Latest news with #Eleni
Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Hato Hone St John Introduces Samoan Language To Caring Caller Programme
Emotional support is now just a friendly 'Talofa' away for the Samoan community in Aotearoa New Zealand. This Samoa Language Week, Hato Hone St John is announcing the introduction of Samoan language to their popular Community Health programme: Caring Caller, with new volunteer callers fluent in Samoan joining the team. The St John Caring Caller programme is a volunteer-based telephone friendship service that offers companionship to those in need. This free service facilitates meaningful, regular connections that strengthen social bonds and enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Clients who engage with a Caring Caller benefit from having someone to talk to, fostering resilience against the effects of loneliness and social isolation. Eleni Mason, Hato Hone St John Community Engagement Manager, sees Caring Caller as an essential service to the Samoan community and the wider Pacific communities in general, saying 'many of our elderly community members are left alone at home while their family members go to work or to school. Some may have recently moved from Samoa to New Zealand and are having to adapt to new social norms. This sustained experience of loneliness can have detrimental effects on their health and overall well-being.' With ASB as the official sponsor, the programme has been able to grow and diversify to meet the needs of different communities throughout the country. To date, the Caring Caller service is offered in English, Chinese dialects, Hindi, and now, Samoan. ASB General Manager, Helen Fitzsimons, says, 'ASB is honoured to have partnered with Hato Hone St John since 2008. Through our work with Caring Caller, we've seen how the power of social connection helps to build mental wellbeing. This Samoa Language Week, we are proud to support the launch of the Samoan Caring Caller programme and the positive impact it will bring to the Samoan community.' In support of this announcement, senior members of the Samoan community have fittingly adopted the name 'Gaualofa' for Caring Caller. 'Gaualofa translates to 'just love'. It is used widely in a popular Samoan phrase 'e leai se gaumata'u, ae na o le gaualofa', which means 'there is no anger, just love'. It is a truly appropriate and fitting name for the Caring Caller service due to the positive impact it has on all those involved,' says Eleni. It is important to note that Caring Caller doesn't just benefit the client. The programme has a high volunteer retention rate, with Hato Hone St John callers finding their role within the service personally rewarding. 'I am a passionate supporter of Gaualofa, as part of the project team and having personally moved from Samoa to New Zealand myself, which was a challenging time, for my social wellbeing particularly. I am committed to promoting the inclusion of Pacific people in this Hato Hone St John programme and we are actively looking for both clients and callers from within the Samoan community to reach out,' says Eleni.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Tokaduadua's Fijian Flair Lighting Up ANZ Premiership
Press Release – Stars Netball When Lili Tokaduadua steps out onto the netball court in the Stars dress, not only is she living out her netball dream, she's also proudly representing her family and her Fijian roots. Tokaduadua left Fiji when she was 15 to take up an opportunity at Howick College and made her ANZ Premiership debut for the Stars last season, playing 11 games and showing why she's regarded as one of the competition's most promising defenders. The 20-year-old further announced herself this season, after a stellar performance at goal defence in the Stars' 57-52 win over the Tactix in round 2, where she earned player of the match honours, stuffing the stats sheet, with 7 gains, five intercepts and three deflections. In the crowd for the game was Tokaduadua's number one supporter, her mum, Eleni, who was visiting from Fiji and found herself in the rare position of being able to watch her daughter play live. 'It's really special with it being my second year in the Stars and her watching me again. It was great having her at home with me too as I don't see her all the time.' Tokaduadua said. While Eleni is Tokaduadua's biggest fan, the motherly trait of becoming her biggest critic can sometimes shine through to ensure Tokaduadua doesn't get too ahead of herself. 'She always sends me a paragraph before every game saying I need to jump and do this and that, giving me tough love.' Tokaduadua explained. 'After the game on Sunday where I thought I did well she was still telling me I have things to work on and I'm like 'okay Mum, I thought I did good!'' Tokaduadua laughed. While text messages and facetime can help keep people connected, there's nothing like mum's physical presence to make a good win that much sweeter. 'She's always proud though. When I see her, she's always crying after games and it's been special having her here. After the game on Sunday, we had a function for Mila's 100th game and she had a chance to see everyone which was nice.' The game against the Tactix was Tokaduadua's first time wearing the goal defence bib at the ANZ Premiership level – an exciting experience Tokaduadua's keen to get the most out of. 'It's fun, I'm feeling fit and I'm excited to do whatever Temepara throws at me and do my job for the team and those who are injured. I want to make the most of the opportunities and do my best.' Tokaduadua added. 'My biggest work on at the moment is my passing and placement and every training I always get reminded to calm down because I put too much pressure on myself to get it right. I want to start games nailing all of these things.' Standing alongside Tokaduadua in the defensive circle was new signing Remi Kamo, who was also immense at goal keep, with the pair forming a formidable combination. 'We've clicked really well now and have a strong connection. Sunday was our first time playing together and I love how Remi plays, she can jump so high and I admire her and she talks to me heaps and I learn so much and she's amazing.' Tokaduadua said. Tokaduadua's also lapping up the wealth of knowledge on hand from her assistant coach and Silver Ferns legend Leana de Bruin, who's helped her transition into her new role. 'She's amazing and world class. She has a lot of defensive knowledge and never stops telling me things. I'm always keen to learn and be better and she's helped me a lot.' Sitting in the stands watching the Tactix game was former Silver Ferns and Fijian defender Vilimaina Davu, someone who Tokaduadua couldn't help but notice. 'It made me feel pride that I'm representing Fiji on the court and she's there having been the first Fijian to represent the Silver Ferns was special and she's a role model for me to look up to.' Though they might be far away, Tokaduadua knows she's always going to have those closest right behind her for every step of her netball journey. 'I'm getting messages from my cousins in Fiji who told me I had a good game and it's cool to know they're watching. I'm just really proud to not only represent the Stars but my culture.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Tokaduadua's Fijian Flair Lighting Up ANZ Premiership
When Lili Tokaduadua steps out onto the netball court in the Stars dress, not only is she living out her netball dream, she's also proudly representing her family and her Fijian roots. Tokaduadua left Fiji when she was 15 to take up an opportunity at Howick College and made her ANZ Premiership debut for the Stars last season, playing 11 games and showing why she's regarded as one of the competition's most promising defenders. The 20-year-old further announced herself this season, after a stellar performance at goal defence in the Stars' 57-52 win over the Tactix in round 2, where she earned player of the match honours, stuffing the stats sheet, with 7 gains, five intercepts and three deflections. In the crowd for the game was Tokaduadua's number one supporter, her mum, Eleni, who was visiting from Fiji and found herself in the rare position of being able to watch her daughter play live. 'It's really special with it being my second year in the Stars and her watching me again. It was great having her at home with me too as I don't see her all the time.' Tokaduadua said. While Eleni is Tokaduadua's biggest fan, the motherly trait of becoming her biggest critic can sometimes shine through to ensure Tokaduadua doesn't get too ahead of herself. 'She always sends me a paragraph before every game saying I need to jump and do this and that, giving me tough love.' Tokaduadua explained. 'After the game on Sunday where I thought I did well she was still telling me I have things to work on and I'm like 'okay Mum, I thought I did good!'' Tokaduadua laughed. While text messages and facetime can help keep people connected, there's nothing like mum's physical presence to make a good win that much sweeter. 'She's always proud though. When I see her, she's always crying after games and it's been special having her here. After the game on Sunday, we had a function for Mila's 100th game and she had a chance to see everyone which was nice.' The game against the Tactix was Tokaduadua's first time wearing the goal defence bib at the ANZ Premiership level – an exciting experience Tokaduadua's keen to get the most out of. 'It's fun, I'm feeling fit and I'm excited to do whatever Temepara throws at me and do my job for the team and those who are injured. I want to make the most of the opportunities and do my best.' Tokaduadua added. 'My biggest work on at the moment is my passing and placement and every training I always get reminded to calm down because I put too much pressure on myself to get it right. I want to start games nailing all of these things.' Standing alongside Tokaduadua in the defensive circle was new signing Remi Kamo, who was also immense at goal keep, with the pair forming a formidable combination. 'We've clicked really well now and have a strong connection. Sunday was our first time playing together and I love how Remi plays, she can jump so high and I admire her and she talks to me heaps and I learn so much and she's amazing.' Tokaduadua said. Tokaduadua's also lapping up the wealth of knowledge on hand from her assistant coach and Silver Ferns legend Leana de Bruin, who's helped her transition into her new role. 'She's amazing and world class. She has a lot of defensive knowledge and never stops telling me things. I'm always keen to learn and be better and she's helped me a lot.' Sitting in the stands watching the Tactix game was former Silver Ferns and Fijian defender Vilimaina Davu, someone who Tokaduadua couldn't help but notice. 'It made me feel pride that I'm representing Fiji on the court and she's there having been the first Fijian to represent the Silver Ferns was special and she's a role model for me to look up to.' Though they might be far away, Tokaduadua knows she's always going to have those closest right behind her for every step of her netball journey. 'I'm getting messages from my cousins in Fiji who told me I had a good game and it's cool to know they're watching. I'm just really proud to not only represent the Stars but my culture.'
Newsweek
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Finds Manolo Blahniks While Thrifting—Not Ready for the Price Tag
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. One lucky woman in California managed to snag a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, as well as a Burberry bikini and a Kate Spade handbag, for a fraction of their original retail price during a recent trip to the thrift store. Macy Eleni, who describes herself as "a digital personality," is the author of the book Second Chances: The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting. She shared her latest fashion haul in a video posted to her YouTube channel @blazedandglazed on May 2. In the clip, which captures her excitement and disbelief, Eleni recaps the stunning designer finds she unearthed at a thrift store in Pomona. Speaking to Newsweek, Eleni confirmed that the Manolo Blahnik shoes were purchased with a 50 percent discount from the original thrift price of $26.99. The Burberry bikini top, marked at $23.99, was also discounted 25 percent. The small Kate Spade bag cost only $12. Eleni's viral video underscores a growing national trend. According to a report published in August 2024 by Research and Markets, the U.S. thrift store industry experienced a compound annual growth rate of 4.5 percent over the past five years, with a 1.4 percent increase in 2023 alone. That growth reflects a broader cultural embrace of secondhand shopping, likely driven by sustainability concerns, economic savvy and the thrill of the hunt. A screenshot from a YouTube video where a woman gets a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes for $14 at a thrift store in California. A screenshot from a YouTube video where a woman gets a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes for $14 at a thrift store in California. @blazedandglazed on YouTube For Eleni, the appeal is more than financial. Her YouTube video captures the emotional rush of a well-scored deal and the joy of uncovering hidden gems. Her enthusiasm is palpable in the clip, as she waves the designer pieces in front of the camera, clearly amazed by her luck. "This is why thrifting is and will always be the best way to shop and you will never convince me any different," Eleni says in the video, holding up a pair of gold Manolo Blahnik heels. "What do you mean I can just walk into an unsuspecting building and bam—find a perfect pair of gold Manolos in my size for literally $26.99? But just kidding, actually $14 'cuz the orange tags were 50 percent off." The thrift haul continued as Eleni made her way to the swimwear section. "Then hit the swim section and snag an authentic Burberry bikini, literally a lifelong thrift manifestation in the flesh," she exclaims. Later in the video, she marvels over a third find, saying "look at this mini cheetah print Kate Spade bag, oh my god I can't." All three items "were in fabulous condition," Eleni told Newsweek, noting that "the Burberry bikini seemed to be never worn." Although Eleni wasn't certain of the original retail value of the specific items, she offered rough estimates. "Manolos usually run around $300 to $400 and Burberry bikinis usually run around $200 and up," she told Newsweek. Current listings on the Manolo Blahnik website show that shoes from the brand's seasonal classics and new collections start at around $795. Meanwhile, Burberry's official website lists women's bikini tops beginning at roughly $310. Do you have a thrift-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Tom's Guide
10-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Short on time? This 30-minute standing HIIT class will boost your metabolism and build strength
While the past few years have seen the rise (and rise) of low-intensity workouts, like Pilates and yoga, grow in popularity, there's still a very valid case for adding in some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workouts. For starters, this high-energy, heart-raising workout style can give your metabolism a boost while increasing your cardiovascular endurance. This sweat-inducing workout can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and help you gain maximum results in minimal time. But, better yet? You just need enough space to roll out a yoga mat and enough motivation to move your body to get going. The good news is that this standing 30-minute HIIT workout from Eleni Fit comes with a Pilates-inspired twist. Mixing popular Pilates moves, like standing leg lifts, crunches and a roll-down, this workout gives you the best of both worlds as you'll see and feel the benefits this low-impact form of exercise brings, but it's wrapped up neatly into a time-saving HIIT workout. Fitness trainer Eleni suggests warming up before jumping into this workout. In total, there are around 20 exercises featured in this workout. HIIT is a workout style that alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and brief recovery periods. Therefore, the idea with this session is to complete each exercise for 40 seconds before resting for 10 seconds. In your rest period, Eleni demonstrates how to complete the next move with the right form. This will give you enough time to just about recover before you head into the next Pilates-inspired move. As we mentioned, all of the moves in this workout are bodyweight. But don't be fooled into thinking they won't get your heart rate up. For example, there's a side lunge and reach, narrow squat kicks, balancing butt pulses and a plié side crunch followed by a reach up. All exercises take inspiration from common Pilates moves, but instead of repeating them eight or 10 times as you might in a usual mat class, you'll be completing them as many times as is possible (without losing your form) until the 40-second timer is up. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Doing so will help you increase your strength, give your endurance a boost, and raise your heart rate while adhering to a low-impact style of working out. When you've completed the first 10 exercises, you'll get a handy 60-second water break before ticking off the final 10. Of course, if you find you need to rest for longer, or some of the exercises are too challenging to complete for 40 seconds, listen to your body without going over the top. Along with being organized into a HIIT session, many of these moves are supersets, which is a training technique where two exercises are performed back-to-back with minimal rest in between. Not only can this style of training promote greater muscle growth, but it can help you get more bang for your buck as you're doing twice the amount of moves in the same amount of time.
