Have a DIY white Christmas in your backyard!
Many kids (and adults!) in NZ dream of a white Christmas; they see it snowing on TV and wonder how the portly Santa can possibly deliver their presents while wearing all those wooly clothes!
While there’s nothing that we can do about the temperature, besides cranking up the fan, we have a few DIY ideas about how you can add a touch of Christmas magic to your backyard.
• False Snow
It may never snow here in NZ, when the kids awaken on Christmas day, you can certainly make it look like it has! Make your own easy, false snow with only shaving cream and baking soda.
Simply:
• Empty 2 boxes of baking soda into a bowl,
• Mix a complete 500 ml can of shaving foam, and thoroughly stir.
You could also add white glitter to give the snow some of that early-morning sparkle. If you want more, just adjust the ingredient levels.
Keep the snow in the fridge until you want to use it. That way, when you give it to the kids to make mini-snowmen and snowballs in the backyard, it’ll be cold—just like the real thing! Homemade snow is completely safe and washable with water, so sprinkle some around your trampoline for some extra excitement on Christmas day.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.4% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below