There is no doubt that we are living in extraordinary times but immersing ourselves in the lives of others can show that remarkable things happen to people everyday. From sports stars to the First Lady, women on the run to society queens, here are the lives the Denizen team is looking into.
Claire Sullivan-Kraus – founder and editor-in-chief
Will by Will Self It may be a dark journey into heroin-not-so-chic but I do love Will Self’s writing. It’s set during the eighties when the writer threatened his brilliant future with destructive behaviour.
Damien Woolnough – editor
Among The Porcupinesby Carol Matthau The wife of actor Walter Matthau led a life worthy of a film. When her mother married an aviation millionaire she went from rags to riches living on Fifth Avenue and becoming best friends with Gloria Vanderbilt and Oona Chaplin. With doll-like looks and a sharp tongue, Matthau moved through high society, the literary worlds of Truman Capote and her two-time husband William Saroyan and eventually Hollywood.
UnorthodoxThe Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman I devoured the Netflix series faster than Tiger King so Feldman’s book is my next step into the confronting world of ultra-organised religion. Feldman’s brave search for Freedom offers a glimpse into other worlds while shining a light on our own.
Fliss Grennell – advertising manager
The Girl With Seven Namesby David John and Lee Hyeon-seo The thrilling story of one woman’s escape from totalitarian North Korea and her battle to be reunited with her family.
Fran King – art director
Everything I Know About Loveby Dolly Alderton Apart from incredibly snappy writing, this is worth the read alone if it stops you from throwing a Rod Stewart-themed party. Just don’t do it.
Arabella Nelson – digital manager
Openby Andre Agassi An absolute classic that looks at the tennis champion’s battles with drugs and rivals. It’s hard to believe that when he started playing, he hated the game.
Becoming by Michelle Obama The most memorable First Lady of the modern era, Michelle Obama is also one of the most inspiring. Her rise to the top as a lawyer and in public service puts this Obama front and centre, where she belongs.
The eagerly-awaited Commercial Bay development is set to return Auckland’s city centre to its historical roots by showcasing the best of New Zealand creativity to the world. Skincare brand Aotea well and truly fits the bill with its ethical approach, focused on giving to customers and the community of Great Barrier Island.
Meet the maker, Aotea founder Tama Toki, as he shares his vision and explains why he joined the Commercial Bay community.
An eighties style house on Melbourne’s coastal strip The Esplanade has been given the 2020 treatment by Golden. The four bedroom, five bathroom received a glamorous makeover with Andorra Limestone flooring and a soothing palette of greys and charcoal providing a serene backdrop to bursts of colour from carefully curated furnishings. With the existing eighties-statement staircase replaced by a sculptural vertical balustrade and curved concrete, and light flooding the living spaces thanks to strategic skylights, the result is organic in texture and flow, leaving the past far behind.
Claire Sullivan Kraus – Founder and Editor in Chief
House on Fire by Joseph Finder While we patiently await the third season of Succession here’s something to fill the void. Author Joseph Finder’s leading man has been described as a cross between Sam Spade and Jason Bourne.
The Wish List by Sophie Money-Coutts I’ve always loved Sophie Money-Coutts’ hilarious banter on the trials and tribulations of the British aristocracy in the pages of Tatler magazine. Her latest novel screams ‘chick lit’ but promises to be brimming with her usual self-deprecating humour. Just what we all need right now.
Damien Woolnough – Editor
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski All the longing and desire of Call Me By Your Name, without the peaches. Set in Poland against a backdrop of uprisings targeted at the communist regime, this story of survival, compromise and coming of age is cinematic in its emotional range.
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel I loved the Man Booker Prize winning Wolf Hall and liked Bring Up The Bodies well enough to excited in joining half the world in third and final book in this imaginative look at Thomas Cromwell’s rise to influence in the court of Henry VIII.
Fran King – Art Director
The Woman In The Window by AJ Finn Has there ever been a better time to read a book about spying on your neighbours? A movie with Julianne Moore and Amy Adams is already in the works.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman This bestseller shows just what you can be missing out on by leading a regimented life. Here’s to spontaneity.
Fliss Grennell – Advertising Manager
Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale The type of break up advice book to file alongside Gone Girl and Fatal Attraction. Broken-hearted Taylor Bishop consults the classic Art of War for modern day revenge.
Arabella Nelson – Digital Manager
Where the Crawdads Singby Delia Owens The misunderstood Marsh Girl, Kya Clark, is the prime suspect of dashing Chase Andrews’ murder in North Carolina in 1969. Coming of age with a dash of murder.
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.
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