Part of the beauty of good chocolate easter eggs is that they look too good to eat, until you do. Liv Glazebrook from @kitchenoftreats has delivered a simple recipe for homemade chocolate eggs that will look incredible on Easter morning and be gone by Easter Monday. Maybe make a second batch.
Chocolate Easter Eggs Serves 8
Ingredients 2 cups Whittaker’s chocolate (we used White, Creamy Milk and 50% Dark Chocolate) 8 large eggs Food-safe paint (optional)
Method
Preparing Egg Shells 1. Using a pin, poke a hole in the bottom of a large egg; insert the tip of a chopstick (or equivalent) and gently turn to open the hole slightly. 2. Insert pin into the hole to pierce the yolk. Hold the egg, hole down, over a bowl, and shake the egg out (alternatively you can blow air into the hole with a rubber ear syringe – the air will displace and expel the egg). Rinse out egg. Repeat. 3. Sterilise eggs: Boil the egg shells in a saucepan of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar; then simmer for 10 minutes. Let egg shells drain. 4. To speed up the drying process, place the egg shells in an oven heated to 50°C until completely dry – check the inside of the shell to ensure there is no moisture. Be very careful, the egg shells will be fragile. 5. Once dry, remove from the oven and if you wish to paint the eggs – do so at this step with food-safe paint.
Filling Egg Shells 6. Chop up sufficient chocolate to fill the egg shells – allow for approximately ¼ cup chocolate per egg shell. 7. Melt chocolate in the microwave at steady increments to avoid burning. If you would like to temper your chocolate (optional) we recommend you do so at this step. 8. Place eggshells (hole up) in an egg carton. Place a disposable pastry bag in a tall glass and fill bag with chocolate, then snip the end. 9. Insert tip of bag into each egg, and fill with chocolate (about 1/4 cup per egg; fill a new bag with chocolate as needed). Leave to set completely, about 4 hours. 10. Gift to family and friends – remember to tell them to remove the shell before eating!
With the world in lockdown your front door is probably feeling neglected, which makes it the perfect time to contemplate a fresh coat of paint that could increase your home’s value, elevate the aesthetics or merely give you and your neighbours a much-neeeded smile.
For Luck We could all do with a bit of luck right now so borrow some from the Chinese and paint your front door Resene Guardsman Red. There are other meanings that also make red the perfect first impression from the footpath. In America a red door is traditionally a sign of welcome, letting travellers know that the occupants were open to assist the weary, while in Scotland it can be a sign of pride. Some Scots will paint their door when they’re out of the red and have paid off their mortgage. We say, why wait? Try Resene Disco for a deeper, darker option.
For confident types Yellow doors offer unexpected cheeriness along with the element of surprise, suiting homes that aren’t afraid to stand out on the street. Colour codes suggest that an upbeat yellow, such as Resene Turbo exudes energy and is perfect for south-facing homes in Feng Shui. A white trim, like Resene Black White, will let the yellow pop.
Nature calls Show your environmental credentials by painting your front door green. The colour represents healing and growth, making it one of the most popular colours in Britain, where it is often seen as a sign of prosperity. Get back to nature with Resene Camarone.
For wealth A US study discovered that houses with a black or charcoal door were more appealing to house hunters, helping properties sell for as much as $10,000 more than original expectations. The research factored in the kerb appeal of 135,000 homes using photographs, stretching as far back as 2010, with not so basic black and charcoal taking home the prize at the pick of the palette. So that you can start planning your home improvement, we consulted the experts at Resene to recommend the best of these dark shades with which to paint your door. Here they are:
1. Resene All Black — the blackest of blacks 2. Resene Nero — deep black with inky blue undertones 3. Resene Gumboot — a stately grey with blue undertones 4. Resene Masala — a brown-grey with a green edge
Use a high gloss finish for a sleek modern look and for more advice, visit your local Resene ColorShop.
It’s important to have goals for when this period of self-isolation ends and if you’re like us the travel bug hasn’t disappeared after 20 seconds of hand-washing to Happy Birthday. Feed your fantasies by mentally checking into these luxurious properties that are preparing to open their doors in 2020. There’s no place like home at the moment but room service, an exotic location and incredible design is what dreams are made of. Is it too early to start packing?
Six Senses – Shaharut, Israel If it’s an otherworldly escape you’re after, the Six Senses Shaharut in Israel’s Negev Desert should be at the top of your list when it opens in September. Nestled into a cliff, the hotel consists of 60 private suites and villas offering panoramic views across the expansive desert landscape and are designed to integrate seamlessly into their surrounds — made primarily from natural materials and furnished with pieces by local artisans. The resort includes bars and restaurants that will showcase seasonal produce, an open-air cinema, a Six Senses Spa and even an Earth Lab, where guests can learn about the hotel’s environmental initiatives and reconnect with the natural world. The Six Senses Shaharut is set to provide luxury for the new, sustainable age.
Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle, France Set on the grounds of France’s most iconic chateau, the Airelles Château de Versailles will offer its guests unprecedented access to an important slice of history. The Château de Versailles dates back to the pre-revolution reign of Louis XIV and its opulent architecture and immaculate grounds still stand today as a testament to the air of excess that underpinned his tenure as king. Now, French hotel group Airelles has teamed up with renowned chef, Alain Ducasse, to open a luxurious, 14-room hotel in converted 17th and 18th-Century buildings that are part of the palace itself. Alongside views across the orangery and out to the lake in the chateau’s gardens, the hotel will boast an Alain Ducasse restaurant, a wellness centre and an indoor pool. More details are still to be revealed but this is one opening we’re particularly excited for. Let us eat cake.
Aman – New York Bringing its signature serenity to the Big Apple, this entry from Aman sees it venturing further into North America with a forthcoming New York outpost. Set in the iconic Crown Building on the corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street, the new hotel will offer 83 rooms and suites and a spa set over three floors, with unprecedented tranquillity in the heart of Manhattan. Also offering a subterranean jazz bar, wraparound garden terrace (with views of Central Park), Italian and Japanese restaurants and a wine library, Aman is sure to be a welcome addition when the city that usually never sleeps wakes up.
One & Only Desaru Coast– Malaysia With secluded luxury as its core tenet, One & Only’s forthcoming Malaysian resort will be the group’s first foray into Asia. Set on a stretch of private Desaru coastline, the hotel will offer a beach club and spa, a raft of outdoor activities (including tennis, golf, diving and watersports), three restaurants, 42 suites, two luxury suites and the pièce de résistance — a sprawling four-bedroom villa. Fifty private residences will also be available to purchase outright.
Cheval Blanc – Paris As Cheval Blanc’s first metropolitan property, this new Parisian destination is unique in more ways than one. Located at 8 Quai du Louvre, walking distance from the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Jardins du Luxembourg (among other must-see Parisian sites), this luxurious hotel reimagined b architect Peter Marino will offer 36 rooms and 36 suites, some with floor-to-ceiling windows to frame views of the Seine. Its restaurant will be helmed by chef Arnaud Donckele of three-Michelin-starred La Vague d’Or at the hotel group’s St. Tropez location. Offering a unique sense of space from its left bank location, the new Cheval Blanc will give its guests a fresh perspective on the City of Light.
Amanvari – Los Cabos Set on the tranquil beachfront site of what used to be a historic hacienda, Aman’s first foray into Mexico will be a luxurious affair. With 20 two-storey pavilions, a central atrium on the beach showcasing three restaurants, a library, a lounge and a large infinity pool, an all-encompassing spa, and to top it all off, 24 Aman Residences set on the property that will be available for purchase, this hotel is taking the idea of luxury to bold new heights.
While spending time indoors, take inspiration from the outdoors and adorn yourself with bold accents in deep ocean blue and forest green jewels for a look that’s positively daring. Make dinner at home a black tie affair or let your Zoom meeting focus on your emerald accents. Before you knot it you will be having a different type of baguette at breakfast.
Cushion Sapphire Cluster Hook earrings from Partridge, Cushion Cut Emerald ring from Sutcliffe, Green Tourmaline ring from Sutcliffe, Paper Flowers Diamond and Tanzanite Firefly ring from Tiffany & Co., Green Quartz Ladybug pendant from Tiffany & Co., Pasquale Bruni Je T’aime Blue Topaz bracelet from Hartfield
Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard pendant from Tiffany & Co., Pasquale Bruni Ton Joli earrings from Hartfield, Chaumet Josephine Aigrette ring from Hartfield, Cushion Cut Green Tourmaline earrings from Partridge, Glacier Aquamarine ring from Sutcliffe, Royal Blue bracelet from Partridge
Claire Sullivan-Kraus – Founder and Editor In Chief
Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life In The Shadow Of The Crown by Anne Glenconner “If you were hooked on The Crown you will love this sassy memoir of drama, tragedy, and royal secrets by Anne Glenconner – a close member of the royal circle and lady-in-waiting to the notoriously difficult Princess Margaret. Talk about a stiff upper lip.”
Broken Glass by Alex Beam “The true story of the unique and intimate relationship that gave birth to the architectural dream Farnsworth House, a masterpiece of 20th century design – and deteriorated into a desperate feud.”
No Filter by Sarah Frier “Award-winning reporter Sarah Frier looks into the rise and rise of Instagram and how it became the most culturally defining app of the decade. Like.”
Damien Woolnough – Editor
Too Much Is Not Enough by Andrew Rannells “The Book of Mormon had to close prematurely in Auckland but the star of its original Broadway run delivers his fair share of drama in this witty, self-deprecating and ultimately life-affirming autobiography.”
Uncanny Valley: A Memoir by Anna Weiner “An outsider’s inside take on the bloated and dangerous rise of Silicon Valley and the culture created behind the boom. On her journey Wiener wonders why an industry that was supposed to bring people together ended up creating divisions.”
Fliss Grennell – Advertising Manager
Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown “The harrowing story of a girl who faces abuse in foster homes and is exposed to drugs, sex work and gang violence before waking up behind a dumpster and deciding to turn her life around. No wonder Oprah loved it.”
Arabella Nelson – Digital Manager
Guest House For Young Widows of Isis by Azadeh Moaveni “An at times disturbing look at why 13 young women were drawn to the extremist Jihadist movement.”
Left to right: Terracotta water pitcher (fourth-st.com), Margi Nuttall vase and Arno Declercq black centipede vases (simonjames.co.nz), Rachel Saunders Macaroni vase (fourth-st.com), Margi Nuttall jug (simonjames.co.nz), Florals by La Femme Fleur (lafemmefleur.co.nz), Background in Resene Hemlock and Resene Stone Age (resene.co.nz).
As we increasingly look at homes as retreats and places of solace, it’s time to update the sanctuary status of our living spaces. Colour has an immediate impact on our wellbeing, so reach for the paint brush and after some meditative strokes, bask in the brilliance of dusty green Resene Hemlock.
Psychologist Rachel Kaplan from the University of Michigan in the US has found that green environments decrease stress levels, so bring nature indoors with Resene Hemlock’s seventies-tinged evocation of lush landscapes.
From an interior design point of view, another reason that green is seen as calming is its place on the spectrum, producing the least amount of eye strain. Add bonus points for being associated with safety and harmony in many cultures.
If you are looking to increase your ‘green’ credentials in another way, Resene has been addressing environmental concerns for decades. Resene’s Environmental Choice approved product range, includes an extensive array of paints that have been independently verified as having no added VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or having particularly low VOC content.
The lower the VOCs the fresher the air. Resene colours are also tinted using special, no added VOC tinters, so you can get your favourite colour tinted without worrying about added VOCs.
Working from home means there are less people around to judge you by the shoes you wear but that’s no reason for exposing your toes to cold floorboards or stray Lego pieces.
Choosing the right footwear could have a serious impact on your performance, helping you crush deadlines and budgets rather than falling into a black hole of Netflix and ASMR video clips.
Research from Northwestern University in the US shows that wearing specific articles of clothing has a direct effect on your psychology and performance. The term ‘enclothed cognition’ describes the connection between clothing and your psychological state.
So wearing pool slides at home could trick your mind into thinking it’s time for sun, surf and sangria instead of spreadsheets.
Get your brain in gear and launch into working remotely feet first.
The morning commute Get your creative juices flowing, even if it takes you five seconds to get to work from your bed to your laptop. Encased in the athletic Adidas designs your brain is bound to break records that will leave all thoughts of your slippers in the dust.
Wear them with dark wash denim or chinos and keep your feet feeling on top of things.
WIP it good It’s important to reassure your colleagues by chat or email that it’s business as usual. The classic derby polished to perfection instantly gives an instant sense of security. If it worked for grandpa in World War II it will work in 2020.
Presentation pieces Just because you’ve adjusted the lighting, your half-Windsor knot and arranged the books in camera-view behind you doesn’t mean that you’re ready to dazzle your superiors on a tele-conference.
Your feet might be out of view but Alessandro Michele’s signature snake design loafers for Gucci will have your brain prepared to strike (venom optional).
Social distance coffee Some meetings can’t be kept to a conference call, so head to a restaurant where social-distancing measures are in place. This far from basic black boot lets them know you mean business.
If you need to channel your inner architect without conducting a site visit, approach blueprints and plans in the design uniform of a simple sneaker. Swap out gloomy black with feel good blue suede. A matching turtleneck is optional.
End of work drinks Instead of racing to the car park and chasing traffic you can pour yourself a whiskey and congratulate yourself on making it to the end of another day. Things instantly feel better in these fashion forward slippers from Louis Vuitton.
They let your brain know it’s time to relax and you don’t have to worry about getting them scuffed outside your front door.
I’ve been in the restaurant biz since far too many of you were babes on your mother’s knee and I can tell you the coming weeks are going to be a tough time for us all. That’s why I’m taking the unprecedented step of reducing the number of tables in my restaurants. This uncrowded approach is essential to ensure exceptional hygiene.
I’ll be sharing my time equally between all four restaurants to ensure they remain safe, healthy places for staff and customers alike – and because even after all these years there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Take care, keep up your sense of humour, and know that for as long as we can, we’ll be here to deliver delicious meals, excellent service and worry-free dining.
The last few weeks have been concerning as we watch our hospitality family around the world suffer and wonder what will happen at home.
We have stepped up our hygiene and taken unprecedented steps to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible and also keep the lights on.
As the situation continues to evolve we’ll update our website and social platforms with any changes such as home delivery or takeaway menus
While we appreciate this is the most serious global health event in our life, it will pass but it will take time… let’s not throw in the towel… let’s tackle it with positivity and kindness.
We have been quick to address concerns in this time of uncertainty – after all, our customers have been Nourish Group’s priority for 20 years.
Along with the extra precaution of sanitising all high touch points every hour, we are imposing strict staff health checks across our 13 sites.
We have also taken care of social distancing issues by increasing the spaces between tables in all our venues.
Customer health and wellbeing has always been and will continue to be our chief concern. We hope your support of our industry continues in these challenging times.
Picture this: It’s a fairly ordinary Friday morning, and as far as my routine goes, it’s business as usual. Well, with one minor difference. This Friday, when I pull up to my client meetings, I’m behind the wheel of the new 2020 Maserati Levante 350 GranSport — and I have to say, it feels good.
Before you start thinking that I must have won Lotto, let me set the record straight. It was, in fact, because I had selflessly volunteered my test-driving services in the name of quality journalism, that I found myself in the driver’s seat of an SUV that was proving most of my assumptions about its kind very wrong.
Leaving my first meeting that day, I pulled into the flow of traffic with an air of confidence, the signature Maserati purr from the pneumatic valves of the exhaust system daring people to stare as I glided elegantly past (and pretending not to notice when they did).
Even when idle, the Levante 350 GranSport has a certain ‘I’m loud and I’m proud’ character, call it a testament to the marque’s Italian pedigree and its commitment to an aesthetic of refined luxury. With a design comprising sleek, clean lines that run from a magnificent front grill all the way down to a perfectly-formed rear, the body of this car is so well-shaped, it would make the Kardashians jealous. It has that new-car smell that makes you feel like you’ve made it, an infotainment system so vast that you’ll end up sitting in your driveway for hours simply trying to make a decision (but with wealth comes options, right?) and hand-stitched leather so soft and carefully-detailed that a drive to the shops will feel like stepping into an Italian fashion atelier. With its trademark Maserati tridents embossed on all of the headrests, this car is Italian by name and Italian by nature.
Deciding it was time to put the Levante 350 GranSport through its paces (because what kind of test-driver would I be if I simply judged the car on its looks alone) I headed West, choosing the infamous winding road out to Piha as the ultimate testing ground. Once on the motorway, I switched into Sport Mode, and dropped down a gear, which really gave her a chance to open up. She handled it very, very well. And although I knew that under the perfect curves of her bonnet sat a Ferrari-built Twin Turbo V6 engine, I was still somewhat surprised that a car of that size could handle my Formula 1 aspirations with such grace and effortlessness. We got up to 100km/h in just six quick seconds, but despite being tempted, I decided to hold back from pushing her to reach her top speed of 251km/h. I didn’t want the team at Maserati to have to cough up for a speeding ticket on my watch.
Piha proved a good choice. Part of the beauty of the Levante 350 GranSport, is that it was designed to allow the driver to feel every twist and turn, with suspension that enhances ride comfort and handling. I truly felt like I was on a racetrack, even if I wasn’t driving at eye-watering speeds. The fact that she’s a high-performance SUV that handles like a sports car, really made me feel like I was getting the best of both worlds. The standard features in the Levante 350 GranSport include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot alert, rear camera, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control, all the bells and whistles that will take you from A to B in total comfort and style.
Our time together was short and sweet, and saying farewell to my weekend whip was not easy. I was faced with a brutal reality check when I stood, like an idiot, at the driver’s door of my basic run-around expecting keyless entry, before suddenly realising I had to actually find my keys and press the unlock button. The dream was over, so there was only one thing left to do: buy a Lotto ticket.
It’s the Goldilocks time of year when it’s not too warm and not too cold but finding something that’s just right is an Everest-sized struggle. Make life easier by setting your default transeasonal setting to cashmere with pieces that offer immediate comfort as temperatures begin to drop and clouds gather.
Since Katie Holmes stepped out in a cashmere bra, the finest of fabrics have been infiltrating wardrobes in unexpected ways, taking cashmere well beyond the standard v-neck sweaters. Here are the key pieces from cashmere whisperers Elle + Riley that will stop you staring into the autumnal abyss of your wardrobe, wondering what to wear.
The Camisole A cashmere bra is not for everyone but a camisole taps into the underwear as outerwear trend without worrying about the condition of your abs. The sleeveless design makes it perfect for layering beneath leather jackets, with the soft texture offering a creative contrast with tough outerwear.
The Polo Workhorse Everyone needs that one piece that they can throw on and feel polished enough to face down judgmental baristas or the school run style police. A cashmere polo elevates simple denim to a suitable level of sophistication. Don’t let the New Zealand-designed light knit fool you, with cashmere offering greater insulation properties than wool.
The Cardigan Blame your childhood science teacher for spoiling the idea of cardigans but worn the right way, this button-up can turn up more than your body heat. In moderate temperatures the cardigan is optimal outerwear, offering a streamlined silhouette but come winter it serves double duty beneath structured jackets.
The Stylish Sweatpant Thanks to cashmere the concept of a stylish sweatpant is no longer an oxymoron, with styles now worthy of gracing your designer sofa as you watch Netflix and actually chill on a Sunday.
Cashmere sweatpants are also perfect for travelling, looking so much better than the pyjamas provided at the pointy end of the plane. If you do spill some of your turmeric latte while relaxing remember that cashmere, like most of us, responds best to gentle hand-washing.
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