Table of contents for December 2018 in NEXT

Happy holidays! The festive season is here and this year, we’re keeping it casual. When I asked a panel of NEXT readers about Christmas, two themes came through loud and clear. The first – Christmas for us is a laid-back affair. The words “leisurely” and “relaxing” came up a lot. We like to take our time over the presents and the food, keep it simple, and maximise our time with family and friends. We like to spend a large part of the day outside. And we like champagne. So with that in mind, we’ve got easy recipes, on-trend ideas for decorating your place that won’t leave you in a tangle of tinsel, and the latest and greatest gift ideas. When it comes to dressing for the big day, readers were…

My typical working week… I get up after snoozing 13 times, only because my partner Aaron has had enough of the alarm going off, and now I’m rushing. Quick shower, quick teeth, out the door with a smoothie to spill in the car and no makeup. Listen to music loudly on the drive to work to wake up. Sometimes I’ll bike and spend the entire ride cursing the bike, wondering why I bought it. Get to work and write jokes for TV with my friends all day. Emails always open, shooting back and forth about other projects. Force myself to go to the gym. Feel great but very unfit afterwards. Get home and spend way too long cooking something way too ambitious for dinner. Usually this is to procrastinate from…

Tarted-up berries SERVES 6 PREP TIME 20 MINUTES COOK TIME 35 MINUTES 400g block flaky puff pastry (or 2 pre-rolled sheets) 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp milk to make egg wash 4 punnets mixed fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries) 1¼ cups thick Greek yoghurt 1¼ cups chilled cream, whipped to soft peaks ¼ cup icing sugar, sifted, plus extra, for dusting 1 tsp vanilla essence or paste 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C fan-bake. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Roll out the block of pastry to 3-4mm thick. Carefully transfer to the prepared tray. (If you are using two sheets of pastry to make one large rectangle, moisten two edges with water and press together to seal.) Moisten the outer edges with water,…

I said no. Repeatedly. He didn’t stop. I had felt so pretty in my first formal ball dress. Not so pretty when he pushed me up against a car and grappled with the fabric. Not so pretty afterwards on my hands and knees vomiting, yet unable to rid myself of the sick feeling that engulfed me. Not so pretty in the days and weeks that followed, as I took refuge in the school toilets from the whispers of ‘slag’ that echoed around my sixth form. There was no solidarity, no empathy. Just my own regret and shame, plus an overriding sense I had brought it on myself. More than two decades on, however, the climate is different; there is hope. Hope that more victims of sexual assault will feel able…

Fittingly held on the International Day of the Girl, it was incredible women making a difference in the spotlight at this year’s NEXT Woman of the Year Awards in association with Elizabeth Arden. Held at Auckland’s glamorous Cordis hotel, winners across six award categories were celebrated, with Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman named as this year’s supreme winner. There were plenty of memorable moments throughout the evening, including a very important guest, assistance dog Nina. Held at Auckland’s Cordis hotel, winners across six award categories were celebrated Guests were wined, dined and inspired as we celebrated our 2018 Woman of the Year Awards…

Three of the walls are painted palest pink. The fourth, behind a distressed yellow desk, is wallpapered in a busy orange retro pattern. In anyone else’s hands, this kind of colour combination would likely have been a disaster (if we’d thought to attempt it at all), but this is the office of Amy & Co, the new interior-design business of The Block NZ winner Amy Moore. For those of you who didn’t devote four evenings a week to Three’s hit home-renovation show – Amy, 39, and her plumber partner Stu Watts, 46, were the runaway winners this year. Despite the voiceover repeatedly telling us they were the oldest couple to ever compete on The Block, as if this was some kind of handicap, the couple headed home to Gisborne with…

Connecting with loved ones is what makes this time of year memorable. In New Zealand we have the added advantage of beautiful summer weather allowing us to take our celebration outside. You can still make your entertaining space feel special while still keeping a relaxed Kiwi Christmas vibe. When styling a space, it’s a good idea to start with your table setting and work outwards for a cohesive look. We took inspiration from nature to achieve this informal Christmas Day on the deck, which is still polished enough to look amazing on your Instagram feed! The natural, organic look is very on-trend, so you’ll find plenty of options to make this work – think linen, ceramics, brass and wood. We’ve used linen table runners for a more casual alternative to…

Q: I want to make sure I get the ‘coolest’ tech for my kids this Christmas – what’s trending? A: The hottest gifts for kids continue to be tablet devices such as iPads and of course, drones. For stocking stuffer ideas, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Photo Camera lets those creative photography juices flow, and comes with a hint of Polaroid nostalgia for the parents. The JBL Kids Wireless Headphones are designed with young ears in mind. They are volume limited to be safe and have child-friendly control buttons making it easy and safe for children to operate. Wrap any of these up for under the tree and expect big smiles this Christmas morning. JBL Kids Wireless Headphones, $80; Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Photo Camera; $130. For more…

The pears form a perfect sweet, creamy backdrop, and the meringue is a pillowy cloud of heavenly, crisp, chewy delight Roasted peach and vanilla semifreddo with blueberry compote and rose cream SERVES 8 Semifreddo means semi-frozen – which is exactly what this dessert should be. It is not meant to be rock-hard and straight out of the freezer. Peaches and blueberries make the most of summer’s offerings. The lovely, soft-yet-frozen consistency of the semifreddo makes a luscious bed for the silken blueberry sauce and the softly whipped rose cream. If you haven’t made a semifreddo before, I strongly recommend using a jam thermometer to allow you to stick to the required temperatures. SEMIFREDDO 3 cups yellow peaches (from 6–7 peaches), roughly chopped 4 large eggs ¼ cup caster sugar (or…

It’s party season, but if you want a non-alcoholic beverage there are many delicious drinks to choose from. An office favourite are the nonalcoholic spirits available from Seedlip. Their newest offering is Seedlip Grove 42, which truly does taste like “sunshine in a glass”, with mouth-pleasing orange zest and mandarin uplifted with the lemongrass and ginger. $65, 700ml bottle. Grove soda orange INGREDIENTS GROVE 42: 50ml SODA: Top GLASS: Highball ICE: Cubed GARNISH: Orange peel METHOD Build in a highball over ice, and garnish with orange peel.…

Bridge of Clay Markus Zusak Picador, $38 Markus Zusak’s new novel – 12 years in the making – is nothing like his smash hit, The Book Thief. But it was worth the wait nonetheless. This sweeping family saga tells the story of the five Dunbar brothers, raising themselves after their mother dies and their father absconds. The first 50 pages require some perseverance but the story suddenly comes to life and doesn’t let go. Have some tissues ready for the end. Someone Like Me M. R. Carey Orbit, $35 Liz Kendall is a great mum and an entirely lovable human being. Liz is also dark, violent and malevolent. It’s hard to write about this thriller without giving too much away. Suffice to say the writer has taken a dollop of…

Don’t sweat it 100% Certified Natural, Weleda 24hr roll-on deodorants come in Citrus, Men and now Pomegranate, to help you stay fresh, naturally. Containing no aluminium salts, these deodorants do not block your pores, ensuring your natural regulating functions are maintained. Suitable for vegans. $15.90 each 50ml; weleda.co.nz Pen to paper Resilience is coming through adversity positively and using what we learn to strengthen us. Make AwesoME Inc. your starting point to create a healthier, happier you. Online resilience training and beautiful gratitude journals for adults, teens and kids. Get focused. Remain calm. Be positive. www.AwesomeEndsIn.Me Care and repair An ultra-light fluid that transforms into an invisible veil, containing an advanced photo-ageing technology formulated with Active DNA Enzymes to defend and repair. Daily DNA Defence protects your DNA from damage…

I was scrolling through some photos on Facebook from a few years ago. I hardly recognised myself. I was thin. I was blonde. I had hair extensions. I was in red velvet shoes by the pool at Caesar’s Palace. I had my cleavage out, rings on every finger and leather pants. What was I thinking with that outfit? I was in a convertible in too much lipstick and diamante sunglasses. Jeez, I was just trying so, so hard. Look at me everyone! What do you think of me? Am I sexy? Am I? Am I? At the time I thought I looked hot, but now I just seemed lonely and needy. I felt sad for my former self. These days I’m seeing things through a different lens. I watched some…

GET HER LOOK 1 Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Duo in Sunlit/Jewel, $63. 2 Elizabeth Arden High Drama Eyeliner in Smoky Black, $48. 3 L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara in Black, $27. 4 Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Rose hair oil, $50. 5 Elizabeth Arden Plush Up Lip Gelato in Natural Blush, $51. 6 Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum, $57, from Mecca.…

To be in to win these goodies from Saben, Parlux and 12 Reasons, simply send an envelope marked ‘Parlux’ with your name, address and phone number to: Your NEXT Bag, Response Bag 500273,Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, or go to nowtolove.co.nz, click on the ‘win’ tab and enter your unique code: NXTGIVEAWAY1218. All entries must be received by December 31, 2018. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Information on how to enter forms part of these terms and conditions. Entry into this competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions. Entry is open only to New Zealand residents. Employees of Bauer Media Group, all prize suppliers, and their affiliates, agencies and immediate families are ineligible to enter.All entries must be received between November 12 and December 31, 2018.The prize is Saben: One…

Kiwi woman are good at owning things – shoes (they’re half a size too small but hey, they were on sale), scented candles (but it’s piña colada scent), cookbooks (you will throw that South American-themed BBQ one day) and cushions (but this one has tassels?) spring to mind. Why can’t these kick-arse women ‘own their success?’ We’re also pretty good at owning our mistakes and bad calls, often the first to admit when we could have done something differently or made a better decision. We’re even good when it comes to ‘owning it’, you know, that thing we do to show pride or intent to take the sting out of being accused of doing something considered embarrassing or slightly dodgy. But there’s one thing that Kiwi women are completely shite…

The phrase #MeToo was first coined by US activist Tarana Burke in 2006, but the movement went global on October 15 2017, when actress Alyssa Milano reached out on Twitter to anyone who had been sexually harassed or assaulted, asking they reply to her Tweet with ‘Me Too’. Her call to arms, which received half a million responses within 24 hours, came just days after film executive Harvey Weinstein was accused of rape and sexual abuse. Since then, there has been a barrage of complaints against high profile people worldwide. In New Zealand, the scandal around sexual misconduct and harassment at Russell McVeagh has been the most widely publicised of the #MeToo cases, but just weeks ago it was suggested politics was having a #MeToo moment with allegations surrounding Jami-Lee…

When Kelly Banks’ husband Randal was diagnosed with cancer midway through 2015, she suddenly took on the role of chief support person for her partner. Then after reading an article in NEXT that said everyone needed an organiser, a lightbulb flicked on. Together with Janine Williams, the two created Support Crew, an online support platform that helps Kiwis give and get a hand. Randal has now been clear of cancer for 12 months, but this inspiring duo are only just getting started with their mission to educate, empower and support as many people as they can. SHARING THE STRUGGLE When life throws us curveballs, it’s easy to say that we’re fine and try to keep on top of everything ourselves. Having gone through a three-year cancer journey with her husband,…

Sleigh them in the style stakes with these laidback, easy-to-wear Christmas Day looks…

“We’ve got a teenage daughter, and you know what that means… thankfully, there’s no need to break the bank to fulfil all her Christmas wishes with a phone upgrade. At $129*, the Vodafone Smart N9 lite is the perfect smartphone to keep her in touch with her friends all summer long, and she’ll be super impressed with the 8MP + 5MP selfie camera. Will we be impressed with how much time she spends on it? That remains to be seen”. Louise, Creative Director “The Vodafone Smart X9 is the phone I need to keep up with all my social media demands. At $299* (available from mid-November), this is a high-end phone for a fraction of the price. The cameras (16MP + 8MP selfie camera) make taking Instagram shots a breeze…

For her For him For the kids For you For charity…

HOLIDAY VIBES For beginners or those not overly confident with at-home tanning, St. Tropez’s new Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse, $60, is an easy, lightweight option. Applied clear, it also doesn’t need to be rinsed off – and has a fun tropical scent. Smooth moves Matte lipsticks are having a moment, with several new releases celebrating formulation leaps that leave flat, dry, puckered lips in the dust – literally. Worth trying if you’ve given up on mattes in favour of more hydrating lip colour. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte in Drama’Atic, $64. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte is Everything Lipstick in So Lit, $25. MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness, $40. Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Disrobed, $55. Summer’s here Boasting a formulation that includes both chemical and physical sunscreen,…

Red Seal’s Naturopath, Michelle Irving, on choosing the supplement that’s right for you Our nutrient requirements change as we move through life. There may be times where you need a higher dose of turmeric to support your body, while at other times a maintenance dose will be sufficient to support your wellbeing. That’s why Red Seal offers different turmeric supplements for different ages and stages, so you can choose what’s right for you. For everyday support, our recent addition, Red Seal Turmeric contains 175mg of curcuminoids. Our power-packed, Red Seal High Strength Turmeric, contains 608mg of curcuminoids. While the golden health effects of turmeric are well established, it can take a couple of months to experience the benefits from a curcumin supplement. So hang in there and you’ll reap results…

Gingerbread cookies MAKES 30 COOKIES READY IN 1 HOUR 125g Mainland unsalted butter, softened ½ cup golden syrup ½ cup brown sugar, packed 1 egg yolk 2½ cups plain flour A pinch of salt 1 Tbsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves 1 Beat butter, syrup and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until creamy and paler in colour. Add egg yolk; beat until just combined. Add combined sifted flour and spices; stir until mixture just comes together. 2 Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. 3 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease oven trays and line with baking paper. 4 Roll dough on a lightly floured surface until…

Panang-style ginger prawn and vegetable noodles SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MINUTES ½ tbsp Exotic Food sesame oil 1 onion, chopped 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced 1 ½ tbsp Exotic Food Panang curry paste 3 tbsp Exotic Food sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp Exotic Food fish sauce 2 tbsp Exotic Food soy sauce 250g pack 5mm Exotic Food rice stick noodles 400ml can Exotic Food coconut milk 4 cups stir fry vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces; green beans, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, capsicum, cabbage, snow peas 400g prawns, shelled and de-veined Juice of 1 lime Pinch salt 1 cup red or green cabbage, finely sliced for topping Toasted sesame seeds Handful of fresh basil to garnish (optional) 1 Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the onion…

The Mental Load Emma Murdoch Books, $30 Parenthood might be seen as a partnership but the sad truth is it’s often a very lop-sided partnership: women do the lion’s share of the organising, reminding and planning that goes hand-in-hand with family life. It’s called “the mental load” and this comic book by French cartoonist Emma takes on some of the issues that weigh disproportionately on women. In Pieces Sally Field Simon & Schuster, $50 Oscar-winning actress Sally Field only gave herself permission to write this memoir with such unguarded honesty because she wasn’t sure if she would ever submit it for publication. In it, she reveals the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather and how she divided herself into pieces to survive. A deeply personal account of…

CITTÀ Glazed porcelain house with LED light, $23 (small); and $35 (large). Tiny town tea light holder, $8 (small); and $12 (large). EZIBUY Hampton linen table runner, $40. Hampton linen napkin set, $40 (set of 4). Hampton linen curtain set, $160 (set of 2). Velvet Santa sack, $50. Hessian Christmas Santa sack, $30. FARMERS Salt&Pepper tinsel star platter, $35. Home of Christmas LED alphabet initial, $20 each. Home of Christmas Deluxe Tree, $399 (180cm). Home of Christmas berry and foliage garland, $60. Home of Christmas fabric flower spray in white, $25. Home of Christmas deluxe berry spray, $10 (set of 3). Home of Christmas glass bauble in textured rose gold, $25 each. Home of Christmas glass bauble in red, $30 (set of 6). Home of Christmas glass bauble in copper,…

1. A meal-kit delivery that comes with a chef to actually make it. 2. Four more hours in the evening so I can get through my Netflix binge and still have a good night’s sleep. 3. The ability to locate misplaced items when I can’t for the life of me remember where I put them. 4. An assistant to respond to emails and clear my inbox. 5. A system that packs and unpacks my bags for me when I go away and come back from holiday. 6. A faster way to get through those tedious household chores so I can spend the weekend on more pleasurable pursuits. 7. Clothes that iron themselves. 8. The ability to parallel park my car without attracting laughs from complete strangers. 9. Tea that stays…

It’s been a transformative year for Chelsea Winter, one of New Zealand’s best-selling cookbook authors and self-confessed ‘purveyor of deliciousness and everyday gangly blonde Kiwi’. Following the success of her cookbooks, the 34-year-old had begun to question what that all meant in the wider scheme of her everyday life. But was she truly content? “Success isn’t measured by how busy you are; success is measured by how fulfilled you are – and there is a huge difference,” she reflects. “And I have learnt that actually, I can be fulfilled with just simple things, and a simple lifestyle. That’s been a huge lesson for me.” So, in March, Chelsea decided to leave the busyness of Auckland and put down roots in Mount Maunganui; putting her Point Chevalier home on the market…

Fern Sutherland is the Kiwi star you may not have heard of – the smart, sharp and sassy lead of the small town murder mystery series The Brokenwood Mysteries. The ethereal 31-year-old plays “by-the-book” detective Kristin Sims, a role that has found her fame overseas for the past four years. Filmed around Auckland and set in the fictional country town of Brokenwood, the show is now in its fifth season and follows the classic whodunnit formula. Think of cult British drama Midsomer Murders, but with plenty of quirky and low-fi Kiwi twists; helped in part by the chemistry and back-and-forth between Kristin and her colleague, detective Mike Shepard (played by Neill Rea). It’s hugely popular in Europe – particularly France, where the average audience is reportedly three million per episode,…

An increasing number of single women are opting for assisted reproduction, says Fertility Associates spokesperson Sarah Wakeman. Some would like to have a baby by using a sperm donor, while others want to preserve their fertility until a later date by freezing their eggs. Important things to know include: 1 Age is one of the most important factors – talking to a specialist earlier will help your chances when you are ready to have a baby. 2 AMH test, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone test, is a great place to start. Ovarian Reserve – the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries – falls with age. Understanding your own AMH result can help women to make decisions today that will help in the future. 3 Single and wanting to…

MY JOB: I make plans, revise plans and solve problems. I aim to keep everyone happy – and get our beautiful products into the hands of as many women as possible who are seeking the best in organic skincare. WHAT I ENJOY MOST: Knowing that every day as I move Plantae forward I am moving sustainability, organic farming and ethical businesses forward, I feel like I’m making a difference. I feel really challenged at work – no two days are the same. MY CURRENT GOAL: Proving that you can run a business ethically while still being commercially viable. To me the success of Plantae is also the success of changing the way we approach business. Therefore our growth in New Zealand and in overseas markets is what I work towards…

SHADE STYLE Every great outdoor space needs equally great shade, and a Luxaflex® Te Ra Origin Folding Arm Awning adds form and function to any outdoor setting. With the ability to cover large areas of up to 7m width and 4m projection, the awning in Black with Gravel hardware features European designer detailing and boasts a full range of accessories. Style your chosen colour of Te Ra Origin with other key accent pieces for a seamless, well-considered outdoor space. For advice on choosing the right blind for your space visit luxafl ex.co.nz…

These quirky pieces add a little something to every occasion…

THE GIFT OF GIVING We all know gifts are an opportunity to show loved ones we care, especially at Christmas, but it’s even better knowing that you’re helping people around the world by paying them a fair price. The Trade Aid Summer 2018/2019 collection is a treasure trove of inspiration with a unique selection of fair-trade products. Combining summery bohemian with elements of eastern luxe, it features simple shapes, organic forms and characteristics of a sixties and seventies craft revival with striking colour and the opulent styling of the east. As with all Trade Aid products, the treasures can be directly traced back to the individual artisans who created them, and each product comes with the guarantee that the artisan behind it has been paid a fair price. PENCIL IN…

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to treat your cat. Try new FANCY FEAST Filets, in three 100% real proteins: chicken, tuna or mackerel. Flake it, break it or serve it whole. Food like yours but made for her! The purrfect stocking stuffer with real chicken breast and tuna meat – a treat your cat will love to be fed by hand for a delightful experience with you.…

Get your face back into ultimate shape with a simple skincare routine using natural products designed to work in synergy with one another, offering layers of protection and benefits. A gentle cleanser should remove dirt and toxins, and unblock pores without stripping out your skin’s natural oils. Choose one that’s antimicrobial to balance your skin by reducing bacteria you don’t need, and leaving what you do. Your skin should feel soft and fresh, rather than dry or irritated. Quality toners prep your skin further before moisturising by closing pores, restoring the protective lipid barrier and locking in moisture. Follow with a natural moisturiser to manage the skin’s reaction to hormonal fluctuations, regulate sebum oil production and restore your skin’s microflora. TRY: Atopis Revitalizing Toner, $49; Thoroughly Gentle Cleanser, $35; and…

BALANCING ACT If your hormones have felt a little out of whack lately, why not give The Wholesome Co a go? The Women’s Hormone Health Blend contains healthy fats and ingredients like magnesium, maca and mesquite, and is designed to support women with hormonal issues, like PCOS, PMS and hormonal acne. You can blend it in a smoothie, sprinkle over muesli and bake with it too. $55; thewholesomeco.com WEIGHING IN Colorectal cancer rates have been rising among younger women, and no one is entirely sure why. But a new study says obesity could be a factor. The observational study published in JAMA Oncology followed more than 85,000 women for 22 years, starting when they were aged 25-42. They found the higher a woman’s BMI, the greater her risk – obese…

PRETTY IN PINK Unashamedly pink and utterly delicious Unashamedly pink and utterly delicious, Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin tastes like raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants with a hint of juniper berry. For the perfect summer party starter, mix equal measures of pink gin and prosecco with a splash of East Imperial Soda water in a glass, then add a few ice cubes and top with a strawberry. $42 for 700ml, or RTD $15 (four-pack). PERFECT MIXER If your waistline isn’t a fan of those sweet alcoholic drinks, it might be time to try crisp, clean calorie-conscious Hint New Zealand Vodka from the Premium Liquor Co. Available in three summer flavours: Watermelon, Feijoa or Citrus – the pre-mix cocktail is made from 100% natural, local ingredients and the perfect thirst quencher served…

A romantic and fun holiday destination for couples, the breathtaking Bay of Islands is steeped in history and today beloved for its game fishing, fresh seafood and undeveloped golden beaches. The region, just a three-hour drive from Auckland, encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and includes the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. With the warmer months soon approaching, my partner Ryan and I decided to check out what the ‘winterless north’ had to offer and enjoy a weekend of delicious dining, action-packed activities and beautiful accommodation. On a sunny Friday afternoon we skip the after-work traffic and depart Auckland for the leisurely drive up to Opua. Foodie fare We take the Fullers GreatSights vehicle ferry over to Okiato, or Old Russell, which runs…

There are many bemused questions I’d like to ask my younger self. Why did you waste your university years hanging out with rugby players called Tank and Jugface? Was it really funny to wear your Blundstone boots to a formal ball? But right now uppermost in my mind is: ‘Why on earth did you spend so much time in arthouse movie theatres?’ Because here I am, back in one, and although I may have changed, the scene hasn’t. An underheated, understaffed theatre, packed with self-consciously blasé moviegoers. God forbid anyone here should crack a smile! Studied cool, I realise too late, irritates the hell out of me. I fix my gaze on the lank-haired boy who’s singlehandedly selling tickets at a snail’s pace while fielding orders for Bio-Lemonade and tiny,…

For the past three months I have been in a state of flux, constantly ditching the younger man; packing up my truck, leaving a trail of tights and socks and wetsuit booties, heading off into the sunset. A few days later I walk back up the driveway, collecting run-over things – and before you know it we’re entwined again. It’s turbulent. It’s tumultuous. It’s tiring. The two of us are Heathcliff and Cathy, and they only got on after she was dead. It’s not that we don’t care about each other greatly, it’s that we simply can’t put up with each other for more than a couple of days at a stretch – less if we have to get dressed. Our personalities (mine: bookish and risk adverse; his: an adrenaline…