Septembersavvy

SEPTEMBER 2013

INSPIRED BY NORTHLAND

Donna Logan

QUEEN

of the race track ONE ON ONE WITH

STAN Walker

TOP TIPS

FASHION

FIESTA RUAKAKA RACES

PLUS: 9 PAGES OF GARDENING & HOME TRENDS

SAVVY

Window Shopping

1

2

2

1. LONGVIEW ESTATE WINES

GUMDIGGERS PORT –NOW 2 FOR $50 Indulge in our local wines, with the great September deal!

Gumdiggers Port RRP$30 - Now 2 for $50 for a limited time! We are open for tastings – call at the cellar door. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.

Longview Estate, 5 mins south of Whangarei on SH1.

Ph 09 438 7227. www.longviewwines.co.nz

2. HIMALAYAN TRADING POST

HANDMADE LEATHER SANDALS Summer is just around the corner. Check out our gorgeous handmade leather sandals from India. We have styles for men and women! Great range of styles and colours are available.

Mon–Fri 9.30am–5.00pm, Sat 9.00am–2.30pm.

Ph 430 2040. 25 Bank St, Whangarei. www.himalayantradingpost.co.nz

4

3. NZ FUDGE FARM

3

INDULGE SWEET TREATS Indulge yourself or someone special with an array of both NZ and overseas hand-made chocolates, creamy, mouthwathering old-fashioned fudge, ice creams, coffees and an array of other sweet treats. Gift baskets available in store.

Shop 3, Town Basin, Whangarei, phone 09 438 3327 www.nzfudgefarm.co.nz

4. LASTRITE FOOTWEAR

ICONIC FOOTWEAR MANUFACTURER QUALITY DRESS AND RECREATION FOOTWEAR MADE IN WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND New Multi coloured sandals. All leather straps in bright beautiful new season colours. Pinks/blues, greens, silver, black/white. Made to order only $115.00

6

View our range of colours and styles instore.

Lastrite Footwear, 48 John Street, Whangarei.

Phone 09 438 8907. www.lastrite.co.nz

5

5. TUTUKAKA SURF NEW SEASON SWIMWEAR New seasons summer swimwear is now at Tutukaka Surf Beach Shop.

TUTUKAKA SURF BEACH SHOP, Marina Road, Tutukaka. Ph 4344 135 www.tutukakasurf.co.nz Find us on Facebook TSbeachshop

6. TRADE AID FAIR TRADE FOOD RANGE

7

8

Trade Aid’s food range now includes olive oil, coconut milk, couscous, dried fruit, spices, almonds, chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee and sugar. All of Trade Aid food products are feel good foods - you can be assured that you make a large difference when you buy...and they taste good! Pop in for your weekly shop.

Hours: Monday to Friday 9-5; Saturday 9 – 2 Trade Aid, Cnr Vine St & The Strand, Whangarei.

Ph 09 438 5799. Join us on Facebook.

7. SURPLUS DIRECT

PORCELAIN DOLLS Selection of lovely dolls now available in store. Layby now for xmas - just 10% down and pay off any items til xmas!

Surplus Direct, phone 438 9080.

25 Walton St, Whangarei. www.surplusdirect.co.nz

9273259AB

8. RED RUBY

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR RACE WEAR Check out our exiting range of handpicked dresses for the race day. Size range from 8-18. Plus a great selection of hats, fascinators and stunning accessories are in store.

Red Ruby Luxury Fashion Boutique, 71 Cameron Street, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 7770 or email whangareiredruby@xtra.co.nz.

contents

SAVVY

3

SEPTEMBER 2013

INSPIRED BY NORTHLAND

Donna Logan

QUEEN

of the race track ONE ON ONE WITH

STAN Walker

TOP TIPS

FASHION

FIESTA RUAKAKA RACES

PLUS: 9 PAGES OF GARDENING & HOME TRENDS

Cover photo: MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Welcome Spring is here ... although the temperature didn’t show it earlier this week! With spring comes new fashion styles and, of course, the Whangarei Racing Club’s Fashion Fiesta.

We feature tips and talk to the judges about the annual event on September 14 and the awesome Donna Logan tells us about growing up in Northland and life around the race track on page 4.

Phillipa Mannagh is lucky enough to go one-on-one with X-Factor judge Stan Walker on page 5. Stan is performing in Whangarei next month.

It’s time to get in the veggie garden. You can read how to get started in our 9-page home trends section.

This month’s SAVVY is jampacked with stories, our focus being on what you want to read.

But if we’re missing something let us know! We’re still growing and are keen to hear from you. Email us what you like, what you don’t like and what you’d like to see in your SAVVY. Our email address is savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz Have a great September, enjoy the sun when it arrives ... and enjoy SAVVY. — Colleen Thorpe

september 2013

P9

Our people

4 Donna Logan reveals all about growing up in Northland 5 Philippa Mannagh talks to X-Factor judge Stan Walker

Out & About

6 Cycle support minus the lycra 7 A sexy kind of tease

Fashion & beauty

8 Cheryl Polwart looks at fashions in the field

9 Edele MacDonald talks upcycling 10 & 11 We reveal the winners from the Bernina Fashion Awards 12 Julz visits NZ Fashion Week 16-19 Whangarei Racing Club’s Fashion Fiesta

Health

13 There’s light at the end of the tunnel

Food & wine 21 Six in the City

Home trends

22& 23 Leigh Bramwell visits adream home at Mangawhai 24 Stylish items for your home 25 DECKS: Woodn’t it be lovely 26 Pairing opposites make high contrast 27 New life for old favourites 28 & 29 In the garden

Books

31 Little is best for DBC Pierre

Art

32 Maori contemporary art in Te Tai Tokerau

Giveaways 33 Free for all!

Motoring

P5

35 Honda Accord — easy and safe

CONTACT US EDITORIAL: Leigh Bramwell, Phillipa Mannagh, Colleen Thorpe. email savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz ADVERTISING:Yuan Zhang. email yuan.zhang@northernadvocate.co.nz PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Cunningham, Ron Burgin, John Stone, Alice Alexander Produced monthly by: The Northern Advocate, 88 Robert St, Whangarei P25

2013!

A season of surprises…

gorgeous prints, beautiful styles, vibrant colours.

Come and view the amazing spring range from Verge, we are the exclusive stockists in Northland.

Our other exclusive labels are David Pond, Catalyst, Jet Blonde, Loobie’s Story and Scarlett.

WHANGAREI Cnr Bank & Cameron Sts

P: 09 438 2025 KERIKERI Kerikeri Road

P: 09 401 7208 www.malletts.co.nz

our people

SAVVY

4

Donna Logan ... loving life Colleen Thorpe talks to Whangarei Racing Club’s Personality of the Year Donna Logan ahead of the club’s Fashion Fiesta this month.

Donna is the queen of hats, horses and humility.

In one word she’s awesome.

You were born and bred in Whangarei . . . tell us a little bit about growing up here in Northland.

I was actually born in Kawakawa but have spent most of my life in the Northland region; in and around Whangarei but more recently in Ruakaka. Growing up in this region was and still is an adventure, you just can’t beat what this area offers, the people, the weather (most of the time), the surroundings. It not only benefits my profession but I go to beach 6 out of 7 days a week with the horses, not many people can say that about their jobs.

Where did you get your love of horses?

My mother Betsy had a horse hire business, I learnt to ride when I was 3 years old, progressed to working in a stable, then being track work rider and eventually I became a jockey. Race rides were few and far between so I started training my own horses so I could at least get to ride them on race day. Pretraining for a few locals then became the natural progression into full time training.

What was your first pony called?

Tuppence, she was so good she had a foal on Christmas day, best Christmas present ever. Sweetie was another whom I kept until the age of 32.

What was your first job?

I started at Every Day Food Centre and Wylie’s Garage at Maunu Road. I also worked for my Dad in his pie cart.

Who did you train under before establishing Logan Racing Stables?

What advice would you give the little girl who wants a pony for Christmas?

I was provided the opportunity to work for Sid Edwards who trained Jan’s Beau. I learnt the basics from Sid and Dick Wellington, along with honing my skills over the years of working in a stable and riding horses. I was an apprentice jockey to Sid then transferred to Kelvin ‘Kumara’ Snell. At the completion of my apprenticeship, I applied for my trainer’s license and went onto train my first winner, Silver Kris for local identity Les Donaldson.

First of all they should know how much work, responsibility and commitment is involved in owning a horse. They must at least have the facilities to keep one. But seriously, go to any riding school and make sure this is what you really want and if this is what you really want, start being nice to grand dad, he will be an easier target than mum or dad.

How many horses do you own and how many do you train at the moment?

I usually only take shares in horses and enjoy the ride along with other owners especially the new owners. We have about 40 — 50 horses at various stages of their training preparation.

What has been your biggest achievement?

Training any winner for my clients, winning the big Group and Listed races are also very

Apart from horses what other passions have you?

memorable. Winning last year’s NZ Derby would have to be right up there too.

What can you not live with out?

My mobile and my mascara.

Fishing anywhere, anytime can’t get enough of it, spending time with my children, they grow up far too fast, shopping, travelling, and dining out with friends. I am also passionate about the Whangarei Racing Club, I want to see it here for hundreds of years to come.

This month Whangarei Racing Club is hosting the

RESTAURANT If you’re a lover of fine cuisine we invite you to a whole new dining experience at the Outboard Restaurant.

Our speciality is locally sourced fresh seafood and produce, the traditional lamb roast, top grade steak and delicious homemade desserts cooked to perfection by our UK trained Michelin chef.

Our friendly staff, great food and classic oak dining tables provide a cosy relaxing ambience.

Make a booking and treat your palate to a delightful culinary experience.

• Private functions • Set menu • Special requests • Locally sourced • Fresh produce • Seasonal menu • Continental cuisine

458 Marsden Point Rd, Ruakaka, Northland, New Zealand

wwe

Ph: 09 432 7358

LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta.

Give us three of your best fashion tips!

1. Get to bed early the night before 2. Confidence and self assurance certainly gets you noticed 3. Race wear should be styly.

Comfortable yet practical

What is your favourite piece of clothing?

My Zambezi jacket.

What did your school report say?

Has loads of ability but no interest in school work, always talking about horses and racing.

Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise our readers.

1. I suffer from depression and having acknowledged it I am able to share and help other people 2. I worked under the Whangarei port lagging pipes 3. I am an avid hat pin collector

our people

SAVVY

5

‘BE BOLD & JUST DO IT’ Philippa Mannagh talks to X-Factor judge Stan Walker as he takes on his World Tour of New Zealand. Walker appears at Forum North in Whangarei on Friday, October 4.

You have a huge following up here in the North and we are looking forward to welcoming you to our city! What is the main message you aim to give the youth today, through your music?

What role does your faith play in your life today?

Be yourself, don’t be ashamed to be yourself. Be bold and just do it!

I’ve been working on my new album at the moment exploring new sounds and have just released Inventing Myself. It’s basically a telling of how I’ve grown up, who I am, enjoying the journey and all about growing up as a man.

You seem to be a very ‘real’ and down-to-earth person. What is the key that keeps you grounded, given your incredible journey to fame and success?

Other than wanting to be an artist did you have any other dreams and aspirations?

To have a big family! But I love what I do, living the dream right now.

My faith and Jesus is the cornerstone of everything that is successful and good in my life. I’m still learning everyday and growing as a person, an artist and a singer.

Of course I’m real haha! The grace of god and my mum and dad keep me grounded. And my whole family! Never forget where you come from.

■ Stan Walker performs i on Friday, October 4, at Forum North, Whangarei.

Tickets are available from Ticketek — 0800 TICKET (842 538)/ www.ticketek.co.nz

Who do you get your amazing voice/vocals from?

My mum, and a little bit from my dad I think.

And, why did you go to Australia instead of staying in NZ? I moved with my family eight years ago — so I didn’t really have a choice. But after eight years of living there, I realised it was the best decision that my parents ever made for me.

You had a troubled childhood that involved thieving and marijuana use and claim your church pulled you out of that lifestyle.

WE HAVE MOVED!

NEW LOCATION

BIGGER & BETTER PREMISES

SAME EXCELLENT SERVICE

Now located cnr Norfolk and Grey Sts, Whangarei N (3 doors down from our old shop)

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL

Traditional Thai Massage $65/h Now $55/h Traditional Thai Massage | Aromatherapy | Foot Reflexology | Hot Stone Therapy Coconut Oil Massage | Swedish & Sports | Facial Treatments | Body Scrub & Waxing Deep Tissue • Migraines • Circulation • Neck Problems Stress Shoulders • Backache • Hips • Headache • Knees

Beauty Therapy • Pain Relief • Relaxation Cnr Norfolk & Grey Sts, Whangarei Phone 09 438 1664 or 021 0296 1004

out & about

SAVVY

6

Coastline bounty turned into art

By Philippa Ross The storms of 2010 left our shores awash with driftwood; providing Greg Maddox with an abundance of resources to extend his natural artistic talents into creating driftwood sculptures — a business he now calls ‘Tapatai’ Driftwood Creations; the Maori word for Coastline.

You could say Greg’s aptitude for the arts was in the blood. His grandfather was a talented carver and his father worked as an offset printer.

Their appreciation for the art form allowed Greg to pursue a career as a sign writer.

During his five year apprenticeship he learned an array of traditional disciplines in engineering, carpentry and the art of hand rendered signage using a brush and airbrush; which he loves with a passion. His skills have taken him all over the world, including the States where he was involved in creating 4ft 3d apples for the ‘‘Big Apple Campaign’’ that now adorn the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Greg and his partner Sarah (also an extremely talented artist in her own right) left their jobs in Auckland, venturing North 3 years ago to relocate Think Tank — a partnership of creative services. They settled in an area that fuels Greg’s love for history, the native landscape and in particular the ocean. You can sense the excitement in his voice when he talks about the Kauri Museum and his eyes quite literally light up when he shares

tales about his 20 years as a lifeguard.

Although he often has an idea in his minds eye, Greg will research the skeletal form of whatever he’s sculpturing to ensure he gets the proportions right. ‘The perfection of nature never ceases to amaze me’, he said when telling me about his first project which was a life sized Moa called ‘Morris’ that now lives at Auckland Zoo. ‘‘It’s incredible to think that something so big can balance on such relatively small feet’’.

Greg works with hardwoods; normally Pohutukawa, but his preference is for swamp Kauri as it’s a very forgiving wood and highly accessible in this region. ‘‘There’s nothing like taking a piece of kauri that could be anything from 20,000 to 70,000 years old and creating something that does that piece of natural history justice; something that hopefully prolongs it’s life for many more years to come.

Greg has a soul like connection to every piece

of wood he works with.

An almost instinctive understanding of how to blend the distinctly different colours, shapes and textures together to produce a sense of reality to whatever life form he’s creating. I would assimilate the way he chooses each piece of wood to the way Michael Angelo deliberated over the ‘right’ piece of marble.

Michael Angelo described the way he worked as ‘freeing the figure from the stone’; chiselling pieces out to release his sculptures.

Greg on the other hand connects pieces together, yet, in my opinion manages to give a renewed lease of life to what appears to be disjointed bits of wood to create life forms that have a personality all of their own.

His favourite sculpture is the second Moa he did that now has pride of place at the entrance to the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. The 12 foot hammer head shark and Haast Eagle come a close second and third. Other creatures he’s done over the years include a crocodile, pukekos, a fantail, lizards and wetas.

He’s currently putting the finishing touches to a Maui Dolphin on a stand that looks like its swimming for Laree Furniss, a Senior DOC Ranger in Ahipara, Kaitaia. Laree won a competition Greg ran on facebook where he asked people what they’d like him to create and why.

Greg is looking forward to personally delivering it to her on Thursday 12th September on his way to the 21st Annual 90 Mile Classic IRB Challenge on Saturday 14th September.

n Gilmore BrowAw ards

Kaipara Community Arts Saturday 31st August – er Wednesday 25th Septemb al artists Exhibition of talented loc raphy & tog • Painting & Drawing • Pho thing Clo Printmaking • Jewellery and od Wo • s ork • Three dimensional artw

5 Church Road MATAKOHE Ph: 09-431-7417 www.kaurimuseum.com

Real New Zealand Heritage

Philippa Mannagh is part of the support crew as a Whangarei team takes on a road cycle race in Matamata

Cycle support minus the lycra T

his month, I have ventured a bit further than the outskirts of Whangarei and with no kids in tow!

I had the opportunity to be a fly on the wall at the Dynamo Winter Fun Ride series down the line in Matamata.

Although a last minute idea, I jumped at the chance to join my hubby and experience this part of his life, road cycling.

After the mammoth task to pack, organise family then setting out in the rain we were off in the My Bike van heading down country. I could relax for a bit.

I noticed a large box of bottles up front, Powerade and Pumps as the team fuelled up in preparation for the 80km race the next morning. Coffee stops were embraced and the four-hour journey went reasonably quick between the friendly chatter and race tactic discussions on our way.

Straight to the local club at Matamata it was time for a large dinner and a few drinks to calm the nerves as we met the other local riders who had driven down earlier.

The next morning once it got going, was a flurry of activity. Being new at this, I tried to stay out of the way but also help out as the team morphed into charged up lycra beings fuelled with porridge and water.

In central Matamata, the atmosphere was serious. Fun and games changed to competition and determination.

Lycra everywhere.

Preparing with a few warm up laps before lining up at the start, they were off and there I was (luckily with some other supporters) free to relax after the hectic morning armed with coffee and cake.

Matamata must sleep on a Sunday as we walked the deserted streets, filling in the two-hour wait. Then it was my

favourite part, waiting at the finish for the team to cross the line. Camera handy and full of emotion the riders came through in staggered groups — some in an ambulance, some looking like they had just mounted their bike, others swearing with exhaustion as they completed their race.

Dry showers at the side of the road, excess coffee and lots of food sums up the next few hours as the men enjoyed a few cold ones and we took the four hour drive home to Whangarei.

Being part of a support crew gives great opportunity to experience a lifestyle that may not be your own and open your eyes to the technical side of a sport. I really enjoyed my spectator role but personally, I won’t be seen in a lycra suit any time soon.

SAVVY

out & about

7

Local business now global

by Philippa Ross

PHOTO: Megan Bowers

Humour makes light of sexy kind of tease REVIEW Northern Dolls — Little Black Book Whangarei Old Library Arts Centre I was a burlesque virgin until recently and very unsure of what I was about to see. The atmosphere purred with sexiness and excitement, but not in a seedy type of way. I was intrigued after hearing a mixture of opinions, from an amazing form of art to bare booby comments. After a quick drink at the bar, I was in the mood . . .

Back stage the girls were preparing for their second Whangarei show. It felt like we could have talked all night as girls do. Costumes sparkled; legs stretched and lippy had been generously applied. ‘‘Burlesque

is not what people think,’’ they assured.

Here, casually sitting on the floor of the dressing room pulling up her tights was Charlie Chapstick, who quickly became one of my favourites. ‘‘Big hair, big heels, big booty, big laughs,’’ read the programme.

The girls agreed there is a sense of empowerment to the dancing and burlesque provides a complete show, each woman being there for completely different reasons.

Burly granny Gladys, also known affectionately as ‘‘Gladass’’ re arranges her wig as she proceeds to tell me about audience ages and ticket sales.

Interestingly, the most common amount of ticket sales goes to couples between 50 and 60. ‘‘Little Black Book’’ follows the hilariously tragic tale of the lovable burlesque granny Gladass’s discovery of her late husbands box of ‘‘memories’’.

The shows are run off

hilarious interaction and crowd reaction. ‘‘The more from the crowd we get, the better it is,’’ the girls agree.

As I looked around the mixed room of ages and backgrounds we were a fairly quiet bunch that night and at times I thought I should be whistling or yahooing more? Burlesque dancing is a classy form of tease that uses humour and acting to break down the tightest of opinion.

I enjoyed the story, these girls are very talented and the atmosphere at the Old Library was intoxicating. I will definitely be going to see a show of theirs in the future . . . maybe even learn a bit of the art one day? Just maybe.

■ The Northern Dolls will be in Waitangi next at the Copthorne Resort on September 14. Doors open 7.30pm — 8pm start.

Tickets: $27 available from Eventfinder and the I-Site Visitors Centre.

Jules Smith is a rare gem. As her name suggests, she is a jewel; a genuine, down to earth woman who has steered her curiosity for sustainability and healthy skin into creating WashBar — a global business that nurtures the skin of human, horse and hound using natural Jules Smith with her husband Pete and dog resources.

Monday.

The importance of treading lightly on the skin and allergy to fleas. The planet, has allowed Jules to lead timing was impeccable as Jules her business with clarity of had taken time out to consider a mind and a clear vision of what career that would honour the she wants. Grounded with facets natural resources in her own like a deep respect for nature backyard; where husband Pete and a desire to make a difference and she had recently moved to to New Zealand’s economy, she’s beside the Wairua River near weaved her colourful Whangarei. personality with a background Three years on, Jules’ in stock management, husband Pete now works in the distribution sales, business full time and they’re communications and now distributing their products consultancy work to create a to 360 stockists throughout New ground-breaking pet and human Zealand and have recently care business that has minimum started exporting to Australia. effect on the environment and Their recognition is reflected in maximum effect on the the number of prestigious customer. awards they’ve accumulated Inspired by Dame Anita along the way including: Highly Roddick who founded The Body Commended at the 2011 Pride in Shop, Jules epitomises the Print Awards for our Original ethical consumerism that set Soap for Dogs Display Unit, Anita’s business apart; Finalist at the Westpac guaranteeing her products are Northland Business Excellence not tested on animals. In fact, Awards 2011, Won the Most she tests them on humans first, Outstanding Fledgling Business using herself as ‘Chief Guinea category in The David Awards in pig’. ‘‘I wouldn’t sell anything 2012, Won the Best Emerging that I’m not prepared to put on Business Award at the Westpac my own skin’’, she says.

Northland Business Excellence ‘‘After all, we are the ones Awards 2012. that come in contact with the They’re now one of eight products when we put them on nationwide finalists in the the animals, so it’s important Unpackit Awards that’s they don’t affect us either. Once currently being voted for by I’m happy, I’ll outsource the members of the public. http:/ products to dog owners to trial /www.unpackit.org.nz/ The as well as using my new canine winner will be announced on friend, Monday, a pure bred stir November 8. fry from the SPCA who provides Jules is enthusiastic about me with a wealth of feedback and the future and is looking for like inspiration.’’ minded businesses who’d like to The soap that launched form a hub of environmentally WashBar was developed after a conscious eco entrepreneurs — friend asked Jules if she could people who take great pride and make something with neem oil; a have a passion for turning ideas natural product she’d heard into reality. could help her dogs sensitive

fashion

SAVVY

8

I

Lookin’ good on race day

t has always been an ‘over the top’ event. A statement of self expression with rules: head attire is essential, along with a clutch bag of fashion, a jacket to complement; and shoes to die for. As a result the overall look is completely one’s own interpretation of this season’s fashion.

Royal Ascot fashion writers have a field day commenting on the wide spectrum of fashion diversities; coming up with headliners such as: ‘The Hits and Misses of Fashions at Ascot’ and peppering articles with comments like . . . ‘‘a stonker of a hat ... a vertical frisbee in patchwork colours...refreshingly understated elegance‘‘, which blatantly displays their amusement at the extremes of race wear. Yet, ironically their winning preference is so often the monochromatic classic ensemble which suggests a definite royal influence?

Ruakaka Races are on the September 14. The trends are black and white, floral gardens, flowers, flouros, lace, satin with hemlines and necklines that accentuate your best assets. Dresses are the go, with or without the cute jacket. Hats are as large as you can possibly manage. Facilitators are tall and dramatic. Work the monochromatic, or push the boat out with the most miss-matched colour combination you can bear to team together and just get away.

Personality only goes so far ...

You just may be the winner in your meticulously mixed and matched ensemble of beige, cream or apricot, or your outrageously personal crowd-stopping fantasy, bursting forth with gusto on the catwalk . . . it will be up to the judges on the day.

Personally l feel fashion in the fields is always an over the top event — ‘the wearable arts’ of race day... ...it will be up to the judges on the day.

— Cheryl Polwart, Polwarth Design

Dress To Impress

For all your special occasion and race day needs, the fascination, the bag, the jewellery, the hosiery, the shoes, and of course the perfect outfit... they are all here in our ONE STOP shop..

Our girls are here to help you discover what to wear on race day. Browse our picks of the perfect race-day attire to ensure you stand out in the crowds.

WHANGAREI Open 7 Days Okara Shopping Centre (2 doors down from Bendon)

Phone 09 438 9697

DARGAVILLE Open Mon-Sat 78 Victoria Street

Phone 09 439 7341

www.polwarthdesign.co.nz

fashion

SAVVY

9

UPCYCLING ...

Turn your ‘trash’ to fashion

NorthTec fashion tutor Edele MacDonald gives tips on making the most of your old clothes

Step 1: Wash and iron, and iron some more. It sounds obvious, but it’s important.

Cleanliness: wash the fabrics so they look and smell great.

Shrinkage: any shrinkage from washing happens before you cut your fabric and make your final product.

Neatness: if you iron your fabric before you cut it, your cutting will be neater. For example, if you cut a square out of fabric and then iron it, fabric creases can add extra width and uneven edges. And then

Buy something when you see it. I guarantee that if you wait until you need something specific you won’t be able to find it. Obviously, if you are unable to fit food in your kitchen cupboards due to fabric hoarding then you really need to get making!

Garage sales, resale shops, and the Salvation Army shop are great places to find extra denim or other fabrics to upcycle.

WHAT ELSE CAN I USE?

you’ll sew those uneven edges and end up with a wonky product.

Step 2: Determine the amount of usable fabric from each selected garment that you will be upcycling A pair of trousers may look big but there may only be certain parts that are the right size for your project.

When I use a pair of trousers, the first thing I do is unpick the major seam up each leg and crotch to create two big flaps of material.

Step 3: Give consideration to distinguishing features. Part of the fun of upcycling is that you’re creating something new out of something old. When choosing garments for upcycling, look for fun or quirky features like pockets, lining details and

interesting buttons.

Step 4: Determine how ‘Structurally sound’ your material is Customers buying upcycled products generally expect to see some aesthetic wear to materials, it is part of the charm of upcycling, afterall. However, you want to make sure you are not upcycling something that will fall apart easily and affect the longevity of the final product.

You can try fixing holes or weak areas of fabric with patches, layering and applique.

Step 5: Look for quality garments to upcyclye I personally don’t see any point in upcycling poorly made clothing if you want something to last.

Quality in equals quality out.

Project Runway-style workshop Clothes that have been worn out, no longer fit or are feeling out of style are being transformed in to totally new outfits as part of a Project Runway-style upcycling workshop.

NorthTec fashion department are putting on the three-day course for 15 participants to turn dreary clothes in to creative pieces.

Budding designers will be following design briefs set and completing challenges to produce their final garment in three days.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED!

WHERE CAN I BUY GARMENTS TO UPCYCLE?

I

nstead of throwing all your unwanted pieces of clothing in the trash, why not get a little innovative and transform them into pieces you can actually wear again? Upcycled design ideas include taking your old and tattered ensembles, and turning them into something completely new and usable.

From old sweaters that are turned into cushion covers to old denim pieces being transformed into haute couture collections, these inventive ideas are a great way to make use of what you already have.

If you have even the tiniest spark of creativity and can look past imperfections, you can upcycle. You probably already have some great fabrics in your home begging for a makeover.

TOP TIPS

Tutor support, design advice and critiques will be given throughout the course. Edele MacDonald said the upcycling movement has been given a boost by people thinking about sustainability and ways to save a few pennies. ‘‘Students short on cash my upcycle their out-of-date jeans by adding a few seams and rips instead of buying a new pair,’’ she said. ‘‘From green companies to your mother’s kitchen, people are looking to

Hard ware scavenging is also a great idea. Zippers, buttons, belt buckles and some grommets as well as purse straps can often be reused.

Unfortunately eyelets, jean buttons, some studs, and snaps are not reusable.

SAVE YOUR SCRAPS Save your leftover fabric scraps for other projects. You never know when you might need a strip of material for a pocket, bow or patch.

Size isn’t everything. Smaller scraps can be sewn together to make larger fabric pieces to work with using basic quilting techniques.

HAVE FUN! Mix and match fabric combinations, create unusual colour combinations, dye your fabric, add embellishments and patches!

save money and the planet — upcycling does both.’’ The garments will be judged by a combination of public voting and a judging panel to find a winner.

Interested participants aged 16 to 30 can get an application form from Edele at emacdonald@northtec.ac.nz or by phoning 09 470 3731.

The workshop will be held from Monday September 30 to Wednesday October 2 at the NorthTec Raumanga campus.

Applications close Thursday September 12 at 4pm.

SPRING 2013 Collection Spring is arriving in the northern hemisphere, and it is time to update your wardrobes with fresh new pieces that are in line with new season trends. Come to talk to the girls at Gaabo to find out how you can interpret and adapt the trends to suit your own personal style.

Stunning selection of European and New Zealand designer labels in store!

WELCOME LABE NEW LABEL 15 Rathbone Street | Whangarei 09 430 0339 | www.gaabo.co.nz

Popular Auckland designer label has finally come to Whangarei. Check out new seasons must have ¾ pants.Every piece is made from top quality cotton with attention to details to ensure superb comfort.

Available in 4 print styles

fashion

SAVVY

10

HE 36th annual Bernina Northland Fashion Awards organised by the Rotary Club of Whangarei South were held at Forum North on August 15. It was a night of fantasy and creativity with garments created by all ages.

The show was hosted by Angela ‘Flash’ Gordon from More FM with an audience of around 450 people. There were 10 categories ranging from masks to student evening wear showcasing designs from over 70 contestants with 89 entries over the categories.

Judge Duncan Lamont Brown said ‘‘it’s impressive to see so many young people involved with the awards. It is a great platform for emerging artists and designers to express themselves and their ideas’’.

This has proven true for this year’s Northland Designer of the Year Nganeko Keelan.

Duncan added ‘‘more schools need to get their students on board and encourage them to enter and give it a go — you never know what it may trigger in a young mind which may inspire them for the future’’.

Winning Designer Nganeko Keelan won with his impressive mask and is off to Wellington in October to see the World of Wearable Art Festival.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Whangarei Youth Orchestra greeting the audience as they arrived in the foyer at Forum North and between judging were some of the Northern Dolls performing a couple of their Burlesque routines for the crowd.

The Rotary Club of Whangarei South would like to thank sponsors Bernina, Venues & Events Whangarei, Inprint Graphics, Sarah Marshall Photography, Arthurs Emporium, Vince Cocurullo from Cocurullos, Northland More FM, Channel North Television, The Edge, Steve Haywood Jeweller, Mustang Services, Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre, Megan Bowers Photography, People Potential, Frings

T

"Hair I Am" by Northland Designer of the Year 2013 Nganeko Keelan, 13.

Wearable arts Chloe King won first place in the Student Wearable Art with this piece called "I’ve Got The Paua".

Brauhaus, Bloom, Caroline Eve, Strand Salon, Polworths Designs, L’Oreal Paris, Shiseido and Hangar Frames & Gallery and also a big thanks to all those who volunteered and helped with the organization and production of the show both out front and behind the scenes as without the sponsors and volunteers we wouldn’t have had the successful show.

The Rotary Club of Whangarei South is looking forward to seeing more contestants and creativity next year for the 37th Annual Bernina Northland Fashion Awards.

Rotary Club of Whangarei South

Kiwi North proudly presents

“BERNINA UP CLOSE”

DARGAVILLE SEWING & CURTAIN CENTRE AUTHORISED DEALER

Exhibition

The Rotary Club of Whangarei South would like to thank all the participants, sponsors & volunteers who helped make the 2013 show a success.

There have been many local supporters putting not only cash, but time and energy into making this a crowning achievement for Northland over the years.

Look out for a bigger brighter show next year - see you there.

Winning creations from the 2013

This Memory Craft 9900 machine will let you take your creative expression in any direction you can imagine…

Amazing—Beautiful—Inspirational Opening 31st August to 30th November 2013.

Daily 10am to 4pm at Whangarei Museum Kiwi North, Gate 1,500 SH 14 Maunu, Whangarei www.kiwinorth.co.nz Admission included in Kiwi North entry fee

$

RRP

3,999

• Janome Machine Sales & Servicing • Sewing Supplies & Accessories • Fashion & Patchwork Fabrics • Haberdashery • Sewing Classes • Curtains & Blinds PROUD SPONSO Plus much more!

OF BE R 59 Normanby St, Dargavillee

RNIN FASHION A SHOW

Phone 09 439 8540

fashion

SAVVY

11

Bernina Northland Fashion Show results

Masquerade Junior Kaitlyn Money, Dragon, 1; Emma Ryan, Taniwha, 2; Beth Mitchell, Fox trot, 3. Highly Commended: Hayden Ganley, Happy Sad Lego Man.

The category winners, above; Alarnya Ashby, below left, models Mallonae Garton’s "Ravishing Rubber" which won first place in the Trash to Fashion section; Sandra Guest, who won first place in the Open Wearable Art art section with "Twenty Tui" modelled by Tayla Young.

Student Wearable Art Chloe King — I’ve Got The Paua, 1; Meg Lyon — Consider Yourself Inked, 2; Briah Petersen — We Wool Flock You, 3.

Chantelle Manufui won the Top Model Award. She is pictured above wearing Christine Anderson’s ‘‘Modern Riding Outfit’’.

Junior Wearable Art Alex Hansen — Denim Samurai, 1; Highly commended, Nicole Robinson — All Tied Up, Jaylee Jelavich/Holly Fleming — Summertime.

The Best Theme Award went to the Papermill’s "To Be Or Not To Be", below.

Student Street Wear Lily Mehrtens — Camel & Cat, 1; Molly Dickson — Jumpsuit, 2; Briah Petersen — Slouchy Hoodie, 3.

Illuminescent Sarah Barnes — Proud To Be A Peacock, 1; Megan King — Spider Within, 2; Mallonae Garton — Angel of Venice, 3

Student Evening Wear Chenae Sketchley — Mint Green Chiffon, 1; Mollie Bransby — Long Black, 2; Briah Petersen — Strapless Black, 3.

Masquerade Intermediate/Secondary Nganeko Keelan — Hair I Am, 1; Emily Jones — Arabesque, 2; Calvin Pattenden — Metalman, 3; Highly Commended, Jorja Swain — I’m NOT a LITTLE

Teapot.

Open Wearable Art Sandra Guest — Twenty Tui, 1; The Papermill — To Be or Not To Be, 2; Suzie Hati — Tane Mahuta, 3.

Trash to Fashion

Mallonae Garton — Ravishing Rubber, 1; Renee Topp — Keys To The City, 2.

Open Fashion Design Lorraine Kevey — Beyond The Sea, 1; Christine Anderson — Modern Riding Outfit, 2; Rachael Pedersen — Player Two, 3/

Top Model, Chantelle Manufui First Time Entrant, Suzanne Batten Best Theme, The Papermill Extreme Elegance, Mallonae Garton Northland Designer of the Year, Nganeko Keelan

Call in for a free machine demonstration on any of our machines in store!

your dedicated Passionate about sewing

Where your creativity can be unleashed…

• Sewing machine sales & service • Material & quilting supplies • Wool & patterns • Sewing accessories

ITCH TO STITCH

OVERALL WINNERS

Bernina Sewing Centre

BERNINA 750 QE Built for the Quilter

The machine includes a meticulouslyengineered extra-long freearm with ten inches / 254 mm of space to right of the needle—plenty of room for large sewing projects. With more space and the added benefit of the super-sized embroidery area, your creativity can have free rein.

And a wide range of accessories available when you’re ready to expand your options.

22 John St, Whangarei P 09 438 7654 www.itchtostitch.co.nz

fashion

SAVVY

12

A Kate Sylvester design, right; and far right part of the Karen Walker collection

Create your own catwalk style Yes! It’s that time of the year again on the ‘Fashion Calendar’ — NZ FASHION WEEK — where we get to see the latest designer looks.

You can check out the latest look books online to get the ‘full’ look, but here’s a few images to whet your appetite and also give you some ideas on how to ‘re-create’ the look if your budget isn’t up to the original pieces!

KAREN WALKER: This collection is called ‘NEW ROSE’ — you can achieve a similar look by partnering ‘cute’ florals with simple accessories — a thin leather belt or a cute pair of flats. Feminine with a modern youthful twist!

KATE SYLVESTER: ‘The Last Sitting’ (based on Marilyn Monroe) — brings a grown up feminine look in muted colours. You can achieve this by picking pieces in soft tones — flowing chiffon & cool linens with subtle embroidery.

NOM*D:

Top and above: Designs by Trelise Cooper at NZ Fashion Week

With its usual ‘dark’ edge, Nom*d ‘Fans’ collection combines The Orient with a masculine edge. You can achieve this look by mixing contrasting patterned garments with each other — this look can be easily achieved from a visit to your local ‘re-cycled’ boutique!

On the catwalk at NZ Fashion Week from left are designs by World, Kate Sylvester, Zambesi and nom*D.

achieve this look, just gather several pieces you just love (for no other reason than they just make you smile), and wear them together. Bold, confident and entertaining!

TRELISE COOPER:

ZAMBESI:

Well with Trelise, there’s always that ‘theatrical’ influence — guess that’s influenced by her love for the theatre. With strong ‘florals’ and bold stripes you can also achieve a look similar.

Think colourful, creative, statement pieces!

WORLD:

How to achieve a Zambesi look? — think ‘Goth’ collides with ‘feminine’. I reckon they’re a little bit of a ‘Matrix’ look. They’re serious fashion that doesn’t have to receive approval from others, because they’re confident in their fashion sense.

How do you achieve this look? Couple one ‘confident’ piece with a simple ‘background’ piece — key is keeping it simple.

The thing I always like about WORLD fashion, is that they don’t seem to take themselves or the ‘Fashion Industry’ seriously — there’s always a ‘humorous’ edge to their look! To be honest, to

So pick a ‘designer’ style that fits with your style — or perhaps create your own ‘Designer look’ by researching some of the other ‘Designer’ looks on the catwalk! http://www.nzfashionweek.co.nz/

in Designed specifically for couples getting married in Northland, we are publishing a booklet which will be packed with local information, tips and helpful advice for brides and grooms-to-be. Be seen and promote your business within this high-quality publication!

For more details contact Jan Hewitt on 09 470 2805 or email jan.hewitt@apn.co.nz

health

SAVVY

13

HERBAL HEALTH

BABY TALK

There’s light at the Is it time for a big bed? end of the tunnel Baby consultant ANNA WILLIAMS offers advice to parents of little ones

Herbalist LES helps address health issues the natural way For the past 8 years I have suffered with chronic fatigue syndrome and have had to give up my job. My symptoms range from acute fatigue where I can’t even get out of bed, to feeling like a complete zombie. I always seem to have a sore throat, I have no concentration, I can’t sleep and I feel thoroughly depressed that this is now my life. I can see no light at the end of the tunnel.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel so let’s try and help you. You may not think it at the moment but your body is an absolutely brilliant healer.

Think about when you get a cut you heal immediately and your body knows exactly what to do.

It’s the same way with chronic fatigue syndrome and you just need the proper knowledge to help boost your body’s healing abilities.

The first thing to do is to restore your immune system to working at the correct level.

Many things can knock our finely tuned immune system out of kilter — disease, stress etc and we need to always strive for balance in our body. The supplement Simba, the African potato tuber, is rich in phytosterols (plant fats) which can help to restore normal

immune functioning. Simba will take around 6 weeks to get into your system and begin to take effect so you should take it for at least 6 months before assessing the benefits. It’s a huge task ahead of a humble plant so be patient.

Secondly Filisa (Sutherlandia frutescens) can be very beneficial for CFS. The Sutherlandia plant is naturally anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial. Many of the people I see with CFS also have an underlying candida infection, which can be due to the antibiotics they have taken.

Filisa acts as an anti-fungal to deal with any candida overgrowth, which can also present with many of the same symptoms as CFS. Marisa Peer, the top London psychotherapist, also says that Filisa is the best and safest natural antidepressant she has come across.

These products cannot be taken post transplant or during pregnancy/lactation. Also do not

take with anti-coagulant medication such as warfarin.

I would also recommend that you take a supplement from Hardys which contains evening primrose oil, fish oils and vitamin E. One of the key components needed to treat CFS is a combination of these three.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of and communication between cells in the body and brain.

Magnesium can also be very helpful. An underlying magnesium deficiency can result in fatigue with symptoms similar to CFS. You should also consider a good probiotic supplement.

All the products mentioned are available from Hardys Health Stores in Kerikeri and Whangarei.

If you have a question for Les please e mail her on: herbalist@littleherbal company.co.nz www.littleherbalcompany.co.nz

I was once asked by a mum with a toddler ‘‘When should we move him into a bed? He still seems to like his cot, but he’s always climbing out of it !!’’

I said now would be a good time. There’s not much point in still using a cot when a child is scaling the top rail every night and setting himself up for a fall and a possible injury.

Ages for graduating to a bigger bed can vary, depending on each child. Some two year olds are still content to sleep in their cots and don’t feel the need to escape. On the other hand, I’ve seen a 14 month old who began to hate being confined, but when his parents moved him into a bed, he settled off to sleep much more happily.

When parents feel the time has come, I suggest several things.

A toddler bed can be a good transition after the cot. However a normal bed is often the only option for some families. If there’s enough space, keep the cot set up as well and use the bed just for day sleeps to begin with.

You can lie down beside your toddler and read a story, so the bed becomes a fun, snuggly place. Doing this also helps set the scene once they’re using the bed to go to sleep at night — having the reassurance of mum or dad’s company for a little while comforts and calms them as drowsiness sets in.

One side of the bed should ideally be up against a wall, in a corner, to give a feeling of security.

Put a small mattress or a couple of cushions on the floor,

on the outer side, just in case your child does accidentally roll out when they’re sleeping. At least it makes a soft landing!

Being in a bed does allow a lot more freedom to get up, so some nights, ‘‘curtain calls’’ are inevitable. Be consistently firm and take them back to bed each time and hopefully they get tired of playing that game before you do!

Let them have a night light on in their room, or leave the hallway light on with the door open.

Young children have extremely active imaginations and a totally dark room can be very scary for them.

Most importantly, if another baby is on the way, make the change to a big bed for your toddler well ahead. That way, he/she won’t feel like they’ve been displaced when the new baby arrives. anna@parentingsupport.co.nz www.facebook.com/ backtobasicsparentingsupport

Homeopathic & Bach Flower Essences See our team of expert practitioners in Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Homeopathy, and Herbal Medicine working together for fast and effective results.

11 Norfolk Street, Whangarei

Phone 09 438 3144 www.wtp.co.nz

ACC Provider

Are You Suffering from: • Allergies • Stress • Hormonal problems • Infections • Emotional or Immune problems?

Our in-house Naturopaths may be able to help you to manage these problems.

Shirley Belcher (pictured) Registered Naturopath and Medical herbalist (N.Z.A.M.H) Fiona Miller Registered Medical Herbalist (N.Z.A.M.H)

“Leaders of Integrated Healthcare”

ARE YOU AT RISK OF

OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis occurs when bone density decreases and not enough new bone is formed. This could be through lifestyle or due to health factors which affect normal bone production. Reduced oestrogen production with ageing and at menopause results in natural bone loss, which for some women can be rapid and severe. As men and women age additional bone loss can occur for a variety of reasons. A test for bone density can be performed by our professional staff using our Hologic Dexa scanner located at our Kensington branch. This examination uses minimal radiation and measures your bone density.A report is then sent to your GP. You do not require a request form from your GP to book a bone scan.

Ph 09 437 0540 www.northernradiology.co.nz

SAVVY

did you know mixed BAG:

JODIE SCOTT

Group fitness instructor, domestic goddess

4

14

Ways to enhance natural beauty

From getting down and dirty in the bedroom to grooming your eyebrows, being more beautiful is easy when you make a few small changes to your routine.

What’s in your handbag?

Sunnies, wallet, kids’ stickers, a protector for my phone still wrapped, a hairclip, three lipsticks, two minihandcreams, a box of juice, an empty sunglass case, a torch, a packet of shelf supports, multi-vitamins, two chocolate bars, pawpaw cream, five fruit bursts, one earring, a few loose Pebbles and an old make-up brush.

Exfoliate

The pawpaw cream – it fixes anything!

It’s often hard to keep up with our skin. One minute we’re smothering it in moisturiser, the next it’s back to being dull and flakey. To compliment your moisturiser and ensure that your skin stays lovelier for longer, make sure you leave extra time to exfoliate daily. Skin continually produces new cells and, as the new cells appear, the dead ones tend to sit on top of the skin making it appear dry and dull.

When this happens, there’s not much point in moisturising. Why waste your expensive body butter on dead skin cells? Try buttering up after you’ve buffed the old cells off, and you’ll notice a drastic change.

My best feature is . . .

Have sex

My husband Nick. He’s a paramedic, he’s handy, he’d do anything for charity including dyeing his hair pink and then having his head shaved, and he’s not bad looking, either.

Getting down and dirty is the ultimate beauty booster. Just 15 minutes a day spent doing the deed leaves your cheeks flushed; your lips lusciously red; and your skin glowing and beautiful. Studies have shown that regular romps increase blood flow and bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which flush out harmful toxins and make us appear younger. Plus, having someone run their fingers through your tresses can give it that gorgeous mussed-up bed head look, and we all like a bit of vava-voom from time to time.

Is there anything in there you actually can’t do without?

The book I am reading . . .

The last one was The Game of Thrones. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I quite enjoyed it, too.

I love my Ipad for reading – it’s lit so you can read at night without keeping anyone awake, and also, you can read what you like and nobody can see it.

Ditch the alcohol and cigarettes

The CD I am listening to . . .

Mostly I listen to body step music because I have to learn it. We have lots of CDs available and I put them into my Ipod and shake my groove.

You do get over it though. Otherwise, I like a lot of Kiwi music. Stan Walker is really talented.

The last time I went to the movies it was to see . . .

Despicable Me 2. I haven’t watched an adult movie for so long. It was really neat, we all loved it, and there was quite a bit of innuendo in there for adults as well.

What is under your bed?

My favourite place in Northland is . . .

Home – for obvious reasons. We’re right on the river, we have a great garden and an amazing house. If I had to go anywhere else, it’d be out in the Bay.

What did your school report card say?

Jodie needs to concentrate. She has potential but needs to apply herself.

This morning there was a book, tissues, a sock, some Lego and fluff bunnies

Tell us three things people would be surprised to know about you

That I was in the Royal New Zealand Airforce Police, that I used to be a customs officer (and here I am letting you go through my handbag!) and that I can bait my own hook.

Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes doesn’t do our skin any favours. Smoking allows a staggering 4000 toxic substances into the body during every puff, and too much alcohol causes skin to dry out and eyes to become puffy — not the best start for boosting your natural beauty. Quit smoking, and only drink in moderation to improve your skin’s elasticity and reduce puffy eyes. This is a sure-fire way to make you look younger and more beautiful.

Rest The phrase ‘‘beauty sleep’’ is famous for a reason; sleep really does make you beautiful. During periods of deep sleep our cells renew themselves, and lack of sleep — or poor quality of sleep — leaves us looking and feeling a bit worse for wear. If you have trouble getting your beauty sleep, try and relax. Add a few drops of aromatherapy oils to your bath, try deepbreathing exercises, and avoid caffeinated drinks before you head to bed.

■ For more lifestyle news see www.realbuzz.com

The BackMan has Moved!

No longer in 20 Kensington Avenue, Whangarei

Now Open in two venues Crossfit 17 Finlayson St, Whangarei Open: Tuesday/Thursday 3-6 and Saturday 9-1

23 Pearson Rd (home office) in Kara/Maungatapere.

Open: Tues/Thurs 10-1 Wed 9-5

Dr Mike has been a chiropractor in Whangarei for more than 30 years.

He is the best at fixing backs and necks, one might call him the BackMan. If you have back pain, make an appointment to see Dr Mike at one of these venues.

Dr Mike Smith, Chiropractor MSc, DC | Phone: 09 437 7345 or 09 4348261 | Freephone: 0508-BACKSMITH

SAVVY

beauty

15

ADVERTISEMENT

Find your summer body with the help of Xerveo Amanda Wihongi always had an interest in health and fitness taking biology and PE in high school and also playing basketball and volleyball for New Zealand at secondary school level. That interest continued on with the completion of personal training and an Aerobics Instructors Certificate in Auckland 1999. ‘‘It’s an environment I thrive on with the energy, motivation and dedication it takes moulding your body into whatever you wish to achieve,’’ says Amanda. ‘‘It has always intrigued me along with the excitement of being around people pushing themselves to the limit.’’

Amanda says she has always been aware of the obesity issue here in New Zealand. Although the obvious factor is to begin good eating habits and regular exercise, she says, this isn’t always a doable option for some, due to bad nutrition choices, time factors, children, work commitments and being unable to go off to the gym anytime you please.

Xerveo provides a means to begin the transformation into changing lifelong bad habits, says Amanda. ‘‘The main ingredient in Xerveo Motion is Garcinia Cambogia, an exotic fruit grown in South East Asia which has been named the ‘Holy Grail of weight’ loss by Dr Oz (1500 mgs in each can). ‘‘Xerveo Motion blocks fat from forming in the body. It suppresses appetite, controls cravings, prevents emotional eating and increases motivation and inner confidence. ‘‘It also improves sleep, increases lean body muscle mass

while decreasing body fat and enhancing energy levels,’’ says Amanda.

The liquid absorbs at a rate of 98 per cent, taking only 20 to 30 seconds, which in effect means the body does not need to break it down thus resulting in a higher optimization rate easily digested. ‘‘Health and fitness is always the key,’’ says Amanda, ‘‘but some people just need a ‘beginner boost’ to get started — this is a great way to help create a new and better you, changing bad habits and creating good ones.’’

■ Summer’s on the way and summer bodies are created in winter so for all product enquires/orders go to www.xerveomotivation.com

forget me

KNOT Casual elegance at its best with a loose knot, soft pieces, allover shine and sweet embellishments

1

Create a rough center part.

Apply Paul Mitchell Sculpt It and blow-dry with fingers until hair is completely dry.

Apply Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense throughout hair and smooth down with the fingers through the head shape.

2

Gather the hair in the back and make a loose braid.

Secure with a small invisible band. Depending on the length of the hair, fold the braid low and flat into the base of the neck and secure with large and small u-shaped pins.

3

With a little Paul Mitchell Gloss Drops on hands, pull out some strands around the face and neck for a soft, shiny finish.

TESTIMONIAL: My first and personal experience with Xerveo whilst trialing it over the past week has definitely lived up to its name and given results. I not only felt more energized and motivated but it improved my concentration, appetite, cravings and helped me feel less bloated than usual. It provided me with a good night’s sleep and a boost in getting my day started, which overall made my entire mood feel so much better.

Working full time doesn’t allow me to exercise as much as I would like to, so with the aid of Xerveo and my usual routine it helped me to shed some unwanted fat and feel great.

I would recommend Xerveo to anyone who is looking to lose weight and improve on their overall wellbeing in a healthy manner.

— J Little, Whangarei

All products are available at Xtreme Shampoo Shop in The Strand.

THE FUTURE OF WEIGHT LOSS ■ Xerveo Motion

blocks fat from forming in the body

■ Suppresses appetite,

controls craving & prevents emotional eating and increases motivation and inner confidence.

■ Improves sleep,

increases lean body muscle mass while decreasing body fat and enhancing energy levels.

INTR RODUCING THE MIRA ACURL R STY YLEER HAIR Fully automatic professional curl machine

Effortless & Fast- Creates perfect curls every time Infinite Options- Adjustable heat, time and curl type Ultimate Precision- Specialized brushless motor

email: xerveomotivation@gmail.com phone: 021 103 1221

www.xerveomotivation.com

SHAMPOO SHOPPE

Shop 6 in The Strand Arcade Whangarei | Phone: 09 438

at the races

SAVVY

16

10

TOP FASHION TIPS

PAULA DAVIES

for the races

W

HANGAREI business identity Paula Davies has played a key role in creating and growing Ruakaka’s version of Fashion On The Fields. The vivacious and energetic owner of Maunu Road hair salon Passion For Hair (established in 1993), Paula has been a judge at every edition of the annual event since its inception in 2008. And she’s still loving it. ‘‘This day is all about looking and being your best — in every respect, but especially in your grooming and sense of style, your personal bearing and your attitude,’’ says. ‘‘No matter what age group or category you are entered in, the judges will be looking for someone who has exceptional confidence and good taste in choosing an appropriate ensemble.

Paula says whoever wins will be someone with the ‘x-factor’ in their overall appearance and attitude. ‘‘It is very important to be yourself and be natural, but remember that this kind of modelling is a performance in front of the public. If you act naturally, carry yourself well, and display a positive attitude, you’ll do just fine.’’

1

Deportment must be impeccable — the way you walk, ie posture, your speed down the catwalk (don’t rush it); look poised and sure of yourself; hold your head up; walk as though you’ve already won the show! Exude confidence without being OTT. the audience: with eye contact; look happy 2 Captivate and comfortable in your chosen outfit; be yourself. eye contact with the judges and audience. You 3 Make won’t win if you don’t look like you’re enjoying it!

Wear something appropriate for the season. Rain or 4 shine; cold, warm, or in-between — it’s SPRING. Consider something classic, ladylike, elegant with a

modern twist. Skirt length slightly above the knee. 1950s / 1960s styles are very popular right now. Consider adding something modern via your headwear, eg pillbox/beret/ fascinator/saucer hat. Netting across the eye adds a touch of glamour — nothing too dark or heavy. If you choose a black outfit, highlight it with your accessories.

Have a ‘signature pose’ ie one that you feel comfortable 5 with — that you can stand, pause, take a breath in the centre of the stage, then walk off graciously. Don’t rush.

Enjoy being the centre of attention for a while. If there’s a detail in your outfit (eg neckline, backline) that you want the audience and judges to notice, pose in a way that shows it off to them. hosiery, or a soft tan and moisturiser, 6 Consider depending on the likely weather.

Make-up should be classy, elegant, not overdone. Get a 7 professional (or someone you trust!) to apply it if you are in any doubt about your own ability.

■ Paula will be dressed by Polwarth Design at the Fashion Fiesta

Your hair needs to complement your look and not 8 distract from your chosen headgear. Chignons, braids and buns to one side (or placed in an appropriate position to suit) are always a good look. Hair up is safer than hair down. If you choose to wear your hair down, make sure it’s in optimum condition and doesn’t distract from your overall ‘look’. Keep it clean and sharp!

‘‘

9

Nails and toes: should be manicured and polished in a way that goes with your outfit.

Endless possibilities.

yourself If you act naturally, carry

well, and display a positive attitude,

fine you’ll do just

Beware of too much bling. Accessories (eg 10 gloves, clutches, brooches and bags) are helpful but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

Keep it elegant and chic. Google fashion on the fields — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Ellerslie to get more tips from the winners.

’’

Be in the draw to

20 Voucher

$

This voucher can be used on treatments and services booked over the value of $60.00

*Valid until 30th October 2013, cannot be redeemed for cash or products

NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH

VOUCHER VALID FOR 12 MONTHS Phone (09) 438 8218 to book your appointment

WIN

a $500 Pamper

Pack

INCLUDES • cut • colour • highlights • conditioning treatment • Shellac manicure • pedicure • lash tint • brow tint & shape

to enter visit us at:

terms and conditions apply

FOR HAIR

www.passionforhair.co.nz

at the races

SAVVY

17

Meet the judges

AZRA KUJOVIC

A

ZRA KUJOVIC is the very glamorous general manager of DFS Galleria Customhouse, Auckland’s most exclusive retail and duty free store.

A confident and inspirational business woman, Azra works closely with some of the world’s leading luxury fashion and beauty labels and is passionate about providing exceptional customer service and the ultimate shopping experience.

Azra was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was appointed general manager of the company’s Surfers Paradise outlet at the age of 27, which at the time made her the company’s youngest general manager in the world.

Azra prides herself on her hands-on management style she is equally at home serving customers on the floor or leading boardroom discussions and she is writing a book about the difference between management and leadership. She is passionate about helping women.

Paula Davies, Vanessa Green & Azra Kujovic The LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta is one of Northland’s premier calendar events hosted by the Ruakaka Racing Club. There’s an exciting new judging panel for the September 14 event this year including fashion industry experts from Auckland.

VANESSA GREEN

V

ANESSA GREEN is publisher and editor of Eye Magazine, NZ Best Dining Guide and The Beauty Book With over 20 years in the publishing industry, Editor and Publisher Vanessa Green has fast become a strong persona in the media world. Not only does she know what it takes to succeed in the industry, she knows how to look good while doing it.

Vanessa’s interest in the fashion and beauty industry began at a young age and along with studying fashion design she also spent time in front of the camera for many years as a fashion model and acting in various New Zealand television shows.

Vanessa has entered and

judged many racing fashion competitions and has a strong interest in the racing industry.

Vanessa continues to showcase countless national and international fashion & beauty brands within the pages of her glossy publications along with an on going racing section for Australia and NZ and you will find her at many a social occasion dressed to impress.

The winner always walks with an air of confidence and takes the competition seriously — I don’t know exactly what makes a winner stand out but they have something about them that just pops!

What we’re looking for ■ Racing Style/Fashion — not evening wear or summer wear, must be racing style ■ Coordinated — shoes, hat/ fasinator, accessories, bag - not too much or too little ■ Overall impression — up to date with fashion trends ■ Climate appropriate ■ Grooming — no dirt on shoes or snags on dress, polished

t I don’t know exactly wha makes a winner stand out but they have at just pops! th m e th t u o b something a

‘‘

stunning handcrafted design Our gemstones and diamonds are selected with the greatest care to ensure a stunning and beautifully finished piece. Everything we make is of the highest quality possible, and we sell it at a fair price. Every piece is made to last and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

We offer free after care service on all our pieces which includes cleaning, polishing and a health check of your jewellery. If you are travelling out of N.Z in the near future we can offer duty free prices.

Phone 09 438 2161 10 Quayside Way, Town Basin, Whangarei 0110

’’

at the races

SAVVY

18

Enjoy the races in style ...

WHAT: The Whangarei Racing Club Inc presents the LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta at the Races WHERE:

S

tylish fashion enthusiasts will have the chance to shine in the spotlight and get out their glad rags as one of Northland’s premier calendar events kicks off.

Now in its sixth year the LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta has taken a step up with new categories, new judges and new prizes.

The new categories bring the competition in line with Ellerslie’s Auckland Cup Derby Day Prix de Fashion which is set down for March next year. The Supreme Award winner (chosen

Ruakaka Race Course Peter Snell Rd, Ruakaka WHEN: Saturday, September 14 CATEGORIES: Men 18yrs & over Women 18 to 24yrs Women 25 to 44yrs Women 45yrs & over Best Local Design Best Hat

how to enter For a free entry form to register for the Fashion Fiesta competition go to: LJ Hooker , John St, Whangarei or email leesa@ruakakaracing.co.nz, phone 027 433 0087.

Monique Bradley is brilliant in black and white as she struts her stuff on the catwalk at the LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta last year.

Wendy Ihaka and Liz Cotching enjoy the day at last year’s LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta.

Kayla Herbert takes to the catwalk, right, at last year’s LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta. from all men and women categories) from the LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta will automatically qualify as a finalist at the Prix de Fashion.

Entering the fashion competition is free.

Along with the new categories there is a fabulous new prize pool that is sure to be hotly contended. The Supreme Award winner will take home a prize package worth over $5000 that includes the use of a luxury penthouse suite, a $100,000 Audi for a weekend, $1500 Master Jeweller voucher, $500 cash spending money, $500 designer clothes, $500 beauty pamper pack and lots more plus the chance to win from the large

prize pool that Ellerslie has on offer at the Prix de Fashion.

The other categories also have plenty on offer with a charter fishing trip for the guys, an i-tablet for Best Local Design, along with many more great prizes. For full prize details go to www.ruakakaracing.co.nz all contestants in the fashion fiesta will be treated to a complimentary glass of bubbles and nibbles in the racing club’s special Bonecrusher Room with trackside viewing.

There will be other great entertainment on the

Jane and Willie McIntyre keep an eye on the action on the catwalk and the field last year’s LJ Hooker Fashion Fiesta meet.

day with live music and the opportunity to see the category winning designs from the Bernina Fashion Awards walking down the catwalk.

Kids have not been forgotten and the LJ Hooker Bear will be on course handing out goody bags .

There will be some great racing on the track with The LJ Hooker Michael Springford Memorial Spring Plate and the Westbury Stud Challenge Stakes sure to be hotly contended for.

Entry and parking is free and there are buses running from town.

Top NZ LJ Hooker Office 3 Consecutive Years 2010 - 2013

LJ Hooker International Award Winner 2013 2nd Place - No. of Sales (750+ offices worldwide) ‘It costs no more to list and sell with the best...

Nobody Does It Better Asset Realty Ltd 09 438 1332 - Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

R

9262839AA

6

of the

6

Fat Camel

BEST

12 Quality Street - Whangarei Open 7 Days 9am - 8.30pm Ph 09 438 0831

BEST

PROUD to have placed in the

SIX OF THE

BEST

of the

top 6 at the Northland Barista Competition 2013

6

of the

BEST

Come Join us for one

Cnr Kamo Rd & Mains Ave. Whangarei Ph: 09 437 7511 – Phone orders welcome.

Check out our Facebook page for specials

COFFEES IN

6

of the

BEST

by name

by nature

Our fabulous selection...

• Great selection of cabinet food (changes daily) • Restaurant standard lunch menu with European, Asian & Kiwi influences

• Outside catering available

NORTHLAND

interesting coffee facts

•

...coffee has been around for over 11 centuries and is currently the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Over 400 billion cups are consumed every year!

•

... In 1822 the French were the first to innovate a crude espresso machine. The Italians then perfected this machine and became the first to manufacture it.

•

... the legend of ‘Cowboy Coffee’ It was said that cowboys made their coffee by putting ground coffee into a clean sock and immersed it in water heated over a camp fire.

When ready, they would pour the coffee into tin cups and drink it.

•

... caffeine is on the International Olympic Committee list of prohibited substances. Athletes who test positive for more than 12 micrograms of caffeine per millilitre of urine may be banned from the Olympic Games. This level may be reached after drinking about 5 cups of coffee.

•

... the infamous French Revolution was born in French Cafes. It happened in 1789 when the Parisians, spurred on by Camille Desmoulin’s verbal campaign, took to the streets and two days later the Bastille fell, marking the overthrow of the French Government and changing France forever.

•

... the average age of an Italian barista is 48 years old.

A barista is a respected job title in Italy.

•

... in Greece and Turkey, the oldest person is always served their coffee first.

•

... raw coffee beans, soaked in water and spices, are chewed like candy in many parts of Africa.

•

... in the last three centuries, 90% of all people living in the Western world have switched from tea to coffee.

• Unique choice of homemade desserts & cakes • Weekday special - $6 muffin & coffee • Vegetarian and gluten free options available • Special requests made to order

EXCLUSIVE FAIR TRADE ORGANIC COFFEE

Coffee concession card available - pay for small get large!

6

licensed cafe 12 james st, whangarei tel/fax 09 438 2921

of the

BEST

Family owned, Family run, Family friendly

6

off th the

BEST

WINNER Cafe Magazine Northland Cafe of the year 2013

WINNER Northland Hospitality Barista of the year 2013

Come in and try our Certified Organic Caffe L’affare “Gusto” Coffee Blend

Join us at www.facebook.com/nectarcafe

• Delicious coffee with famous breakfast and lunch menus Where • Best range of home baked cakes the locals in Whangarei incl. Gluten free • Warm and friendly service • Fabulous setting overlooking to eat river and yacht marina • Indoor and covered outdoor seating • Open 7 days - 8am – 5pm • Free Wifi hotspot

6 Quayside, Town Basin, 09 438 7557

www.mokabacafe.co.nz

early bird coffee muffin & $6 try the

6

of the

BEST

special

at Whangarei’s newest cafe

*regular size coffee, Tues-Fri 7.30am - 9.00am

‘Top of the hill’ Maunu Rd, Whangarei Tel: 09 272 7105 - check us out on facebook!

KING’S MART ASIAN SUPERMARKET i IN THE CITY SEX

For a prawn lover it’s perfect

Birthday Celebration

15

% EVERYTHING

OFF

INSTORE*

We are one year old in September.

To celebrate and thank all our customers, we are running a big birthday sale with 15% off everything plus some amazing deals!

NONGSHIM

SEASONED

SHIN RAMYUN hot & spicy noodle soup Normally $5.50

Now $3.90

seaweed snack Normally $7.90 (5 pack)

SRIRACHA

Now 1.60

Now $3.70

coconut juice Normally $2.00 $

$35

(500ml)

KIller Prawn Restaurant & Bar 26-28 Bank St Whangarei.

09-430 3333

Parking: There’s three large car parks just around the corner ... Vine St, Water St and Forum North.

First thoughts Fabulous! Cosy setting, music not too loud ... we were able to talk without straining the voice! And we loved the fairy lights.

We sat in the corner on a comfortable couch that wrapped around our table.

We were given a complimentary bowl of corn chips and salsa ... a great touch, thank you.

The menu The name gives it away really. Killer Prawn is all about seafood. There were seven options on the bar menu — five were seafood.

And although the bar menu had a meat dish the vegetarians on our team

weren’t well catered for.

We ordered the garlic bread — to satisfy those who didn’t eat meat or seafood, it was very nice ... but with only four pieces for $5, not quite enough.

The meat platter, which cost $25, included peppered pastrami and pancetta, a gorgeous beetroot chutney plus pesto foccacio. Again, however, we felt a little on the small side for our money.

The staff Give that barman an award! Our visits can be a year apart and he still knows what we drink.

Service was spot on.

Polite, no hovering ... we could get on with what we were there for ... a quite drink, a nibble and a catchup.

What was on our mind?

We all donated money to Dry July, although only one of us had taken up, and succeeded, the challenge!

The opening of the Lower Hatea bridge excited us

and there were plans made to walk across it on opening day. Posting pictures of your dog on facebook? Get a life! And art ... the good, the bad and the ugly.

What would we change?

Just the amount of vegetarian or non-seafood options on the menu ... and perhaps a little more generous with the servings.

Overall: It was a big tick for Killer Prawn ... they care. The lighting was perfect, the music as it should be — background music; and there was even a patio heater outside for the smokers. And if you love seafood then why would you go anywhere else. We noticed near the end of our evening that if you buy four beers or four wines on a Friday you get a free half dozen tempura prawns.

The prawn lovers in our group are keen to return.

(850g)

vinegar & soy sauce pack Normally $5.40 $

Now 4.30

(1L x2)

TISSUE PACK

LAUNDRY SOFTENER

4 varieties Normally $4.80 $

Now 3.90

(470ml)

DATU PUTI

crackers Normally $10.50 $

Now 7.90

k) (10 pack) pack

hot chili sauce Normally $4.70

SKYFLAKES

We went to:

Now $5.90

TASCO or Box (24)

10

We’re six Savvy girls who meet on the last Friday of every month at 5pm for a couple of wines and snacks. It’s just enough to catch up . . . and then get home in time for Corrie! Each month we’ll let you know where we went and what we found . . . and if you’re keen, join us!

Normally $21.90 $

(2100ml)

Now 18.90

(30 pack)

We offer an excellent selection of Asian groceries from KOREA | CHINA | JAPAN | THAILAND PHILIPPINES | MALAYSIA Snacks, Instant Noodles, Candies, Sauces, Pastes, Pickles, Spices, Canned Fruits & Veges, Rice, Flours, Frozen Meats & Seafood, Tofu & Fresh Veges, Asian and Kiwi Drinks & Ice Cream, Kitchenware, Tissues, Cleaning Products and A Lot More!

*Sale excludes rice, mooncakes, tofu, breads, frozen meats, kimchi, fresh veges and hair care range. Sale must end 14 Sept 2013. See more details instore.

18 John Street, Whangarei Phone 09 459 7649

Open Mon – Sat: 9am – 6pm • Eftpos and Credit cards welcome

SAVVY

home trends

22

Most people who plan to build dream houses at Mangawhai buy a beautiful view, but Rhonda Smith and Howard Collier chose a beautiful garden instead, writes Leigh Bramwell.

Garden clinches deal

1

Keep Warm And Cosy!

ENJOY WARMTH & COMFORT WITH A COSY GAS FIRE so clean, so convenient, so relaxing...

Visit our :$ #>6 $!8%6 :; /M!2%. &!69M>G “live” display !; D:85"M>;&@ )!6!5 :38 showroom 6":J8::< >;& M%5today 36 "%M9 (% ">2% 5"% M>8#%65 8>;#%

G:3let '"::6% and us help5"% you9%8$%'5 choose$!8% the $:8 G:38 ":<%@ perfect fire for your home.

138 4%85!B%& 48>$56<%; H>6B55%86?0M3<=%86 J!MM /,*00ECA FD,+7EE L 4K-+FIC. Our Licenced Gasfitters will ‘SUPPLY,INSTALL & CERTIFY’

ENERGYSAVER GAS HEATERS • Flued gas heater • Energy efficient • Clean air heating

PHONE 4380192 for a free Quote

home trends

SAVVY

23

3

M

ost people who plan to build dream houses at Mangawhai buy a beautiful view, but Rhonda Smith and Howard Collier chose a beautiful garden instead.

Happily their site has stunning views as well, but it was the garden that clinched the deal.

There was an old house on the property, surrounded by rare trees and plants. ‘‘I’m a gardener so that was it for me,’’ Rhonda says, adding that the original garden was quite high maintenance and she has since made changes to overcome that.

The old house was moved off and Rhonda began the process of designing a Pacific-style home.

Her inspiration came in part from a trip to Fiji, but she also drew on her own taste.

The plan was finalised and the house began to take shape. It has a solid masonry exterior and a gypsom breathable plaster interior, so even when the weather isn’t tropical, the house is warm. There’s underfloor heating and a fireplace for added comfort.

Rhonda wanted quality fittings so the house has solid timber doors with brass hardware, macrocarpa ceilings and French oak floors.

She has pursued high end resort style inside, and the intelligent use of glass and ceiling height adds to the feeling of spaciousness and serenity.

Within the 354 square metres are three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and expansive, open living areas, virtually all of which open up to broad, paved terraces with sea views.

Rhonda’s designer skills are evident in the well chosen furnishings, from the feature rug in the foyer to the elegant wicker dining chairs, handcrafted timber dining table, and an impressive collection of paintings and objet d’art.

The kitchen is a work of art in itself, with fourth generation

2 American oak benches, stainless steel worktops and a granite splashback. ‘‘Pity it doesn’t get used much,’’ Rhonda says half jokingly, admitting that outdoors is far more her milieu and much of her time and energy goes into the garden. The property is 53879 square metres in total, and there’s about 8000 square metres of garden surrounding the house.

The existing trees include some rare species including a New Guinea Fig Tree, and there are 25 magnolias, about 30 camellias, a collection of conifers and deciduous trees. ‘‘But it’s a rough diamond in some ways — there are no roses and no box hedges,’’ she says.

Having said that, the outdoor living areas are anything but rough, although the original intention had been to leave the outside slightly rustic. Instead, the house is surrounded by terraces paved in sandstone, with low planting close to the house to ensure the views of the sandhills and sea are not obscured. Walled gardens provide more enclosed spaces for sitting and dining.

Aside from the garden, Rhonda says the best elements of the property are the privacy, the views, and the quiet, and she’ll be trying to replicate those when the couple build again. ‘‘This was my dream home and the garden was a bonus,’’ Rhonda says. ‘‘But life has changed and so have our needs, so we’ll build again on another site on the land.’’

1. Plans for more rustic styling outside were quickly overtaken with the installation of smooth, sandstone terraces which enhance the resort style.

4 5

6

2. A massive window opens the living area up to views of the sandhills and sea, but the house is warmed by its masonry construction, as well as underfloor heating and a fireplace.

5. Inside the big, recycled timber doors is a broad entrance foyer, simply styled with artworks and an unusual rug.

3. Tiled floors, twin handbasins and twin towel racks add the resort touch to one of the bathrooms.

4. Bi-fold windows open this bedroom up to the outdoors. The understated elegance of the soft furnishings add to the tranquil atmosphere.

6. Low planting at the front of the house softens the lines of the building without obstructing the views.

7. The chef’s kitchen features American oak benches, stainless steel worktops and a granite splashback, and opens up to an outdoor dining area on the terrace.

7

8

the best thing about summer...

8. The design of the house was inspired by the architecture of the Pacific following a holiday in Fiji.

...is enjoying your new swimming pool

now is the time to make plans for your new pool

The Deep End Spa & Pool Centre Ltd 59 Hannah Street, Whangarei

ask@thedeepend.co.nz

(09) 438 9536

home trends

SAVVY

24

Cup, saucer and spoon set, $40 from The French Hen

Aged Italian leather tup chair, $1500 from The French Hen

Carved Hall Table, $425 from Against the Grain

Add some style to your home with some of these fabulous items we found in Whangarei stores and online

Medicine Cabinet, $295 from Against The Grain

Beach Speaker Box in Sunshine Yellow, $39.95 from Living and Giving (www.livingandgiving.co.nz)

Wall mirror, $96 from The French Hen

Mid century-style chair, $595 from Against The Grain

Egizia Dotti Vodka Glasses, $49.50 for two from Corso De’ Fiori www.corso.co.nz

Paris clock, $82 from The French Hen Tiffany table lamp with handcrafted stained glass, $300 from The French Hen

mirror YOUR LIFESTYLE

WE:

• can create mirrors to suit your requirements or any decor • stock ready-made mirrors • have lots of different styles and designs to choose from

COME IN AND TALK TO US TODAY!

SPRING is here! Revamp your boudoir with a new quilt from our fabulous range in beautifully blended colours, some with matching pillow cases.

These won’t last.

Classic Styles on Sale!

Be quick for end-of-line specials.

Limited stock.

46 John Street, Whangarei Ph 09 430 3025 Fax 09 430 3026 Email: sales@framenheat.co.nz www.decorframeandheat.co.nz

Like us on facebook

The French Hen Shop 2-6, Civic Arcade, 41 Bank St, Whangarei Ph. (09) 438 0051

home trends

SAVVY

25

Size is important so figure out what and who you want to fit on it before you build, suggests LEIGH BRAMWELL

W

HEN decks came into fashion in the 70s it was easy to choose the perfect decking material. There were only a few options and homeowners based their choice on the longevity of the timber available.

The limited natural wood choices available 30 years ago are merely a drop in the bucket in today’s decking industry.

Thanks to modern technological advances there are all sorts of manmade and composite materials out there which can satisfy both aesthetic, economic and ecological requirements.

Timber has a good look but it’s not maintenance free. It may fade and warp, grow mould, moss and algae, and require restaining or oiling to keep it looking smart.

Modern decking materials made from combinations of recycled timber and plastic require less attention to maintain.

As well as being functional and having aesthetic appeal, a deck needs to complement the style of existing architecture and buildings, offer privacy and shelter, enhance the existing landscaping, and, if possible, extend the outdoor living areas.

Size, in this case, does matter, and it pays to be aware that whatever size you make it, it’s likely that within a few weeks you’ll be wishing it were bigger.

So give careful thought to how the deck is to be used. If it’s going to be an entertaining area, factor in space for a barbecue, preparation and cooking facilities, a table and chairs to accommodate the number of guests you usually have, standing space for people to gather for pre-dinner drinks, and space for planter boxes, container plants, pots of herbs and other decorative elements.

You may also want to factor in space for an outdoor fire,

Woodn’t this be lovely brazier or patio heater.

Keep in mind that if you have a large expanse of deck it’s likely to look a bit boring. It’s easy enough to introduce a second material, so if you’ve chosen manmade decking and want to add a more rustic element use a rustic timber as edging, or to divide your deck into different areas.

Channels of stones or plants incorporated into the decking will create interest, and you can leave cut-outs for existing trees or plants.

Before you so much as lift a spade or hammer, consult the local council to check the regulations.

Safety features such as handrails will be required, there may be boundary restrictions, and you will almost certainly need a consent.

The exception to some of these limitations is if you want a freestanding deck.

Although we are more accustomed to decks that are part of the house, decks are more and more often being used as separate spaces within the

INDIVIDUAL

HOMES

This deck, although freestanding, creates its own sense of enclosure by curving up at the back. Railway sleepers have been inserted into the new decking as a planter on the back wall, and as an insert in the floor of the deck.

Container plants have been used to divide this deck into different areas and to tie it into the existing garden. Because it is attached to the house and accessed via sliding doors from the lounge, it extends the outdoor living space.

garden.

A deck that’s virtually flat on the ground can be used to provide a sitting space near a focal point of the garden, or simply to enhance a landscape design.

Of course, you can’t simply plonk a deck in the middle of the grass and leave it at that.

If it isn’t attached to a

building you need to provide edges and borders that will give the sense of enclosure you’d otherwise borrow from the house or the wall.

Substantial rocks that are from 60cm to 90cm high are fantastic for this.

They anchor any structure or garden design and give it a reason for being. They also

Hi, I’m Wayne Pickerill, Managing Director & Project Manager for your new Fowler Home.

Enjoy quality and benefits of an efficient, low overhead nationwide company, where I will take a personal interest and be involved through to completion.

DESIGNED AND BUILT

Wayne Pickerill,

see www.fowlerhomes.co.nz for design ideas... or visit our office at 63 Walton Street, Whangarei

Phone Wayne Pickerill 09 438 4840

Managing Director

AT COMPETITIVEE STANDARD PLANN PRICES

create boundaries, provide focal points and can be arranged to give you pockets to plant in or a backdrop to plant against.

Another great advantage of a deck flat on the ground is that your plants don’t have to be very big to make an impact, so you’re not going to be waiting till next spring for it to look good. Choose a couple that are a decent size to give it an established look, and fill in the gaps with smaller ones.

Add a couple of stylish chairs, a table big enough for a book and sunglasses and you’re done.

SEVEN PRINCIPLE REASONS Why people trust Fowler Homes to build their home

1. Work with one committed person for the whole of your build project 2. Benefit from an efficient, streamlined building system with nationwide buying power 3. Discounts passed on to you for all materials and fitting you choose. No penalties for choosing non-standard inclusions 4. Established over 27 years, one of the longest standing group building companies in New Zealand 5. Enjoy a spotless Master Builders record of 0 claims in over 27 years 6. 17 offices nationwide and over 2,549 houses built to date 7. 88% of our business comes from referral by happy customers

TM

home trends

SAVVY

26

HIGH contrast

I’m bringing the same concept to life in my home right now. I’ve covered some upholstered furniture in ticking, one of my favourite fabrics, because it’s so simple and unassuming. Then I helped it go a bit uptown by tossing on some accent pillows in a formal damask.

Some of my other elegant and everyday fabric combos? Buffalo check or burlap threaded together with luxurious velvets, plaids and paisleys.

Pairing opposites may or may not be the recipe for a good marriage, but it’s definitely an exciting approach when it comes to interior design. Here are five secrets for working the magic of high-contrast decorating, writes Mary Carol Garrity

Wed the manufactured with the organic My style is ever-evolving, and I’m increasingly in love with the clean and simple contemporary accents that are so hot today, like colourful pottery. But an unshakeable bedrock of my style is using organic elements in everyday decor.

To create a high-impact, high-contrast look, I use them together in my decor. I often display items that are made of natural materials with those that are not. I may place a lovely drinks service on a wicker tray.

Or fill a china bowl with stones or nuts. What natural treasures delight you? Collect things you fancy as you walk in the woods or along the beach, then add them to your existing decor.

Pair light and dark colours

One of the most effective ways to play with opposites in decor is to pair dark and light colours.

Some of my favourite dynamic duos? Black and white. Navy and cream. I love to pull these and other high-contrast colours together when designing because of their wow factor. My dining room features navy walls.

If the entire room was this deep, dark colour, it would be a little too brooding. So I painted the trim and the panelling, which covers the lower portion of the walls, in cream. The cream keeps the space from taking itself too seriously by brightening the overall appearance of the room. Black and white, my perennial favourite, is gaining strength with interior designers again.

We’re seeing it popping up in the work of new designers. It’s never gone out of vogue because it’s such a timeless classic.

You can also use highcontrast colour combinations in furnishings. Just place a lightcoloured piece of furniture next to one that is dark. Bingo!

Accent your light or dark sofa with a mix of contrasting pillows. If you have dark hardwood floors, zip them up with light area rugs.

Mix refined and rough objects

Another of my favourite techniques for high-contrast decorating is to create tableaux

Put inexpensive and expensive together

HAPPY UNION: Deep dark teal for him, white and a touch of coral for her. Contrasting textures highlight each other’s best features.

PHOTOS / AP

that include refined and rough elements. We wanted to make an elegant silver tea service even more arresting, so we brought in visual contrast by including a gritty garden statue in the display. The pairing of these two unlikely partners makes them each all the more beautiful. Look around your home and see what type of refined and rough pieces you have, then mix them together in a display. Maybe it’s a china soup tureen or English footbath filled with earthy moss balls. Or

a primitive wooden dough bowl cradling crystal candlesticks. A natural place to blend refined and rough is in outdoor rooms. A weatherworn cement table stands in my courtyard yearround. It seems ironic to cover this rugged piece of furniture with a gorgeous custom tablecloth, doesn’t it?

A delicate urn on the table doesn’t belong out in the yard — or does it? It does at my house.

When I entertain outdoors, you’ll find my best pieces on the al-fresco dining table, from

$1000 OFF PLUS 1000 DAYS INTEREST FREE

ON SELECTED NZ MADE

*Offer available September 2013 on purchases $1,000 and over with no deposit, no interest for 1,000 days. Credit and lending criteria, $54 establishment fee and $54 annual account fee apply. Prevailing interest rate will apply to any outstanding balance on the expiry of the interest free promotional period.

heirloom china to water goblets.

crystal

Blend the elegant and everyday

When designing rooms, I intertwine pieces that are elegant with those that are everyday. One friend’s home is a great example. We dressed her formal sofa in sophisticated silk pillows. Then we contrasted this fussy fabric with no-nonsense window coverings: gardenvariety bamboo roller shades.

Sometimes there is no replacement for using wellmade, high-quality pieces in your decor. I feel that way about upholstered furniture. You definitely get what you pay for.

But when I can, I love to cheat, opting for pieces that look superexpensive but are bargains. If you wander through my home, you’ll see pieces of great value mixed together with those that are inexpensive. Often, they are hardly distinguishable from one another. I embraced this marriage of inexpensive and expensive in my 20s, when I was too broke to buy more than a few nice things for my apartment. I would save and buy one or two investment pieces, then fill in with low-cost pretenders.

Another example is the place setting, where I grounded the display of china on inexpensive placemats.

— AAP

Elite Sleeper Queen Bedset Available in 3 comfort levels: soft, medium and firm

BEDS

5

SAVE $1,000

RRP $2,999

NOW $1,999

home trends

SAVVY

27

New covers for deck chairs from pepe penalver are fun, but not so durable (above).

Some older styles of furniture have beautiful lines not captured in modern pieces, like this couch, in fabric from Colefax and Fowler (left).

A gorgeous French chair reupholstered in a luscious Manuel Canovas velvet (left). An elegant Pierre Frey fabric adorns a freshly upholstered simple chair (right).

New life for old favourites Breathe new meaning into your much-loved pieces of furniture by reupholstering — just beware the pitfalls and always use an expert, says Rebecca Bowering textiles and homes interiors expert

S

OMETIMES there are pieces of furniture that are simply fabulous.

Perhaps they are covered in a moquette (type of woven pile fabric) or velvet and seem as though they’ve been around for all of your life. These gorgeous pieces are such a part of the family it would be sacrilege to discard them.

So now may be the time to reupholster them. As with fabric design, reupholstering is an art.

Ask around or work with

your designer to use someone well trained and experienced. A bad upholstery job is completely unpalatable for all. I assure you, your eye will always go straight to the crooked or unmatched seam and it will be impossible to see the original beauty of the piece. Okay, I may be exaggerating somewhat, but that has been my own experience.

If you are like me, you love to rummage around antique shops and browse on Trade Me. If you

Essence Queen Bedset

• Pocket Spring system • Latex Gold comfort layers • Extra deep FlexFree base

find something fabulous, buy it.

If it is something mediocre and you think you can enhance it with new fabric, beware. Often these pieces are really only for the rubbish heap because by the time you pay for new springs, foam and other parts they become much more expensive than a new, quality item. All furniture is not created equal and often the giveaway is the weight of the piece. One very well known Australian designer said of a job he was ‘‘fixing’’: ‘‘The furniture was little more than wrapped Weetbix.’’

It was all sent to City Mission and he started the entire house again. So invest in quality pieces, it saves money in the long run.

Choosing the fabric for the

Euphoria Queen Bedset

• DreamFoam Sensorzone sleep system • DreamFoam comfort pillow top • Latex Gold comfort layers

reupholster is important as well.

Obviously co-ordination with the decor is crucial, and you and your design consultant will have it well in hand. But it is important to also consider the practicalities. No fabric is perfect, generally there is a trade-off. Solution-dyed acrylics are fantastic for fade resistance and cleaning (they are essentially plastic), but don’t necessarily offer durability from abrasion or wear and tear.

Trevira and other man-made fibres such as polyester usually give reasonable light fastness and durability and are easily cleaned. However, they often feel quite artificial and can sometimes ‘‘sparkle’ in full light.

Natural fibre blends including wool, cotton and linen look and feel wonderful, but will often fade and care needs to be taken when cleaning them.

There are a multitude of fabric types and it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of all of them.

Generally, the supplier of the fabric will be able to give you professional recommendations that are based on the technical information and tests relating to

each fabric.

Care, too, needs to be given to the seams. This is when discussing the final use of the item of furniture is vital. Seam slippage happens with some fabric types and is exacerbated by certain furniture designs.

Often the upholsterer will need to reinforce the seams in some manner. In Europe, it is common to back the fabric for increased strength and resilience.

Consider the final detail, piping, top stitching, gimp or tape and the type of fill you like. I personally like a feather wrap around a foam cushion as this gives softness without losing the shape of the cushion when heffalumps like me sit for long periods.

Off you go, scour the garage, the old family home and antique shops, and add true character to your home. And just think, by reupholstering your heritage piece you are supporting New Zealand’s upholsterers as many have been hard hit by cheap imports. Truly a win-win!

■ Rebecca Bowering is Atelier Textiles owner and managing director. For more information visit www.atelier.co.nz

See in store for prices on other sizes and other SPECIALS!!!

7 Gumdigger Pl, Whangarei Phone 09 438 3550 OPEN 7 DAYS

SAVE $1,000

RRP $3,999

NOW $2,999

SAVE $1,000

RRP $4.469

NOW $3,469

SAVVY

home trends

Beginners guide to veggie gardens F

or budding new veggie gardeners it can be daunting when starting out — considering what to plant and when and where to plant it can be overwhelming.

Kings Seeds have taken the guess work out of what to grow with their Veggies for Beginners seed selection — the perfect choice for those who want to give gardening a go but don’t know where to start.

The selection contains a range of Easy to Grow vegetable varieties: Bean Top Crop, Mesclun Lettuce Mix, ,Pea Sugar Snap Tall, Tomato Baxter’s Early Bush Cherry, and the impressive Zucchini

When starting your first veggie garden it’s always best to keep it simple and the varieties we chose are easy to grow.

This gives new gardener’s confidence when they see their garden thriving.’’

Below are some top tips from Kings Seeds for novice gardeners:

Get the basics right: Choose a ✔ good location for

your garden your garden will need upwards of 6 hours of sun a day depending on the seed varieties you have sown.

Be sure it’s a sunny, sheltered spot with free draining soil.

Prepare your soil by digging in lots of organic matter like well-rotted compost before planting.

✔ ✔

Keep it small to start with:

Create a vegetable patch ✔ that suits your family that you know you can regularly maintain and manage.

Start small so you don’t feel overwhelmed, you can always extend later.

✔

Keep it simple:

Plant easy to grow ✔ varieties that will give you great results and build your confidence up.

Black Beauty.

Barbara Martin, Director of Kings Seeds said ‘‘We created these packs to make it easier for people to try their hand at gardening.

• • • • • •

Sow your own seeds:

Seeds can be sown ✔successfully indoors in

WIN For budding new veggie gardeners it can be daunting when starting out — considering what to plant and when can be overwhelming. Kings Seeds have taken the guess work out of what to grow with their Veggies for Beginners seed selection which contains a range of Easy to Grow vegetable varieties: Bean Top Crop, Mesclun Lettuce Mix, Pea Sugar Snap Tall, Tomato Baxter’s Early Bush Cherry and the impressive Zucchini Black Beauty.

We have three King Seeds Beginner Veggie Gardeners pack to give away valued at $30 and each prize includes the Veggies for beginners seed range and a 5l Daltons Seed Raising Mix to get you up and growing. To be in to win, email your name and contact details with King Seeds Beginner Gardeners pack in the subject heading, to savvy@northern advocate.co.nz by Thursday September 26.

For more information on Kings Seeds visit www.kingsseeds.co.nz

containers during early spring, ready to transplant the new seedlings out later.

The repair/upgrade, troubleshooting of your personal computer Website & Graphic Design Software Development & Database Design Data recovery Laptop Batteries at Affordable Prices Virus Detection & Removal

P: 027 215 2155

Essential Kiwi NZ Limited

www.essential.kiwi.nz

28

Alter-Natives Nursery and Landscaping begins a monthly column of helpful tips on gardening and related topics. This month includes planning a functional and aesthetic garden by landscape designer Katie Hilford; how to grow the best oranges, by sales person Debbie Oldfield; and revegetation by owner Ian Fox

Unsure how to start your garden makeover?

TRY THIS!

It’s likely that your house is your most valuable asset so it makes sense to surround it with a garden that emphasises your house in all its glory.

A garden’s purpose should be somewhat like your house where you have different rooms/outdoor spaces that serve different functions.

Write a list of your needs and wants, perhaps it’s a play area for the kids, a veggie garden, and an entertaining area for guests or a tranquil ‘‘me time’’ hideaway, don’t forget our four legged friends — they need a special place too. Or perhaps it’s just to make the garden look good for re-sale.

Identifying these purposes will help establish a frame work for which your garden can be moulded around.

This is the first and most important step to designing a functional, aesthetic garden.

Now you can start the fun part; with your established list of purposes you can start allocating areas of use in your garden. I call this bubbling, I draw bubbles on a base plan of the property making sure I’m taking into consideration movement of the sun, being aware of potential winds, noise and views (keeping good views and screening out bad) ensuring these outdoor rooms relate and have good flow to the indoor rooms.

Example: Is the veggie garden near the kitchen’s outdoor access.

Once the bubbles are in place you can start adding movement; paths and access.

The idea is to be building a picture based on purpose and you continue layering this picture with information until it resembles a body of spatial division, balance and proportion.

■ For more information and advice on Landscape Design call Katie Hilford at Alter-Natives Nursery and Landscaping 027 346 7271 or (09) 974 8733

IT’S ORANGE SEASON

Consider planting an orange tree in your garden, they don’t take up to much room (2x1.5m)

SALE Nearing the end of reveg season

manuka 40% all and kanuka

OFF

for all September

(Sale excludes ornamental tea tree)

ORANgES and

most other citrus

$25.00

and are well worth planting as they can bear quite heavy crops.

Plant in a sunny sheltered position, with free draining soil.

Fertilise twice a year with Thrive citrus fertiliser- early spring and late summer.

Remove all the baby fruit from your new tree the first year, this allows the tree to put all its energy into growing/ establishing itself. The 2nd year remove 1/2 the fruit, after that leave it to do its own thing.

Orange varieties available: Washington Navel ripens JulyAug Carters Navel ripens August Blood orange ‘Caracara’, ripens Aug-Sept Best Seedless, ripens Sept-Nov Harwood Late, ripens Nov-Mar Common problems with citrus: Scale insects — use Conqueror oil to kill them Brown leaves — needs shelter from cold winds Tree sheds leaves — cold winds or wet feet, improve drainage and erect shelter Small fruit drop off — as citrus are such heavy flowering trees they will drop the small fruit and leave what the tree is capable of holding

✔ ✔ ✔

COLOuRED

Yellowing leaves — apply citrus fertiliser and /or liquid fertilise with Epsom salts.

FLAx

lots of colours and sizes

REVEGETATION

There are many reasons people do revegetation. It may be by choice or because you may need to meet compliance for resource consent or some other bylaw.

Generally revegetation implies that native plants will be used in a way that will enhance the environment. This may be for erosion control, water quality mitigation or improvement, shelter, biodiversity for native wildlife just to name the more common purposes.

Whatever the reason or the scale there is many ways to do it, each with their own pros and cons. The revegetation season generally starts in autumn and finishes in early spring.

This season is extend for low lying areas that remain wet well into summer or for south facing slopes or small areas which can be cared for if summer gets a bit dry or if mulch has been laid.

The planting can include grasses, rushes and sedges often used in wetland restoration through coloniser tree species which grow fast like Manuka and Pittosporums, and forest trees which will live for hundreds of years like Totara and Kauri. There is a little time left in the season to get your revegetation areas planted if they are likely to dry in summer, if it’s a wetland then you have a few more months.

$7.00 For

“outside the square” landscaping solutions...

Award Winning Desig n at the Ellerslie Flower Show

Landscape design Planting Revegetation Native forestry

Ask Katie Hilford how to turn your garden into a

work of art!

129 Port Rd, Whangarei | 09 974 8733 katiehilford@alter-natives.co.nz

The Alter-Natives team from left Katie Hilford, Ian Fox and Debbie Oldfield.

Open 7 days: Weekdays 9am- 5pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm (Closed on public holidays)

home trends

SAVVY

30

A home for your future

by Terry Lobb

M

ORNINGS are getting lighter and the temperatures are so mild.

Hard to believe we are supposed to be in the middle of winter. It makes one wonder whether this is it or if there is still a chilly blast to come.

Last week I touched on accessible homes and how many of our homes aren’t very userfriendly. And this was mainly because Bailee was home and on crutches. So I thought I would continue on that theme.

If you have a home built with the future in mind and consideration has been taken for wider doorways, perhaps internal sliders for ease of access when entering and exiting a room and, at level entry, then that is definitely a start. With many homes becoming smaller, wet rooms (a bathroom with an open shower and without raised areas) are often included in a new build.

But what if you have an olderstyle home?

There are regulations and guidelines for accessible bathrooms and if you need to renovate your bathroom you will need to work with these which, unfortunately, can be costly. With many of our older homes, passages and doorways were often generous, with access to rooms well thought out. Bedroom doors were hung for privacy, often latched nearest the wall and opening into the room. Door handles would need to be repositioned in older-style homes as many were fitted higher on the door. Villas tended to be lower and more accessible, even for children.

Furniture needs to be higher and not too deep. It needs to fit the person and be well balanced — not only to look at but sturdy in design. If you are trying to get out of a chair and you haven’t quite got your balance or pressure right on the arms of the chair, it should be sturdy enough not to topple over. There are some beautifully designed chairs with this in mind.

NO FUSS: Simple dining setting with good clear spaces.

By keeping furniture leggy it gives the illusion of more space.

Finished to the floor gives a bulkier appearance, even if the outside measurement is exactly the same. How you finish a chair or sofa also makes a difference to the look and whether it seems more streamlined or bulky.

There are some fantastic furnishings to jazz up a chair.

Cord pulls on blinds and drapes are a must. It is so much easier to draw curtains if they are corded. Lengths of cords do need to be taken into consideration. If they are too short there is no point using them, they must be easy to reach. I will also cord tracks if curtains are not easily accessed and with curtains fitted behind furniture it can be very difficult.

The solution is easy — cord the tracks if they can be. Blinds will need the same treatment.

Flooring needs to be taken into consideration also. Some finishes are easier to manoeuvre a wheelchair or walking frame

EASY SEAT: Chairs designed for ease of exit.

on than others.

In the last home I worked on, we used a short pile carpet with a very tight weave and glued the

Contact Brian Now

(09) 438 4651

Address: Northern Glass Tint 21 South End Ave, Whangerei 0110 Email: puttinton@gmail.com

carpet directly to the floor substrate, which in this case was concrete. It gave a firmer finish so the carpet didn’t move under

the strain of the wheels. A smooth transition between different floor styles is important. Keep the height uniform and there will be less likelihood of tripping or having issues with wheels.

Clear access around furniture is important. Often furniture is oversized or bulky with rooms being too small, so access becomes difficult. Realistically we need rooms planned well so traffic flows easily from one part of the room to another.

Bedrooms can be particularly difficult with very little room to manoeuvre. A smaller bed may be required with different style furniture to overcome this problem. Also, light-weight bedding is preferable to heavy bedding. The heavier the bedding the harder it is to get in and out of bed.

■ If you have any questions give me a call on 027 602 3298 or drop me a line on terry@terrylobb.com www.terrylobb.com

books

SAVVY

31

Why little is best for DBC Pierre The Booker winner tells Paul Bignell how he first became inspired to write his new volume of short stories

D

espite having only just stepped off a plane from Australia, DBC Pierre is in a buoyant and garrulous mood when we meet at a central London hotel. Aided by two cups of coffee, which he drinks in quick succession, the winner of both the 2003 Man Booker and Whitbread First Novel prizes for his debut novel Vernon God Little is trying to get into his new collection of short stories.

Petit Mal looks more akin to one of those lavish CD box sets, complete with hard case and collectors’ edition postcards. ‘‘We wanted something where the object was good, you know?’’ he says in a hybrid accent of Australian, American, English and now Irish the remnants of his chaotic and peripatetic upbringing.

The new book, a collection of short stories and vignettes punctuated by his own photographs, illustrations and cartoons, neatly bookends his previous three novels. It contains the trademark ‘‘Pierrian’’ themes and ideas with which readers of his previous work will be well acquainted: the absurd; the lurid; the whimsical.

One story, ‘‘Pharmageddon’’, which begins, ‘‘You know it’s a hard party when your dog has a breakdown’’, is about his time as an adolescent when he was entrusted with looking after the family home in Mexico City. His father had become gravely ill and had to be treated in New York, leaving the 16-year-old Pierre to his own devices (and vices): ‘‘Yeah, that was growing up,’’ he says. ‘‘I had a very rarefied upbringing in Mexico City. Mexico is a chaotic, mad place. Most of the mates I grew up with are dead.’’

Pierre, now 52, (real name Peter Finlay - DBC stands for ‘‘Dirty But Clean’’) says the idea for the new collection grew after his editor heard him reading some

short stories at a literary festival. ‘‘Since I was first published I’d found it difficult to find a nugget to read from a novel. They’re all on their way somewhere, you know. They all have a beginning, middle and an end . And so I gave up about 18 months ago. Then, at a show that my editor attended, I read some pieces that were short and complete within themselves it grew from that.’’

Things have quietened down for the author since his life changed irrevocably 10 years ago. His last two novels, Ludmila’s Broken English in 2006 and 2010’s Light’s Out in Wonderland received lukewarm reviews and suspicion grew that he might be a one-hit wonder. ‘‘My only problem is that since Vernon did so well the publisher has demanded more. The freedom to do what you want only really happens when you don’t make a deal with a publisher. So, I’m back at that deal finally with this new book I could play with ideas while I get the next novels going.’’

He uses such adjectives as ‘‘weird’’ or ‘‘mad’’ to describe the giddy moments after finishing Vernon. After sending it to 12 literary agents only to hear nothing, he tried his luck with a new company, Conville and Walsh. Another year passed before it reached the top of their slush pile. ‘‘Boom! Within 10

KIDS’ CORNER Reviews by Annemarie Florian, owner of Storytime

days they had sold it in seven languages,’’ he says. ‘‘It’s amazing how stuff can turn on a dime like that.’’

The deal, signed just 45 minutes before the horror of 9/11 struck, was a triumph against all the odds, he felt. ‘‘It was strange, because the first novel I wrote was about a kid in an impossible situation who had a completely implausible triumph against all the odds, and writing that gave me in a similarly impossible situation a triumph.’’

The ‘‘impossible situation’’ he talks of could realistically be many points in his life prior to the penning of Vernon.

He was born in South Australia, but as the son of a university lecturer in genetics, he was already well-travelled before he started school. The family eventually settled in Mexico where he spent most of his childhood, though his later travels took him to Britain, the US and back to Australia.

There he ‘‘spent the whole time either in court or in hospital’’ (he lifts his fringe to reveal a huge scar running from his hairline to the top of his nose; the right side of his face around the eye contains a metal plate, the result of a car crash).

After a spell back in Mexico, during which he was caught smuggling cars over the border from Texas, and some years spent in a drug-induced haze, he was, by the 1990s, holed up in a flat in Balham, south London, writing Vernon.

From the moment he won the Booker in 2003 the paparazzi laid siege to the town of Ballinamore in County Leitrim, where he had moved and still lives, trying to figure out who this outsider was who had turned the literary world upside down. But his new compatriots have kept him grounded. ‘‘The locals are as good as gold,’’ he says of his neighbours. ‘‘They treat me the same now as when I first arrived.’’

Thankfully for him, the peace and solitude of rural Ireland has afforded him the anonymity and stability he has perhaps craved.

— Independent

The Beginner’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand

by Paul Adamson, $34.95

Baba Didi and the Godwits Fly

by Nicola Muir, illustrated by Annie Hayward, $19.95

touching on waves of human migration on the way.

This illustrated storybook is for children aged 5-12. The godwits are about to alight on our shores again around September, and they’ll stay and feast on the marginal lands of estuaries and shorelines — like those at Ruakaka , until they set out again on their remarkable flight, which takes them across the Pacific Ocean, on to China, Siberia and Alaska.

The story features a young girl (Isabella) and her grandmother (Baba Didi) on the beach, watching the godwits feeding while digging pipis. Baba Didi shares her admiration of the little bird’s epic migration, and in so doing, also shares her wise and thoughtful ruminations on the migrations of people to Aotearoa.

At the book’s core is the loving relationship between Isabella and her grandmother, and the author has successfully mined this to reflect how this huge gap, this chasm that so often opens up between generations, may be closed; how it’s important for us all, young and old alike, to talk with each other about what we see as important in our lives, what qualities we must value and nurture, generation after generation.

Artist Annie Hayward’s richly-coloured illustrations successfully weave both stories, bird and human, together; they are whimsical and imaginative and capture the mood perfectly.

And the foreword from our own Aunty Helen, now head of the UN Developmental Programme, shows the wisdom and insight we’ve come to expect from our highly-regarded former Prime Minister.

All in all a delightful read, and the cherry on the top? – UNICEF receives royalties from each copy sold.

This book will be launched as part of the Family Day planned for Whangarei Central Library, Saturday September 21.

A charmingly told story by Whangarei author Nicola Muir, of the godwit’s epic migration,

■ Both books are available at Storytime

A highly illustrated book for budding hunters and fishermen in New Zealand.

How do you stalk a trout? How do you skin a rabbit?

How does a bullet work?

Instructional and highly illustrated, this is a beginner’s book of hunting and fishing for all ages.

It features the where, when, what to look for, and how of New Zealand’s most popular hunting and fishing pursuits. From rabbit hunting to duck shooting, possuming to large game hunting, eeling to whitebaiting, the Book of Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand will give any budding hunter the basic skills and knowledge for a lifetime of adventure.

This book also places an emphasis on safety, including information on the right firearms for the right animal, how to hunt with dogs, and the essentials of mountain safety and bushcraft in New Zealand.

With an accessible text, diagrams, fun facts and a glossary of hunting terms, it’s a great classroom resource for teaching bush safety and a perfect go-to book to help the whole family get out and appreciate our wilderness.

The author, Paul Adamson, shows great enthusiasm and a love of the outdoors in this book, whether through fishing, hunting, or photography. An expert on boys’ education, he is currently in charge of an alternative school in the Wairarapa.

Come in today and see for yourself

9324901AA

Our products are intended to act as springboards for children’s development, helping them to think and express themselves with confidence and integrity; and reflect on, explore and care for the world around them. So we stock books that are thoughtfully written, designed and illustrated and toys that offer high educational play value.

They are lots of fun, they’re designed to last, and above all they are meant to be shared and enjoyed!

The Strand on Vine, Whangarei Ph/Fax 09 438-4406 www.storytime.net.nz

arts

SAVVY

32

Maori contemporary art in Te Tai Tokerau P ataka Museum together with its exhibition partners Toi Maori Aotearoa in Porirua have been one of the most innovative galleries in New Zealand, delving deeply into unique stories of Maori and Pacific art and connected narratives in Aotearoa.

Like WAM this high profile institution is relatively new to the public art museum sector; part of a cultural matrix in Porirua combining the Museum and Gallery with Library and information services much as we do here in our relocated site at the Town Basin. Museums of the 21st century are no longer stand-alone sites, but part of a broader cultural cluster.

Currently curated by Pataka is Uku Rere Nga Kaihanga Uku: the Contemporary Maori Clay Movement showcasing the extraordinary story of contemporary Maori ceramics from the movements founding in 1987 to today. This exhibition opens here at the art museum from November 11 to February 16 and coincides with the Clay Co-operative’s annual meeting in Whangarei.

Two of the leading personalities in this relatively new movement are from Northland; Colleen Waata Urlich and Manos Nathan. Both have had a long and ongoing relationship with the Whangarei Art Museum and there are several works on loan in this exhibition from the art museum collection.

This exhibition travels to the art museum where it will feature with two other exhibitions of contemporary Maori artists. In 1951 Selwyn Ngareatua Wilson (1927-2002) was the first Maori artist to graduate with a Diploma of Fine Arts, and the 12 works he exhibited for his graduation at the National Gallery in Wellington will all be shown together again for the first time.

The art museum acquired this entire collection of portraits 2 years ago and raised significant external funding to acquire, conserve and frame them all to their new transcendent beauty.

Wilson was from Kawakawa and won a Sir Apirana Ngata Scholarship to further his study in London based on these graduate works. The other

the hugely successful Nga Taonga O Te Tai Tokerau; which included the ‘return concurrent exhibition home’ of many Gottfried is a suite of the Lindauer portraits of Nga Hokianga Series of Puhi rangatira from the photographs by Ross T. Auckland Art Gallery. In Smith recently gifted to 2002 I commissioned the art museum by the Nathan to create the 2 artist. metre public sculpture Manos Nathan and Kaitiaki from Te Waka Toi his brother Alex are Arts Council grants funds. also inspiring figures in This work remains the Northland, active not sentinel guardian figure of only as artists in their the art museum. Manos respective fields, but as and I were also members of arts activists and the art committee mentors of many together, which aspiring artists. commissioned the award Like Selwyn Wilson winning pou ihi at the too, Nathan graduated entrance of the Whangarei primarily as a painter Municipal Library. and then travelled to Selwyn Ngareatua Wilson Europe, but personal Manos Nathan, above, is a member of the Clay and Manos Nathan are circumstances and a Co-Operative; "Ipu Manaia Parirau" 2004, clay , terra exemplary figures in the move back to the sigillata, above right. cultural register of papakaianga up North Northland. Wilson was the changed the directions Chowns who later introduced first Maori student to enroll at of his art and worldview, as they him to ceramics. In 1987 he was a arts school in 1945 — from small had done for Selwyn Wilson in founding member of Nga town Kawaka, to Elam School of the late 1950’s. Nathan returned Kaihanga Uku with Baye Arts in Auckland and onto to the Waipoua to help with the Riddell, Colleen Waata-Urlich, London. Uku Rere brings carving of Matatina Marae and Wi Taepa and Paerau Corneal. together for the first time two found his spiritual and creative The relationship with the and a half decades of ceramics lineage lay there. The academic Whangarei Art Museum and splendor. Two very fine Maori Marsden became his Manos Nathan extends back to forthcoming exhibitions at mentor. It was another 1998 when I invited the artist to Whangarei Art Museum Te Northland arts identity, Douggie contribute a series of works in Manawa Toi. — Scott Pothan

BRIAN BRAKE:LENS ON THE WORLD Exhibition runs until - 1 November 2013 Featuring more than 165 superb photographic reproductions from Te Papa’s permanent art collection, and is the first comprehensive retrospective exhibition of this notable Magnum photographer’s work, spanning his forty-year career.

Lens on the World gives an unprecedented insight into Brake’s life and his view on the world.

This exhibition is accompanied by a substantial fully illustrated catalogue available at the art museum. Entry fees apply for this exhibition $2 per person or $5 per family. Schools and groups by negotiation. Corporate functions and previews by negotiation.

The photographic images include those he was invited to take in 1950s Communist China and Soviet Russia; Roman and Egyptian ruins as they were in the 1960s; candid shots of celebrities such as Pablo Picasso and Chairman Mao.

WHANGAREI ART MUSEUM Te Manawa – The Hub, Town Basin, Dent St, Whangarei

Monsoon Girl 1960 from the ‘Monsoon ‘ series photograph by Brian Brake

For further information/images please contact

whangareiartmuseum@wdc.govt.nz

OPENING HOURS: Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day

For more information phone 09 430 4240 | email: whangareiartmuseum@wdc.govt.nz

SAVVY

giveaways

33

Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Age-defying Serum with Purified Bee Venom and UMF 18+ Manuka Honey, RRP $44.95 (30ml) .......................................................................................................

2

1

1. HYDRATION FOR YOUTHFUL LOOKING SKIN

ApiNourish Age-defying Serum is the latest specialised skincare solution from Manuka Doctor. This wonderfully light serum combines Purified Bee Venom with UMF 18+ Manuka Honey and Royal Jelly to stimulate collagen and elastin production, leaving skin looking and feeling visibly firmer.

Antioxidant rich Propolis, Rosehip and Blackcurrant Oil offer protection against free radical damage, whilst UMF 18+ Manuka Honey and Hyaluronic Acid instantly hydrate and inflate tired looking skin to smooth out wrinkles and improve sagging.

2. WRAP UP YOUR RICHES Redcurrent Jewellery Roll

......................................................................................................

Keep your treasures under wraps with this luxurious satin beaded jewellery roll from Redcurrent. This glamorous yet practical accessory will embrace your gold and take care of your silver with two zip pockets, one large open pocket and two ring holders – perfect for travelling or a permanent staple at home. The rich burgundy colour is complimented by the delicate beaded detailing, adding a touch of charm to your jewels.

Savvy has two gorgeous Redcurrent jewellery rolls, valued at more than $50, to giveaway.

3.HAIR CARE

Kerastase products pack, RRP $166 ...........................................................................................

3 4

Traditionally a high-end fashion range, Parisian beauty brand Ke´rastase brings the business of customisation to haircare with its luxury styling collection. Ke´rastase ushers in an era of couture with iconic styling products that merge luxury and elegance to capture every woman’s unique beauty. These unique styling products meet the wide range of wants and needs of women and hairstylists worldwide.

Like a tailor-made couture gown, every product was conceived individually - each formula is unique with a targeted styling action, thermo-protection and a refined skincare texture. The Ke´rastase styling collection goes beyond traditional styling capabilities and delivers a aromatic experience with an elegant signature fragrance providing a sensory delight for hairstylists and clients. The Ke´rastase Couture Styling range is available nationwide from September 2013 at all Ke´rastase salons..

4. TIME TO SPRUCE WITH A MOUSSE

Garnier Ambre Solaire Mousse, RRP $20.49 ...........................................................................................

Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self-Tanning Mousse is the latest addition to the successful No Streaks Bronzer range and promises a natural-looking, quick drying tan in time for summer. Suited to expert and amateur tanning devotees alike, Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self-Tanning Mousse incorporates the latest in self-tanning technology. The non-drip, air-whipped texture is light enough to make quick and easy work during each application. Its clever formula is enhanced with a tinted glow which acts as a guide colour and the specifically designed pump means the perfect amount of mousse can be applied to every area of the skin — streak and blotch free.

One application of Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer SelfTanning Mousse is all it takes to achieve a natural-looking tan that will have you radiating with a faux holiday glow.

5. SKIN THAT COMES RIGHT IN THE NIGHT

Garnier Dark Spot Treatment Night Serum, RRP$17.49 ...........................................................................................

5

Sleep your way to even and radiant skin with Garnier’s new Dark Spot Treatment Night Serum, the latest addition to the Garnier Dark Spot Corrector line. This night treatment works to correct all types of dark spots and improve skin quality from the first application. The formula contains Vitamin C and 4% Glycolic Acid; together these instantly refine and smooth the skin’s texture while unifying skin tone and visibly correcting dark spots.

Available from selected supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores.

SAVVY AUGUST WINNERS To enter, write your name, postal address, daytime phone number and your giveaway preference (in order) on the back of an envelope and send it to: Savvy Giveaway, Northern Publishing, PO Box 210, Whangarei or email: savvy@northernadvocate.co.nz .....................................................................................

• One entry per person please.

• Entries close 5pm Thursday, September 26, 2013.

• September winners announced in Savvy on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

• August winners please collect your prizes before 5pm Friday, September 27, 2013 from 88 Robert Street, Whangarei.

Winners • Skinny Hookup: Marie Thomas, Ellaleen Green.

• Revitalift Laser X3 range: Shirley Goodall.

• L’Oreal Nude Touch products pack: Phoenix Ahomira.

• Weleda Pomegranate Firming Face Serum: C Ballantyne.

• Trilogy Age Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream: Lyn Yendell.

motoring

SAVVY

34

Easy and safe driving experience

by ROSS KIDDIE

need to know:

T

Price: Honda Accord V6NT, $60,000 Dimensions: Length, 4885mm; width, 1850mm; height, 1466mm Configuration: V6 transverse, front-wheel-drive, 3.5-litre, 206kW, 339Nm, sixspeed automatic Performance: 0-100km/h, 7.8sec.

ROAD RAGE

IS SO 2012.

Helping Hand Technology is here.

a strong engine and one which likes to rev, peak power arrives at 6200rpm and maximum torque at 4900rpm. However, in the press information pack, Honda says it has made the driveline to suit low speed flexibility, ushering in early gear changes through a six-speed automatic.

But I liked the power flow at higher revs and I was a bit throttle-happy in the test car, the engine is very responsive and excites with its acceleration (0-100km in 7.8sec). On the other hand, there is an Econ mode which the driver can use to select economy over performance, it dulls throttle response so that fuel wastage is kept to a minimum; at city speeds it works fine but I prefer to have a little more freedom beneath the throttle pedal when travelling out of the urban environment

Stop. Start. Slow down. Speed up. Cut off. Tooted at.

On a long drive, you want some clear space. The last thing you want to deal with is the constant braking and accelerating, tailgaters and people cutting you off. Honda has a solution for these small but niggly things. The all-new Accord’s Helping Hand technology.

RQ MKVNK Zaa K_TKSGKWXKL] `UQP [UMGWI PSZJ\X QTKKLQ up and slows down, and the road weaves the car through the lane. It takes a lot of driving focus to just QPZ^ GW PHK [UM ZWL UPHKS LSGNKSQV YKHZNGUOS XZW YK quite irritating. Helping Hand has it sorted. Adaptive Cruise Control looks after your speed and Lane Keep Assist helps you glide along within your lane.

Northern Honda Cnr Rathbone & Dent Streets Whangarei

Phone 09 438 2019

www.honda.co.nz

constraints.

Also, Honda has built into the engine an active management mode which cuts out one bank of three cylinders when not under load. It’s hard to detect when that happens such is the smoothness built into the engine in total.

I took the test car on hill country loop.

The Accord was in its element in the long flowing corners. It has body balance and steering control that has been engineered informatively into the vehicle.

The Accord sits well in its new mantle.

It is a class car with high comfort levels and high levels of sophistication and refinement.

I wouldn’t expect anything less from Honda, they are also true engineers and in this age where big engines aren’t seen to be favourable they have done a good job with the V6, it is strong and feisty, yet is managed well, along with the transmission so that buyers won’t be in for too much of a shock when it comes time to fill up the tank. I can’t wait to get into the four-cylinder model soon.

Helping Hand technology helps take care of the small stuff and means you sidestep any road rage to arrive fresh and relaxed.

The all-new Accord. By Honda.

From $45,900 + ORC. Or lease from Honda Lease Direct.

Book a test drive at honda.co.nz/accord, call 0800 255 666 (Mon-Fri) or visit us instore.

DENT ST

JAMES ST

process entertaining as well as informative. One of the display graphics I took a lot of notice of was the fuel usage readout.

In a world where diesel power has become an accepted large car option, I’m a little surprised that Honda is still using a petrol-fed V6 and, what’s more, it is a large engine at 3.5-litre. Nevertheless, Honda’s engineers have done well to lean it. They claim a combined cycle figure of 9.2-litres usage per 100km (31mpg). My average figure of 12.2l/100km (23mpg) was nowhere near that but I can report that on a long highway cruise the instantaneous readout sits at 8l/100km with the engine just loping over at 1750rpm at 100km/h.

The big advantage of a V6 engine is in its performance. At 206kW and 339Nm it is

RATHBONE ST

he major car making companies in Japan look like they have the European marques, and product, in their sights.

When I evaluated the new Mazda6 recently I remarked that its build quality and level of specification has stepped up a level and that is certainly reflected in its price, the top-of-the-line models now sit almost in the luxury car category.

The same could well be said of Honda and the new Accord, it is a complete, large, luxury car and its top price of $60,000 squares it off with the Mazda6.

One point of difference, though, is that Honda, as a company, have stuck with the V6 engine option in the new Accord and it was sitting in the evaluation car.

The new Accord arrives in three variants listing from $45,900 for a fourcylinder model, which I’m due to test soon, to the range-topping NT. In this form the Accord has a high level of specification and technology which makes for an easy and safe driving experience. Honda package many system functions under the label Helping Hand, put simply, there are technologies which monitor driver and vehicle behaviour to keep the vehicle controlled.

One feature I particularly like is the lane watch blindspot monitoring, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but consists of a large centre display screen which relays a side to rear view image each time the left side indicator is activated. Alongside the safety features are many features for comfort and convenience such as full leather trim with front seat heaters, satellite navigation, electric sunroof, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry and ignition. The layout of the controls is user-friendly, there are a lot of functions and display graphics to make the driving

last word

SAVVY

35

Juggling work and motherhood Wife, mother, journalist PHILIPPA MANNAGH reveals the highs, the lows and the challenges in life

B

efore I had children, the idea was to wait and reenter the workforce after my babies toddled off to primary school. It was important to me that I had those precious years at home and then get stuck into my career again as the hours became easier to work around.

I have come close to this personal ideal to tell the truth, albeit some part time freelance writing in between and a stint at early child teaching. This is where I got the first real glimpse into the art which is named ‘working mother’.

I call it an art because the perfection you need in changing these hats is crucial, from mum to wife to businesswoman to everything else in between that encompasses a mother’s role.

Defining the diary timetable down to the last minutes of your day. Being on time for pick-ups and leaving enough spare for a crisis or those moments you need to drop everything, and just talk.

One sick kid or a few sleepless nights in a row and something has got to give, usually housework or patience. This ‘‘balance’’ people talk about seems somewhat unattainable

most of the time, for most people.

We just have to do our best... and breathe. This is called doing life as my mother kindly reminds me.

It was a certain jungle hour lately however, that motivated me to write this column. You know those ones at around 4pm when everything annoying or demanding seems to come at you at once? Following an eventful day at work last week, I had been talking to motivational professionals, interviewing people of importance and experiencing exciting business breakthroughs.

I hung up the phone at 3pm, still feeling good but oops ... still

wearing my work hat. At that moment, I was rudely jolted into reality and forced to throw that work hat on the pile and grab my ‘‘Mum! I’m hungry!’’ chef’s hat. ‘‘She pushed meeeee!

Muuuuum!’’ The referee hat was in reach. Then my, get the mop out to clean up puppy accidents all over the floor, cleaners hat.

At the same time of course, the phone is ringing, tears are flowing and the cat is spilling the water to get some attention too.

Change this back to a burnt the dinner, tired chef hat and don’t forget the nurse’s hat at midnight to kiss a wound and take a temperature...

I understood why I found Dry July so hard on this very evening... did I tell you about wet August? No, seriously, where would we be without our chaotic lives of love and our many hats... at least they hide the frazzled mess of hair underneath at times!

P.s. If you are that dinnertime caller, I am awfully sorry but no one is home right now. www.littlemissfrugalblog.co.nz Philippa owns Liked Media, a Social Media Management Service.

Email her on likedmedia@gmail. com or check out her website: www.likedmedia. wordpress.com.

JO DANILO escaped to Northland from wintry England two years ago and finds the Kiwi way of life refreshingly different.

She shares with SAVVY readers the things that make her stop and smile.

This little piggy went to market My husband visited the village of Okaihau the other day. He was walking past the local foodmarket when he heard a terrible commotion of squealing and shouting, and two little pigs emerged from the shop followed closely by an angry woman shaking a broom. The pigs, denied their shopping experience, ran off in search of more mischief.

This reminded me of my pigherding experience when we first arrived in New Zealand. On our way to the beach one day, we came across two small, black pigs at a quiet junction. One was delightfully chewing on a dead sparrow. Worried the escaped pigs would get run over, we stopped and I tried to herd them into their enclosure. They looked at me curiously, grunted and stood their ground. I coaxed, stamped, waved my arms and clapped my hands, but they weren’t moving for anything.

Maybe I would have had more luck with a broom.

After some minutes of trying to save the little piggies’ bacon, I realised that, not only was there no enclosure, but I was being watched with great amusement

by passers-by. They’d even parked their cars up to watch the spectacle. The pigs were, of course, feral pigs. Part of a huge population roaming New Zealand, estimated at 40 pigs per square kilometre of bush. In the 1940’s there were 123 per square kilometre, so those registered 20,000 pig hunters must be doing a good job at keeping the numbers down.

I sometimes think of my two little pigs and wonder what they’re up to. Has a hunter found them, or are they still scampering across the countryside, afraid of no one?

Maybe, given the development at Okaihau Foodmarket, I’ll come across them trotting around New World, searching the freezer section for dead sparrows.

Stop, think, walk away DIANNE HARRIS is a budget advisor for the Anglican Centre

IMPULSE BUYING: ‘‘Spur of the moment, unplanned decision to buy, made just before a purchase. Research suggests emotions and feelings play a decisive role in purchasing, triggered by seeing the product or upon exposure to a well crafted promotional message and (about 80 percent of the time) lead to problems such as financial difficulties, family disapproval, or feeling of guilt or disappointment’’ Most of us mistakenly believe we are in control when we go shopping, but we are in fact (a lot of the time) acting without thinking about the long term consequences of our purchase.

So many choices, so many bargains....

Why do we do it to ourselves?

We decide to go out for an outing, start looking at the shops and whamo, come home with an item, that we neither wanted or needed — we brought on impulse.

Perhaps the solution is to just not go

anywhere!

Maybe a better plan is to, on a weekly basis, put a set amount aside so that when we do decided to make a day of it in town, we know how much we can afford should something take our eye.

Experts say we go shopping to make ourselves feel better.

We can make ourselves feel better still if we spend money we have rather than get ourselves into debt.

Three ways to avoid impulse buying ■ Recognise you have a choice ■ Stop, take a breath or two — give yourself time to think.

■ Remember, you can take it back.

Resisting the urge to buy impulsively is one of the best things you can do not only for your finances but also for yourself.

This month’s recipe Perfectly delicious apple crumble 7 stewing apples Peel and core apples and cut up roughly, put in large saucepan, with a

little sugar if desired, cover with water.

Simmer (don’t boil) with lid on til just tender (approx. 5 mins) Drain if necessary and put in casserole style dish.

Crumble mix 1 cup flour 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup coconut 1tbsp cinnamon 2 tsp nutmeg two thirds of a cup melted butter 2 tsp vanilla essence Combine all ingredients in bowl (except for butter and vanilla) till evenly mixed.

Add melted butter and vanilla and mix well using a fork.

Ensure all ingredients are moist and mixture has a crumbly texture.

Spread crumble on top of apple Bake at 180 for 30 — 40 mins or until crumble topping is slightly browned.

Serve with ice cream, cream or custard.

Chicks FL

AT THE

ICKS

KiTCHENTHiNGS.CO.Nz

COOKiNG

REFRiGERATiON

DiSHWASHERS

LAUNDRY

DS SALETUEEN SDAY 5PM

SAMSUNG BONUS OFFER

SMEG FREE UPGRADE

purchase a samsung oven and receive a FRee Jamie oliver tefal Wok and Frying pan plus Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals cookbook.

purchase a new smeg Linea oven with Vapour clean for $1,999 and receive a FRee upgrade to the pyrolytic model worth sRp $3,199.

EXCLUSiVE TO KiTCHEN THiNGS

EXCLUSiVE TO KiTCHEN THiNGS

offer valid 1 August - 30 september 2013. excludes BF1n4t015 model. see in store for further details.

FALCON PROMOTiON

BONUS giFt WoRth oVeR $450

offer valid 1 August - 30 september 2013 or while stocks last. purchase a smeg sFA125 oven and receive a free upgrade to the smeg sFpA125 oven..

SMEG PACKAGE

- 110cm cLAssic DeLUXe DUAL FUeL cooKeR

- 90cm stAinLess DUAL FUeL cooKeR opY Y - 90cm stAinLess cAnopY RAngehooD

Applies to Falcon classic Deluxe cookers. kers.

Ask in store for details.

terms and conditions apply.

Ask in store for details.

SAVE UP TO $400

BEST SELLER

SMEG FREE UPGRADE EXCLUSiVE TO KiTCHEN THiNGS

- 60cm LineA stAinLess pReMiUM pYRoLYtic oVen - 60cm inDUction cooKtop terms and conditions apply.

Ask in store for details.

FREE

WhY pAY $4,598

WhY pAY $5,698

MiELE PACKAGE

SAMSUNG BONUS OFFER

BOSCH PACKAGE

$2,998 - 60cm pYRoLYtic DUAL zone MULtiFUnction oVen - 60cm BeVeLLeD eDge inDUction cooKtop

VERY LiMiTED STOCK

pReMiUM oFFeR

$3,598

EXCLUSiVE TO KiTCHEN THiNGS

- 60cm cLeAnsteeL MULtiFUnction oVen - 65cm stAinLess gAs cooKtop

BONUS

WhY pAY $4,698

$3,598

giFt WoRth oVeR $450

$3,298

BOSCH 60cm STAiNLESS PREMiUM BUiLT-UNDER HER DiSHWASHER

THERMOSEAL TECHNOLOGY

WhY pAY $2,499

terms and conditions apply.

Ask in store for details.

LAUNDRY

$1,298

MAKiNG WAY FOR NEW 2013 MODELS

noRth shoRe Mt eDen neWMARKet BotAnY

AUcKLAnD - Mt WeLLington hAMiLton hAWKes BAY - nApieR pALMeRston noRth

STRiCTLY LiMiTED STOCK AVAiLABLE

BAUMATiC 60cm STAiNLESS EGO HOB COOKER

terms and conditions apply.

Ask in store for details..

LOWEST EVER PRiCE

EXTRA LARGE CAPACiTY

AUcKLAnD AUcKLAnD AUcKLAnD AUcKLAnD

OFFER

WhY pAY $2,098

SAMSUNG 684L STAiNLESS SiDE BY SiDE FRiDGE FREEzER

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

STANDOUT

DEAL

$2,999

OTHER REGiONS Visit Kitchenthings.co.nz

REFRiGERATiON

BAUMATiC PACKAGE

WhY pAY $1,299

$849

$2,999 -

77L OVEN

UNBEATABLE

WhY pAY $3,978

WHANGAREi

COOKiNG

$3,999

WhY pAY $3,999

$1,999

$1,899

NEW RELEASE

- 60cm stAinLess MULtiFUnction oVen - 60cm toUch contRoL ceRAMic cooKtop

WHiLE STOCKS LAST

WhY pAY $2,599

- 60cm BLAcK gLAss MULtiFUnction oVen - 60cm FRAMeLess inDUction cooKtop WhY pAY $5,448

UPGRADE

- 60cm stAinLess MULtiFUnction pYRoLYtic oVen - 75cm stAinLess p gAs cooKtop

CLEARANCE SPECiALS

SMEG 60cm STAiNLESS CLASSiC MULTiFUNCTiON OVEN

FiSHER & PAYKEL PACKAGE

iNCLUDES

WhY pAY $7,395

$6,995 5

FREE

pYRoLYtic UpgRADe

WeLLington citY ngAURAngA goRge chRistchURch

tiMARU DUneDin

KiTCHENTHiNGS.CO.Nz