Mount Albert, Auckland

WHAT's ON: Meditation Month - Citywide FREE meditation classes/workshops

Durba from Avondale

In response to growing urban problems of stress and declining mental health, Hour of Peace Meetup organisers and Auckland’s Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre are offering a citywide free program throughout March which will share basic meditation skills with anyone keen to learn.

Meditation Month … View moreIn response to growing urban problems of stress and declining mental health, Hour of Peace Meetup organisers and Auckland’s Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre are offering a citywide free program throughout March which will share basic meditation skills with anyone keen to learn.

Meditation Month will introduce the key steps in getting started, and cover a variety of techniques in calming the mind and coping with the often complex challenges of living in today’s world.

Meditation Month is an admission-free initiative simply dedicated to a more peaceful world and to the quest for happiness that we all share.

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Grey Lynn
Date: Thurs 7 Mar and 14 Mar; 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road
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Birkenhead
Date: Tues 12 Mar; 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: Birkenhead Library, 204 Hinemoa Street
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Green Bay
Date: Every Thurs for 3 weeks from 14 March; 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive
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Botany
Date: Fri 15 Mar; 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Botany Library, Botany Town Centre
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Highland Park
Date: Sat Mar 16; 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Venue: Highland Park Community House, 47 Aviemore Drive
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Albany
Date: Tues 19 Mar; 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: Albany Community Hub, 575a Albany Highway
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Auckland CDB
Date: Mon 20 Mar; 12.30noon - 1.30pm
Venue: Auckland Central City Library, Te Mārama Room, 44-46 Lorne St
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Meadowbank
Date: Mon 25 Mar; 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Venue: Meadowbank Community Centre, 29 St Johns Road


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Course details can be found on our website: www.meditationauckland.co.nz....
All classes are free of charge. Registration is not necessary. Simply turn up at the venue. For further inquiries, please contact Jogyata: 0221887432

Nike Steady V11Womens shoes size 6 for sale

Mythili from Mount Roskill

These shoes are pretty new have just worn once as it was tight i am selling this. Purchase it for $170 selling for $75 but negotiable up to $10.

Price: $75

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Don't forget to nominate your favourite local...

Prospa

There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View moreThere have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.

Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!) Nominate now

Women SkechersGoWalk Shoe Size 6.5 used $30

Riz from Mount Roskill

Women Skechersgowalk shoe size 6.5
Used
Pickup Richardson Road Hillsborough
Plz pm me

Men Adidas Shoe used US Size 9 n Half $30

Riz from Mount Roskill

Mens Adidas Shoe
Size 9 half
Condition see the picture as good
Pickup Richardson Road Hillsborough
Plz pm me

Evening classes

Amitabha Hospice from Amitabha Hospice Service Trust

Hi there
Is there anyone looking for a space to teach their yoga, pilates, etc classes? I have a lovely peaceful space with parking available on Powell Street, Avondale. Please call Leigh 021 026 46 898

Red Cross Sandringham - Volunteers Required

Redcross from Sandringham

Reaching out to this amazing community ☺️

We are currently revamping our local Charity Store.

If anyone has some time available and would like to contribute to helping Red Cross support people in need, we would welcome you to our team of friendly people.

Looking for volunteers who can … View moreReaching out to this amazing community ☺️

We are currently revamping our local Charity Store.

If anyone has some time available and would like to contribute to helping Red Cross support people in need, we would welcome you to our team of friendly people.

Looking for volunteers who can donate 3 hours a week - or more if you wish!

Please call us : 09 815 6203
or

Visit us at: 571 Sandringham Road, Sandringham

Open Monday to Friday 9-5
Saturday 10-4.

Thank you💐

Volunteers Needed at Amitabha Hospice

Claire from Mount Roskill

Amitabha Hospice Service is looking for more volunteers to visit people as support companions. Training starts soon - 6th of March. Please visit www.amitabhahospice.org... for more details and to apply!

THE MEDITATIVE JOURNEY

Maria from Mount Albert

Nyima Tashi Centre for Contemplation and Well being
Published by Jangchub Lhamo Jangchub · 4m ·
THE MEDITATIVE JOURNEY

Blaise Pascal the great 17th Century French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and prodigious writer of Catholic literature
Once said that the greatest… View moreNyima Tashi Centre for Contemplation and Well being
Published by Jangchub Lhamo Jangchub · 4m ·
THE MEDITATIVE JOURNEY

Blaise Pascal the great 17th Century French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and prodigious writer of Catholic literature
Once said that the greatest obstacle to mankind is one's inability to sit quietly with oneself.
Nyima Tashi reopens on Tuesday March the 5th at 7PM for meditation we look forward to seeing you all then

Don't try this at home: Why Lemons Aren't a Magic Potion for Flawless Skin

Tsahallah from Beauty Fields

The charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest … View moreThe charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest TikTok "hack," hold on! As a pharmacist who has dedicated years to formulating gentle yet effective skincare, I'm here to burst the citrus bubble and explain why lemons are a bad idea for treating skin spots.

Lemon on your face is not such a good idea.
The Acidic Truth, what you don’t know can harm you

Let's start with the science. Lemons are undeniably rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant praised for its brightening properties. However, the key ingredient responsible for that "magic" is citric acid, a potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). While AHAs can indeed exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a seemingly brighter complexion, the harsh reality is that lemon juice is far too acidic for your delicate facial skin.
Imagine this: your skin's natural pH sits around a healthy 5.5, slightly acidic but leaning towards neutral. Lemon juice, on the other hand, boasts a pH of 2-3, making it incredibly acidic and comparable to vinegar! Applying this directly to your face disrupts your skin's natural barrier, potentially leading to:
Inflammation and irritation: Redness, burning, and stinging are common reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
Increased sun sensitivity: AHAs make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, potentially worsening hyperpigmentation instead of lightening it.
Uneven skin tone: Over-exfoliation, inflammation, and increased sun sensitivity can lead to patchy, uneven skin tone, the opposite of the desired effect. Yup! It can make things worse!


pH2 is 1000 times more acidic than pH5, it’s a logarithmic scale
Beyond the Burn: The Long-Term Damage
The harm doesn't stop at immediate reactions. Frequent use of lemon juice can weaken your skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage, infections, and premature aging. It's essentially trading short-term perceived brightness for long-term skin woes.
The Temptation of the Algorithm: Why We Fall for the "Hacks"
So, why do these questionable practices gain traction online? The answer lies in a complex mix of factors:
Appeal to natural remedies: The belief that "natural" equals safe and effective is very strong.
Influencer trust: We often see flawless, filtered complexions on our screens, leading us to believe the methods used are foolproof, regardless of their potential harm.
Cherry-picking results: Social media thrives on showcasing successes, rarely highlighting negative experiences or potential dangers.
The Power of Informed Choices: Seek Expertise, Not Likes
It's important to remember that quick fixes rarely deliver lasting results, and especially when it comes to your skin, caution is paramount. Be weary before trying any DIY trend, especially on your face!
Remember, your skin is your largest organ, deserving of care and respect. Don't fall victim to online trends that prioritize likes over lasting results. Choose the informed path, treat your skin with gentleness and respect, and use lemons for lemonade - the healthy way, not on your face.

Use your Lemons wisely, drink them!

Have you got a family-favourite recipe for carrots?

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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Hyperpigmentation Soap – All Natural Skin Lightening Treatment HandMade in New Zealand

Tsahallah from Beauty Fields

More info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available

This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade … View moreMore info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available

This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade in NZ. For body and face – Normal to oily skin.

Treat your skin with the best that nature offers to ensure a radiant clear complexion and brighter-looking skin. Enriched with natural skin-lightening herbs this soap is one of a kind.


Calendula – Ancient Egyptians used Calendula to rejuvenate their skin. Bathing in calendula infusion was thought to give one a healthy glow.

Parsley – Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants/ Vitamin C is clinically proven to reduce skin pigmentation.

Directions: Use daily as a regular soap for the face and body. Leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing. Apply moisturizer if needed.
Size: 90gr/3.3Oz. All Vegan.
Not tested on animals.

Price: $25

How well do you know your neighbours?

Brian from Mount Roskill

Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an … View moreSome people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an antisocial. Don’t make friends easily, and don’t talk to strangers. An antiseptic smile is the best I can manage. Prefers to keep to myself and stick to the same circle of friends and relatives. Well, you can call me an introvert. That would explain my lack of interaction with neighbours.
My wife’s exactly the opposite. Yet, she has failed to strike up a conversation with the occupants of the flat across the corridor. The doors face each other. At times, we open the doors simultaneously, and the elderly lady behaves as if we don’t exist. So do the two young adults. We hardly get to see the other neighbours.
How young children make a difference
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Maybe they want to be left alone. I understand that. Yet, it feels strange. Weird, actually!
Humans, they say, are social animals. Our lives are interlinked and interdependent in some way, especially when we share a building. The blank stares and the radio silence in the elevators baffle me. Isn’t this a community? I ask myself.
I lived in another apartment for 20 years, and the experience was totally different. We had plenty of friends in the building and the neighbouring blocks. Some of those friendships exist even today, even after they have moved to other countries.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising.-
What’s the difference? One reason was our children. They were young and had plenty of friends. I remember a time when the doors of three neighbouring flats, including ours, were never locked as children kept moving from one house to another to continue their games. That was when my daughter was a toddler. At least 25 children in the neighbourhood would attend my son’s birthdays.
The children’s parents became our friends, and we called on each other for festive occasions and pujas. Sweets used to be sent and received during Diwali. Help used to be sought and given. Seems like another era.
Even after we moved, my wife maintained friendships in our old neighbourhood. She frequently travels there to attend birthdays, pujas, picnics, and other community activities. I often tease her, saying that her social skills haven’t worked in the new neighbourhood. She shrugs it off, saying it takes two people to strike a friendship.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising. When you get home from work late, visiting the neighbours is the last thing on tired minds.
What about weekends and holidays? Plans would have been made weeks ahead, and grocery shopping and prayers at a temple or a church are a weekend phenomenon. In homes where husbands and wives work, Saturdays and Sundays can turn into marathon cooking sessions to cover the week. All that doesn’t leave much time for neighbours and friends.
In many cases, it’s down to privacy. People value their privacy, which is why they keep to themselves. Imagine if your neighbours are nosy parkers. They could make lives miserable with incessant questions and the insatiable curiosity to know everything that happens in the neighbourhood.
None of us would want that. Right? Then why am I complaining?
You don’t have to take the biblical phrase “Love Thy Neighbour” literally. A little bit of social contact between neighbours wouldn’t hurt. And you don’t have to be friends with all the neighbours. A hello, a good morning, a smile, or a nod would suffice.
Do I do that? Yes, I do. Especially when I’m riding the elevator. It feels good when others return the gesture. A smile is the best. So keep smiling.
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