NEXT的March 2018目录

Miss representation Early in my career I was hired for a journalism job at the same time as one of my university classmates, who was a man. We had the same level of experience, and were doing exactly the same job, but at some point I found out that he was earning 20% more than me. He’d negotiated his salary, I hadn’t. How did I feel? Let’s start with shocked and stupid… I know many of you will have been in similar situations – or suspect that you are. The difference between then and now is that we’re finally talking about the pay gap. With International Women’s Day fast approaching – March 8, mark it in your diaries – and the equality movement growing in momentum, I can guarantee we’ll…

What was your reaction to news of the ‘First Sprog’? A gasp, a fist pump, a tear? I had the warm fuzzies, too. There’s nothing more beautiful than a couple in love, and who want to be parents, expecting a baby. My Facebook feed just couldn’t deal. The emojis weren’t up to the task of conveying all the delight and admiration, especially after realising Jacinda had led successful coalition negotiations while suffering morning sickness. “F***ing wonder woman! My first trimesters I took baths. That’s all,” one woman posted. “What can’t Jacinda do?” posted another. But even as I happily pictured a glass ceiling shattering into shards, I felt an unmistakable jolt of concern (while worrying that my concern betrayed the sisterhood). Yes, as Helen Clark tweeted, “Every woman should have…

Lynette Forday - actor Much-loved by Shortland Street fans and starring in the current series of 800 Words, actress Lynette Forday, 50, has worn more than a few hats over the years, playing real-life roles of a professional ballet dancer and Pilates instructor. She shares what her daughter has taught her about loving herself: “I grew up in Australia in a little country town. I was the only Chinese girl in my class; in fact, we were the only Chinese family at the whole school. I never fitted in because I was different looking. When I was growing up it was trendy to have small lips, a fine nose and thin eyebrows; that was the look. I always wanted to have those little lips and hated my nose because it…

 New Zealand’s most influential internet star, Shannon Harris, is gearing up to shoot one of her legendary beauty tutorials for her YouTube channel, Shaaanxo. As she makes herself up on camera, she captivates Bare-faced and ready to roll, she pulls a silly face, making sure the shot is set up just right. Hitting the record button on the camera she has set up above her computer in the white-walled, fairy lit office of her Palmerston North home, she greets her three million subscribers with a smile and a wave. Today she’s pre-recording one of the three Shaaanxo beauty tutorials she releases every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The look she’s road-testing? Mojito – a complex and beautiful blend of green eye shadows across and around the lid, coupled with soft pink…

SILVER If you think metallic is only for evenings, think again. Pair this dress with sneakers or black ankle boots for a daytime vibe. RED Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of red and a variety of textures for a creative mash-up of this classic hue. DARK FLORAL This trend pairs well with statement fabrics like suede, knits, lace, silk and fur. DOUBLE DENIM A delicate fabric like lace or silk, or a floaty feminine dress, makes for a striking contrast with denim’s industrial feel. OFFICE CHIC Whether you’re heading into work or not, the nine-to-five look is the business this season. A mid-length skirt works best for this trend; swap the pencil style for an A-line if you prefer. POLKA DOTS Stripes give the dots some edge –…

In your 30s Your sun and lifestyle habits from earlier years are going to haunt you now and what you do during this decade is crucial for the years to come. “Now is when you’re likely to start developing uneven skin tone with sun spots and broken blood vessels,” says Dr Catherine Stone from The Face Place. “Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage – this pigmentation usually sits more superficially in the skin and is easier to treat. Melasma, which sits deeper in the skin, is often caused by hormonal stimulation with pregnancy or the oral contraceptive, and is much more difficult to treat.” Sunscreen is super-important – always wear it. “UV exposure causes pigmentation and it only takes five to seven minutes of exposure to stimulate collagenase, an…

Delightful, cute, charming? Or something to be covered up? Freckles are often desired by those who don’t have them, and regarded by those who do have them as a nuisance. Right now freckles are in fashion, but with our harsh summer sun, it’s important to make sure your spots are safe. THE GENETIC FACTOR We’re not born with freckles – some people will get them in childhood, and they might stay or fade away during adulthood. “Some freckles have a genetic link and those who have lots of freckles may have one MC1R gene copy, which is the same gene link to red hair,” explains Dr Maria DS Reeves, dermatological skin cancer surgeon and founder and director of Claris Group. “General sun exposure also increases the tone and number of…

Forget online personality tests; your home can reveal more of your psyche than a game of Cluedo. For Lotte Barnes and Lia-Belle King, their thoughtfulness and dedication to handmade items shows in their 1900s cottage. “We like our home to be a harmonious reflection of the environment outside, but also of our personal and locational journeys,” Lotte says. “The practice of wabi-sabi [beauty in the imperfect and incomplete] influences our aesthetic, making for a space that is humble and calm, but also artistically interesting.” ‘We like our home to be a harmonious reflection of the environment outside’ Waiting game When Lotte and Lia-Belle moved from Bali to their new home – which they now share with three-month-old daughter Ophelia and their dog Gray – they didn’t rush to deck it…

FROM INTERIOR DESIGNER Rebecca Richmond This trend is about mixing and matching rough surfaces with luxe accents for a look that will always be unique to you. Rough luxe is one of my favourite homeware trends, but it does take a bit of consideration – there’s no one-stop shop to pull this off; you’ll need to find your pieces from a variety of places. GO NATURAL Your ‘rough’ surfaces could be anything from your walls, to your table tops, to flooring. Choose natural unfinished to semi-finished products. Stone tiles, like a slate or travertine, work well; these tiles can go on the floor or wall and in slightly unexpected places, such as in your living room behind the sofa, or the wall where your fireplace is. They are also great in your…

Hormones can wreak havoc on our emotions, moods and behaviour. When they are in balance, it can feel as if all is well with the world but when they’re out of kilter, you soon know about it. Here we aim to scratch the surface of those wondrous chemicals that have the power to rule our bodies and minds, in order to understand them better and create balance for a happier, freer life. We look at the science, offer practical tips, and hear from three women about the journeys their hormones have taken them on.…

1 SEROTONIN Serotonin is responsible for maintaining appetite, sleep and, you guessed it, mood balance, but a deficit leads to depression. Bright light, exercise and good nutrition increase serotonin levels. But there may be a two-way link in which serotonin could improve mood, and mood could, in turn, increase serotonin – meaning that thinking positively could cause your body to raise serotonin levels, helping you out in the happiness stakes. 2 OXYTOCIN Oxytocin is the hormone used to help create social bonds. It plays a huge role in connecting mother and baby, and is also abundant when two people fall in love. Physical touch is a well-known oxytocin, so book a massage for a boost. Researchers have also spoken about its role in society, noting that it increases empathy, with scientists finding that higher levels…

An entertainer’s dream or a quick weeknight meal, salmon is extremely versatile, readily available and delicious to boot Recipes Salmon patties with courgette & asparagus salad 2 x 200g skinless salmon fillets, halved crossways 2 spring onions, white parts only, green tops reserved 5cm strip lemon rind 4 whole black peppercorns 1 cup water ¾ cup couscous 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus ¹/₃ cup extra ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 free-range eggs, beaten lightly 45g packet lemon and herb dukkah, plus extra, to serve 1 medium courgette 170g asparagus, trimmed ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest 1 Tbsp lemon juice ²/₃ cup Greek-style yoghurt Lemon wedges, to serve 1 Place salmon, reserved onion tops, rind, peppercorns and the water in a medium saucepan; bring to the boil.…

Recipes We know blueberries are good for us; they’re at the top of any superfoods list because they’re full of anti-ageing antioxidants Raw white chocolate mixed berry cheesecake BASE ½ cup almond meal 8 medjool dates, pitted ¼ cup desiccated coconut 2 Tbsp almond butter Pinch of salt flakes WHITE CHOC FILLING 2 cups cashews, pre-soaked (see note) 1 cup almond milk ½ cup maple syrup ¼ cup cacao butter, melted Pinch of salt flakes BERRY SWIRL ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries ¼ cup fresh or frozen raspberries TO DECORATE Pomegranate seeds Edible rose petals 1 For the base, place all the ingredients in a blender with 2 Tbsp water and blend. You want a tacky, sticky mixture, so if it’s not quite there then add another tablespoon…

How has your relationship with your body changed as you’ve got older? “I’m fitter now than when I was younger. I’m a bit more accepting of my body.” “I have to be more mindful of how much and what I eat. I have to exercise more.” “I have gained confidence in my body despite being overweight (obese according to the doctor’s assessment) and am proud of myself in appearance, strength, stamina and ability to keep healthy. When I was younger I was shy about my body.” “I am not so self-critical and much kinder to myself. I also appreciate what my body does so try to look after it.” “It’s the same, but I'm disappointed I can’t do the same things I used to be able to do.” “My skin…

Louise Green is 1.7m and weighs 95kg. The 45-year-old wears NZ dress size 18. She doesn’t mind you knowing she has rolls of fat around her tummy and that she’s no stranger to ‘chub rub’ when her thighs chafe as she runs. She knows what it’s like to struggle to find a sports bra that remotely does the job. She knows that faced with a slab of cake, she’ll find it hard to resist. She also knows what it’s like to be cold-called at her home in Vancouver, Canada, by fat-shamers who tell her she has no right to do what she does for a living. For Louise – who would count as obese if she stood on one of those scales that measure your BMI rating – is a…

I International Women’s Day on March 8 deserves prime time on your calendar this month, but it hasn’t always been as celebrated as it is today. While it was honoured for the first time in 1911, it wasn’t until 2011 – the 100th anniversary of the day – that former US president Barack Obama declared March to be Women’s History Month. Since then, recognition of the day has soared and each year brings a new focus to promoting women’s rights. Last year, the campaign theme was Be Bold for Change – encouraging individuals and organisations to take “ground-breaking action that truly drives the greatest change for women”. In a sign of how much visibility the day has achieved, Facebook reported that International Women’s Day was the most talked about topic…

We’ve long lauded our history as a feminist country – first to give women the vote, three female prime ministers when many countries have yet to have one, and recently, a historic win for pay equality. But what do New Zealand women think about the state of equality today? In a new survey of more than 1000 New Zealand women*, 89% say that equality is personally important. When asked what equality means to you, it’s about having equal opportunities and treatment – notably pay equality, with 98% saying they believe men and women should be paid the same for the same job role. But most believe equality isn’t yet a reality, with 69% saying it’s still a man’s world. One said society was tipped in favour of men, as “masculine…

RINGING IN CHANGE The Golden Globes saw stars stand in solidarity with victims of sexual assault in black dresses. But some stars including Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley added an extra touch to their outfits – the Duet Pinky Ring by US jewellery brand Shiffon. The brand donates 50% of the sales of the ring to seed grants for young female entrepreneurs and companies that empower women around the world. It’s fashion with a cause – and one we can definitely get behind. shiffonco.com. NOW TRENDING After curating the best of the runway, fashion bible Vogue has found the top trends for 2018, though they’re not quite day-to-day wear. Along with lace cycling shorts à la 80s, also featured are cardigans worn over the shoulders and fastened…

Roll up Revlon’s nifty new ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner, $30, has a rolling wheel tip (like a micro pizza cutter) providing a smooth, straight line. The liner is waterproof and comes in four shades. LIGHTLY THERE Estée Lauder’s most iconic foundation has a little sister. Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF25, $65, is a lighter version of the cult classic, offering a sheerer coverage with the same 24-hour long-wear formula providing a flawless finish. Those who prefer a light to medium coverage will love this. DARE TO BARE Our love affair with nude lippy continues with these stunning new shades: Steal: bareMinerals Gen Nude Squad, $28 each Splurge: Nars Under Arrest, Hell Gate, Embrasse Moi, $44 each (limited edition Spring Collection available from Feb 27 at Mecca Cosmetica). SKIN…

Meryl Streep looked stunning in an icy grey tone for the film The Devil Wears Prada. British Vogue fashion features director Sarah Harris is renowned for her long grey mane that looks enviably chic. Having grey hair is no longer the realm of the ageing; it’s become a fashionable statement and sign of strength. It shows an authentic acceptance, a defiant approval of nature’s way. But how easy is this look to pull off in real life? Gradual journey Marie, a 45-year-old teacher, first started noticing grey hairs in her 20s. At first it was a light sprinkling contained mainly in the front fringe section – an area that has now turned to light silver. Her original hair colour was light auburn with a tendency to turn strawberry blond in…

1 Mix materials: Combine different furniture materials – from timber and cane to concrete and chrome – to create interest. 2 Don’t forget underfoot: Invest in a really good woollen floor rug – it will totally transform your space. 3 Switch on: If you’re working with a cream or relatively tonal scheme, lighting makes all the difference. Add long linen curtains to a window and put a glass lamp on a table and you will instantly bring warmth to the sparsest of rooms. 4 Opt for art: The louder the artworks, the less furniture and other pieces you will need, as they create a focal point and add sophistication to any room. Lotte and Lia-Belle favour the works of artists Jordana Henry, Christiane Spangsberg and Otis Carey. 5 Add a little greenery: Indoor plants…

Without giving it much thought, do you trim the fat off steak, drink skimmed milk and opt for low-fat spreads? It’s probably because for years you were told the saturated fat in these foods isn’t good for you, that it raises your cholesterol levels, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, and makes you overweight. But recent science suggests the low-fat lifestyle could actually harm your health and that saturated fats shouldn’t be completely shunned. Contrary to what you may have thought, a diet that’s very low in saturated fats has now been found to possibly increase your risk of premature death by 13%. Meanwhile, a relatively high intake could actually lower your chances of an early death by 23% and reduce your risk of suffering a stroke, according…

Tell us about your book… It’s simply about learning tools to help you drink more moderately, which is easier said than done for many reasons, not least because, once you’ve had a drink or two, your self-control and decision-making skills go out the window. Ultimately, the aim is to free yourself from hangovers, fatigue and alcohol-induced anxiety. It’s not about complete abstinence, or deprivation. It sounds like you were a true ladette through your 20s. How do you rate the experience? A lot of it was incredibly fun! But my head was constantly fuzzy and I had a gnawing sense of anxiety about everything from work to relationships, which I didn’t really connect to drinking at the time. I was naïve about the effects of alcohol. Any regrets? I certainly…

Rhythm of life Rhythm is a new, batch-crafted triple distilled 5.2% vodka, with a light tantalising blend of 100% natural fruit flavours. Infused with electrolytes and rounded out with crisp New Zealand sparkling water, Rhythm is available in two refreshing flavours: Lemon, Lime & Mandarin, or Raspberry, Peach & Watermelon. 4 pack RRP $9.99. Dairy-free’s a breeze Almond Breeze almond milk is a great tasting, low-fat, healthy dairy alternative. Substitute it for milk in recipes or enjoy it straight from the carton on cereal, in hot drinks or in a smoothie. Available in Original, Unsweetened, Chocolate, Unsweetened Vanilla and Almond Coconut at Countdown, New World and Pak N Save. 1 litre RRP $3.99. Beauty cocktail Complexion Cocktails are the first super-potent, skin-boosting tonics to target signs of fatigue, stress and…

This month, our favourite cover ’gram will receive a Living Nature prize pack, valued at $274: THICKENING MASCARA IN JET BLACK; SKIN STEPS TO NOURISH NORMAL SKIN (INCLUDES NOURISHING DAY CREAM, VITALISING CLEANSER,AND EXTRA HYDRATING TONING GEL); ORGANIC LIPSTICK IN WILD FIRE; FIRMING FLAX SERUM; RADIANCE NIGHT OIL; AND BEE VENOM MASK SACHET. To enter, simply snap the cover and tag us on Instagram @nextmagazinenz thatkiwigirl88@mytreat.co.nz thank you!!!! January box arrived this morning!! Always on my day off too. 7 goodies inside! Here’s to a great 2018 and looking after me. Xx VISIT US ONLINE NOWTOLOVE.CO.NZ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK NEXTMAGAZINENZ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @NEXTMAGAZINENZ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL NEWSLETTER NEXTMAGAZIINE.CO.NZ/SIGNUP…

The websites I check every day are... 1newsnow.co.nz. I’m not even being forced to say that. Facebook, because I like to quietly stalk my loved ones. And Buzzfeed. Give me a ‘Which Disney Princess Are You?’ quiz any day. My advice to my younger self... You’ll find happiness when you’re happy with yourself. Oh, and that look you think you’re pulling off when you decide to try wearing collared shirts with stubbies? Yeah, you’re not pulling it off. My typical week… I work on Breakfast, so it’s an early wake-up call. I head in to work, chat to the team about that morning’s show, and start writing the weather script for myself that morning. I’m on air between 6am and 9am telling the country what the weather’s doing, as well…

Ageing is inevitable, and as Jen explains, there’s nothing to not love about it. “I really wish we could shift our perspective on it as a negative because it’s happening to every single one of us,” she says, adding that one key to ageing well is to nurture your skin. “Keep it healthy, and keep it tended to – as we tend to our cars, as we tend to our appliances, as we tend to everything else we tend to.” That goes from the inside, out. “Don’t eat processed foods, sugars or high-saturated foods,” she says. “Like, all those fried yummy foods we love to have (and that we should definitely indulge in once in a while, of course) – it’s pretty basic!” For ultra-hydrated skin, Jennifer keeps to a…

 Picture a girl of 10, maybe 11. She lives in a nice home in the suburbs with two loving parents. She shouldn’t want for anything. And yet. There is something she really wants. Not a pony, or a trip to Disneyland or new rollerskates. She wants to change the world. ‘IT’S EASY TO WORK LONG HOURS BECAUSE WE ARE ADDRESSING ISSUES I AM REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT’ She debates fiercely with her family at mealtimes about inequality, homelessness, the environment. People no doubt joke – ‘Hey, that kid’s gonna be president some day’. Well that girl didn’t grow up to be president; but she did become Aotearoa’s Minister for Women. Julie Anne Genter couldn’t have imagined, all those years ago growing up in southern California, that this is where she’d be…

Is it really possible to accumulate that extra insulating layer without worrying where it will lead? Scientists have debated the ‘obesity paradox’ for decades, trying to determine if exercise offsets the health consequences of being a little lardy. John Brewer, professor of applied sport science at St Mary’s University, London, says aerobic activity – swimming, cycling, brisk walking – ameliorates the effects of excess fat. “It is far better to exercise regularly and carry some extra fat than to be thin but sedentary,” Brewer says. “The most important muscle in the body is your heart and if that is in good shape through aerobic exercise, it doesn’t really matter how you look.” Numerous studies have proved being active virtually eliminates the undesirable consequences of extra kgs, especially in terms of…

It was a big year for Hollywood, with bombshell revelations of sexual harassment which led to Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and Louis CK (among others) being dropped from movie and TV studios. Most recently, Hollywood’s elite staged a ‘black out’ at the Golden Globes, with the stars donning black to stand with victims of sexual assault. As actress and director Amber Tamblyn wrote in the New York Times: “What we are wearing is not a statement of fashion. It is a statement of action… Black because we are powerful when we stand together with all women across industry lines. Black because we’re starting over, resetting the standard. Black because we’re done being silenced and we’re done with the silencers. Tonight is not a mourning. Tonight is an awakening.” The event shone…

A love of science and nature – and years of research – saw Dr Iona Weir turn her attention to blending her two passions. We sat down with the 51-year-old CEO of Atopis Skincare to talk about her 30-second rule, being authentic, and tackling the US market. DO THE RESEARCH “We launched Atopis Skincare last February. Behind it was four years of scientific research, two clinical trials, formulations and regulatory approvals. My 27 years of research all came together; I’d used coconut water to get plant stem cells to regenerate new plants, now I use the same technology in Atopis. I did my PhD on apoptosis, which is programmed cell death, and was the first person in the world to prove apoptosis can be reversed in plants. I then used…

Dinner Work Weekend Tip Midi skirts are in this season – add a cosy knit for cooler nights…

SKINCARE I use a mixture of skincare products and I’ve worked out exactly what works best for my skin. My go-to’s are Ultraceuticals Ultra Rich Moisturiser Cream, $112, at night and I exfoliate weekly with Ethique Gingersnap Face Scrub, $22 – these smell absolutely delicious, like you could eat them! I also use Ultraceuticals Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum, $154, and Osmosis Catalyst DNA Repair Serum, $242. HAIRCARE These little eco hair-saving babies from Ethique are every bit as good as rumour would have it! For anyone with a sensitive scalp like me, this combination has been a total hit and has been uber calming, soothing and healing. Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo Bar, $22, and Wonderbar Conditioner, $25. MAKEUP I use Inika Long Lash Organic Vegan Mascara, $52. This product…

Soft and silky “The best way to treat unruly texture is using keratin smoothing treatments that restructure the surface of your hair to a soft and silky texture,” explains Lauren. “I also recommend using Plex treatments at home. A Plex treatment will help to smooth out stubborn kinks and reduces frizz.” “I’ve been lucky my hair hasn’t thinned and I really didn’t notice a difference,” says Marie. “I did get a keratin treatment at the beginning of the ‘grey out’ process and it was amazing for my hair texture. Once summer is over I’ll do this again.” Transitioning to this new colour can take guts. Marie says it was important for her that her partner was cool with it. “It was a big step emotionally, which seems a little silly…

TIME FOR TEA Good news for tea fans – your daily cuppa may be protecting your eyes. An observational study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology of more than 1600 participants found those who had a daily cup of hot tea were 47% less likely to develop glaucoma – where fluid build-up in the eye can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. But hot coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks don’t seem to make any difference, say researchers. More studies are needed, but for now – pop the kettle on! A GUT FULL We know a fibre-rich diet is good for us and now Swedish studies offer clues as to why. It seems fibre doesn’t deliver its benefits directly to our bodies;…

Knowing your cycle is key to loving your body and experience as a woman. That’s a seriously radical and rebellious act in a world where billion-dollar diet and beauty industries, which are reliant on your insecurities and self-loathing, exist. Be radical. Love your body. Get to know your menstrual cycle: This is done more effectively when not using hormone-controlled contraception methods. You can do this with a charting device like Daysy. It’s hormone-free and hassle-free, taking your temperature and charting your cycle. It’s 99.3% effective. Chart your emotions: Note your feelings in a diary each month for at least three months; you’ll start to notice patterns, hot spots and power days in your cycle. These will vary from woman to woman but they’ll become a unique-to-you guidebook to how your…

1 Which of these is currently the biggest challenge in your love life? ∆ Lack of libido ∞ Mood swings ◊ Lack of general energy O Poor body image 2 What you eat on any given day depends on: ∆ How well you’ve slept ∞ The time of the month ◊ How good you feel about your body O What kind of mood you’re in 3 What do you usually think about when you’re in the shower? ∆ Why you feel so tired and achy ∞ Why you never feel like having sex ◊ Whatever you’re currently worrying about O What you’re going to eat that day 4 Your self-confidence takes a bashing when you: ∆ Overeat or eat the wrong things ∞ Physically feel under the weather ◊ Are…

Pacific king salmon is the only salmon species farmed in New Zealand Cracking combo Smoked salmon with something fresh and something creamy is an ideal combination of flavours and textures. For a great snack, try flatbread with a few slices of the artisan aged ricotta salata made by Nelson-based ViaVio with some smoked salmon, a few slices of red onion or tomato and some capers or fresh dill. viavio.co.nz Miso magic Whether as part of a marinade, glaze or as a broth, miso paste is a perfect partner for salmon. There are few better than the New Zealand-made miso paste from the talented Takehito Maeda at Nelson’s Urban Hippie. He also sells umami salt (shio koji) and his miso-style breakfast spread Misomite. You only need 1 Tbsp of…

As well as nutritious food, throw in some exercise and prioritise sleep to put you on the path to hormone harmony Recipes Courgette spaghetti 4 medium courgettes 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup pine nuts 3 cups tomato, roughly chopped 2 portobello mushrooms, roughly chopped 1 Tbsp dried oregano 1 Tbsp dried thyme 1 cup chopped basil, plus extra small leaves to garnish 2 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper Nutritional yeast, to serve 1 Spiralise the courgettes into spaghetti-like noodles, then spread out on paper towel to absorb the excess moisture. 2 Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, then add…

When I got married, I vowed I would never speak like that Mr Stable looks wildly around as if considering doing a runner I’m trying hard to think it’s normal that the wife of my new man is involving me in discussions about their divorce. “Not normal,” Jenna says decisively. She’s started a dogwalking business and we’re out walking in a maelstrom of saliva-soaked leashes. “She wants an Ally – and becoming The Wife’s Ally is the surest way to lose The Husband.” “You think?” I’m not completely sure, thinking of the steely upbeat tone of Mrs Stable’s emails. She seems to be casting me in the role of an Objective Adviser who, instead of taking a fee, will take a pesky absent-minded professor off her hands. But I could…

WE NEED TO BE PILOT LIGHTS, NOT GASLIGHTS, ILLUMINATING EACH OTHER’S WAY Is the sisterhood a myth? I thought we were supposed to have each other’s backs, but sometimes the way we treat each other makes Harvey Weinstein look like Glinda the Good Witch with a slight sexual problem. And the ways in which we undermine one another can be quite subtle. Take ‘gaslighting’ for example. If you don’t know what that is, here’s the dictionary definition: verb, manipulate (someone) by psychological means. Per the element, it’s a sneaky, odourless threat to your wellbeing where seemingly innocuous whiffs build into toxic fumes, much like my attempts to make elderflower champagne. Gaslighting is when someone tells you didn’t say/do something when you did, that up is down, and Nana’s armchair has…

THE UNSPOKEN TRUTH ABOUT HAPPINESS IS IT MAKES US NERVOUS Floating on an inflatable rainbow unicorn on a blue pool on a summer day. Getting sore hands clapping as your daughter wins a school prize. Finishing writing the first draft of a TV script: finally! All the family squashed in bed with popcorn and a Harry Potter marathon. Can you summon some happy moments of your own? Prosecco, Venice, maybe? Or even fish and chips, in summer, on the ordinary beach down the road? You know those special stop-the-clock moments when everything comes together, when everything is perfect. Got one? Good. Can you really feel the happiness, bask in it, let it soak into you, like water soaking into a sponge? If you can, good for you, my friend! Keep…

1 Host a breakfast for the most important women in your life (or meet up in a café and avoid the dishes). 2. Make a bold statement about the unequal division of household labour by not doing any chores for the day. 3. Support women-run businesses and treat yourself to something from a Kiwi fashion designer. 4. Become a SheEO activator to help support Kiwi women starting a business. 5. Donate to programmes that keep girls in school. 6. Watch a movie or TV show directed by a woman. 7. Take a dinner around to a new mum or offer to babysit for a friend. 8. Wear purple (the official colour of IWD). 9. Choose an action to #PressforProgress (seeinternationalwomensday.com/PressforProgress). 10. Read Gloria Steinem. 11. Send a letter/flowers/visit a friend to tell her…