Envy January 2011

January 2011

Would you like to take part in an exciting new challenge?

Page 4-5

Kick smoking in the butt – for good! Page 6 Majestic Oman and Dubai Page 11

Food

Health

Beauty

Fitness

Fashion

Home & Garden

People

2

Envy, January, Issue 28

Food

Health

Beauty

Fitness

Fashion

Home & Garden

Happy New Year everyone!

People

Editorial Amanda Niblett P 307 7927 E amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz

Design Chris Ruddle

Advertising Nancye Pitt P 03 307 7974 E nancye.p@theguardian.co.nz

Published by Ashburton Guardian Ltd P 03 307 7900 www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz

Drop us a line A PO Box 77 Ashburton P 307 7927 E amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz Material in Envy is copyright to the Ashburton Guardian and can not be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

After the indulgences of the silly season have passed, most of us are all feeling a little tired, a little broke, a little bloated, and a little sun kissed. We all know a new year presents new opportunities to break old habits and change our lives for the better, but sometimes the will lacks motivation or the right support to reach the target.

In Envy this month, we are focusing on helping you finally crack two of the resolutions that are the hardest to keep – quitting smoking and losing weight.

On Page 3 we start our journey with a message that weight loss and lifestyle changes are possible, as Jess Moore shares how she lost 25kg. Find out how this inspirational teenager managed to trim down in time for her school ball, and how she continues to work on her fitness as she heads into important transitions in her life.

After you are feeling inspired and motivated by Jess’s story, we hope you will take the time to read Page 4, where we invite you to partake in an exciting weight loss challenge, hosted by The Ashburton Guardian. We are calling for contestants to come on an exciting 6 month challenge toward losing weight and getting healthier...so WE NEED YOU! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, male or female and if you have a little or a lot to lose, we want people from all walks of life who will be motivated to change their lives for the better. It can be a little intimidating to think you will be in the public eye while you are participating in the challenge, but this added factor of accountability will make your challenge more achievable. I will be participating in the challenge, and admittedly I am nervous about putting myself in the public eye during my journey too, so together we will help each other through it, and I will appreciate all the support I can get!

On Page 5 we have Rachael Rickard from the Mountain Gym share some of her secrets as a personal trainer on how to set realistic goals to begin the journey toward a better life. Whether you decide to participate in our challenge, or if you are setting your own goals

at home, we are sure that these words of wisdom will help you get underway.

If quitting smoking is your Achilles’ heel, then have a read of Page 6, where we have the story of a heroic smoker, Richie Leef, who has quit after 20 years of smoking, and the profile of Karena Hart, a local quit smoking coach who can help you kick smoking in the butt for good!

While on the topic of local heroes, our volunteer fire-fighters are among some of the bravest people I know, and the community owes it’s eternal gratitude to the time they dedicate to saving our community. We had the pleasure of interviewing one of these brave souls, Vicki Mcarthur who is a volunteer with the Rural Pendarves Fire Brigade. Check out her story on Page 7.

On a warm summers day, there’s no better fun to be had than exploring Mid-Canterbury’s new food and wine trail. I grabbed three of my workmates at The Ashburton Guardian, and we headed off on a ‘girls day out’ to explore a snippet of the members on the trail. Our adventures are on Pages 8-10.

Maxine from House of Travel returns with another dream inspiring travel story, this month let your mind escape to the majestic wonders of Oman and Dubai, and have a look at the amazing travel specials at the bottom of the page to experience the magic for yourself.

We check out another completed renovation on pages 12-13, and continue our home and living section with pages on landscaping and garden care.

Fashion, jewellery, recipes and horoscopes, all of our regular favourites conclude our Envy in January, we hope you have a most enjoyable read.

Stay Gorgeous, Amanda and the team at Envy XOX

C4 Construction will work WITH YOU, to design and construct the highest quality residential and commercial buildings We specialise in ‘TRUE’ fixed price contracts – there are no hidden costs or surprise extras when we build your home

6 ways we will accomplish this:

1. A commitment to unparalleled results, achieved with an unrelenting attention to detail.

2. Delivering high customer satisfaction, ensuring a personal and thorough relationship with you.

3. We do not margin our products, striving to achieve your dream home, to the highest standard, within your budget.

4. When you build with C4, we can offer you the entire stress free package, from professionally organising all of the consents, to providing the full design and drawings. The person that designs and sells you your dream home will be on site, actually building your new house, working with you to guarantee complete satisfaction.

5. You will never be kept in the dark, we are there to answer your every question and to make immediate decisions and improvements with you every step of the way.

6. Our extensive residential experience has allowed us to form lasting and committed relationships with our subcontractors, ensuring every last detail of the finishing is completed to the highest of standards.

• Multi-storey • Residential • Extensions • Renovations • Sleepouts • Luxury Homes • Alterations

Our priority is, quite simply, YOUR satisfaction Phone Mark – 0274 356 329 or Mike – 027 231 8356

BLP103462

Envy, January, Issue 28

BEFORE: Jess all done up for the 2009 school ball before she started her weight loss journey.

AFTER: Jess works out with her dad John on a regular basis to keep fit and motivated.

Now Jess is fit, active and confident after losing over 25kgs, and enjoys working out to maintain her new level of fitness. A year ago she never dreamt she could do this many push ups!

The confidence to live life The school ball is looming ominously around the corner, but what should be an occasion full of laughter, sparkles and bubbles, is not always the case for every girl. For a girl who lacks in confidence due to being overweight, it can seem more like a dark cloud of uncertainty and embarrassment.

Jess Moore attended her first school ball in 2009 and firstly began the daunting task of finding a dress. At the time she was 88kg, and although she was still gorgeous, she was very limited in selection of what she could find to fit for the occasion, and the shopping experience was exhausting and frustrating rather than a fun and exciting outing. When she eventually found a dress that fit, her feeling was ‘finally it’s over!’

Jess’s parents, John and Carol, had seen the exasperation and heartache that Jess had felt, so made the decision to put the entire family through the Configure Express Break Nutrition and Exercise Programme. John and Carol own all of the Configure Express Gyms in Christchurch as well as part owning the local Gym Company, so this was a fantastic opportunity for them to trial the popular fitness and nutrition programme first hand.

At the start Jess hated the changes. She didn’t enjoy the food, even though it was just every day healthy food. She was used to eating her favourite junk food, such as crackers, coke, chocolate and chips, and didn’t enjoy having to implement such a big lifestyle change. Her attitude started to swing when she noticed her sister was losing more weight than her, and when she started seeing some positive changes on the scales. “It was then that I realised I was overweight and had to do something about it. I was 17, not active and wasn’t living my life how I wanted to”, Jess said.

Within the first three months Jess had lost 5kg just by changing her eating habits. She received the Zumba DVD’s for Christmas and during the holidays would work out to the music once or twice a day. Once she had combined regular exercise with her new healthy eating changes, she started noticing even more dramatic changes on the scales. She began feeling

fantastic and started becoming more active and including intensive one on one training sessions with her dad.

She set herself a goal to get down to 70kg before her next school ball in 2010. When she was down to 72kg she hit one of those frustrating plateaus that can trip so many of us up on our weight loss journey. She was just 4 weeks out from the ball and determined as ever to reach her goal of 70kg. She maintained her healthy eating plan even though temptation to waver was strong, and she made her exercise routine more intense to get past the plateau. She also had the support of her family who weren’t about to let her give up on her goal. The week of the ball arrives and Jess is ecstatic, she is 69.8kg and reached her target!!

Dress shopping this time around for Jess was a much better experience. She spent a couple of days in Christchurch shopping for the perfect dress, and this year had a much bigger selection to choose from. She was wrapped with the dress she chose, as it was so different to her one from 2009. “The contrasts between my two balls are so different looking back at them. In 2009 I was kind of just sitting in the back not enjoying myself too much. But in 2010 I was moving around, dancing, talking to everyone and having an amazing time”, Jess said.

Now Jess is super active and brimming with confidence.

She competed in the triathlon at Lake Hood in a team with her dad, a huge accomplishment that she never would have thought possible the year before. Her new found confidence has allowed her to work in one of her parents gyms in Christchurch, and she is looking toward becoming a Zumba instructor later this year.

“Shopping for me now is so much more fun. I used to just walk around shops looking, but now I try everything on - clothes that I never would have dreamed of wearing and I enjoy trying on different clothes and trying different styles”, Jess said.

The main things that have changed for Jess are the simple things like going to the beach, going on hikes, going camping and spending time with friends and family. She used to sit in the background and not do anything but now she is in there body surfing, swimming in the rain, going for walks around the hills, playing backyard cricket.

Just getting in there and having fun with people who are important to her.

Jess’s advice to anyone wanting to loose weight is don’t give up. It can get really hard but the end result is worth it.

Eat a good balance of foods, protein, carbs and the right fats and don’t forget to get out there and exercise. Get professional advice, and be comfortable with yourself.

“I now look forward to my life and experiencing the next step in it - Uni. I can’t wait until my course starts (Early Childhood Teaching) and I am so excited about moving into my hall and meeting a whole lot of new people - I know no-one else who is in the same hall as me, but instead of being scary, now it’s exciting”.

3

4

Envy, January, Issue 28

Become a former shadow of yourself...

Are you up for the challenge of your life?

This will be the biggest New Years Resolution you will ever make!

The Ashburton Guardian is inviting contestants to be a part of a 6 month weight loss challenge to be featured in our Envy magazine.

Don’t worry you won’t be alone, three Ashburton Guardian representatives will participate in the challenge with you, including myself!

If you have always struggled to loose weight and keep it off, then becoming a part of our challenge with us may be just what you need, because each month you will be featured in Envy, letting our readers know how you went that month. The challenge is 6 months long, in the hope that the changes you make to your lifestyle within those 6 months will remain with you for life.

If you have the determination to ride this journey with us for the full 6 months, then you are exactly who we are looking for.

How you choose to loose the weight is entirely up to you. We will not make you participate in any specific platform, so you are free to choose your own nutrition and fitness providers.

To assist with your quest, Frank Connelly

from the Gym Company has generously donated his time to the cause and will be our fitness advisor.

Also Sally Rossitor will be our nutritionist, who will offer all of us nutritional advice and guidelines to help us succeed.

Our wonderful fitness providers from MidCanterbury – The Mountain Gym, Fitbiz, Curves and The Gym Company will be contributing each month with helpful editorial and motivational stories to keep all of our readers inspired.

We understand that a weight loss journey is private, so in respect of this we will not publish any starting weights or measurements, we will only publish each month the total amount of weight and cm’s lost.

The winner after 6 months will be judged based on percentage of weight lost, not total weight.

There are fantastic prizes up for grabs, including a flight and champagne breakfast with Aoraki Balloon Safaris!

I look forward to you taking part in this life changing journey with me.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting challenge, please contact: Amanda Niblett Ph: 307 7927 Email: Amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz Or pop in and see me at our office; The Somerset Building – Level 3 Burnett Street, Ashburton.

Back to School!

Massive range of gear bags and back packs IN STORE NOW!

New styles and colours arriving daily

Huge

New Year’s resolution sale

HAVE A MASSIVE 50 MONTHS Interest Free* X-TRAINERS

from only $499

TREADMILLS from only $650*

EXERCYCLES

from $299*

For the best in school bags...

Strong, functional, reliable & great looking!

ROWERS from $599*

10 TO 50% OFF

EVERYTHING INSTORE – LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE 173 West Street, Ashburton Phone 308-2309

Ashburton 161 Tancred St, P 03 307 1600 10 - 5.30pm Mon - Fri 10 -1 Sat Timaru 84 Stafford St, P 03 688 8200 9 - 5 Mon - Fri; 10-1 Sat www.fitbiz.co.nz * Conditions apply. Finance available to approved customers only on all purchases over $1299

Envy, January, Issue 28

5

We offer Envy readers a fantastic opportunity to kick an unwanted habit and change their life!

Grand prizes to be won for the biggest achiever.

How do you want to live your life?

Story: Rachael Rickard Forgotten your New Years Resolutions already? Has “tomorrow” passed and you still haven’t made a start on what you said, promised, were sure, were definitely, almost certainly going to do? Don’t panic, the great thing is you get to start over now. You get to decide today, right now how you want to live your life. You don’t have to wait till lunchtime or your next holiday or when he or she does this or that. You made your life the way it is right now. Here’s the great thing you can choose to live it differently from right now.

Seem too simple? Maybe, but perhaps you are battling with weight or mood or feelings that seem to rollercoaster to extremes. Maybe your family and friends are wearing the sharp end of your tongue over the little things, maybe you have old hurts and cannot forgive or are just plain angry and you don’t know why. That’s ok, it’s all ok. If you are tired of living with this pain, maybe its time front up and do something differently. You probably know most of the actions you could take to get help with these things, get a medical check up, join a gym, watch less TV, find a supportive friend or counsellor. Simple eh, but back to our different life.

We always get what we want. Here’s an example (hopefully this saves you some pain!). If you are a fan of making lists and ticking things off then perhaps your resolutions are ¾ page long and read something like this… “I want to eat healthier, I want to get fitter, I want to be nicer” all good intentions. The way the law of attraction works we will always get what we want… and you will – you will get the wanting. So the result of the resolutions “I wanted more than ever to eat healthier, I wanted more than ever to be fitter” because this is what was asked for. Umm getting frustrated, thinking, ok I’ve tried this

and its not working what is it you doing wrong? The goal in the “I want” statement is always out in the future – a far off thing always to be admired, but far from attainable.

Stop and look at your thinking. Try to put this into the present and visualise yourself achieving these goals. To be successful with resolutions (I am more of a fan of decisions) and goals then choose to live life as if the goal is already realised. So try this: “I chose to eat healthy food, I am strong, I am patient, I run half marathons” etc Keeping the number of goals between 2 - 4 will increase the odds of success. By staying in tune with just a few you’ll de-clutter all the thoughts about what you should or could do and stay true to the new way you are living your life.

If you are ready for a change in your life get excited about it, believe it has already come true and live as though it is happening, because it is.

For further reading look out for, The Secret or anything by Ekhart Tolle. If you are unsure about your ability to exercise, please consult your physician. Exercise Consultants and Personal Trainers can help you to achieve your fitness and health goals.

Know your own strength

Each year, millions of women suffer needlessly from preventable disease. curvesforwomen.co.nz Together, we can change this.

2011 is a new year for a new you.

We can create a personalised fitness experience to keep you happy and motivated while you are working out.

Whether you enjoy Weights, Spin Classes, Zumba, Cardio Kick Boxing, Step or Circuit Classes, we will help you achieve fitness for life.

You are stronger than you think you are, it’s time to unleash your hidden strength.

CURVES WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN

No eleborate points systems or eliminating foods, just simple solutions to help you eat better, lose weight and keep it off for good.

OPEN TOCurves MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS Ashburton

CLASSES BEGIN SOON - CALLofCLUB FOR DETAILS International Franchisee the Year 222 Havelock Street Telephone 308 4085

*New members only. Not valid with any other offer.

Valid only at participating locations from World’s Leader Women’s Fitness Inc. 1/8/2010-31/8/2010. © in 2010 Curves International,

curves.co.nz

Curves Ashburton

Strongest Membership Award 2010

222 Havelock Street Telephone 308-4085

Membership from as little as $16.00 per week* The Gym Company is more than a Gym, it’s a lifestyle choice. Now is the time to change your life for the better. *All memberships include assessments and programs. Conditions Apply.

54 Cass Street Phone 308 5900

6

Envy, January, Issue 28

Two years and counting

Kick smoking

in the butt – for good!

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

You know you need to quit. You really want to quit. But smoking has become such a huge part of your life that you just can’t imagine waking up in the morning without reaching for a cigarette, finishing a meal without lighting up or hanging out with your friends -- all smokers -- without smoking yourself.

The addiction of nicotine is powerful and therefore the smoking termination requires a lot of work, planning, determination and above all family support.

Ultimately it is the call of an enhanced hereafter which aids in choosing one of the

toughest resolutions of quit smoking and the good news is thousands of people say no to smoking each year whilst offering a smoke free world for the better tomorrow.

The traditional New Year’s resolution, together with the 1 January tobacco tax increase, has prompted a record number Richie Leef and family of smokers to contact Quit to get help to stop smoking.

Hi I am a 44 year old ex smoker and In the first six days of 2011, Quitline’s proud to be a smoke free man now. phones in Wellington ran hot with over I had been a smoker for over 20 years.

1700 calls, exceeding their ambitious The 1st time I tried a cigarette I was 13yrs forecast of 1350 calls for the entire week. old, but I didn’t like it at 1st because If you are wanting to kick the habit, Karena Hart is available to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Her He aha te mea nui o te ao? profile is below for you to contact her He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. today, to get the wheels in motion for a What is the greatest thing in the world? healthier tomorrow. Also we have a story It is people, it is people, it is people. of inspiration from Richard Leef who has given up smoking after 20 years of being a Kia ora Koutou Katoa smoker. We hope these tools of inspiration My name is Karena Hart and I am very and help will assist in you achieving your humbled to work with my people for New Years resolution to kick smoking in the my people and in the role that I have butt for good! here in Ashburton as the local cessation practitioner or more commonly known as the ‘quit smoking lady’!

I hail from the far north – Ngati Kuri & Ngati Hine and right here Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tuahuriri & Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki.

My concern for the health of you and your loved ones is what I have in mind, tobacco cuts both the quality and quantity of life, we need to appreciate

it made me sick, I was also living in a community that almost 99% of the population were Maori and every home had a smoker.

During my sporting career I never touched the stuff and yet some of my mates were heavy smokers and still some of them made the kiwi and Maori rugby league teams. After 9 years of not smoking I decided to try it again and I now regret that decision as it took 20 years of my life till I realised I needed to make this change! Our Maori race has been brainwashed thinking that smoking does no harm. I couldn’t have been more wrong it is the number one killer of our people. The message to our people to quit the habit needs to get stronger by educating our people properly about the effects smoking has and especially for our rangatahi and tamariki.

It has been almost 2 years since I chucked away my bad habit of 60-70 ciggys a day!

I am living everyday more healthier – I did it for my family and myself!

My message to others is – just do it, don’t ignore the warnings, give it a go give up that ciggy and trust me you will never regret it and neither will your whanau.

Kia ora Richie Leef and take care of the life and body we have.

Don’t wait another day thinking about it, trying to quit now is the best thing for you and your whanau. My help and support is free and so is the NRT in most cases. I can arrange private one on one consultations or whanau hui, I can come to you or we can arrange to met at your convenience. I aim to make this an easy process for you because I realise making this decision could be difficult but the long term benefits will far out way this.

There are so many reasons for you to quit, tamariki (kids), whanau (family), utu (cost), hauora (health) and the list goes on.

Kia kaha – Be strong.

Rule #3

Your target for 2011: Eat more Subway!

2008

2009 2010

2008 2009 2010

2011

2010 2009 2008

2010 STEP 1: TXT your name and address to 5959* *By txting you confirm that you are 16 years of age or older.

STEP 2: Receive a FREE sample of quit smoking gum STEP 3: Start your SMOKEFREE journey today STEP 4: Want local support?

Txt Karena 027 432 1920 or phone 307 6903 or 0800 4 AKP 00

2009 2008

auahi kore Advertisement kindly sponsored by the Ashburton Cancer Society

188 West Street, Ashburton Phone 308 5809

Envy, January, Issue 28

7

Day in the life series Vicki Mcarthur volunteer fire-fighter

New monthly series

Welcome to the first Envy ‘day in the life of’ series story. Follow our new monthly series about a unique local and enjoy finding out about a day in their life.

Vicki Mcarthur Story: Amanda Niblett Photos: Carmen Rooney Women fire-fighters……….. keeping the home fires burning while putting out the unwanted ones!

The New Zealand Fire Service plays a major role in providing an emergency response to New Zealand communities. Most of these communities, including Ashburton and Mid-Canterbury depend on loyal volunteers for their every day fire protection.

Brave men and women from many walks of life are volunteer fire-fighters, they are all people who care about their communities and want to be actively involved in them. It is all about ass, busting theirs to save yours.

Vicki Mcarthur is one of these amazing volunteers, dedicated to protecting her local community from the looming threat of fire. In a role similar to Wonder woman, by day she is a mother, wife and active member of the local community, but when the pager goes off, the adrenalin sets in and she is transformed into a first response super hero.

Vicki is a member of the Pendarves Rural Fire Brigade, where she has been for the past 4 years. Her sense of humour and outlook on life is broad, being the only female member at the station, but she says she has always felt comfortable and an equal part of the team. “Everyone gets treated equally, some do their best to shock me, but we all have a good laugh together, so I’ve never felt that being a female was ever an issue”, Vicki said.

Vicki and her husband Dave moved to Ashburton from up north where Dave was a police officer in Auckland for many years.

“Dave had already spent enough time as the hero facing horrific circumstances daily when we were in Auckland, so now it’s my turn to step up and help the community” Vicki said. They moved to the family farm that Dave had grown up on, so for Vicki being new to that rural community, becoming a volunteer firefighter gave her a lifeline to meeting new people close to her new home. It has also taught her lifesaving skills that would be imperative if there was ever an accident

Has your windscreen a chip or a crack?

on their farm. Keen to be involved with her local community, Vicki is also a member of the Rakaia netball club and golf club, and participates in Chertsy school activities.

Vicki sais that the Pendarves brigade is a friendly and social part of her life, with regular BBQ’s, rounds of golf, having just been to a fantastic Christmas get-together for the families. The brigade has a large number of volunteers who are mainly farmers from the surrounding community, who know the importance of being there to help save each others properties. With large numbers in the brigade, it ensures that there is always sufficient numbers on hand to tackle any emergencies that they get called to. They train regularly to keep their skills up, and conduct St John First Aid training to ensure they are able to handle MVA’s (Motor Vehicle Accidents) when they occur.

Because Pendarves is a rural brigade, they are also dispatched to medical emergencies as well as fires, to administer help before the ambulance arrives.

“MVA’s are always hard to attend because of the unknown and possible extent of injuries, but that’s what we are there for.

The Rakaia Brigade has the more advanced MVA equipment, so if we are first on scene then we do what we can, and then assist with traffic and helicopter control” Vicki said. The largest fire Vicki has fought was the fire on the Rakaia River bed. The winds were strong and incessant, the flames high and violent. The fire raged for what seemed

like an eternity, playing tricks on which way it moved and how fast, but finally it was under control and extinguished. Vicki acknowledges the St John members, who were like angels, bringing them food and water while they exhaustedly battled the fire. It was a scary fire to come face to face with, but Vicki was up to the challenge and has made her stronger and more confident.

Her family are wonderfully understanding and supportive of Vicki’s persona. Vicki dedicates as much of her life as possible to her family, coaching her daughter’s netball and watching her sons play rugby.

With Vicki donating her time to her local community, her children are proud that their mum sets off like a super hero to help their friends and neighbours. “I like to set a good example for my kids hoping that they will one day volunteer in some way, and my husband Dave knows the importance of what we do and helps whenever he can to step in to take care of the children when I’m away” Vicki said.

The benefits of being a volunteer firefighter go far beyond helping your local community. It will fill you with a sense of mental and physical ability that will lift confidence. When the time comes that someone will need Vicki again, whether it’s one of her children, a neighbour or a total stranger, she knows she can do more than just dial 111.

Why risk ruining your washing machine and your duvet, when Wrights DryCleaners can make cleaning your stuffy old duvet a stress free job.

Need to fix it quickly and effectively!

Call Owen or Wayne at Wilson’s Windscreens and get the best advice to repair or replace your windscreen.

• Duvets • Wool rests • Sleeping bags... and more

They’re here for your emergency!

Your premises or ours!

152 Wills Street, Ashburton Ph 03 308 8485 Mobile 0274 345 636

We’ve always been the cleanest , now we’re the greenest too!

WRIGHTS DRYCLEANERS 2010 Clean green award winner

The professionals you can trust - Locally Owned and Operated 8 Grey Street (next to Repco) Phone 03 307 8360

Apparelmaster, we take care of everything

8

Envy, January, Issue 28

New Canterbury Food & Wine Trails

A Showcase of the Best of Canterbury Tastes and Talent

Girls Day Out

From Left: Cecilia Perez, Jennie Holmes and Hayley Johnson from The Ashburton Guardian try the Fiddlers Creek Pinot Gris at Salmon Tales.

Story & Photos: Amanda Niblett The sun breaks on another hot, lazy Mid-Canterbury summer day.

You stretch your arms, catch a breath of the crisp mountain air and wonder...what am I going to do today?

As technology creeps further and further into our lives, it may be tempting to spend your morning floating between Facebook and playing Rockband on the Playstation, but the newly created Mid-Canterbury Food & Wine trail is beckoning for you to explore some new taste explosions and creative experiences.

The Food & Wine Trail is a deliciously indulgent journey that puts fun and pleasure as it’s top priority. As well as delicious food and wine, it introduces you to a new world of entertainment and cultural experiences. On the trail, you will be surrounded in the gorgeous vistas that our region has to offer while tantalising your taste buds.

Not being from Mid-Canterbury originally, I wanted to experience some of the regions specialties, so I grabbed 3 of my gorgeous workmates from The Guardian, and we set off on an adventure to sample a small part of what the Food and Wine Trail offers. The Food and Wine Trail is so expansive, with a myriad of fantastic destinations to create days and days of fun, we selected a snippet of what’s on offer to create a fun ‘girls day out’.

Salmon Tales We started our experience at the famous Salmon Tales restaurant on the main road in Rakaia. The cafe is impressive to say the least! The decor is gorgeous and spacious,

and the tables beside the pond make for a gorgeous and unique backdrop. We started our taste sensation with a bottle of Fiddlers Green Pinot Gris. If you are like myself, and prefer a slightly sweeter wine like a Reisling, then this wine is a delicious choice. We all agreed it was extremely drinkable, and we begun to wish that we could have stayed all day in the cosy surroundings! The Fiddlers Green goes particularly well with their evening salmon dish special – the Raw Salmon Trio.

The Raw Salmon Trio starts with a Tartar – delicate cubes of salmon in a marinade of red onion, lemon, dill, capers and olive oil. This is followed by Ceviche (Peruvian), slices of raw salmon with julienne of red onion, capsicum and thin slices of cucumber served with an orange and lemon juice. Simply scrumptious!

The sensational dish concludes with Carpaccio (Itallian), Gravlax cured salmon, seasoned with a citrus dressing, herbs and parmasen cheese. The dish is a must for any salmon lover, and at only $17, dining at Salmon Tales certainly won’t put a dent in your wallet.

Hayley and Jennie complete their dining experience at Salmon Tales Cafe with a delicious coffee.

Envy, January, Issue 28

New Canterbury Food & Wine Trails

A Showcase of the Best of Canterbury Tastes and Talent To finish off our dining experience, we ended with coffees and a Blueberry Friand.

At Salmon Tales they certainly know how to make a great coffee, and the Blueberry Friand was absolutely delicious. They have an extensive menu, and all of their fresh food in the display cabinet will have you spoiled for choice. Whether you make it your destination, or if you are passing through, Salmon Tales is the perfect place for a wide range of delicious food. The pond beside the cafe is filled with live fish, and with the Salmon World aquarium and 4D ride experience also located on site, it is a one stop location to thrill the entire family. We all had a fantastic time there and are looking forward to heading back another day!

Sims Bakery Sim’s catchy slogan is ‘You don’t get much better than this’, and on a chilly day, devouring a hot Sims pie to satisfy a raging hunger, you truely don’t get better than that! Coincidentally the day we pulled up on our adventure it had chilled off and just started raining, so some hot savouries were just the ticket! As we entered through the door, the unmistakable smell that Sims is famous for delighted the senses, the aroma of freshly baked pies and bread.

We browsed over the selection of breads on offer and chatted about how Sims is the perfect place to pick up freshly baked bread when you head off on a picnic. Now there’s an idea if you’re setting off on your own adventure!

The cabinets were freshly stocked with freshly made bread rolls, one of their more unique creations is the salmon and cream cheese flip which is a delicious lunch option. Their range of sweets, from slices to cupcakes and doughnuts is impressive, with a colour and taste array to delight every sweet tooth! The hot food that they are so famous for was well stocked on our arrival. We tried a selection of savouries and a sausage roll, and decided that the pastry is what makes a Sims pie so exquisite. We all had different favourites ranging from the chicken, to the bacon and egg and good old traditional mince.

Operating for 50 years, Sims Bakery, prides itself in providing the best range of top quality sweet and savoury treats, ready for you to enjoy. A fact that surprised us girls is that Sims have a great range of Gluten Free products, giving fantastic options for the health conscious and gluten intolerant. The icing on the cake at Sims is that they are cake decorating specialists, and can create a stunning masterpiece for every occasion. Just pop in and see them to discuss your requirements.

Salmon Tales Café Fully Licensed Café/Restaurant

We left Sims with satisfied tummies and smiles on our faces, ready to embark on our next location.

CharRees Vineyard Many locals would be as delightfully surprised as we were, that we have a gorgeous vineyard right on our back doorstep. CharRees Vineyard is just a few minutes from Tinwald, just off the main road on Laings Road. The CharRees vineyard story began in 2007 when Charles & Esma Hill’s visionary dream of owning a vineyard/restaurant became a reality when they bought an established vineyard on the outskirts of Ashburton in January 2007. The vineyard which was established in 1999 now consists of 4000 Pinot Gris and 3500 Pinot Noir vines, and in 2008 they planted 1800 Riesling plants.

Upon picking their first vintage in 2008 they have now established their own label “CharRees”. The name “CharRees” derives from the owners Christian names Charles & Esma plus daughters, Charlotte and Sheree. You can purchase their distinctive wines direct from the vineyard, which is open for tastings and purchases. The Pinot Gris 2008 has hints of pear drops and spice on the nose, a nice palate, not overly heavy combined with a dry finish and lingering sweetness. I personally recommend this wine and found it extremely lovely to sip. The 2008 Pinot Noir is light cherry in colour, with hints of tomato leaf and plum on the nose. On the palate, truffles, rich oak, and fine tannins with a warm finish. Again, although I personally am not a big fan of red wine, I really enjoyed this drop and encourage you to give it a try. Keep an eye out for their 2010 Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, due out to the market shortly. Charles and Esma aim for a high quality wine, which is selectively hand harvested direct from the vineyard, and is then taken to their wine maker in Waipara. They are passionate about producing quality wine as opposed to quantity hence they put a lot of labour of love in the vineyard. It is interesting to know that Mid Canterbury’s climate helps the grapes mature slowly at a steady pace, creating an ideal ripening environment.

Here’s to seeing more vineyards pop up on the local scene! There are plans for CharRees to incorporate a restaurant at the vineyard soon, so that will be one to watch out for later this year. The vineyard is a must stop on your food and wine trail to sample a gorgeous wine that is grown right here in Mid-Canterbury. It is an ideal spot to take a picnic to lunch among the vines, accompanied by a special bottle of Pinot.

Make Salmon Tales Café a definitive stop on your travels during this holiday season • Fantastic range of New Zealand Wines • Delicious Local Produce • Quality Service • Brilliant Atmosphere Relax in the sun on our deck this holiday season overlooking our pond and surrounded by nature while the kids explore Salmon World.

Simply Irresistible!

Mon to Wed 8.00am - 5.00pm Thurs to Sun 8.00am – Late

9 Railway Terrace East, Rakaia Tel: 03 303 5450 Fax: 03 303 5460 enquiries@salmontales.co.nz

Jennie tries the Pinot Gris at CharRees while Charlotte pours their delicious Pinot Noir for us to try.

UNIQUELY New Zealand Hemp Seed Products Grown & Produced in Mid Canterbury

www.nzhempoil.co.nz new hemisphere™ Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil contains & provides nutrients for: Balancing INFLAMMATION and supporting JOINT HEALTH Nourishing SKIN, HAIR & NAILS Maintaining healthy CHOLESTEROL & BLOOD PRESSURE Maintaining healthy HORMONE LEVELS Maintaining ENERGY LEVELS Supporting BRAIN FUNCTION & DEVELOPMENT Supporting CARDIOVASCULAR CIRCULATION & ORGAN HEALTH

F RE E P H O NE

0800 HEMPOIL 0800 436 7645

info@nzhempoil.co.nz

9

10

Envy, January, Issue 28

New Canterbury Food & Wine Trails

A Showcase of the Best of Canterbury Tastes and Talent

Jennie and Hayley check out the exciting range of Hemp Seed oil products available at Health 2000.

Jennie, Cecilia and Hayley check out the impressive range of freshly baked bread and buns at Sims Bakery.

New Hemisphere NZ Hemp Seed Oil When I told the girls that the next stop on our trip was to try some Hemp Seed Oil, they were a bit bemused but also excited to give it a try. The place to buy it in Mid-Canterbury is at Health 2000, or the Staveley Store, so we popped into Health 2000 to check this exciting new product out. New Hemisphere Hemp Seed Oil is a miracle of nature. Its unique properties offer fantastic nutritional, health and skin-care benefits...and good taste has never been so fabulous. Its rich, nutty and delicate in flavour, this unique oil contains the only naturally-occurring and perfectly balanced nutritional balance of

Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 6 and Omega 3. Whilst still new and novel, hempseed oil supersedes all existing oils that have been used to obtain EFAs in the past, such as fish oil, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil - what’s more, it’s the first delicious edible oil to accomplish this. New Hemisphere Hemp Oil is cold-pressed to ensure that key nutrients, enzymes and acids are not destroyed and health benefits are maximised. For those that have problems sipping the oil straight, while the taste is quite pleasant, some can’t get over the texture, you can always add the oil to a smoothie, or even bake it into a chocolate cake to receive the full benefits! Also you can now buy the oil in soft gel capsules,

to make the experience much easier. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the benefits of this locally extracted oil. New Hemisphere Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil Capsules contain & provide nutrients for: • Balancing inflammation and supporting joint health • Nourishing skin,hair & nails • Maintaining healthy cholesterol & blood pressure • Maintaining healthy hormone levels • Maintaining energy levels • Supporting brain function & development • Supporting cardiovascular circulation & organ health

Impressive! I have started taking Hemp Seed Oil daily now and look forward to seeing the benefits flourish over the coming months.

Thus concluded our girls day out on the food and wine trail. With over 25 places to visit, I’m sure you can plan a memorable day out locally and have as much fun as we did!

To plan your outing, visit the Food and Wine Trail website - http://www. canterburyfoodandwinetrails.co.nz/midcanterbury

Pinot Gris 2008

Pinot Noir 2008

This wine has hints of pear drops and spice on the nose, a nice palate, not overly heavy combined with a dry finish and lingering sweetness, with an alcohol content of 13.36%.

This Pinot Noir is light cherry in colour, with hints of tomato leaf and plum on the nose. On the palate, truffles, rich oak, and fine tannins with a warm finish, with an alcohol content of 12,8%.

Price - $20 per bottle or $228 per case

Price - $25 per bottle or $288 per case

They’re just too good to share!

So at Sims’ bakery, we offer quality savouries in bulk so you don’t have to! Perfect for any occasion.

Parties, Gathering’s and Morning tea shouts.

Talk to the team at Sims’ Bakery today to discuss our great selection of savouries from just

$11.50 per two Dozen packet.

Sims’ savouries.... when they’re this good, at this price, there’s just no need to share.

Sims’

Main South Road, Tinwald Ph 308 5774

Envy, January, Issue 28

11

Envy Travel

Oman and Dubai

Maxine Whiting

Travel Expert

Vege Souk in Nizwa

Overlooking the city of Muscat to the Oman Sea

Camels in Desert in Oman In November I had the opportunity to visit Oman and Dubai with Innovative Travel on an Ancient Kingdoms Holiday.

Oman is an exciting country and a truly amazing place. This trip has me very keen to return to the Middle East. Oman has long prospered on the trade routes which converged in Muscat. Richly endowed with UNESCO listed forts and castles. Oman is also blessed with a stunning coastline.

Muscat has everything from the traditional architecture to fine museums.

The Portuguese fort, old fortified harbour and spectacular Grand Mosque are absolutely amazing. My two days in Muscat was really just not long enough. After the time in Muscat we headed inland through the Hajar Mountains to Nizwa in 4WD vehicles so we could navigate our way around the desert. In Nizwa we visited the most incredible Vege, Pottery, Gold and

Silver Souks (market place) along with the 17th Century Fort. This fort was used to gain control over the Persians and convert Oman to Islam in the 17th Century. Our overnight stop was in the golden Wahiba Sands Desert. The permanent campsite was without power but this did not matter as it was a truly authentic desert camp and had really cool outdoor bathrooms.

At this campsite I had the opportunity to ride a camel, toboggan the sand dunes or experience the dunes in 4WD’s. An experience never to be forgotten!

Ras Al Had is back on the coastline and here I had the opportunity to watch giant sea turtles make their way on so slowly up the beach to nest. An amazing experience as this turtle reserve is one of the largest in the world. The Oman people are very proud of this reserve and it is very sacred to them.

Pottery Souk in Nizwa

Driving along the coastline to Sur, (a local fishing and boat building village) we stopped at a Wahi (watering hole) for a swim. To access this Wahi we walked down into a canyon to enjoy a swim in this fantastic water.

This trip combined a blend of spectacular landscapes, rich culture, heritage and the unique opportunity to witness marine turtles nesting.

We returned to Muscat and then flew back to Dubai. Dubai is a perfect introduction to the “Jewel of the Gulf” opening to a world of sun, sand and sensation. A fantastic stopover on the way to the Middle East or Europe. Shopping Centres are a huge part of Dubai as they are all air-conditioned and it is incredibly hot in the city. The “Mall of the Emirates” has a ski slope with a lift so a great experience if you are a keen skier. The beach area

EXPERIENCE AWARD-WINNING ANCIENT KINGDOMS HOLIDAYS

is great with the opportunity to swim in the Persian Gulf or browse in the many shops along the beach broadwalk. I spent an evening in the famous “Address” area.

The Address is the worlds tallest building and has the worlds largest fountain. The Fountains go nightly every 20 minutes to music. Truly spectacular and you can enjoy this while having a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Dubai has fantastic Souks with Gold, Perfume, Spice and gifts. Fantastic to visit and try your skills at bartering with the locals.

This trip with Ancient Kingdom Holidays was a very memorable experience and I would love to be able to plan your Middle East holiday with you.

Specialists in Middle East & Mediterranean Plus Russia & Eastern Europe

GRAND TOUR OF MOROCCO 11 days coach tour NOW PRICED FROM ONLY $1965pp twin (tourist class) MYSTERIES OF ANCIENT EGYPT 7 days private tour & cruise NOW PRICED FROM ONLY $1639pp twin (First Class) with BONUS FREE UPGRADE to Deluxe Nile Cruise and Pyramids view rooms

SECRETS OF SYRIA 8 days private tour NOW FROM ONLY $2993pp twin (Tourist Class) MUSCAT MINISTAY WITH FULL DAY ENCHANTING DESERT FORTS tour 4 days

NOW PRICED FROM ONLY $1016pp twin (tourist class)

(subject to availability; prices valid only when booked and paid by 28 Feb, 2011 and cannot be used in conjunction with other special offers; airfares not included; surcharges may apply for currency and other seasons of travel; All travel must be taken after 1 March 2011; other conditions as per Ancient Kingdoms Holidays Earlybird II catalogue)

BESPOK E TRAVEL for all the M id & Medit dle East erranea n.

Ask for y Ancient our free Kingdom s Holidays 2011 NOW

196 East Street, Ashburton Phone (03)3078760 | ashburton@hot.co.nz

12

Envy, January, Issue 28

Greg and Rebecca Lambert-Lane can relax and enjoy their large entertainment area at the completion of their home renovation.

The up-dated kitchen has fresh modern amenities, and the splash back features glass over a canvas print of the union jack, which can be changed to alter the look of the room.

Creating a dream Builders, mud, noise, nails, hotel rooms and sleepy kids...this can be a recipe for disaster for many families, but as Greg and Rebecca Lambert-Lane discovered, it can also be the recipe for creating a dream home.

There are many reasons to renovate an existing home, and in Greg and Rebecca’s case, it made perfect sense financially and emotionally. They love the place that they have called home for five years, a home that has brought them and their children so much happiness, but with a growing

family their need for more space was becoming apparent.

Their existing home in Allenton has character a plenty, with rustic brick and crisp white timber fences surrounding an established garden filled with greenery and white roses, giving it an English country garden feel. The landscaping had been put in place by the previous owner who was a landscape architect, and it was a feature worth keeping. On the other flip of the coin, the house was reaching the inevitable stage of requiring a bit of maintenance

work, such as a re-roof, so the question they were faced with was, do we cut our ties and move on, or do we stay and put in the effort to get the place we love functional for our family?

While considering the options, Greg and Rebecca perused the local house market, but nothing spectacular enticed them to make the move, and with the unstable housing market due to the backlash of the recession, the path to renovation was becoming clearer. Firstly they consulted with architects, but didn’t find one that

they particularly gelled with, so in the end had the confidence to do the design themselves. They had a friend draw up the plans for them, and asked some builders for some advice, and the plans were cemented from there. To complete the building work they selected Justin from Quaid Construction who was really cooperative and helpful during their planning stage. He always gave them a no-nonsense honest answer, and has been really flexible with their children, since the family have been living in the house during

Envy, January, Issue 28

The built in seat from the old sun room gives the new master bedroom a unique ambiance. the majority of the renovation. Justin also went out of his way to give them all of the information they wanted before they started, and offered some fantastic ideas and practical considerations that hadn’t occurred to Greg and Rebecca.

The intention for the completion of the renovation was to achieve more space, more storage for the family and a friendly indoor / outdoor flow allowing easy outdoor entertaining. It was important to them to keep the original style of the house and landscape while modernising it for stress free living, as the original style and landscape is what they love so much about the house right from the beginning, and that has been gracefully achieved.

The renovation took place in the rear half of the property, so starting from back to front, the original landscape surrounding the house and lawns has remained intact to preserve the established integrity. The newly laid lawn is lush and green, and provides a wonderful striking contrast

13

Each room features a unique feature wall, as shown in these three photos from the new ensuite, office and living area.

against the massive, stained timber deck.

The new deck allows for ample outdoor entertainment possibilities, giving the feel that this is a house truely designed for enjoying life while at home.

The deck frames the rear of the house which is the new extension addition to the building. It is a large indoor entertainment area with stylish furnishings that creates an open flow through to the kitchen, office and a second living area. While each of the 3 areas are all open to each other, they are clearly defined by the unique feature walls, each one strikingly different as you move through the rooms. In the large entertainment area by the deck, the feature wall is embellished in a silver alligator skin design, the office has a richly coloured wave design, while the second living area hosts a strikingly bold stripe, giving each room a distinctly different feel.

An impressive feature to the renovation is the door that Greg and Rebecca chose to entice an indoor / outdoor flow. It is a

large aluminium and glass structure, that rather than opening and folding, it slides one panel at a time, effortlessly to the sides of the entrance. It means you can just have one panel open at a time with no awkward folded bits jutting out, and the size of the door once fully opened truely opens an entrance to the outdoors that creates the desired flow effect. There has also been a storage room cleverly constructed out of sight, to give the family the additional storage room that generally is lacking in the older houses.

An innovative feature in the kitchen is the splash back, which currently stylishly displays the Union Jack which Rebecca printed onto canvas. The canvas is behind a glass panel that easily unscrews from the wall, so the design can be changed regularly for an ever-changing mood while cooking.

The new master bedroom has been created from the space of the existing sun room, so the extra room gives their three children all a room to themselves. This gives the master

bedroom the unique feature of the sun seat built in under the windows, which was an original feature of the sun room. The en-suite provides the much needed second bathroom that the growing family required. Following on with the theme of unique feature walls adding texture and depth, the master bedroom has a lavish feature wall of padded texture, to give the impression of an endless headrest. The pattern is repeated on the wardrobe doors, adding a funky difference to the room. The en-suite’s floor has a pattern of pebbles, so when you step out of the shower, you feel like you are on a stony beach.

The best thing about a renovation is seeing the end product, and Greg and Rebecca are thrilled with how the differences have transformed their home.

The added space and addition of modern luxuries have made living a pleasure, with the entertainment possibilities endless, promising exciting days ahead.

Get in quick for our January

Specials!

Licensed building practitioner BP 102522

Phone 308 6367

Extra heavy duty wool carpet

$135 Extra heavy duty solution dyed nylon $135 a metre

a metre

Where you will find quality from

start to finish

“Always check the LBP register to ensure your building practitioner is currently licensed.�

PRICES NOT TO BE BEATEN! SKIP-2-IT

240 Burnett Street, Ashburton Ph 308-0266

carpet one For Guaranteed Quality Workmanship The Mobile One

Where we give you more . . .

s #!20%4 s 6).9,3 s 4),%3 s #/2+ s ).4%2)/2 $%3)'.

100% Locally Owned and Operated.

Proud to be the chosen carpet supplier to the newly renovated home of Mr & Mrs Lambert-Lane.

Brent Green

0HONE OR #!20%4

call Quaid Construction Co. Ltd

From New houses and alterations to farm buildings and renovations Quaid Construction Guarantees Quality workmanship and is proud to have been chosen for the Lambert-Lane Alterations.

Q.C.C.

QUAID CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD

Justin Quaid Master & Licensed Builder 1 t . t & KVTUJORVBJE!IPUNBJM DPN t 8JMLJOT 3PBE 3% "TICVSUPO

14

Envy, January, Issue 28

Photos supplied by Utopia Landscaping Christchurch

Outdoors in, or the indoors out Story: Nicholas Crawford Kiwis are outdoor people. It’s a fact.

We love summer and everything it incorporates. Whether it’s bbq’s at the beach, river or at home, it seems to be ingrained in our culture. But it’s at home we can create our own version of one or all of these elements. Today’s lifestyle is all about bringing the outdoors in, or the indoors out! If you’re thinking in acres or square metres, we all know the foundation of a garden lies in the transition between indoor and outdoor living. Using paving is one of the most effective ways of achieving this. Whether it be a full paved courtyard or a paving path to an area it is one of the ‘softest’ ways of creating this.

To first determine what your needs are you must figure out what you want. Is it the ultimate entertaining area? A family fun place or something more intimate? How much space can you use?

Are you a plants person or prefer low maintenance gardens? These factors will determine how much area you need to pave.

Next is to choose what type of pavers suit you and your lifestyle. The two main manufactured pavers are Concrete pavers and Drymix pavers (or Cobblemix paving).

Concrete pavers are created using a large aggregate mix which results in a strong paver with a smooth finish on top or an exposed aggregate finish.

Depending on what you lay these pavers on, they will withstand almost every possible traffic – whether it be foot or road!

They are also the most diverse of all pavers, coming in smooth, textured and exposed aggregate. Each variety has its own benefit,

depending on what you’re looking for.

A smooth finish paver will give you a classic finish which will never go out of style, whereas a textured finish gives a non slip surface which needs no additional treatment.

The exposed aggregate paver gives you the option to use any coloured aggregate to ‘expose’ on the surface. This has the advantage of being able to showcase a local stone, or to go for something more unusual. Most paving manufacturers will be able to use any stone you wish to use.

This type of paving does benefit from being sealed to retain its original colour and stops a lot of wear.

Dry mix paving is a type of paving that uses a light aggregate mix very similar to that of cobblestones.

This paving advantageous to areas where there is a large amount of water as they are the most porous of pavers. They do not suit sealing being so porous, but have the

advantage of having whichever colour you choose being mixed all the way through.

This means even with wear over time the colour stays the same.

Picking what paver to use should not be a rushed decision. Getting samples from your paving supplier is a good way of helping you choose. Place the samples in a prominent area where you can compare colours, textures and sizes. Look at the pavers next to your house and your garden.

See what they look like at different times of day (some may appear dull in the morning and yet too glarey in full sun). Wet them down to see how colours change in the rain. Doing this over a period of time, you will soon learn which style will suit your garden and your needs.

Ultimately what style you choose is up to you. You must be happy with your choice as generally a paved area will become the hub of your garden and will bring your home and your garden together.

Turn the heads of your neighbours Quality Landscape supplies, direct to the public at wholesale prices!

• Bark, Soil and Oamaru Stone • 100% Organic Compost • Rocks and Boulders • Sand and Shingle • Stones and Concrete • Home deliveries available!

Our large range of bulk landscape supplies can help you achieve this look at your home

ASHBURTON CONTRACTING LTD

Phone 307 8302, Dobson Street West, Ashburton Email: maurice.wotton@ashcon.co.nz Website: www.ashcon.co.nz

Water

Envy, January, Issue 28

15

Rachel Vogan

Garden Expert

the backbone of your garden

Water is a vital ingredient of any successful garden. It is a key element in producing healthy tasty vegetables, fruits and for maintaining flowers, pots and lawns.

Lack of plant performance in the summer is often a result of poor or inadequate watering.

Water is the backbone of any successful crop, weather it be edible, flowering or ornamental.

In summer, soil can become dry, hard and repel water (hydrophobic). When you water these dry pots the water quickly runs down the edges of the pot and out through the drainage holes without being absorbed (effectively wasting the majority of the water that was applied). A good trick to re-hydrate overly dry pots or hanging baskets is to place them in a bucket or trough of water and leave them in there soaking until the water stops bubbling. This may take a day or over night but the root zone will be refreshed and your plants will thank you for it.

A smart proactive way to help your soil hold onto moisture over the warm months is to add a few essentials to it to increase its water holding capacity.

Mulch – a thick layer of mulch helps the soil hold onto moisture for longer periods. Before adding mulch to the gardens water the area well. This will trap moisture in the soil and provide plants a cool moist root zone. Pelletised pea straw is about the easiest mulch to apply, simply add an even layer over the soil. When water is applied it swells four times its original size making it very economical, easy and very tidy apply – no messy hands or wheel barrows required with this stuff. Decorative bark and pine mulches are widely available and look smart once applied. Sheep pellets are fabulous mulch as they feed and retain moisture at the same time. Tui Super Sheep Pellets are a favorite with worms too, it’s a good idea to feed the ‘soil workers’ over the warmer months too.

Soil wetters (no to be confused with bed wetters) are magic products that once applied to the soil they enable it to hold onto more moisture. Making your water go further and keeping plants healthy and productive at the same time. Saturaid is the soil wetter to look out for, simply sprinkle it onto the soil or pots and blend in. Re-Apply each season to ensure the best water retention.

Ground covers – covering the soil with ground covering plants will limit the amount of moisture drawn out of the soil on hot days. In the veggie garden crops like pumpkins, melons and courgettes cover the soil and protect crops growing around them.

Watering hints: • Water roots not foliage. Plants take in water through the root zone so watering the foliage is un-necessary and can cause leaf burning.

• Water in the morning or early evening avoiding the heat in the middle of the day.

It’s best to water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little each day. It is wasteful to apply water faster than the soil can soak it in.

• Check leaking hoses or taps, they can waste a lot of water. A dripping tap can leak up to 10 litres of water a day.

• Water the garden not the driveway, path or paved areas.

• Use a soak hose in garden beds rather than a sprinkler.

• When planting, group plants together with similar water needs, this will also help simplify the design of an automatic watering system • Phone a friend – if you are away over the holiday season ask a friend or neighbour to pop in and water your treasures.

Reader Giveaway: To help gardeners save water this summer we have a water saving kit available as a prize pack available if you choose to use this material.

If you wish to offer the giveaway, you must register with Rachel Vogan as prize packs are limited rachelvogan@gmail.com

Water saving kit: Saturaid, Pelletised Pea Straw, Mulch & Feed , Value $60

December winner: Noeline Sapwell, Ashburton

Bring New life to your garden Contact me for a free no obligation appraisal and conditions

For friendly, approachable, down to earth service that gets you results...

Wanted Houses up to $250 000 for buyers with flexible possession

Phone Sue Prendergast Property Consultant Phone 03-308-9836 Mob 027-322-8422 - Office 03-308-6173

with the atmosphere only running water can give.

We now stock plastic moulded ponds in different shapes and sizes, with a wide range of pumps to bring them to life.

Visit the team at Arthur Cates Ltd to view the options and transform your garden into a feature this summer.

Arthur Cates Ltd www.arthurcates.co.nz - 236 Burnett Street, Ashburton.

Open Saturdays 9:00am to 11:30am

16

Envy, January, Issue 28

Happy New Year to you lovely ladies in the South I wrote on our facebook page on New Years eve… “Let go of what steals TIME and DEFINE what is important to YOU!” As girls in this century we should have more time to be doing what we do LOVE…but it is not true… the more resourced and informed we are the less time we have.

I have been pruning in my orchard. There are a few trees that take a lot of my time and energy that bear no fruit. I have pulled them out. Time wasters, recognize what they are. Delete delete.

I have been nurturing the fruit bearing trees with love and attention….this is my family and friends and the business of The Carpenters Daughter.

And all the manure (crap) that comes my way it gets diluted with water and put at the foot of my fruit bearing trees to nourish and strengthen. These could be the lessons learnt, the bad decisions, the negativity around us.

What is important to me is… being included and being surrounded by nature… it is the hills and valleys that feed my soul.

I love cycling… I love to get my senses titivated, smells of grass and bush, sounds of bird song and bees working.

I have been appreciating what I can gather from the land, picking cherries in Central Otago, gathering the biggest mushrooms and eating rascally rabbit Irish stew. Getting close to nature nurtures my soul. Great heights allow me to get close to the heavens… my latest experience was… exhausting!

Alpine walking( this is what it is called) from Coronet Peak to Brow Hill Arrowtown… a 13.5 km walk along the ridge.. lots of up..I like the up… it is the down

1586m down… that killed my knees and have now crippled me to be comfortable only sitting in a chair. My thigh muscles are screaming each time I have to do stairs , get off a seat, walk even.

Not good..Last week I sprained my ankle while walking in the Kaimai Ranges…while investigating the red berry that was on the leafy forest floor that took my attention away from placing my foot correctly…grit the teeth…get over the pain and walk on out!

These two particular experiences reminded me of how determined I am to see it through… to finish what I started and not too complain…I drive my business this way… YOU being my passion.

I am determined to be the best at what I can be…this year… so who is coming along on this journey with me… let’s get moving Girls and believe that we are going to be the best!

I am on Sabbatical you know…

6 – 8 weeks off from TCD… huh that will never happen… I am The Carpenters Daughter… this is my life and has been for the last 20 years… This is the time of year that I cast the vision for the year.

So Girls… if you can’t get to the shops… look online to see what we have available. www.tcd.co.nz NO we are not in SALE yet… but we do have a Gorjis gift with purchase that I have made for you.

Limited Editions they are…quite popular too! So many of you LOVE to cook! And others love to SHOP! Look out for me… I am on a road trip in the TCD car with my Grandaughter Eve…showing her where I use to hang out when I was a child! South Island here I come again! Can’t wait!

Caroline Marr The Carpenters Daughter

Fashion Guide

to Summer

The Carpenters Daughter Sizes 12-24

New Year – time to embrace and embellish your curves

FashioNZ have a hot new blogger – Amber Peebles! If you think Amber looks familiar, then you’re right. She is a former Miss World New Zealand, and has had a host of media roles on radio and television, including most recently hosting the Red Bull Chronicals on Sky Sport.

Gorgeous and Exclusive free gift with purchase – my personal gift to you!

96 Oxford TCE 03 943 1633

www.tcd.co.nz

100% NEW ZEALAND MADE. STILL.

Here is her most recent blog for FashioNZ, giving us an insight to hot summer hair trends for 2011.

I’m on the hunt for this season’s top trends, starting with the top two inches.

Stephen Marr’s superstar stylist Lauren Gunn, and colour expert Amanda Preston gave me the scoop all things awesome for the summer and gave me the ‘so hot right now’ do for brunettes this season.

Lauren Gunn says: We have Alexa Chung to thank for the explosion of the dip-dye craze. Just like the topknot last summer, this look is so-hot-right-now! Balayage is a French coloring technique where lighter, deeper colors are smudged into the roots of the hair and lighter tones are hand painted throughout the ends to create a seamless graduation of colour.

What’s hot for blondes?

Lauren: For blondes it’s all about the 90’s surfer girl with a little grunge sneaking in there – owing to the influence of style icons like Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and

Emma Balfour. A messy mix-up of milky and buttery blondes is the look to go for. Set you hair by plaiting some random sections and applying heat with your blowdryer then comb it out with your fingers. Busting out the heavy black eyeliner when the sun goes down is a must.

Red heads?

Lauren: Reds should have a slightly unreal feel to them, a cross between sex siren and 50’s housewife. Joan Holloway of cult series ‘Madmen’ ought to be every redhead girl’s muse.

How would you recommend looking after your hair through the summer months?

Lauren: Lavish your hair with tender loving care, take a bottle of fresh water to the beach with you to splash over your head after an ocean swim and treat yourself to regular infusions to keep your locks silky and soft. Focus on cuticle health, this means keeping the pH of your hair in balance and infusing small molecular proteins, vitamins and lipids.

Envy, January, Issue 28

Envious

Jewellery From the trendsetter to the jetsetter, this new Baby-G has you covered. Aqua resin band analog and digital watch a silver face.

Silver Mussel Shell Bracelet $300.00

The distinctive metallic finishes, negative LCDs and textured dials of these new Baby-G models provide plenty of visual impact to suite any fashionista. Lime resin band with a lime face and a digital dial code. Lime green digital watch with a neutral face.

Stirling Silver C2 and Matt Balls on Black Leather $195.00

An eye-catching solid-colour band combines with a brilliant 3D LCD on which figures seem to float on a mirror like jelly. The result is a fun and fashionable design. Purple Resin Band and a Digital Dial Code.

Stirling Silver Matt/Polished Oval Ring $95.00

The digital display window in the upper right corner of the face shows a graphic G symbol for a playful touch.

The colors and design of this new Baby-G makes it as much a fashion accessory as a timepiece.

Stirling Silver Pare Set Cz and Jet Cz ring $195.00

ER STOCKTAKE SALE

You’re unique, you’re jewellery should be too...

The hottest accessory this summer!

Great range instore now... *Excludes Lovelinks, repairs & laybys

Time For Diamonds

86 Tancred Street, Ashburton : Phone 03 308 6722 www.timefordiamonds.co.nz Hours: Mon - Fri 9-5.30 Sat 9.30-12.30

111 TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON PHONE 307 6663 www.uniquejewellery.co.nz

designs - manufacture - remakes - repairs - valuations

17

18

Envy, January, Issue 28

Pretty in Pink Ball

Recipes of the month Congratulations to last months winner Steph McCallum Ashburton

for a perfect cause Story: Amanda Niblett

Tasty treats since 1969.

They’re all

here for sampling at our Geraldine shop.

Four Peaks Plaza Talbot Street, Geraldine Open 7 Days 9.00am to 5.30pm Phone/Fax: 03 693 9727 Email: barkers.shop@barkers.co.nz

www.barkers.co.nz

TO TEKAPO

Lemon & Lime Meringue Pie Impressive, tasty, easy Serves 8-12 Ingredients 1 sheet frozen sweet short crust pastry 1/3 cup cornflour ½ cup water 1 cup Barker’s of Geraldine Lemon & Lime Syrup 2 cups caster sugar 50g butter 4 eggs, separated Method Line a tart tin/dish with the pastry, prick the base with a fork, chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 200 C. Put a sheet of baking paper on top of pastry,add another similarsized baking tinon top and blind bake for 15 minutes.

In a saucepan mix together the cornflour, water, syrup and half the caster sugar and heat slowly.

Whisk continuously in saucepan, over heat, until thickened.

Whisk in the butter and egg yolks and continue to whisk until boiled and thick.

Pour into the pastry base.

Whisk the egg whites with remaining sugar until stiff.

Swirl on top of the pie filling.

Bake at 200 C for 10-15 minutes until meringue tips browned.

Tips/Hints • Serve hot or cold • The filling and shell can be prepared ahead but always whip egg whites just before use.

Barkers Giveaway

Barker’s gift basket worth $80.

TO TIMARU

TALBOT ST TO CHRISTCHURCH

Post your self addressed envelope to: Barkers Giveaway, Amanda Niblett, PO Box 77, Ashburton 7700. E-mail: amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz, subject header: Barkers Giveaway.

Please include your name, address and phone number. Only complete entries will be included in the draw.

With the holiday season past us, it’s essential to remember that amidst all the indulgence going on, philanthropy is at the core of the festivities.

The Pretty in Pink Ball is a great opportunity to show off your charitable side. In aid of Cancer Awareness, this year’s ball is promising to be a glamorous affair, an evening not to be missed, with proceeds helping locals affected by cancer who need it the most.

The first Pretty in Pink ball was hosted in March 2009 and was a fantastic triumph, raising a huge amount of money for an excellent cause.

The ball is the collaborative effort of 5 local ladies, Di Thomas, Caroline Smith, Becky Wilkinson, Julie Stevenson and Jean Letham. Di and Caroline started the ball rolling with a combined idea on how to help the local community of cancer sufferers, while organising a glitzy night out for locals to dress up to the nines and show off their swishy side.

Although the experience of people diagnosed with cancer varies greatly from one person to another, they all need a good support system in order to cope throughout the different stages of the process. Apart from having to cope with the physical and medical challenges, people with cancer face many worries, feelings, and concerns unique to their situation. Cancer patients may find they need help coping with the emotional as well as the practical aspects of their disease, and attention to the emotional burden of having cancer is often a part of a patient’s treatment plan.

The support of the health care team (doctors, nurses, social workers), support groups, and patient-to-patient networks can help people feel less isolated and distressed, and improve the quality of their lives. More importantly cancer support groups can provide access to the most current information regarding available treatments. That is where the Cancer Society becomes a lifeline and pillar of strength to cancer patients and their families.

The volunteers at the Ashburton Cancer Society are understanding, empathetic and professional, as most have experienced cancer, either personally or through a loved one. They organise counselling for patients and their families, they arrange for wood to be delivered to keep patients warm during their recovery, and they provide food, grocery vouchers and petrol vouchers to keep families going while a loved one is receiving treatment.

The funds raised from the Pretty in Pink ball will be given directly to the Ashburton Cancer Society to be used in this manner, to support the local men and women in Mid-Canterbury who

are currently suffering from this vicious disease. The core theme for the Pretty in Pink ball is ‘Celebration of Life’, to remind us all that our lives are precious, and should be cherished. It is a fun night out and a celebration of everything that is beautiful in this world, to remind us that while cancer may be taking the lives of our loved ones, the life we have while we have it is special and worthy of celebration! So plump up your lashes, strap on your prettiest heels and dance the evening away.

The ball takes place at the ground floor of the racecourse, but the area is adorned in glamorous draping and sparkling fairy lights that you will think you are in a magical land, far far away. Many people think that they have to wear pink at the ball, but this isn’t the case. The pink theme is based from the breast cancer pink ribbon, but is not required in your attire if you prefer to wear ravishing ruby or sparkling sapphire. Also if donning a ball gown just isn’t your cup of tea, then feel free to wear what you like, the evening is more about having a great time than focusing on looking like Cinderella. Men, while the penguin suits are gorgeous, again they aren’t a requirement, so tidy will pass if a suit is not an option for you.

This is the perfect opportunity to have a girls night out with your mum and aunties, or with your closest friends, or even a group from work! You may want to take your Prince Charming, or fly solo. It is a sensational night out, no matter who you are attending with.

The rocking band ‘Puree’ are back again from Christchurch, to have you up and swinging the whole night through.

A glass of bubbly and cheese platters will greet you on arrival and then supper is served later in the evening.

This is included in the ticket price.

Additional refreshments are available through a cash only bar.

Tickets are $60 per person, and are available from Body’n’Beauty Worx, Stepping Out and Lushingtons.

Pretty in Pink ball Saturday, March 26th, 2011 8:00pm Ashburton Racecourse

Envy, January, Issue 28

19

Your stars,

with Madame Latanya...

January 2011

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 From January 16th through the 21st, the sun takes her turn working with Jupiter and Uranus the same way that Mars just did. Once again, you could find this to be a good time for contemplating your professional goals and making sure that you are not doing anything to sabotage your own efforts. You’ll need to stay focused on what it is you want to accomplish as it may be difficult to field all the offers which will seem to be pouring in, temping as it may seem.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 From January 22nd through the 25th, Venus and Saturn are working together to blend your home sector and your work sector in a positive manner. This is a great time for telecommuting, working from home, working on home-based businesses, working on household projects, chores, yard work, etc. It is a smart, profitable, and pleasant energy. Jupiter begins a new cycle and swoops into your career sector paving the way for a fresh new start. Whether it’s a promotion, a new job or a new career direction, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for – even if it doesn’t appear that way at first.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Let’s face it – last year has been a bit trying for you but on the plus side, your inner strength and personal fabric have been toughened up making you all the more stronger and wiser. From January 28th through February 11th, the sun and Mars are traveling partners. They are together in your personal pleasure, and happiness sector. This is an excellent time for socializing, networking, and activities that bring more romance, fun, joy, and creativity into your life. You are a charming and motivational leader when it comes to showing others how to have a good time.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19

Making sweeping progress in your personal life will be your main objective as you enter the New Year on a positive yet determined note. You have a big agenda for the coming year and as there’s no time like the present. From January 16th through the 21st, the sun takes her turn working with Jupiter and Uranus the same way that Mars just did. Once again, you could find this to be a good time for commercial, community, and communications oriented projects and activities. You are still being seen as a clever and charming person to talk to.

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Principally speaking, you’ll start the year off on the moral high ground as everything you say and do will have to have meaning behind it. There will be no off the cuff statements or arbitrary actions as you’ll want to do everything with integrity. From January 9th through the 12th, Mercury joins forces with Neptune to combine your profit sharing sector with your success and leadership sector. This is a lovely time for you to earn the trust, respect, and admiration of your boss and peers while also increasing profits, earning bigger commission checks, etc. This is a smart and creative financial and professional energy for you to work with.

Leo July 23 - Aug 22 Your love life is running hot this month. Unfortunately, it is angry hot at times AND sexy hot at other times. At least your marriage is not boring and stagnant. Your career and finances are equally chaotic, but mostly moving forward in a positive direction. Things are fiery and passionate in your world, but you are able to maintain your cool and stay on top of things.

With your highly ambitious plans for the near future you know you’ll have an equally ambitious amount of work to do in a short space of time.

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 21

After all the expenses of the festive season, you feel as though you’ll have to pinch your pennies just to get by as you’ve likely been generous beyond your means. With a little discipline, you’ll have your affairs in order sooner than you anticipated. January 23rd Jupiter moves into Aries and your sixth house of daily work and physical health. You are confident, self-motivated, and ready to tackle all kinds of professional obstacles. You could find that athletics and fitness challenges are more motivating than usual, so you might be in the mood to set impressive physical goals for yourself and to then work hard to achieve them.

Aquarius

Jan 20 - Feb 18

When power planet Mars moves into your sign on the 16th, followed shortly after by the Sun, it will give you a boost of confidence making you feel centred and ambitious. Financial issues involving friends, colleagues, or the Internet are causing a decent amount of stress. However, you are in a good position to sell your ideas and to charm people into seeing things from your point of view. You also experience a lovely “ta-da!” moment involving your financial, professional, fitness, and/or productivity-related goals.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 Now, with the coming of the solar eclipse on the 4th you’ll get an awareness of the insight needed to transform your life and elevate yourself to the position you’ve been working so hard to achieve. From January 22nd through the 25th, Venus and Saturn are working together to blend your partnerships/ rivals sector and your romance, playtime, and happiness sector in a positive manner. This is a great time for fun playful date nights, and hanging out with your best friend.

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sept 22 January 23rd Jupiter moves into Aries and your eighth house of trust and sharing, intimacy, fidelity, loyalty, joint finances, commissions, stock options, loans, lotteries, insurances, and other forms of profit sharing. You could find you are in a creative, dynamic, and zesty mood romantically. Rather than quiet dreamy date nights at home, you are more interested in playful, fun, and spontaneous interactions with your sweetheart. For singles, while things are likely to progress over the course of the month, it may also seem that your social life picks up speed as you’ll be in the mood for letting your hair down and living it up.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Starting new ventures around this time will be favourable as your experience will enable you to act with authority.

However, from the 16th to the end of the month, you’ll be eager to get a move on with your ambitious plans but it may take a bit of negotiating to get others to come around to your way of thinking. January 23rd Jupiter moves into Aries and your fifth house of personal pleasure, romance, playtime, and happiness. By nature, Sagittarius is #1 in the realm of “happiness”. You are known for your ability to walk away from people and situations that are too stifling, demanding, and/ or dull. If you are interested in turning a favourite hobby or pastime into a career, you could find Jupiter is able to bring you quite a bit of inspiration and good luck.

Pisces

Feb 19 - March 20 There is a lot happening in your career, social life, and finances this month. Most of it is good, but some of it is a little challenging. Mostly you need to watch out for romantic and financial trust issues and to make sure that you do not fall victim to online financial scams. Otherwise, you are coming across as smart, charming, and a great team player. From the 16th onward, you’ll seem to kick into auto-pilot as you manoeuvre yourself through an ambitious yet alternative scheme moving from strength to strength as the pace quickens.

envy

lifestyle magazin e

Would you like to market your business in this publication?

Do you have any feedback on this edition?

Please contact us, as we strive to make Envy, Mid Canterbury’s favourite local magazine.

Email Amanda – amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz

Come and see the team at Tinwald Canvas & Upholstery Ltd for all your: Sails shades, pool & PVC covers, insurance claims, squabs & cushion covers, upholstery repairs & recovers, boat, vehicle covers and interiors & much much more.

TINWALD CANVAS & UPHOLSTERY LTD 115 Main South Road, Tinwald Ph/Fax 03 307 2354 Email: tincanup@xtra.co.nz