Marewa, Napier

754 days ago

How to Get an Extra-Clean House for Allergy Sufferers

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

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.

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

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761 days ago

Poll: Are you able to get help with your health when needed?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.

The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View more
A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.

The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.

Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?

Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.

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Are you able to get help with your health when needed?
  • 46.2% Wait times are too long - It's unacceptable.
    46.2% Complete
  • 30.8% I can get the help I need, it just takes longer.
    30.8% Complete
  • 7.7% I haven't noticed an issue.
    7.7% Complete
  • 15.3% I'm happy; I have no complaints.
    15.3% Complete
3445 votes
758 days ago

How to make your own Christmas terrarium

Resene

How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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758 days ago

Liquidation Auction - Estate Auction - Wednesday 10am

Todd Foster from Maidens & Foster Auctioneers Ltd

Project Kitchens Ltd (in Liquidation) Napier Store. Full Kitchens, Kitchenettes, Sinks, Shelving.
Hose Dressing Decor. Warehouse Shelving. Estate Clearances etc
Viewing & Bids Welcome: Mon 8-5, Tue 8-6 & Wed from 8am
More Photos www.mafa.co.nz... & facebook

758 days ago

Repaint a doll's bed

The Team from Resene ColorShop Napier

Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.

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758 days ago

We will be closed tomorrow Saturday

The Team from Red Cross Shop Carlyle Street

Hi everyone,
Due to staff shortages we are unable to open tomorrow.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Next week we hope to be back to normal!

760 days ago

Be in to win with Southern Cross Pet

Southern Cross Pet Insurance

Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.

All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View more
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.

All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.

Ends 21 December 2022
Enter Now

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G
760 days ago

Xmas Wrapping

Gary from Pirimai

2 x bundles Price is per bundle
Xmas wrapping paper 3 packets of 3 rolls and 3 packets of stickers = 1 bundle

Price: $5

761 days ago

Home and property inspiration delivered to your inbox

Homed

What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View more
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Find out more

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764 days ago

Need a Gardener

Helen Neighbourly Lead from Napier South

Due to surgery my garden has got away on me. I am looking for a reliable, committed gardener, to work 2 hours a fortnight. $30 per hour.
I've got a big section, but it's not all garden.This would be a permanent job. Looking forward to hearing from anyone, who enjoys a challenge and a … View more
Due to surgery my garden has got away on me. I am looking for a reliable, committed gardener, to work 2 hours a fortnight. $30 per hour.
I've got a big section, but it's not all garden.This would be a permanent job. Looking forward to hearing from anyone, who enjoys a challenge and a commitment. Thank you.

764 days ago

Win your share of $10,000 this Christmas with Mags4Gifts.

Mags4gifts

We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of … View more
We are giving 10 lucky winners $1,000 cash each this Christmas, to enter all you have to do is make a purchase on Mags4Gifts. Spoil your loved ones by gifting them a subscription or treat yourself to your favourite magazine or newspaper subscription.

Mags4Gifts is your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas gifts with a range of over 50 products to choose from, including our popular NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and TV Guide magazines.

Each product purchased on Mags4Gifts will automatically place you in the draw to win a cash prize - and the best part, there’s no limit on how many times you can enter! Promotion ends 8 Jan 2023, for T&Cs click here.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Know more

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765 days ago

Auction Wednesday 30 November 10am

Todd Foster from Maidens & Foster Auctioneers Ltd

Full Rooms. House Dressing Decor & Furniture. Pair Stressless Recliners. Rustic Implement wheels & Farm Metalware and even a Restorers 1937 Austin Seven!
Viewing Mon 8-5, Tue 8-6 & Wed from 8am
More photos www.mafa.co.nz...

766 days ago

Black Friday

The Team from Red Cross Shop Carlyle Street

We have 25% of everything secondhand tomorrow Friday and Monday. We are closed Saturday due to unforeseen circumstances.
Excluded Zara Stock and New Sunglasses and Readers

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766 days ago

A Beginners Guide to Curtain Tassels, Trims, Pelmets & Tiebacks

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (Hawkes Bay Chem-Dry)

It’s no secret that curtains can make or break a room. The colours, patterns and style are an essential part of trying a room together and creating a particular mood. However, there’s more to a perfect curtain than just the fabric and cut. As interior design trends move away from clean, … View moreIt’s no secret that curtains can make or break a room. The colours, patterns and style are an essential part of trying a room together and creating a particular mood. However, there’s more to a perfect curtain than just the fabric and cut. As interior design trends move away from clean, minimalistic Scandinavian styles - no curtain is complete without a tassel, trims, pelmet or tieback. In 2021, it’s all about more glamorous styles like Modern Luxe and Modern Classic. Feeling confused? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide on all these finishing touches so you can make the right choice for your curtain style. Read on to find out more!

Tassels
Tassels are an elegant cluster of strings or cords that are clumped together at one end and hang free at the other. Suitable for curtains rather than blinds, these finishing features are actually a practical decoration. The tassel’s shape acts as a weight at the bottom of the cord which helps keep the curtains pulled back without the need for bulky knots. Tassel’s come in a variety of colours and styles to suit any decor. However, they are on the flashier end of curtain finishings, so they’d best suit a living room or bedroom.

Trims
So, you’ve selected a style of curtain that sounds your decor - now it’s time to choose a trim. Trims refers to the decorative elements that add a touch of ornateness to your curtains, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to style, pattern, colour and embellishments. Types of trim include:

Valances
You’ve heard of valances on beds, but when it comes to curtains and blinds a valance refers to the fabric or panel added above a window. Typically, valances are used to hide a rod or track and add a touch of chic to any room. The style options are endless - you can add embellishments like beads or pom-poms. However, avoid adding anything to the sides of your roller blinds, though, as this can become entangled in the roller blind mechanism at the top and prevent them from rolling and unrolling properly.

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

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769 days ago

Poll: Should our voting age be lowered to 16?

Ashleigh Ogden from Neighbourly.co.nz

On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.

The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended … View more
On Monday, 21 November, the Supreme Court ruled that preventing 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is 'unjustified age discrimination'.

The current age of voting is 18 in New Zealand and lobby group Make It 16 have been running a youth-led campaign advocating for the vote to be extended to our 16 and 17-year-olds.

“This is history,” said Make It 16 co-director Caeden Tipler. “Today New Zealand’s highest court has confirmed that stopping young people from voting is a breach of our human rights...The government and Parliament cannot ignore such a clear legal and moral message. They must let us vote.”

Share your thoughts below - these may be published in the We Say You Say column of the local papers.

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Should our voting age be lowered to 16?
  • 13.9% Yes - they should be allowed to vote
    13.9% Complete
  • 3.7% Maybe - I need more information
    3.7% Complete
  • 3.2% It doesn't bother me either way
    3.2% Complete
  • 79.2% No - I don't agree with this
    79.2% Complete
3337 votes
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