371 days ago

Suellen’s sweet Christmas tradition

Linda Jones Retirement Village

The festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.

For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with spun sugar that is popular at weddings in France and Italy.

What began as a birthday treat at a local French café has become a cherished Christmas tradition for Suellen and her 17-year-old twin granddaughters, Ellie and Sadie. Every year, the trio gather in Suellen’s apartment at William Sanders Village to cook this festive dessert - a holiday highlight they all treasure.

Click read more for the recipe.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 20% Yes! New Year, New Me
    20% Complete
  • 20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20% Complete
  • 60% Nah - not for me
    60% Complete
5 votes
10 hours ago

From rugged campsite to 7.5ha resort

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Grant Kilby has always loved camping. His mum was director of health at the YMCA, and he would attend YMCA camps in the school holidays. “I think it was mandatory that I was there,” he jokes.

He went on camping holidays with his parents, and later, took his own kids.
“Camping’s been in my blood.”

Image
7 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

Image
Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.7% Complete
  • 21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.3% Complete
1224 votes