Oriental Bay, Wellington

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Have you made your house all Christmassy yet?

Why not share a snap to be in to win spot prizes! (and the title of NZ's Merriest Home)

1616 days ago

Subscribe to Sunday Star Times

Stuff Ltd

What better way to take a load off than to put your feet up and get inspired with a fresh copy of the Sunday Star-Times each week. For a limited time, when you subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for just 6 months*, we are giving away a free Gourmet Spice Pack valued at $65 so you can get crafty in … View moreWhat better way to take a load off than to put your feet up and get inspired with a fresh copy of the Sunday Star-Times each week. For a limited time, when you subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for just 6 months*, we are giving away a free Gourmet Spice Pack valued at $65 so you can get crafty in the kitchen with Raptor Naturals finest flavours.

Call us on 0800 339 000 or click on the button below and use the promo code “SSTRAPTOR” to redeem this special offer now.

Hurry as this offer ends 31st July, 2020!

*T&Cs apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.mags4gifts.co.nz
Subscribe Now

Image
1616 days ago

Next issue of Get Growing ezine - coming next week!

Reporter NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hi neighbours, the next issue of Get Growing will now be released early next week, so keep your eyes peeled! In the meantime you can read all previous editions here, so dig in and enjoy!

Image
1616 days ago

Renovation Specialist

Lia from Refresh Renovations Lia Boersma

Get a head start on planning and designing your renovation now!
Our renovation specialist is taking bookings for FREE consultations!

Call us on 0800 38 68 88 to book an appointment.

Image
1624 days ago

Beautiful fully furnished apartment to rent

Neil from Thorndon

A fully furnished and well equipped heritage apartment in Thorndon is available for short or longer term rent. The apartment is on the second level at 11 St Mary Street Thorndon.  The house was built in 1890 and has been completely restored with access to the sunny brick courtyard and swimming … View moreA fully furnished and well equipped heritage apartment in Thorndon is available for short or longer term rent. The apartment is on the second level at 11 St Mary Street Thorndon.  The house was built in 1890 and has been completely restored with access to the sunny brick courtyard and swimming pool included. Parking at the door, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are within a couple of minutes walk on Tinakori Road and it’s a pleasant seven minute walk through the Botanic Gardens to The Terrace and Lambton Quay. The suite consists of a large living room with French doors opening to a sunny, sheltered verandah. The kitchenette is off the living room and the bedroom with its Queen size bed and en-suite is quiet and private. The apartment is warm and sunny, fully furnished with antiques and equipped to the last detail.   
Especially suitable for anyone requiring centrally located accommodation during the week.  The rent is $497/week including utilities and servicing the apartment can be arranged if required.   Please contact Neil Harrap for an inspection 027 499 1212 or email :  neilharrap@gmail.com

1616 days ago

Is it safe to swim?

The Team from Wellington Water

What wonderful weather we are having today ☀️

As a reminder, it's standard public health advice around New Zealand not to swim for 48 following the kind of heavy rainfall we had this week. www.wellingtonwater.co.nz...

Image
1616 days ago

Wadestown backyard

Barley from Inoutside Property Services

Creating garden access with steps and also small retaining walls Winter 2019

1616 days ago

Is your child struggling with strategies?

NumberWorks'nWords Kilbirnie

Our franchisee Michelle from NumberWorks'nWords Silverdale discussing the battle of maths and the rationale behind all the strategies our kids are exposed to in the classroom.

Image
1616 days ago
1616 days ago
1616 days ago

How to choose the right Curtain Lining

Robert Anderson from

Windows play a major role in controlling the temperature within a home. During winter it is easy to lose heat, and in summer it is easy to overheat a home if windows are not appropriately covered. Professionally fitted, lined drapery can reduce window heat loss by 40-60% when closed*. Working all … View moreWindows play a major role in controlling the temperature within a home. During winter it is easy to lose heat, and in summer it is easy to overheat a home if windows are not appropriately covered. Professionally fitted, lined drapery can reduce window heat loss by 40-60% when closed*. Working all year round, lined drapery is an important tool in creating a thermal insulation barrier.


Today we look at the advantages, types and options of drapery lining.

There are many advantages to drapery lining:
1. Creation of a thermal insulation layer.
2. Protects soft furnishings from sun damage.
3. Resistance to dust and mildew.
4. Creates a dark room environment (dim or black out).
5. Prolongs the appearance and life of your drapes as lining helps protect the fabric from harmful UV rays.
6. Improves drapability.
7. Stronger acoustic properties with more layers.


NOTE: In a hot climate, lining helps to reduce heat transfer into the room.

TYPES OF DRAPERY LINING

There are several different types of lining which can be chosen based on the requirements of each drapery installation.

THERMAL
One layer (1 Pass) of coated acrylic suede compound is known as thermal lining. It offers the advantages of insulation and energy savings, helping to keep rooms’ warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is important to understand that a certain amount of light will pass into the room with this construction. As with all quality linings, thermal lining not only protects soft furnishings from fading, they are also treated to resist mildew and enables good drapability.
The manufacturing process of a thermal lining involves a thermal coating being applied directly to the reverse side of the fabric to reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet light passing through the fabric, whilst increasing the insulation.

BLACKOUT
Three layers (3 Pass) of coated acrylic suede compound is known as ‘blackout’ thermal lining. This process offers the same benefits of thermal lining but also totally eliminates light penetration. Blackout lining naturally minimizes the risk of natural flaws in the fabric from showing through. It also adds body to the fabric and provides a good stable base for roman blinds.
TIP: when drawing your curtains during the day, a blackout lining will ensure the colour of your main drape isn’t saturated/washed out by sunlight.

DIMOUT / TRIPLE WEAVE
Unlike coated linings, a dimout lining is a woven construction which allows a small amount of light to pass through – hence the name ‘dimout’ as opposed to ‘blackout’. It is a popular lining in both commercial and residential applications due to its affordability, washability and noise reduction properties. It has a soft, thick handle which adds fullness to a light weight fabric such as silk and taffeta.
TIP: Darker dimouts achieve a higher degree of light reduction than lighter colours.

INTERLINING
Interlining adds body and fullness to lightweight fabrics such as silk and taffeta. Its composition is typically either a blend of polyester/viscose/cotton or 100% napped cotton. Interlining also improves insulation and acoustic properties of a room through noise reduction and provides extra protection from harmful UV rays. It works as additional padding for headboards and pelmets when used between the face fabric and lining.

SILICONE
Advancements in technology have led to coated lining layers being made of a silicone compound, which creates a soft agile handle and has the added benefit of not eliciting or holding any loose dust as experienced with acrylic suede lining. Silicone backed lining is a coated lining product with three layers of silicone on one side, providing protection from elements such as sun and moisture. This product is also washable, making it easier to maintain, however it cannot be dry-cleaned.

NOTE FOR COATED LININGS:
For both thermal coated and blackout coated linings, the coated side of the fabric must face the glass to maximize UV and mildew resistant properties.
Thermal lining and blackout lining is NOT machine washable, it may be gently hand washed if necessary, drip dried with coated surfaces facing out. Professional cleaning by a specialist is the recommended option.

ATTRIBUTES

FIRE RETARDANT

Linings with fire retardant attributes have either had a treatment applied to the yarn/fabric retrospectively or the fibre/yarns used to produce the fabric have been engineered to possess inherent FR characteristics. FR linings meet all government requirements/standards and are suitable for residential and commercial use.

OEKO-TEX
ENVIRONMENTALLY BETTER - Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is an independent international certification. Linings that carry this certification mean that the fabric is free from harmful substances and safe for people and the environment. For more information visit oeko-tex.com/standard100.

Interested in adding a lining to your existing curtains? We can help with that! Call us on 0800 579 0501 to book in.

1617 days ago

3 strategies for driving your behaviour in the best direction

Life Mentoring from Life Mentoring

Build your behaviour, and live your life, on strong foundational roots.


What is a Core Value

We all have foundational beliefs. These are broad concepts which are important to us. These have built up from childhood. Many formed from our family and culture and so on.

Our core values are the ones … View more
Build your behaviour, and live your life, on strong foundational roots.


What is a Core Value

We all have foundational beliefs. These are broad concepts which are important to us. These have built up from childhood. Many formed from our family and culture and so on.

Our core values are the ones of top priority to us. The ones nearest to our heart are the ones that mean the most to us.

How do we know what our top core values are

The first thing is to create awareness. Awareness that we have core values and that they are important to us and that it's advantageous to know them. Three strategies to discover our core values:

1. Life Mentoring has developed an app to make it easy to rank your top values. Which values bring about a good calm internal state/feeling for you. Which resonate with you as being important. Life Mentoring App

2. Look at what and, maybe more importantly, who influences you. What do you like and admire about them. Who do you see as a mentor in your life. If you have several - look at the patterns of similarity.

3. Look at your past - what did you enjoy or not enjoy and the same with your work. If you look at what ignited some feelings in you - the negative feelings and reactions indicates that something that has happened is not matching with your values.

Do note that they can change during your life so it is recommended that you repeat the ranking process. The word - or value - means different things to different people. So its safe to say that just because someone has the same values as you it doesn't mean the life by same code as you.

Why is it important to know them

As our core values are a central part of who we are we can use them as our guidelines to live by. It is best to live with them in your awareness. When your behaviour, and way of living and behaving, matches your values then you find you are more satisfied and content. Life feels more comfortable and flows better. They also allow us to persevere and move forward in our lives. When you experience negative feelings you will notice that your values are not met. You may notice that someone has crossed your boundaries. It may be tempting to dismiss this feeling - with "I'm being too sensitive" and then ignore it. Our feelings are our red flags that something isn't fitting quite right for us. Pay attention to these feelings and have a look at what is behind them.

How can we use them to our advantage

When making decisions in life, refer to your core values. Use them to assist you with the direction that will be best for you. This will lead to more flow and comfort for you. Also by knowing your values you will know whats important to you. You can use this knowledge to help guide others to know what your boundaries are and what behaviour might lead to them crossing these boundaries. Prevention is best but if they cross the boundaries you can readily explain what has happened.

Conflicting Values

What does it mean when there are conflicting values - either between oneself and someone else (or even within ourselves). It means there are two values systems at play. We need to look at these and work out an intersection between the two.

Summary

Our values are the important concepts which underlie our behaviour. When we feel comfortable in life we are living with these in mind. We can find our values using a choice of strategies. When our boundaries are over stepped we feel an emotion - discomfort at the very least - and this is our indicator. We can then use this to either convey to others or correct the situation to get us back into comfort.

Image
1619 days ago

How affordable is travel within NZ?

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone, I'm Lorna, a Stuff travel reporter. We're doing a story on how affordable travel within NZ is. For those of you who have travelled within the country post-lockdown, we'd like to hear whether you've been able to find suitable flights, accommodation and activities … View moreHi everyone, I'm Lorna, a Stuff travel reporter. We're doing a story on how affordable travel within NZ is. For those of you who have travelled within the country post-lockdown, we'd like to hear whether you've been able to find suitable flights, accommodation and activities within your budget. Do you think accommodation providers and tourism operators are doing enough to entice New Zealanders to explore their backyard? Please let us know in the comments below, your message may be used in our story.

1617 days ago

NZCT is accepting grant applications again

The Team from New Zealand Community Trust

We're open for grant applications again, post-COVID. We welcome sports clubs, schools, arts groups, community organisations, health services, and rescue and ambulance trusts, especially those we had to decline applications from in March.

Find out more and submit your application at … View more
We're open for grant applications again, post-COVID. We welcome sports clubs, schools, arts groups, community organisations, health services, and rescue and ambulance trusts, especially those we had to decline applications from in March.

Find out more and submit your application at www.nzct.org.nz....

#c4grants

Image
1618 days ago

Batten down the hatches

Simone Borgstede from Wellington City Council

We’re expecting the region to get a battering tonight with southerly winds of up to 120kmh forecast.
For people in the southern suburbs, don’t forget to use your wheelie bin clip, or avoid putting your recycling out if you can to prevent items being blown about.
And don’t forget, if … View more
We’re expecting the region to get a battering tonight with southerly winds of up to 120kmh forecast.
For people in the southern suburbs, don’t forget to use your wheelie bin clip, or avoid putting your recycling out if you can to prevent items being blown about.
And don’t forget, if you’ve got a backyard trampoline or anything else that could take flight, tie it down!
PS. wrap up warmly – it’s going to be good weather for polar bears!

Image
1618 days ago

Greytown's Festival of Christmas starts this weekend and runs through July!

The Team from Destination Wairarapa

Having a special celebration in July is something Greytown Village thought everyone would enjoy. And a mid-winter festival with lights, decorations and special events that emulate a Northern Hemisphere Christmas is perfect this year. Greytown’s first ever Festival of Christmas is a show of … View moreHaving a special celebration in July is something Greytown Village thought everyone would enjoy. And a mid-winter festival with lights, decorations and special events that emulate a Northern Hemisphere Christmas is perfect this year. Greytown’s first ever Festival of Christmas is a show of support for the town’s retail and hospitality businesses, as well as creating something wonderful for the Wellington region, a chance to celebrate togetherness. It might be the middle of winter, but the Christmas vibe will be very much alive with the town decorated in Christmas trim and fairy lights. Putting some sparkle into the school holidays this winter. See the light projection show and decorated windows.
Check out the special accommodation packages and restaurant menus are on offer, in-store promotions , and entertainment and street events for the weekends. Wrap up and make the most of the festive fun just an hour from Wellington.

Image
Top