You magazine, saturday, december 5, 2015

DECEMBER 2015

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Ch spe ristm cial as

Found: Myself $80 GARDENING GIVEAWAY

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TANTALISING PICNIC RECIPES

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ASHBURTON’S CHRISTMAS FAIRIES 08

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YOU Magazine | 3

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Editor’s note

40, fit and fabulous

4

YOU’s Christmas fairies

8

enjoy the little things

12

who’s out and about?

13

Ashburton’s Santa

14

top Christmas movie picks

15

make your own decorations

16

the doctor is in ...

20

what’s hot in fashion

22

who’s out and about?

27

what is Christmas really about?

28

win an $80 gardening prize pack

32

divine Christmas picnic recipes

36

Jane Logie talks festive stress

38

who is out and about?

42

Welcome to the Christmas edition of YOU magazine!

And a huge thank you to our loyal advertisers and readers who have supported YOU throughout the year.

This month we are full of Christmas everything – treats, ‘fairies’, how to keep from stressing out over the big day, and some of the best Christmas movies and albums that our resident Christmas elf – reporter Nadine Porter – could come up with.

We hope you enjoy our festive edition and please enjoy any time off work you may have with family and friends.

May you stay safe and have loads of love and laughter.

Merry Christmas all!

Lisa Fenwick YOU editor

PUBLISHER Ashburton Guardian Co Ltd 307-7900 l www.guardianonline.co.nz Material in YOU is copyright to the Ashburton Guardian and can not be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers

Editorial contact Lisa Fenwick • 307-7929 • lisa.f@theguardian.co.nz Advertising contact Emma Jaillet-Godin• 307-7981 • emma.j@theguardian.co.nz

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4 | YOU Magazine

Found: Myself 40, fit and fabul

Michelle Smith-Copland finds the balance she denied herself i Growing up, Michelle Smith-Copland’s life was ruled by counting calories and endless weigh-ins. But now, at 40, she feels the best she ever has, and is happy in her plus-sized skin. Erin Tasker reports.

She’s 40, she’s fit, and she’s fabulous.

But Michelle Smith-Copland hasn’t always been happy with the way she looked.

As a teenager growing up in England, she would lie in bed at night, praying to wake up skinnier.

Michelle was a rhythmic gymnast, and she was good at it. But while it may look like a delicate, pretty sport full of ribbons and sequins, for Michelle, it was brutal. For her, it involved watching every single bite of food she put in her mouth, facing multiple daily weigh-ins, and learning all sorts of tricks to weigh less on the scales than she actually was.

Michelle isn’t short. She’s 170cm tall, and as a 12-year-old she auditioned for the Royal Ballet School. But she was too tall.

She was gutted. Ballet was her dream.

So she turned to rhythmic gymnastics.

She didn’t really have the drive to do it, but she was naturally flexible and had a flair for it, and when she was about 10 she made her first national team in the UK. “I just sort of did it because I was good at it.”

Her coach was Russian, Irina Viner. A rich woman, married to the owner of the Arsenal football club, who came to the UK to coach when her husband was in prison, Viner was incredibly tough.

Her gymnasts faced gruelling training sessions, with up to four weigh-ins a day, to ensure they were training and eating right.

If the results weren’t good, they were in trouble.

But when Michelle turned 15, puberty hit. Her body changed and she struggled to keep her weight down.

“She would just completely lose her mind at me, saying you are just so fat and disgusting,” Michelle said.

Her parents were supportive, but wanted the best for their daughter, and the turning point came in 1992 when Michelle made the Olympic team for the Barcelona games.

She was doing her GCSEs and her parents knew the value of schooling, so while others trained full time, Michelle was made to

focus on her schooling and ended up being a non-travelling reserve for Barcelona.

“At the time I was absolutely devastated.

I think I just really didn’t want to go on after that,” Michelle said.

She could have looked to the next Olympics, but another four years down the track she would have been 20 and it would have been a tough four years of weight management.

Michelle’s competition weight was 50kg.

To maintain that would have been a full time job; training eight hours a day but not getting paid for it. It was all too much, so she packed it in.

YOU Magazine | 5

lous

in childhood as a national gymnast

Above – Michelle Smith-Copland shows the form that saw her become a top rhythmic gymnast, but it also helped lead her to a hip replacement before she was 40.

Left – Michelle Smith-Copland with husband Michael and their children Arnica (left) and Wynter.

Today, Michelle lives in rural Mid Canterbury, is married to Michael, and is mum to eight-year-old Wynter and six-year-old Arnica, who – much to Michelle’s dismay – has discovered a love and talent for rhythmic gymnastics too.

When Michelle looks at Arnica, she sees what she dreamt of being when she was young. Arnica isn’t a big eater, and she’s thin – even thinner now thanks to recently having had her tonsils out.

But today, Michelle looks at weight through different eyes. “That’s what I wanted to look like. But when I saw my own daughter, she looked so emaciated.

“I spent my whole childhood going to bed at night and praying to lose weight. I would think of cutting the fat off my legs and stand in front of the mirror pinching the fat, thinking it’s so disgusting.

‘If I couldn’t fit my hands around my legs I’d think ‘my god, I’ve put on so much weight’.”

Now 40, Michelle is happy in her own skin. She’s a size 14 on top, a 12 on the bottom and while she has her hang-ups, most of us do, but she deals with them.

She lives a reasonably healthy life – apart from the fact she likes the odd wine – and loves yoga.

Recently she set up kids yoga classes in Mid Canterbury, and early next year she’s training to become a yoga instructor for adults too.

Putting herself out there as an instructor hasn’t been easy though. For years she did body balance classes and was often asked if she’d train as an instructor. She’d started taking the classes when she was battling post-natal depression – something that still creeps up on her from time to time and is the reason she likes keeping busy - and her self-confidence was low.

“I didn’t feel confident enough and didn’t want people judging me up on the stage,” she said.

But earlier this year, she changed her mind.

Years of bending her body in ways that would seem unnatural and unimaginable to most, had taken their toll, and she required a hip replacement. That was what changed it for her.

Today, she’s able to do most things.

She can even almost do the splits again, although not quite to the angles she once could.

“I’m probably as mobile as a relatively normal flexible person now,” she said.

She’s even taking yet another step out of her comfort zone, with a spot of modelling, after being signed on as an ambassador for clothing label Augustine.

Augustine was running a competition to find a plus-sized model. A suggestion from a friend, coupled a few wines, prompted Michelle to send her photo in. She didn’t win, but got an email asking her to be an ambassador – it virtually means she gets sent clothes, and takes a photo of herself wearing them for all to see.

“I would never have sent my picture off when I was probably 55kg and 24, and looking probably the best I have in my life.”

continued over page

6 | YOU Magazine

Above – Michelle Smith-Copland’s experiences as a youngster make her look at life differently now she’s mum to Wynter (left) and Arnica.

Left – Michelle Smith-Copland is the definition of 40, fit and fabulous.

From P5 “But at 40 and a size 14 I probably feel the best I have in my life.”

She’s always loved clothes, and loves getting dressed up – a highlight of her year is Cup Day in Christchurch which she goes to every year with a group of close friends.

But her love for clothes goes even further. She’s passionate about kids clothing too, and runs a small business with her sister Kat Cotter – an organic kids clothing business called Mimi Violet.

She’s a busy woman, but she’s far from your typical farmer’s wife.

The family live on Michael’s family farm at Pendarves; a dairy farm which the family converted about 18 years ago.

It’s a beautiful setting and the home Michael grew up in provides an amazing outdoor space for the kids to play in, but for Michelle, the most involvement she has is doing the finances and dealing with staffing.

She’s not a fan of getting her hands dirty,

and animals aren’t really her thing – apart from her dogs – and you definitely won’t find her in the kitchen baking up a storm like farmers wives of old.

Michelle is a city girl at heart. Her dad was a banker so they moved around a lot when she was young, but they were always in towns.

In her early 20s Michelle lived in London, before heading to America and living in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara for a while.

On her return to England, a trip to a water ski park was to change her life. That’s where she was to meet Michael, a Mid Canterbury farm boy on his OE, teaching people to water ski.

About two months later, Michael returned home with Michelle in tow, and the rest is history.

“I am a city girl still, but I can’t imagine living in a city now.

“Even now, if I’m in a crowd I just want to go back to the farm.”

8 | YOU Magazine

Tinwald’s Christmas fair Volunteering’s in my b

Christmas for Ann Craig comes in large numbers at multiple celebrations. She shares with reporter Sue Newman her love of Christmas and the events, organisations and people that go into making her festive season buzz.

Ann Craig is one of life’s good sorts.

She’s the first person to volunteer when volunteering’s needed and she’s usually the last person left standing when the clean-up job after a big event is over.

Ann’s modest about what she does. She comes from a family of volunteers and reckons volunteering is something that’s in her blood. And if she has her way, her children will continue doing what she’s done, keeping her community ticking over.

While she’s up to her elbows in voluntary work year round, it’s at Christmas that her community spirit really comes to the fore.

Without Ann Christmas would not come to the Tinwald community. For the past 12 years she’s single-handedly run the suburb’s Christmas festival.

The event is more than 40 years old and Ann’s determined it will celebrate its half century. She’s been there from day one, starting as one member of a large committee that organised an event that ran for weeks and virtually stopped the town.

Today’s festival, however, is just a shadow of the original and the organising committee is now just a committee of one, Ann said.

“Back then we used to have princesses on floats and in the early days we had pole sitters. They put sheds on top of poles and people sat up there for a week or more. The tavern sent food up.

Everything went up – and came down – by bucket.”

Ann was never tempted to be a pole

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Chrifaisrtiems as sitter nor a princess. She was far happier doing the grunt work behind the scenes.

And oddly, perhaps, the Christmas festival also included an endurance lawnmowing event.

“The mowers were going 24 hours a day; they were great community days back then. We always had a big parade that ended in the Tinwald Domain.”

The glory days of week-long festivals disappeared and Tinwald’s event morphed into today’s Christmas festival.

If you love Christmas, then organising a huge community party for the festive season isn’t a chore, she said.

It’s all about being organised. The event is held on the same day every year, the fourth Sunday in November. Stalls are booked early in the year and when one year packs up, the template for the next event is already drawn up.

“It never stops. It’s a family fun day out and while it might clash with other events some years, there’s room for everyone and every event,” she said.

The signature event in Tinwald’s community Christmas party was its street parade, but then the organisation was banned from using the state highway and pushed on to Melcombe Street. That concept simply didn’t work.

When Ann wraps up the community festival she starts planning her family’s Christmas event. And that’s no small occasion either.

She opts to have a double Christmas celebration. The Sunday before the main event at the last 30 family and extended

family gather at her place.

“I always say, ‘have it somewhere else, someone else can do it’, but they always want to have it at my place. It’s all the kids, the inlaws and the outlaws and it just expands really, but for me Christmas is everything about family,” Ann said.

The big day itself is a quieter affair, just 12 or 14 people and while Ann and husband Graeme again play host, everyone pitches in when it comes to food, she said.

“We have lamb, ham, everything that’s Christmassy and always Christmas pudding.”

And in the Craig family, Christmas starts early. Ann shops year round, looking for the perfect gifts.

“I just love Christmas,” she said.

And if organising two family Christmas events and a community event is not enough, Ann also masterminds her street barbecue party, and of course, it’s been held at her place 14 out of the 18 years the couple have lived on Grove Street.

YOU Magazine | 9

ry Ann Craig: blood

Left – Life for Ann Craig is all about her family and her community, and at Christmas she pulls out all the stops to ensure her community has a top-class Christmas festival and that her family has as many opportunities as possible to gather and celebrate.

PHOTO TETSURO MITOMO 181115-TM-115

She blames her mother for her strong volunteering streak.

That’s what she grew up with and she feels it’s been imprinted in her DNA. But she’s not complaining. As a longtime Tinwald resident, Ann is happy to do whatever she can to ensure the suburb thrives.

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Since day one in the 1980s she’s been a member of the Tinwald Sport and Recreation Association and for most of those years has been its treasurer.

“For the past 10 years I’ve been trying to get out of that job, but it just doesn’t seem to happen,” she said.

Her ties with the greater recreational areas of Tinwald run deep and include the Plains Railway.

Dad Bob Anderson restored K88 when it came out of the river and the family’s been involved with the plains ever since.

Somehow in the middle of that busyness, Ann finds time to run a catering business with friend June Steenson.

For 23 years the pair have been the “ladies in the kitchen” at the Tinwald Saleyards.

“We thought we’d do this for a couple of years, but we’re still there. It’s not viable financially and no-one else would want to do it, but we love it,” she said.

Ann says what she does is simply about being community minded.

And that community mindedness has a civic edge to it. She’s a member of the Ashburton Citizens’ Association and is a regular in the public gallery at most Ash-

burton District Council meetings.

“I like to see how ratepayers’ money is being spent and to make sure it’s being spent the right way. We’re lucky we live in a time where we can have input and a say on what goes on in town.

“It doesn’t always go the way we want it to, but at least we can have a say,” she said.

She was the instigator of the bridge action group, calling the first public meeting to fight the council’s original route choice that would have pumped traffic along Grove Street.

“I knew that unless we did something it would happen.

“I did and we got it stopped. I was absolutely amazed when over 200 people turned up to that meeting.”

She was also one of a team of three that fought to keep the local in Ashburton’s radio station after Radio New Zealand decided to ‘Aucklandise’ its running.

She won.

“I do things about things I feel strongly about,” she said.

Ann says she can’t imagine not being busy; being busy keeps her brain active and keeps life interesting, she said.

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10 | YOU Magazine

Santa parade saviour: important to give bac

Carol John personifies the famous words “never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

Nadine Porter talks to a true Christmas fairy.

Christmas nearly didn’t come to Ashburton last year with no-one stepping up to run the annual Santa parade.

And for Carol Johns that simply wasn’t an option.

“There was no way I was going to lose the Santa parade – it would have been horrific!”

Once run by the now defunct Ashburton Business Association, the parade was in very real danger of being canned, with little chance of being returned, as the ABA wound up and no-one keen to take up the mantle.

So the Hokonui Radio office manager decided then and there that if no-one was going to organise the parade, she would.

It’s the hallmark of the selfless big hearted personality she has become in Ashburton and typical of her devotion to keeping community spirit alive.

“And when you see those kids’ faces … and the adults, you know it’s all worth it.”

Not only did she promptly decide that she had to run the parade, but she set about growing it to ensure its future. So, she put a call to arms on air and within 10 minutes she had Hyundai Mid Canterbury as a sponsor and businesses coming forward to purchase costumes.

It’s that kind of support that makes Carol put her name forward for so many events.

She is constantly humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of Ashburtonians, believing it’s not something replicated in larger centres.

But it’s not the first time she’s helped out the community she loves, having also

you

Chrifaisrtiems as organised Boulevard Day twice, when they didn’t have anyone else to do it.

And during the years she and her husband lived in Rakaia, she was a member of the Rakaia Community Board and Tourism Board before starting the Rakaia Motorbike Race.

Then there were the 13 years of speedway where she was heavily involved.

But it’s at Hokonui (formerly Classic Hits) that she has really had a huge impact and been able to help many people throughout Mid Canterbury in a role that she loves.

For 15 years she has used the power of community radio to help those in need and believes that has become the most rewarding part of her job.

But it nearly didn’t happen. She originally trained to be a prison officer.

Once trained, she went on a “scope day” for eight hours in a prison and knew as soon as she walked out, she wouldn’t be back.

“I hated it.”

The prison’s loss soon turned out to be our gain as she set about not just doing her job, but also utilising the power of radio for local causes.

There have been many highlights over the years, but some that stand out for Carol include the help they were able to co-ordinate during the Christchurch earthquakes – and money they raised at short notice.

“We raised $13,000 on air in one day. The response was huge – particularly when you think that it came from a small community.”

When a couple lost their home to fire Carol asked for support on air and co-ordinated

Carol Johns is a real life Christmas Fairy, havi

three truckloads of gear via the generosity of Mid Cantabrians.

In fact you’d be hard pressed not to find a local cause that Carol hasn’t had a hand in fundraising for over the past 15 years – her sense of duty an attribute she thinks may have come from her mother, who instilled a

YOU Magazine | 11

: It’s ck

ing saved the Santa Parade.

belief that it was important to “give back”.

And it seems Ashburton is as passionate about what Carol and her Hokonui team can do, when they fought and won a battle to retain a local breakfast show here with popular announcer Phill Hooper.

The only provincial station in New Zea-

PHOTO AMANDA KONYN 271115-AK-001

land to take on The Hits and win, Carol was thrilled by the battle put up by locals to keep community radio here.

“And now we have two local shows. I’m thrilled.”

For the foreseeable future Carol aims to stay at Hokonui Radio while helping where

she can in the community – especially when it comes to running important events like the santa parade and Waitangi on East.

And you can be sure whenever a local is really down on their luck, Carol will be that helping hand to get them back on their feet again.

12 | YOU Magazine

It really is the little things that count As I sat whining about the fact that I’d chosen to write about Christmas for our special festive publication and that I had nothing to say about it, I got a little punch in the face from a work colleague.

No, not literally, and not even on purpose. She was trying to help me and reminded me that it was the little things that make Christmas special.

And she’s so right. It’s the people that make little cellophane parcels with home-made rocky road in them for people at work.

The people that you care about that pop in to visit on their way somewhere to visit relatives.

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MUM ON THE RUN with Lisa Fenwick

The people who love Christmas so much they make sure there’s a Christmas tree up at work and tinsel adorning everyone’s computers and the dreaded Christmas carols playing on a CD that make you crazy.

It’s watching your children’s excitement as they open their presents, especially after, as usual, you’ve run late wrapping presents and were up until midnight completing that task.

And, of course, you’ve taught them to be appreciative, so there’s no moaning about what they’ve got. Just genuine thanks for what they receive and for having family around them.

Come to think of it, I think I get more enjoyment out of them opening their pressies than they do.

My poor Mum, every Christmas Eve (when I was in my early 20s) I would seem to end up plastered.

It was always one of those nights that you had no intention of staying out long; just a drink or two with workmates.

But the brighter smiles, the sense of anticipation and a lot of people in great moods made it a primo night to go out.

I don’t know how many times I ruined Christmas by being so hungover I couldn’t get out of bed.

And no, I’m not proud of it, but I remember mum coming to Timaru for Christmas one year and we were invited to a champagne brunch with workmates on the big day.

I really tried to make that brunch work, but I was so sick we had to leave early. We came home, I went to bed after having my head down a toilet bowl for a couple of hours – classy – and left mum explaining to my friend why Christmas lunch was cancelled!

Oh my, despite me making up for it by hosting a Boxing Day party, it took her a good couple of days to unfreeze towards me.

Actually, I was still pretty seedy on Boxing Day, but I managed to hide that well and even managed half a sip of bubbly.

I do love Christmas, but it’s the little things that people do that make it special. It’s the brighter smiles, the socialising, the family and I would give an awful lot to be able to have all my family in one place for Christmas again.

I wouldn’t give big or extravagant presents, but I would certainly soak up the love and I would definitely manage to not be hungover.

Merry Christmas to you all and I hope you get a tonne of nice gestures, love and fun coming your way this festive season!

YOU Magazine | 13

OUT AND ABOUT @ Somerset Grocer

Mid Cantabrians got to sample Christmas treats at the Somerset Grocer’s Taste of Christmas recently.

PHOTOS TETSURO MITOMO 191115-TM-163

191115-TM-166

Above – Jane Thonson (left) and Heather Chisnall.

Below – Emma Nottage and Keri Jones.

Above – Susan Moore (left) and Fiona McFall.

191115-TM-173

191115-TM-168

Below (from left) – Renee Taylor, Jo Henderson and Lynda Taylor.

Above – Fairlie Matsinger (left) and Allison Hunt.

Below – Lynne Gowans (left) and Nicky Thomson.

191115-TM-171

Above (from left) – Ange Harris, Rachel Amos and Julia Robins.

191115-TM-169

191115-TM-172

191115-TM-174

Above (from left) – Liz Wylie, Sue Templeton, Michelle Davidson, Pam Harcourt and Lucy Kirwan.

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14 | YOU Magazine

Ashburton’s Father Christmas by

Nadine Porter

He’s our resident Santa and a man driven to spread Christmas cheer whenever and wherever he’s needed.

For the best part of two decades Bernard Egan has donned the red suit and bearded up, all in the name of giving back to the community he loves.

Inspired by another famous local Santa, Doug Jack who has suited up in the arcade for 50 years, Bernard saw how much joy Doug gave the many groups he dressed up for and so, when asked, he agreed to do the same himself.

So, Doug’s wife Ruby made him his Santa suit and Bernard began his journey into the hearts and minds of many Mid Canterbury children.

It was a role he was destined for, having been brought up to share and give back from his community-minded parents.

Resthomes, welfare organisations, staff parties and charities – Bernard has popped up at a wide range of events, and has enjoyed every moment of it.

Seventeen years ago he began to visit individual families – one with grandchildren, mainly on Christmas Eve – a tradition he still participates in today.

Some of those grandchildren are now young adults, but they still take part each telling Santa what they have done during the year.

Bernard tells the story of another household he visited which almost brought him to tears.

“Santa was there to see two grandchildren – brother and sister – but pretended he wasn’t sure if there were two gifts or just one in the sack. So he asked ‘what shall we do if there is only one gift?’ to which the delightful young lady replied without hesitation ‘it will be all right we can share’.”

For Bernard, those few words spoken by the young lady summed up exactly what Christmas was about.

If people need a Santa, he goes and has often brought much-needed light to some of our most vulnerable.

Ever the quiet volunteer, he was

Santa’s main man in Ashburton – Bernard Egan has been playing the role for over two decades to various organisations and families.

reluctant to speak about his festive role, choosing instead to highlight the wonderful work of others in our community, including the talent of our youth.

For Bernard, it’s not about the accolades in doing something truly selfless, but instead it’s about bringing some joy to people’s lives at a special time.

And joy is what he brings. In the past couple of years he has even been Santa to children of the local police force. In the past he has done the same for the fire brigade. And then there’s the community Christmas lunches he’s attended.

Turning up in a variety of different vehicles – including hot rods, motorbikes and police cars – means he rarely escapes unnoticed when he passes through Ashburton streets.

“And people wave and smile … the reaction is always amazing.”

There’s no plans for retirement, although Bernard will be spending Christmas Day with family this year, rather than at the community lunch, where it’s fairly certain that he’ll be asked to don the big red suit for another viewing, with noone’s smile bigger than his own.

The must-watch Christmas movies Break out the baubles! Box up your inner baa humbug and sit back with the whanau and embrace the most magical time of the year.

But if you’re in need of a little coaxing to succumb to festivities, why not kick back, throw on a DVD and be entertained.

Even the most hardened heart could not fail to be “marshmallowed” by my top five Christmas movie picks! Go ahead … you know you want too!

1. STARLIGHT HOTEL: This is not exactly a Christmas movie, but it has everything you want in one. It’s a New Zealand classic set in the depression era with starring roles from a young Greer Robson and Aussie icon Peter Phelps. With breath-taking scenery, surprising cameos and a heart-warming story of a returned soldier on the run who comes upon a young runaway, this is truly a masterpiece.

2. GREMLINS: These cute little fellas look like the perfect gift from a father to his son at Christmas, but by Christmas Eve they’re tearing up the town. A warning to us all – when you’re warned never to expose a creature to bright light and water or feed them after midnight, it’s generally a good idea to rethink your

Make yourself at

home

pressie ideas!

3. MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947 version): Christmas isn’t the same without a black and white movie and a heart-warming tale. Do yourself a favour and watch this classic – there won’t be a dry eye in the house! It’s all about an old man who happens to go by the name of Kris Kringle who ends up filling in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by

YOU Magazine | 15

claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.

4. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS:

If it’s Tim Burton you know it’s going to be dark and edgy, but terrific fun with a heck of a lot of heart. Jack Skellington is the perfect animated anti-hero who decides he’s had enough of Halloween and wants to stand in for Santa. Enjoy the ride along with him!

5. HOME BY CHRISTMAS: A true New Zealand story of romance, secrets and terrible adventure in which Ed Preston (played by the dishy Martin Henderson), on his way home from rugby practice in 1940, joins the New Zealand Army to go to World War Two. His new wife, Tui, is pregnant and distraught, but he tells her not to worry, he’ll be home

by Christmas. And so he is – four years later – after escaping from a prison camp in Italy. But while Ed is away, Tui has fallen in love with another man. A remarkable story of resilience, determination and love that is sure to touch your heart! reviewed by Christmas-obsessed Nadine Porter

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16 | YOU Magazine

Make your own Ch decorations

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…

Well, no … not exactly. With these wonderful hand-made Christmas decorations your family will be mesmerised by your Christmas tree.

What’s even better is that they will have been made with love and will be something that can be handed down from generation to generation.

With very little equipment and a few creative bursts you too can make some gorgeous decorations. So round your little cherubs up, hide the remote from hubby and clear the table, cos this Christmas it’s all about personalising festive ornaments.

A corker of a Christmas:

This decoration has the added bonus of you needing to have a vino or two in order to gather up some corks (alternatively if you’re not quite in the festive mood, you can buy them from any shop selling wine making supplies).

You will need: Corks Small twigs Coloured string or wool Jingle bells (available from sewing shops) Red felt balls (in craft sections at many stores)

Simply push four twig legs into the underside of one cork so it balances, push a larger twig into the top of that cork at one end and then push the second cork above it to make the head. Then add your antlers and tail, glue on your red felt ball nose and add your jingle bell

Light-bulb snowmen:

If you are like me you will have a box of used light-bulbs in the house.

Don’t throw them away! Instead turn them into funky Christmas snowmen!

You will need: Used lightbulbs Glue White glitter or glitter glue Twigs for arms String Nail polish or diamantes

Either cover your light-bulb in glue and add glitter or just add glitter glue direct for your nice white glittery snowman. Glue on your twigs as arms and then either stick your diamantes on as buttons and use nail polish for eyes and his nose. Finish by tying string around the silver thread at the top and you have your snowman!

You own advent calendar:

There are so many ways in which you can make a very special advent calendar for your children. Today’s cheap chocolate calendars lack the personal touch but this way you can see the joy and anticipation of your children as they await something different every day!

You will need: 25 jars with lids (they can be varying sizes so can be collected throughout the year) A tray of some sort A computer and white paper Glue

Clean all your glasses, and attach their lids. If your lids are plain you can decorate accordingly. Adding festive ribbon can look great. Print out numbers 1 to 25 on your computer in different fonts and sizes and cut them in a round shape. Glue them to the lids and sit them in your tray.

Then fill with whatever you like!

Your kids will love you!

YOU Magazine | 17

hristmas Rag fabric balls:

This is a wonderful way to use up those pesky pieces of fabric lying around. Alternatively you can browse your local sewing shop as often they have scraps for sale.

You will need: Plain Christmas baubles – these can be old ones with small holes or cracks in them or you can buy a pack of cheap baubles Glue Fabric scraps

Cut three separate fabric scraps into 30cm lengths and plait.

Repeat x 10. Then cut three separate pieces of fabric into 20cm lengths and plait. Repeat x 8. The plaits don’t have to be the same design so let your imagination run wild! Then cut and glue to length and if you want you can embellish with diamantes!

Paint brush Santa:

This is a cheap way of making a novel Santa decoration and gets rid of those DIY brushes you bought back when you had great intentions of re-decorating at home!

You will need: Paint brushes Red and white felt or white dacron Craft eyes and red craft felt balls Glue White paint Holly decorations

Penguin light bulbs:

As you can tell I hate wasting used lightbulbs – they make so many incredible gifts including this wonderful personalised idea.

You will need: Wool or discarded odd infant socks Paint Used light bulbs Ribbon

This is all about your own ideas. Simply paint your penguin, add the desired name and then attach a knitted hat or an infant sock as a hat. Then add ribbon to hang it from the tree and you will have a Penguin Christmas family!

The hardest part of making this decoration is making sure your red felt is glued tightly around the brush handle. Then add your white hat brim. Stick your eyes and nose on and the holly decorations and you have a cute Santa courtesy of DIY land!

18 | YOU Magazine

Nadine’s top three Christmas albums 1 Ella Wishes you a Swinging Christmas (Ella Fitzgerald):

For some people just the hint of a jingle bell can send them skew whiff!

But not here at YOU magazine … YOU writer Nadine Porter embraces all that is Christmas music and passes on her pebbles of advice on the best festive albums of all time.

So break out your best carolling voice and get your jingle jangle on ‘cos you’re going to want to sing and boogie at the top of your lungs to these babies!

2 Christmas in the Heart (Bob Dylan):

3 Honky Tonk Christmas (Alan Jackson):

So I’m going out on a limb here … I know not all of you will find Bob’s rasping voice as charming as I do, but for something just that little bit different this Christmas, you can’t look past the great man. You can almost smell the whisky emanating from his vocals as he barks out Hark the Herald Angels Sing. A classic that proves they don’t make ‘em like they used too!

One for all you boot stompers out there. This is one for the country lovers at heart and those of us who have a secret penchant for line dancing. A jewel in the Christmas crown, this album will steal your feet and your heart!

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This album is an absolute favourite in our household and is played over and over again. A jazz legend in her lifetime she puts the pizzaz back into Christmas with her renditions of many Christmas classics.

Great background music and the right kind of vibe to make you smile!

YOU Magazine | 19

Essential Your best items protection A

B

C

A B C

Cork placemats $34.50 from Ashburton I Site (East Street) and Methven I Site (Main Street) Kia wooden retro picture $60 from Ashburton I Site (East Street) and Methven I Site (Main Street) Scented Soy Candles $27.90 from Ashburton I Site (East Street) and Methven I Site (Main Street)

Your Rieker Destination Store www.comfyshoes.co.nz

Beauty experts all over the world will tell you sunscreen is the most important skincare product.

Enticingly packaged anti-ageing creams can cost a pretty penny, but not do half as much when it comes to warding off premature ageing.

Ultraviolet light is an environmental hazard, damaging your skin, and sunscreen is easily accessible, offered at reasonable prices in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Having fair skin, I am a big consumer of various sunscreens, and prefer the ‘light feel’ varieties. These are good for applying on the face, as they do not leave an oily sheen.

The good thing about the Oasis Sun sunscreen which I was asked to try for this review, is its emphasis on natural ingredients. These include jojoba oil, shea butter, soya lecithin, Vitamin E and castor oil.

Putting on the cream, which

the instructions advise not to rub in but to apply and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to adhere to the skin, is more akin to applying a luxurious lotion.

I suffer from dry skin, and eczema, and this sunscreen, which I tried on my hands, lived up to its claim of being suitable for sensitive skin.

The product felt good to put on, and still felt and looked good hours later, its nourishing and moisturising ingredients obviously having got to work on my skin.

Coming in the two tube sizes of small, 50ml for $17.50, and larger, 250ml for $39.90, the small tube in particular would be perfect to carry in your handbag. The sunscreen also comes in an extra-large pump pack of $79.95.

The other good thing about the product is it has a pleasant smell, with only a hint of that sunscreen smell as part of what is obviously a high quality product.

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20 | YOU Magazine

New doctor in town Dr Soma Grotefend studied medicine in America and is working in Ashburton as a GP. Prior to med school her college digress involved majors in microbiology, English (creative writing) and a minor in chemistry. Her biochem background is what she uses for nutritional information, which makes it much less subject to the latest trends and fads that seem to plague the world of nutrition.

Soma has two lovely children, aged 18 and 14, and in her spare time became a trained and qualified teacher in several forms of meditation. She and husband Chris are passionate about sharing their combined knowledge to help people towards wellness and the YOU team is rapt to have Soma as a columnist this month!

How can we get most out of our “Hey, Doc, am I broken?” No-one actually THE DOCTOR IS IN ... puts this question into these exact words with Soma Grotefend when they come to see me, but it is usually the underlying theme of why people interrupt their normal daily routine with a visit to my surgery.

As I considered what my role is and should be in the lives of my patients, I pondered the definition of my trade. Defining my profession shouldn’t be too difficult, but sometimes what we do on a daily basis is too close to adequately define, so I did what anyone does when faced with a dilemma. I Googled it.

I typed in the word “Doctor” and the first definition that popped up was “Doctor: a person who is qualified to treat people who are ill.”

“Yuck,” I said to myself, “who would want to do that? What is interesting about sick people?”

If I defined my job in this fashion, I would have left medicine years ago.

Undaunted, I scrolled down further through the Google search page results and found a much more descriptive wording of my actual daily existence. It was found under the definition of physician and states: “A physician is a professional who practises medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.”

That seemed a bit closer. Promoting and restoring human health is a true love of mine. I do know how to diagnose and treat disease and injuries, but this is not what has got me out of bed and excited to get started each morning for the past two decades.

I then looked into the historic roots of the word “doctor”. I learned: “The word is originally an agenI am in constant awe tive noun of the Latin verb docere ‘to of the human body, and teach’.”

Cool. A Latin verb meaning “to my true love is sharing teach”. That is indeed how I see mythe wondrous miracles self and what keeps life so interesting it performs daily without and fun for me as a physician.

‘

us even noticing

continued next page

t the r GP visits?

I love to teach people about our amazing bodies. Learning how to trust our body’s innate ability to heal when given the proper tools is what gets me out of bed in the mornings.

I am in constant awe of the human body, and my true love is sharing the wondrous miracles it performs daily without us even noticing. We do not have to tell our body how to fix a scratch or

‘

mend a broken bone. We do not ters, and the relationship we have have to instruct it what to do with that voice in our head with the food we just ate or matters. how much blood to pump Why do nutrition, through our vessels as fitness and the relationwe go from a seated ship with our mind ... ask a question that position to standing. matter? We are, by allows your doctor to We do not need to nature, eaters, movremind it how to blink ers and thinkers. teach you something or cough or sweat or The choices we new about your body shiver. It knows when make in each of these and how to do all of areas have a direct this. impact not only on our Teaching skills needhealth, but also on how we interact with the world and ed to learn how to trust our our experience of life. body, how to hear what it needs to So, how do we utilise the true skills of our adequately perform these activities of daily physician? living, and what activities or habits make it Possibly, instead of asking “What’s wrong much harder for our body to perform these with me, Doc? Am I broken?” ask a quesmiracles is what I enjoy sharing.

Turns out, these skills are not difficult and tion that allows your doctor to teach you are surprisingly intuitive. something new about your body.

These skills do, however, require an inOr let your question allow your doctor terest in taking responsibility for your part the opportunity to direct you to someone in supporting your body. They may also with skills to support your body. require the assistance of several different Your body’s true mission is to provide disciplines, not just medicine. you with a lovely, comfortable place to call It is as easy as learning that what we put home. into our mouths matters, how often Be inspired to ask “What can I learn we ask our bodies to move mattoday, Doc?” Left – Dr Soma Grotefend loves to teach people about our amazing bodies.

22 | YOU Magazine

The 12 days Christmas

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We have offered quality furnishing for over thirty years, our focus always 100% on our customer, with quality products guaranteed.

But our commitment to you doesn’t stop once you have paid. We will even deliver and install your brand-new purchase*.

And if you have a problem? No problem.

Come in and see us and we will sort it out, together.

Don’t want to pay for it straight away? Also no problem. We offer finance on GE or Q Card, as well as interest-free terms on layby.

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Channel your inner drummer with a military inspired outfit.

Tartan is always a winner, even if you don’t play the bagpipes.

6 geese a laying

Christmas means holidays and holidays means laying around in the sun.

Comfy, loose clothes are key.

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YOU Magazine | 23

of

10 9 8 7 4321 IN STYLE with Caitlin Bingham

10 lords a leaping

8 maids a milking

9 ladies dancing

Not much leaping can be done in heels, grab yourself a practical, but beautiful pair of flats.

4 calling birds

Milk is white and white is a great colour to wear (Just avoid the red food and drink!).

There’s little in life more fun than twirling in a flowy dress or skirt.

3 French hens

Style your hair in beachy waves or a messy up do.

Avoid the bird nest look with a spritz of dry texturising shampoo.

Stereotypically French, pop on your favourite stripes (and a beret if you’re feeling daring).

7 swans a swimming

2 turtle doves

Pick up a pair, or two, of tortoise shell sunglasses

It’s summer, which inevitably means it’s swim suit season. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in and make like a swan.

A partridge in a pear tree

A quirky gift for a true love, express that inner quirk and sport a festive jumper.

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The Shade House team is thrilled to introduce Joel Aronsen.

Joel visits Ashburton and Geraldine on a regular weekly basis.

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE Call 03 684 9000 to make a booking for Joel to call

www.theshadehouse.co.nz

24 | YOU Magazine

Fashion aesthetic

I

G

H

A

B

C J

D

E K

F L

A Bresley Aotearoa $159.90 from Stepping Out, East Street B Mee Bee Minx $199.90 from Stepping Out, East Street C Pinaz Claire $179.90 from Stepping Out, East Street D Ilex handbags from London–$430 and $370. Wallet $184.50 from The Bag Shop, East Street E Sunhat – Sunsmart $30.00, Silk Chiffon scarf $89.70 from The Bag Shop, East Street F iPhone bag/wallets, taupe leather $119.00, Multi coloured patters $59.99 from The Bag Shop, East Street G Sass Kimino $89.90 from Depeche Mode Boutique, East Street H Sass Amber Maxi $119.90 from Depeche Mode Boutique, East Street I Sass Susan Jumpsuit $135.00 from Depeche Mode Boutique, East Street J Ricochet Fairfax dress $239 from Sparrows, East Street K Staple & Cloth Iris dress $299 from Sparrows, East Street L Siren Scarf Print Mix dress $149 from Sparrows, East Street

YOU Magazine | 25

Merry Christmas from House of Travel DESTINATION with Maxine Whiting

As we reflect on 2015 the first thing that people normally say is “Where has the year gone?” And, I would have to say this year has been no different.

At House of Travel we have had a very exciting year with everyone in the team experiencing a trip somewhere in the world. Below are some snippets of our year’s highlights. I had two wonderful weeks on holiday in Fiji in July. I had not travelled to Fiji for several years and had forgotten what a magical place it really is.

In August I headed to Sydney for the Netball World Cup to unfortunately see the Silver Ferns defeated in the final.

With the Mekong Delta and Cambodia a popular spot, Anna Schmack had the opportunity to enjoy a Mekong Delta Cruise with time in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam and Siem Reap, Cambodia. The cruise is a relaxing way to discover the wonders of the Mekong. Angkor temples in Siem Reap are an amazing feat of early engineering and the list just goes on of Anna’s experiences.

The Middle East is becoming an increasingly popular spot and Nathan Bartlett had time in Dubai in May. Dubai is a city of constant change and wow! As they build towards the 2020 World Expo there are plans to build even bigger and better hotels and buildings than they already have.

A desert safari is a must do here.

Angkor Wat at sunrise in Siem Reap. Cambodia.

In April Aimee Bullivant took off to Europe on a River Boat Cruise. This was Aimee’s first visit to Europe and she took the opportunity to explore Amsterdam and London while she was there.

Aimee also had time in Rarotonga, Cook Islands to celebrate her marriage.

Anna, Maxine Chisnall and myself also joined Aimee in her celebrations.

The Rocky Mountaineer experience is on many people’s bucket lists and Bronwyn Wooding was fortunate to have this experience in September. Stunning scenery, elk, bald eagles and squirrels were all part of her experience as well as time in Vancouver and Calgary.

Mandy Reid headed to Bali, another popular spot for Kiwis to holiday. Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali is undeniably beautiful. Bali provides something for everyone from amazing beaches, to great nightlife and shopping.

A great value holiday awaits everyone in Bali.

Maxine Chisnall had time on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is always popular with families and the theme parks always popular with kids and adults alike.

We love to share our travel experiences from over the years with our clients and these are just small snippets of where we have travelled to.

Our thanks to all our clients who have supported us during the year and have come back to tell us all about their highlights and experiences.

We look forward to seeing both new and existing clients in 2016 as we plan your holidays.

A Merry Christmas and Happy and safe New Year.

Maxine Whiting and the team at House of Travel Ashburton.

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Proud to be KIWI OWNED AND OPERATED, House of Travel has spent over 25 YEARS HELPING KIWIS SEE THE WORLD. With 70 STORES NATIONWIDE and OVER 700 TRAVEL SPECIALISTS on hand to pass on their inside knowledge, YOU CAN TRUST US TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IN 2014. *Terms and cond

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26 | YOU Magazine

Rolleston offers shopping delight!

Nestled comfortably on the plains between Christchurch and Ashburton, Rolleston offers a superb day out for the entire family and a myriad of entertainment and lifestyle attractions.

Hard to look past, the Rolleston pools are considered among the best in Canterbury and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

With a stunning landscaped view, you will be inspired while splashing your cares away.

Why not follow up a swim by taking the kiddies to one of the many large playgrounds throughout the town before heading down to the shopping precinct where delightful boutique businesses await your custom.

Shopping for Christmas is easy in Rolleston with such a wide range of gift shops and make sure you pick up some stunning clothing from shops like Viva La Moda and treat yourself, or better still, get your partner to treat you!

Rolleston is well laid out and easy to get around so if you dread the hustle and bustle of the big city, turn off and sample the town’s delights. From decorating your home with funky items from the likes of Classic Curtains and Interiors to eating in the plethora of yummy cafes and restaurants your day will be complete. And you can even shop in either of their two large supermarkets that feature gourmet produce alongside everyday items.

The kids can also have a treat with McDonald’s just off the highway.

For shopping in a relaxed manner, try Rolleston – and know that you are buying something unique and special.

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YOU Magazine | 27

OUT AND ABOUT @ Bayleys official opening

PHOTOS TETSURO MITOMO 191115-TM-142

Above (from left) – Mark Williams, Brad Wallis and Paul Wallis.

The Canterbury earthquakes might have seen the demise of historic Westburn Courts, but a modern building with the same name now stands on the site of the original.

And recently one of its first tenants, Bayleys Real Estate celebrated moving into their new offices.

191115-TM-145

Above – Bob Engelbrecht (left) and Geoff Kean.

191115-TM-138

191115-TM-139

Above (from left) – Richard McClea, George Lumsden and Brent Schmack.

191115-TM-140

Above (from left) – Chris Jones, Grant Polson and Rob McConachy.

Below – Pete Whalan, Glen Wallis and Belinda Darrell.

Above – Dave Whillans (left) and Don Ingold.

Below (from left) – Tim O’Sullivan, David Montgomery and Alastair White.

191115-TM-141

Above (from left) – Tim Stocker, Peter Ashton and Gerard Murphy.

191115-TM-143

191115-TM-146

191115-TM-147

Above (from left) – Kimberley McBride, Jacqui Watson, Glenn Harris and Alana Crampton.

Above (from left) – Riley Wilson, George Morris and Tyler Koning.

191115-TM-149

28 | YOU Magazine

What is Christmas really all about?

With the silly season on the doorstep reporter Michelle Nelson takes a look at what it REALLY is all about.

Make this summer a

Speight’s Summer

with great food, great staff and generous portions

245 Burnett Street, Ashburton GIVE US A CALL ON (03) 308 5980 www.speights.co.nz

YOU Magazine | 29

Around the world people will decorate trees, hang wreaths on the front door, wrap gifts and plan feasts in anticipation of Christmas Day, while children will turn their attention to the arrival of that hirsute gentleman in red, often regardless of religious beliefs.

All of this is supposedly focused on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, in line with Christian biblical teachings – right?

Wrong!

Most elements of Christmas celebrations are rooted in pre-Christian Roman customs and beliefs.

The first known reference to Christmas celebrations held on December 25 were centuries after Jesus lived.

Historians consider Christmas overrode the Roman festival Saturnalia, marking the northern

The use of laurel, holly, mistletoe and ivy can also be traced back to various pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice

hemisphere solstice, the Mithraic celebration of the rebirth of the sun and honoured the god of sowing, Saturn.

It was said to have been a bawdy and raucous affair, much frowned upon by the pious, albeit minority, Christians of the day.

Nonetheless, according to some scholars, Christmas came into being as a way of suppressing the worship of the sun god with the worship of the Son of God, some 300 years after Christ’s death.

Roman emperor Justinian declared Christmas a public holiday in 529AD by which time Christianity had gained a foothold and was the country’s official religion.

According to the Encyclopedia Americana (1956) Christmas was not celebrated by western observers of the faith until the fifth century.

There is further evidence to contradict the notion that Jesus was born on December 25. The St James bible puts shepherds

“abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8), when the angel is said to have appeared bearing glad tidings of the new king’s birth.

Come December, in the middle of winter, shepherds did not live in the Middle Eastern fields – then or now, confirmed by the book of Ezra (10:9).

Werner Keller, in his book The Bible as History, looks at meteorologists’

contributions to fixing the birthdate of Christ. Detailed recordings put the temperature on the southern highlands of Judah, where the shepherds were said to be hanging out, at freezing point in late December. It was and still is the wet season, with an average rainfall of more than 15 centimetres in December, and 20cm in January.

The Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, says the flocks were put out into the fields in March and brought back in November.

If Jesus was born in a stable full of animals on December 25 it lays to rest other elements of the nativity story – in particular the bits about the shepherds, the angel and possibly the wise men – it would hardly have been “wise” to embark on a camel trek in such climes, in the pre-wet weather gear era.

Luke tells us that John – who was to become the Baptist – was born about six months before Jesus, in the middle of March, which would suggest his birthdate was somewhere in September.

On the subject of the bible, there is no mention anywhere of Christmas or any

celebration of birthdays per se.

Many theologists say the good book in fact condemns such celebrations warning of eternal consequences of continuing to embrace ancient gods.

As for the all-pervasive Christmas tree, tree worship was a common practice among ancient people. The custom of bringing evergreen vegetation indoors can also be traced back to the Roman Saturnalia festival and further back to Egypt, where a palm tree represented the pagan god Baal-Tamar, according to The Book of Christmas Folk Lore (Tristam Coffin 1973).

30 | YOU Magazine

continued over page From P29 The use of laurel, holly, mistletoe and ivy can also be traced back to various pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice, representing fertility symbols.

The use of an evergreen tree certainly bears testimony to this notion, with its ability to retain its foliage through the harsh northern hemisphere winters. Holly symbolises the male reproductive urge and in ancient Greece, Ivy dropped dead while dancing vivaciously for Dionysius, the god of wine, who turned her into the climbing plant.

Mistletoe has enjoyed sacred status since the earliest of times, as a sun-symbol, and aphrodisiac – which accounts for the custom of kissing under it, first noted in highly sexualised Saturnalia celebrations.

Santa too has links to pagan festivals.

The legend appears to have its roots in Norse history, where the goddess Hertha’s appearance in the fireplace signalled good luck – although it’s difficult to imagine why such a disturbing image would be conducive to future fortunes rather than a precursor to impending disaster.

In modern folklore Santa is thought to have originated as St Nicholas, a Dutch figure said to deliver gifts to the homes of good children on Christmas Eve. It seems likely the Santa story also contains elements of the god Odin, also referred to as Woden, associated with the Germanic mid-winter festival of Yule. Legend has it Odin headed up a ghostly procession through the night sky, known as the Wild Hunt.

In the Scandinavian version it was Odin who left gifts under the sacred tree during Yuletide.

Another account says St Nicholas inherited his slave, the Dark Helper, from Odin.

Tony van Renterghem delved into the history of the Santa legend in his book When Santa was a Shaman: The Ancient Origins of Santa Claus & the Christmas Tree. He says the Dark Helper assumed the alias of St Nicholas or Klaus despite his heinous half-man half-beast appearance.

Other accounts have the former version of St Nicholas hauling his slave around by means of a chain around his waist. St Nicholas handed out gifts to good children and his helper beat naughty children with a sack of ashes.

Not really an idea child welfare agencies would hold in high esteem.

In a nutshell Christmas is what it is – perhaps not the birthday of Jesus – but a tradition which has morphed over millenniums wrapping around beliefs to become a polyglot festival seemingly with a life of its own.

And one which everyone, regardless of race, religion or creed can participate.

Merry Christmas to all!

YOU Magazine | 31

According to YES

by Dawn French

BOOK REVIEW with Norma Geddes

I’m sure Dawn French needs no introduction, definitely one of the funniest women on the planet.

Together with her comedy partner, Jennifer Saunders, they have created some memorable characters for stage and screen. Her autobiography Dear Fatty is priceless and contains everything (and more) you need to know about her.

And here she is again with her third novel which analyses what happens when you start saying yes to everything after a lifetime of saying no. The Wilder-Bingham family are wealthy New Yorkers living in splendour on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The matriarch of the family is the rather formidable Glenn who is definitely not into displays of emotion, not big on fun and certainly won’t tolerate any unruly behaviour - restraint is the order of the day.

So you can guess what happens when happy-go-lucky Rosie from England enters their lives - Rosie is employed as a nanny to the children and immediately brings some fresh air into their lives.

With Rosie encouraging new behaviour the family dynamic soon starts to unravel but the lovely Rosie is there to show the way. Rosie has a few problems of her own and is also forced to make some personal changes.

This is a great summer holiday read with plenty of laughs and a great feel-good factor.

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32 | YOU Magazine

Michelle Nelson wishes that her weed problem was as simple as a dandelion in the middle of an otherwise pristine flower garden, instead of the jungle she’s going to be tackling over the festive season.

Make like Santa and hoe, hoe, hoe Between shifting Mum and helping my mate paint her new house my garden is a shambles.

The lawns have been kept at bay – but the rest is starting to resemble a jungle, to the point I’m not really sure where to start.

I’m not a fan of weed spray, never have been, but particularly when it comes to places I intend to harvest food from. Okay, so I can deal with the vegetable patch, but that still leaves a lot of the property to contend with.

Much as I’m tempted to reach for the weed spray, some information handed out at a meeting I was at recently has really put me off.

I’m not saying all the claims out there about the health problems associated with glyphosate in our food and the water we drink are scientifically proven – but neither are Monsanto’s claims that the chemical is safe.

MY BACKYARD with Michelle Nelson

A French court took the company to task early this year and found it guilty of false advertising when it came to its claims of Roundup being “environmentally friendly” and biodegradable”.

We should remember that DDT, which glyphosate was developed to replace, was once thought safe to use on food producing land.

It would be unthinkable to use such a toxic chemical in areas where our children play today and yet Roundup and other sprays of the same ilk are routinely sprayed on roadsides, playgrounds, schoolyards, parks and home gardens.

Forgetting all the hoo-hah from both the chemical companies and the greenies, there is some fairly solid medical evidence linking glyphosate with cancer, antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption.

The problem is probably the amount of the chemical used and the subsequent build-up in the environment.

It is so easy to use and such an effective quick-fix for those weeds on the driveway and around borders, that many home gardeners reach for it on a weekly basis.

You can even buy Roundup in a gel form to blast individual weeds – sheesh! If only my current problem was as simple as a dandelion in the middle of an otherwise pristine flower garden.

Think about it! How can a chemical truly be biodegradable – it hardly seems plausible it could disappear into the ether.

And then there’s the bees and other insects we know are impacted by the spray.

Well, now that I’ve talked myself out of taking the easy way out, I guess I need to sharpen the cane knife and the rest of the tools and get cracking in that jungle.

I’ll be making like Santa over the festive season – hoe, hoe, hoe!

YOU Magazine | 33

FREE

Daltons Premium Tomato prize pack

We have a Daltons Tomato Prize Pack to give away which has everything you need to grow tasty tomatoes. Each pack is valued at over $80 and contains 2 x Daltons incredible edibles® Tomato Mix, 1 x incredible edibles® grow bag, and 1 x Daltons incredible edibles® Tomato Fertiliser PLUS a pair of comfortable, versatile Red Back garden gloves from Omni Products www.omniproducts.co.nz.

Be in to win

Spotty spuds Kathleen Glassey is this month’s winner with the following question:

Email goodies@theguardian.co.nz with Daltons Premium Tomato prize pack in the subject

Some of the certified seed potatoes we grew last year had black spots in the flesh and I have just purchased a bag of potatoes for the table from a greengrocer which have the same black spots.

Please can you tell me what causes this and how to avoid it happening again this year?

Black spots on potato tubers are normally a sign of bacterial infection. This is something that can easily happen, especially if the soil is particularly wet at some time during the growing cycle.

Potatoes grow best in a sunny site with rich, fertile, free-draining soil.

The best way to overcome this problem is through crop rotation ie do not grow potatoes in the same patch of your garden for successive years.

It is also important to only plant healthy seed potatoes and avoid adding lime and wood ash to the part of the garden you are growing your potatoes in.

For more information, we have a How To Guide on growing potatoes at our website: www.daltons.co.nz/home-gardening/ how-to-guides

heading, or write to Easy Lift 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 December 25.

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

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.

y a d Sun ! h s a S pl Enjoy summer Sundays poolside at Hotel Ashburton.

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36 | YOU Magazine

Christmas in NZ time for a picnic FOR FOODIES with Marg Brownlie

So it’s Christmas again and it feels like only months ago I was saying that for the last Christmas that flashed past us.

In our family, the theory is, the least fuss the better and we have always been that way.

On the other side of the world they celebrate Christmas with snow on the ground, throwing snowballs and building the proverbial snowman.

I would quite like to experience that one day, but in the meantime we Kiwis bask in sun (hopefully) and throw balls on the beach or wherever we might be celebrating the coming together of family and friends.

I thought it would be a great idea to share with you a Christmas picnic that can be packed up and taken anywhere the day takes you.

It’s a fabulous way to celebrate with lots of people or just your family and a reasonably stress-free way to go. I’m all for that!

It goes without saying that the glazed leg of ham will be making the trip to your picnic destination as well. Don’t forget the Christmas mince tarts and the trifle ... oh, and the bubbles.

Have a safe and happy festive season everyone!

Sticky pork belly bites

200ml bourbon whiskey 1 star anise 800g pork belly 4T tomato ketchup 2T soy sauce 2T clear honey 1t fish sauce chives and cream, to serve (optional)

– Heat oven to 140°C. Pour 100ml of the bourbon into a small, shallow

Baked salmon fillet with beetroot cream sauce

Zest and juice of 2 oranges and a lemon.

2 oranges peeled and segmented a pinch of five-spice powder 100ml vodka 5T clear honey 1kg side of salmon, bones removed For the beetroot crème fraîche sauce: 250g pack cooked beetroot (not in vinegar), drained and grated 200g crème fraîche 2T horseradish cream Small pack chives, snipped

– Put the orange and lemon zest and juice, vodka, five spice and honey in a small pot, season and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 mins until reduced by half.

– Add the orange segments and simmer for a further five minutes until they have softened and are a little sticky. Remove them from the liquid and transfer to a plate. Simmer the liquid until thickened to a glossy glaze.

– Heat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with foil or baking paper and place the salmon in the middle – or on an angle to help it fit if you need to. Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into eight fillets, cutting through the flesh but not the skin, as this will hold the whole thing together. Cut the thinner end into slighter wider fillets, so everyone gets a similar portion. Brush the salmon with the glaze, making sure you get in between the gaps and save a little for brushing on at the end. Lay the candied orange segments on top, down the centre and bake for 20 mins.

– While the salmon is cooking, make the beetroot crème fraîche by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl with plenty of black pepper and a little salt – save a few chives to sprinkle on top.

– When the salmon is cooked, reheat the remaining glaze, adding a splash of water if it is too thick, and dab it over the top (wash the brush first as it will have come into contact with the raw salmon).

– Serve with fresh, crusty baguette and a green salad.

roasting pan and add the star anise.

Season the pork belly with salt and pepper, put in the roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake for three hours. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for at least one hour.

You can chill the pork for up to two days at this stage.

– Heat oven to 200°C. Remove the pork from the pan and using a small, sharp knife, pare away the rind from the meat, leaving a small layer of fat.

Cut the meat into 2cm chunks and

return to the pan. Roast for 20 minutes until crisp and sizzling, turning regularly.

– Meanwhile, put the ketchup, soy sauce, honey fish sauce and remaining bourbon into a small pan. Set over a high heat and bubble for 5 mins until thick and syrupy. Pour over the chunks of pork and toss to coat.

Roast for 10 mins more until sticky.

– Snip the chives into the sour cream, and serve alongside the pork chunks with cocktail sticks.

YOU Magazine | 37

PHOTO MARG BROWNLIE

Christmas pie This is a must have for your picnic, loved by adults and children alike.

2T olive oil Knob butter 1 onion, finely chopped 500g sausage meat or skinned sausages Grated zest of 1 lemon 100g fresh white breadcrumbs 85g ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped 50g chestnuts, canned, chopped 2t chopped fresh or 1t dried thyme 100g cranberries, fresh or frozen 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts 500g pack ready-made shortcrust

pastry Beaten egg, to glaze

– Heat oven to 190°C. Heat 1T oil and the butter in a frying pan, then add the onion and fry for five minutes until softened. Cool slightly. Tip the sausage meat, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, apricots, chestnuts and thyme into a bowl. Add the onion and cranberries, and mix everything together with your hands, adding plenty of pepper and a little salt.

– Cut each chicken breast into three fillets lengthwise and season all over with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan, and fry the chicken fillets quickly until browned, about 6-8 mins.

– Roll out two-thirds of the pastry to

line a 20-23cm springform or deep loose-based tart tin. Press in half the sausage mix and spread out so it is level in the tin. Add the chicken pieces in one layer and cover with the rest of the sausage mixture. Press down lightly.

– Roll out the remaining pastry. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and cover with the pastry lid.

Pinch the edges to seal, then trim.

Brush the top of the pie with egg, then roll out the trimmings to make holly leaf shapes and berries. Decorate the pie and brush again with egg.

– Set the tin on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 mins, then cool in the tin for 15 mins. Remove and leave to cool completely.

– Serve with a yummy chutney.

38 | YOU Magazine

Top 10 ways to avoid all NATURALLY YOU with Jane Logie

Keep it simple – the more complex you make Christmas, the more stressful it will become for you.

Try to find ways to keep Christmas shopping and entertaining simple this year. You will definitely feel a lot less stressed and it will then be a more enjoyable process.

– Plan ahead: If you haven’t started buying your presents for Christmas it is best to start now to get ahead of the Christmas rush and anxiety that creeps in with leaving the present buying to the last minute and you will then avoid all the other anxious people that have left their present buying to the last minute.

– Ask for help: Whether it is with the present buying, the entertaining or the organising of the Christmas Day festivities. It is a rather a big task if you take it all on board on your own. Therefore ask for help and you will find there is a lot less pressure put on you to achieve all the things that need to be done.

– Share the responsibility: If you find that you are the only one doing the catering for Christmas Day, ask the other women or men that will be attending Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner to bring something to add that will help you out and make it a shared experience.

– Don’t take it too seriously: Christmas is meant to be a fun time of year and purely a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy one another’s company and have a laugh or two. All of the Christmas fuss is really just added

extra to help the theme of Christmas feel and look right.

– Enjoy the moment: Since Christmas Day is ONLY one day of the year that goes in the blink of an eye, make sure you stop to enjoy the moment. Since the day goes so fast, remember to enjoy it rather that rushing through the day and thinking you can relax when Boxing Day arrives.

– Buy what is needed: Think about what is needed only and this may be a way to avoid some of the Christmas stress, because really we don’t need much to enjoy the day, as it is often a common

thread of the day that we end up with too many presents and too much food.

Try not to get carried away with the Christmas day hype.

– Don’t panic: Take a deep breath or two or three and take the Christmas festivities in your stride. If you find yourself panicking, this is when you will tend to over-spend and buy too many Christmas presents and make too much Christmas food, that in hindsight was possibly not necessary if you managed to keep the panic out of the Christmas equation.

– Try not to please everyone: Everyone knows Christmas can become a really

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the Christmas stress You can choose to do one of the dishes or all three.

Panko crumb prawns, with Asian dipping sauce 12 prawns, thawed with tails left on.

– Place the prawns through flour, then a whisked egg, then panko crumb mix, and then shallow fry in rice bran oil (about the height of the prawn on a medium heat in a pan on the stovetop) until golden brown on both sides (cook prawns about 2 mins on each side).

Serve with Asian dipping sauce.

Asian dipping sauce: 2T of sweet thai chilli sauce Juice of 1/2 lime 2t fish sauce

stressful day of the year that seems to be about trying to please all family and friends and being together. It makes Christmas into such a crazy day and too stressful. Perhaps catch up with family and friends days or weeks before Christmas or the day after, to spread the Christmas cheer out a little more.

EASY PRAWNS THREE WAYS Pan-fried sweet chilli prawns with garlic aioli

12 prawns, thawed, with a cut down the top side of each prawn.

– Season with salt and white pepper, pan-fry with 1T of olive oil, 1/4 t minced chilli, 1/4 t lime zest and juice of 1/4 lime, 1/4 t minced ginger and 1/2 t butter, saute until prawns are cooked and brown on the outside.

Serve with garlic aioli as a dipping sauce.

Garlic aioli 1/2 T of minced fresh garlic 1 egg yolk – room temp 2T fresh lemon juice (place these ingredients in a clean food processor and the drizzle in the olive oil slowly) 1C light olive oil (if use extra virgin olive oil it will just taste a lot sharper) 4T cold water for thinning (place water in and thin to desired consistency) 1/2 t salt 1/4 t white pepper – Keep it low-key: By not making Christmas an elaborate day and keeping it all bit more low-key you will find that it will be a more enjoyable experience.

As long as the weather is good to us on Christmas Day, that is all that will really matter.

Try and make your Christmas this year

YOU Magazine | 39

– Use half of the aioli and set aside the other half to be used for the advocado dipping sauce if you’re going to make the next recipe.

BBQ prawns with avocado dipping sauce 12 prawns – Place on skewers (soaked in water for 2 minutes and snapped in half), three prawns per skewer.

– Season with salt and pepper, BBQ or grill in the oven. Serve with advocado dipping sauce.

Advocado dipping sauce 1/4 vigorously mashed advocado 1/2 t chopped, fresh coriander Juice of 1/4 lime juice – Use half of the garlic aioli recipe and add in the advocado, coriander and lime juice.

as stress-free as possible.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all.

With the compliments of Jane Logie, a medicinal herbalist, clinical nutritionist and chef from Methven

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40 | YOU Magazine

YOUR FOOD GUIDE in Ashburton

MIYABI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Only fine Japanese Restaurant and Teppan Yaki in Mid Canterbury We can accommodate your company lunches or dinners, or large parties.

Lunch: Wednesday - Sunday 11.30am - 5pm Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday 5pm - 9pm Unit 4, 688 East Street Ashburton Phone 03 308 8080 Follow us on Facebook

THE LAKE HOUSE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT A truly stunning setting, located on the edge of Lake Hood, offering coffee and cake, a refreshing beverage with a decadent platter, a cafe lunch or an exquisite dinner.

Phone 03 302 6064 or book online.

Open

7 days a week 10am – 10pm

10 Huntingdon Avenue Lake Hood Phone 03 302 6064 www.lakehouselakehood.co.nz

ALL FED UP All Fed Up is Ashburton’s locally owned and operated catering company offering: Great Food...Great Service and Presentation.

All those little details, we’ll remember and take care of them...Nothing is a problem!

Open

7 days

PO Box 227, Ashburton Phone 03 307 2278 or 0274 326 047 www.allfedup.co.nz

CLEARWATER RESTAURANT

CHARMING THAI

SPEIGHT’S ALE HOUSE ASHBURTON

Clearwater Restaurant is one of the best in the district. It is a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, with a reputation for professional service and warm hospitality.

Chefs are brought from popular restaurant in Thailand, the restaurant has been serving Ashburton for over 10 years.

Whether it be live sport on the Big Screen, dinner with the family, beers with friends or relaxing in the alfresco dining area, the Ashburton Alehouse has something for everyone.

You’ll be impressed by the ambience of our restaurant and the quality and innovation featured in our menu.

Open

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week

11 Racecourse Road Ashburton 03 307 8887 www.hotelash.co.nz

Lunch Tuesday - Saturday 11.30am - 2pm Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5pm - 9pm Monday closed 148 East Street, Ashburton Phone 03 308 5885 Follow us on Facebook

Bookings recommended Open

7 days from 11am till late

245 Burnett Street, Ashburton 03 308 5980 www.speights.co.nz

YOU Magazine | 41

YOUR FOOD GUIDE in and around Methven

METHVEN RESORT Sojourn Restaurant & Bar caters to locals and hotel guests alike with delicious a la carte menu options and sumptuous carvery buffet cuisine for group dining.

Book your next event with us!

BRINKLEY RESORT Brinkley Resort’s Alpine Conference Centre is one of Canterbury’s leading venues for conferences and weddings and also caters for training seminars, product launches, anniversaries and family reunions. In fact any corporate function or social celebration.

Available all year round.

Open: 6 nights/w 6.00pm–9.00pm (Closed Tuesday)

Remember at Brinkley’s mixing business with pleasure is our specialty.

51 Main St, Methven Phone 03 302 8724 www.methvenresort.com

43 Barkers Rd, Methven Phone 03 302 8885 www.brinkleyresort.co.nz

TERRACE DOWNS Enjoy a delicious meal in a rustically luxurious clubhouse with spectacular views.

Open daily Snack menu and cabinet food 10am - 6pm Lunch menu 11:30am - 3pm Dinner upon reservations

The Brown Restaurant & Fireside Bar offers more than one would expect from your standard pub fare with classic country favourites and a range of tasty mains dishes to suit all tastes. Extensive restaurant quality takeaway menu. Kids 10 and under eat for free in our family friendly spaces. (t’s & c’s apply) Fantastic new outdoor space available to hire.

Open:

7 days for lunch and dinner

Cnr Main Street & Forest Drive, Methven, Mt Hutt Village Phone 03 302 8045 www.brownpub.co.nz

CAFÉ 131

THE BLUE PUB

Delicious coffee!

Extensive all day menu plus a selection of tasty mains and house made desserts for relaxed evening dining. Also offering Samuels Summit Venue for your next corporate function or Christmas party.

Regular live music in the main bar if you chose to make a night of it. Above all else, we aim to please.

All day full breakfast and much more...

Join us for our delicious Sunday Buffet every week 12:30pm

Open: 7 days for lunch and dinner

Booking essential 623 Coleridge Road, Windwhistle Phone 03 318 6943 www.terracedowns.co.nz

THE BROWN PUB

Open:

Daily from 7.30am

131 Main Street, Methven Phone 03 302 9131

2 Barkers Rd, Methven, Mt Hutt Village Phone 03 302 8046 www.thebluepub.com

42 | YOU Magazine

OUT AND ABOUT @ Geraldine Arts and Plants Festival

Geraldine’s annual Arts and Plants Festival once more attracted thousands to the picturesque town last month.

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Above – Rebecca Young (left) and Esther Sabey.

PHOTOS AMANDA KONYN 131115-AK-102

Above – Sue and Paul Houston.

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Above – Cindi Tindall (left) and Margaret Kerr.

Below – Jude and Gary Parata.

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Above – Karen and Colin Robbins.

Below – Suzanne Nijjar (left) and Kath Bryant.

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Above – Jenny Fairbrother and Keith Livingstone.

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Above – Elaine and Gordon Goodfellow.

YOUR CHRISTMAS STORE OF CHOICE For the men in your life

Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm | Sat 10am – 2pm | Sun 11am – 2pm

East Street, Ashburton - Phone 308 5771 - www.sparrows.co.nz

YOU Magazine | 43

OUT AND ABOUT @ Mt Somers When the village of Mt Somers celebrated its 150th birthday, ex-residents came from around New Zealand to celebrate. Ashburton Guardian photographer Tetsuro Mitomo was there during Saturday afternoon’s celebrations.

PHOTOS TETSURO MITOMO 071115-TM-203

Above (from left) – Aileen Sandrey, Christina Humm and John Sandrey.

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Jackie Hunter-Letham (left) and Lyndene Rea.

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Above (from left) – Marina Bryant, Rayma and Roger White.

Below – Joy Hayes, Diana Gray and Richard Morling.

Above (from left) – Barry Kerr, Alan Totty and Richard Joseph.

Below – Yvonne Hughes (left) and Daphne Symes.

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Above – Colin and Lillian Urquhart.

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071115-TM-196

Above – Ken Alexander (left) and Alan Dent.

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