21 August, 2015
life+style The Weekend Sun 1
Laboratory for experimentation and creativeness, See page 2
THE WEEKEND
Featuring
Art & creativity | Fashion | Home & living | Meet Betty and Alfie...
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life+style The Weekend Sun 21 20152016 25August, November,
A lab with X-factor style Space for invention, creation and experimentation
From the beaches of Indonesia to the beaches of Bay of Plenty – the shells of a decorative piece have travelled more than 7000 kilometres to end up in StyleXLab in Tauranga.
Photos: Bruce Barnard
imaginative, providing something a little bit different in the hub of the CBD. And they’ve been to plenty of places! Giving a true Pasifika feel, the store’s textural and organic distinctive black and natural palate reflects this. The creative space houses a collection of The gorgeous handcrafted Christmas tree original art, homewares, fashion and furniture adorned with white shells now sits in the with wow factor. “We’ve thought a lot about window at StyleXLab on Spring St. buying pieces that can be used in many ways, Tonimarie Hood spotted the festive design, including wooden stools.” and other Pasifika-inspired décor, during an StyleXLab is also showcasing a designer range international buying trip to Indonesia. of stone composite bathware by Unique, which “I absolutely adored them,” says Tonimarie. is designed to transform the bathroom into a “The feathers and shells on the designs add sanctuary. a really unique element that complements our Unique is manufactured from recycled marble lifestyle here in the Bay.” and has a minimal impact on the environment. The design team at StyleXLab source original “It is created using a patented stone quality items from around the world. “We composite formula which requires no sealing or handpick beautiful pieces using highly skilled treatment during its life, allowing designers to craftsmen to create a StyleXLab product that’s create eco-sensitive bathrooms featuring stone not only beautiful but has longevity,” says Toni. bathware.” By collaborating directly with talented There’s abstract artwork on the walls, in artisans within New Zealand and around the both colour and black and white – and quality world, Toni says StyleX.Lab is honoured to homewares decorate the tables. offer and share unique and distinctive pieces to “The beautiful Italian marble top tables are the Bay community. some of my favourite pieces and are exclusive Toni believes a home should reflect who you to StyleXLab.” are, what you love and the places you have Some are pieces we’re familiar with and others been. In the hub of Tauranga CBD in Red are customised pieces designed in-house. Square, StyleXLab is more than a brand – it’s There’s a masterpiece in the making when a modern lifestyle concept store with the Life+Style visits the Spring St store. ultimate goal to design distinctive beautiful Toni’s been busy creating another original furniture, art, fashion and homewares using art piece in paint. StyleXLab is a place for natural materials. invention, creation and experimentation using What they love is to be creative and quality products. “They’re original artworks that transcend into interior homewares, designed by us, to compliment your living spaces,” says Toni. “They’re signature pieces with the X factor, little pieces of pleasure to enhance your own
Style Lab Solutions 10x7
individual style.”And Toni believes style is an individual process that’s forever evolving and changing. “StyleXLab is a laboratory for experimentation and creativeness we are evolving slowly working with key people to create our signature pieces seasonally. “We design and can customise pieces in-house to work within your existing living spaces and achieve individual looks, intended to celebrate the beauty of natural, sustainable materials and the ‘perfectly imperfect’ nature of products that have been created by hand.” To explore what StyleXLab is all about, visit the Spring St store, or shop their online store. Zoe Hunter
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From style to science The benefits of bamboo It’s known as a highly versatile, natural resource – one of the world’s fastest-growing plants.
Photos: Chris Callinan
This special plant can reach maturity in about four years compared to the typical 25-70 years for commercial tree species. It’s grown without pesticides or chemicals, said to be 100 per cent biodegradable and naturally regenerative. And it’s Cathy Powell’s new favourite plant. Bamboo is the special ingredient in Cathy’s new fashion range – Bamboo Textiles – at Lemonade Fashions at the Cruise Deck in Mount Maunganui. It’s soft, protective and natural. That’s what it says on the posters. “And it feels nice,” says Cathy. She runs her hands over the fabric and gestures for this reporter to do the same. “Bamboo clothing is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen surface and feels similar to silk or cashmere.” The fabric’s softness is confirmed and we move on to style. “The range is for women from all walks of life and we stock plenty of colours,” says Cathy. There are camis, short sleeve or sleeveless blouses and pants for casual wear and T-shirts, shorts and full and threequarter leggings suitable for active wear. Now we move from style to science: The bamboo plant is harvested in China, processed into bamboo fibre, spun into bamboo yarn before being woven into bamboo fabric. “The fabric feels cool and light to wear,” says Cathy. Bamboo fibre clothing is naturally anti-bacterial and does not require treatment with harmful chemicals. “It’s comfortable, highly absorbent and thermal
regulating which keeps the body cooler, drier and odour-free.” When you consider it, bamboo is a very logical choice of fibre for many clothing items. It’s easy to wash, has excellent strength, shape stability, washable, colour fastness, shrink fastness and comfortability against the skin. According to Bamboo Textiles New Zealand, bamboo fibre is naturally bacteria inhibiting, particularly absorbent and breathable. The fibre is also grown and manufactured without the use of harsh insecticides, serious pollutants or land degradation. Cathy says her customers are loving the new and exciting bamboo range. “We decided to stock it to give my clientele the option of comfortable but fashionable clothing.” Customers are browsing items from the range as Life+Style visits the store. “We love the new range,” they say. “We love how it looks and feels.” The bamboo range will always be in stock at Lemonade Fashions at the Cruise Deck. “Come in and try our summer range today, and keep an eye out for our winter 2017 range too,” says Cathy. Zoe Hunter
EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY
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Small Homewares It’s the little things that count. Whether it’s a boutique accessory for the dining room table, or perfect picture piece in the living room – those small homewares can sometimes make a big difference.
Brighten up the home with boutique homewares from Pacifica.
You’ll find many tiny treasures for the home at Decor Gardenworld, more than just a garden centre.
Licensed Licensed
25 November, 2016 21 August, 2015
Recently arrived in store at Contemporary Classics are these hand created Teak pieces. Range includes bowls, platters, wine racks, mirrors, consoles, coffee tables and more.
Instyle have a great selection of stunning accessories to freshen up your place.
Pop in to Indelible on Devonport Road for some fabulous display pieces for your home.
Get that perfect piece on display with the help of Prestige Framing.
15% off selected Luxaflex blinds*
free
CURTAIN MAKING* FREE measure & quote
5 Hull Road, Mt Maunganui 07 575 3379 www.colourplus.co.nz *Conditions apply, see in store for details. Offer ends Sunday 4th December 2016.
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Tale behind the tail Betty’s best friend Behind every great dog is a great owner. In Alfie’s case, he owes his life to Betty Hall. In the spring breeze and picturesque rural surroundings of Alfie’s home, their full story evolves. Betty, an animal services officer for Western Bay of Plenty District Council of 28 years, rescued Alfie late last year from the Tauranga City Council Dog Pound. “We couldn’t have him there over Christmas, people are not really looking to adopt at that time of year. So I took him home with the intention of having him re-homed. “He was hobbling about on three legs. Turns out he had a fracture although his obsession with balls made it tricky to diagnose it didn’t seem to slow him down. He was in pain, but after the council team kindly all pitched in to the hat, we got his leg fixed.” It was through this healing time that Alfie seemed to have imprinted on Betty. “I was not intending to keep him, but he sort of grew on me.” People saw Betty was the match for Alfie before she even realised it. “I have two other dogs at home, but he was just so cool,” says Betty, lighting up as she talks about Alfie. “I did have some prerequisites for him though – he had to come when he was called and he had to leave Maggie’s chickens alone.
Maggie is Betty’s neighbour. “At first, he really loved the chooks – not in a friendly way – but then, with some training and within the week, he knew they were out of bounds,” Betty laughs. People may remember earlier in the year Alfie being named NZ Office Dog of the Year – he even had his five minutes of fame on TV’s ‘Seven Sharp’ programme. And he continues his centre stage role at the Western BOP council, recently being the ‘face’ of the new Dog Policy and Bylaw introduced in October. Alfie has warmed the hearts of council staff, and has started winning over those of the wider doggy community, leading the ‘Wander Dogs Club’ dog walks around the area. And when he’s not ‘Alfie the Spokesdog’ at council, he’s chasing shadows of butterflies at Betty’s farm, popping balloons or playing rugby. He shows off his half-back skills while Betty cheers him on. “Nice move Alfie! I’ve gotta get him an All Blacks jersey.” Not only is it a busy life for Alfie, but for his human mum, Betty too – who is also mother of two other dogs Jake and Quinn. Jake is a Border Collie-Labrador-cross, and is an excellent gun dog. Quinn is a Kelpiecross and is Betty’s agility dog used in her puppy schools. In her spare time, Betty runs educational dog training, voluntarily, at vet clinics around the area. It is no wonder she’s earned herself the title of ‘dog whisperer’ or ‘the dog
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“I was not intending to keep him, but he sort of grew on me”
sometimes have to put animals down. But mainly we can try to avoid this with education and enforcement.” The average dog life span in New Zealand is currently just three years, which Betty says is really sad. “A lot of dogs are being put down due to lack of training, for biting or going AWOL or barking. If we [council] can get there in time to change the behaviour, it is amazing. “The other day we picked up 13 dogs from three properties, not one of them were registered. “The policy council now has in place is really good. Now, we have minimum standards for the welfare of dogs.” Asked about her most memorable rescue, Betty says it’s hard because there have been many. “I do have to say there are a couple – Jake was part of a litter found at a property where he and his siblings were so hungry they were eating their own poo. He’s such a sweetheart, I adopted him myself. “We took three litters from that same property, the little darlings just kept coming; and they wouldn’t have their dogs spayed. “Another rescue I will always remember is Wiki. He was a dog taken to the vet as the owners couldn’t afford to fix his shattered leg – it was so bad
the bone was poking out. “The vet asked if there was anything council could do. Staff at council once again reached into their pockets and donated money to get him operated on. “He’s now getting on so well with his new owner; a family member of the council adopted him. “Having only three legs does not seem to hinder him! The support from our people at Western Bay council is just so amazing.”
Photos: Chris Callinan
lady’ with her valuable input to the dog owning community. “I love meeting dog owners who want to get it right – it’s really nice to see. “I like to refer to the saying ‘a man changed against his will is of his same mind still’ so it really comes down to education – you have to educate people on the right changes, for it to be a win-win situation. “Learning the right way to handle a dog means a happier dog, and happier family. We would much rather educate people to change their ways to better dog welfare, than fining them. “I get a real buzz out of working with families, helping them with their dogs,” says Betty. Humanisation is becoming trendier, but it does have its implications. Betty explains. “A dog can be confused with its role – and sometimes thinks it has to look after the owner. This can cause separation anxiety and bad behaviours, which then make owners feel worried. We educate people on using dog language – we need the right means of communication with dogs so they know how they should act. “I really love dogs, but I love people as well. I get paid to do what I love, how cool is that?” Betty replies, when asked about her role. “The job is hard, because you
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life+style The Weekend Sun 21 August, 2015
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