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An old black and white picture from early Wellington. Who can recognise where it is?
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 moreChoosing 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...
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 moreAn 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.
From the where oceans collide at Cape Reinga, to the oyster-ridden seaboards of Bluff - it's time for you to spin the map of Aotearoa and see where your finger lands.
To take some of the stress out of your long weekend roadtrip plans, we're giving 10 lucky winners petrol vouchers … View moreFrom the where oceans collide at Cape Reinga, to the oyster-ridden seaboards of Bluff - it's time for you to spin the map of Aotearoa and see where your finger lands.
To take some of the stress out of your long weekend roadtrip plans, we're giving 10 lucky winners petrol vouchers from Mobil or Z - it's your choice!
If your name's below, get in touch with us, and if you know any of your neighbours listed, be sure to congratulate them and let them know!
Betty Campbell from Northland
Aimee Crothall from Paekakariki
David Watt from Hamilton
Sarah Sharp from Auckland
Helen Fang from Auckland
Rafael Moreno from New Plymouth
Saqib Ahmad from Auckland
Maria Dela Cruz from Wellington
Suannie Burt from Carterton District
Nick Regos from Christchurch
Keep your eyes peeled for our next random draw. Until next time!
Terms & Conditions apply.
Neighbours – now is your chance to dress up your walls and save 30% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – come in to your local Resene ColorShop and view the full collection. Offer ends 8 June 2021.
*Discount off the normal retail price at … View moreNeighbours – now is your chance to dress up your walls and save 30% off* the extensive range of Resene wallpapers! Patterned or bold, textured or neutral – come in to your local Resene ColorShop and view the full collection. Offer ends 8 June 2021.
*Discount off the normal retail price at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers until 8 June 2021. Excludes wall decals, WallPrint and clearance items. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Hi neighbours,
Wellington Samaritans are looking for locals to join our team of helpline volunteers.
If you’re a good listener and have a genuine desire to improve the mental well-being of others, please contact us about becoming a helpline volunteer.
We provide full training and … View moreHi neighbours,
Wellington Samaritans are looking for locals to join our team of helpline volunteers.
If you’re a good listener and have a genuine desire to improve the mental well-being of others, please contact us about becoming a helpline volunteer.
We provide full training and ongoing support.
Email wellington@samaritans.org.nz or phone 021 294 0036 or visit www.samaritans.org.nz
We're replacing plastic dog tags with a metal 'One Tag' that lasts your doggo's lifetime.
The One Tag will help reduce the amount of plastic going into the landfill - there were around 60,000 tags thrown out in Wellington City in the last five years alone!
Customers will pay … View moreWe're replacing plastic dog tags with a metal 'One Tag' that lasts your doggo's lifetime.
The One Tag will help reduce the amount of plastic going into the landfill - there were around 60,000 tags thrown out in Wellington City in the last five years alone!
Customers will pay their annual registration fees as usual, but they'll keep using the same tag.
For more information, visit: wellington.govt.nz...
You may have noticed that the invasive weed old man's beard has increased in Wellington over the last few years. There have been changes in how WCC control it with them now focussing on reserves with high ecological value. Responsibility for control in many other areas, including roadside … View moreYou may have noticed that the invasive weed old man's beard has increased in Wellington over the last few years. There have been changes in how WCC control it with them now focussing on reserves with high ecological value. Responsibility for control in many other areas, including roadside reserves, is now up to individuals and community groups. Learn more here: blog.tepapa.govt.nz...
Louise Thomas has provided this weeks Friday Feathered Friend.
"Nature abhors a vacuum. The old adage has seen the white-fronted terns/tara (Sterna striata) move onto the Petone Wharf as a convenient perching spot for hawking (terning?) for fish. Such sleek birds, they turn on a dime, their … View moreLouise Thomas has provided this weeks Friday Feathered Friend.
"Nature abhors a vacuum. The old adage has seen the white-fronted terns/tara (Sterna striata) move onto the Petone Wharf as a convenient perching spot for hawking (terning?) for fish. Such sleek birds, they turn on a dime, their brilliant white feathers catching the sun as they dive like professionals into the briny.
The old wharf, stretching almost 400m out into harbour, was closed (although a few foolhardy humans ignore the signs and climb the fence) in January for six weeks (hah!) for “urgent” repairs after the earthquakes over the New Year caused it to slump a bit in the middle. To be fair, the piles are infested with marine worms turning the ancient trunks into so much Swiss cheese and the bolts holding it all together are rustier than my first car, so it wouldn’t have taken much. Having seen a cross-section of a pile, I’m surprised it hasn’t collapsed before now. I am looking forward to it reopening though, I miss being able to walk so far out into the harbour – it’s where all the good stuff happens."
Bill Tito (The Book Doctor) is a specialist in the restoration of old and rare books, maps and boxes.
“Give me a book I can’t repair and make my day"
As seen on TV. The Book Doctor, Bill Tito is the "Surgeon General to Literature!" He is a book repair expert who is trade … View moreBill Tito (The Book Doctor) is a specialist in the restoration of old and rare books, maps and boxes.
“Give me a book I can’t repair and make my day"
As seen on TV. The Book Doctor, Bill Tito is the "Surgeon General to Literature!" He is a book repair expert who is trade certified in bookbinding.
You can visit the website for more information and samples of Bill's work. Or pick up the phone and call Bill 04 526 6977.
Wellington City Council looks to have done a u-turn over the future of the Central Library.
The council agreed in October to support using base isolators to upgrade the library building, and included the $187 million project in its draft 10-year plan that comes into effect from July. It was agreed … View moreWellington City Council looks to have done a u-turn over the future of the Central Library.
The council agreed in October to support using base isolators to upgrade the library building, and included the $187 million project in its draft 10-year plan that comes into effect from July. It was agreed to following public feedback and a decision to breach its borrowing cap as the council looks to fund several major infrastructure projects.
Just months after settling on a plan to upgrade its stricken central library, Wellington City Council is now considering another way to strengthen the earthquake-prone building – one that could save tens of millions of dollars.
The “viscous damper” technology was not included in five upgrade options released for public feedback in October but is now back on the table after Beca, the engineering company that proposed it, complained. Councillors are set to be given an update on its feasibility next month.
Viscous dampers is a system of hydraulic devices that dissipate energy.
If you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, … View moreIf you live with someone allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, pet hair or any one of the hundreds of allergens in household products, clean is not enough. A house needs to be extra-clean and allergen-proof to help make allergy sufferers as comfortable as possible. The alternative is sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes, all brought on by the presence of irritants that you can keep at bay with some extra attention.
Here’s how to get on top of some common irritants at your place:
1. Use allergy-friendly products
• Avoid using aerosol sprays as they are a common trigger for asthma sufferers. Even if you’re not standing near anyone, the high-pressure mist that the aerosol omits means the contents can spread a long way.
• Try to use environmentally-friendly products – what’s good for the environment is often better for us too.
• Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, formaldehyde and sodium lauryl sulphate. Hunt out products that are free from these irritants or make your own natural cleaning products.
2. Keep a dust-free bedroom
It’s the dust mite droppings that many people react to (and news that there is dust mite poo in our bedding causes a reaction in the rest of us!). To keep bedding really clean, you will need to wash all bed linen regularly, preferably weekly. A man-made fibre like polyester is less likely to trap dust than natural fibres like cotton or linen.
Use a hypoallergenic mattress topper, duvet inner-cover and pillow protector and wash these at least monthly and replace them annually.
Keep stuffed animals to a minimum and wash those that remain regularly. Pull the bed out and vacuum underneath at least once a week, preferably daily. Don’t forget to dust side tables and vacuum underneath those as well.
3. Vacuum daily
Wooden or tiled floors are much easier to keep dust-free, but if you have carpet, a daily vacuum, especially in bedrooms, is a must. Use a vacuum cleaner made especially for allergy-sufferers – most will be fitted with HEPA filtration and powerhead.
Make sure you vacuum around the skirting boards and in crevices and vacuum around all beds at least twice. Empty canisters or vacuum bags regularly, sealing the bag well before disposal.
4. Use an air purifier
Even if you are taking the precautions outlined above, there will still be plenty of dust in your house – in fact some studies show that air pollution such as allergens and pollutants can be present in higher levels inside the home than outside! Air purifiers work to filter the allergens and pollutants from the air and improve the air quality.
5. Empty bins daily
The rubbish bin can omit toxins without you even realising, and they are a breeding ground for mould and germs. Empty bins every evening and disinfect with a hospital grade solution before lining with a plastic bag.
6. Beat doormats every day
Pollen and dust are tracked into our home constantly. Make sure you have a doormat on the outside and inside at every entry point to your home and shake these out regularly. Vacuum each indoor mat when you do your daily vacuum run. It’s a good idea to place a mat in the doorway of an allergy-sufferers bedroom for extra protection. Better yet, leave shoes outside.
7. Inspect for mould weekly
Mould is a common allergy trigger and its present absolutely everywhere. Don’t give it a chance to breed – wipe away small mould patches as soon as you find them with a paper towel and throw the paper towel in an outside bin. You can use a solution of three cups of water to five drops of Oil of Cloves (find it at your pharmacy) in a spray bottle to kill mould spores and prevent mould from growing. Make sure you test for an allergy to Oil of Cloves first, of course! Tea tree oil is also a good antiseptic against mould – a teaspoon of oil to a cup of water wiped over mould-prone surfaces should do the trick.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Join us to discover Years 7 and 9 at QMC.
Backed by 100+ years of progressive education we build confident, passionate and adventurous young women ready to make their mark in the world.
Come and experience the advantage of small classes, a unique curriculum, and passionate, experienced … View moreJoin us to discover Years 7 and 9 at QMC.
Backed by 100+ years of progressive education we build confident, passionate and adventurous young women ready to make their mark in the world.
Come and experience the advantage of small classes, a unique curriculum, and passionate, experienced teachers in our stunning, heritage location.
Now operating with a sweet zero emissions vehicle.
Contact me on 0277225062 for a free quote 🤳
Have a great weekend👍
Andy
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