’ve put together five of the most effective ways to market to target niche audiences.

1. INVOLVE INFLUENCERS: Influencer marketing takes place in that lovely region between official testimonials and passing product mentions. It’s just right for targeted exposure to just the right type of consumer. At its core, influencer marketing is all about leveraging a key person’s audience for your brand. The bonus being that consumers are interested in, and paying attention to, the influencers they’ve chosen to follow. Not only that, they are more likely to trust their recommendations. Waist Trainer NZ AUS is one of the biggest success stories in influencer marketing from our shores, going from one Facebook page and next to no marketing budget, to a company turning over more than $3.5 million in the last financial year. Powerful stuff!

2. ADVERTISE ON NICHE WEBSITES: This one may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. For the best bang for your marketing buck, find the most tightly targeted audiences you can, so your precious pennies aren’t paying for irrelevant eyeballs. Think about your target market and the types of places they’re spending time online. Are the people you are targeting also reading health and fitness blogs, taking part in parenting forums, or accessing and swapping recipes online? If you can find a natural fit, give an ad there a try – and then measure your results to assess what’s working.

3. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS: Along the same line as testing the results of your various ads, make sure you actually engage directly with customers. This will enable you to evolve your offering and continuously improve your marketing. Ask for your customers’ feedback constantly and measure their responses. Provide opportunities for them to give you their thoughts, or proactively invite them often and watch the brand loyalty that comes as a result of acting on their feedback.

4. GOOGLE SHOPPING: Available in the US and across the ditch for some time, Google Shopping has finally landed in New Zealand, bringing with it high conversion rates and the opportunity to target really specific product sets. Increased site traffic and significant ROI can result too, as consumers are much more likely to click on a product image than a traditional pay per click ad. This strategy is an important tactic to make your way into the consideration set of potential consumers.

5. GOOGLE MY BUSINESS: Previously known as Google Places, Google My Business is the contact detail stuff about your business. Free to access, this type of listing provides valuable information and will always show up well in search results. In fact, Google has a phrase they refer to as the Zero Moment of Truth (or ZMOT) – that online decisionmaking micro moment that requires you to be in front of your customer at the precise moment they need you, before they click away. Making sure your Google My Business profile is updated, and that you have positive reviews to support your product or service, is vital to making sure you’re there, right when you need to be.

I’m in a privileged position. I work for myself and run a successful business.

In a typical week, I’ll work Monday to Thursday from nine to five and knock off early on Friday to have a long weekend with my family. I travel three to four times a year and don’t have to worry about how much annual leave I’ve got owing.

RICHARD CONWAY IS FOUNDER AND CEO OF PURE SEO. PURESEO.CO.NZ READ HIS COLUMNS AT M2WOMAN.CO.NZ

The thing is, my life hasn’t always been like this. For 12 years, I worked 80 to 100-hour weeks. In my 20s I didn’t have weekends – I saw clients. The result was that I built a solid business for myself.

Life got tricky when I got married and had my daughter. The long hours and weekend-less weeks started to take a toll. I knew something needed to change. I wanted to spend more time with my family – money can’t buy that. So I decided to make a change.

HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS TO NAILING WORK-LIFE BALANCE: 1. EARN THE RIGHT TO HAVE A FLEXIBLE LIFE

In my experience, building a life you want doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to work hard to establish yourself and your reputation before you can start making lifestyle choices. It’s great to have a flexible lifestyle as a goal, but you need to do the ground work to get there.

2. SET BOUNDARIES

If you want flexibility, you need to take control of your client relationships and set boundaries.

Set the days and times you work, make sure you book meetings ahead of time – you don’t have to drop everything if a client can only do a meeting today.

It’s about being in charge and managing your workflow. It’s so easy to fall into bad habits and become a slave to your clients.

3. VALUE YOURSELF

Setting boundaries for clients wasn’t an easy thing for me to do – being available is how I built my business.

It took me awhile to realise that people value what I’ve got to offer and they’re prepared to fit in with me. It comes down to setting clear expectations and making sure you deliver on those.

FINAL WORD

Creating a life that works for you doesn’t just happen, but if you work hard and make the right choices when the time’s right, it’s absolutely achievable.

MICHAEL BROADBENT IS THE DIRECTOR OF EVERGREEN LIFE. EVERGREENLIFE.NZ READ HIS COLUMNS AT M2WOMAN.CO.NZ

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living

By Juvena Worsfold

Dream WEAVER Marrying delicate pastels with a raw, textural surface, the Talomonde collection by Ă&#x2030;litis oozes luxury and romance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for a sophisticated dining room with warm conversation. Available at Seneca.

Make AN ENTRANCE

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no second chance at first impressions.

Statement touches and objects with character will turn an overlooked hallway into a welcome first glance.

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1. Mirror by Classicon, $4049 from Matisse 2. Table lamp by Michael Anastassiades, $2625 from ECC 3. Mirror by Kelly Wearstler, $2871 from Cavit & Co 4. Chandelier, $998 from French Country 5. Pendants by Lasvit, from $4600 each from Matisse 6. Coat stand, $390 from Citta 7. Sculpture, $150 by Gidon Bing 8. Clock by Nomon, $2125 from ECC 9. Shelf by Zeitraum, POA from ECC 10. Console by Poliform, $4800 from Studio Italia 11. Hall table by Baker, POA from Cavit & Co. Image by Baker from Cavit & Co.

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Expert Tip: A statement piece on a hall console table gives impact while fresh flowers are always inviting.

A delightful dish to catch your keys, a beautiful tray to place the mail, a mirror to check your hair on the way out the door, these all give entrance ways a purpose beyond meeting and greeting. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lynne Howard, Cavit & Co

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Expert Tip: When collecting mid-century pieces, we suggest choosing objects with a story that you love. Develop a strong design direction with complementary lines, patterns or colour and go for it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be eclectic, be bold, al. be an individual. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dan and Emma Eagle, thy Mr. Bigglesworthy

Turn of THE CENTURY

On TREND

Timeless in its appeal, mid-century design will forever be heralded for its sophisticated yet cheerful form and function.

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1. Cabinet, $2950 from Mr. Bigglesworthy 2. Sideboard

by Ullferts, $3200 from Euclid MidCentury 3. Coffee table by G-Plan, $1500 from Karakter 4. Dining chair by Archie Shine, $3000 (for set of four) from Euclid MidCentury 5. Chair

by Ritzwell, $6130 from ECC 6. Trolley $750 from Karakter 7. Daybed by Knoll, $27,500 from Studio Italia 8. Sofa

by Arne Wahl , $3950 from Mr. Bigglesworthy 9. Rug by Martin Poppelwell ,$7200 from Mr. Bigglesworthy 10. Lounge chair and ottoman by Eames, $8200 from Matisse 11. Stools by Eames, $1755 each from Matisse.

Image by Mr. Bigglesworthy

Pinky PROMISE

Expert Tip: Whether calming, sophisticated or making a bold statement, pink is a tremendously versatile colour for interior spaces.

Combined with muted tones, neutrals and pops of natural green, it brings a stylish look that is soothing, comfortable and contemporary. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ella Zarifeh, James Dunlop Textiles

A light touch is always essential in a home. Soft, dreamy shades of blush and rose evoke an air of ing saccharine. saaccharine. whimsy without being 1.

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1. Print from the VASE series, $100 from Simon James Concept Store 2. Cushion $89 from French Country 3. Sofa by Kettal, $17,500 from Studio Italia 4. Pendant,$1080 from Douglas and Bec 5. Drinking glasses by Monmouth Studio, $55 from Tessuti 6. Plates by Bob Steiner, from $39 from Collected 7. Rug, $12,027 from Artisan Flooring 8. Hexagonal mosaic tile, $39.90 each from Tile Depot 9. Storage vessal, $149 from Citta 10. Pouf by Moroso $730 from Matisse.

Image of the Utopia Collection by Mokum, from James Dunlop Textiles.

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Expert Tip: Oak – the very name evokes long-lasting solidity. No longer associated just with arts and crafts furniture, oak – because of its greyish neutrality – makes an excellent foil on legs and frames, to offset all upholsteries from severe plain black leather to wild colour juxtapositions in fabric.

– Caroline Montague, Matisse

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Solid OAK

No minimalist haven is complete without staple accents of oak. From small accessories to large-scale furniture, the honey-toned grain never look looks out of place.

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On TREND

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1. Side table by Linteloo, $4240 from ECC 2. Chair, $700 by Ben Glass 3. Dining table by Piet Boon, $15130 from ECC 4. Bedside table, $690 by Citta 5. Lounge chair by Classicon, $6529 from Matisse 6. Side table by David Moreland Design POA from Simon James Design 7. Wall light by Zero Lighting, POA from Simon James Design 8. Table lamp by Original BTC, POA from ECC 9. Wardrobe, $500 by Ben Glass 10.

Rubbish Bin, $89.90 from Citta.

Image by Citta.

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Touchy FEELY

Time to layer up and go big with texture for winter.

Mix and match tac tactile furs, knits and velvets to create warm and inviting in surfaces in every room.

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1. Chair, $1035 from Douglas and Bec 2. Goat rug, $350 from French Country 3. Knit cushion by MM Linen, $69.99 from Smith and Caughey’s 4. Cushion $129 from crave home 5. Armchair by Piet Boon, $6335 from ECC 6. Pot, $255 from Indie Home Collective 7. Table lamp by Kelly Wearstler, $2695 from Cavit & Co 8. Planter, $43 from crave home 9. Sofa by Moooi, POA from ECC 10. Ottoman by Flexform, $6800 from Studio Italia.

Image by French Country.

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Expert Tip: When displaying cushions, try mixing textures with florals that pick out colours already being used in your space, and add some stripes for fun. Keep sizes mixed – add in a rectangular or round cushion to offset squares, and, finally, layer in a textured throw or rug to complete.

– Jude Turner, crave home

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THE YEAR OF

Lagom

Not too little, not too much, that is how to live Lagom. It is the latest lifestyle trend to come out of Sweden into our homes and our lives in the hope of helping us become content and balanced beings with a home that is just right.

WORDS BY EMMA TAYLOR IMAGES FROM MY LITTLE HOUSE

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ast year the world went mad for a lifestyle that was filled with contentment, pleasure in the little things and cosiness. This concept is known as Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) and it is a Danish way of living that embraces not just the way you decorate your home, but extends to the way you carry out day-to-day tasks. Individuals have been settling into this way of life with lighted scented candles, warm cups of tea and woolly socks on their feet. This year, however, we are seizing the idea of ‘less is more’ with the latest Scandi trend, Lagom.

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While there is no direct English translation Lagom (pronounced ‘la’ like car and ‘gom’ like from), is all about ‘not too much, not too little’ and it is looking to dominate our homes and our lives. Loosely translated, Lagom means ‘enough’, ‘sufficient’, ‘adequate’ and ‘just right’, just like the perfect bed for Goldilocks. Lagom has an ethos of moderation and balance and it not only describes home decor, but also represents Swedish culture and social ideals, such as equality and fairness.

Of course, we are no strangers to Swedish lifestyle and design concepts; for the past few years they have dominated not just our homes

but also stores from the high street boutique to chains such as IKEA and Kmart. After all, why wouldn’t we embrace the lifestyle of the healthy, happy, gender equality-focused Swedes? Interior designer, stylist and the brains behind New Zealand interiors blog mylittlehouse.co.nz, Hayley French, agrees that Lagom is the lifestyle concept of ‘less is more’.

“This is not just in the context of interiors, but [also] in life, what you consume, how you behave, [and] what you aspire to or expect out of your life. In a sense it asks you to moderate.”

Moderation, after all, is the best way to live our lives: eat in moderation, exercise

Living INSPIRATION

in moderation and binge-watch Downton Abbey in your pajamas (in moderation). It is no surprise, then, that Lagom is taking over as the Scandinavian trend of the year.

Starting to ‘Lagom-ify’ your home may seem daunting, and purchasing new pieces may seem ironic considering Lagom is grounded in the idea of less is more. That is why French suggests a way to start that does not include an expensive trip to the chic high street stores or Kmart, rather, it involves taking a stocktake of your life in its entirety, starting with your home.

“Decluttering offers a huge emotional release. Ridding your wardrobe, your cupboards and your surfaces from excess often begins a journey of making much bigger life changes, such as diet, career, and relationships,” she says.

Decluttering offers a huge emotional release. Ridding your wardrobe, your cupboards and your surfaces from excess often begins a journey of making much bigger life changes, such as diet, career and relationships.

“Why not have but one marble platter that sits in your home as a beautiful piece to be admired but then has the ability to become useful when required,” French says. “It would certainly clear your cupboards of a variety of unused ceramics.” This advice extends past your kitchen: “Your sofa should be comfy and inviting and it should be an investment that you have made into the future, not one that will do for now. Your bedding should [also] be of a quality that induces a good night’s sleep.

If you have bought something you love of high quality, you will begin to experience a contentment in their being... Scandinavians will always pay more to have less.

“Think of your home and its contents as something that will do well for you if you do well to it; once you have created something beautiful it takes time and effort to maintain it, such as cleaning or gardening. This should be something you take pride in doing [as] only then will you begin to have a home that not only reflects who you are, but is sustainable and beautiful.”

Once you have carried out a stocktake on your life, found the pieces you cannot live without and donated the pieces that you had forgotten were hidden in the dark depths of your cupboard, you can begin to live Lagom.

But what will this new lifestyle bring you other than a clearer cupboard?

“Lagom offers a way of stepping back, of looking at what you have and what you need and whether the next thing will bring any value into your life,” French says. “We have been foisted into a society where we can have it all and we can have it now. We have become greedy; we do not think beyond today, we want it all. We have discarded all sense of logic, of planning, of pleasure. We are not content until we have the next thing but, of course, there is always a next thing and so our contentment exists only for a fleeting moment.”

A lot of us are hoping to take this trend further. After all, as French says, there is a certain romance in “looking toward another culture that is touted as being the happiest in the world. Why wouldn’t we

EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME SHOULD REFLECT WHO YOU ARE

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try and replicate it so that living the dream becomes attainable?” There is, however, a flaw in the idea that we need to shop excessively for the latest Scandi-dubbed furniture range. “What we fail to see is that we are again living in hope that the purchase of the latest in homewares will somehow correlate to a happier life,” French says.

While both popular movements originate from the same region, there are distinctions between Lagom and Hygge – which is by no means lying in the depths of the living-trend afterlife. French explains that the main difference relates to how you live your life. “Hygge is very much alive and well; it resembles a lifestyle that promotes home, family and friends [one] where creating a pleasurable atmosphere is paramount. Lagom offers a much more solitary and thoughtful approach to the way you live your life; it asks the questions: Do you really need this? How would this benefit your way of life?

Does this offer any negative impact to those around you or the environment?”

It is this distinction that makes it clear Lagom goes further than just the ‘right bed and rug for your less is more home’ and embraces everything from work-life balance, disengaging from social media and aspiring for contentment.

With trends wavering from season to season, it is understandable to hesitate to embrace a new trend and ask yourself: how long it will last? Is it really worth redecorating my whole home? French admits the most common mistake she sees in interior decorating is people going all-out to follow something ‘touted as a trend’. “The most successful interiors are those that are carefully curated with objects that have been created by craftsmen with beauty and purpose in mind. Combine this with a good dose of ‘you’, and your home will become somewhere you will enjoy spending your time.” Of course, this does not mean you should not try to ‘Lagom your life’.

French shared with us some words from William Morris, a designer and socialist who inspires her. He once said you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful... The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

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GET THE LOOK According to Hayley French, there are six things you can do to create a Lagom home, without falling victim to the hype.

It’s all about balance – Keep your palette light and neutral – such as one of white and grey – or if you prefer a warmer colour scheme, layer beige with off-whites.

Be inspired by nature – Add in natural materials such as baskets, paper, linen and wood.

Embrace Swedish practicality – Storage should be practical and beautiful; keep units or shelving lightweight so as not to have an imposing presence in your home; use baskets or hooks to optimise wall and floor space.

Bring the outdoors in – Add greenery; plants such as the fiddle leaf fig and monstera deliciosa are large and make an impact, adding these can reduce the amount of clutter you would otherwise accumulate in those spaces.

Get your home just right – Lighting should be sufficient for tasks but ambient lighting and candles convey a softer presence for quiet times.

Enjoy a happy, fun life – Books and art should reflect your interests and give you pleasure.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING In a society that seems focused on the latest gadgets and newest products, many of us are yearning to go back to basics and live a more mindful life. Rebecca Sullivan is an eco-agronomist, activist, food writer, urban farmer, entrepreneur and home cook who is looking to inspire a simpler life through her new book. The Art of the Natural Home, Rebecca Sullivan, $49.99

Life

Living NEWS

IN STYLE

All the inspiration you need for a warm, cosy, cold-weather ready home.

A HOME THAT SMELLS LIKE NATURE Every home or place tends to have a distinct smell about it, which is exactly what is embraced in the Aromatherapy Coâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature range. Founded in 1990, The Aromatherapy Co was launched with the Naturals range, which has been relaunched this year with a fresh new look. We welcome four distinct scents that are inspired by unique landscapes. Whether you like to get cosy with a candle ($34.99) or prefer the longerlasting, lower-maintenance scent of a diffuser ($24.99) these scents are divine. thearomatherapycompany.co.nz

HANDMADE LOVE IN YOUR PLACE Many of us consciously try to support local businesses where we can. We also try to do what is best by the environment as much as possible. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always easy, and it can be rare to achieve both objectives in one product or brand. Pippa from Makerie Ceramics crafts her pieces in Auckland using locally sourced clay and North Island beach sand and is committed to reducing her carbon footprint.

From her mug and saucer set ($48.00) to the spoon and fork set ($35.00) for your salads, each piece is original, affordable and sustainable. makerieceramics.com

fi

A taste of France in the

SOUTH PACIFIC Less than three hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flight from Auckland, the island of New Caledonia awaits. A stunning fusion of Pacific culture and French fare, this is an island getaway unlike any other.

WORDS BY ALMAZ RABB

Travel ESCAPE INSIDER TIP: Get there quickly... The international airline of New Caledonia, Aircalin, operates several flights a week direct from Auckland. Flying direct means you will get to Noumea in less than three hours, as opposed to the seven or eight it could take if you stop over in Australia. aircalin.com

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he shiny black SUV comes to an abrupt halt and I’m suddenly shaken awake from my state of half slumber. “We are here mademoiselle,” my driver gently announces from the front seat as he rotates his neck towards me, his breath carrying the faint smell of European cigarettes. I fumble to open the heavy car door and within seconds I’m hit with a symphony of smells. Some familiar, but many I can’t quite put my finger on.

Shaking myself awake and wiping the sleep dust from my eyes, I shuffle off into the bustling, early morning crowd. Off to one corner half a dozen men linger behind espresso machines, loudly calling coffee orders to each other in French and collecting money from customers between sweaty breaths. In another corner an elderly woman smiles towards me, a selection of perfect baguettes and pastries gathered on a large table in front of her.

In the distance, fishmongers hurry busily between customers, while neighbouring vegetable farmers stack fresh produce into market bags.

I turn to my left and realise my driver is walking alongside me, waiting to offer his local advice or language translation services.

“Most shops aren’t open on Sundays so the locals come here to buy food for their Sunday lunch feast,” he explains in a thick French accent. “Today the early morning market becomes the heart of the city and you’ll find people from all walks of life here, buying food and drinking espresso.”

It’s a distinctly European way of living, so you’d be forgiven for thinking I must be visiting a street market in Paris or a bustling country farmer’s market in a quaint French village. But the long tables of pineapples and exotic dragon fruit give it away. This is New Caledonia, a small island nation where French fare meets the Pacific and

New Caledonia may feel like a world away, but in reality it can be reached by flight from Auckland in less than three hours.

fine wine and cheese are just as common as tropical white sandy beaches.

Situated just 1700 kilometres north-west of New Zealand, New Caledonia may feel like a world away, but in reality it can be reached by flight from Auckland in less than three hours. Colonised by the French in 1853 under the order of Napoleon III, New Caledonia became a penal colony and over the next 40 years about 22,000 French prisoners were sent to the remote Pacific island to undertake hard labour. In 1864, nickel was discovered on the island and labourers were imported to work in the mines. To this day, nickel mining remains the staple of New Caledonia’s economy; the small island nation of fewer than 300,000 residents produces 25 percent of the world’s nickel.

Thanks to its prospering nickel industry, New Caledonia enjoys its status as one of the wealthiest island nations in the South Pacific, boasting a per capita

GDP that is higher than New Zealand’s.

Unlike many of its neighbouring islands, New Caledonia has sophisticated infrastructure, drinkable tap water and modern roading, making it a comfortable, safe and pleasant travel destination. These days, indigenous Melanesians make up about 44 percent of New Caledonia’s population, with the remainder mainly consisting of French descendants.

While the French Pacific island sits closer to New Zealand than other popular island holiday destinations like Fiji, Samoa and Rarotonga, New Caledonia has traditionally been a less popular destination among Kiwi holiday-makers. That was until recently, with reports showing the number of Kiwis visiting New Caledonia was up 25 percent last year. It seems Kiwis are finally waking up to the fact that New Caledonia has something special to offer tourists. After all, it’s not every day you get to experience a taste of France in the South Pacific.

where TO STAY

Packing LIST

New Caledonia is a playground for luxury lovers. If you have a serious crush on the finer things in life, this small island nation has more than enough world-class resorts to satisfy your wishes.

LE MÉRIDIEN NOUMEA Situated on the beachfront of Noumea and overlooking Anse Vata bay, Le Méridien Nouméa offers a unique blend of French sophistication and warm Pacific island ambience. While the resort has been around for some time, its recent renovation has propelled it into the 21st century, making it one of the most luxurious contemporary resorts in Noumea.

The property boasts a handful of mouthwatering restaurants, stunning suites and amenities that would give any five-star resort a run for its money. What’s really special about the resort, however, has to be the service.

From the moment you arrive, you feel extremely welcome and the staff make an effort to call you by name. Le Méridien Noumea is more than a resort; it feels more like a luxe home away from home. lemeridiennoumea.com

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SHERATON NEW CALEDONIA DEVA SPA AND GOLF RESORT Even if you don’t stay at the Sheraton, the site is well worth a visit for the architecture alone. Situated between the mountains and the ocean in a stunning rural setting, the Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort and Spa combines Melanesian tradition and traditional French influence. The resort offers a range of accommodation options from suites to bungalows, but the real show stopper has to be the main reception and restaurant building; it’s an intricate architectural masterpiece that perfectly draws upon traditional Melanesian structures to create something unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The resort also offers a world-class 18-hole golf course and even has its very own onsite golf store. sheratonnewcaledoniadeva.com

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1. A STYLISH SUNHAT… Citta Design

Annabelle Sun Hat. 2. SUN PROTECTION FOR YOUR HAIR… Kérastase Soleil

Micro-Voile Protecteur. 3. A FLATTERING PAIR OF SUNNIES… Le Specs Caliente.

4. A SUNSCREEN YOU CAN TRUST…

Cane + Austin SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen.

5. A SWIMSUIT YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO TAKE OFF… Stella McCartney Swim Classic Bikini & Bandeau.

6. THE PERFECT BEACH BAG… Citta Design African Straw Market Bag.

GECKO EVASION Sunsets in New Caledonia are as beautiful as you would expect, so make the most of it and head to higher ground.

Gecko Evasion offers tours to a secluded slice of paradise, high above the rivers, ocean and fields. The tour operator will drive you to a stunning secluded lookout where you will be treated to a breathtaking sunset, accompanied by wine and a platter of cheeses and cold meats. Sit back and enjoy the view as the sun sinks beyond the horizon.

what TO DO

Travel ESCAPE New Caledonia is the kind of destination where, sometimes, doing less is more. Relax and take it easy, but make sure you don’t miss out on the best that the island has to offer.

LE PONTON Take a day trip from Noumea and visit one of New Caledonia’s most unique destinations. Situated off the edge of a colourful reef, Le Ponton is a bar and restaurant that floats in the middle of the ocean. Enjoy a delicious lunch before retiring to the sun loungers for an afternoon of sunbathing and cocktails surrounded by the warm sea. Take a dip off the side of the pontoon, snorkel the nearby reef, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or have a go on one of the jet skis. The taxi boat for Le Ponton leaves regularly from Noumea. leponton.nc TJIBAOU CULTURAL CENTRE Discover the heart of New Caledonia by taking a visit to Tjibaou Cultural Centre. Nestled on the edge of a lagoon, the centre provides a fascinating insight into the cultural past and present of New Caledonia. Featuring the stories, art and traditions of the indigenous Kanak people, the centre explores and explains some of the tensions that have in the past xisted between French rulers and indigenous people. The centre itself is housed in one of the most famous architectural projects in the South Pacific and is well worth a look.

INSIDER TIP: Plan your transfers… Getting a taxi at night in Noumea is infamously difficult, so it pays to plan in advance. Consider hiring a rental car so you can get around with ease, or alternatively look into hiring a private driver to transport you around the island while giving you the full tour experience.

BOURAIL MUSEUM Situated in the small village of Bourail, the local museum is a real treat for history lovers. Discover New Caledonia’s past life as a penal colony and read the stories of French prisoners who were sent to the small island to serve time doing hard labour. The museum even features the actual guillotine that was used to behead convicts who misbehaved.

DEEP NATURE SPA A trip to New Caledonia wouldn’t be complete without a serious dose of pampering. Head to Deep Nature Spa and treat yourself to a treatment or two. The spa admission price includes access to a serene jacuzzi, relaxation rooms and even a sauna. The spa has three locations across New Caledonia and each location has its own unique twist. Deep Nature has a number of speciality massages, including a unique affusion massage that uses water pressure to aid relaxation and muscle recovery.

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where TO EAT

1. IF YOU LOVE TRADITIONAL FRENCH FOOD… La Table des Gourmets offers some of the best French cuisine on the island. The setting is intimate, the wine list is impressive and the desserts are to die for.

2. FOR A TRADITIONAL LOCAL BBQ EXPERIENCE… You may think you know a good BBQ, but the offering at Fare du Meridien at Le Meridien is unlike any grill you’ve ever had before. Choose from a generous selection of local meat and seafood, then watch a chef cook your food right before your eyes. Pair your BBQ with an impressive selection of greenery straight from the salad buffet.

3. FOR THE WINE LOVER… La Marmite may look like a regular restaurant from the outside, but walk inside and you’ll soon discover an impressive cellar of wine to choose from while you dine. The cellar is glass-fronted and on display from the main restaurant for your admiration. With bottles that range from less than $50, up into the thousands, wine lovers will feel more than at home in this hidden gem.

4. FOR THE FOODIE… Creek Bar at the Sheraton may be primarily known for its cocktails, but on closer inspection it offers an impressive tapas menu that is sure to please even the fussiest foodie.

Make sure you arrive hungry, because this is tapas as you’ve never seen (or tasted) them before.

Beginners FRENCH In most urban areas of New Caledonia, many people speak English and are happy to do so for tourists. But if you want to impress the locals, having a few French phrases up your sleeve will go a long way. Here are a few to get you started.

OUI (“WEE”) / NON (“NONH”) – Yes/ No BONJOUR (“BOH(N)-ZHOOR”) – Hello AU REVOIR (“OH RUH-VWAHR”) –

Goodbye MERCI (“MERR-SEE”) – Thank you PARDON (“PAHR-DON”) / EXCUSEZ-MOI (“EHK-SKEW-ZAY MWAH”) – Excuse-me INSIDER TIP: Plan ahead… There is a lot to see in New Caledonia, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment. New Caledonia Tourism has a fantastic website that gives a good overview of the country in English and will help you decide where in New Caledonia you would like to visit. newcaledonia.travel/nz

PARLEZ-VOUS ANGLAIS? (“PAR-LAY VOO ZAHNG-LEH?”) – Do you speak

English?

S’IL VOUS PLAÎT (“SEEL VOO PLEH”) –

Please JE VOUDRAIS (“ZHUH VOO-DREH”) – I

would like...

COMBIEN ÇA COÛTE? (KOM-BYAN SAH KOOT?”) – How much does it/this cost?

OÙ SONT LES TOILETTES? (“OOH SOHN LEH TWAH-LET?”) – Where are

the restrooms?

GAME OF THRONES/ DUBROVNIK, CROATIA GETTY/JOHN AND TINA REID

Xxxx XXXX

GO -TO GUIDE FOR FILMSPOTTING There is something exciting and exhilarating in finding yourself walking past the same spot that your favourite film was set in. No doubt we have all based at least one overseas sightseeing exhibition on TV shows, especially if you have been to New York. Lonely Planet’s Film and Locations: A Spotters Guide will save you from getting lost or missing out on any of your favourite show’s filming locations. With 92 movies spanning from 1925 to now, there’s somewhere for everyone. Whether you feel like Holly Golightly or James Bond, you can add a special something to your trip – or base a trip around one particular TV series, it’s not frowned upon – honest.

Going

Film and TV Locations: A Spotter’s Guide Lonely Planet; $16.99

PLACES

Make the most of your next trip away, whether it is for business or pleasure.

Dreamiest Travel Spots There is only one way to deal with dark nights and cold mornings: book a trip overseas and immerse yourself in sun, sand and cultural experiences.

There is a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to planning your next vacay, do you hit up the most coveted and lustworthy spots or do you risk it and try somewhere off the beaten track? If you prefer to play it safe and go to the top spots, Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2017 list will help you. Taking out the top spot is Bali, which is not just a cheap travel location for youths. The top 15 spots are:

Cruising to Melbourne Cup Race season may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan for the next, if not largest, event in the racing calendar. Melbourne Cup week gets everyone excited, from those who go for the races to those who are more into the fashion on the field. If you are thinking about heading along, why not hop aboard the Pacific Jewel’s 10-night cruise to the world famous Melbourne Cup event? Is there anything more fashionable and glamourous? Time aboard will include a celebration of all things racing, including racing personalities and racing-themed activities. Accommodation, meals, transfers and entry is included, so it is not only the most fashionable way to arrive but the easiest. pocruises.co.nz

BECOME A TRAVEL BOSS 1. Get better deals by deleting your browser's cookies or use an incognito browser. Some airlines and sites will show you higher rates each time you come back to their site.

2. Always carry a spare change of clothes and things to freshen up with in your carry-on. No one wants to turn up to a meeting unprepared.

3. Pack your shirts and dresses in dry cleaner bags to reduce wrinkles.

4. Invest in a good power board. This means you only need one adapter and can charge everything in one place.

5. Minimise jet-lag by avoiding caffeine and alcohol, instead hydrate and drink as much water as possible – even if you aren’t thirsty.

Bali, London, Paris, Rome, New York, Crete, Barcelona, Siem Reap, Prague, Phuket, Istanbul, Jamaica, Hoi An, St. Petersburg, Roatan.

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Euro CHARM

C

Designed and engineered in Germany, but refined Down Under, M2woman testdrives the small car that’s a big deal for one of motoring’s most iconic marques.

WORDS BY HELOISE GARRITY

oming up to two years of being a new parent, your before-baby identity can take a bit of a beating – of the makeup-less, style-less sort – which is why the chance to experience iD Dunedin Fashion Week with Holden, in tandem with the arrival of their all-new next-gen Astra, was a welcome invitation. iD’s International Emerging Designer Awards, in particular, are always a standout, showcasing a time in a designer’s life when they have the luxury of dissecting, deconstructing and questioning every inch of a garment to come up with their ultimate, no-holds-barred expression of ‘fashion’. You can’t get much more inspired than that.

And perhaps that’s exactly what the folks at Holden did with their completely new, from-the-ground-up, European-designed, -built and -engineered hatch; it did, after all, clinch the trophy for 2016 European Car of the Year. Certainly, from the curb, it

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is not surprising Holden and Dunedin’s cult fashion showcase have joined forces. The Astra sports a sleek, sophisticated exterior design with clean, sharp, sweeping lines from nose to tail; a premium front grille design stretches into slim headlights and sculpted side panels, while slick, blacked-out C-pillars create the illusion of a floating roof.

Under the bonnet, the European pedigree continues. The Astra is impressive not only in its light architecture (a reduction of 160 kilograms from its predecessor) and German-engineered engine, but also the extent of its intuitive technologies and safety features.

So much so, that it would not be remiss to describe this neat little next-gen package as a paradigm shift for Holden – certainly it’s a far cry from a time when the Lion and Stone badge garnered near-godlike status in some crowds, where high performance lived large, measured in cylinders, displacements and grunt above all else in the Commodore SS V-series.

Drive TIME

A scenic drive out to the coastal fishing village of Moeraki gives us the chance to experience how the Astra handles on the open road. It shrugs off its seemingly dedicated city slicker guise to reveal an impressive, peppy all-rounder that is equally composed and compliant on the open road.

The steering is light, direct and communicative. The car’s punchy 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers us up the Dunedin Northern Motorway with no delay, while staying fastened to the road through corners. There is more than enough pull for easy overtakes and the suspension does an excellent job of soaking up imperfections on the road.

This is a car that feels very comfortable and natural behind the wheel. Part of this is due to Holden going the extra mile of having local engineers tune the Astra specifically for Down Under conditions, in particular our uniquely high-cambered roads. A more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine is also on offer for those who enjoy a sportier drive in the RS and range-topping RS-V, which puts out 147kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

The interior, echoing the slick, flowing forms of its bodywork, delivers a premium ambience accessorised with a jet black cloth interior trim and subtle LED ambient lighting. At the wheel, the thoughtful design of the dash means all the usual dials are kept nicely in line with the steering column, and the leather-appointed sports seats with lumbar

adjustment remain nicely supportive and non-slippery. Taking a spell in the back seat, there is a surprising amount of space and legroom to the extent that it feels like a much larger car – perfect for tall adults and also little kiddies with all their car seating contraptions. Likewise, the boot is a decent size and shape, its wide opening and square shape capable of swallowing suitcases and baby strollers with ease.

The Astra also comes standard with technology and specs that you would normally expect to find in more expensive vehicles, including the latest generation MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can remain connected via a 7-inch colour touch screen with Bluetooth and voice recognition functionality. If you prefer an embedded Satellite Navigation system, the top-end RS-V provides this along with a larger 8-inch screen.

Safety-wise, the Astra is equipped with six airbags (dual front, front side and full-length curtain protection), a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, as well as Electronic Stability Control across the range. If you don’t wish to scrimp on safety features, the RS and RS-V versions come with front parking sensors, semiautomated parking assistance and the HoldenEye forward-facing camera technology, which detects traffic and adds Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert, as well as lanekeeping assistance and guidance.

The least premium thing by a long shot, in the new Astra, is its price – from $30,990, which makes for a rather impressive equipment versus cost equation. Furthermore, if you wish to opt for the most affordable R model, you can add a Driver Assist Pack, which includes clever features like Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert and rain-sensing wipers for an additional $1,500.

There’s no denying the Astra is at the forefront of redefining what a mainstream small car is. While this segment in the automotive industry might not be getting as much attention as it used to, given the seemingly never-ending iterations of compact SUV that are being turned out of late, this is a little beauty worthy of any fashion show.

May / Ju ne 2017 M2WOMAN.co.nz

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Last WORD

Television

TIMES

My name is Kellie and I am addicted to TV. I have not been tellyfree since I last took my class to school camp for three days about a year ago; there are no chips for that.

I’ve heard all the arguments about telly rotting your brain and stunting your creativity but, to be honest, I struggle to hear them over the opening credits of Shortland Street.

upside, they may be picked up as crowd favourites and given the opportunity to star in an upcoming, new show more suited to those who are a bit thick, like Married at First Sight.

MOST LIKELY TO: inanely mouth “good luck” to their opponents before sudden death eliminations.

MOST LIKELY TO SAY: “If tuna is chicken from the sea, is it fish or chicken?”

WORDS BY KELLIE STEVENSON-BORDER

THE BATTLER

Arguably the most maligned genre on telly would be reality TV and I agree, most of it is poppycock. But in the same way that eating a stuffed crust pizza and a Sarah Lee cheesecake by myself is not being healthy, that does not make it any less enjoyable; so binge watching a season of Housewives of Beverly Hills may not make me a more critical thinker, but I bloody love it.

Ironically, given my lack of culinary skills and my passion for frozen foodstuffs, some of my favourite viewing at the moment is reality cooking shows. My husband and I eat them up (cheeky pun, oi, oi!); in particular, a certain wee number that anyone not as riveted to it as I am would think is on all evening, every evening – My Kitchen Rules.

The actual cooking doesn’t hold as much fascination for me as the conflict between the contestants – oh the humanity! I’m really watching it as a Margaret Mead-type of anthropological experiment (that’s my ‘I read nudie mags for the articles’ excuse…

I’m quite proud of it!) I’ve discovered that in most reality competitions, cooking being no exception, the participants tend to fall into the following categories: NICE BUT DIM

You know that you should be rooting for these guys, but somehow I never do. They smile a lot and really love their animals/family/jobs/ country. However, their efforts to win the competition are inevitably stymied by the fact that they are as daft as a brush. On the

Another crowd pleaser, the Battler is going through, or been through, some tough times. They have faced the uncertainty of IVF/death of a loved one/a serious illness, but they are still competing, usually in the name of the hurdle they have overcome.

Often there will be a talking head cutaway, while the Battler tearfully relays to the viewer just how much this experience means to them.

MOST LIKELY TO: cry and wear an awareness ribbon.

MOST LIKELY TO SAY: “This is why I’m here.”

THE DOUCHE-BAG

Well, that says it all really. These are the players with few redeeming qualities, the ones that actually make the show worth watching. You can unite with strangers on the train about how awful Douche-bag is and how you can’t believe what they said to Nice But Dim last week. Douche-bag’s confidence usually doesn’t match their competence and they seldom make it through to the end. Secretly everyone is disappointed when Douche-bag leaves the show. The nasty parts in the deep recesses of your soul acknowledge that your evening is a little less bright without the torch of burning hatred that they tend to inspire.

MOST LIKELY TO: over-promise and under-deliver and throw things at puppies.

MOST LIKELY TO SAY: “I could do it so much better and also you’re a bit fat.”

EYE CANDY

Usually a model and/or physical trainer.

Often in a cooking competition, these sorts make healthy, nutritious, fat-free (read: tastefree) versions of family favourites. While looking incredible in an apron, their meals tend to resemble a mixture of couscous and kitty litter, have four calories per serve and are suitable for those on a Paleo/gluten-free/ dairy-free/dust-only diet and Neanderthal men who may have accidentally time traveled forward to the only time their diet was trendy.

MOST LIKELY TO: be in an obnoxious yoga pose on a beach in their video bio.

MOST LIKELY TO SAY: ‘Quinoa’ and the words ‘super food’.

THE EVIL GENIUS

Hands down my favourite contestants!

They are awful people who say and do nasty things to their fellow competitors. They skite and throw shade, but what separates them from their poor cousins, the Douchebags, is they actually have talent. These guys have been known to take home the prize and boy, are they smug when they do. Sore losers and ungracious winners, they are viewing Nirvana!

MOST LIKELY TO: alienate themselves through sheer nastiness, and tell themselves it’s because everyone is jealous of them (and believe it).

MOST LIKELY TO SAY: “Well done to the other team on coming second – or, as I like to call it, first loser.”

Idiot-box naysayers will suggest this simply highlights how formulaic and trite reality TV really is. That’s as maybe, but I have no intention of tuning out on the Housewives of Anywhere, let alone poorly behaved culinary whizzes until I get my own reality show. I’m going to call it The World’s Biggest Snoozer; it’s basically just me asleep in different parts of the house… it’s also known as Sunday, it’s going to be huge!

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