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Friends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.
My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture… View moreFriends of mine would probably describe me as “crafty“ and “creative.” But that’s just because they’re too polite to tell you the truth: I’m cheap.
My stinginess has led me down dark alleys in search of scrap wood to build a coffee table for a fraction of the price of the furniture store version I adore. And it means I’ll often wake up to messages from friends with photos of dilapidated, discarded furniture on the street that say, “This made me think of you.”
As a result, my home is filled with inexpensive pieces that have been gathered in unconventional ways or made by yours truly. In fact, the other day while I was tidying up, I realised that every item – with the exception of my mattress – cost less than $500.
I’ve been very deliberate in my selections, and it’s taken me years to build an arsenal of couches, tables, rugs and art that I’m happy with. At times it was difficult not to rush to a department store and settle for a set of just-okay dining chairs to avoid another night of standing around the dinner table eating dinner.
I realise not everybody has as much patience to devote to decorating and furnishing their home. And I’m not proposing you spend your weekends scrounging around in rubbish heaps for unique home accents. (Please, that would mean fewer treasures for me.)
But there are a few tricks and shortcuts I’ve learned along the way that make it easy to save a buck or $200. And not a single one requires a tetanus shot.
Don’t be afraid of prints: If you want to make an otherwise bland room come to life, just add prints. The bright green floral couch in my living room (which I affectionately refer to as “nana chic“) serves as the anchor for the space, and the wallpaper in my dressing room turns a drab wall into a happy garden. Plus, the pattern is so bold that I needed to cover only one wall, thus saving money. Just be sure to go easy on other patterns so as not to overwhelm the eye.
Think big: If you have a large, blank wall to fill, don’t immediately think gallery wall, which is a strategically arranged collection of art pieces that can cost a fortune to frame. Instead opt for a large anchor piece, such as a giant map or a handmade installation. For my living room, I searched “DIY backdrop” for inspiration and found instructions on how to make a huge tassel hanging.
Know what to buy vs DIY: Whenever I see an item described as “industrial” or as made with “reclaimed” materials, my DIY senses tingle. Additionally, the plumbing section at your local hardware store is brimming with potential storage solutions. I built the clothing racks in my dressing room using copper piping and concrete, and I’ve made a simple, versatile blanket ladder using dowel and copper fittings. And if you find an affordable set of drawers but hate the knobs, you’re just a few twists away from a sleek piece if you update the hardware.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Technically it is not a Feathered Friend but this a lovely pic from Rosa Marie after her recent visit to Zealandia. Weta used to be much more common, when was the last time you saw a weta in your garden?
In very excellent condition.
Create 3-D forms to bring geometric concepts to life
Teach hands-on lessons in symmetry, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume
Transparent geometric shapes plus their corresponding fold-up net inserts include: cylinder, square pyramid, cube, rectangular prism, cone,… View moreIn very excellent condition.
Create 3-D forms to bring geometric concepts to life
Teach hands-on lessons in symmetry, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume
Transparent geometric shapes plus their corresponding fold-up net inserts include: cylinder, square pyramid, cube, rectangular prism, cone, hexagonal prism, triangular pyramid, and triangular prism
16-piece set (8 transparent and 8 folding shapes)
Select a card, place the starting pieces, and then complete the circles with the remaining fraction pie pieces. Will one-third solve the puzzle? What about 2 one-sixths? This kinaesthetic way to reinforce basic fraction concepts teaches students how fractional parts make up a whole and about … View moreSelect a card, place the starting pieces, and then complete the circles with the remaining fraction pie pieces. Will one-third solve the puzzle? What about 2 one-sixths? This kinaesthetic way to reinforce basic fraction concepts teaches students how fractional parts make up a whole and about equivalencies, common denominators, and multiples. Levelled from easy to difficult and self-correcting, the puzzles are perfect as a small group or centre activity. It's an entertaining way for students to challenge the brain and understand fractions! Includes game board, 50 levelled puzzle cards (easy to challenging), 65 foam fraction pieces, and guide. Solutions included for every puzzle. For 1 to 2 players.
Free double mattress in very clean condition. Please bring a helper, it's easy access to the street, just five steps. Would suit a spare bedroom, student flat etc. Call me on 027 499 1212 to arrange collection. Neil
Free double mattress in very clean condition. Please bring a helper, it's easy access to the street, just five steps. Would suit a spare bedroom, student flat etc. Call me on 027 499 1212 to arrange collection. Neil
This week we feature Miriam.
"I am currently in a foster home with my sisters, and my foster mum says I am timid but become friendly with time and patience... can you give that to me? I would do best in a quiet and stable home, with people around to offer me support. I would not settle with a … View moreThis week we feature Miriam.
"I am currently in a foster home with my sisters, and my foster mum says I am timid but become friendly with time and patience... can you give that to me? I would do best in a quiet and stable home, with people around to offer me support. I would not settle with a busy home or one with young children. I am quite a chatter box and have a very playful side. If this sounds like your kind of cat , please get in touch and we will put you in touch with my foster mum."
Irrigation is an essential, yet sometimes challenging part of garden maintenance. Price Smart will provide you with an adapted irrigation system and install it for you.
Give us a call at 027 252 1771 or go to www.pricesmart.co.nz... to organize a site visit.
We're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New … View moreWe're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New Zealand businesses.
Please join us in welcoming Competenz and stay tuned for job listings and other exciting content!
The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, … View moreThe Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, assessing needs, getting help at home and being able to take a break from caring.
The Guide for Carers is available online now: bit.ly...
For more information about resources like this and other advice, read our SuperSeniors newsletter: bit.ly...
Monthly AEA Worldwide Web events are held on the third Sunday of each month.
For May it is 8.00 am on Sunday 17th.
For newcomers interested in receiving a Zoom invitation for the event, please email aeawebevent@gmail.com.
As we head into winter, the weather's making it more difficult to do the jobs around the house you've been meaning to get to...we get it!
With a group of five hardy, all-weather loving guys on the team, we can get to these jobs for you and we do a great job!
Now is the perfect time to … View moreAs we head into winter, the weather's making it more difficult to do the jobs around the house you've been meaning to get to...we get it!
With a group of five hardy, all-weather loving guys on the team, we can get to these jobs for you and we do a great job!
Now is the perfect time to waterblast slippery footpaths, courtyards and decks. It's also a great time for giving the lawn some TLC and to mulch garden beds, so you don't have to worry about pulling weeds over the winter.
Offering a variety of services, Steve's Jobs can enhance your outdoors (whether it's your own place or a rental property) and we have availability NOW.
Check out our website which has before and after pics, testimonials and a full list of services at www.stevesjobs.co.nz... and feel free to get in touch.
Enjoy the end of the week and the weekend ahead!
Cheers,
Steve
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