Maungatapu, Tauranga

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1279 days ago

Is Laundry Stripping as Good as it Looks?

Owner from Curtain Clean BOP Ltd

Laundry day makes your home feel fresh and clean. But maybe not quite as clean as you think.


Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning trend that has been sweeping the internet for the past several months. The method claims to clean the built-up residues from the fibres of textiles.


The TikTok… View more
Laundry day makes your home feel fresh and clean. But maybe not quite as clean as you think.


Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning trend that has been sweeping the internet for the past several months. The method claims to clean the built-up residues from the fibres of textiles.


The TikTok user who started the trend soaked her freshly-laundered towels in warm water with a regular laundry detergent, washing soda, and borax – and the water turned dark brown.


The video prompted many of us to wonder whether we’ve been unwittingly nestling into dirty linens our entire lives. Home cleaning enthusiasts have since tried the technique on everything from clothes to rugs and second-hand couch covers.


What laundry stripping does is soak out any leftover detergent, fabric softener, minerals and natural body oils that have collected on the fabric over time. But some cleaning experts say it's unnecessary and brings out more dye than dirt.


So, I decided to test it out on a white duvet cover. I clean my sheets weekly and duvet cover once every couple of months. As a general rule, someone who sleeps in make-up and eats in bed as frequently as I do, shouldn't have white linens. But as a basic white woman in her mid-20s, fashion dictates I must.


The duvet appeared pretty white before going into the laundry strip. The strip wash recipe called for a 1:1:2 ratio mixture of borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate) and laundry detergent.


Borax is available at hardware stores and pharmacists, and the other ingredients you can find in the supermarket.

What I used:
- Greenwoods Washing Soda Crystals: ($4.99 from Countdown)
- Fab laundry liquid Frangipani 1L ($6.00 from Countdown)
- Borax ($10.99 from Bunnings)



To strip laundry, combine borax, washing soda and a regular laundry detergent in a 1:1:2 ratio in hot water.


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

1279 days ago

No stress, no lawns, no maintenance: Ditching your home for a life on the road

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Who needs a house in retirement anyway? Anne Flynn says her "infrastructure" is in Papamoa, but her home is a caravan which she moves from town to town.

1279 days ago

Coming soon: Chicago. It’s showtime!

Clarence St Theatre

Chicago, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, is coming to Hamilton. It is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.

Bringing the show to life will be one of New Zealand’s most experienced and talented directors, David Sidwell. … View more
Chicago, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, is coming to Hamilton. It is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.

Bringing the show to life will be one of New Zealand’s most experienced and talented directors, David Sidwell. He’s assembled a cast of seasoned local performers and musicians who are all itching to get back on stage. He’ll be backed up by Music Director, Nick Braae and Choreographers Sonja McGirr-Garrett and Alexis Holmes.

Chicago opens at Clarence St Theatre on June 25th and runs for two weeks. Tickets are on sale at Ticketek.
Book now

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1279 days ago

Have you tasted these sweet, New Zealand-grown pineapples?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

It's taken seven years, but it was worth the wait. Have you tried them?

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1279 days ago

Space for rent in Maungatapu

Janice from Maungatapu

Outside, cobbled and fenced with lockable gate. Space measures 8m x 4m approx. Phone 021650311 or 0211451102.

1281 days ago

We bought the hill!

Buy the Hill - Te Ahu Pātiki Maunga

Thank you, Aotearoa.

You helped The Press and the Rod Donald Trust buy Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki the highest peak in Christchurch.

But you can still help.

The generosity of Kiwis has now secured the land's future as a public conservation park.

Further donations will help the … View more
Thank you, Aotearoa.

You helped The Press and the Rod Donald Trust buy Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki the highest peak in Christchurch.

But you can still help.

The generosity of Kiwis has now secured the land's future as a public conservation park.

Further donations will help the trust restore the land to its former forested glory.
Donate now

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1281 days ago

Decorating Tips for a Shoestring Budget

Owner from Curtain Clean BOP Ltd

Call us optimists, but we think everyone under the sun can, and should, have a beautiful home.
If you're pinching pennies, there's plenty you can do to create a stylish and inviting home for yourself and your friends.

The first step (and this is true no matter where or how you live) … View more
Call us optimists, but we think everyone under the sun can, and should, have a beautiful home.
If you're pinching pennies, there's plenty you can do to create a stylish and inviting home for yourself and your friends.

The first step (and this is true no matter where or how you live) is to clean your home and get it organised. Doing those two things alone will drastically improve the quality of your space.

Then, on to decorating. With years of budget decorating behind (and in front of!) us, we've amassed a few helpful tips for 'making house' with a slim wallet.

1. Paint an accent wall

STAND OUT: This one wall, in the home of Melbourne designer Miranda Skoczek, brings something extra-special to her bedroom without going overboard.

Painting your walls is one of the most cost-effective decorative updates you can make to your home. But if you're on a shoestring budget, the two cans of $30 paint it may require to paint your bedroom could very well put you off.

Instead, consider painting an accent wall. One litre (which will cover around 9 square metres) or a 2.5-litre can (which covers up to 24 square metres) is likely all you'll need to cover a single wall, which can make just as much of an impact.



2. Get rid of unsightly items

FIRE THE WIRE: This clever little picket fence, designed by Karl Zahn, provides some fun inspiration for ways you can tidy up all those wires that often dominate the modern day living room.

Before you start worrying about what you can and cannot afford to buy, consider what you should get rid of, or unsightly items that you need to hide.

Dated, worn or damaged items could be doing the look of your home a disservice, and if they're non-essential, removing them can give your home a clean slate.

One of the worst offenders common in rental apartments is vertical blinds. Or how about those not-so-stylish college posters you've been holding on to? Let go, or at least put them in storage.



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

1282 days ago

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Communications from Tauranga City Council

Our commissioners invite you to the final drop-in events for learning about our city’s long-term plan and how to have your say.

Join us at Greerton Library on Monday 31 May from 4pm to 7pm or at Papamoa Surf Club on Tuesday 1 June from 4pm to 7pm.

For more information visit … View more
Our commissioners invite you to the final drop-in events for learning about our city’s long-term plan and how to have your say.

Join us at Greerton Library on Monday 31 May from 4pm to 7pm or at Papamoa Surf Club on Tuesday 1 June from 4pm to 7pm.

For more information visit www.nowforthefuture.co.nz...

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1283 days ago

Get involved to Paint it pink

Resene

Paint it pink with Resene for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!

Buy any Resene testpot starting with P, I, N, K during May and we’ll donate $1 to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Offer applies to all Resene 60ml testpots with colour names starting with P, I, N, K purchased at the normal retail … View more
Paint it pink with Resene for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ!

Buy any Resene testpot starting with P, I, N, K during May and we’ll donate $1 to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Offer applies to all Resene 60ml testpots with colour names starting with P, I, N, K purchased at the normal retail price in May 2021 at Resene owned ColorShops.

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1283 days ago

King size bed

Pam from Mount Maunganui

King bed : with fitted and flat sheet, duvet and pillow slips.
Lovely condition no rips, or marks.
Firm with pillow top. Sheets and duvet are grey the photo doesn’t
Show true colour.

Negotiable

1283 days ago

Gumboot up NZ! Friday 28/05/2021

Exceed - we fix windows & doors

Join us in supporting GUMBOOT FRIDAY 2021!

We want all kiwis to get behind Mike King’s – I Am Hope gumboot challenge!

Help us create awareness for Mental health in NZ and be in to WIN 1 of 3 copies of Mike King’s book: "The nutters club"

How? Easy as:

1.Wear your gumboots this … View more
Join us in supporting GUMBOOT FRIDAY 2021!

We want all kiwis to get behind Mike King’s – I Am Hope gumboot challenge!

Help us create awareness for Mental health in NZ and be in to WIN 1 of 3 copies of Mike King’s book: "The nutters club"

How? Easy as:

1.Wear your gumboots this Friday 28th May.

2.Private message us your gumboots picture or video.

3.Challenge friends & family to wear their gumboots & help raise awareness for this cause.


T&Cs: Funniest photos /videos win. Three winners will be selected on Monday 31st of May 2021 and contacted over FB, IG or Neighbourly Private message. Good luck & GUMBOOT UP NZ!

To support mental health awareness in NZ our team is getting behind Mike King’s project #gumbootupNZ & challenging all our Franchise Owners around the country to donate a minimum of $100 to I AM HOPE Charity Organisation.

Want to donate money to this great Organisation too? Visit: www.gumbootfriday.org.nz...

From the
Exceed - we fix widows & doors team
www.youtube.com...

1283 days ago

Mid Winter Christmas in Taupo - 3 days/2 night tour departing 1 July

Kim Scanlen from Hinterland Tours

Pack your winter woolies and join us on a 3 day/2 night mini break to Taupo. We have chosen a luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Taupo for a relaxing and leisurely break. As well as enjoying a festive Christmas luncheon we have also left time for you to enjoy your surroundings as well as a bit … View morePack your winter woolies and join us on a 3 day/2 night mini break to Taupo. We have chosen a luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Taupo for a relaxing and leisurely break. As well as enjoying a festive Christmas luncheon we have also left time for you to enjoy your surroundings as well as a bit of sightseeing.
Please use the 'Read More' button to find out more about this tour. We would love you to join us.

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1283 days ago

Add longevity to your mattress with this simple step!

Beds4U Tauranga

Did you know that adding a waterproof mattress protector can increase the longevity of your mattress while protecting you from bacteria?

Read this article bit.ly... that sheds light and shares scientific reasons for why it is so important to put a waterproof mattress protector on.

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1283 days ago

Are Curtains or Blinds best for kids’ bedrooms?

Owner from Curtain Clean BOP Ltd

Choosing curtains and/or blinds for a child’s bedroom is much more complicated than you might think, with several factors to take into consideration when making the right choice. Let’s go over what you need to think about.

Blocking out light
Any parent will tell you kids need darkness to go… View more
Choosing curtains and/or blinds for a child’s bedroom is much more complicated than you might think, with several factors to take into consideration when making the right choice. Let’s go over what you need to think about.

Blocking out light
Any parent will tell you kids need darkness to go to bed. They don’t necessarily need darkness to sleep, but to convince them it’s bedtime it needs to be dark. Post daylight savings, heading into spring and summer, this can be a challenge. Curtains and blinds can help.

First of all, opt for block-out lining. Block-out lined curtains reduce natural light and UV rays, providing an ideal solution for darkening a bedroom. They also offer thermal and sound insulation properties, which come in handy too and we’ll discuss more shortly.

The best solution to block out light is curtains made of medium to heavy fabric, hanging wide and high over the window and down to the floor. But don’t make a decision yet, there are things to consider that might make you shy away from this option.

Slatted blinds are the least ideal solution as they allow small amounts of light to peep through even when fully closed and lowered. An inside mounted roller blind also allows a small amount of light to enter. For extra light blockage consider a curtain over a blind.

Reducing noise
Blocking out noise completely using only curtains or blinds is not possible, but it can be reduced. The best options are:
• Curtains – reducing noise all comes down to absorbing the vibrations so opt for the thickest, heaviest fabric you can (e.g. velvet or wool). The more layers the better so ensure you get them lined and you could also opt for a blind underneath as well.
• Roman shades – as with curtains, the thicker the fabric and more layers the better.

• Honeycomb blinds - the unique cellular design is great for cutting out noise. Just as the cells trap air to reduce heat transfer, they can also help keep out noise.


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

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1284 days ago

Pams recalls Casava Vege Crisps

Neighbourly.co.nz

An undeclared allergen has forced the recall of a Pams food product.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has recalled Pams Brand Cassava Vege Crisps Original 150g, due to the possible presence of milk, an allergen that is not declared on the ingredients list.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary … View more
An undeclared allergen has forced the recall of a Pams food product.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has recalled Pams Brand Cassava Vege Crisps Original 150g, due to the possible presence of milk, an allergen that is not declared on the ingredients list.

In a statement, the Ministry for Primary Industries says that any customer with a milk allergy or intolerance should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

What you need to know:
- The product is sold at Pak'n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.
- It is sold in a 150g package.
- Best before date is 19 OCT 21.
- No other flavour is affected.

Customers with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd.
Phone: 0800 24 51 14
Address: 35 Landing Drive, Mangere, Auckland.

To find out more about the recall, head to the New Zealand Food Safety Website.

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