Crossfit is a quick, effective and fun way to beat the flab ... and challenge yourself.

Our personable waiter eagerly helped us compile a selection of dishes that would answer our preferences.

Right across Auckland, libraries are doing their bit to keep the munchkins busy.

Here's a list of the four best places to get your ready-to-eat meals.

It seems Birkenhead is spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee.

The best thing to come out of Auckland's Super City amalgamation is that you can borrow 3.5 million items from 55 libraries from Wellsford to Waiuku. Here we choose our favourite handful.

It's a hard task finding a good coffee north of the bridge, but a select few cafes do offer top-notch brews, and the Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe is one of them.

Climbing the walls this school holidays? Get them out climbing real ones instead at supervised walls around the region.

Beekeeping is a simple and rewarding hobby which can become rather addictive, discovers Catherine Smith.

The Tea Lady in Birkenhead Point is all retro charm, with china cups, a host of brews, chilled tea infusions and even 'coffee if you must'.

Landscape gardener and Life columnist Justin answers your question.

Viva's team of experts gives its annual verdict on Auckland's best takeout spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With the festive season approaching, Catherine Smith finds there is more than one way to present a present.

Vibha Soni moved to Auckland from a computer career in Mumbai, India. Now she and husband Sanjay run an Asian spice store in Birkenhead, North Shore and sell their Indian spice mixes online and to more than 300 shops around the country.

One of New Zealand's wealthiest families is on the verge of signing a special deal with North Shore City Council.

Facials these days are fit for all fancies, with many different experiences on offer.