Miss Vintage Australasia
Congrats to Anita and Giz, two mums from Glenfield, who have been selected as finalists in the Miss Vintage Australasia pageant. This pageant is based on 1950s styling and takes place in Christchurch in September. The mums met six years ago when their kids were at preschool; sassy Giz and glamorous Anita make for a fun duo. Follow the competition on Instagram @missvintageaustralasia
The not-so-humble toastie
At Cheese on Toast, they believe in doing the simple things well. Their cheese toasties start with homemade sourdough and their signature three cheese blend, but go one step further and try the bacon jam toastie that adds caramelised onion jam with bacon bits. Not a bacon fan? Try the truffle mushroom, creamed corn, braised pork belly or the rump steak versions, they’re all heavenly! Monday–Friday, 7am–2.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am–2.30pm. 96 Hinemoa St, Birkenhead. cheeseontoast.nz
Distinctly authentic tacos
The Mexican ambassador recently presented the M-Seal Award for ‘Distinction in promoting authentic gastronomy’ to Marco Muñiz at his La Mexicana restaurant. There can be no higher recommendation! The team at La Mexicana make tacos the way they grew up eating them: fresh and bold with real salsas. If you’re looking for the best traditional tacos, check out their great daily specials. Monday – Sunday evenings, 5pm–9pm, plus Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, 10am–2pm. 13 Shakespeare Rd, Milford. lamexicana.co.nz
School holiday superhero
'Dog Man: The Musical' is coming to the Bruce Mason Centre in time for the July school holidays! Dog Man is a superhero created by best buddies George and Harold; he’s a crime-biting sensation who is part dog and part policeman! Based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey and produced by special arrangement with TheaterWorksUSA. Tuesday 14 July to Saturday 18 July, 11am and 2pm shows. Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna. aucklandlive.co.nz/show/dog-man-the-musical
Stretch away stiffness
If your flexibility isn’t what it was or your muscles feel sore and stiff, regular stretching can be a life-changer and get you into your best form! Just opened in Takapuna is StretchLab, where you can have one-on-one stretch sessions customised to your specific needs or join a tailored group session. Feel the benefits and book an appointment with their team of Flexologists®. 1 Byron Ave, Takapuna, stretchlab.com.au/location/takapuna
Winter wild play
Winter Wild Festival of Play is a free indoor day packed with games and playful adventures put on by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. There’ll be short, fast-paced games, longer group games organised by the helpful facilitators and a selection of props, costumes and surprises! Bring the whole whanau for maximum fun. Saturday 12 July, 9am – 1pm. East Coast Bays Leisure Centre, 12 Bute Rd, Browns Bay. facebook.com/OutandAboutAKL
K-beauty favourites
Keen to explore the latest trends in K-beauty? Step inside Hikoco’s new store at Westfield Albany (downstairs, next to Farmers), and discover a fresh edit of the most talked-about skincare and makeup from social media cult favourites to rising indie labels. It’s a must-see destination for any serious beauty shopper, with staff ready and able to help you find the products that work best for you. hikoco.co.nz
See the stars at Birkenhead Library
Join Niven Brown, Treasurer and Outreach Coordinator of the Auckland Astronomical Society and trustee of Te Whatu Stardome at Birkenhead Library for ‘Our Place in the Stars’, a presentation that takes you on a voyage from earth through our solar system and beyond. Then watch the stars through a special telescope (weather permitting), Thursday 9 July, 6pm – 7.30pm. Register at events.humanitix.com/our-place-in-the-stars. Birkenhead Library, 204 Hinemoa Street.
