Hillcrest, Hamilton

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1225 days ago

Get Involved – June 1st to 30th 🤝

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This month we’re rolling up our sleeves, putting up our hands, and saying ‘YES’ to giving our time and skills to projects that make Aotearoa a better place to live.

As a mostly volunteer-led organisation, our members know first hand the value and impact that a single volunteer can make in … View more
This month we’re rolling up our sleeves, putting up our hands, and saying ‘YES’ to giving our time and skills to projects that make Aotearoa a better place to live.

As a mostly volunteer-led organisation, our members know first hand the value and impact that a single volunteer can make in our communities. Imagine then how much can be achieved when several volunteers or even an entire street or neighbourhood decide to work together to achieve the same goal!

Whether you plan to coordinate your own volunteer driven activity, take part in one that’s already been setup, participate in National Volunteer Week (20-26 June), or simply show your own volunteers some extra love this month, know that every bit of effort to give back is a priceless investment in all of our futures.

Want to share your thoughts? Let us know how you’re getting involved this month by tagging us in your social media posts or emailing us your photos, videos, or experiences to:

info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

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1225 days ago

Good In The Hood

The Team from Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato

This year Z is giving away a share of $700k to 10 charities who make a positive impact for Kiwi's across Aotearoa. By topping up at your local participating Z Station, you will receive one token which gives you the opportunity to vote for us to help make Aotearoa the best place in the world to… View moreThis year Z is giving away a share of $700k to 10 charities who make a positive impact for Kiwi's across Aotearoa. By topping up at your local participating Z Station, you will receive one token which gives you the opportunity to vote for us to help make Aotearoa the best place in the world to be young 🧡

1225 days ago

What makes a great Pea Protein?

Naturally Healthy

Proteins are fundamental structural and functional elements within every cell of the body and are involved in a wide range of critical metabolic interactions. All cells and tissues contain protein that is essential for their growth and repair, as well as maintenance of good health. Protein provides… View moreProteins are fundamental structural and functional elements within every cell of the body and are involved in a wide range of critical metabolic interactions. All cells and tissues contain protein that is essential for their growth and repair, as well as maintenance of good health. Protein provides the body with approximately 10 to 15% of its dietary energy, and following water is the second most abundant compound in the body. Protein is an essential macronutrient, and it can be hard to meet our daily recommended intake requirements. Protein powders exist to provide protein in a convenient way for busy individuals or for those looking to support specific fitness goals.

What is pea protein powder?

Pea protein powder is a form of plant-based protein that comes from peas. Because peas naturally contain a lot of protein, about eight grams per cup of peas, we’ve found that it is one of the best sources of plant-based protein for those who are looking for a vegan protein powder with a substantial amount of protein. Pea protein powder is made by grinding down dried field peas into a powder. Once it’s in a fine powder, the protein is extracted and kept to create protein powder.

The pea protein that we use in our Pea Protein Blend is sourced from Cosucra in Belgium. We chose to work with Cosucra because of their pea protein powder’s quality and their sustainable business practices. Cosucra’s Pisane® pea protein powder is non-GMO verified and USDA organic, and they provide farm to fork traceability for all of their products.

Benefits of pea protein powder

With all the different kinds of protein powders out there, why would you choose pea protein? Pea protein is one of the best plant-based protein powders sharing a lot of the benefits of the animal protein powders, but with its own unique benefits for those looking for plant-based protein.

Pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot create and you can only get it from food. It’s also a great source of branched-chain amino acids, especially arginine — which promotes healthy blood flow and heart health — and leucine, isoleucine, and valine — which promore muscle growth. Pea protein powders are also rich in iron, which is an added benefit to plant-based diets.

Protein is necessary for tissue building and repair and helps contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass while also maintaining bones. Ensuring that you are getting enough protein in your diet, especially if you do a lot of strength training or maintain a protein plant-based diet, is essential for your overall health.

For those who have more sensitive digestive issues, pea protein is one the most easily digestible protein sources allowing most of it to break down and not irritate your gut as other protein powders might. Additionally, for anyone avoiding certain allergens like milk or gluten, pea protein is 100% allergen and gluten-free and being totally plant-based is vegan friendly.

What should you look for when choosing pea protein powder?

There are several elements you should look for when choosing a pea protein powder to ensure that it is a high-quality powder that you are putting into your body. The first thing you’ll want to look at is the amino acid profile. Our Pea Protein Blend is high in leucine, which is important for protein synthesis and reduces protein breakdown. It’s also high in lysine, one of the essential building blocks of protein.

Of course, there are other elements that you should also consider when looking for pea protein powders such as sustainability, transparency and traceability. This is why we share with you that we source our pea protein powder from Cosucra, a family-owned company that focuses on quality, sustainable products.

You can usually tell which companies prioritise reducing their environmental impact by observing the ingredients in their products and their business practices. Choose a brand that has sustainability and the environment in mind, and puts that focus on all parts of their business. Our products, for example, come in aluminum packaging that can be recycled through the curbside recycling process, as well as pouches that are compostable at home.

Introducing Pro You’s unique formulation

Our pea protein powder has been specifically designed for busy females who want the best for their health, without having to spend a lot of time juggling multiple products. To help our customers in their busy lives we have made one simple, easy-to-use powder that contains 15 essential vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens along with 20.3 grams of protein. It’s like having a really high-quality protein powder with a multivitamin built-in.

Pro You’s Pea Protein Blend is the only New Zealand made product to combine B complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, ashwagandha, and flaxseed fibre, all of which have unique benefits to your health. In an article published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines, it was shown that ashwagandha provided anti-stress, neuroprotective, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why we decided it was important to include in our Pea Protein Blend. Our formulation ensures that you’re getting an additional serve of protein in your diet and many essential vitamins and minerals that will positively impact your health and well-being.

Ideas for using Pro You Pea Protein Powder

When you’re busy it can be challenging to integrate new habits into your day, so we wanted to put together a list of ideas for using our Pea Protein Blend to get you started.

Morning super smoothie

Start your day with a super smoothie made with our Pea Protein Blend and your choice of other ingredients; it will give you a protein hit in the morning and reduce your sugar cravings throughout the day. You can add plant milk, water, or coconut water, and any fruit or vegetables fresh or frozen. These super smoothies are great first thing in the morning and they can also be a great make-ahead smoothie to take into work for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Make it on the go

Because our Pea Protein Blend blends very easily, you can keep a protein shaker with your protein powder with you at work or in the car and just add liquid. It can easily be shaken in a protein shaker or even stirred in with a fork so you don’t have to have a blender on hand.

Protein powder recipes

If you look online, there are plenty of recipes that utilise protein powders that you can use our Pea Protein Blend to make. Some of our favourites are protein pancakes, energy balls, and chia pudding. These recipes are all quick, easy, and will ensure you feel full and satisfied until your next meal.

In the end, we all need protein, and a lot of us aren’t getting enough high-quality protein in our diets. If you find that you’re falling short of your protein requirements or want daily support for overall wellness, our Pea Protein Blend is for you. One 30g serve provides 20.3 grams of quality plant-based protein as well as vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens in an easy, all-in-one powder.

We would love for you to comment with your favourite ways to use pea protein powder and what benefits you’ve seen after using it as a daily supplement.

Source Pro YOU

1225 days ago

Here they are! New roses of 2021: which one(s) are you getting?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Pink, red, yellow, climbing, rambling, oh so beautiful they are. New Zealand's rose breeders and specialist nurseries have such a treat for you. Pictured here is 'My Sweetheart' from Matthews Nurseries, and there's lots more. Sit back and enjoy.

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1225 days ago

Is Laundry Stripping as Good as it Looks?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

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...

1226 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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1227 days ago

Bathroom cabinet

Ian from Fairview Downs

Bathroom cabinet 34cm wide x 1.78cm high with two cupboards 60cm high, each with a self, still has some silicone on one side where was against the wall

Price: $250

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1227 days ago

Bathroom vanity light

Ian from Fairview Downs

Bathroom vanity light 94cm long x 10cm deep in very condition uses a fluorescent bulb

Price: $60

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1227 days ago

Bathroom mirror

Ian from Fairview Downs

Bathroom mirror 1.060wide x 1.13deep with a 50mm frosting around the edge in very good condition

Price: $250

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1228 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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1228 days ago

Decorating Tips for a Shoestring Budget

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

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...

1229 days ago

Relaxed and modern countryside dining at Camarosa

Camarosa

Step away from the noise of the city and enjoy a relaxed lunch while overlooking picturesque strawberry fields at Camarosa Restaurant, Café and Bar. Located just a five-minute drive from the Hamilton CBD, a trip to Camarosa feels like you’re swapping the noise of the city for the beauty of the … View moreStep away from the noise of the city and enjoy a relaxed lunch while overlooking picturesque strawberry fields at Camarosa Restaurant, Café and Bar. Located just a five-minute drive from the Hamilton CBD, a trip to Camarosa feels like you’re swapping the noise of the city for the beauty of the countryside, without having to travel too far.

Set on Ruakura Berry Farm in Newstead and showcasing the bold and delectable flavours of the Waikato, Camarosa has become the destination eatery of choice for those who love good food, enjoyed in a great setting – with lashings of atmosphere.

We are a family owned and operated eatery and pride ourselves on using locally sourced produce with exceptional taste, complemented by an impeccable dining service. We specialise in showcasing the bold and delectable flavours of the Waikato region by using local produce in our kitchen.

Camarosa is located at 11 Davison Road, Newstead, Hamilton.
Call (07) 856 0279 email E: info@camarosa.co.nz or visit www.camarosa.co.nz
Opening hours:
Monday – Tuesday, 8am – 4pm Wednesday – Sunday 8am till late.
Find out more

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1230 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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1230 days ago

MULTICULTURAL TREE PLANTING!

todd from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse is please to announce it's annual multicultural tree planting event at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park (near Zoo), Saturday 19 June, 10:30am-1:30pm. Use Rotokauri Rd entrance. Bring gloves, spade/shovel, water, etc. Light lunch provided. All invited. Fun, free and … View moreEarthDiverse is please to announce it's annual multicultural tree planting event at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park (near Zoo), Saturday 19 June, 10:30am-1:30pm. Use Rotokauri Rd entrance. Bring gloves, spade/shovel, water, etc. Light lunch provided. All invited. Fun, free and family-friendly! For more information see the Upcoming Events page on EarthDiverse's website

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1230 days ago

Are Curtains or Blinds best for kids’ bedrooms?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

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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