Amanda Thompson is an opinionated lady living in rural New Zealand
Whether you're a hungover mess, on a road trip with fractious children or just a bit hot and thirsty, ice blocks are the answer. But not all are created equal, finds Amanda Thompson.
The Weird Old Guy with a ponytail who no one really knows, and 11 more oddly specific characters you'll probably encounter this Christmas.
It's accepted wisdom that a box of assorted chocolates is the perfect Christmas gift for one and all. But now Roses are rubbish, what to choose? Amanda Thompson is here to help.
Sure, everything around you might be reproducing with disgusting enthusiasm, but at least there's asparagus. Here's a vinaigrette to save the day.
Planning a big blowout of illicit dairy deliciousness? This is the brownie for you.
Amanda Thompson spends a day with the New Zealand men's roller derby squad as they prepare for next year's world champs in the US.
At school camp, the children are banned from having phones, laptops, lollies, chocolate, money, cotton clothing or independent thoughts. They, are, however, allowed home baking – but it's gotta be hearty.
Sure, it's not as easy to love as the versatile lemon or the alluring tangelo, but the grapefruit has its place, says Amanda Thompson – and that place is on your toast.
The modern zeal for eating this cruciferous crap must count among the most ridiculous food fads of our time, says Amanda Thompson.
Have you found yourself with more lemons than you know what to do with? Hens laying overtime? Never fear, this perfect citrus slice is here.
Amanda Thompson, who knows a thing or two about first birthdays, reckons this momentous day should be marked with celebratory jellies of multiple hues.
Think you don't need a slow cooker? Think you're too cool, too hip, too spontaneous? Think again, says Amanda Thompson.
Marshmallow justice warrior Amanda Thompson visits a real-life chocolate factory and quite possibly saves the Easters of the future.
The Minimum Wage Exemption scheme has allowed New Zealand businesses to legally pay workers with a disability as little as 80 cents an hour for years. Amanda Thompson explains why abolishing this law is well overdue.
Whether she's a "spontaneously elegant woman" or subscribes to "feminine, rock-chic", there's a fancy, expensive designer perfume for every mum.
Don't let those brazen feijoas steal the limelight – guavas are also ubiquitous at this time of year, and their flavour is just as curiously delicious.
The long, restorative process of baking fruitcake – and eating the results – has helped Amanda Thompson through the worst of times.
With the erstwhile corporate king of Easter now a persona non grata, where's a marshmallow egg fan to turn? To this list, that's where.
I waited two decades to take it to court. I can talk about this now when others can’t, because I was lucky
The recent controversy over the arming of Christchurch police prompted Amanda Thompson to remember the time she was confronted by the United States' unapologetic gun culture.
