Expert QA

During a power cut the food in your fridge and freezer can defrost. Simon tells us how long before we have to discard of it.

Don't let a single drop of your finest tipple go to waste.

You might be covered in the case of credit theft, but what about the bank?

A reader shares a handy tip with Simon on how to make soup creamier.

It has always puzzled me why there are two "n's" in Swanndri?

Cauli's subtle flavours can be livened up with various herbs.

Simon Gault explains to us what MSG is and why people are wary about it being in their food.

Achieving that perfect candid shot isn’t easy, especially when you need to make your presence known to the subject. Be sure to know where, when, who and what you can shoot, before you get snapping.

Buying a home is probably the biggest financial investment you’ll ever undertake, so it’s one to get right. Before you take the plunge, make sure you do your homework. Table mortgage This is the most common form. The repayments do not alter over the life of the mortgage. At the beginning, most of each repayment […]

Simon Gault reassures a mum that using left over veges is safe.

Simon Gault clears up confusion over a classic sweet treat.

Pork is an incredibly versatile meat. And without the fat, it makes a lean and healthy option. Plus, it’s cheaper than other meats – another good reason to cook it more often.

What can you do when you get trouble with what you've brought from a daily deal site?

Say goodbye to soggy centres with these top pastry tips.

Kevin Milne answers a worried mum's question- Does the law say you have to be a particular age before you get tattooed?

Why is fruit cheese called cheese, when it isn't a dairy product?

Will a combination lock box attract burglars or deter them?

Simon Gault tells us which vegetables are best to use for chips.

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

Simon Gault explains the use of mayonnaise in chocolate cake.

Diane Levy gives advice to a mum who worries her daughter is not properly supervised at friends house

Workplace crush

Dear Wendyl, I recently came into some money from an uncle who died. I’m in my fifties and have pretty much everything I need, so I want to make a significant donation...

Singer Adele is being lined up to perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympics. The Rolling in the Deep hit-maker – who won six Grammys and two BRIT Awards earlier this year – is among a host of stars who have been approached, according to music director David Arnold, who has promised the London […]

There’s something comforting in knowing even the biggest Hollywood stars are kept in line – singer Lady Gaga was recently “scolded” by her father for making a rude gesture at a baseball match. The Born This Way singer was watching the New York Mets in 2010 when she stuck up her middle finger to photographers, […]

For many people, their teenage years were not the best. It seems actress Megan Fox is no exception...

Every year at 8pm on 21 January, a woman has died...

Dear Wendyl, I’m worried my 14-year-old daughter might be having sex. I’ve been thinking about this ever since I read something she messaged her friends about on Facebook

Dear Wendyl, I had a lovely Christmas with my family, but one thing keeps bugging me. My husband didn't get me a present, even though I spent a lot of time and money buying something for him

Dear Wendyl, My wife nagged me nonstop to get her a dog for Christmas. She has a friend who has one and heard of a breeder who had some puppies, and decided she simply had to have one. So I bought her one, but now she does nothing for it. I walk it, feed it […]

Memories of long, hot Kiwi summers are wonderful when you live overseas, but what happens when that kind of summer fails to materialise for a special guest?

I love the full, groomed eyebrows models have on the catwalk, but I wasn't blessed with them! How can I achieve this without looking artificial?=== The power brow is back! The fuller arch was unleashed

I’ve always loved the look of an updo, but am not sure how to achieve the look at home? === The updo has made a serious comeback. From piled-high styles at Lanvin to ballerina buns at Ralph Lauren, models across the fashion capitals have been strutting down the runway with ladylike dos. It is no […]

I have an important job interview tomorrow, and woke up with a big spot! What’s the best way to cover it? === Prepare skin for makeup. Apply tea-tree oil or oil free moisturiser to get the skin ready for foundation. Using your fingertip, first apply foundation by gently pressing and tapping a dab of product […]

Kiwis don't seem to be happy until they've bought their block of land and a house to go with it. But finding the right place can get very frustrating.

Has the humid weather made your hair turn crazy? Try to tame it with our expert tips.

oonochrome is an easy and versatile look for any season - here we give you some tips on how to wear this colour combination.

With summer on the way, wedding season officially begins. oatching makeup to outfits can be daunting, especially when bright colours are involved.

I too have thin hair, and have decided not to dye it anymore – grey is sexy!  I only dyed it about 3 times anyway with L’oreal Casting Creme Gloss, and the wee containers of Royal Jelly Conditioner are super light for thin hair, and last me ages. Now that I’m coming to the end […]

Hello Nicky, I have trawled the internet, but, in the world of make-up/skincare, mature means anyone over 40! I am over 60, and looking to find the “best” foundations, mineral or otherwise, for my age group. ones that don’t magnify pores, or settle like concrete into lines and furrows. I would really appreciate it, if […]

Unpleasant smells around the home can be very off-putting, especially when you’ve tried everything to get rid of them and then you come home at the end of a long day to be greeted with that familiar old odour.   Dear Wendyl, I own a motel and some guests recently had a big night out […]

Dear Wendyl, Help! Last winter my net curtains became full of mildew all along the bottom hems, even though the windows were dried with a cloth and opened first thing in the morning. Try as I might, I am not making any progress. Is it also possible to treat them before winter damp sets in […]

What a response I had to last week’s column when I said I was going to repeat some of my natural cleaning recipes. Everyone who emailed me seems to have lost or never found the laundry detergent recipe. So here it is: Laundry detergent1.5 litres of water ½ bar castile or vegetable-based soap or Sunlight […]

I’m getting a lot of requests for repeat recipes from readers who have lost or can’t find the pull-out we did last year. So for the next few weeks, I’ll run my top five recipes for those who can’t find them – or maybe for new readers or those who would like to have a […]

In the hot summer months, few of us leave the house without putting some deodorant or anti-perspirant on, yet there are some quite good arguments for not using them. one is that anti-perspirants clog your pores to stop you sweating, yet the process of sweating is designed to help us cool down. The other is […]

Getting organised around the house is something most of us intend to do but never get around to. And then one day, you come home and decide your house is a tip. And then the spring-clean starts

Dear Wendyl, I heard you on April in the Afternoon on the Living Channel a while ago recommending replacing dishwashing powder with a mixture of half washing soda and store-bought next dishwasher powder. I did this but it clumps up into a solid lump that is absolutely no use to me. How do I stop […]

Hi Wendyl,As usual after a damp Auckland winter, my bathroom ceiling is covered in mould. I normally get up there with anti-mould spray or bleach but I understand these are quite toxic. Do you have any natural alternatives? Diana, email === Dear Diana, Right back at you with that problem! About this time of the […]

Hi Wendyl, I read an article on you in a magazine and it seems you may be able to assist me. My daughter has spilt a few spots of hair dye on my carpet. Have you any tips on getting it out? We are renting and the carpets are a light grey and still new. […]

Dear Wendyl, As a professional animal behaviourist, the advice you gave recently to the owner of the cat who is urinating inside to simply shut it outside would be extremely counter-productive and stressful for the cat, not to mention very unlikely to solve the problem. Toileting problems are one of our only ways of reading […]

Hi Wendyl,Lorraine of Wanganui asked how to get tar off a carpet. Eucalyptus oil takes it off with ease! Cheers. Coleen, email Thanks Coleen, and here’s another from === Karen Davis: To remove ink stains, apply toothpaste generously. Let it dry, then wash off. I also like her tip for making pure, clear ice – […]

Dear Wendyl, I’ve found a great natural copper cleaner. To clean copper saucepans, just slice a lemon in half, sprinkle with salt and rub on. It will clean up in seconds! Angela, New Plymouth === Dear Angela, Thank you for the tip! I used it on a fireguard which had been sitting around for years […]

Dear Wendyl, I love all the natural recipes you give out here and on April in the Afternoon on the Living Channel. Here are some hints I’d like to share with others who might be interested. * orewa, Taupo* === Dear orewa, Thanks so much for the many, many recipes you took the time to […]

Dear Wendyl,I have a four-year-old cat who has suddenly started urinating inside and refusing to leave the house. She’s driving me mad and my house is starting to smell. The vet says to give her a litter tray but that seems to be a very temporary solution, and besides, I thought litter trays were only […]

Dear Wendyl, Thank you for the pull-out pages with the natural cleaning recipes, they are very helpful. Can you tell me how to get tar off a carpet? Lorraine, Wanganui === Hi Lorraine, Thanks for your feedback and your query. I have three suggestions. one is combining 1 cup white distilled vinegar with 1 teaspoon […]

Dear Wendyl, I’ve heard that you recommend using washing soda in the dishwasher, but when I use it, the glasses come out all streaky. Any tips? Michelle, email === Dear Michelle, Your letter got me going as I use commercially bought rinse aid in my dishwasher with washing soda and it’s fine. But I wondered […]

Dear Wendyl, I loved your natural cleaning product recipes in the Green Issue. I have a drawer full of silver cutlery I inherited from my mother and it has all tarnished. Have you got any ideas? Susan, Whakatane === Dear Susan, The nice man from Greenwoods’ washing soda sent me this great tip. Make a […]

Dear Wendyl, I was so pleased to see you’re including some of your natural cleaning recipes on this page. Can I put in a request? I really dislike using floor cleaners that leave streaks and smell like disinfectant. Do you have an alternative I could use? * Sarah, Hamilton* === Dear Sarah, I can’t guarantee […]

Hi Wendyl, I enjoy reading your page and would like to contribute some of my own natural cleaning recipes: Recipe for oven cleaner – 1 cup of cold water 1 tablespoon of vinegar 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring mixture to the boil. Allow to cool then paint […]

one of my passions is encouraging people to think more about the environment and make small changes to their lifestyle. Just doing a simple thing like growing a few organic veges or keeping a compost bin and recycling is a start. So I was delighted to receive a letter asking me for more of my […]

Save the planet – and your budget – with Wendyl’s homemade cleansers When I started sharing my natural cleaning recipes on the Living Channel’s April in the Afternoon, we were all pleasantly surprised to find that many viewers called in to ask for copies. I’ve been putting a few in my Agony Aunt column but […]

I’m not the biggest fan of dusting, but since I discovered lemon dusters they have made the job much more enjoyable. What you need to do is take a couple of cloths – I used old sheets, ripped up – and put them in a bowl. Cover cloths in a solution that’s half white vinegar […]

I love eucalyptus oil. It is my favourite product for cleaning adhesives and glue off jars. It dissolves and removes nasty stuff like tar and chewing gum. Lately, I’ve also been adding it to the laundry detergent I make, as it’s great for softening fabrics and loves wool. It’s also great in the bath when […]

I recently spent a morning engaged in elbow combat with my oven. After repeated doses of washing soda with vinegar poured over and lots of scrubbing with steel wool, the oven was eventually back to its former glory. If you’re using washing soda as a cleaning agent and it’s struggling, pour on vinegar to make […]

Essential oils are a mainstay of any domestic goddess. But do make sure you’re getting the real oil. Also, be aware that some oils can be too strong for pregnant women and small children. For information, I can recommend The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. Dear Wendyl, Your lemon dusters sound good, but I […]

I have a backlog of letters to get through this week so no homilies from the Domestic Goddess desk – just a few brief answers to your questions. Hi Wendyl,What can I use to remove the sticky residue left on a container where the label has been removed? Raewyn, Putaruru === Hi Raewyn, Just get […]

Some people have a real knack for stain removal. I’m not one of them – I’m too impatient. If a good soak and a rub with eucalyptus doesn’t do it, then I give up and throw it out. But that’s not a very green approach. I’ve been doing a bit of research into natural stain […]

I love nothing better than hanging sheets out on the washing line on a hot summer’s day, then leaping into their fresh-smelling crispness that night. once upon a time I used to starch and iron my sheets (when I was obviously quite mad) regularly but now I only do it occasionally as a treat. To […]

I’ve had pet cats since I was a little girl and wouldn’t live without one. But sometimes the domestic cat can be a real danger to native birds and you have to take action

oy mum and I have really thin hair. My mum’s hair especially doesn’t grow. Could you give me any advice on what to do? === Your first stop is your hairdresser. He or she should be able to give you cut, colour and product advice to make the best of your hair. Generally it’s best […]

I have unbelievably thick hair. I cant do anything with it. I have been wearing my hair the same way for seven years. Any ideas on what i could do to it, so I can wear it down and it will look nice? === I turned to Ashlee Coombes, award-winning hairdresser of Ainsleys Salon in […]

oy mascara always runs down into my eyes within a few hours of applying. How can I prevent this? === L’oreal Paris has a great new mascara out called Beauty Tubes which doesn’t smudge or run. It literally coats each lash with a tube and when you want to remove it you press on a […]

I have a square shape face and long hair to the middle of my back. I really want a fringe but am not sure how I should have it cut – do you have any ideas? === This is a very common question we get asked in the salon. Long hair with a fringe can […]

I’m currently growing out a very short haircut. What would suit my round face? I like swingy shiny hair and prefer not to use heavy duty products, so I need the style to be manageable. Bobs are very fashionable at the moment but there are a few things to remember when wearing one. With a […]

How do I get a nice even tan with out using fake tans? === That’s a tough one. You could try using a body bronzer. obviously this is a very temporary tan but it’s a great way to get colour and glow on any exposed skin – arms, legs, shoulders, decolletage etc. Suzanne Paul has […]

oy legs have been getting quite dry lately and although I have never needed to use a body lotion I think it’s about time to start (I’m a 19yo student). I looked in the supermarket but there were so many different types I didn’t know what to get. As I’m on a very tight budget […]

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I need help. My hair colour is naturally a dirty blonde, and I have been dying it black/dark brown for about two years. I haven’t dyed it for four months and really want to go blonde for summer. I’ve asked hairdressers and they said it will cost me over $500 to go blonde as they […]

I have a square-shaped face and long hair to the middle of my back. I really want a fringe but am not sure how i should have it cut – do you have any ideas? === This is a very common question we get asked in the salon. Long hair with a fringe can look […]

I am in my 50s and have blackheads. I have had them removed at a beauty salon but they have returned. I usually cleanse twice daily but always at night and apply night moisturiser. I use a scrub on my face about once a week. How can I prevent blackheads returning? === Your best option […]

Does foundation help make acne and freckles a bit less visible? I’m only 11, but I don’t like the way my body and face look. Also, should I be using moisturiser everyday? === Yes, you should definitely be using a light moisturiser on your skin. Nivea does a well priced tinted one that would help […]

I have a square shape face and long hair to the middle of my back. I really want a fringe but am not sure how i should have it cut – do you have any ideas? === I asked Caleb Alex from Servilles Newmarket in Auckland to reply to the following beauty questions. He’s the […]

When I apply make up it looks good but after half an hour it looks like it’s not there anymore and I look really drab, worse than before. Is this my imagination? Also, when I apply eyeliner it never stays and I get black eye lids! How can I prevent this? === I used to […]

Does green concealer really hide red cheeks? What’s the best concealer/foundation to cover red cheeks, freckles and uneven skin tone?Stephanie === Hi Stephanie I sympathise because I have red skin and freckles too. Personally I don’t like those green concealers. I think you end up looking a bit fake and weird! Instead I always use […]

I have a facial paralysis leaving an asymmetrical shallowness on one side due to muscle atrophy, a receding chin and a long oval face with very thick hair. Any suggestions for hair styles? === I asked hairdresser Jennifer Morgan of Takapuna’s Morgan & Morgan hairdresser for her advice on this one. Here’s her reply: oy […]

I have a mild case of broken capillaries on my cheeks and on the sides of my nose. I want to know definitively do broken capillaries repair on their own in time? And if they do repair on their own, will they disappear completely? or is the most effective way of removing them laser treatment? […]

How do i know what style can suit me as my hair is very thick and straight, but if i have it too short i look like a man? === A layered bob like the ones made famous by Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes sounds like it would be perfect for your hair type although […]

oy skin looks very dull. What can I do to make my skin look more lively without using expensive products? === There’s no need to spend a fortune on beauty products. There are some great affordable supermarket brands like Garnier, olay and Nivea. Skinfood is also a favourite of mine as it’s NZ-made, natural and […]

How do I darken my eye brows without them looking fake? Often applying a clear brow gel is enough to make them appear darker. However if you have very light brows you may want to try using a brown mascara. Wipe most of the mascara off the wand until just a small amount of residue […]

I have slightly-dry skin, usually. I’ve just started working full-time again and have noticed a change in my skin tone probably due to the change of lifestyle etc. My question is, should I stick with my normal skincare creams? I find that every time I change brands I get loaded with pimples. Please advise! === […]

Even when I use Veet and similar bikini-line products, I still get left with stubble and then a couple of days later you can see the dark hair lines beneath my skin. It never feels completely smooth. I love going to the pool but this really stops me from doing that. Any suggestions would be […]

Can you recommend a reasonably priced face powder (not blusher) with sparkles in it to catch the light? === o.A.C do a great range of face powders to suit everyone’s needs and are really reasonably priced. I would recommend the Iridescent Pressed powder. The luminous pressed face powder that highlights the skin with a subtle […]

What is the best way to blow-dry my hair ? === It’s important to use a professional hair dryer for proper care of your hair. The hair dryer should be held at least 30cm away from your hair, so that the heat doesn’t frazzle your hair. Always use a spray-on conditioner before drying and use […]

oy nails are really weak and I have no idea about what may be causing the problem. Any ideas? === There could be many reasons why your nails are so weak. The most common is washing up! Avoid leaving your hands in hot water as much as possible and always remember to wear rubber gloves […]

I have an age old problem – oily hair! I wash it everyday yet it still gets oily again. What are the latest ideas for dealing with greasy hair? === The first thing to do is start an intensive programme to get rid of oil build-up. Wash every day for a week or so with […]

I have very thin hair and im finding it really hard to find a hair cut that gives me a bit of fullness and volume – what can you suggest? === There are a few styles you can try, from the short crop to the mid-length layered cut. The short crop isn’t ideal for everybody as […]