YOU Magazine Saturday, April 10, 2021

you Saturday, April 10, 2021

AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

‘

Post-partum bodies should be celebrated no matter what stage they are at. I hope it brings mums joy, unity, freedom, hope and strength Jaime Mcloughlin

20

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

Celebrating the post-partum body

After a traumatic birth, Ashburton woman Jaime McLauchlan came up with a project to celebrate post-partum bodies. She wants to bring joy, unity, freedom, hope and strength to mums all over New Zealand. YOU writer Maddi Gourlay caught up with her over a leisurely coffee.

M

ost women would agree there is a constant pressure for a woman to fit into their pre-baby jeans, as quickly as possible.

After Jaime McLauchlan had her first child, she felt the same pressure. With the added stress of losing her job in the tourism sector due to Covid, it prompted her to focus on her love of photography.

And one of her inspirations was a friend, a new mum like herself. She and Jaime had many talks about their bodies and their insecurities around that after giving birth.

What inspired her, was that despite the negative perception of the post-partum body, her friend still rocked a bikini when she went to the pool. That, for Jaime, was inspiring and brave.

She decided to create a project that showed off other mums bodies and their

stories of post-partum bodies, as many mums do over a cup of coffee.

That’s how the Instagram project started. Celebrate Post-partum Bodies project is a social media photography exhibition.

The first photo up on the page, was Jaime and her own post-partum body.

Jaime has dealt with body image issues throughout her life. Giving birth to her son and the body she developed after his birth, added to those insecurities.

Posting her own photo for the project was emotional for Jaime. Her journey to get comfortable enough to share an image of her body online wasn’t as straight forward as people may think.

Despite having a tough pregnancy, Jaime became confident with her baby bump. But after a long labour, she needed an emergency caesarean. The c-section left a long scar on Jaime’s stomach.

The Mclauchlan family (back, from left) are Mitchell and Jaime, holding Franklin. In front are stepchildren Cloe (left) and Eli. PHOTO LOVE LISS CREATIVES

continued next page

Treat Mum this Mother’s Day! Ellani Rose gold plated earrings was $66

Ellani Sterling Silver earrings was $66

now $59

now $59

Ellani Sterling silver necklace was $89

Ellani Rose gold plated necklace was $99

now $79

now $89

9ct Diamond Ring was $1995

now $1595

9ct White Gold Diamond Ring was $1099

now $879

Sapphire & Diamond Ring was $1799

Gym for Women

now $1595

Celebrating 15 years of supporting the women of Ashburton

Ellani Stainless steel, Rose & Gold earrings were $59

now $49

86 Tancred St, Ashburton Phone (03) 308 6722

T’S AND C’S APPLY

CurvesAshburtonNZ

222 Havelock Street, Ashburton

03-308 4085

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

Her body had changed so much over the course of nine months and that scar represented a lot of emotional trauma for Jaime, she had decided ignorance was bliss and refused to even look at it.

“I had been through this traumatic experience and I couldn’t touch [the scar], let alone look at it,” Jaime said.

Getting her husband to check on it and clean it, she had managed to not look at it or touch it for eight weeks.

Going to pelvic physiotherapy regularly after birth, instructor Lesley Coffey, from Essential Physiotherapy, asked the seemingly simple question ‘how are you getting on’?

Jaime broke down in tears and admitted to Lesley she had not even looked or touched the incision. Her body was a stranger to her.

“Your body doesn’t feel like your body for a long time,” she said.

Wanting to help, Lesley gave Jaime an important assignment – every day, she had to practise touching her scar.

It wasn’t easy. Every time Jaime touched the scar it brought back memories of a traumatic birth.

But it was this assignment and her brave friend wearing a bikini that sparked the idea of her project.

“I wanted to start this project as a way for other mamas out there to know they’re not alone,” Jaime said.

Jaime wanted to help women by creating a positive view on the post-partum body.

After creating an Instagram page, she posted the first photo; a photo of her in a bra and underwear from the neck down, holding her son Franklin. continued over page

Gift Certificates Available We service and repair all makes and models of sewing machines and overlockers Open 7 Days | P 03 307 6277 Main South Road, Tinwald • www.anniesquilts.co.nz

celebrate the special lady in your life High Tea at

179 West St, Ashburton 0800 88 11 22 emmily@emmilyharmer.co.nz

Classic recipes you’ll turn to again and again.

Take your cooking to the next level without fuss with these fabulous delicious recipes which are easy to prepare and that your family and friends will love.

Created with heart by trained chef Cherie Metcalfe of Pepper & Me and featuring some of her most popular recipes, this cookbook will see you step up your cooking game without the hard work.

Featuring a delicious range of accessible recipes - from breakfasts, to light delights, main courses, sides, condiments and baking - and beautifully photographed, you’ll find the recipes in Keepers are ones you’ll return to again and again.

Perfect for Mum! Pre-Order for Mother’s Day, range of product in store.

2-4pm on Sunday 9th May 2021

go to www.hemsworthestate.co.nz for bookings

212 East Street, Ashburton Phone: 03 308 8309

21

22

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

From P21 Jaime also held up what she calls her shelf (stomach) to reveal her c-section scar. Putting herself fully into the project.

“It was such a big moment to post that.

It was like here it is, I’m okay with it.

“I’m left with my shelf. My incision has faded along with the trauma. I now have a soft, squishy belly full of stretch marks.

I’m not saying I love it all the time. But I’m slowly learning to accept it. I do love that it created life, it housed a human for nine months and gave me my incredible son Franklin,” Jaime said.

The night Jaime posted the photo of her and her scar on social media, was an emotional moment for her.

She understands other women that get photographed for the project will as well, but she encourages women who go to the studio and get photographed in their underwear and bare all, to display any emotion necessary.

She warns her mums to be prepared, that it’s amazing the emotions you can carry about your post-partem body, but coming to a safe space with like-minded people can be a lot, Jaime said.

Celebrating post-partum bodies is a passion project that will keep Jaime busy, doing regular sessions with mums. Jaime does not charge mums to be in the project, it is all just part of the project.

All photos on the page are from the neck down, displaying anonymity. For women who don’t wish to have a photo on the Instagram page, the story is just as important. Small quotes from other mums stories are also featured.

“If you get emotional that’s fine, I’m not here to judge, I am here to empower you. We are there to celebrate your body,” Jaime said.

Jaime’s goal is for the project to grow, in the hopes of helping anyone who goes through the process of giving birth. The long-term dream is to turn the Instagram project into an exhibition that will hopefully go all over New Zealand.

“I want as many people to see it as possible.

“I hope women could see the exhibition with their significant others, families and

Photos above and beside are part of the celerbrate post-postpartum bodies project.

Photos Jaime Mclauchlan

daugters. So, they can see that looking like that is normal.”

Jaime McLauchlan’s project is designed to help other women in their journey of self-love and finding a way to show that a post-partum body is normal.

“Post-partum bodies should be celebrated no matter what stage they are at. I hope it brings mums joy, unity, freedom, hope and strength.”

Call in for a casual drink or a meal & enjoy our outdoor area.

Thursday Night - Ladies Night 5pm-8pm Find us on Level one of the Murney Main Building, Cnr East & Burnett Street, Ashburton Elevator access on Burnett Street @thefinelion p: 03 307 0629 e: thefinelion@xtra.co.nz

S T F GI UM NG R M I Z OU A AMOR Y F

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

Dob in your amazing mum

To celebrate Mother’s Day, YOU and our generous sponsors are again offering over $1400 worth of gifts and services to one special mum.

While each family celebrates Mother’s Day in their own way, we want to recognise and spoil a worthy mum again this year.

It may be that your mother works tirelessly as a volunteer, as

What she wins

• $300 hair makeover from DNA Hairdressing • $500 worth of clothing from Sparrows • $150 worth of flowers from Samantha Rose

yuM u m

OV W E OR R T $ OF

• $300 worth of jewellery from Time for Diamonds • $200 gift basket from Unique Boutique • $50 meal voucher from The Fine Lion

You know she deserves these...

Order your Mum a special treat from Samantha Rose Flowers for Mother’s Day. We are open and delivering all Mother’s Day weekend.

ORDER NOW

Here at Unique Boutique we are a collective of local crafts people.

A variety of handmade, up-cycled and new giftware is a must view in Ashburton.

Call into the Tancred Street end of the Arcade today!

There is no shop like ours!

179 Burnett Street, Ashburton www.samantharoseflowers.co.nz

mum

well as being a super mum, or she may work many hours and still manage to be at every rugby game or school event.

There are so many incredible mums in Mid Canterbury, in so many different situations.

They often don’t know or think they’re superstars, but we do!

Let’s celebrate them.

H

The Arcade, Tancred Street, Ashburton Follow us on: @UniqueBoutiqueAshburton @UniqueBoutiqueAshburton

23

14

PR IZ

00

ES

24

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

y u

mum Mum

How to nominate your

What will happen

• The winning mum will be pampered and spoilt on Tuesday, April 27, and her makeover, story and photos will be show-

cased in our paper on Saturday, May 1.

Here’s how you enter*

• Write us a small letter telling us why your awesome mum should win! (Dads you can write in as well)

• Send us a recent photo of your mum.

• Entries need to be in by

• Provide a daytime phone number for both nominator and nominee.

Friday, April 16, 5pm.

Send all that to

• Email subs@theguardian.co.nz or

• Private Facebook message us /ashguardian

• Mail Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740 or

Rules and regulations and all that boring stuff

• Mum will need to be willing to have her story and photos published in our publicatons.

and, yes, she can bring a friend or family member with her.

• She will need to be available from 8.30am to around 6pm on Tuesday, April 27, for her day of presents and pampering …

• No Guardian staff or immediate family members can enter this competition.

• Terms and conditions apply.

THE DNA HAIR SALON BRINGS TOGETHER SOME OF THE BEST HAIRDRESSERS CANTERBURY WIDE, TO A UNIQUE, UNISEX HAIR SALON IN ASHBURTON’S TOWN CENTRE. DNA hairdressers Ashburton brings together a true and trusted team to work with you to start something new.

A revitalisation of you.

No matter what your origin, gender, or generation, your unique style is a direct link to you. You are the real DNA of Ashburton. We welcome everyone into our salon and have a tiered system depending on the stylist to fit all price brackets.

DNA tailors a unique experience for your needs. Whether you want a no fuss quick visit or transformational new look and pampering – with easy Humm payments, we’re all about you (4 easy payments. no Interest*).

The DNA hairdressing salon is where bonds are formed, codes are decoded, roots are expressed.

DNA is where you can be you.

Located on 160 Burnett Street within the Holmeslee Square complex next door to the new Murney Main building, the sleekly designed DNA studio is a place where you can be you.

DNA Hairdressing is owned and operated by Kim Reed, who has enjoyed an exciting career at DNA for 12 years. Ali Officer was the original founder of DNA and still loves working at the salon today. Kim, Ali and the whole team have an amazing synergy as they work together.

Their team of hairdressers and stylists love what they do. They are peoplepeople and they love helping their clients feel their best.

At DNA they specialize in sophisticated style. They fuse their years of experience with youthful enthusiasm to capture the vibe of the energetic Ashburton community

Get the look 03 308 4504 |

160 Burnett Street, Ashburton | www.dnahairdressing.co.nz |

dnahairdressing@xtra.co.nz @dnahairdressing

Open Late Nights Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-8pm, Wednesday & Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

yuM u m

mum

mum

Women’s Autumn Fashion 2021

GLANCE DRESS $

195

CONTRAST STITCH TOP $

129

SPECIALS GO WALK 5 – FAITH

GO WALK 5 – TRENDY

WAS $149.99

WAS $149.99

NOW 109.90 $

AMY FLORAL RUFFLE TOP $

299

MACJAYS LEAP VEST $

259

03 308 5771 East Street Ashburton

KEEPER SHIRT FORME SKIRT $ $

179 155 SHIRT

SKIRT

WORLD ROWAN COAT $

649

GO WALK 4 – GLORIFY WAS $139.99

NOW $99.90

25

NOW $109.90 REFINE WAS $159.99

NOW $109.90

*Conditions apply

www.sparrows.co.nz

26

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

Get the kids in the kitchen FROM JAPAN with Miya Komatsu

S

chool holidays are just around the corner, so maybe it’s time to get the kids cooking!

These recipes are Japanese kids’ favourites, as well as my two little nieces.

Kids can help to crack and beat eggs, mix hamburger steak mixture and stir the jelly mixture.

I hope they enjoy it.

Happy cooking!

Miya Komatsu is a Japanese-trained chef and nutritionist who has made Ashburton her home.

Omurice (omelette with chicken and tomato rice) 4 servings

Chicken and tomato rice 200g chicken (breast or thigh), cut into small bite-sized chunks 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1/2 C corn (frozen or tinned) 5T tomato sauce 2t chicken stock powder 2T BBQ sauce 4C cooked rice Salt and pepper to taste 1T oil Omelette 8 eggs, cracked into a big bowl and beaten well 4t oil Tomato sauce, for serving

– Heat the oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until nicely coloured.

– Add the onion and saute for a couple of minutes, then add corn and cook another couple of minutes.

– Add the tomato sauce, stock powder and BBQ sauce and stir together.

– Add the rice and mix in until the rice is coated with sauces.

– Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

– Cook each omelette individually. Heat the medium non-stick frypan with 1t oil over medium heat and pour in a quarter of the egg mixture.

– Spread over the bottom of the frypan and slightly scramble the middle without breaking the omelette.

– Turn off the heat and pour quarter of the chicken rice into the centre of the omelette.

– Push the omelette and rice to one side of the pan and fold in the side of the omelette to wrap the rice.

– Hold a plate beside the omelette and tip the pan and flip over the omelette

on to the plate.

– Repeat these steps again for three more omelettes.

– Serve with tomato sauce.

Miya’s hint – You can use ham or bacon instead of chicken.

– This chicken rice is yummy as a sandwich filling. It was my stepson’s favourite sandwich when he was little.

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

27

Japanese hamburger steak with mushroom sauce

4 servings Hamburger steak 200g beef mince 200g pork mince 1/2 onion, minced 1 egg 1/2 C breadcrumbs 1/2 t salt 1/2 t pepper Sauce 100g mushroom 1C water 2T soy sauce 1t dashi or chicken stock powder 2t cornflour, in a small bowl mixed with 2t of water

– In a large bowl, put all the hamburg steak ingredients and mix well. Rest 30 min in a fridge.

– Roll the mixture into 8 even-sized patties and fry them in a frypan on medium-to-high heat. Cook both sides to a nice colour. At this point, the middle doesn’t have to be cooked.

– Turn heat down to medium, then add the mushroom, water, soy sauce and stock powder and bring to boil.

– Mix the cornflour mixture again and add to the frypan and stir through cook until the sauce is thickened.

– Serve the hamburger steaks with salad or vegetables you like. Or you can serve with hamburger buns.

Milk jelly 2 servings

1C milk, any kind (I used soy milk ) 1T sugar 1/2 t vanilla 2T water 1t gelatine powder Fresh fruit (or poached or tinned)

– Water in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatine over top. Set aside to dissolve.

– Place milk, sugar or honey and vanilla in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

– Add the gelatine to the saucepan and stir until all gelatin is fully dissolved.

– Pour the milk mixture into 2 individual cups or glasses.

– Allow to set in the fridge for 2-3 hours.

– Serve with fruit.

Miya’s hint You can substitute sugar for any sweetener, such as honey.

28

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

FOOD REVIEWMum

A degustation to delight all the senses

FOODIE FOREVER with Melissa Shimmin

2

1

I

’m by no means a gourmet foodie but I do enjoy and appreciate beautifully and passionately prepared food As tickets for Long Lunch Ashburton, a fundraiser for Hospice Mid Canterbury, were purchased in February, we were devastated to hear of the postponement due to lack of support (come on Mid Canterbury).

Our mood definitely lifted though when The Fine Lion head chef Kinnear Horsburgh and hospitality business consultant Chantelle Quinn announced they would go ahead with a degustation menu at the Fine Lion on March 27.

I have had the pleasure of a delicious lunch at The Fine Lion before so I was excited to join my mother and sister in the beautiful surroundings overlooking our town centre.

Starting off with a tasty espresso martini, the mood was set to indulge the tastebuds with some of the freshest and visually stunning food I have had in a long time.

Our first course was a beautifully presented Ora King Salmon crudo, bruschetta with blood orange and white balsamic, a delicious start and we were excited to taste the next plate.

Horopito Mountain River venison carpaccio, with witloof, blackcurrant and radish was next up.

I love venison and this version was so tender and every mouthful was full of that wonderful game flavour only venison can deliver.

The burst of blackcurrants and the crunch of the radish, the tastebuds were popping!

With the next two courses being dark meat it was time to indulge in a delicious glass of Roaring Meg Pinot (a favourite of the table).

Next to emerge from the busy kitchen was a beautifully plated Smith’s Free Range duck and grilled black boy peach salad.

I’m not a fan of duck to be honest, but I gave it a fair chance and it was very tasty, although a bit too strong for me, but it wasn’t wasted as my duck-loving companions took care of it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The absolute star of the menu for me was the Te Mana Lamb cutlet, with parmesan crumbed thymus parsnip pecorino puree, radish, orange and pea feathers.

So many flavours that complemented each other perfectly.

The surprise of trying sweetbreads for the first time created a few giggles once everyone realised what they had eaten.

3

5

1 – Horopito Mountain River venison carpaccio, with whitlof, blackcurrant and radish 2 – An espresso martini.

3 – Ora King Salmon crudo, bruschetta with blood orange and white balsamic.

4 – Brulee spoon and mini blackcurrant dacquoise.

5 – Te Mana Lamb cutlet, with parmesan crumbed thymus parsnip pecorino puree, radish, orange and pea feathers

To finish on a sweet note was the deconstructed Brulee spoon and mini blackcurrant dacquoise.

I truly cannot thank the wonderful team at The Fine Lion enough for their hospitality, Kinnear for his creativity and Chantelle for her amazing service.

This was truly a very special event to be involved in and if you are given the opportunity to go – try it. Broaden your horizons.

Keep an eye out next month when I head to another of Ashburton’s fine eateries.

4

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

From chaos comes creativity ART LOVER with Melissa Shimmin

A

nn-Marie Robertson is amazed if not slightly nervous about her first exhibition at The Christchurch Art Show this weekend in Wigram.

She has a very busy job as a health and safety manager during the week and loves creating in her down time.

She experiments with art and letting disorder and hidden action and reaction find its own beauty. “Each piece partly created itself, I just help it seed.”

Ann-Marie says art is for everyone, not just the experts. If you like it then consider it a “good” piece of art. Your opinion counts just as much as the critics.

Using acrylic paints along with other mediums, her favourite way to create is by doing a “dirty pour”, where paint is layered in a container and hung from the ceiling, holes made and let it swing! Hence her business name – Chaos Creates, Art by Ann-Marie.

She doesn’t stick to one colour scheme, theme or style – it really depends on the day.

If you are out and about call into The Christchurch Art Show at the The Events Centre, Air Force Museum, at Wigram.

It is open April 9-11 for viewing and purchase from 10am each day.

ART SEEN

29

30

W

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

Warmer, drier homes: weighing up the options

inter is coming.

Keeping your family healthy this winter means keeping your home warm and dry and that means finding the right heating system for your house and lifestyle.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, state that the residential sector has a large number of small consumers and the dominant energy source is our highly renewable electricity system.

Households have a significant impact on peak electricity use when electricity generation tends to be at its least renewable, and most expensive to produce—winter evenings.

That makes efficient heating both a health and economic benefit.

A really good heater in the room you use most makes a world of difference to health and comfort. A smaller, cheaper one is fine for rooms you use less, like a bedroom or study but to heat your home you need to factor in the price. A fixed, efficient heater might cost more but do a better job just make sure it’s the right size to heat the room.

The options available to most people include heat pumps, wood burners, wood pellet burners, electric heaters, and flued gas heaters.

Heat pumps An efficient heat pump that suits your home and local climate is a seriously low carbon option.

They are cheap to run and provide almost instant heat, heating one room, or many rooms if you buy a ducted system.

They can be very efficient and can be controlled with a thermostat and timer settings.

The downside is that they can

be noisy when running at full power and won’t work during a power cut.

Different models suit different rooms and climates – if you live in a colder area, look for one that performs well in low temperatures.

They can be energy efficient depending on the mode, and using a heat pump with 7 stars on the energy rating label generates 77 per cent less emissions than a similar heat pump with only 2 stars.

Dry firewood is low pollution and can be cheap to run depending on who you source your wood from.

They can heats large spaces, and multiple rooms with a heat transfer kit as well as be used for cooking and water heating.

The downside is that they can take a while to get going and temperature control.

TIPS:

Use the timer to warm the room just before you get home and switch off when you don’t need it.

Set the thermostat to above 18 degrees to combat damp and mould but below 21 degrees to save power.

Set it to ‘heating’ mode – ‘auto’ can make the heat pump waste energy by constantly changing between hot and cold.

When it’s really cold, set the fan to ‘auto’. ‘Low’ and ‘quiet’ won’t give you full blast.

Heat pumps sometimes blow cold air during cold weather, to defrost the outdoor unit. This is normal, and it should be back to heating in a few minutes.

During heat pump season, clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner or warm water every couple of weeks. It’s easy and makes all the difference.

Wood burners A clean-burning, modern wood burner makes the most of a plentiful, renewable biofuel.

Wood pellet burners

The same feel as a wood burner with a load of modern convenience.

These burners use pellets made from waste wood and they burn cleanly. They heats large spaces and can heat more rooms with a heat transfer kit or central heating system.

They have onetouch lighting, a thermostat and timer, and can even be used for water heating.

There is no chopping or storing firewood but they do require a small amount of electricity to work.

TIPS:

Building consent is also required for the installation or replacement of a wood burner, and local councils have specific regulations because of air quality concerns. You will need to select an ‘ultra-low emission burner’ (ULEB) in some areas.

TIPS:

Make a sheltered space to store your firewood so it can dry for at least a year – windy and sunny but out of the rain.

Only burn dry, untreated, and unpainted wood less than 11cm in diameter.

Don’t burn household rubbish, coal or salty wood like driftwood.

Get the right amount of heat by using the right amount of fuel, rather than dampening the air control.

 Residential  Security

 New Builds  Commerical

 P.V. Solar  Ventilation

 Industrial  Test & Tagging

Store your pellets in a dry, sheltered place.

Service and maintain your pellet burner according to the instructions for safety, performance and to make it last for years.

Electric heaters There are a number of different electric heaters that provide a climate-friendly way to warm up smaller rooms but you have to watch the running costs.

They are cheap to buy, with a huge range of types and technologies—convection, panel, oil column, fan, micathermic, radiant, infrared—but they are more expensive to run than most other heating options—and are less powerful. They are more suitable for heating bedrooms, studies and other smaller rooms.

TIPS:

Go for one with a higher wattage and a thermostat. You’ll get

   

to a comfortable temperature quickly without wasting energy.

Use a timer to warm the room before you need it – you can buy a separate timer plug.

Put portable heaters on the cold side of the room or near a window – it helps to distribute the heat.

Stay safe – keep heaters away from curtains and anything else that could catch fire. Plug in only one heater per socket.

Flued gas heaters The flue on a gas heater or fireplace sends the toxic fumes and moisture outside.

They provide instant heat and can heat a large space with the added benefit of a having a thermostat and timer.

They don’t need building consent – but must be installed by a registered gas fitter.

The downsides are that they use fossil fuel and release greenhouse gas emissions, have higher running costs for LPG bottles and will not work during a power cut.

Unflued gas heaters are dangerous indoors and can also add up to a litre of moisture to the air per hour.

TIPS:

New Zealand doesn’t have minimum energy performance standards for gas heaters so their efficiency and emissions vary a lot.

Look for the Australian Gas Association gas energy rating label - more stars means it’s more efficient.

Have it professionally serviced once a year to keep it running well.

FUN FACT: According to the World Health Organisation, 18 degrees celsius is a healthy temperature for any room being used – higher for children, the elderly, and people who are ill.

Heat Pumps Lights & Plugs Switchboards Air conditioning

149 Kermode Street, • Ashburton 03 308 2621/022 676 2966 • www.aoteaelectricashburtonltd.co.nz

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

H

Keeping heat in, cold out

eating options are important but they are only one factor in maintaining a warm and dry home.

The other key factors are insulation, dampness and ventilation.

Insulation Proper insulation makes your home more comfortable, as well as easier and cheaper to heat.

Warm indoor temperatures and adequate ventilation make for a drier and healthier home. The first priority is insulating the ceiling/ roof area, as this is where most heat is lost.

Installing wall insulation is the next most effective step. However, this is difficult to check without removing wall lining or cladding, so take the opportunity to do so if you’re renovating.

You also lose heat through air moving through open doors, windows, unsealed lights down and extractor fan systems.

Exposed glass makes retaining heat more difficult, so make sure your curtains and blinds form a good seal around your windows.

Dampness A major factor in keeping the home warm and healthy for winter is tackling enemy number one — dampness.

A damp home is an unhealthy home.

But it isn’t just that — damp air takes more energy to heat than dry air, so it literally pays to remove moisture from your

home. Moisture makes its way into your home in many ways.

Start by tackling damp at the source with the most common cause being drying clothes, cooking, and showers and baths, Make use of sunshine to dry washing, and use the faster spin cycle in your washing machine. In the kitchen make use of a hood range or extractor fan that vents outside and use pot lids where possible when cooking to contain moisture.

Use an extractor fan when showering or taking a bath, or at least open a window or you can fit a shower dome to contain moisture.

Dehumidifiers can be efficient at removing damp air—using some power to do so but in removing the cool air they can assist in heating the home.

Ventilation In some older homes too little ventilation might not be a problem but modern homes are much more airtight, so natural ventilation is minimal.

Get in the habit of airing your home every day.

Open windows to let a breeze through and vent stale, moisture-laden air.

It seems counter-intuitive to open windows on a cold winter day, but removing moisture makes your home healthier and your heating more efficient.

An automatic ventilation system can be effective and convenient for continuously airing your home. There are two main types, forced air system or a heat-exchanger system.

POWERING Residential Rural Irrigation

FOR ALL-YEAR ROUND COMFORT Ducted heat pump/air conditioning unit Commercial • • • •

Whole home central heating and cooling Cost effective and energy effcient Whisper quiet with discreetly postioned vents into rooms Can be installed in new homes or retrofitted into existing homes MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF HEAT PUMPS

PHONE 308 718 ON CALL 021 597 517 211/D Alford Forest Rd, Ashburton PHONE 03 307 7500 service@plainspower.co.nz www.plainspower.co.nz

+ Mid Canterbury’s Local Electricity Company +

31

32

T

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

Preparing your garden for winter

he cooler temperatures of autumn have arrived and so too has the beautiful colourful display of leaves on deciduous trees. It’s another busy month in the garden as we prepare for the colder winter months.

Planting winter vege seedlings April is the favoured month for planting winter vegetable seedlings. Add fresh compost to the vegie plot before planting broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peas, radish, spinach, swedes and turnips. It’s a good idea to stagger your plantings (called succession planting) every two to three weeks so you have a continuous harvest throughout winter.

If temperatures are dropping at night, put jars or plastic bottles over seedlings to protect them against early frosts – this also helps keep snails and slugs at bay!

Remember to remove any covers in the morning.

Growing winter veges in containers

Below right – Add plenty of compost into your existing soil.

Below left – Snip off strawberry runners ready for planting in May. Above – Time to plant out winter vegetable seedlings.

If you are short on space in the garden, grow your vegies in containers and/or pots. Try silverbeet, spinach, broccoli, peas and winter lettuce. Use fresh Daltons Garden Time Container or Potting Mix and make sure your pots/containers have good drainage holes. Place them in a warm sunny, north facing position, away from strong winds. Add a layer of mulch on top to protect the soil.

Planting flowering winter annuals Summer flowering annuals are just about finished. Remove old plants into the compost bin and if you haven’t already, prepare beds for planting with fresh compost. Winter annuals to plant in this month include; alyssum, aquilegia, calendulas, cineraria, cornflower, lobelia, lupins, nemesia, pansies, primulas, snapdragons, statice, stock, sweet pea, sweet william, violas and wallflowers.

Plant up pots and containers for colourful displays on decks and balconies—they will provide a real lift over the dreary, cold winter months.

Preparing the strawberry patch May is the preferred time for planting strawberries so use this month to prepare your strawberry patch for planting.

Prepare the soil and mound areas for

planting above the existing ground level, adding fresh compost and compacting the soil. Remove ‘runners’ from last season’s strawberry plants and keep them in a large container filled with fresh potting mix until they are planted next month.

Fruit tree harvesting Feijoas and early kiwifruit are ripening.

Leave feijoas to fall to the ground before collecting the fruit. All stone fruit trees can be given an end-of-season spray with a copper compound towards the end of April. Peach and nectarine tree pruning can start as their leaf fall has begun. Lemons will be colouring later in the month and can be harvested then.

Ornamental shrubs The first of the winter flowering shrubs

such as camelias will begin blooming.

Garden centres will have new season plants in stock next month, so prepare new gardens for planting now by adding plenty of compost.

End of the rose growing season Just a few rose varieties such as iceberg will be flowering into May. In general, roses are near the end of their growing season and sadly, look their least attractive. Although it may be tempting to start pruning, it’s still a little early as a warm spell can bring about a burst of new growth which could then be damaged by frosts. Continue good garden hygiene such as removing all fallen leaves and dead flowers to help prevent over-wintering fungal diseases like rust and blackspot.

Last month for lawn care A great month for tackling major work renovating existing lawns or laying a new one. It may sound a bit repetitive, but preparation really is the key to success in growing a healthy lawn. With new lawns (or even lawn repair), only import clean, top quality topsoil or lawn soil. Always seek advice about the best lawn type for your property. For existing lawns, apply lawn fertiliser in early April to encourage strong, even growth.

For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz.

Saturday, April 10, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

33

FREE Daltons Citrus Tree Care prize pack

Citrus fruit are delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow.

Always choose the right variety for your region, especially if you live in a colder climate as they are frost tender. Plant trees in fertile well-drained soil in large pots or containers or in a sheltered, warm, north-facing sunny spot in the garden during late autumn/early winter.

We have a Daltons Premium Citrus pack up for grabs, valued at over $75 and contains 2 x Garden Time™ Fruit and Citrus Mix (30ltr), 1 x Garden Time™ Fruit and Citrus Fertiliser (1.5kg), 1 x Garden Time™ Liquid Feed (1tr), 1 x Daltons Premium Planter Tabs (35 tabs), 1 x Daltons 60L Coir Mulch PLUS a pair of comfortable, versatile Red Back gardening gloves from Omni Products www.omniproducts.co.nz.

A bit of bulb love

Be in to win Email goodies@theguardian.co.nz with Daltons Citrus Tree Care prize pack in the subject heading, or write to

Citrus Tree Care pack giveaway,

Box 77, Ashburton.

• • •

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

You must provide a gardening question for the Daltons experts to answer.

Please include your address and phone number in email and letter options!

Giveaway entries must be received by April 30.

For more information on Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz

Raewyn Chapman is this month’s winner with the following question: When is the best time to lift established peonies and other bulbs.

T

raditionally, peonies are divided in late autumn – a process called root division.

Clumps may actually not need to be divided for 10-15 years after planting.

It’s time to divide peonies when you notice the flowers becoming smaller every year.

Dig the clumps carefully and with a clean, strong, sharp knife, divide the plant ensuring that

each section has significant roots.

Plant the new clumps 40-50cm apart and do not plant too deep, with the crown above ground level.

The soil into which the divided crowns are to be planted in should be well prepared with fresh compost incorporated.

Other bulbs can be lifted in late autumn once the foliage has died off completely.

The reason for this is to protect the plant and ensure maximum nutrients have been stored for the next season’s flowering.

Lift and inspect the bulbs for any signs of disease before replanting into prepared soil as above.

You may also find it helpful to read our free How to Grow Fruit Tree Guide: www.daltons.co.nz/ how-to-guides.

All questions supplied are entered into the draw to win a Daltons prize pack, but the Guardian reserves the right to choose which questions and answers will be published.

Daltons post the prize to our lucky winner.

34

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, April 10, 2021

Beautiful Leadlight Butterfly Lamp

Black Marble Mantle Clock, French Works, Hourly Strike $655

Introducing the DNA team

Framed Prints by New Zealand artist Angie Dennis

Decorative Plates from the Shakespeare Series by Adams $75 each

Beautiful Framed Print, Oak Surround $120

Mirror Back Chiffonier Mahogany with Barley Twist coloums $475

They are currently awaiting to sit their final exam, they have worked hard to gain and grow their skills and passion for the hair industry so to celebrate these girls qualifying for the month of May all women’s haircuts are $35.00, and all male haircuts are $25.00.

They would love to see you in the salon, so book in today.

Selection of Modal/Silk Scarves from Namaskar

Danon Heart Drop Necklace

Shanay and Sarah are our wonderful Emerging stylists.

(all haircuts include a wash and blowwave).

Antique Suitcases - plenty to choose from

HORNCASTLE ANTIQUES and fine furniture

FUSION GALLERY 214 East Street, Ashburton Phone: 03 308 5955 Email: fusion.gallery@xtra.co.nz www.fusiongallery.co.nz

ap.smith@xtra.co.nz 021 228 2761 100 East Street, Ashburton Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm

160 Burnett St, Ashburton 7700 dnahairdressing@xtra.co.nz 03 308 4504