Normandale, Lower Hutt

801 days ago

Natures Bounty | Bast is Best

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.

Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are… View more
Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants.

Bast fibres have been used to manufacture ropes, sacks, sails, and other industrial fabrics for hundreds of years. Commonly known as ‘soft’ fibres, bast fibres are the fine, flexible fibres obtained from the stems of dicotyledonous plants. A sustainable choice, bast fibres support regenerative agricultural practices that can help the soil sequester carbon and as a natural resource, are entirely biodegradable. In this article we will investigate four of the most utilised bast fibres: flax, hemp, ramie, and jute.

Between the epidermis (the outermost layer of cells) and the core of the plant’s stems are soft, woody fibre bundles or strands which can be over one metre long. The strands are composed of individual filaments made up of cellulose and hemicellulose cells bonded together by pectin or lignin, a cohesive gum which strengthens the stem of the plant.

During harvest the stems are cut close to the ground and the fibres are separated either through a natural decomposition process called retting (engaging moisture and bacteria to rot away the gummy cellular tissues) or by decortication (peeling the stems manually or mechanically). After retting, the fibres can be mechanically extracted through a process known as scutching.

In contrast to bast fibres, leaf fibres are obtained from the leaves of monocotyledonous plants with parallel-veined leaves, such as grasses, lilies, orchids, and palms. The long, stiff fibres of plants including abaca, cantala, Mauritius hemp, and sisal are generally used to create cordage or ropes, however, due to labour-intensive harvesting processes they are used less frequently than synthetic options.

Flax (Linen): Famously grown across northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland, flax is the most popular and strongest of the bast fibres. Wild flax fibres found in the Upper Palaeolithic layers of a Georgian cave indicate that humans have been crafting cords and weaving flax baskets for over 30,000 years.

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

801 days ago

Old Lower Hutt

Sandra from Normandale

Waiwhetu from the hills.

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801 days ago

Show on this weekend!

Pulse Exhibitions

We’re out to impress home owners and design lovers alike with amazing exhibitors. Offering only the highest quality exhibitors that cover a wide range of home related products and services.

Home & Interiors 2022 is the destination for new trends, products and services within the home … View more
We’re out to impress home owners and design lovers alike with amazing exhibitors. Offering only the highest quality exhibitors that cover a wide range of home related products and services.

Home & Interiors 2022 is the destination for new trends, products and services within the home building, furnishing, and design industries.

Show opens this Friday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm daily, $5 Entry.
Find out more

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802 days ago

International Chess Day

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

Almost everyone in the world has heard of the game of chess, but what not everyone knows is that there is an entire day dedicated to the celebration of this wonderful pastime!

A game of strategy and wits, chess has long been considered to be the thinking man’s game. From its early days in … View more
Almost everyone in the world has heard of the game of chess, but what not everyone knows is that there is an entire day dedicated to the celebration of this wonderful pastime!

A game of strategy and wits, chess has long been considered to be the thinking man’s game. From its early days in India in the 6th century, to everywhere in the world today, chess is a wonderful game to play anytime, anywhere, and with almost anyone.

Has your child played the game of chess? Why not try it today!

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802 days ago

Beef, ordered from here

McDonald's

For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.

An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
View more
For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.

An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.

We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
Find out more

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803 days ago

Bonus Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

It is not Friday but this picture by Simon Woolf is too good to ignore. He is currently doing a tour of the South Island.

"Bucket List! I'd never photographed the wandering albatross previously. Today I photographed a few. The adult here is the smaller of the two birds, and is … View more
It is not Friday but this picture by Simon Woolf is too good to ignore. He is currently doing a tour of the South Island.

"Bucket List! I'd never photographed the wandering albatross previously. Today I photographed a few. The adult here is the smaller of the two birds, and is apparently 35. The younger albatross is around 18 years old. Totally thrilled with this pic, as we had a big swell out there today."

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805 days ago

Pet of the Day: Meet Bella

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Leigh Tuffery is the proud owner of Bella.
"My little niece's like to play dress ups with Bella.
Bella is a miniature fox terrier, 15yrs old and very well known around the Miramar neighbourhood and local shops."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on … View more
Leigh Tuffery is the proud owner of Bella.
"My little niece's like to play dress ups with Bella.
Bella is a miniature fox terrier, 15yrs old and very well known around the Miramar neighbourhood and local shops."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say which suburb you live in.

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804 days ago

Ways to make your home feel cosier in Winter

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Find out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.

Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours … View more
Find out how a few key elements can warm up your abode over the winter months. Anyone can make a home that is inviting and relaxing after a long cold day.

Choose a warm paint colour: Explore the colour wheel - Notice that yellows, oranges and reds are on the warm side so utilising those colours will simulate a cosier, warmer mood. Blue and purples are on the cool side so they will simulate the opposite mood.

Warm lighting: Group lighting by using task and ambience lighting and a mixture of table and floor lamps. Warm coloured bulbs throw out a softer light and give a room a cosy feel.

TIP: Having your lights on separate switches means you can control how bright/dim a space will be.

Add pot plants: Any living element contributes to a cosy and inviting feel. Plants in baskets are not only on-trend, but they also generate more oxygen inside your home too.

TIP: Group pots together using different shapes and heights to make a focal point.

Carpet, rugs and textiles: Tiles are great but can be chilly underfoot in the cooler months. Carpets insulate, soften and warm up a room and New Zealand wool carpets are environmentally friendly with a sustainable fibre, plus naturally flame retardant.

Don’t discount rugs even if you have carpets. Make sure you choose a rug that works with your existing carpet. Placing a rug between yourself and the floor instantly guarantees a warmer atmosphere. Rugs are also incredibly good at tying a space together.

TIP: Garage carpet reforms the space from a cold concrete feel to a soft warm space too!

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

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805 days ago

Old Lower Hutt and beyond.

Sandra from Normandale

Waiwhetu Mill Lower Hutt.

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805 days ago

Recommended Mortgage Broker

Paul from Alicetown

Hi there

I wanted to find out if anyone could recommend a good mortgage broker? I've observed that quality, ability and service of brokers varies hugely so keen to hear from anyone who has had a good experience recently

804 days ago

Homed Dominion Post - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Dominion Post

Our House of the Week is a tranquil hideaway in Raumati Beach, which ticks all the boxes for sun, space and setting. Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces spread over two levels, means the options are endless for large, blended or extended families. For sale through Magno Vieira and Andrew Fanning … View moreOur House of the Week is a tranquil hideaway in Raumati Beach, which ticks all the boxes for sun, space and setting. Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces spread over two levels, means the options are endless for large, blended or extended families. For sale through Magno Vieira and Andrew Fanning from Harcourts. Read more about this hidden gem on page 3!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Dominion Post.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Dominion Post gets inserted into The Dominion Post, and is delivered to subscribers every Saturday. It is also available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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804 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Fig

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Met Fig, a one year-old mixed breed at the Wellington SPCA.
"My name is Fig and I am looking for my forever home. I haven't had the best start to life so I am eager for a second chance at happiness and love. I am looking for a home that has had experience with dogs before. I am a smarty … View more
Met Fig, a one year-old mixed breed at the Wellington SPCA.
"My name is Fig and I am looking for my forever home. I haven't had the best start to life so I am eager for a second chance at happiness and love. I am looking for a home that has had experience with dogs before. I am a smarty pants so would love a home that has the time and patience to channel that energy into training, which I have not had prior to SPCA. I can guarantee I will pick things up very quickly. I also happen to be very food motivated. My new home would need to have someone around for parts or most of the day as I am not yet used to being left alone for long periods. I would thrive better in a home where I have company. I have proven to be a bit of an escape artist so my new home would need to have high fencing at least 2 meters."

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804 days ago

Reading Tip #4

NumberWorks'nWords Lower Hutt

Choose a favourite time to read together as a family and enjoy it. This might be everyone reading the same book together, reading different things at the same time, or getting your children to read to each other. This time spent reading together can be relaxing for all ?‍?‍?‍??

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804 days ago

Home Show!

Home & Interiors Show

The Home & Interiors Show this weekend 22-24 July 2022!

The Home & Interiors Show is essential for all home owners and those looking for inspiration and advice. At this show you will find the top quality products, solutions, and design ideas with the opportunity to talk one-on-one with … View more
The Home & Interiors Show this weekend 22-24 July 2022!

The Home & Interiors Show is essential for all home owners and those looking for inspiration and advice. At this show you will find the top quality products, solutions, and design ideas with the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the experts in their field all under one roof!

From kitchens and bathrooms to interior design, artwork, heating, roofing, building, renovations and more... If you are building, renovating, decorating or just looking for some serious inspiration, this is the dynamic event for you.

10am - 4pm Daily, $5 entry.

Visit www.homeandinteriors.nz for more information.
Find out more

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809 days ago

Feedback on cost of living

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Stuff is looking to do a story on people who have returned from overseas and have noticed the cost of living has gone up.
If you would like to provide some comment please email
bronte.metekingi@stuff.co.nz

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