Mind matters

Do you need to spring clean your head space? Anna Veale explains how visualisation can be a helpful wellbeing tool.

PHOTOS Salina Galvan

As we find ourselves coming out of hibernation from what seems like a very long winter, a sense of new beginnings may be upon you – and for good reason. The mornings are getting lighter and the evenings are drawing out, bringing a new cycle which represents planting new seeds, growth and expansion. 

Spring, “the king of all seasons”, is a fantastic time to check in with yourself and see what sneaky habits have crept in over winter that don’t have your best interests at heart. Perhaps you’ve been hitting the snooze button one too many times, or drinking one too many cups of coffee to warm yourself up.

If you want to build on the energy that can come from our change in seasons, here are some tools to accelerate your journey. 

The power of visualisation

In the sports world, visualisation or “mental rehearsal” is used to help athletes prepare for and enhance their physical game. This technique draws
in direct focus to task, using the senses to dial down on the process of the goal rather than the outcome itself. 

As we move into the new season, we have an opportunity to get clear on what we want for the coming months, and we can use visualisation to bring a goal to life and generate the all-important ingredient for success: Action. 

When we mentally rehearse our goals and the process of reaching them, we are sending a strong message to our unconscious mind that we are ready and will be more likely to take the action required to make change. Science tells us that if we commit our goals to writing we are 40 percent more likely to achieve them. It also tells us that if we tell someone else about our goals we are 60 percent more likely to achieve them and if we have a coach, we are 95 percent more likely to achieve success. 

Your goal-setting toolbox

Adding visualisation to your goal-setting toolbox will help bring your dreams to life. If you are new to visualisation, here are some ideas to get you started:

Create a vision board

This can be fun and simple to do and serves as a daily reminder of your intentions. Use magazines and printouts to create your very own piece of goal-setting art. Be brave and think big. You are only limited by your imagination, so banish limited thinking and get creative. 

Visualisation meditations

There are plenty of good visualisation meditations out there for guided goal-setting visualisation, leaving time at the end to brain dump, set goals and put timelines on them. So now we have our head space covered, how can we give our body a shake-up out of its winter slump and get it bouncing into spring?

Rehydrate

Often water gets replaced for hot drinks over winter, so look to replace caffeinated drinks with water or herbal tea. 

Eat well 

Nourish your body with whole foods like split peas, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, buckwheat and rye. Increase the fibre in your diet with fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, apricots, berries, broccoli, carrots, okra and spinach.

Catch the morning sun

Reset your circadian rhythm by getting up at the same time each day, taking yourself out for a walk around the block and getting some fresh air. 

Be consistent 

Showing up daily for yourself sends the message that your wants and needs are important. Cultivate a routine that's easy, fun and aligns with your values. 

Check out Anna's free resources page, where you will find your very own “spring reset”

freshcoaching.me

Clean slate

An all-new beauty treatment proves you don’t have to suck it up when it comes to general skin problems, but it helps to know the HydraFacial can do just that.

Words Hayley Barnett / Photos Salina Galvan + supplied

If you spend any amount of time on social media, or read magazines or beauty blogs, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the much-hyped HydraFacial. It’s being recommended by everyone from well-respected dermatologists, to highly-influential celebrities like Kate Winslet. Being the first in the Bay to offer the HydraFacial, it wasn’t hard for Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage to convince me to give it a try.

Walking into the treatment room I was met with a large machine that looks like it belongs in a surgery, which is slightly intimidating when you think you’re there for a facial. Fittingly, the person who invented it is a plastic surgeon who wanted to offer clients with all skin types the opportunity to extract impurities from their skin, with a more gentle treatment, compared to, say, microdermabrasion procedures. And the tagline, '3 steps. 30 minutes. The best skin of your life', sounds promising. 

The reason the machine is so big is because it has three main functions – firstly to cleanse and peel, with gentle exfoliation and resurfacing; secondly to extract and hydrate, with painless suction and nourishing moisturisers; and lastly to fuse and protect with antioxidants and peptides. To do this, it uses a patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system, or what I would describe as a sucky pen thing attached to a machine by a clear tube, extracting debris from your pores. You can literally see the gunk being sucked out of your face as the pen glides across your skin like a deep-cleaning, moisturising vacuum cleaner.

“So it’s a vacuum for your face?” I asked. “Uh, yes,” came the reply, accompanied by a sideways glance. My very scientific description was confirmed when Constance held up a large, clear container full of liquid with a whole lot of small, black floaties – my blackheads. It’s safe to say a whole lot of gunk was removed from my skin, which was embarrassing yet satisfying. Add to that, my face felt naked, but also like it was breathing for the first time. 

The whole experience was much more relaxing than it sounds. The procedure is completely painless, and Constance says it combats any skin problem – from pigmentation to acne. But it's also suitable as a regular cleanse. She recommended I have it done once a month, to keep my skin clean and clear, but the frequency depends on your skin type. Oily skin, for example, may need a couple of treatments within one to two weeks of each other, before moving to monthly. 

A few weeks later, my skin still feels clean and naked without my usual blackheads filling my now-empty pores. I might try to stretch it out to every six weeks, but rest assured that I’ll certainly be back for more. 

epidermissage.nz

Spring sole-mate

SOLECT is your one stop shop for spring sandals, sneakers and everything in between.

As the days grow longer and our outfits require more spring-suited choices, we find ourselves searching for stylish all-weather shoes. Birkenstocks are a perfect tran-seasonal footwear choice, and go with just about anything. SOLECT in Tauranga Crossing have the largest range of Birkenstock in the Bay.
We instantly recognise the classic two-strap Arizona sandal, but after seeing the wall of Birks sitting pretty, with an array of colours and styles to choose from, it’s clear we are spoilt for choice. From the stylish cross-strap Sienna, to the closed-in Boston clogs, there is something for everyone.

The team in store are extremely knowledgeable and will help you find the perfect sized footbed and chat you through the different materials – that’s what makes this service so special.

Looking for something different this season? Never fear, we asked buyer Michelle what her top picks are for spring. 

“Timberland boat shoes are making a huge come back for men,” she says. “They’re great for a casual wedding, and have a modern street-style edge.

“I’m also seeing platform sneakers as a continuing spring trend. As well as giving you a bit of extra height, these sneakers are an easy smart-casual option. Take your pick from ASICS, Puma, Converse and more.”

With over 25 footwear brands to choose from, you’ll find the perfect pair at Solect. Be sure to pop in and see Cassie and the team at Tauranga Crossing. 

Solect.nz

Driving excellence

Mount Maunganui’s only driving range brings technology and pro coaching together to make improving your golf game even more enjoyable.

Words  Dan Collins / Photos Jahl Marshall

“Golf’s quite infectious,” Scott Pickett smiles, as the constant, gentle thwack of golf clubs hitting golf balls rings out behind him. “One person gets into it, they tell their mates and the next thing they’re dragging them out. It’s an addictive sport.”

It’s a cheerful day and we’re standing in one of the 19 covered bays at Golf 360, the only golf driving range in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. As we chat, a steady stream of golfers trickle in and out. 

In the far bay, a middle-aged chap who looks like he knows what he’s doing effortlessly whacks his golf balls down the range, while beside us a retiree practises her swing. Next to her, two teens share a bucket of balls and a laugh, and a couple of bays away, a 20-something works on her swing under the watchful instruction of one of the facility's PGA pro coaches, who happens to be a former New Zealand champion. 

The diverse group of players here this morning challenges preconceptions and proves how much golf has changed in recent years. No longer the preserve of stuffy, wealthy older gents, the sport has worked hard to attract new players and become welcoming to all who want to give it a shot. 

This is something Scott is passionate about. Since taking sole ownership of Golf 360 four years ago, he’s worked tirelessly to make the facility as welcoming and friendly as possible to new players, while providing the depth of knowledge and expertise that top players demand and is invaluable help to anyone looking to improve their game.

“One of our philosophies is, ‘Golf is hard, so let's try and make the game a little bit easier’,” he says. 

That philosophy drives, excuse the pun, every aspect of Golf 360. Every bay in the driving range sports the latest in fancy golf technology that you can use to analyse your game; you can get private lessons to identify, zone in and work out your problem areas; you can play a challenging round of mini golf on their Mount Maunganui-themed course; and you can even get fitted for your own set of personally tailored golf clubs, the ultimate experience for golfers wanting to reach the next level. 

It’s one that’s also surprisingly affordable. Scott tells me that a set of fitted clubs doesn’t cost more than a set of off-the-rack clubs. Best of all, there’s no charge for the fitting experience, during which your swing is analysed and you’re run through various combinations of club heads to find the absolute best one for your playing style. During the process you’ll see, in real time, how the different club heads impact your shot and the improvements the various brands and shapes are making.

“Everyone’s got a unique swing DNA – the way they swing – so we’re trying to match the clubs to that as best we can. It’s great that it doesn’t cost them any more,” Scott says. “We’d much rather sell them a set of clubs that are custom-fitted, designed for them, than something that’s off the rack.”

As experienced fitters, Scott and his team have a good idea about what might work for individual golfers, calling it an educated trial-and-error process that works off the data their process provides. 

“But also with their goals in mind as well. What are they trying to achieve?” Scott adds. “Sometimes we might be convinced that a particular model and brand is going to work out great, but it doesn’t always work out. We let the clubs do the talking. We’ll interpret the data, the technology and the clubs rather than steering them too much in a certain direction or to preconceived ideas.”

Because as anyone who’s ever played a round will tell you, all the data in the world can’t compensate for that most intangible quality of all: Feel. “Exactly right,” Scott exclaims. “When I’m fitting someone I can’t feel what’s going on, but we’ll ask the customer throughout the process, ‘What does that feel like?’ That’s important. If they say the club feels heavy or clunky, we take that advice on board.”

Scott says that one of the best parts of the job is calling people to tell them their custom-fitted clubs
have arrived. “It’s exciting,” Scott smiles. “You’re keen to see what they’re going to do for your game and usually they will make a difference.”

The club fitting and some of the lessons take place inside, not out on the range. To the right of the entrance when you walk into Golf 360, there’s a giant, wall-sized screen with an artificial hitting mat in front and a small box set up to the side on the ground. This unassuming box is Golf 360’s secret weapon. 

It’s called the Foresight GCQuad, and it’s a quadrascopic high-speed camera system that precisely measures every aspect of how your club hits the ball to create an accurate picture of your shot, capturing everything from launch angle, ball speed, spin, impact strength, angle of club… 

Basically, every aspect of how you hit the ball and where the ball goes after you’ve hit it.

“Golf’s a highly technical sport, and using this technology helps so that neither the player nor the coach is guessing as to what’s going wrong,” Scott explains. “We can see what the club’s doing and that has an effect on what the ball does. Because of that, we can make changes and then see what that does to the club information and how that affects ball flight. We can get very quick changes and results because of it. We can see results very quickly.”

But against the backdrop of numbers and data, you don’t want to forget that golf is a game. And games are supposed to be fun. Which is something else the GCQuad caters for.

“It makes it entertaining,” Scott says of his recent decision to fit out every bay in the driving range
with their own GCQuad unit. “You can actually play real-world courses on it.”

This means that you can hit your ball down Golf 360’s 240m long driving range and the full-colour touchscreen in your bay shows you how you fared on a virtual course. You can even directly compete in a virtual round of golf against your mate in another bay, and then compare your play data at the end. It’s a true game-changer.

“There’s a great little pitch and putt course which is ideal for a beginner golfer who is a little daunted about going out on the golf course but wants to work on their technique,” Scott enthuses. “They can come along and hit every club in their bag playing that little course. It’s very realistic, they have their shot, it tracks it and you can see the result on the screen."

Whether you want to pop in for a quick hit with a 45-ball bucket, spend some serious time working on your technique with the Mega Bucket of 175 balls, or anything in between, Golf 360 has you covered – even in bad weather, as the bays are fully covered, or at night, as the range is floodlit, with Scott saying late-night Thursdays are especially popular. 

And if golf’s something you’ve wanted to try but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, club hireage is just $5. As Scott says, golf has never been more accessible, and they love seeing new faces come through the door.

“We’re always seeing people we haven’t seen before. It’s exciting,” Scott says. “A lot of people haven’t been exposed to golf, and for many this will be their only taste. For us, it’s about people having a go.”

New players of all ages, genders and ethnicities started showing up during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when golf was one of the few sports you could play under Level 3 restrictions, with Scott saying ladies’ golf has seen one of the biggest upswings.

“Larissa Blackbourn, one of our PGA pro coaches, is heavily involved in our ladies’ coaching and she’s not had a problem at all filling up her ladies’ clinics,” Scott says. “There’s so much interest there from ladies in the game.”

He says the improvements he’s made to Golf 360 since taking over have completely re-energised the place.

“It’s more golfer-friendly,” he smiles, as the diverse batch of golfers around us thwack their balls down the fairway. “There’s a good buzz around.” 

golf360.co.nz

Style status

Looks you can’t live without this winter

Words / Nicky Adams

Key pieces

Brace for a wet and windy winter with the ultimate wardrobe staple - the trench coat. This year outerwear silhouettes are trending as oversized, and while the extra wiggle room is handy for when you need to layer up underneath, upsized can feel just plain big on smaller frames. If you feel like you’re wearing a sack, then look for structure with exaggerated shoulders as an option. Pleats have cemented their place in every capsule wardrobe by becoming more prolific than ever – skirts, shirts, and dresses, you name it, you can find a pleat in it. The beauty of the pleat is that there’s something for everyone, and they’re quick and easy to style. A pleated skirt or dress looks sophisticated with a long blazer or pair a floaty fabric pleat with a heavy jumper for casual. The trick is to pick a pleat width to flatter your figure – an elasticated waist will create more bulk in this area, a dropped pleat less. Skirts themselves are having a hey-day; again, they offer versatility and open up colourways and patterns that you might not usually wear close to your face. Equally fabric that you may feel too ‘evening’ i.e., silk or sequins, can easily be dressed down for day wear in skirt form. It’s hard not to mention leather/faux leather trousers as a staple – now very much a daywear option they are more versatile, and hardwearing, than you would ever have imagined. Wide, straight, or tapered leg, leather is the new denim.

Trending now

Most wanted this season

In the pink

There’s so much to love about trends this winter – from the rush to get a fringe cut in (better than Botox it’s claimed) to a huge surge in searches for yellow after the UK Jubilee celebrations. Bright, feelgood colours are in vogue, and pink is most definitely the hue of the season (particularly fuchsia). People can’t get enough of the uplifting nature of this palette: psychologically soothing, it tends to be flattering on all skin tones, and with no age limit on wearing it, it’s hard to resist. If diaphanous pink dresses aren’t your thing, then try sharp tailoring – a pink blazer suit with a simple white vest top or t-shirt and white sneakers is a modern classic. If this is too much, then a colour pop with shoes or bag will do nicely.  

Metallic Moments

Another big look this season is the vest, which can be tied into so many different styles, from preppy knits to boho. Throw on with a skirt, pants or over a dress - super quick, super chic. If there is ever a time to revel in the decadence of molten metal, it’s winter, and this season it’s all about the look of liquid metallics. While gorgeous sequins are perennially popular, the subtle, grown-up feel of a shimmering metallic is contemporary and luxurious all in one. If all over sheen is too much, then look for lurex which can be found woven through everything from knitwear to a basic tee. 

Jean genie

The magic of getting to grips with wearing baggy jeans.

I think it’s fair to say that unless you happen to be a Gen Z, most women are currently struggling with the concept of finally retiring their beloved skinny jeans. I must confess that even though I haven’t worn mine for some time, they still haven’t been culled from the wardrobe. A bit like a breakup when it’s hard to know when to finally rip up the photos in case there’s a reunion, many of us have stashed our pairs still within reach. Nevertheless, when Kate Moss – the original pioneer of the skinny jean – moved on, the rest of us were on notice.

Most of the reticence to replace the skinny is simply that unlike a close fit jean, which tends to fit any form - even if, in my case, it involved a fight against the cotton/Lycra mix fuelled saggy bum look - baggy presents myriad style quandaries. Mention the move to baggies and the concerns fly from all directions - too short, too stumpy, too old – unless you are a 5ft 10 beanpole, it can initially seem daunting. In fact, the slouchier look is far more flattering to a far wider spectrum of figures and ages than it initially appears, and as a bonus its comfort levels put it up there with loungewear.

The first difference with baggies, is unlike skinny leg, there is an awful lot of choice. From wide leg to tapered, mom to boyfriend, high waist or low slung – there are many variations on the theme. Which means that there really is something for everyone, no matter body shape or height. Another key factor is there is a huge amount to be said for styling the top half, as well as footwear – these simple things will make the difference between feeling less like Eminem and more like Hailey Bieber.

The high waist tends to be a go-to for the more mature among us – not only will it elongate the legs, but nothing feels better than relaxing those lack lustre stomach muscles and letting the denim do the work. Pair with a knotted satin shirt, a boxy Chanel style jacket or blazer for a sleek look. High waist is also a winner for the younger and tauter of tummy – a loose crop top tee for a casual vibe, or bralette style for evening. Proportion and fit are key – a more relaxed bottom looks chicest with the contrast of a neater top.

When it comes to the fit of the leg if you are shorter and curvier seek out something specific to your shape -multiple brands offer both petite and curvy options (Abrand, Nobody Denim, Good American to name a few). Try to avoid too much fabric through the hips – loose rather than voluminous. Don’t buy a flare that is too long with a view to taking it up, the flare will get lost when shortened and you’ll be left with a bootleg.

Those long of limb and boyish of hip are the perfect candidate for a low rise, as well as the baggy style. Again, style with a silky shirt, this time pick a slightly more tailored look and tuck it in. A skinny belt looks fab with low rise, and if you’re on the shorter side then keep the top simple. Without the high waist to lengthen the leg, footwear becomes more important. While sneakers and chunky boots look fab with relaxed jeans, a stacked heel looks great, or a chunky loafer with added sole.

Ultimately getting in the changing room with an armful of denim is the only foolproof way to find the right amount of baggy for you. And if when all is said and done you prefer a more streamlined silhouette, that’s fine – personal style is always on trend.

Fashion forecast

Put a spring in your step by incorporating upcoming trends into this season’s wardrobe.

Ultra mini

As temperatures start to rise, so will hemlines. The micro-mini has been awaiting its return, and it’s back with a vengeance for spring. With everything from sequin to satin to stretch knit, these miniscule minis are in super statement shades, prints and fabrics, and are ready to pack a punch. Designers are aching to recreate the late 90s vibe, so there’s a smattering of everything replayed - hemlines are frayed, waists are low, and for the more sophisticated feel matching tweed jackets are paired with the teeny tiny skirts.

A bit of fluff

If you’re looking ahead for the perfect transitional statement to take into the new season – then you’ve found it in feather detailing. Feature feathers have been edging back in on the runway for a wee while, and whether a feather accent on a shoe or full marabou jacket, even the most casual outfit can be transported to old school glamour with the addition of a little plumage. 

Colour me pretty

Cast aside your dingy sweaters and bring out the bright, bold colourways. For spring prints are big and boisterous with abstract prints and stripes reigning supreme. While the Breton stripe simply never goes away, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes all feature heavily this spring. Oh, and so much green to come – from lime to grass, this colour will freshen up every wardrobe.

Net worth

Stretchy sheer knits in spring hues have taken off. Ultra-fine and uber comfortable, netted knits are the next step in the ribbed knitwear dress / pant/ skirt-top style that has been trending for the last couple of years. With the netted look coming at us in everything from tops to bags, this is an offbeat fashion that can be styled for day or night.

Winter neutrals

Our picks from Galleria, Moochi’s latest offering.

Earthy undertones and heritage patterns designed for the adaptive dresser. Prints are amplified with a fresh pop of colour to lift the season’s winter hues.

moochi.co.nz

All that glitters

Sandali introduces its latest range

Words Nicky Adams / Photos supplied

As soon as Ali saw the striking silver rings crafted by Lebanese jeweller Rosa Maria, he knew that it was a look his business partner and mother Sandy would also love. While Ali’s aesthetic is minimalist and modern, Sandy adores the simplicity of silver, expressing her own distinctive style through jewellery. They both agreed that Rosa Maria rings, with their beautiful craftsmanship and statement finish, were the perfect fit for Sandali.

A rich Lebanese cultural heritage has provided Rosa Maria with endless inspiration for her stunning avant-garde pieces. Her range is extensive, and over the course of 20 years she has developed her own unique style, combining clever techniques with an array of precious metals and jewels. What struck Ali straight away was how Rosa Maria allows her clients to express themselves through her jewellery: “The rings are so cool – you can either choose a single statement piece, or she does these tiny stacker rings you can build up. It means that people can style themselves exactly how they want.” 

Using predominantly sterling silver with diamonds, Rosa Maria works with other semi-precious gems as well as yellow, white, and rose gold. She uses techniques such as oxidised and beaten silver with rose-cut yellow and black diamonds to great effect, and the result is a dramatic piece that feels contemporary or vintage, depending on the wearer. Ali believes the artistry as well as the quality is all part of the appeal. “People see the beauty – since we brought in her first pieces, I’ve had enquiries from everywhere from Northland to Hawaii.”

As the only Rosa Maria supplier in New Zealand, Ali is excited about continuing to build on this jewellery range. “We just love something with a point of difference – and these artisan pieces really are completely unique.” 

sandalihome.co.nz

The fitness diaries

New beginnings. Editor Hayley Barnett faces her fitness fears - and the dreaded fat scanner - to embark on a year-long self-improvement journey.

Photos Salina Galvan

Gyms have never been my jam. I joined one with a friend back in high school and we would regularly show up, hit the stationary bikes for five to 10 minutes, then saunter off to the sauna feeling very pleased with ourselves. It wasn’t until I joined my university gym that I realised I wasn’t really achieving anything. All that beer, combined with not growing taller, wasn’t doing me any favours either. So I started running, outside, away from the gym.

Over the years, the running has helped to keep me fairly fit, but as you get older, apparently, you need to build muscle everywhere. Something to do with your metabolism slowing down and hormones being thrown out of whack.

I liked the idea of joining ClubFit at Baywave because it was close to home, my kids did their swimming lessons there and I wanted to try the Body Combat class my friend always raves about. But, on my first consult with trainer Kiriwai Poroa, she advised that kicking my way to a stronger body in the beginning was not a wise move, and so reality kicked in instead.

She suggested having a BodyScan, a machine that measures everything from your weight to how much muscle and visceral fat you have. ‘Visceral what?’ I hear you say. The fat around your organs - the most dangerous fat. It turns out mine wasn’t that bad. My muscle to fat ratio, however, wasn’t great. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great, and Kiriwai had a plan. 

For the first few months, I am to focus on resistance training. Not only does it build muscle strength and tone, it also protects your joints from injury - magic words for a runner. She set up a programme including a circuit of five resistance machines, two body weight exercises and two cardio machines for warm up and cool down. I then downloaded the ClubFit app, where my workout is kept, showing exactly how many reps, weight and time to be spent on each exercise, so there are no excuses to be made, like blaming a foggy memory. The app even includes videos showing you the correct form for each exercise. You can connect it to other devices and monitor your heart rate while you exercise, as well as track outdoor movement, calories burned and distance travelled. It’s an all-in-one hub for your health and fitness. Technology has come a long way since my uni days.

Together with two resistance days a week, we agreed I would attend one Body Balance class per week, to get my stretch on and relax those muscles after a couple of outdoor running sessions. This is getting serious.

The biggest motivator (besides having my face splashed across a magazine) is going to be my visit back with the old BodyScan machine in three months’ time. Watch this space!

Follow Hayley’s journey at @unomagnz

clubfit.co.nz

Perfect fit

Solect specialises in quality shoe brands that stand on their own two feet.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall

Light, bright, and breezy with an expanse of white space and sleek seating areas – walking into Tauranga Solect Shoe store, there’s a moment when I wondered if I’d just come in because it looks so darn restful. Then I glanced around and yep, I knew exactly what had brought me through the doors.

I love a relaxed shopping experience, and low-level music is a great first step. Good, knowledgeable customer service is a solid second. Then of course there’s the shoes themselves. Artfully displayed on minimalist style shelving, it’s all about the footwear. With a range that, in the words of branding manager Kat Farron, cleverly covers everything from “boots to Birkenstocks, sneakers to slippers, no matter whether you need to fit your feet out for the beach or the office, you’ll find it at Solect.” Catering for men and women, the range has been carefully curated. Here it is most definitely a case of less is more, so rather than sending your brain into anxious overdrive, the premium brands that have made it on to the shelves have done so because of their proven quality, performance, and heritage.

Solect prides itself on listening to its customer, so among the instantly recognisable classics sit some exciting additions. The Buffalo range is 100% vegan, with some of the boots even gaining the PETA tick of approval. While the puffy cloud soles and bouncy vibe is synonymous with the Spice Girls in the 90s, the combination of reimagined retro cool and super ethical has earned these boots and sneakers a space up there with the Dr Martens, Vans, and Timberlands. Another draw card is the extension of the Emu Australia range. While the uber Instagram-able sheepskin slippers are a firm favourite, this season the Emu cosy minis and leather ankle boots have been brought in to give the customers even more choice. As someone who loves to wear sheepskin boots all year round, I’m a pretty good road tester – and it’s fair to say I’m a big fan of this brand for its combination of price and durability.

Snuggly boots aside, the season ahead will see farm style Blundstones styled with flowing dresses, Dr Martens remaining the unisex wardrobe must-have, and street shoes and sneakers the cool, comfortable backstop. Whether for trends or staples Solect likes to think it has all bases covered. 

Solect.nz

Bouncing back

We all deal with life’s curveballs in different ways, but surrendering to pain rather than enduring it will get you through even the toughest of times, says Fresh Coaching’s Anna Veale. 

Photo Salina Galvan

I recently returned from a long overdue trip back 'home' to the UK to visit my family and friends post Covid. One of the first things I noticed when I caught up with my friends is how tough the impact of Covid has been on mental wellbeing. 

Whilst we all deal with stress differently, resilience is a skill that prepares people against the inevitable suffering that life throws at us. 

One thing’s for sure, building resilience helps people adapt better to life’s curveballs, keeps self-esteem and confidence intact, allows people to handle setbacks without falling into a victim and blame mentality and promotes a growth mindset, looking at life with curiosity and compassion rather than fear and judgement. 

 Resilience isn't about 'sucking it up' or taking an 'it is what it is' attitude to the stressors of life, more a quality that empowers us to step back, take a bird’s eye view of a situation and compassionately process, accept and adapt to the challenges in front of us. 

Resilience asks us to accept difficulty with courage, to work with it, not against it. So how can we build resilience and prepare for adversity? 

Invite curiosity

By understanding your habitual thought patterns, you will become more equipped to step out of reactive behaviour when triggered by stress. You could start by asking yourself these questions: 

How do I currently react to triggering situations? 

What and who are my Achilles heels in terms of triggering a stress response?

How does my body respond to stress?

What tools do I already have to cope?

What habitual responses do I currently do which aren’t helpful? 

Having curiosity about how you react to situations will enable you to learn and grow rather than beat yourself up. 

Lean in

Suppressing emotions long term undermines our resilience so it’s important to get comfortable with noticing your emotions, recognising and labelling them. Do you push them down or do you go over and over the same scenario keeping you stuck in the same circumstance? Can you name the emotion you are feeling? What is the cause? How can you change the situation? 

Practice courage 

Knowing your values and living your life according to those values whilst challenging yourself daily to choose ‘hard over easy’ creates a compound effect when building resilience. 

Challenge yourself 

The body and mind are intrinsically linked so it is vital to check in daily with your body.

 Ideas on how to challenge yourself physically (check with a physician before commencing any new regime.)

Daily breath work or mindfulness practice

Cold showers/cold water therapy 

Physical exercise that pushes you out of your comfort zone

Like anything worth learning, developing resilience will take consistency, commitment and vulnerability. Meeting yourself where you are at and boldly working through challenges with an open mind will create an inner strength you didn’t know you had. 

freshcoaching.me

Skin revival

Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage gets down to the finer details and pinpoints editor Hayley Barnett’s problem areas with the latest micro needling treatment.

Micro needling is the latest anti-aging treatment to hit the beauty scene and, not being one to shy away from skin rejuvenation as of late, I jumped at the chance to try it out. Closing in on 40, my skin isn’t quite the peaches and cream complexion that I regularly received compliments for in my younger days. To summarise the state of my skin, it needed emergency TLC stat.

When Constance explained how micro needling is administered I was a little concerned. I cried during a bikini wax once. But she assured me it wasn’t that bad. She also gave me a little rundown on how it works. 

Medical micro needling is designed to improve your complexion by activating the skin’s natural regenerative processes, which stimulates the production of collagen. Very tiny needles are applied into the top layer of the skin. This regenerates the skin cells by awakening the fibroblast that lies within the deeper layers. Then, through the process of healing, healthy collagen is produced and, after a course of treatments, skin is visibly revitalised.

So why would you choose microneedling over another form of skincare? Well, the Amieamed EXCEED is equipment that treats acne scarring, pigmentation, firms up sagging skin, activates collagen (so it softens lines and wrinkles) and minimises pore size. Constance says most of their clients use it for slowing down the aging process. 

After our initial consultation, Constance sent me home with a serum and retinol cream, both from SkinBetter Science, with vitamins A and C. This was to ensure my skin is hydrated and any sensitivity is addressed before treatment.

A month later I arrived for my 75-minute needling appointment. Firstly, my face was treated to a deep cleanse then a mini peel (Skinbetter Science peel pads) was applied. Then out came the needle. The needle depth is decided by what is being treated and skin thickness. Thankfully, my skin only required shallow needling. It’s always nice to hear that a beauty therapy session “won’t become a blood bath”.

The needle is run in soft lines or circles, depending on the area, across the face, neck and chest (and hands on request). “Some areas may be a little sorer than others during treatment but we’ve never had a client struggle to cope with the discomfort,” says Constance. The treatment is quicker than I anticipated. Constance moved skilfully across my forehead (the most painful part, apparently) and I didn’t bat an eyelash. The only area to bring about some jaw clenching was my neck, a particularly ticklish spot, so she zipped across the area, resulting in what looked like a vicious cat attack (the marks went down after an hour or so). In hindsight I should have just clenched and bared it.

The process is finished with the Lutronic HEALITE device, to really kickstart that growth factor response, and then a soothing and hydrating peptide gel mask is applied. 

After that, there’s very little down time. Results are accumulative so Constance recommends four to six treatments initially and then a couple of treatments per year to keep that collagen activated.

I was told my skin would feel a bit hot, like sunburn, for about a day, but I barely noticed it. I took home another peptide gel mask to pop on in the evening, which speeds up the healing. The redness was gone by the day after and I was advised to wear mineral make up. On day five, Constance followed up with a skin enzyme peel and another HEALITE. 

All in all, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it sounds and, four weeks later, I’m definitely seeing a renewed glow. Thanks Constance.

epidermissage.nz

Prioritise you

Clubfit’s Stu Stevenson says it’s time to take control of your health and wellbeing now, not tomorrow.

For most of us, the past two years have been challenging both mentally and physically, and it looks like 2022 is shaping up to be the same. Although we can’t always control what is happening externally, we do always have the choice to prioritise our own health and wellbeing. 

Exercise has the unique capacity to help us both cope with stress and develop resilience. The positive effects of regular exercise are broad and well documented. Don’t just think of exercise as physical – the routine and commitment to regular movement will benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. 

“Don’t wait for the right time, or the pandemic to be over, to focus on your own personal wellbeing.”

Let’s forget the phrase ‘Go Hard or Go Home’. Find a way to move your body that makes you feel great and stick with it! Don’t wait for the right time or the pandemic to be over to focus on your own personal wellbeing. Start now and look after yourself, so that you can better cope with life’s challenges and responsibilities.  

When choosing the right gym environment for you, make sure that your membership includes a personalised workout programme to get you started, access to a range of exercise options (for lots of variety) and ongoing support. 

The team at Clubfit will work with you to achieve your wellbeing goals. They are with you for the journey. 

They offer a goal-setting session and workout programme to get you on your way. If group fitness is more your thing, they offer over 50 classes a week ranging from Spin Classes to Body Balance.

But remember, the only person that can get you moving is you. 

Clubfit.co.nz 

Men at work

Understanding the link between mental and physical health can be life changing.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Salina Galvan

While there’s an increased understanding around male mental health, it’s still daunting for many men to admit they may be struggling, or to be introspective enough to untangle the knots they may have found themselves in.  Anna Veale from Fresh Coaching feels passionate about men’s mental health “because it’s not being talked about enough.”

With a background in sports therapy, massage and performance coaching, Anna is able to look at the complete mental and physical wellness of her clients. Part of her skill set is her training as an Ayurveda coach. One of the world’s oldest alternative medical systems with roots in ancient India, it’s described as a knowledge of life, as it looks at the body and mind as one. 

“In the Western world we tend to think that the body and mind are separate. Ayurveda takes the whole body into consideration. Your physical, psychological and spiritual self – it looks at sleep, nutrition and natural rhythms. Over the last two years of specialising in coaching men, I’ve honed in on amalgamating what makes an awesome human being, and what makes men thrive. And that’s getting both body and mind on the same page so that the client can reach his true potential.”

If you want to improve physical fitness, you would seek out a personal trainer, says Anna. To improve your mental health, it is just as important to train with a professional. “Coaching is for the person who recognises a negative pattern. For example, they press snooze every morning, grab a pie on the way to work and then go through the motions in their job. This person tends not to be present with their family, then goes to bed feeling unfulfilled. He’s living an average life. Coaching takes you from saying you want a connected relationship with your wife, saying you want to be the CEO of your business, to taking action to make it happen. It helps you find the missing link and get in touch with what’s important.”

Ultimately what Anna finds in her clients is that if they can’t see the best in themselves, they can’t then get the best from themselves. Underlying stress can tip the balance of both mental and physical wellbeing. “This can be on any spectrum, but stress management is key to overall wellness. You can’t thrive if you’re under the pump and stressed all the time.” This is where Anna and Fresh Coaching come into play. Anna has recently developed the four step Spartan Habit Changer Online Coaching Program, which has been ‘designed specifically for busy men who need to be reminded to dial down and look after themselves in order to perform at their best.’ An all-encompassing kick-starter course, this five-week remote commitment could be a gamechanger. Anna also offers 1:1 coaching for men who are stuck and ready to make positive change.

freshcoaching.me

Spot the difference

Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage shows you how to treat unsightly pigmentation from the inside out.

Brown spots or dark patches on your skin occur when your skin produces too much of the pigment melanin. We most commonly see four different types of pigmentation issues in our clinic, namely, melasma, post inflammation, liver spots and general sun damage. We will always see an increase in people seeking pigmentation treatment after a hot summer as each of these forms has one common element – they are all made worse by the sun. 
When treating pigmentation, often the problem is not just skin deep. There is usually an internal driving force behind it and so long-term results come from removing that trigger before treating the issue externally. This comprehensive approach is better at ensuring any bothersome pigmentation doesn’t return. 

Melasma, often called hormonal pigmentation, mainly affects women. It’s symmetrical on both sides of the face and often has a vascular component. Birth control, pregnancy and exposure to hormone disruptors (pesticides) are common causes. It may occur because the liver is overloaded and not coping, so we’d look at liver support to aid the detoxification of hormones, followed by specific skin care and treatments. With this type of pigmentation, it’s important to stay away from laser and IPL treatments, as Melasma is sensitive to heat and these will only worsen the pigmentation.

Post inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) is caused by injury or trauma to the skin. The skin is a very clever organ and will form a little pigment umbrella over any damage – so while we may not like its appearance, it’s there for a reason. An example of PIH is seen in acne or eczema sufferers. To treat this successfully, we need to discover what is causing the inflammation on the skin, target that first and then we can start working at improving the appearance of the pigmentation. 

Liver spots are large flat brown or dark spots appearing on your skin. They are usually age related and will not fade on their own in the way a freckle might. We see these start to appear on women (and men) around the age of 50, but there are targeted topical treatments and IPL which can significantly lighten their appearance.

Sun damage is caused by UV light but also can be a result of persistent blue light exposure from your phone or devices. The dark patches seen on the skin’s surface is the result of a dribbling melanocyte cell no longer able to regulate the amount of pigmentation being released. There’s only so much the cell can take before it starts misbehaving and releasing excess pigmentation. It sees that constant light source as something it needs to protect the skin against, and it makes more and more pigmentation without the ability to regulate it. So, whipping it off with a peel will not keep it at bay. Repairing DNA damage at the same time as treating the surface is an important step. 

Before

After

When it comes to even skin tone, we always advise our clients to:

1. Find a really great mineral sunblock. Chemical sunscreen can cause heat within the skin, making pigmentation worse. Reapply! Sunscreen needs to be applied every 2.5 hours (there are some easy reapplication options out there, including our Skinbetter Science sunscreen compact).

2. Use your recommended products both day and night. These should include tyrosinase inhibitors, vitamin A and, niacinamide and vitamin C.

3. Cover up, wear long sleeves and look for shady areas. If you are dedicated to fading or preventing pigmentation, make sure you always have a hat and sunnies to throw on.

Treatment at our clinic will be different for each type of pigmentation. We have a range of services which can work in combination to give you the best possible outcome. It can be effectively treated, but just as the pigmentation didn’t happen overnight, results won’t occur overnight either –  after all pigmentation is usually the result of years of sun exposure or other triggers. For this reason, we offer our clients a plan of up to a year’s worth of treatment for optimal, long-lasting results.

*Epidermis + Sage has designed a skin membership for beauties dedicated to their skin health. The EVEN skin membership has been tried and tested with incredible results. 

epidermissage.nz

Behind the mask

For many skin types, hydration is the number one concern during the warmer months. Arbonne reveals exactly how two of their top-selling products brighten, enhance and smooth skin by doing just that.

The change of season often comes with changes to the skin and complexion too. To make this transition easy, Arbonne is putting the spotlight on two products that sit alongside its ever-growing collection of dermatologically tested, vegan skincare products.  

Face masks work to create healthy, hydrated and firm skin, and the genius of these masks lie in their collection of ingredients and benefits for all skin types.

Arbonne’s Cell Renewing Face Mask with Fruit Acids and AHAs works to minimise pores and enhance elasticity, the perfect option for those with dull skin. 

Alternatively, the Arbonne Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide is infused with a vegan serum specially designed to replenish and hydrate dry skin.

While both masks are superstars in their own right, they join an already well-established list of anti-dull and anti-dryness Arbonne products, which can be incorporated into any morning or night routine. We’ve done a deep dive into the new masks and some of the complementary products that can extend the benefits even further.  

For dull skin

Cell Renewing Face Mask with Fruit Acids and AHAS

This new Cell Renewing Mask uses a blend of hydroxy acids and botanical exfoliants to gently remove dead skin cells and create a fresh and vibrant face. As the mask works to exfoliate the skin, it simultaneously improves texture and tone. RRP$110

BrightenUp Luminous Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

This highly-concentrated vegan serum features a blend of Hyaluronic Acid Cherry Blossom, Cucumber, Red Clover and Beetroot Extracts to fight uneven skin tone and improve discolouration. Its lightweight feel and fast-absorbing properties make it a twice-a-day weapon for fighting uneven skin. RRP$104

DermResults Daily Radiance Peel Pads with 2% Caviar Lime

These pre-soaked resurfacing pads are designed for daily use and promote cell turnover through physical and chemical exfoliation. The three key ingredients, caviar lime extract, phytic and hyaluronic acid, gently remove surface impurities and dead skin cells, leaving radiant-looking skin. RRP$138

For dry skin

Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide

This new vegan serum-infused sheet mask uses hydrating botanicals and Arbonne’s Algae Firming Complex to improve hydration and create a smooth appearance. The targeted formula is perfect for nightly use, leaving the skin radiant for the morning. RRP$16

AgeWell Moisture Restoring Cream with 0.5% Bakuchiol

This restoring crème provides critical moisture and hydration to dry skin, while smoothing over and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Its botanical make up helps to recharge the skin’s natural moisture barrier. RRP$120

Arbonne Bio-Hydria™ Bio-Hydria Liquid Serum

This ultra-concentrated and lightweight serum utilises hydrating botanicals to instantly moisturise the skin. Its texture soothes and cools the skin while providing constant hydration. RRP $74

arbonne.com/nz/en 

NB The products specified above can be ‘added on’ to skincare routines. These products are not specifically recommended by Arbonne to use together for results such as brightening or hydration.

Fat transfer: the why, the how, and what to expect

Fat transfer can restore youthful contours to your face, hands and body, can be wonderfully rejuvenating and also improve scarring; here, two people share their experience of the day-stay procedure at Tauranga’s Skin Centre.

INTERVIEW LISA SHEA

Face facts

UNO: What led you to try facial fat transfer? I felt good in myself, but then I’d look in the mirror and I’d look so tired! It aged me beyond my years.

Was there any preparation required before your procedure? The only prep I recall was not drinking alcohol for two weeks prior – and that’s never a bad thing.

How did you feel in the lead-up? I couldn’t wait to get it done! I’d been given lots of information from the Skin Centre and they were there for me if I had any questions at any time. I was so looking forward to not looking exhausted anymore – to looking like I had as much energy as I felt I had.

How did you feel afterwards? There was a bit of swelling that subsided in the first few days, but I took a week off work so I’d feel completely comfortable with how I looked when I went back. The pain was minimal, just a bit of a dull ache in my thigh where the fat was taken from; there was no pain at all in my face. I followed the instructions for the pain medication and I was good as gold. I had to sleep propped up for a few days, but that wasn’t a biggie.

Do you love the results? I had the procedure about six years ago and I’ve never looked back. My face still looks and feels totally natural – which it is! – and I don’t look tired anymore. I’m so much happier with my appearance.

How did you find your experience at the Skin Centre? The staff at the Skin Centre were so caring and informative. They made the whole procedure and aftercare really easy.

What advice would you give to someone considering facial fat transfer? For me, it’s a no-brainer. The procedure’s straightforward and the results are great – and long lasting.

Body beautiful

UNO: What led you to try body fat transfer? Being small- busted, I’d always joked about wishing I could transfer some fat from my problem areas to my chest, so it felt like a dream come true when I found out about this procedure! I was attracted to this solution knowing there was nothing artificial that would be inserted into my body.

Was there any preparation required before the procedure? To ensure it was successful, I had to wear a pump expansion- type system regularly for some weeks prior. This worked to make space for the fat to be placed in.

How did you feel in the lead-up? I was mostly excited as it seemed like the perfect solution to something I’d always thought about but hadn’t expected to be possible. I had a lot of faith in Dr Salmon and the team at the Skin Centre. Any nerves I had were put at ease by their kindness and professionalism.

How did you feel afterwards? I was deliberately cautious with all my movements and activities. I was a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn’t any worse than I’d expected and with some regular pain relief for a day or so, I was comfortable. Planning ahead to allow myself time to recover was also important for the success of the treatment.

Do you love the results? It’s been a couple of years, and I’m still really happy with my results. I feel like I got back what I had before children and a little more, yet look really natural – plus, the shape of my breasts has improved and my body confidence has too.

How did you find your experience at the Skin Centre? I could not fault the experience I had. The atmosphere was relaxed and I was supported through all stages of the procedure and my recovery.

What advice would you give to someone considering body fat transfer? To me, it seems like one of the most natural ways of enhancing what you already have, leaving you with a natural shape and feel. I’m really happy I did this for me.

SKINCENTRE.COM

Measuring success in the gym with Clubfit’s Stu Stevenson

It’s all good to want to look great, says our Clubfit manager fitness columnist Stu Stevenson, but is that your true measure of success?

PHOTOS Hunter Studios

When it comes to health and fitness, there are many ways to define success and measure your results, but the real question is: What do they mean to you? It’s not what others tell you they should be or what social media leads you to believe.

Figure out what you want from your body and from an overall health perspective. Then create your own success metrics that are less about the number on the scales and more about how you feel. Consider these questions when measuring your health and wellness progress:

How do you feel? Paying attention to your mood and energy level is a great indicator of whether you’re on track or not.

How quickly do you recover from exercise? Are activities that were once challenging becoming easier? As we get fitter and stronger, it’s important to reflect on how much easier exercise becomes (and remember that progressive overload is a simple yet often underrated exercise principle). Can you lift more, run further, last longer? Even a marginal improvement is progress.

How well are you sleeping? Improved sleep quality over time is an indicator of success. More sleep (we should aim for a minimum of seven to eight hours each night) and less stress will also give you a better chance of achieving your health and fitness goals.

What’s your resting heart rate? A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60-100 beats per minute. Checking that yours is either stable or slightly decreasing over time is a simple fitness test you can perform when you wake up each day, going old school with a watch or with a wearable device that’ll do the counting for you.

What do you weigh? Actually, this simple measurement isn’t always as helpful as people think. In fact, if you’re going to measure your body weight, it’s important to assess it alongside your body composition (the proportion of fat and non-fat mass in your body). No matter what your goal, focussing on building or maintaining lean muscle sets a platform for success.

True fitness success is more than just achieving a certain body composition or look. Of course, it’s good to look great, but it’s more important to feel great and have a body that can perform when you need it to. Although there’s nothing wrong with having a weight-loss or aesthetic focus, it can take the joy out of exercising and make it a punishing journey, so I encourage you to work with a coach in an environment that promotes positivity around goal-setting and a balanced approach to defining success.

At Clubfit, we can work with you to create a fun, sustainable workout plan that’s focussed on making you feel good – plus all Baywave members receive a free Evolt 360 body scan to help you track your health and wellness journey. Here’s to your success!

CLUBFIT.CO.NZ

Expert Constance Santos on your skin’s natural barrier

Little good can come of cosmetic treatments if your skin’s natural barrier isn’t functioning well, says our expert Constance of Mt Maunganui’s Epidermis & Sage. Here’s how to get yours sussed.

Your skin has a protective barrier that functions to keep good things in and bad things out, such as bacteria and pollution. It’s made up of skin cells, and oils like fats, ceramides and omegas. That barrier is sometimes called the lipid layer or acid mantle.

Keeping your skin barrier healthy is vital for good skin health and optimal function. There are lots of things that can impair its function such as poor product usage, environmental factors and diet. An impaired function can lead to chronic skin conditions. Dermatitis, eczema and acne as well as dry, irritated skin are often the signs of a poor barrier function, as is skin that ages rapidly.

There are some fantastic beauty treatments out there – including needling, microdermabrasion and peels – but if your skin’s barrier isn’t healthy, you won’t get the benefit from them. It all comes down to your skin’s ability to make good, healthy, organised collagen. Most of these treatments work by stimulating a healing response, which produces healthy collagen through the controlled creation of a wound that sends the skin into repair mode. If your skin’s barrier is already impaired, you don’t want to add extra inflammation to the mix. Your skin is already concentrating on repairing itself and it can only do so much, so when it’s overwhelmed with an inflammatory response, activities like collagen production become a lesser priority.

How do you ensure your skin has a well- functioning barrier? It needs to stay in balance. For example, make sure you are having enough Omega-3 in your diet. If you aren’t getting enough, it’ll show on your skin. Another simple way of repairing an impaired barrier is to use a great cleanser (I recommend the Roccoco Botanicals Pore Cleansing Oil or Roccoco Botanicals Soothing Cleansing Oil) that works to restore balance to the barrier function.

Don’t forget, though, everything’s connected. What you eat and drink also affects your skin and gut, which makes taking essential fatty acids (EFAs) effective too (I recommend Pure Encapsulations EFA Essentials). Doing so will nourish your skin from the inside, and they’re anti-inflammatory as well. As I said, balance is important. Omega-3 is the best EFA for the skin. Omega-6 and Omega-9 also have good benefits, but too much Omega-6 can actually be inflammatory, so it’s best to talk to a skin therapist and get the right blend and dose for you.

EPIDERMISSAGE.NZ

A life of sparkle: Peet Jewellers chic new showroom beckons

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT- O’CONNOR PHOTOS HARRY VAN HEERDEN + JORDAN REID

Adding a new jewel to its crown is paying off for one of Tauranga’s oldest businesses. Peet Jewellers is close to celebrating the first birthday of its elegant and welcoming Willow Street showroom, which has proven to be a hit among a growing customer base.

Until the August 2020 opening of this store, the 50-year-old business had been based upstairs on Wharf Street. Rest assured, traditionalists – that space still remains as both a retail outlet and creative studio/workshop. It’s not unusual for David Peet to pop in to see how his successor, Harry van Heerden, is getting on at the helm of this high-quality jewellery design and manufacturing enterprise, where the Peet name still graces the door.

“That didn’t need to change because it’s not about me, it’s about what we do here,” says Harry, who’s been a jeweller for about 25 years – the last eight as the owner of Peet Jewellers.

Harry has ensured the business’s fine reputation has been maintained, while expanding it to include the Willow Street showroom and twice as many staff members, including two apprentices. Requests for jewellery repairs and unique designs are also on the rise.

Having had hands-on involvement in its design and fit-out, Harry takes special pride in the Willow Street showroom. “I locked myself in for about a month and built what we have here today,” he says.

What we have here includes royal blue walls interspersed with copper panels, sheer blue curtains, bamboo-framed cabinets and counters, chic light fittings and polished concrete floors. Harry’s pooch, Jackson, a papillon-chihuahua cross, particularly fancies one of the blue velvet chairs.

Harry established must-haves when devising the décor. Bamboo was one – he loves its warmth and sustainable qualities. Another was a minimalist and stylish ambience to reflect the business’ mood and culture.

“I’ve designed this space to include a comfortable desk to sit at and talk about jewellery and design; there’s a creative, open and collaborative workspace in the centre for discussing design and repairs; and I wanted the storefront to appear open, merging the outside and inside – hence the cabinets are minimalistic,” he says. “Finally, it was important for me to have a jewellers’ workbench visible, to show that we’re more than simply a jewellery outlet.”

Jewellery design remains a passion for Harry, who completed a goldsmith apprenticeship in South Africa before taking a break to explore other industries. Radiography, marine rigging and a stint leading safaris filled his time before his art form beckoned again. These days, coloured stones are an inspiration, along with making versions of the “bubble ring” often created from customers’ own stones. The ring features a selection of small and usually varied gems, and is a bespoke offering that’s really taking off.

“Over the years, you collect or inherit different jewellery, or you might have an earring that’s missing its friend,” says Harry. “Or it could be that you have a ring that’s fragile and nearing the end of its life, or that involves a setting you no longer like. We suggest creating something new to incorporate these – and one way of doing that is a bubble ring.”

Bubble rings can be created from new gems too, with some of the combinations including white and yellow diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Harry tells of designing one for a customer made from own and her mother’s diamonds. “She was in tears, because she feels she now has her mum close to her all the time. We see a lot of customers cry with joy!”

Many of Peet Jewellers’ customers are mature people who are buying for a significant birthday or anniversary, or using inherited money to splash out a bit. “We can make anything jewellery- related,” says Harry. “One of the more unusual things we’ve made is a ring out of volcanic granite rock.” Peet Jewellers also offers on-the-shelf pieces ready for purchase, and a range of estate jewellery. As for what’s trending? Simpler designs, yellow gold, and big, coloured stones.

And as for where Peet Jewellers is heading, Harry anticipates opening yet another retail outlet and enjoying many more creative days pushing design boundaries to ensure their customers keep saying “Wow”.

PEETJEWELLERS.COM

Get motivated at F45 The Mount with new owners Brett and Nicole Taylor

F is for functional, friendship and fun - and forty-five minute group workouts that really deliver results, as Nicky Adams finds out.

WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Jahl Marshall

F45 first came onto my radar about three years ago, when I noticed that one of my friends had – within what seemed like a startlingly short time frame – honed her body into one that was svelte, toned and stop-in-your-tracks what-the-heck-have-you-been-doing-to-get-that-figure? The secret, she informed me, was F45. 

Now, as pretty much everyone knows, when it comes to fitness, there’s no quick fix or easy way, but F45 has developed a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) formula that keeps its clients keen through short bursts of energy that maximise results. The gyms themselves are part of a franchise and follow the same model, although each site brings something different to the mix. 

The Mount Maunganui branch of F45 has recently been taken over by Nicole and Brett Taylor, who both have extensive experience with F45, and a real passion for fitness. Nicole is a clinical exercise physiologist who has also worked as an F45 manager, and Brett has been in the industry for more than 12 years. Owning their own F45 gym revolves around their genuine desire to be instrumental in transforming people’s lives, as well as their perceptions of health and wellbeing. They love that F45 is an incredibly effective form of exercise, not only for athletes who already have a high level of fitness, but also for those at the start of their fitness journey.

The couple were drawn to F45 The Mount by the phenomenal community that already existed here. According to Brett, “The vibe grabs your attention straight away. When people come in the door, they realise, ‘Hey, this is cool’ – and that’s what appealed to Nicole and me. We felt the connection with our members from the first day.” 

Family environment

“Once you come into the gym, you’re part of our family,” says Nicole. “It’s a really inclusive environment – the members, trainers, everyone is welcoming.” 

The pair have a definite vision of where they want to take the gym. Nicole’s clear that “although we want to grow our membership base, we also want to make sure our current members are valued”.  

Brett believes what sets them apart is that “we understand what our members want: unique driving through our trainers – strength, encouragement, understanding.” In addition to the focus on individual goals, other benefits of F45 The Mount (aside from the all-important sparklingly clean bathrooms) are the class format and instructor ratio. 

For the uninitiated, the set-up at F45 is slightly different to the average gym. Specific equipment is assigned to each 45-minute workout and exercise sequences are projected via screens on the wall. This frees up the trainers to move around the room to help and motivate class participants. 

As Brett says, “You’d seldom find a class elsewhere where you’d see two personal trainers engaging at the same time. Here, you get that one-on-one connection, which ensures correct technique.” Furthermore, they pick only trainers who have preventative injury-management experience. “This enables them to motivate our members to push past comfort but stay within their physical limits.”

Accountability for the win

F45 is fast-paced. Your interest is held by a range of exercises within a number of different sessions, and by different concepts introduced into the mix. A good starting point for any of the opportunities and challenges is a 10-minute benchmark fitness test known as the Playoffs. 

F45 The Mount’s members genuinely support each other, which Brett says is part of what makes the studio’s regular six-week challenges so successful. A combination of exercise and diet, these challenges are where people can really see not just results but transformations – and says they work because “when you’re in a group environment, you don’t want to let anyone down – everyone keeps each other accountable.” 

It’s hard not to be impressed by Nicole and Brett’s expertise and enthusiasm. After I gave F45 The Mount a whirl, I’d barely left the building before I was messaging friends to see who wanted to sign up with me.