14 minute read
KEEPING TABS ON SCREEN TIME
Keeping track of the amount of digital screen time your family clocks up, especially teens and younger children, can be a tricky thing for even the most vigilant of parents. Metropol’s gadget guru Ian Knott takes a look at one option designed to make it simple.
You know how it goes, teenagers jumping from one screen to another. No sooner finishing up a gaming session on their PC and they’re in bed on their phone scrolling through a couple of hundred TikTok videos.
Controlling screen time from a central point can be done at a router level, but it requires a fair bit of technical knowledge.
But with the Circle Home Plus, keeping tabs on screen time, websites, apps, devices and their whereabouts, for every family member and device connected to your home network, is as simple as checking your phone.
The Circle (which is actually a cube), lets you have full control over how long your kids can spend on specific sites. Want them to have unlimited access to Wikipedia and YouTube, but have only one hour per day on Instagram, and not have access to Reddit at all? You can do that within the Circle Parental Controls app.
Set times and limits can be enforced easily and extra time rewards can be given if they’ve done their chores. You can even cut the internet off altogether during certain times when you want some family bonding, such as dinner times for example.
Granted, they can use mobile data instead, but just watch how fast that gets used up with videos, gaming and Netflix.
The Circle is easy to set up and the accompanying app couldn’t be any simpler to use, however all this comes at a price.
The Circle unit itself retails for around $200, and the use of the Parental Controls app requires a subscription. That itself is a couple of hundred yearly, but there are monthly options and a more sensible lifetime option if you’re going to need to use it for a few years.
Buying the hardware normally includes 12 months subscription to the app, so you’ll get to assess the very clever features for free before making further commitment.
Pros:
An incredible range and depth of in-app controls.
Simple to follow and operate, even for noobs.
Off ers peace of mind.
Ouch! It’s pricey if you want to use it past the free period. But the lifetime membership is worth the outlay in the long run.
Cons:
Wategos natural rattan range
114 Carlyle Street, Sydenham 03 972 5584 Open 10-5pm Mon-Sat www.oneworldcollection.co.nz FURNITURE | DECOR | LIGHTING
Dragon Stone Paving Ltd
Commercial | Civil | Residential
Specialist, bespoke paving solutions to large and small commercial sub-contractors and to private residential clients.
Subdivisions • Road crossings • Roundabouts • Pavements Car Parks • Patios • Pathways • Pool Surrounds
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Louvre Roofs I Gates I Fences I Chimney Cowls Horizontal & Vertical Sun Louvres Cedar Louvres I Commercial & Residential I 10 Year Warranty
phone 0275 356 286 email info@louvresolutions.co.nz louvresolutions.co.nz
Perfecting your gathering space
At Dream Doors Kitchens, they believe the kitchen is a place to gather, cook, share meals, and socialise with friends and family. Whether you require minimal renovation or an entire new kitchen, they can take care of as much, or as little, of the renovation process as you need. Adrian and his team of skilled tradesman take great pride in their work and are ready to help you make your New Kitchen or Kitchen Renovation dreams come true.
www.dreamdoors.co.nz | Ph: 03 338 1081 | adrian@dreamdoors.co.nz
Optimising outdoor living
Spring comes with unpredictable weather and just as we optimistically venture to our outdoor living areas, a sudden change sees us darting indoors again.
Alouvre roof is the perfect way to optimise your enjoyment of that space, even in the unpredictable spring weather.
Louvre Solutions roof systems are more than just a slatted covering. They are customised with heating, lighting, and ventilation so you can create your own comfort zone, and you have the option of installing pull-down side screens.
Thanks to a rain sensor, the louvres close automatically when it starts raining, just like magic. No more dashing indoors when a sudden shower arrives.
For more than 17 years the company, owned by Craig Rogers, has been manufacturing louvre systems in Canterbury at its Rangiora base.
Only high-quality materials are used, from the New Zealand extruded aluminium louvres and fastenings to the motors and controls imported from Europe.
The metal system is stronger and more durable than traditional patio covers and conforms to nearly all wind and snow load requirements. All the company’s louvre roofs come with a 10-year warranty.
Sounds expensive? Not necessarily.
“In the early days premium products like these defi nitely were expensive,” says Craig. But that’s changed. “Technology has advanced and has widened the options for customers. Louvre roofs are now within the realms of possibility across the spectrum, from entry-level properties to high-end architecturally-designed homes.”
Incorporating a louvre roof system is something to consider in the design stage of your new build to maximise the positioning of your outdoor living space or they can be retrofi tted to complement your existing patio or spa area.
The systems are also a practical and effi cient way to make the most of your commercial building, enabling heating and cooling control in the offi ce environment or extending the time that you can use your restaurant or cafe’s outdoor dining area.
New Zealand’s changeable weather conditions are beyond your control but a louvre roof puts you in control of your own microclimate, allowing you to enjoy al fresco living year-round.
“Whether entertaining, relaxing, or simply expanding your indoor area, we can bring your ultimate outdoor environment to fruition,” says Craig.
The company has agents in the North Island as well as in Nelson, mid-Canterbury, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Find out about the best Louvre Solutions for you, call 027 535 6286 or email info@louvresolutions.co.nz
Enjoy a great sleep
The benefi ts of a good night’s sleep are multiple. Studies worldwide have shown that a decent sleep nightly should boost your immune system, result in better work productivity, improved mental agility, weight loss and mood control.
Sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy. Most adults need seven or more hours of good-quality sleep on a regular schedule each night. Quantity and also quality are important so that you feel rested when you wake up.
Sleep is especially essential for various aspects of brain function such as cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance, all of which studies have shown are negatively aff ected by sleep deprivation. On the other hand, good sleep has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and enhance memory performance of both children and adults.
To sort your perfect bed and mattress visit the Dreamwool Beds showroom at 96 Disraeli Street, Sydenham or call 0800 753 754.
Pick your mattress Bed size matters
Key to that is having the right bed and mattress which is where Dreamwool Beds can help. Company director David Henderson says there is no better way to spend nights than sleeping soundly on a mattress fi lled with generous layers of soft, luxurious Merino wool sourced directly from select South Island farms.
Dreamwool mattresses provide optimum comfort and temperature control, enabling you to get to a deeper sleep, faster, he says. “The combination of pure Merino wool, natural latex infused with activated charcoal, thousands of delicate microcoils and supportive pocketsprings, means Dreamwool mattresses provide sleepers with the perfect microclimate for any season: cool, moisture-wicking confi dence in summer and warm, luxurious comfort in winter.
“Like sleeping on a cloud,” he adds. Sleeping in a size-appropriate bed also helps with a good night’s sleep.
For older singles, David suggests an old-fashion three-quarter size bed. “It’s four feet wide, which is larger than a king single, yet smaller than a regular double bed. I know several older people on their own now who have downsized and love it.“There’s plenty of room for one person not to get lost or swamped by the size. There’s also room for bedtime stories with grandchildren when they visit.”
Often called a “small double”, three quarter beds are very spacious for one person and compact enough to fi t in a standard-sized modern bedroom. For those who enjoy relaxing in bed, sitting up and watching television then drifting off to the best possible sleep, try the recliner option. You’ll love it.
new things Colour Me New
Your unique style, the one that refl ects your personality, applies to your home too, and is now within reach!
Whether you’re looking to redesign your entire house or simply a room or two, interior designer/colour consultant Judy, at Alena Designs, can help direct your distinct style needs.
Judy believes colour speaks the language of expression, inspiring exciting transformations. Helping others fi nd their design voice, she suggests starting with one small area. A window seat, faded armchair, or dull sofa cushions provide the perfect mini project. Add rich textured wallpapers and bold fabric patterns for an aff ordable home facelift that pops.
To start your interior design transformation, visit the website.
www.alenadesigns.co.nz
Beautiful new season range of ELK clothing and accessories now available at The Ivy. Gorgeous NZ made designer cushions. Shop online www.alenadesigns.co.nz
Bordallo Pinheiro, uniquely handmade in Portugal available from Cosi Fan Tutte.
Sabelle luxurious Sheep Milk beauty products available at Coco Gifts. Beautiful timber furniture custommade by Gavin Cox Furniture.
Beautifully unique fine art studio portraits for people and pets. Contact Emma at Emma Steel Photography.
Are you looking to give your house or room a lift? We can help...
027 322 9713 www.alenadesigns.co.nz
A sanctuary of sensory bliss, a shopper’s delight
The Tannery www.cosifantutte.co.nz
custom wedding stationery | original watercolour & oil paintings | children’s art
charliejane.art@hotmail.com | @charliejane.art 0204 003 5240 | www.charliejaneart.comCharlie JaneArt
Superior soy candles, poured with love available at Love Light Soy Candles.
Prints and original artwork with matt boarding and framing options available at Art by J Steel.
All weather outdoor lounger set, New Summer 2016/17 Outdoor Lounger Set in stock now. Available from Available from The Crowded House The Crowded House Furniture Furniture Company Ltd. www.thecrowdedhouse.co.nz Company www.thecrowdedhouse.co.nz
NEW Vintage Sass Mugs available at Industria. Brighten someone’s day with a ‘just because’ gift from Barrington Gifts.
A large selection of one-off and eclectic pieces available at The Vintro Room.
Softly fl ickering candlelight and delicate fragrances bring ambience to any room.
From romantic to light and airy, orchard fruits to the smell of the sea or mum’s favourite fl owers, set the scene with Love Light Soy Candles, hand-poured, here in Christchurch.
Sisters Lisa Mallinson and Tania Mitchell create a range of unique 100 percent soy candles to suit all occasions. Each candle is handmade and individually quality controlled.
“We are all about reducing waste and recycling too, so we also off er a refi lling service,” says Lisa.
Available too are beautiful Italian linen garments, and the organic Kiwi-made Ardra skincare range.
Visit the studio and shop in Rolleston (Thursday to Saturday), the Guthrey Centre, Cashel Mall (open 7 days), or the website below.
www.lovelightsoyvandles.co.nz
EXCLUSIVE. STYLISH. HANDCRAFTED.
Solid timber furniture
A fantastic range of traditional and contemporary furniture designs. We can also help you with any custom made furniture requirements.
gavincoxfurniture.co.nz
NEW PREMISES 19 Elgin St, Sydenham • P. 366 9219 where the best gifts come from
• Women • Men • Children • Gift Baskets • Birthdays • Special Occasions Barringto• Games n Mall, Christchurch Tel: • Homewares337-2337 South City and Barrington Mall, www.barringtongifts.co.nz Christchurch. Tel: 337-2337
www.barringtongifts.co.nz
Superior Soy Candles Poured with Love
Guthrey Centre, Cashel Mall, Chch 185 Brookside Road, Rolleston P. 027 417 2619 www.lovelightsoycandles.co.nz
The Vintro Room
Art, Antiques & Collectables
Specialising in art and unique collectable pieces. Please contact us if you are thinking of selling.
Spring into the garden
With the welcomed arrival of spring, it is the time when people start thinking about their gardens and what to plant for the season ahead. Growing plants and trees at home takes the right knowledge, and a little help from the experts is never a bad idea.
Kiwifl ora Nurseries have an ever-changing range of plants available, as well as expert advice on how best to grow and look after diff erent varieties. They respond to consumer demands as garden trends change, and watch the trends in popularity of diff erent plants to ensure they are ready for whatever it is their customers are looking for.
Current trends Kiwifl ora Nurseries are seeing include an ongoing demand for fruit trees. This is possibly the result of Covid-19 creating a want for selfsuffi ciency, it makes sense that in our current climate, having fresh, healthy food grown at home is appealing. People who may not have before, are now taking it upon themselves to grow their own produce. Kiwifl ora Nurseries currently have 19 varieties of citrus trees, including lemons, limes, mandarins, and oranges. Other fruit trees in stock include apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, feijoas, fi gs, peaches, and plums, so there is plenty of choice if you are just getting started or adding to your growing collection of fruit trees.
Another current trend is the increasing popularity of fl owering perennials. These are a beautiful long living plant that unlike annuals, don’t need to set seed to keep thriving. They often grow as clumps, which get bigger every year by expanding sideways, and can then be divided to spread out over the garden. The seasonal colours are stunning and will bring so much beauty to your outdoor spaces, so these are a great option for planting this spring.
Kiwifl ora Nurseries propagate and grow a vast range of trees, plants and shrubs, and are always looking to develop and refi ne their customer experience. Next on the horizon is a new website, due to be live later this September. This will mean introducing online shopping and click and collect orders for ultimate customer ease.
There will also be advanced features including plant photos and cultural information. Look out for future developments and additions of handy resources for gardening at home, articles on specifi c tips and tricks and tutorial type videos.
For any questions or advice, contact the friendly team today on 03 349 4582, or pop into store at 851 Waterholes Rd, Templeton.
