Wendyl Nissen

Wendyl Nissen scours the best budget-friendly spots to shop in shanghai.

Those of British heritage often enjoy combining the flavours of fruit and cheese.

January can be tough month for plants as the hot weather kicks in with full force. It is also the time when many of us go on holiday and leave our gardens to fend for themselves. Here are some easy ideas for effective watering: • Check if you need to water by poking your finger […]

Dare to be different and throw caution to the wind – along with some seeds – this summer.

This is a wonderful old concoction to keep on hand for removing stains from fabric. ½ cup methylated spirits ½ cup hydrogen peroxide Juice of two lemons ¼ cup cloudy ammonia ¼ cup glycerine 1 Mix all the ingredients together, then strain and keep in a glass bottle. 2 Apply the mixture to the stain […]

You don’t need antibacterial soap. The antimicrobial chemical triclosan, used in some toothpastes and antibacterial soaps, is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in some people, and when it mixes into wastewater it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. Health experts also believe that overuse of this, and other antibacterial chemicals, is […]

Watering your garden in summer is essential if you want your veges and flowers to be healthy. But we waste water so often and pay for it dearly in cities. Why not collect enough rainwater in barrels to water your garden? You will not only save money, but rainwater is more beneficial for your plants, […]

Tips to use batteries in a eco-friendly manner.

It’s a little bit more difficult than some of my usual soaps, but set aside a weekend and you will be rewarded.

Wendyl Nissen takes a walk on the wild side to find the real Rotorua.

You can make a really effective soothing cream for nappy changes with a plant in your backyard.

Swap your daily coffee for a herbal tea full of natural health benefits.

Commercial powder can be very toxic, containing phosphates and chlorine which are not kind to the environment. Over the years, I have tried several homemade recipes as an alternative to commercial dishwashing powders and these both have good results, so give them a try. And a tip, if you run out of powder, you can […]

Taking a walk outside can be better for you than a cup of coffee. A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found fresh air gives people a greater sense of vitality and also makes them more resilient to physical illnesses. An author of the study, Richard Ryan, says, “One of the pathways […]

Now is the time to reap the benefits of sun-loving basil.

We all have to deal with rats at some time. I’ve always hated putting out poison for them because their slow death from thirst is not a nice thing to witness. I was in Rotorua recently, where they’re using a new rat killer throughout the forest. Rats are a significant contributor to the death of […]

Natures fresh scent.

We have all left leaky taps dripping at some time.

Wendyl Nissen finds there's more to China's largest city than meets the eye.

Get sand smart this summer and do your part to keep the beaches clean.

Try these natural mosquito repellents this summer.

Traditionally the time to plant out tomatoes is labour weekend.

Clean out your pantry before the moths and weevils move into action.

This is a really simple recipe!

Instead of throwing out your coffee grounds, put them to good use around the home. Or ask your local café for some to take home next time you order a coffee. • Use as a body scrub. Mix a cup of coffee grounds with a little olive oil to make a paste, then rub all […]

A worm farm can be ideal.

A natural cure for corns.

This scrub was invented by my daughter and it smells heavenly.

This was one of the first recipes I made.

Everyone leaves a pot to burn at some point in their life.

Grow your plants form clippings! It's simple and cheap.

Homegrown herbs are great for beginner gardeners.

There's Nothing Trivial about Tandi Wright's enthusiasm for the third series of the hit Kiwi drama.

There are companies that will take away your old appliances.

Stressed skin can result in inflammation, redness and flare-ups. Look for products with soothing camomile. Cleanse with: The Body Shop CamomileSilky Cleansing Oil $32 (1), a calming blend of oils to purify and refresh. Moisturise with: Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer $60 (2), specially formulated to treat signs of stress, calm and protect. With camomile and rosa […]

What is a green alternative for slug bait?

You will find this recipe in dozens of books

I came across this recipe in an old Weekly hints book.

It's a great idea to re-use glass jars in the kitchen

Make sure you check the green credentials before buying a new fridge

Follow these simple steps for an eco-friendly celebration

Here are some budget tip ideas, for planning your big day Feast for everyone: Plan your menu around which fruit and vegetables will be in season – and do your best to source your locally. Most caterers will be happy to construct an organic menu, if you ask. Some green couples like their friends and […]

Why not brighten up your garden?

PlaceMakers and The Warehouse have both stopped stocking pesticides which harm bees. The chemical group neonicotinoids, typically found in bug and flower sprays, was restricted in Europe because of its effects on bee crops. Home gardeners can help by not using any pesticides in their garden or, if they do, checking the ingredients label and […]

experience suddin' success with this homemade cleanser

Everyone wants designer clothes in their wardrobe.

New clothes, sheets and towels contain preservatives and chemical finishes to keep them from creasing.

Plantain weed grows all over New Zealand. Not many people know it can be used to treat stings.

Sort that potato patch now, and you'll have plenty to offer by the summer holidays

I haven't used toothpaste for years and I find this powder leaves my teeth and mouth fresher and cleaner.

Do the ground work now, to ensure perfect tomatoes

Rural China is a world away from the city crowds

I get lots of people asking me how to clean the scum of their shower doors.

Buying expensive presents can be a thing of the past.

Antique sheets, table clothes and clothes are a treasure to have and use.

A NASA Clean Air Study has found that house plants make our lives healthier.

Seed bombing is widely used in Africa, where they are thrown in barren or grassy areas.

Kids love it and its really economical to make.

Save money at the supermarket by following these easy steps. Use a shopping list To prevent buying extra goodies. Research show those with a list only buy two extra items. Do an inventory By keeping your supermarket receipts for a week. This will tell you what you’re spending money on. Are there items that were […]

Do your part to boost waning butterfly numbers

Cleaning silver has never been easier thanks to washing soda crystals. You will need a container large enough to hold the item to be cleaned, preferably made from aluminium. Alternatively, using enough aluminium foil to cover the bottom of a glass bowl will also do. Make a solution by mixing one rounded dessertspoon of washing soda […]

Some people find a good way to consume more vegetables is to adopt Meatless Monday

Kawakawa is good for healing skin sores.

Stop pests in their tracks before it's to late.

You don't need to buy those expensive chemical cleaners for your toilet.

If you are handy with some knitting needles, these little cloths take no time at all to make and are wonderful for new babies. They can also be great gifts, and I encourage you to find some brightly coloured, all-cotton yarn. You can make them larger or smaller by increasing the number of stitches you […]

Make up this soap jelly, and keep it handy for washing any wool items.

Coca-Cola has released a green version of their popular drink called Coca-Cola Life in Argentina. The new Coke is sweetened with sugar and Stevia, a natural herb which has no calories, but 300 times the sweetness of sugar. It has less calories than normal Coca-Cola at 108 per 600ml bottle. It also comes in a […]

Create your own baby wipes for a soft touch.

Mai Chen has learnt how to put her family first - thanks to a spiritual epiphany.

The weekly's adorable columnist and 7days host is an older dad of two and he can't stop smiling.

Geeting the whole family involved in an outdoor project is great fun.

Baking soda is not just an ideal cleaner - it's also great for your face and body as a exfoliator.

I came up with this recipe years ago, and it works just as well as any laundry powder. It’s a bit like clay to use, but is so easy to make, saves you loads of money and cleans clothes well. 1 cup washing soda 1 cup baking soda 60ml liquid castile soap (I use Dr […]

We'll soon be putting away our winter warmers, go the extra mile and stop bugs from biting.

Ditch additive-laden sweeteners for a natural alternative.

Fruit can be expensive so it makes sense to buy the cheapest you can find.

Prepare your vege patch for spring with some good old-fashioned R&R.

The most simple, old fashioned way of cleaning glass is to use white vinegar.

I love rose water - it not only smells gorgeous, but has antibacterial properties as well.

Make your own compost-theres no time to waste.

Cleaning ovens is potentially one of the most toxic chores. Yet a mix of baking soda and washing soda can harmlessly do the job for you. 1 cup baking soda 1 cup washing soda 1.Mix together 1 cup each of washing soda and baking soda. 2.Sprinkle over the bottom of your oven to cover.  3.Spray […]

This is a lovely old remedy which works wonders. Dab the stain with freshly squeezed lemon juice, rub with salt, then put out in direct sunlight on the grass. Don’t ask me what the grass has to do with it, but it works. Leave all day then wash as normal.

The secret is to act quick. Don’t go to bed and worry about it in the morning. Pour neat white vinegar on the stain immediately and it will lift. If you don’t have white vinegar, use white wine or soda water – both will work.

You can pack these in separate little jars – they make great gifts.

This cleaner works wonders on oven tops and bathroom sinks.

Nana's retro recipe for dog biscuits, with a few new things thrown in for extra health.

Don't let your daily vegetable intake wither in winter.

How do you tell your kids you really don't need all the gifts they give you?

Agony Aunt-Wendyl Nissen gives advice.

Being given the cold shoulder usually means something is amiss in your relationship. But the challenge is to find out what’s gone wrong.

A new partner has a troubled teen.

The woman he cheated with is pregnant.

You might need to accept he’s so bored he’d rather be without you. It’s time to take action... put some effort into your relationship.

Catherine is confused by the way she is being treated.

Workplace crush

Menopause isn't a negative experience for all women.

Dear Wendyl, I’m worried I’ve married into a family of alcoholics. At our wedding six months ago my husband’s mother threw up in the hedge during the speeches, his father took a swipe at one of the waiters, his sister crashed behind the bar and his brother got so drunk the night before he went […]

What happens when your family gets involved in a Facebook feud?

A reader laments about spending her 50th birthday alone.