Fairview Downs, Hamilton

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

661 days ago

The difference between Lined and Unlined curtains

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Curtains are an essential part of every home’s decor. And having the right curtains can be the last piece to the puzzle - the furnishing that makes the room, while having the wrong ones . . . well, no one wants to look at bad curtains.

When given an option, should the curtains be lined or … View more
Curtains are an essential part of every home’s decor. And having the right curtains can be the last piece to the puzzle - the furnishing that makes the room, while having the wrong ones . . . well, no one wants to look at bad curtains.

When given an option, should the curtains be lined or non-lined? What are the differences? We'll find out in this article.

Lined curtains, as the name would suggest, have a supplemental lining on the inside of the curtain. This lining can be multifunctional so it’s best to consider what you want to achieve with your curtains.

Sometimes the lining is simply for decoration, giving the curtain a bit of depth and extra weight, perhaps offering a splash of colour to offset the primary colour of the curtain.

More often than not, they are often designed to be noise cancelling, heat insulating, or fully light blocking, among other things. If for example, you’re planning your living room to also be a fully functional home entertainment centre, 100% blackout - lined curtains would be your best bet.

Lined curtains offer better privacy due to the extra thickness of the fabric. They often have extended lifetime compared to unlined curtains due solely to the lining preventing the fabric from fading.

Unlined curtains, on the other hand, have their own advantages.

They are both lighter and airier making them perfect for rooms that have either smaller or fewer windows and a tendency to remain dark.

They allow natural sunlight to fill the chosen area while still providing privacy to the homeowner. This has the added benefit of reducing the potential need for electrical light and thus ultimately reducing one’s electric bill.

Another perk is that unlined curtains cost less than lined curtains on average and so are a more affordable solution. The reduced amount of fabric used for unlined curtains also means that they attract less dust than lined curtains, which in turn creates fewer risks for those with allergies.

They are washing machine-friendly which is huge in itself. You will save both time and money avoiding dry cleaning.

Lastly, for those people who enjoy changing the appearance of the room frequently, unlined curtains are easier to hang or take down and store, and with their reduced costs, infinite combinations are possible.

Whether choosing lined or unlined curtains, the fact remains that curtains are the one element that pulls a room together. Both options have their pros and cons so homeowners must consider what purpose the curtains will be fulfilled before making their purchase.

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661 days ago

Book discussion group, vacancies available

Margaret from Hamilton East

A group of active retirees we discuss a selection of books one afternoon monthly.
Contact Imelda (07) 850 1728 or Jane 0272814642 for costs etc

667 days ago

Dance Scottish Hamilton Gardens Picnic

lochielscdclub@gmail.com from Lochiel Scottish Country Dance Club

We will be dancing on the Hamilton Gardens Round Lawn again this Sunday 22 Jan at 5.00pm on. We would love you to join us and see what fun dancing is for all ages. Bring your picnic or buy at Gourmet in the Gardens or just come and watch for a bit. Ph Jill 021 264 3939 for more info.

661 days ago

Brand New Learn to Swim Facility

Hilton Brown

Hilton Brown Swimming have just opened a brand-new purpose-built facility in Te Rapa.

We provide lessons for infants through to adults and offer a Free Trial Lesson for all new customers.

The pool is heated to a toasty 32 degrees with a great airflow system inside.
Chat with us today!
Find out more

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662 days ago

Same village, different needs

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.

A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and … View more
Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.

A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and her family so much happiness and reassurance.

“All the family cried when he moved in. They were so happy because it was such a beautiful thing to have him close by.”

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662 days ago

Do you think Hamilton needs live-in rehab beds for drug and alcohol addiction?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

“We want to bring our beds home to the Waikato,” says Stephen King, who already runs a support facility in Hamilton.

Getting residential alcohol and drug addiction treatment beds in the city would mean people don't have to travel to Auckland and their whānau could be more involved in … View more
“We want to bring our beds home to the Waikato,” says Stephen King, who already runs a support facility in Hamilton.

Getting residential alcohol and drug addiction treatment beds in the city would mean people don't have to travel to Auckland and their whānau could be more involved in the recovery process, King said.

He is the executive director of Hamilton’s Alcohol and Drug Community Trust, which runs a 30-bed support facility known as Manning St, and he's working to establish a local facility like Auckland's Higher Ground.

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662 days ago

Gluten free foodies rejoice!

Naturally Healthy

There’s a new trend dominating the foodie world; Be prepared to replace your bland, lacklustre, mundane breakfast toast for.... *drumroll* Supercharged Sweet Potato Toast!

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662 days ago

Sign up to Stuff's Furry Friday newsletter

Furry Friday

Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.

Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, … View more
Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.

Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, Nick’s own furry friend.
Sign up now

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664 days ago

"An Introduction to the History of Japanese Anime" with Yurika Arai, MA

todd from EarthDiverse

What: Anime is a global phenomenon and a source of Japanese national pride. It's also a pastime for countless people around the world. In this course, we explore the deeper origins of how pictures in Japanese visual art evolved into the modern form of anime and how this has influenced the … View moreWhat: Anime is a global phenomenon and a source of Japanese national pride. It's also a pastime for countless people around the world. In this course, we explore the deeper origins of how pictures in Japanese visual art evolved into the modern form of anime and how this has influenced the national psyche.

When: Four weekly sessions on Saturday afternoons from 4:00-6:00pm (NZ time), running Sat 28 January – Sat 18 February 2023.
US equivalents: Friday evenings

Where: in-person at the EarthDiverse Centre in the Hamilton CBD or live-streamed globally via Zoom. Video recordings also available 1-2 days after each session.

Please check our website for time zone equivalents in other regions and for registration and cost information for this course.

#anime #japaneseanime #film #worldcinema #zoom #adulteducation #EarthDiverse #hamilton #newzealand #history

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664 days ago

Get Deck-orating With Resene Wood Stains and Oils!

Resene

Hi Neighbours!

Bring out the best in your decks, fences and weatherboards with Resene wood stains and oils.

If you’re planning a dark colour, choose a Resene CoolColour to help keep the paint, stain and surface cooler.

Available from Resene ColorShops.
Find out more

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666 days ago

How to Clean a Burnt Pan — 5 Methods Tested

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Ever wonder how to clean a burnt pan? See what happened when we put different cleaning methods to the test on our dirtiest skillets.

Whether you burn dinner completely or your pans get dirtier and dirtier over time, eventually you’ll need to have a scouring session at the sink. And for this, … View more
Ever wonder how to clean a burnt pan? See what happened when we put different cleaning methods to the test on our dirtiest skillets.

Whether you burn dinner completely or your pans get dirtier and dirtier over time, eventually you’ll need to have a scouring session at the sink. And for this, the quicker the better! For this reason, we put five methods for cleaning a burnt pan to the test. Keep reading to learn how to clean a burnt pan—and see what methods are most effective.

Is a burnt pan ruined?
In most cases, no! A burnt pan can be revived with our cleaning methods below. If all else fails, or if the pan has endured multiple years of heavy use and never seems to get clean, it may be time to part ways with it.

The Testing Method: In an effort to make sure this guide gives you the most accurate results, we put some parameters in place for this skillet scrubbing experiment. All pans tested were made of stainless steel and scorched with the same combination of foods—cheese, eggs and grape jelly.

If the method recommended soaking, we allowed each pan to soak for up to 15 minutes, checking at intervals of 5 minutes and documenting when the charred remains began to lift with ease. We also limited any extra “active scrubbing” to 10 minutes because honestly, who wants to scrub a pan for longer than that?!

Ratings: Each method is rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Ratings were awarded based on how long each technique took to work its magic, how much extra elbow grease was required to remove the burnt-on food and the overall effectiveness in the cleaning process in terms of how much mess remained on the skillet after cleaning within our set parameters.

Cleaning Techniques for Greasy Skillets: Warning: Before cleaning your pans, test the method on a small, inconspicuous portion to ensure it won’t damage the surface. The methods below are intended for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings.

Tools and Supplies

Bar Keepers Friend: We tested Bar Keepers Friend for one of our cleaning methods and the results were impressive. It’s a household cleaning product everyone should have in their cupboard since it can be used on a variety of surfaces like stainless steel, ceramic and more. It’ll be your new cleaning best friend in no time.

Dishwashing gloves: Though all of our testing methods require less scrubbing, some scrubbing is necessary. Keep hands dry and clean with these versatile dishwashing gloves. We love that it features a non-drip catch cuff and that they can be used for washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom and everything in between.

Sponges: It’s always a good idea to have a stockpile of sponges on hand for everyday household cleaning. When it comes to cleaning kitchen appliances or cookware, opt for non-scratch sponges. They’re durable enough to get burnt food residue off, yet gentle enough that they won’t scratch or tarnish your best gear.

Method 1: Baking Soda + Vinegar

Benefits: This method uses affordable pantry items most people have on hand.

How It Works: Fill your dirty pan with equal part water and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove from heat and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Discard the liquid down your drain and then use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any remaining burnt-on bits. If spots remain, apply a paste made of baking soda mixed with a little water and let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

What Happened: After just 5 minutes of soaking, we noticed some charred bits starting to float to the surface! However, we opted to let this one continue to soak for the full 15 minutes since it seemed some stubborn bits were holding fast. After rinsing and 10 minutes of heavy scrubbing with a scouring pad we were able to lift most of the charred, burnt-on food. A follow-up application of baking soda paste was definitely needed and further scrubbing was essential to lift the remaining debris. Rating: 3/5

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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667 days ago

Poll: Who should be the next Labour party leader?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.

Share your thoughts below (include Not For … View more
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.

Share your thoughts below (include Not For Print if you don't wish for your comments to be published)

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Who should be the next Labour party leader?
  • 3.2% Kelvin Davis
    3.2% Complete
  • 2.3% Megan Woods
    2.3% Complete
  • 53.8% Chris Hipkins
    53.8% Complete
  • 3.9% Michael Wood
    3.9% Complete
  • 8.3% Someone else (Comment Below)
    8.3% Complete
  • 28.4% I have no idea
    28.4% Complete
2194 votes
666 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Hamilton

MONTHLY AEA WEB EVENTS
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.

The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of each … View more
MONTHLY AEA WEB EVENTS
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.

The AEA Web Event is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month which is this Sunday 22 January at 9.00am.
ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME

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667 days ago

Poll: Who do you think can replace Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the coming up election?

NZSE

Are you passionate about caring for or helping other people?
Want to work as a healthcare support
Worker or assistant?

Check out NZSE ’s wide range of health and wellbeing programmes from level 2 to level 7. Our programmes prepare students to work as age and palliative care, personal … View more
Are you passionate about caring for or helping other people?
Want to work as a healthcare support
Worker or assistant?

Check out NZSE ’s wide range of health and wellbeing programmes from level 2 to level 7. Our programmes prepare students to work as age and palliative care, personal care,disability support, mental health support, pharmacy technicians and assistants.

The programmes are delivered on campus and online and have Fees-Free available*.
Contact us at 0800 99 88 11 and mention this post, you get the chance to receive a Free First Aid Certification course once enrolled.
Know more

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Who do you think can replace Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the coming up election?
  • 54.7% National leader
    54.7% Complete
  • 31% Labour leader
    31% Complete
  • 5.3% Maybe me
    5.3% Complete
  • 8.9% Unsure
    8.9% Complete
561 votes
669 days ago

Poll: Do you support changes to our smoking laws?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Many high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.

Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in … View more
Many high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.

Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in products and cease supply to those born in/after 2009. Less retailers are to be approved and product packaging made less appealing.

Until March 15, public submissions will accepted regarding these changes, especially around the location and quantity of retail stores as well as the appeal and addictiveness of smoked tobacco products.

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Do you support changes to our smoking laws?
  • 75.9% Yes, I support these changes
    75.9% Complete
  • 10.4% No, I don't support these changes
    10.4% Complete
  • 9.1% I support some of these changes, not all
    9.1% Complete
  • 4.6% I'm not sure - I need more information
    4.6% Complete
2249 votes
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