Springfield - Tihiotonga, Rotorua

Win $20,000 makeover CLOSES 31 Dec 2024

Win $20,000 makeover CLOSES 31 Dec 2024

Apply up to $2,000 for new flooring for your organisation.

866 days ago

For the Love of Velvet

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

For anyone wanting to add everlasting interest to their home, you can’t look past velvet! This is a fabric that’s as rich in textile history as it is in texture with incredible durability that may surprise you.

Velvet fabric fuses a historical sense of luxury and indulgence with a plush, … View more
For anyone wanting to add everlasting interest to their home, you can’t look past velvet! This is a fabric that’s as rich in textile history as it is in texture with incredible durability that may surprise you.

Velvet fabric fuses a historical sense of luxury and indulgence with a plush, practical comfort that has a timeless style, sure to outlast any momentary design trends. With its silky sheen and rich colours, velvet holds a specific seductive quality that no eye for elegance can resist the allure of.

For a fabric that feels like a soft, buttery hug the unique piles have a hard-wearing quality that will ensure your velvet curtains, cushions or furniture will continue to be loud and daring or subtly sophisticated for years to come.

History of Velvet
The history of velvet is one of luxury and meticulous construction. It is believed the material was first introduced in Baghdad around 750 A.D. The original velvet material was made from silk and therefore naturally reserved for royalty and other notably wealthy classes that could afford the exorbitant cost.

Velvet eventually travelled to Europe on the Silk Road and gained popularity during the Renaissance. At the same time, new loom technology lowered the production costs and therefore widened the availability to fabric lovers of all classes. Fast-forward to the 21st century and velvet fabric can be found in almost every home, transcending and outlasting interior trends to suit any home decor for years on end.

How is Velvet Made?
Velvet is made in a very unique way. It is woven on a double piece loom that makes two pieces of fabric simultaneously with the velvet pile encased in the middle. It is then separated, creating the three-dimensional texture velvet is known for.

While the first velvets were made from silk, more recent adaptations in the production process means velvets can now be made from natural or synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, viscose, or rayon.

Classic plain velvet will then be sheared to ensure the pile is a consistent length and often brushed while moist to achieve a nice uniform grain across the fabric. If the fabric is destined to boast a pattern, at this point in the process it will be crushed, embossed or snipped to different lengths to ensure this pattern is part of the pile’s identity for the life of the fabric.

Velvet is then dyed to produce amazing, rich colours that are accentuated by the three-dimensional texture.

Durability of Velvet
Due to the aura of luxury surrounding velvet and the fact that it was originally made from silk, there’s a preconception that it’s delicate and requires gentle, loving care to stay pristine. We’re here to set the record straight!

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

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866 days ago

Do you have a great asparagus recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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867 days ago

Maths Week

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

Maths Week is a week-long celebration of all things maths! ?

It is a premier mathematics event in the New Zealand school calendar, and sets out to encourage children to pursue maths by promoting a more positive and inclusive approach.

Visit the Maths Week website to learn more! … View more
Maths Week is a week-long celebration of all things maths! ?

It is a premier mathematics event in the New Zealand school calendar, and sets out to encourage children to pursue maths by promoting a more positive and inclusive approach.

Visit the Maths Week website to learn more! www.mathsweek.co.nz...

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867 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyer's Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Sign up now

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869 days ago

Aged terracotta pot

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

It’s easy to age a brand new terracotta pot using Karen Walker Chalk Colour and Vintage Wax from Resene.
Find out how to create your own.

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870 days ago

The local elections are coming up!

Orange Guy from Electoral Commission

The countdown is on! Make sure you’re enrolled and your details are up to date by 12 August to make voting in the local elections easy.

Visit vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 to find out more.
Find out more

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871 days ago

Learn Te Reo Māori

Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

Study with us

Meet Denise from Germany who wanted to learn about the language and culture of Aotearoa. “I wanted to engage with Māori and understand and honour the culture”.

I was lucky to get the opportunity to study with Awanuiārangi at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae. It was the best … View more
Study with us

Meet Denise from Germany who wanted to learn about the language and culture of Aotearoa. “I wanted to engage with Māori and understand and honour the culture”.

I was lucky to get the opportunity to study with Awanuiārangi at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae. It was the best thing that could have happened, a game-changer. I had a great teacher. Learning at the marae was very special – it got me into Te Ao Māori quickly applying our learning straight away.

I don’t know where I would be without this te reo journey. It was an incredible experience that has changed my life.
Find out more

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872 days ago

Bring Hope to the table!

Life

It’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner … View moreIt’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner meals over a week.

For just $40 you’re not only providing food essentials and treats but you’re also giving hope to families in need.

To sponsor a box, go to christmasbox.co.nz.
Know more

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872 days ago

Keep trying

NumberWorks'nWords Rotorua

It doesn't matter how much you fall, the most important thing is how strongly you try to get up and try again. ?

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872 days ago

How to Care for Your Washing Machine

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Rotorua

Looking after your washing machine will maximise its life and performance.
Our member surveys indicate that the average life expectancy of a top loader is seven years, and 12 for a front loader. A little care and maintenance can go a long way, so here are some tips to help you get the most from … View more
Looking after your washing machine will maximise its life and performance.
Our member surveys indicate that the average life expectancy of a top loader is seven years, and 12 for a front loader. A little care and maintenance can go a long way, so here are some tips to help you get the most from your washer.

Watch out for keys and coins
Keys and coins kill washing machines. Check pockets before washing, and look for dirt and objects left in the drum, or hidden in the rubber seals after each wash.

Check your pump filter
Many washing machines have these as a last line of defence against foreign objects. Look for a small hatch low down on the outside of your machine. Check this monthly and clear anything that shouldn’t be in there — use a towel or tray to catch the water when you open it up. If your machine isn’t draining, this is the first thing to check before calling for a repair.

Limit your washer's spin speed
Keep this to 1200rpm, even if your machine goes up to 1400 or even 1600rpm. Higher speeds reduce the life of belts, drum bearings and door seals, without removing much more water.

Don’t use fabric softener with laundry detergent
Fabric softeners react to create a waxy residue called “scrud”. No one wants “scrud” – especially as it clings to unseen parts of the machine, such as under the agitator. If blobs break free, they can leave greasy marks on laundry.

Regularly clean the detergent dispenser
Check the manual to see how to remove it, and wash it thoroughly in warm soapy water.

Clean the door seal
Remove water from the door seal after each wash (if you notice mould, wipe the rubber seal with hot water and detergent). Between washes, leave the door and detergent dispenser open – that lets the interior dry.

Use the service cycle
Many machines have a specific “service” or “cleaning” cycle. It helps your machine smell fresh, prevents detergent build-up, and keeps it cleaning at its best.

If your machine doesn’t have a service cycle, run a hot wash with a full-strength powder detergent once a month.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

873 days ago

Love to Dance - A Ryman Healthcare Grant

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Could your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up… View more
Could your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Receive one of three $5,000 grants to spend on equipment, transport, costumes or anything you need to support your community’s love of dance.

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873 days ago

Did you know?

The Team from Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua

Did you know our programmes are currently being delivered in 6 schools across Rotorua? Kiwi Can and Career Navigator support tamariki and rangatahi to overcome life's obstacles.

Find out more about our programmes through the link below.

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873 days ago

Top 3 insomnia at home remedies

Beds4U Rotorua

A Hot Bath
Create a bedtime schedule that includes a hot bath or shower. Take it about two hours before lying down. Add a couple drops of essential oils such as chamomile, rosemary, lavender, or lemon to the water for a more efficient experience. It will soothe your nerves and help you calm down; … View more
A Hot Bath
Create a bedtime schedule that includes a hot bath or shower. Take it about two hours before lying down. Add a couple drops of essential oils such as chamomile, rosemary, lavender, or lemon to the water for a more efficient experience. It will soothe your nerves and help you calm down; it's a simple step to add to your at-home remedies for insomnia.

Tart Cherry Juice
An excellent source of tryptophan, tart cherry juice is a natural sleep aid. The amino acid transforms to serotonin, which in turn converts to melatonin. Serotonin helps regulate your sleep cycles. Melatonin can lower your body temperature and lead to drowsiness. Indulge in a half cup (up to one cup) of tart cherry juice and allow yourself to drift off to sleep.

Chamomile Tea
Tea, in general, is an at-home remedy for several health ailments. Chamomile tea has been related to treating sleeping problems for centuries. A compound known as apigenin in chamomile might be the key to the natural drowsiness.

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873 days ago

Check your freezer stash...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).

This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand … View more
George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).

This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Super Thick (700g)

There have been no reports of associated injury but consumers are being advised not to eat these products. If you have concerns about your health after consuming this bread, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to their retailer for a replacement or full refund, and direct any questions to George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd by phone - 0800 449 660.

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876 days ago

Re-energise your morning with the Sunday Star-Times

Mags4gifts

Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52.

Subscribe at mags4gifts.co.nz/antipodes Terms and Conditions apply.
Find out more

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