Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane Auckland
When: Friday 28th October – Monday 31st October

Are you ready for the ultimate gaming and fantasy event? The Armageddon Expo has been held in Auckland since 1995 and is a massive four day event where you can meet international TV and movie stars. With paintball, amusement rides, nationals skateboarding championship, trading card tournaments, movie screenings and so much more, there will be something for you to get excited about.

The expo is now the largest fantasy event in Australasia with around 44,000 attendees at last year’s festival. This year some of the visiting celebrities include Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Nicholas Brendon and his twin brother Kelly Donovan from the show Alias. If you feel like having some fun and getting amongst the action, head over to the giant Paintball arena and also don’t miss out on the famous mass pillow fight.

There will be massive gaming displays with the latest in interactive software. The XBOX 360 and Playstation gaming zones will have the biggest line up of new release and pre-release titles. You will not want to miss out on these pre-releases!

If you are a sci fi and comic fanatic then this is the event of the year not to be missed. Armageddon Expo 2011 is bringing some of the biggest names in Sci-Fi, TV, movies and comics. With the biggest gaming component ever seen, get ready to dust off your comic costumes and light saber and be sure you don’t miss out.

Competition: We have two double passes to give away to the Armageddon Expo Auckland 2011. Just tell us what your favourite thing about the Armageddon Expo is?

Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is a game that requires real life toys in order to work. The “Skylanders” are brought to life when placed on the “Portal of Power”. Once you plug the Portal of Power into your console via the included USB cord then the game will start. It is an innovative fun new game that is bound to excite many children and adults alike.

Changing characters is as simple as taking one Skylander off the Portal and replacing it with another. They become in-game characters through the use of the lighted base. Each toy can store its own data so it will remember things such as its current level and experience points. The downside is that you are limited to the three characters that come with the starter pack until you purchase more. There are 32 figurines in total and while there are added benefits of owning them, the game is still enjoyable without them all. Each character is associated with one of the eight elements.

Game Play - Skylands Adventures: The main game mode is Skyland Adventures. When you select this for the first time, there will be a brief overview of Skylands before you land on Shattered Island. Once you have chosen a character it will display the image of the character on the game screen. On Shattered Island you will learn basic skills like collecting coins. You will also encounter obstacles where you have to use your powers to blow up fences. Once you have completed this level the game saves your position. You are then transported to another island to free Skylands.

Game Play - Battle Mode: There are three options for battle: Arena Rumble, Sky Goals and Sky Gem Master. All three require two players as you’ll be battling each other. Arena Rumble is a fight to knock out in the selected setting. SkyGoals is a football type game in the same set of selected settings with a time limit. Then Sky Gem Master requires that 5 gems be collected. Whoever collects the most gems wins. They are short fun games that will keep your entertained for a long period of time.

Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is the new game that should be capturing your attention. It may not be the most complex game but the innovative gadgetry makes is stand out in the market. It is definitely worth checking out.

Just Dance releases have created a huge phenomenon around the world. Just Dance 3 is the third game in the multi million selling Just Dance franchise and the first version that expands across all three motion controlled platforms. If you want energetic fun with friends then this is the perfect game.

You pick a song to dance to and then mimic the actions of the dancer onscreen. The points are awarded based on your movements that are being tracked. You can score bad, OK, good or perfect. The better you can do at matching a songs choreography the more points you score. The points translate to stars and once you reach a certain level it will unlock new content such as playlists. It will have you doing the jive bunny, playing the air guitar and jumping around.

The selection of songs is guaranteed to get you dancing. There are 51 songs to suit all genres and ages such as Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO and California Gurlz by Katy Perry. There is a perfect balance between fun and skill. It’s hilarious to watch your friends perform with onscreen lyrics that let you sing along. Allowing up to four players, you can have a dance off and see who the best dancer is. It will automatically sense when there are extra players so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of setting it up. It’s an energetic and accessible dancing game.

There is also a sweat mode which is great if you want a workout. It encourages you to dance all of those calories away. You will accumulate “sweat points” to show how active you were during a song. Another awesome mode is that you can record your own routine to a song and then play it afterwards to your friends.

Just Dance 3 is a flashy and addictive party game that is fun for all. While it may not teach you any moves that will make you the best dancer, you will have lots of fun times and laughs with friends.

It’s nearly that time again….. time to BBQ. Who loves a BBQ in summer? Summer for me means BBQS, BBQs and more BBQs. Nothing beats sitting out in the sun and cooking a BBQ with a delicious cold beverage in your hand. New Zealanders are well known for their BBQs and nearly every family household is bound to have one. With the various BBQs on the market today it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you and your entertaining needs.

Charcoal BBQs: Do you love the smell and taste of a charcoal BBQ? Many people will choose a charcoal BBQ as they believe that this makes the food taster and enjoy the sight and smell of an open flame. The heat below the grill from the coal gives the food a classic barbequed taste. They are generally easier to use and less expensive. The heat can be adjusted by moving the grill. The only negative is that it takes longer than the other types of BBQs to heat up. If you heat it at least 30 minutes before you start to cook then it will be the right temperature for cooking. It will burn white when it’s ready to be used. They have easy to remove ash catchers for easy cleaning and look for ones that have a locking lid for safety when you are transporting. If you love the smoky flavour that epitomizes barbecued food then a charcoal BBQ is the right investment for you.

Gas BBQs: Gas BBQs are the most common type of BBQ. They require a gas bottle to operate. The spark ignites the gas along the set burners. The temperature can be easily adjusted by turning the dials on the BBQ. There is no messy coal to light and there is a lower risk of burning the food. They are more convenient as they light with the press of a button and then you are ready to cook in a few minutes. As there are usually multiple burners you can set them at different temperatures to allow for simultaneous cooking of different meats at different temperatures.

Electric BBQs: Electric BBQs are great for apartments, balconies or small patio areas. You just need to plug them in making them quick and easy to use. There is also no hassle of running out of gas.

Size: The BBQ size should be large enough to be able to cook enough for the largest amount of people that you expect to entertain on a regular basis. The size is determined by the amount of burners which can be two, three, four or six. The larger the BBQ, the more area and flexibility you will have when you are cooking your food. Secondary surfaces such as warming racks are great for those times when more than the expected amount of people arrive at your house.

With summer fast approaching, make sure that you have a BBQ for those sunny afternoons. Whether it is a charcoal, gas or electric BBQ, you will be sure to have fun entertaining others and making some delicious meals. Remember to put safety first when you are cooking and don’t leave the BBQ unattended.

Need to refresh and revitalise your skin after the harsh winter weather? Skinfood is New Zealand’s own natural based skincare that is free from artificial colours, perfumes or paraben preservatives. The range consists of moisturisers, scrubs, shaving gels and body butter. If you want to cleanse, nourish and protect your skin then this is the perfect skincare range for you.

Skinfood products have 11 high quality ingredients such as coconut palm, sunflower oil and manuka honey. The ingredients are sourced from New Zealand and the South Pacific and are very gentle so it is great for sensitive skin. There are essential oils such as orange which provide a subtle fragrance that suit both men and women. It is not tested on animals and the packaging is recyclable.

Karen Murrell, the founder and CEO of Skinfood, wanted to make a brand that perfected the skin and was affordable and natural. Unlike many other cosmetic brands, it is very affordable from $7.99 to $16.99. You can order direct from www.skinfood.co.nz and have them delivered to your door or purchase the range from selected Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown, New World and Pak n Save stores nationwide. A great bonus is that if you spend over $50 then the shipping is free.

Skinfood is the natural skincare range that is affordable for everyone. Protect and nourish with all the essential ingredients, your skin will thank you for it.

Competition: If you are one of those people that always have a hand cream in your bag or on your desk then you will love what we have for you. This hand cream absorbs quickly into the skin and you aren’t left with those greasy hands that many other hand creams do. We have 10 hand creams to give away to our lucky fans. Just tell us what one of the ingredients used in the Skinfood products.

Congratulations to Lenore Heather, Victoria McEwing, Ann Seaton, Jaimee Hall, Heather Read, Elaine, Sarah, Carmie, Craig Lyford and Nicola. Contact us at nzlasoo@gmail.com to claim your Skinfood hand cream.

Do you want to taste the delicious cuisine from a variety of New Zealand’s best restaurants? Head over to the Taste of New Zealand and excite your taste buds. With some award winning chefs including Annabel Langbein and Rick Stein you will be sure to find a scrumptious dish to indulge in.

If you want one of five double passes for general admission to one of the sessions of the Taste of New Zealand then tell us what your favourite New Zealand dish is.

Date: 19-22 October 2011
Location: Victoria Park, Auckland

Congratulations to Nick Laurie, Mark Ashcroft, Bobbie Harvey, Tina Lyford and Nikkiflintoft. You have all won a double pass. Email us at nzlasoo@gmail.com to claim your prize.

I’m sure you have all heard of Billy T, it only takes a few seconds for you to recognise that classic Billy T giggle. If any day you are feeling down, listen to that giggle and im sure it will cheer you up. If you admire Billy T, want a piece of New Zealand history or just love a good New Zealand album then Billy T: - Te Soundtrack is for you.

After becoming a household name in the mid-1980s, Billy T is still one of New Zealand’s most loved entertainers. The iconic New Zealand entertainer’s story has recently been told in a movie and now the soundtrack has been released. Billy T: - Te Soundtrack features music from the hit movie and is a collection of songs from the career of one of New Zealand’s best.

From the standards ballads like “When a Child is Born” to Jazz inspired “Lookin Good But Feelin’ Bad” there is something that will bound to ignite a Billy T memory of your own. There is also his own take on “Pokarekare Ana” which is a true New Zealand classic. He can take a very ordinary song and make is sound like it is his own with his exceptional talent and out-going personality. The songs sound like they were recorded in the 70s and 80s but it’s a piece of New Zealand history that i’m sure you will hold close to your heart.

It is a collection of must have songs from the career of one of New Zealand greatest ever entertainers. Billy T may be gone but his music, giggle and personality will still live on to be remembered in the hearts of all New Zealanders. This is a must have for any New Zealand home.

Track listing:

Looking For Trouble
Haere Mai
Billy’s Boogie
Impressions
Will It Ever Be The Same
Radio Times Theme
Looking Good But Feelin Bad
Roll Along Prairie Moon
Mama Don’t Allow
Join The Circus
Good Night Everyone
Movie Cowboy
That Cat Is High
We’re Gonna Have A Goodtime
Out in the Cold
E Ipo
Crying
When The Red Light Is On
Pokarekare Ana / Sailing
When A Child Is Born

VENUE: Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
DATE: Being held between the Rugby World Cup 2011 Semi-final and Final on Tuesday 18 - Wednesday 19 October

Rugby World Cup 2011 merges with fashion next week in the Westfield Style Pasifika- Best of Pasifika New Zealand. Fashion, music, technology and dance are combined into two amazing nights of New Zealand entertainment. It will showcase New Zealand and the Pacific’s creativity and innovation.

Westfield Style Pasifika is recognised as one of New Zealand’s iconic must see events. The show producer is the talented Stan Wolfgramm. The 90 minute spectacular is in its 17th year of production. Most Pasifika shows draw a live audience of 7000 on a night and over 300,000 television broadcast audience. There are four themes which include: Our Pacific, a journey of migration, warriors in a new land and global influence. It is one of only four events that are supported by the government during the Rugby World Cup.

Westfield Style Pasifika is embracing the Rugby World Cup 2011 by inviting designers from the 19 nations to design a rugby-themed garment made from New Zealand merino wool. The Style Pasifika rugby inspired International Designer collection will include some of the biggest designers in the world such as Australia’s Tigerlily and Elizabeth Emanuel from England who designed Princess Dianas dress.

For the upcoming designers you can enter the Westfield Style Pasifika Fashion Awards which has launched the careers of many New Zealand’s talented young designers. In 2011 competition it will focus on three categories - Traditionally Inspired, Colonial Pasifika 3 Piece Collection and Multicultural Pasifika Style.

Westfield Style Pasifika is a truly spectacular show not to be missed. It is great for the whole family and is bound to teach you something new and exciting about New Zealand and the Pacific.

Most kids have grown up surrounded by Batman and Lego. They have now merged together to create LEGO Batman: The Videogame, which is the latest in the growing number of LEGO games. It is about smashing objects and collecting as many studs as possible while engaging in puzzle solving. Are you ready to help Batman and Robin on their mission?

The game is spread into three episodes with five missions that can be played as either hero or villain. A great feature of this game is the ability to be able to play as both the good and bad guys as they both offer different ways to play. As a hero you take control of Batman and Robin and try to stop the evil plans of The Riddler. Once you have finished the level as Batman and Robin then you can play the same scenario from the villain’s perspective. This allows you to see the game from a different perspective and take control of people such as The Joker.

Batman and Robin have different suits to help them with their adventures. The puzzles aren’t that difficult, they usually just require you to smash enough stuff to find the solution. Batman’s suit such as the sonic suit gives batman a megaphone like weapon that emits sonic waves to destroy the blue LEGO glass. You can easily switch between Batman and Robin with the press of a button as each scenario will suit a specific character. The evil characters also have their appropriate powers such as the Joker has a joke buzzer, the Catwoman has her whip and the Riddler can mind control specific people.

The gameplay is straightforward and simple. The two main characters have to work together to solve the puzzles that they encounter and try to find out any secrets along the way. When you destroy objects there are LEGO pieces that you must assemble to use to solve a particular puzzle. Each level has an associated “mini-kit” which is ten icons hidden somewhere throughout that level. Each of them represents a piece of Lego based on the theme of that level. If you collect then all then you will receive a bonus. Destroying objects and villains gives you LEGO studs which are the games currency. You can spend these studs on new characters, upgrades or costumes. This means that there is a lot of replay value if you want to collect everything. There are also some other collectables which are needed to unlock certain upgrades.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame is an immensely fun game that suits all ages and skill levels. While not much has changed from the original LEGO games, it is a great addition for any Batman or LEGO PSP fans. Get ready to help Batman and Robin on their mission and beat the evil villains.

Imagine a hot summers day, lying out on your deck and you feel like a sparkling thirst quenching beverage. You may be far away from a shop and not be able to get one or you may not want all the sugar and calories than come from a regular sparkling drink. Well, SodaStream is the answer to all your problems. It can be made in seconds at home, is much healthier for you and is better for the environment. Making carbonated water and soft drinks is simple. Turn the tap on, fill the jar with water and in 3 seconds you will have sparkling water.

SodaStream is the world’s largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of home carbonation systems. These innovative solutions to the beverage market came about in 1903 and were a huge hit in the 80’s and now they are back. Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, they are one of the largest beverage companies in the world. If your house doesn’t have a SodaStream then you are missing out.

Flavours and amounts: One SodaStream gas carbonator makes 30 litres which is the same as 85 cans of beverage. Imagine all the money you will save! When it is empty, simply re-fill. With heaps of flavours to choose from there is something to suit everyone’s taste and you will never get bored. You can also personalise it to your own taste. So if you like lots of bubbles then you can add more bubbles, the choice is yours. When I tried it I left it in the fridge overnight and it was still well carbonated the next day. No more flat soft drinks! There is a delicious new flavour, Cola Vanilla. It has a third less sugar than standard colas meaning it is better for you and your waistline. It is the smarter way to enjoy sparkling drinks at home.

Better for the environment: SodaStream enables you to carbonate water and to flavour it at home, rather than purchasing the pre-packed bottles or cans. Imagine all of those cans and bottles that end up in the waste and eventually in our ocean. With SodaStream they minimise the huge eco-footprint caused by the manufacture, transport and waste of plastic bottles. You save by not having to buy cans all the time and it also means no heavy bottles to carry, store at home or throw away. This is a win for both the you and and the environment.

New Range - Sparkling Goodness for Kids: Sparkling Goodness for Kids is a delicious new range designed for kids. It has 100% recommended daily intake of Vitamin C per serve, contains real fruit content, less sugar and no added preservatives or artificial flavours. It is available in 3 delicious flavours – Orange/Peach, Apple and Strawberry. The bottle design is funky, colourful and fun to appeal to kids. The lid acts as a measuring cup so it is easy for children to make their own drinks. It tastes great and will have your kids coming back for more. There is also a Sparkling Goodness range for adults with 3 flavours to choose from – Lemon Lime, Pink Grapefruit and the new, yummy, Pomegranate/Blueberry.

Now when you feel like sitting down for a healthy soda beverage, you can simply fill your SodaStream with water and in seconds you will be satisfied. SodaStream will be the perfect addition to your kitchen and will help refresh you in those hot summer months. Head over to the SodaStream NZ facebook page to keep up to date with their latest products and competitions - http://www.facebook.com/SodaStreamNZ.

Competition: We have one SodaStream pack to give away, worth RRP $200! The pack contains a SodaStream Pure Machine (http://www.sodastream.co.nz/drinksmakers), some of the new “Sparkling Goodness for kids” range of syrups and a spare gas bottle. Simply tell us the name of your favourite flavour to be in the draw.

Congratulations to Leanne Wilson who is the winner of the amazing SodaStream pack. Contact us at nzlasoo@gmail.com to claim your prize. Thank you everyone for participating.