Savvy February 2015

INSPIRED BY NORTHLAND

INSIDE Young mum brings back concept of sharing

MAT LARK SMOOVE OPERATOR

s u l P

WAIPU HOME Class and glass

FEBRUARY 2015

SAVVY

window shopping

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1. SARAHLEE BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

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Treat him this Valentines Day, while treating yourself!

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Sarahlee Studio specialises in fashion inspired elegant glamour portraits, celebrating inner beauty and revealing the hidden you we love. Every portrait session includes; pre-shoot styling consultation, makeover, photo shoot, multiple outfit changes, personal viewing session and A La Carte print options.

Every couple’s shoot booked before the end of February qualifies for our 2for1 Valentine’s deal!

Sarahlee, Boutique Photography Studio Phone 027 459 7280 ‘Old Library Building’ Whangarei www.sarahleestudio.co.nz Gift vouchers available.

2. COMMUNITY EDUCATION WHANGAREI CLASSES FOR ADULTS @ KAMO HIGH SCHOOL Do you have a chair or a stool that needs recovering? Have you found an item at your local second-hand store but the material is worn or drab?

Restore shabby looking furniture and make it look like new! Learn the basics of upholstery in a weekend workshop. Dont’ throw out grandma’s old armchair, instead upcycle and give it a new lease of life!

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For full details visit www.cew.ac.nz.

Enquiries ph 435 0889 or email cew@kamohigh.school.nz Brochures available from your local library or Kamo High School

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3. HIMALAYAN TRADING POST FABULOUS BRASS Our fabulous collection of brass handmade earrings will add coour and class to any outfit!

Mon - Fri 9.30am-5.00pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm Ph 430 2040, 89 Cameron Street WHANGAREI NEW SHOP NOW OPEN AT OCEANS RESORT, TUTUKAKA. PHONE 434 3883 www.himalayantradingpost.co.nz

4. PAM SAROZ AT DOROTHY ANNE’S FLORIST FLOWERS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY We offer a wonderful range of flowers for Valentine’s Day from Valentine’s Day roses, Valentine’s Day flowers, and beautiful gift baskets in combination with flowers as well.

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Out boutique shop is under new management and will continue to assist you in your needs and budgets, from single stem roses to a dozen roses or more. Phone to arrange delivery to your loved ones!

188 Bank Street, Regent.

Phone 438 6243 or 438 7370 www.dorothysflorist.co.nz

5. TUTUKAKA BEACH SHOP BEAUTIFUL SWIMWEAR AND VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

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Visit the unique Tutukaka Surf Beach shop opposite Tutukaka Boat Ramp, packed with gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, home decor and beautiful swimwear Tutukaka Beach Shop, Marina Road, Tutukaka Ph 434 4135 www.tutukakasurf.co.nz Find us on facebook

6. NORTHLAND HOSPITALITY ICE CREAM MAKING CREATES FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Super Special Price $139 Northland Hospitality, 106 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei Open Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm, Sat 9am - 1pm www.northlandhospitality.co.nz

content

SAVVY

3

february 2015

CONSCIOUS LIVING

Insignificant other

Our people 4 5

by SHARON GIBSON

Mat Lark is a smoove operator Young mum sharing and caring

How many times have you heard someone being introduced as the significant other?

If we stop for a minute and look at that, it’s quite heavy is it not? Significant meaning important, yes — of course, but it’s not much fun being so significant to someone all the time now, is it? That’s a lot to live up to.

Some people are fortunate enough to have met their loved one early on in life, knowing that they will be an addition of joy and adventure in each other’s lives for this lifetime, while for many of us — it has not been so black and white. Which again, is all part of the adventure of living, albeit you are able to come away with a new sense of wisdom and emotional maturity.

I have always been curious as to what makes a healthy happy relationship, having been through a few disasters myself; I made a commitment to be more educated about relationships. My concern for people especially youth is being very aware not to fall into a dependent situation with a significant other. What would it take for them to learn to create from a sense of joy and from choice?

Play with these tools if you’d like to change a few things with your playmate.

Fashion 7

Luxury shades with a point of difference

Beauty

6 The secret to great hair 8 Give your face a luminous glow

Home trends 13 A touch of class and glass

Books

■ If you create your relationship from necessity, you have no choice

17 Dragon boys on new adventure

■ What are five things you are truly grateful for in your partner?

Giveaways

■ What can you add to each other’s lives today that would create more fun?

■ Do you both have the space to create with your own friends?

19 Be in to win

■ How can your relationship be even greater today than it was yesterday?

■ Are you showing up in totality in your relationship with your playmate?

INSPIRED BY NORTHLAND

FEBRUARY 2015

EDITORIAL: Leigh Bramwell, Philippa Mannagh, Colleen Thorpe email savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz ADVERTISING: Yuan Zhang. email yuan.zhang@northernadvocate.co.nz PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Cunningham, John Stone

INSIDE Young mum brings back concept of sharing

MAT LARK SMOOVE OPERATOR

Plus

WAIPU HOME

Produced monthly by: The Northern Advocate, 88 Robert St, Whangarei

Class and glass

COVER PHOTO: John Stone

CONTACT US

Final Summer Clearance

½ price 50% off all Summer Fashion!

SHOP ONLINE www.shop.malletts.co.nz WHANGAREI: Cnr Bank & Cameron Sts · 09 438 2025 KERIKERI: 64 Kerikeri Rd · 09 401 7208

So just for today, just for fun, why not introduce your partner as our ‘insignificant’ other? Live today as if it’s the beginning of your life! Enjoy.

Sharon Gibson is a LIFE & STYLE Coach based in Northland. Contact her at 0212 442 811 or sharon.fgibson@gmail.com

our people

SAVVY

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Mat Lark — the Willy Wonka of vintage clothing

by LEIGH BRAMWELL

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Mat Lark and his team outside the Paihia shop Smoove Reworked Vintage. kinds of things,” he explains.

When Smoove started out it was mostly men’s clothing — Hawaiian shirts and the like — but the market changed and although the shops still sell men’s garments, the emphasis has moved to women’s wear.

The Paihia shop opened late last year and Mat says the response from locals has been ‘unbelievable’, although some were concerned it might have been just a summer business.

But the shop is here to stay, and Mat still has in mind that

WILL BE RELOCATED TO

CA TIO RE LO

Paihia might be the place to live, as well as to run a business.

“There are some amazing beaches up here,” he says. “I’ve travelled a lot and I can say that Matauri Bay is world class.”

The Paihia shop may be his last — he wants to keep the business to a size where he can continue to be involved with his customers and do the work he enjoys.

“I’m too hands-on to let that go,” he says, “and anyway making money for money’s sake is not a healthy option.”

WE’RE IN ALL THE MAIN CENTRES NOW — AUCKLAND, WELLINGTON AND PAIHIA

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at Lark can see himself living in Paihia one day. He’s visited the town several times because he has friends there, and it was on one of those visits the idea of opening a small shop took hold.

Mat’s the inspiration behind Smoove Reworked Vintage, a trio of shops selling reworked vintage clothing for men and women. “We’re in all the main centres now — Auckland, Wellington and Paihia,” the 48 year old jokes.

Smoove started 20 years ago when Mat left his job as a chef for Air New Zealand and went travelling. He’d always been interested in clothing, designing garments and selling then at Victoria Park Market when he was younger, and then on his travels picking up items and reselling them in London.

When he came back to New Zealand he’d collected up a lot of cool clothing that he felt was too good to sell at the markets — “it was the age of grunge and a garment had to have a hole in it to sell.”

Then he discovered a small space to let close to where the Metropolis was being built in High Street. It was beside a dairy so people who came to buy their milk and bread poked their heads into Mat’s shop. He describes it as "an alternative eclectic wonderland; like Willy Wonka for clothes".

He continues to buy stock from all over the world, looking at thousands of garments from which he hand-picks the ones he wants.“I might decide to shorten them, use the spare fabric to make a belt, add an elasticized waist, cut the sleeves off and make caps or turnbacks — those

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We also stock a great selection of designer everyday wear!

71 Cameron Street, Whangarei | P: 09 438 7770 | E: whangareiredruby@xtra.co.nz

SAVVY

our people

Young mum brings back concept of sharing

SHOES

Unique styles,

lourer.s! fun co for Summ Perfect

$109.90

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MARIQUITA

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PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Whangarei mum Laura Cates is on a mission to help locals eat quality fresh fruit and veg — and save money.

PHILIPPA MANNAGH talks to Laura about her Fresh Food Collective.

WHAT IS FRESH FOOD COLLECTIVE? Fresh food collective is an alternative way to buy fresh produce at heavily reduced prices. It is modelled on a co-op style arrangement whereby the customers order and pay for in advance for the following week, so the fruit and veg can be purchased in bulk, and only the amount required to fill orders is purchased so there is no waste or spoiling. The produce is then packaged into $10 or $20 lots and collected once a week from our distribution point. We reduce the overheads as much as possible — at this stage the packers are all volunteers so if you’re able to spare a couple of hours on a Tuesday afternoon to help out, please get in touch!

any, I looked further afield and started investigating options and how this could be implemented in our community.

so far each pack has saved over 40 per cent of the equivalent shop in a supermarket.

WHERE DID YOU FIRST HEAR OF THIS TYPE OF SYSTEM AND HOW HAS IT HELPED PEOPLE?

HOW DO YOU SEE THIS INITIATIVE HELPING THE PEOPLE OF WHANGAREI IN THE FUTURE AND WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR FRESH FOOD COLLECTIVE?

I’m not sure where I first learned about the idea but I started researching co-ops and came across the one in Christchurch. The Canterbury DHB were involved in setting it up (and were really generous with their knowledge in setting ours up) and it has been growing for the last few years. The residents of Christchurch really embraced it after the earthquakes. A lot of people have this same system working within their community, it all comes back to sharing. Get a great deal, buy a bit more than you need, pass it over the fence to your neighbour. It’s a shame that the way we live now has moved away from such a simple and valuable concept. The obvious benefits are saving money, eating better and feeling better as a result of living a healthier life.

These flow on effects then benefit the children with good habits for example more variety in lunch boxes.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO START THIS SERVICE IN WHANGAREI?

HOW MUCH COULD PEOPLE BE SAVING ON THEIR FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES A WEEK?

Eating well is really important to me, and dropping from two incomes to one while on maternity leave made it really difficult to continue to buy the volume of fresh food that we were used to. After looking for a cheaper option and not finding

It really depends on the number of orders we have each week – generally the larger the number of orders, the greater the variety and savings. It also depends on the season, the weather — there may be a glut of something which we can pick up very cheaply. But,

I’ve been really excited by the positive response so far. It’s great value for everybody but I would love to see it being embraced by people who are struggling to make good food choices for financial reasons. I also hope that its reach goes a little further than the food. My hope is that it becomes a real community of people, swapping between each other, helping each other out, sharing the excess. A place to meet new people and share a laugh. Going forward I would like to open more distribution points around Northland so that we are able to help families all over the North.

IF A FAMILY IS INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED OR USING THIS SERVICE, HOW BEST TO CONTACT YOU? The best way to get in touch is via our website www.freshfoodcollective.com and using the contact us form or email us directly at freshfoodwhangarei @gmail.com. Alternatively, if no internet available, you can call or text 0212071331 and I can call you back to take your details.

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beauty

SAVVY

6

The secret to great hair over summer Well it’s that time of year again — we’re all back to work, holidays are over.

What an amazing break it’s been ... but unfortunately summer plays havoc with our hair.

Sun, salt, swimming — oh dear… if there is ever a time for shiny vibrant luscious hair its summer. But your locks will have taken a hit, often looking dull and dehydrated.

Now is the perfect time to replenish the hair with a rejuvenating treatment and a good trim to get your locks looking and feeling luscious again.

For those who had to work through summer but still want that summer, sun kissed look with your hair there is a fantastic new product on the market. Wellas “Free Lights” is an ammonia free clay based lightener that gives the hair a natural sun-kissed balayage look without drying the hair — unlike traditional powder lighteners, just gorgeous.

A wee tip to help your hair when swimming is to dampen your hair before swimming, just have some water in a spray bottle, it adds an extra layer of coating so your hair isn’t as likely to absorb 100 per cent of the chlorinated/salt water. It will be diluted because your hair is already wet. Alternatively Malibu.C offers an amazing treatment that draws out the build-up of chlorine, lifts out green and strengthens the hair to restore it back to its glory.

However best thing you can do for your hair this summer is to wear a hat!!

Happy summer from Teresa Villa Hairdressing

NAIL IT! Increase health of nails with quality products

By SUZANNE EDMONDS

N

ails are important to your overall sense of confidence, especially if you speak and express yourself with your hands as many of us do.

So taking care of the health of your nails to ensure they look their best is as important as taking care of the skin on your face.

The days of acrylics are dwindling with the innovation of new products such as gel polish. Acrylics applied well are perfectly fine, but gels are less damaging to the nail bed in the long term.

The focus on nail health is intensifying, which is encouraging in New Zealand, especially since the industry here is very unregulated.

Consumers are becoming savvier about how to identify good nail practices in salons, but there are still horror stories of dirty salons and practices that lead to infection.

There are simple things to look out for and consider when you're thinking about getting a manicure. Firstly, look around the salon and ask yourself these questions: is it clean and tidy? Is your nail therapist's appearance pleasing and do their own nails look good? Is the table at which you're sitting immaculate, including all of the towels, polishes, oils and products around you? And does your technician offer you hand sanitiser and use it on their own hands before getting started?

Another tell-tale sign of bad practice and lack of knowledge is the use of nippers on cuticles.

This should never happen.

Cuticles should never be cut because this tissue is living and cutting it leaves it open to infection. In many countries this practice is in fact banned, but in New Zealand's under-regulated industry, it still goes on.

Also make sure that when

Emma Richards • Over 20 years’ experience • Trained in Cambridge UK • Specializing in all aspects of hairdressing • Loving making clients feel special • Working Tues – Sat

WELCOMING SPECIAL! HALF PRICE cut & blow wave when you book any colour service with Emma till 31st Mar 2015.

your nails are being filed to prepare for gels or acrylics that it's very light and fine. Heavy filing damages the nail bed, which is vital to good nail health. The filing should also be in a downward fashion that

We believe that perfect beauty is different for every woman.

Considering every individual’s unique features and needs we then conceive the ultimate individualized look that’s effortless and sophisticated.

follows the round shape of your cuticle- straight up and down filing goes against the natural grain of your nail and causes damage.

Often technicians succumb to these pitfalls due lack of training

HOTTEST TREND

At Villa Hairdressing, it’s all about you.

Is stone-washed blondes & brunettes, with an

Meet the team

as if created by sun, wind & sea – but only better.

Ngahina, Daniel, Emma , Teresa and Jayne

in nail health. Nail treatments shouldn't be detrimental to your natural nails. In fact when you apply a quality product, such as nail varnish or gel varnish you can in fact increase their good health.

‘EFFORTLESS NATURAL LOOK’

Book your appointment & receive a travel size Sebastian Potion 9 containing 9 essential oils for beautiful glamorous hair.

Voted best product by Beauty Awards 2014.

Ph 438 4897 ·190 Bank St · Whangarei · Open Tuesday - Saturday

villa hairdressing

fashion

SAVVY

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Luxury shades with point of difference S ince opening her first store in 1999, Andrea Moore has made her name as a quiet force in New Zealand fashion.

Her commitment to fine tailoring and careful craftsmanship combined with her love of colour has attracted a devoted audience of customers looking for everyday luxury with a point of difference.

Moore's own thoughtful design aesthetic is steeped in a love of fine art and literature; and combined with her playful attitude results in a brand that is as refined as it is exuberant.

From silhouette to material choice and colour, Moore's designs are a constant play between masculinity and feminine aesthetics.

The Andrea Moore accessory range comprises of jewellery, handbags, nail polish, scarfs and footwear.

Andrea Moore's first collection of eyewear marks the beginning of another exciting design journey with styles that represent a new take on the brand's aesthetic and a commitment to quality.

The premium frames are manufactured from Italian-made

acetate — a sophisticated glamour and an incredible depth of shine are achieved when each pair is tumbled in olive oil for two weeks.

Globally renowned Sola lenses offer superior eye protection, and the longevity of the ‘optical-ready’ frames is ensured with French, 24 carat gold-coated hinges.

In contrast with the bold hues, designer Andrea Moore has chosen a paired back palette for her eyewear debut. Tones of nude, black, tortoiseshell and crystal make for a classic, trans-seasonal beauty and a silver-screen presence.

■ GAABO is proud to have been selected as exclusive stockist of the entire ANDREA MOORE Accessory Range designed to co-ordinate this season’s hot fashion colours and trends. Visit Gaabo, 15 Rathbone St, Whangarei

NEW SEASON FASHION IN STORE NOW Hurry in to touch the latest fashion trends and the best European labels!

Shop Gaabo for the stunning accessories from top New Zealand designer Andrea Moore. Her latest range embraces emininity and luxury in the designs, exuding a feeling of individuality and success.

EYEWEAR · BAGS · SHOES · SCARFS · NAIL POLISHES

15 Rathbone Street Whangarei | 09 430 0339

beauty

SAVVY

8

Natural brush-off gives your face a luminous glow Beauty enthusiast Suzanne Edmonds explores the best ways to take care of ourselves so we’ll love the skin we’re in

T

HE THOUGHT of microscopic flat crystals overlapping each other on my skin to give it a silky, luminous, flawless finish has always appealed. That's just what mineral makeup does. In the results-driven and highly competitive beauty industry, skin care and makeup technology is advancing at a rapid rate, and that's no different in the mineral sphere. It has a specific look and feel - one that's smoothing and natural. The overlapping crystals form a breathable, filtering and lightreflecting layer as they scatter light and almost melt on to the skin's surface to smooth pores and imperfections. The natural hypo-allergenic qualities of mineral are also championed against other products on the market that incorporate

synthetic ingredients. Because of this natural aspect, mineral is often recommended for women with acne and other skin sensitivities. However, not all mineral makeups are created equal. You can tell a lot about them from their ingredients.

Many of the ingredients in mineral makeup are also found in some ‘‘look-alike'' products.

There's an easy rule of thumb: pure mineral makeup is distinguished not by what's in it, but by what's left out. A truly pure, hypo-allergenic mineral makeup does not contain synthetic chemicals, parabens, bizmuth oxychloride, talc, dimethicone, rice powder, corn starch and other fillers. Purists avoid products containing bizmuth oxychloride. It is well documented that this compound can irritate. So people with sensitive skin or who want hypoallergenic benefits should avoid products containing it. Other elements to avoid include preservatives, mineral oil, chemical dyes and fragrance.

These all lead to possible causes of irritation, which is why many dermatologists recommend a high quality mineral makeup with no fillers. So make sure

Good quality, soft, natural fibres make an enormous difference to the smoothness of your makeup's finish.

your choice of mineral makeup hasn't been ‘‘cut'' with other fillers, that the quality of the minerals used is high and don't be enticed by a low price.

Another factor to consider is the powder's micron size. Too fine, the powder will sit in and accentuate fine lines and dry

areas. If the micron size is too big it will block pores and slide off the face. For application, particularly of mineral foundation, there's only one tool.

That's a dense, compact brush, known as a Kabuki (inspired by the brush Japanese Kabuki performers use to create their

unique makeup). Kabuki bristles hold on to the minerals and aid even distribution on skin. Swirling it around in the lid to collect the mineral powder then applying with a buffing motion will provide everything from medium to full coverage, depending on the number of applications. Natural fibres are best for mineral powders because unlike synthetics, natural hair has scales, making them more porous so they hold the minerals longer. Natural fibres work best with powders (loose powder foundations, eyeshadows, bronzers and blushers), while synthetic fibres work best with creams (lipsticks, cream foundations, concealers and cream blush).

Natural hair can at first moult a little, but will settle after a short time. Kabuki brushes should be high quality, natural, soft hair that is durable, such as goat fibre.

MEET OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER

VANESSA CARTER CELEBRATING OUR NOW OPEN MONDAYS Vanessa has been hairdressing for ten years, and has recently returned home after six years of working in Australia.

FIRST BIRTHDAY! DUE TO POPULAR We would like to invite clients, friends and family to join us in celebrating our first year in business.

5PM-7PM, FRIDAY 6TH MARCH Presenting the highlights of our competition and show work over the past year with live music, spot giveaways and refreshments.

DEMAND WE ARE EXTENDING OUR HOURS

From February 9 we are opening on Mondays and adding an extra late night on Tuesdays.

MONDAY 9AM-4PM TUESDAY 9AM-8PM WEDNESDAY 9AM-5PM

“Vanessa was truly fantastic with her product knowledge, her customer service, delivery and care – I would recommend her and your team there to everyone I know.”

JAN WALTERS - WHANGAREI. JANUARY 2015

Call in to the Salon for your complimentary tickets, and be sure to bring them with you for a chance to win on the night!

THURSDAY 9.30AM-8PM FRIDAY 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-2PM

09 438 8218 74 Maunu Road, Whangarei www.threehairdressing.co.nz

health

SAVVY

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Fitness morphed into family fun One of the few things you can guarantee in life is change. You can choose to sit on the side lines and let life make the changes for you, or take control and steer them in a direction that’ll enrich your life.

Matt Rufus-Ellis chose the latter — leaving his job to do what he loves and fulfill a desire to create healthier families.

He’s transformed his passion and qualifications as a personal trainer into ‘Metamorph Fitness’ — a business venture with partner Cara Cassidy to provide people with a fun, friendly and affordable way of improving their health. With two young children themselves, they know only too well how difficult it is to juggle things, so they’ve made provision for families to get involved too. The kids can either join in with you, or you can pay just $2 and Cara will look after them while you train with Matt.

Metamorph Fitness offer the convenience of bootcamps at a variety of parks around Whangarei at 6 am, 9 am and 6.30 pm as well as one-on-one sessions at Kensington Gym. Matt and Cara are keen to encourage people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and fitness levels to get off their butts and boost their health. Their enthusiasm is infectious. So much so that they managed to convince me to do an hour of one-onone training — and I don’t do anaerobic stuff, yoga and floating fitness being more my style!

I hate to admit it, but I’m now

converted despite the fact the skies decided to open big time just as I arrived at Kensington Park at 7am last week.

Matt talked me through the tailored workout he’d designed for me; demonstrating each one as he went. His encouraging words and mischievous smile helped me push through the pain barrier while doing 30 second squats. I was soaked to the skin but came away smiling — chuffed I’d made it and feeling surprising refreshed in more ways than one.

The important thing to remember is that it’s not about competing with others — it’s about improving yourself — and you’re never too old to start. Matt’s 82 year old nan joined in last week; inspiring him to create a Seniors Bootcamp. If you prefer to work out at home, he’s even developed skype and videos to ensure everyone and anyone can join in on the quest to make a healthier community. Discover how they can help you on their website www.metamorphfitness.co.nz and keep an eye on their facebook page for up to date information.

Whangarei Treatment Providers Offers a comprehensive range of Healthcare Treatments acupunture cranial osteopathy osteopathy naturopathy therapeutic massage herbal medicine

homeopathy

cosmetic acupuncture structural integration

• Unit 2,11 Norfolk Street, Whangarei Monday to Friday, late night Thursday & Saturday morning • 5 The Centre, Waipu • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday • 42 Normanby St, Dargaville • Monday & Thursday For appointments phone:

09 438 3144

Leaders of Integrated Healthcare • www.wtp.co.nz

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Hair loss could be related to thyroid Herbalist LES helps address health issues the natural way

I’m 55 years old and over the past 7 years have noticed my hair is really thinning all over with only about one quarter of the volume, or less, than it was. Have you any advice - thank you.

— Julie There are several common types of hair loss/hair thinning in women.

General shedding of hair is typically hair lost throughout the head. You'll often notice more hair in drains and in the shower, in hair brushes, and when you brush your hair, but there are no specific patches of loss or even baldness.

First of all it’s very important to get your thyroid function checked out so talk to your doctor about this. With both an underactive or an over-active thyroid, prior to treatment this is the most common form of hair loss in general.

In menopausal women the most common cause of hair loss is a low thyroid function.

If we eliminate a thyroid imbalance, a second type of hair loss is more commonly associated with fungal infection or auto-immune alopecia areata. This involves circular patches of hair loss and, in some cases, complete loss of hair in these small patches. These sorts of hair loss problems are not particularly associated with thyroid problems.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disease. The immune system makes white blood cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies to protect against foreign objects such as bacteria, viruses, and other germs. In autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part or parts of the body as foreign. In people with alopecia areata, many white blood cells gather around the affected hair roots (hair follicles) which are mistaken as foreign.

This causes some mild inflammation which leads in some way to hairs

becoming weak and falling out to cause the bald patches.

Sometimes hair loss or thinning occurs as a result of stress, excessive weight loss or iron deficiency. The Mayo Clinic reports about 20 percent of women with thinning hair suffer from an iron deficiency.

To support healthy hair growth you should take a good multivitamin that includes hair-healthy vitamins such as B, C, D and E. Other important nutrients are calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron so make sure any multi vitamin and mineral supplement you take contains all these. Good Health Women’s Care is available from www.healthpost.co.nz A fish oil supplement containing vitamin D and essential fatty acids will help to support healthy immunity and soothe inflammation. Nutra-Life Omega 3 Fish Oil plus Vitamin D is also available from Healthpost

I would certainly give the supplement Simba (African potato tuber) a try. Simba works to balance and regulate the immune system and restore normal immune functioning. You do need to persevere and be patient as it will take around 6 weeks to get into the system and begin to take effect. www.littleherbalcompany.co.nz Products mentioned are also available from Hardys in Kerikeri and Greenworld in Kaikohe.

■ If you have a question for Les please e mail her: herbalist@littleherbalcompany.co.nz

One on One. Buddy & Group Training available Casual and No contract Membership Monday to Saturday 6 am, 9 am and 6.30 pm

BOOTCAMPS AT LOCAL WHANGAREI PARKS: Morningside. Mander.

Whau Valley. Tikipunga. Raumanga

AND/OR TRAINING AT KENSINGTON GYM

Web: www.metamorphfitness.co.nz

Phone: MATT – 022 429 1752

Matt Rufus - Ellis iner nal Tra Certified Perso

informing and Encouraging, . to stay on track u yo challenging

*Conditions apply, see full terms and conditions in clinic. Oer ends February 28th 2015. **Conditions apply, Top to Toe Beauty Packs available at participating Caci clinics to the ďŹ rst 10 ChillSculpt™ programme members per clinic. Not to be used in conjunction with any other oer.

Caci Whangarei, 110 Bank St. Call 0800 458 458 or visit caci.co.nz for your free consultation.

Ask us about our exclusive guarantee* and easy payment options.

Until 28 February, Caci are offering you the opportunity to treat two areas for the price of one with their laser hair removal programme. This special offer from Caci will only be available once this year!

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3. Forget about ingrown hairs. Laser Hair removal is the best option when it comes to talking and preventing ingrown hairs. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, laser hair removal will stop them and help to prevent more from occurring.

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How many treatments will I need to see results?

Most people will need a minimum of four sessions per area. Results will vary, some people may

!

fat cells for up to four to six months after treatment.

Are there any side effects, is it safe?

With over 1 million cryolipolysis procedures worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for non-surgical fat reduction. Following the procedure typical side effects include

effects may occur. These can be discussed with the Caci Registered Nurse. Cryolipolysis is FDA

What happens to the fat once treated?

Once the treated fat cells have crystallized (frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated through the body’s normal metabolic process.

What does the ChillSculpt™ procedure entail?

Caci’s Registered Nurses and Senior Beauty Therapists have been extensively trained at the Caci Training Academy. Before you start, the area is marked and photos are taken, then the area is

slight pressure and intense cold, this subsides and is more comfortable within a few minutes. At the end of the session, the area is massaged. Each ChillSculpt™ session will take about an hour to complete. Many people read, watch videos, work or even nap during their treatments.

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ChillSculpt™ is not a weight loss treatment, it is designed to help alleviate stubborn unwanted fat deposits. ChillSculpt™ is recommended for people with a healthy weight range and a healthy BMI.

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romance

SAVVY

12

out, but a fresh bunch of brightcoloured flowers can be found in most dairies and service stations.

Sealed with a thoughtful gesture

THE PLAYFUL PLATONIC

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or you don’t believe in Cupid at all, everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in their own special way. From a fancy date or a girls’ night in, to a festive class party with the kids, there are activities, and treats, to suit every type of Valentine’s personality out there. Which one are you?

THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Do you look forward to Valentine’s Day every year as a time to celebrate the people you love? Then you are a hopeless romantic and you embrace everything that Valentine’s Day stands for. For you, the day should be filled with thoughtful gestures that come from the heart. Start by sending messages to the special people in your life. For a significant other, you might text famous romantic

quotes throughout the day to show your love. Top of the list for any woman is, of course, red roses. Make sure you order early from your local florist — you don’t want to miss out. If it’s true love, jewellery will make her swoon. For those on a budget, don’t worry, chocolates will always go down a treat. You can get crafty by making Sweetheart Roses, with chocolates that come in special pink and red foils, for the special day. Simply wrap two chocolates in cellophane or plastic wrap to create a rosebud shape and then attach your creation to florist

wire and wrap it in green florist tape. For a finishing touch, add a little note saying how much you care. This gift is a sweet treat . . . the perfect gift for chocolate lovers.

THE LAST-MINUTE CUPID If you are the person who waits until the commute home to swing by the store for your sweetie’s gift, you are a lastminute cupid. You like

Valentine’s Day, but you are not known to plan ahead.

Fortunately, there’s no need to worry with a few quick and impressive ideas for special gifts. To start, a handwritten card is always appreciated.

Simply say what’s in your heart — you don’t have to be Shakespeare. When the words are your own, your loved one will know you genuinely care.

Next, attach a gift that signifies all the sweet things in life — chocolates. It’s not too late for flowers, although roses may be

If you think that Valentine’s Day is more fun spent with friends, then you have a playful platonic personality. You don’t need all the mushy over-the-top romanticism — you know the true loves of your life are your friends and you want to use this day to celebrate everything they mean to you. For example, you might meet with your favorite mates for happy hour or spend the evening at home swapping manicures and pedicures with your best girlfriends. This is the perfect time to flip through some pictures and take a trip down memory lane. Make your home a festive oasis by filling a dish throughout the night with chocolates. A picnic at the beach can be made special with sandwiches cut out using a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a bottle of bubbles. Caramelcoated popcorn and a movie is a great way to spend an evening in.

■ No matter your Valentine’s Day personality, there are simple ways to make the day extra special. From yummy treats to sweet gestures, you’ll show the loved ones in your life you care — today and every day of the year.

SPOIL YOUR

LOVED ONE

WITH

JEWELLERY Shop at Steve Haywood’s Jewellers and find the perfect romantic gift from our excellent range of jewellery and watches.

Make this Valentine’s Day a day she’ll never forget with a stunning necklace from the latest Andrea Moore collection.

for Gifts ine’s nt Vale ay D

Visit the unique Tutukaka Beach Shop opposite Tutukaka Boat Ramp, packed with gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, home decor and swimwear, all top quality surf and beach related product.

OCEANS RESORT, MARINA ROAD, TUTUKAKA www.facebook.com/tsbeachshop Phone 09 434 4135 Open 7 days 9am - 5pm

10 Quayside Way, Town Basin, Whangarei Ph: 09 438 2161 | steve@masterjeweller.co.nz

home trends

SAVVY

13

FROM LEFT: The brick wall in the living area gives the space a visual anchor, and serves as a showcase for Sue’s antiques; Sue brought the timber for this outdoor table back from France; there is an easy flow from house to garden.

The sleek, minimalist house, with glass on all sides, was inspired by the world famous Glass House in Connecticut.

A touch of glass and class

By LEIGH BRAMWELL

T

he real estate advertisement for the Glass House at Waipu should read: ‘ideal for a couple, a single, a gardener or a recluse.’ At least that’s what its current owner thinks, and she knows this unique property from top to toe.

Long before minimalist houses came into fashion, Sue knew she wanted one. But not just any minimalist house — she wanted a replica of an iconic house built by architect Philip Johnson in the United States in the late 1940s.

She had always admired what

On the bedroom side of the brick wall, two matching mirrors frame the view.

became known as the Glass House, which was so far ahead of its time that it is still shockingly modern today. Johnson spent three years designing the structure, and it made him famous not just in architectural circles, but also among the public at large. The house was featured in LIFE magazine, and the New York Times Magazine published a set of cartoons about it.

She briefed a New Zealand architect to design her version of the Glass House, and says that when she was building it, she remembered her mother building a copy of a Frank Lloyd Wright house years before.

“The desire to replicate unusual

houses must run in the family.”

Sue left New Zealand when she was nine years old and travelled extensively with her mother, so she was educated mainly in Europe, and was influenced by that. “My mother would move every year so I got to look at a lot of beautiful architecture

and formal gardens,” she says.

But Philip Johnson’s Glass House remained number one in her memory and in her own version she loves the height, the space, and the fact that nothing about the building jars: “it’s like going into a beautiful Palladian room,” she says.

Sue’s house is all glass and steel and she believes it is unique in New Zealand. She has used black to frame and edge the architecture and the house sits easily in a green and blue landscape. The interior is also largely monochromatic, with a dove grey concrete floor the builder persuaded her to have.

“I was building in the winter and had wanted black tiles on floor to absorb more warmth but the builder brought me in one day and said no — you won’t need them. He was right.

The open fire is very good and the concrete floor and bricks do the rest.

I’ve never had a heater on.”

She has used brick walls, a feature in the original Glass House, in the living area, bedroom and bathroom.

They work as an anchor for the house, a visual feature, and contribute to the passive solar heating.

She has added shutters that were not in the original house and feels they elongate her design. Mirrors visually extend the interior spaces and luxurious drapes soften the look.

The house is set on a two acre block and is totally private. It flows seamlessly out into the garden, which Sue has planted very thickly with limited species — te toki for its softness, totara because it hedges well, and hedges of buxus and griselinia. She has also used oak, London plane trees and magnolia.

Most of the trees were already 10 to 15 years old when she planted them, so the garden is very well established.

The land is layered with planting and lawn right down to the water, and an added attraction is a miniature Louis VX maze. At the moment it needs a little TLC, but that will be a task for the new owner.

Sue loves the fact that the garden attracts blackbirds, thrushes and sparrows, and has also planted flaxes for the tui. The birdsong, she says, is beautiful, and she will miss it when the house is sold and she returns to a home in France later in the year.

■ FOOTNOTE: Architect Philip Johnson loved the Glass House he built in Connecticut in 1949, and lived there until he died in 2005, at the age of 98. But before he died, he passed on ownership of the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which opened it to visitors in April 2007. By July 2010, 15,000 visitors had taken the tour.

The number of tours was limited, and initially, those who wanted to visit had to buy their tickets months in advance. Johnson’s partner also died in 2005, and left a bequest to support programming and maintenance of the site.

The brick walls and black tiles give the bathroom warmth and a sense of enclosure.

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motoring

SAVVY

15

BACK SEAT DRIVERS ... cause accidents. Are you guilty?

A

licence to drive a motor vehicle is a privilege only given to people who pass the Driver Licence tests and demonstrate respect for the rights and safety of others. Being in control of any vehicle requires concentration, focus and skill.

Next time you want to ‘assist’ your driver by issuing unsolicited instructions from the passenger’s seat, think twice.

If as the driver, you’ve ever had a passenger slamming on imaginary brakes or giving you advice on how to parallel park, you’ll know how irritating a back-seat driver can be. But back-seat driving isn’t only annoying, it’s distracting and can be dangerous.

If as driver you embark on a road trip or just a short jaunt and your passenger assumes the back-seat driver role, pull over and sort out the situation before it gets out of hand.

As passenger, ensure you don’t commit these back-seatdriving offences:

LOOK OUT!!

If you’re a nervous passenger, you might worry that the driver hasn’t noticed potential dangers.

Warning the driver will probably just annoy them and possibly make them aggressive towards other drivers

CHANGING STATIONS/TRACKS You’re bored with the radio station/track playing. Time to change it and see what else is playing. Oops, don’t like that either. Perhaps there’s something better on another station. Be warned. What might seem like an innocent search for the best soundtrack on your journey can be a hazard if it distracts the driver. And, if the driver’s the one tapping the buttons or fiddling with the controls, gently offer to take over

so they can focus on the driving instead of the tunes.

THE ‘LAST-SECOND’ NAVIGATOR Telling the driver to take a right just before the turn-off means they have to slow down and make their move within seconds – possibly without indicating. It’s not difficult to see how this could cause an accident. Check the directions beforehand and give plenty of advance warning.

Or choose the safe option and take the next turning and work your way back to the correct route.

NO MORE DRAMA If, in your opinion, it’s not only your driver who could do

with a few lessons but everyone else on the road too, you need to take a deep breath and calm down. Don’t cause drama by shouting and gesturing at drivers who wait a nanosecond too long at a traffic light or do something else to rankle you – you could start a road-rage incident. Courtesy and consideration are as much part of being a good driver as alertness.

CELLPHONE MESSAGE — “YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS!” You’ve seen an update on your phone that’s made your jaw drop, and you can’t wait to share it with the driver. Bad idea.

DON’T EVER ACCEPT THIS FROM YOUR DRIVER: You do, however, have the right to speak out against any driving behaviour that makes you uncomfortable, especially:

texting

■ Drinking (or taking drugs) and driving

■ Aggressive behaviour towards other drivers, which may spark road rage

■ Talking on the phone, or When you pass someone your phone to have a quick look, it means they’ll be taking their eyes off the road. Even if it’s just for a second, the results can be

■ Speeding ■ Reckless driving and weaving through traffic

disastrous.

Old habits can be changed.

Make the next road trip a fun and enjoyable experience.

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tourism

SAVVY

16

Take a journey with NorthTec I

f you love travel and you enjoy working with people, you could find your perfect career in the tourism industry.

NorthTec, Northland’s largest tertiary education provider, offers you a chance to explore your future in a sector where no two days are the same.

You can choose between a Certificate in Travel and Tourism (level 3) or a specialist Certificate in Marine Adventure and Eco Tourism (level 5).

If you need to upgrade your academic skills first, you can enter via a level 2 Certificate in Foundation Studies, moving on to the level 3 and level 4 programmes as you progress.

To succeed in the fast-moving world of travel and tourism you need to be able to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing their dreams and providing great customer service.

If you can bring the right attitude and the ability to communicate, we can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work in all areas of the industry.

Graduates of our Certificate in Travel and Tourism learn about the NZ industry before going on to understand the worldwide travel business.

There’s a strong emphasis on

CONNECT WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, SHARE THEIR DREAMS ...

NorthTec travel and tourism graduate, Nikkita Huxtable. communicating with customers and providing exceptional service in a variety of tourism and travel settings.

You’ll also learn how to work with airline reservation systems and foreign exchange systems, and find out all about marketing

strategies, accommodations packages and travel insurance.

The Certificate in Marine Adventure and Eco Tourism, based at our Kerikeri campus near the much-visited Bay of Islands, equips students for a career in the outdoor recreation

and maritime tourism field. All students gain a good skill base in sailing, kayak guiding, power boating, scuba diving, ecology and conservation and risk management.

Graduates are ready to move straight into employment in a

variety of industries, or can progress to diploma and degree level study in sports or environmental studies.

So get ready to start your journey with NorthTec; visit www.northtec.ac.nz, or call 0800 162 100 for more information.

Stay close

GO FAR R

Noho tata, haere tawhiti

Study Tourism The Certificate in Travel and Tourism isn’t just about learning ‘how-to’, or getting a qualification. It’s about developing the attitude, the personality, and the confidence to get out there and get the job you want in this dynamic industry.

When you work in the tourism and travel industry you are selling dreams. You have to be able to connect with people, to share their dream and stimulate their enthusiasm - and that takes a certain attitude.

That’s why this programme isn’t just about the nitty-gritty of the travel industry – it’s about taking a personal journey too – learning personal and professional skills that will serve you well in whatever field you ultimately end up in.

Enrol now for 2015

Freephone: 0800 162 100

www.northtec.ac.nz Refer to our website for terms and conditions

Information session

Come and meet the tutor to find out more Tuesday 10th February from 3.00-5.00pm.

Shop 15, Strand Mall, Whangarei

books

SAVVY

17

Dragon boys on new adventure

By Colleen Thorpe

I

HAVE a little boy at home who is set to ride his own dragon. After reading (and reading, and reading) the final book in the best-selling Dragon Brothers Trilogy, my little man is keen for a wee brother so, like Paddy and Flynn, they can hunt, tame and now ride a dragon!

The Dragon Riders — by Auckland author/illustrator team James Russell and Link Choi — is just as exciting and entertaining as the first two. The rhyming text is still as catchy, the illustrations even more gorgeous, and of course the Tolkien-style map on the inside cover is still pored over before the story begins.

The boys have named their now very large dragon Elton John . . . a little lost on my lad, but definitely brought a smile to my face.

Interestingly, a clue in book two leads to the dragon’s name.

With a ride on The Dragon Elton we get to see Riders all those important

by John Russell, places we have (pictured right) viewed on the map illustrations Link . . . heading for Mt Choi, Dragon Astonishing, and a Brothers Books, very interesting $29.95 gathering! With sales of more than 6500 books, the trilogy is that rare thing — a self-publishing success story.

Russell set up a publishing company to publish his own work in mid-2012, and teamed up with Choi soon after. “I put up a notice on the board at the Media Design School in Auckland, and Link was the first to reply,” he says. “As soon as I saw his work, I knew I had my illustrator.”

Russell and Choi work on the books collaboratively, which may sound obvious, but in fact the traditional publishing production method for children’s books means writer and illustrator rarely meet or work on a project together.

“It’s hugely valuable to have that interaction,” says Russell. “Over the course of half a dozen meetings we hone the copy and the illustrations so that they complement each other and work across the series, rather than just the single book. It makes for a much richer reader experience. For example, in book two, published a year ago, Link did an

You Can Do It, Bert!

by Ole Konnecke Gecko Press, paperback $19.99, hardback $34.99 .................................................

Capital letters shout out in the title that “Bert”, is being pressured to do something and he is anxious about it. . . gosh can you spot the major theme?

Universal themes are effective for the younger reader and they work well in the picture book, delivering many life lessons. Experiencing anxious moments relating to physical prowess while your peers wait for your turn is high anxiety indeed.

The activity comes as a surprise and the visual direction of the images pointing backward to the beginning is a little different, probably implying a circular plot. The simple narrative encourages Bert to keep going and ultimately confidence burgeons in leaps and bounds! Bright simple illustrations and amusing text capture the charm of the story by award-winning Swedish author and illustrator Ole Konnecke.

And he did do it!

The New Small Person

by Lauren Child Puffin, $17.99 .................................................

amazing illustration of an attic full of treasures and, in the corner, like any good attic, there was a box of old records, on top of which was one by Elton John.

It’s not until The Dragon Riders — the new book — that we find the main characters’ pet dragon has been named after the singer.”

New Zealand’s native flora and fauna again make a strong theme throughout The Dragon Riders, such as the (seasonapt) flowering pohutukawa and the native karearea (falcon), while the longgone Pink and White Terraces return for

a spectacular cameo.

The books are created in Russell’s spare time — by day he is an editor. Choi is a full-time illustrator, and his work is much sought after by film producers — he has worked in props design for The Hobbit films and, more recently, the soonto-be-released Netflix series Marco Polo.

The Dragon Riders, along with its predecessors The Dragon Hunters and The Dragon Tamers, can be found at bookstores and selected gift stores throughout New Zealand.

Bring the universe into view...

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Saxon 1149 EQ Astronomy Telescope This is a great entry level astronomy telescope. Easy assembly 114mm aperture, three eyepeices, finderscope and moon/solar maps.

$475

RedPlanet Refractor Telescope

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Perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day!

The Storytime Building | 34 Porowini Ave, Whangarei | Ph 09 438 4406 | www.storytime.co.nz

My daughter has recounted how she was less than pleased about her little sister’s arrival, which upset the perfect balance and ratio of our family dynamic, according to her — and now they are best friends!

Plot — nutshell, done. But wait there’s more!

In The New Small Person, Lauren Child — known for her other awardwinning series, Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola — continues to engage readers with her wit, humour and particular style. The illustrations are collage and bold, linear, cartoon-style drawings; the narrative astutely captures the authenticity of the childlike concerns of Elmore Green.

Images of the adults are cropped which maintains the focus on the child voice, and difficulties melt away when the younger child helps the older . . . all bad things come to an end . . . and a new dynamic — Viv Walker begins!

WATCH THIS

SPACE STORYTIME’S FAMOUS ANNUAL SALE will be on from 1st March Don’t miss out on great savings!

inside

last word

SAVVY

18

Take time to think about yourself make a move toward the new me and this was going to involve a few new areas in life that I had not opened up to before.

Pushing myself more than ever and addressing some post-baby anxieties and issues that would be holding me back from my 2015 dream. New key words to live by: water, sleep and most of all BREATHE. In a nutshell, my goal is to loose 12 kg over a year.

At my daughters first birthday, I want to weigh 55kg and be a fitter, leaner, stronger version of myself. My fitness singlet reads 55 on my back and every step I take is one more step toward this number.

Join my journey online over at www.littlemiss frugalblog.blogspot .co.nz or on Facebook under Little Miss Fit. Join me, ask me, share with me, motivate each other if this is a similar road you are jogging at the moment.

Wife, mother, journalist ...

PHILIPPA MANNAGH reveals the highs and lows, and the challenges in life ...

E

ach month, these will now be my “Dear Diary” letters for you all to read.

It was with trepidation when I decided to share another personal journey as now, more than ever I could set myself up to fail and that makes me uncomfortable. I also have to show you some before photos and they are not pretty…

However in my own way, I need this and maybe you do too?

I need to share and promote, motivate and moan… a place where I can write it out and hear from others. The “village” (if that still exists), the community, people in the same boat… or soon to be.

Personally, I was Use what you have, above left, just walk out the door! ABOVE RIGHT: Corinne Austin from Fit Fix, right, has offered to sponsor Little Miss Fit in her motivated by one or two post preggie weight loss journey and is offering a personal programme for Philippa to follow each week. You will also hear Philippa talk about key individuals and Corinne’s fitness class — Fit Mums which she will be attending once a week. their stories, so I hope to offer the same to someone out being a busy wife, mother and hey, this was the last time (yes, it weight ‘sitting’ and found myself Pip x there too. business owner. is) to enjoy the breastfeeding in my comfortable place once You can follow my healthy weight Twelve weeks after Willow Christmas came and went diet and why not eat that extra again. My mummy tummy was loss journey over at Mae arrived, it was time to think and although I tried to be better slice of cake… just because I starting to whisper, “ I am here www.littlemissfrugalblog.blog about my own health and than normal this pregnancy, I can? to stay…” spot.co.nz or on Facebook. wellbeing. This often comes last also fought with the idea that I then started to notice the The next day, it was time to www.likedmedia.co.nz

My possum dilemma JO DANILO escaped to Northland from wintry England three years ago and finds the Kiwi way of life refreshingly different. She shares with SAVVY readers the things that make her stop and smile.

When we visited New Zealand several years ago, my husband was compelled to buy a possum t-shirt, which relabelled the little critters as ‘New Zealand’s Furry Speed-Bumps’. At the time, I was horrified to find drivers swerved towards possums on the road. I couldn’t imagine aiming a car at any living creature, and had survived several near-death experiences doing exactly the opposite.

Once we moved here, the possum dilemma was clearer. To find out that there are about 30 million possums in New Zealand, or seven possums for every person, was astonishing.

From the introduction of possums to kick off a fur trade in 1837, they multiplied so quickly, and devastated the countryside so thoroughly, that New Zealand declared war on their guest in the 1940’s. The amount of possum road-kill to be found on a

daily basis demonstrates that the war is not going particularly well.

We applied for the final part of our residency a couple of years ago, and waited, and waited for a verdict. It took so long that we became nervous wrecks, double-checking emails and mailboxes 20 times a day.

Then, one night, we were driving home and something small and steady, and decidedly furry, teetered across the road, caught in our headlights. Time slowed down. Brakes screeched. Tyres squealed as we tried to swerve.

Then that awful bump-bump — the sound of death. It was a possum, and, yes, we killed it.

My husband said (in a shaky voice, despite the possum t-shirt), “We’ll get residency now. You watch.” A week later, the decision we’d been hoping for was deposited in our mailbox. We’d negotiated our very own furry speed-bump.

Sometimes we just need a little bit of help DIANNE HARRIS is a budget advisor for the Anglican Care Centre

advisor, no judgement only encouragement and advice.

Sometimes we just need a little help and all it takes is to ask.

RECIPE BANANA BREAD Throughout our lives we are always learning — I was privileged to be able to spend the last 3 weeks helping my son and daughter-in-law with their 2 month old twins and 2 year old daughter. Over that time it amazed me, yet again, just how much children (no matter the age) watch and learn from everything we do.

Throwing and catching a ball, the simple art of jumping over a line, learning to smile — things we take for granted but that they need help to achieve.

It got me thinking about preparing a budget, a simple process but for some a process that needs to be learnt.

Sometimes we need advice on how to do things better, how to best work towards a goal, an explanation on how to create a budget plan and information on the whole budgeting process.

That is the role of a budget

One and three quarter cups self raising flour quarter of a tsp salt 2 eggs 75g melted butter quarter of a tsp baking soda half a cup sugar half a cup milk 1 cup mashed bananas half a cup chopped chocolate (optional) Sift flour, baking soda and alt in a bowl, mix in sugar.

In a separate bowl beat eggs then stir in milk, melted butter and bananas (and choc) Mix quickly into dry ingredients, stirring to just combine.

Bake at 180 for 45-55 minutes in a greased loaf tin (I tried using a cake tin as that was all there was available but the loaf (cake) dried out too quickly.

be in to win

SAVVY

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1. Saucy change Munitions Range of Craft Brewed Sauces The new 'Munitions Range of Craft Brewed Sauces' is a family of high quality, artisan sauces made for people who are seeking an alternative to mass produced flavoured sauces; the new Munitions Range was developed by Shane Wratt, who created the original, highly praised Glasseye Creek Wild Meat Sauce on the Wild West Coast of the South Island. The three flavours in the Munitions Range are: .50 Cal, 3 day Smoked Chilli and Blackcurrant, .308, Chilli and Wood Roasted Capsicum, and .12 Gauge, Wood Roasted Tomato and 12 Spice Fruit.

Glasseye Creek Munitions range (250mls) is available in Italian glass bottles, with wooden topped corks & sleeve sealed, available from all participating specialty food stores, Hunting & Fishing, gift stores, guns shops, butchers & select boutique supermarkets. RRP $9.99 For more information visit http://glasseyecreek.co.nz/ We have four prize packs to give away.

2. Silky smooth Anatomicals avocado rich hand cream

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Soften and moisturise your hands with Anatomicals avocado rich hand cream. With shea butter to enhance feeling, avocado to ensure silky smooth hands and moisturising vitamin E it’s a vital partner to enhance the feeling of both your hands. Just smooth, massage and caress into bad hands for a good night in!

3. Model factor Schwarzkopf Blonde Ultıˆme, by Claudia Schiffer Co-Designed by one of the world’s first supermodels — be your best blonde this summer with Claudia Schiffer’s very own personal shade of blonde (10-1), or other shades to suit your look. These high-performance formulas include pearl essence to make hair luxuriously soft and provide multi-faceted blond shades with radiant shine. From light, natural and cool blond shades that lighten the hair by up to two to four levels, natural medium, dark blond and lighteners which lighten your blonde from 6-8 shades, Schwarzkopf Blonde ULTIˆME has the perfect blonde for every blonde lover!

4. Look radiant

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Manuka Doctor Brightening Facial Oil

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Manuka Doctor new Brightening Facial Oil will have your skin looking radiant in no time, it quickly absorbs into the skin to brighten and smooth uneven skin tone, nourish and hydrate and restore skin suppleness. Your skin will be left feeling refined and luminous. Manuka Doctor is available at Life and Unichem pharmacies, selected department stores and Manuka Doctor Store, 1 Quay St, Auckland. www.manukadr.co.nz

SAVVY JANUARY WINNERS To enter the SAVVY giveaways, go online to www.savvymagazine.co.nz, click on Giveaways and fill out the form. Otherwise send your entry to SAVVY Giveaways, Northern Advocate, PO Box 210, Whangarei. Please note email entries are no longer valid.

■ One entry per person

WINNERS

■ Entries close 5pm, Friday, February 27, 2015

Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Illusionist Rapid Lift face mask: Marie Warrington Daltons Easy Lift indoor/Outdoor potting mix: Belinda Buisman Anatomicals, the seven deadly sins, melon body scrub: Karen Walker Kiwigarden, the real thing: Diane Neumann

■ February winners will be announced in SAVVY on Saturday, March 7 ■ January winners please collect your prizes before 5-pm, Friday, March 6

Sweet success relies on old-fashioned stirring

G

rant Snelgar’s biggest hurdle when taking ownership of the New Zealand Fudge Farm was learning the skill of baking perfect

fudge. ‘‘Coming from a baking background was an advantage, having had so many years’ experience in food processing and food safety,’’ he says. ‘‘Fudge making is a totally different process to bread making,’’ he says, adding that he was determined to ensure the quality of the product was up to scratch.

Grant and Christine Snelgar own the unique business at the Town Basin in Whangarei that was originally established in 1992.

The previous owners set up the business to supplement their dairy farming life but found that local interest in their product demanded a full-time commitment. Later they established a permanent shop.

The secret to the NZ Fudge Farm’s success is that the fudge is made the old-

fashioned way—by hand. The process which uses aluminium pots is very labour intensive and involves lots of stirring. ‘‘We describe our fudge as handmade, creamy, mouth-watering, traditional fudge using perfected and guarded recipes that have been passed down through the generations.’’

The Fudge Farm specialises in 11 different flavours of full cream handmade fudge and a range of handmade chocolates.

From kids’ ice-creams and fudge sundaes to takeout coffees, frappes and personalised gift boxes, the friendly staff in store will cover every craving.

The relaxing environment at the Town Basin guarantees a picturesque location to sit down with a bag of fudge and enjoy a coffee or an ice-cream while viewing the beautiful harbour.

Gift baskets can be ordered for any budget this Valentine’s Day. Indulge your loved ones with sweet treats! Phone the Fudge Farm on (09) 4383327.

KITCHENTHINGS.CO.NZ

COOKING

LA

REFRIGERATION

DISHWASHERS

LAUNDRY

O E ST X T F F CH E N E R AN D CE E TO D

SA VE

CHOOSE FROM OVER 370 MODELS $199 FROM ONLY $199 FROM ONLY $249 FROM ONLY $448 FROM ONLY $586

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$599 FROM ONLY $699 FROM ONLY $1,199 FROM ONLY $1,679 FROM ONLY $2,799

COMBI MICROWAVE OVENS

FROM ONLY

FROM ONLY

60cm STAINLESS FAN OVENS 60cm INDUCTION COOKTOPS 60cm STAINLESS PYROLYTIC OVENS 90cm FREESTANDING COOKERS

This offer excludes products already on promotion. Discount applies to the suppliers recommended retail price. Strictly limited stock available.

EXCLUSIVE SAMSUNG OFFER

FISHER & PAYKEL OFFER

UPGRADE TO AN INDUCTION COOKTOP FOR ONLY

$500

SAMSUNG PACKAGE

RECEIVE A BONUS FOODBOX eVOUCHER WORTH UP TO $300 WHEN YOU PURCHASE SELECTED FISHER & PAYKEL REFRIGERATION

- 60cm STAINLESS DUAL FAN MULTIFUNCTION OVEN - UNBRANDED 60cm TOUCH CONTROL CERAMIC COOKTOP

BONUS WORTH UP TO $300

WHY PAY $2,598

$1,999

*Terms & conditions apply. See in store for details and visit: fisherpaykel.co.nz/foodbox

BOSCH OFFER - 60cm PREMIUM PYROLYTIC OVEN - 42L PREMIUM BI PYROLYTIC COMBI MICROWAVE OVEN

BOSCH 60cm STAINLESS FREESTANDING ER DISHWASHER STRICTLY LIMITED STOCK

SAMSUNG 565L STAINLESS ICE & WATER FRIDGE FREEZER

4.5 STAR WELS WATER RATING

*Terms & conditions apply.

Ask in store for details.

BONUS 5 YEAR TOTAL WARRANTY*

MIELE LAUNDRY RUNOUT SALE SAVE UP TO $400 ON SELECTED MIELE CHINES WASHING MACHINES

Ask in store for details.

WHY PAY $7,788

WHY PAY $1,949

WHY PAY $2,299

NOW FROM

$5,999

$1,399

$1,999

$1,749 9

BOSCH

FALCON

FISHER & PAYKEL

Strictly limited offer only while stocks last. Terms & conditions apply. Ask in store for further details.

WHANGAREI

OTHER REGIONS VISIT KITCHENTHINGS.CO.NZ

4 Gumdigger Place, Raumanga Whangarei 0110 Phone: 09 438 2911

AUCKLAND AUCKLAND AUCKLAND AUCKLAND

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NORTH SHORE NEWMARKET MT EDEN MT WELLINGTON

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AUCKLAND - BOTANY AUCKLAND - OUTLET HAMILTON HAWKES BAY - NAPIER

MIELE PALMERSTON NORTH KAPITI COAST WELLINGTON WELLINGTON - OUTLET

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KITCHENTHINGS.CO.NZ