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The benefits of switching off and our tips for a realistic digital detox
Eating your way to a positive
Delicious, nutritious and deceptively simple recipes to guide you on your path of leading a healthy lifestyle through good eating
We list the benefits and how to add this beneficial root to your diet
Bringing
Getting
Explore the ancient culture and natural beauty of Greece
into
5
A satirical entry into our resident Dad’s diary
Delightful
We explore Southern Namibia 100 CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS, SANDY WHITE BEACHES
MINDFUL EATING
Editor’s LETTER
Hello
We are already three months into a new decade and for a lot of us it’s been a chance to realign and refocus on what truly matters.
After my recent birthday, I have been reflecting on all I have achieved and experienced up until now. And the questions arise: “Have I lived life to the fullest? Have I made the most of all the opportunities that have been offered to me? What have I achieved?”
In retrospect, I personally feel I have made the most of the opportunities given to me and achieved so much more than I could have ever wished for. But the question of whether I have lived life to the fullest lingers, have I?
With autumn showing us how beautiful it is to let things go, I have decided to reset, realign, refocus and recommit.
It is not uncommon to get off track and get caught up in the “doing” of our lives. It is important that we learn to design and implement practices that keep us moving in the direction we want to go in with enough energy to experience, enjoy and appreciate the journey.
You know what they say, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ and with three quarters still left of the year, there are still so much opportunity.
In this issue we look at the importance of switching off to switch on – a digital detox we could all benefit from. We look at the benefits of not giving in to consumerism, we celebrate the health benefits of turmeric’s cousin, the mighty ginger, and eat our way to a positive pregnancy test.
We explore the crystal clear waters and sandy white beaches of Greece and take a road trip to the country of endless horizons, the gorgeous Namibia.
We have also included our top picks for natural make up your skin will love, curated all the best events for this season and showcase a selection of delicious and nutritious recipes from Izelle Hoffman’s latest must have recipe book, Mindful Eating. Grab your copy or your tablet, sit back and enjoy!
Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems – Anon
The benefits of switching off and our tips for a realistic digital detox p54
We list the benefits and how to add this beneficial root to your diet p66
No article or any part of any article in absolute mama may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith, but do not necessarily represent the opinions of Absolute Mama (Pty) Ltd or the editor. Neither this magazine or the publisher can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages, or from any statements made or withheld by this publication.
South Africa’s Premium Lifestyle Magazine for the Discerning Parent
We Love
A treasure trove of healthy recipes, plant based protein and compostable corn starch products good for our planet are amongst our top picks this season
The Good Stuff
Want to live the clean protein dream or boost your collagen? Looking for a plant based alternative? Then look no further, your dose of the good stuff never has to be limited again! Noa & Co’s Vanilla Replenishing Protein Powder and Vanilla Collagen Creamer are made from high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, giving you even more reasons to feel great about yourself. www.noaandco.com
Be the Change You Want to See
An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic currently ending up in our oceans yearly, we all need to do our share in making a difference to sustain our planet for our current and future generations . Bonnie Bio’s products range from compostable refuse bags to certified compostable cling wrap as well PLA straws. All products are all made from natural corn and vegetable ingredients with no chemical additives to ensure non-toxicity and allow for complete composting and biodegradability, yet they are as sturdy as traditional plastic. www.bonniebio.co.za Sunshine in a Packet
Montagu has been a trusted South African brand for many years and has made snack time healthy and interesting for all! We absolutely love their new Fruit Swirls, naturally and deliciously sweet, no added sugar or preservatives and what’s more, their innovative, easy-tear perforated segments make them a super convenient snack full of Vitamin C and minerals of dried fruit. www.montagusnacks.co.za
Groom your Pooch, Naturally
Founder Hannelie Laubscher has a passion for all things beautiful from mother nature and most importantly, the significant safety impact and benefits these have on humans, animals and the environment. Her luxury range, Eau De Pooch indulges your pooch in glamour, elegance and natural, healthy lifestyle, with their perfumes and nose and paw balm. www.eaudepooch.com
A Game Changer
We all need to be conscious about what we are feeding our kids and our families. Motherdaughter team, Catherine and Mila is on a mission to bring you the basics about food intolerance and how to deal with it in a delicious and nutritious way. Milas Meals is packed with over a 100 uncomplicated recipes setting you and your family off to the start of a healthy and happy relationship with food. www.milasmeals.co.za
The Good Leaf
Goodleaf CBD Infused Sparkling Water is simply delicious and produced using pure spring water, all-natural African botanical flavours and zero sugar. The key ingredient is nano-filtered water-soluble CBD and is derived from organic hemp and has four times better absorption than oil-based CBD. Flavours include Mango & Ginger, Berry & Hibiscus, Aloe & Rose and Peach & Geranium. www.goodleaf.co.za
Because scratches are natural
Born out of a dad’s need to take care of his sons’ adventure wounds more naturally, comes this innovation in wound care. PATCH natural Bamboo adhesive bandages is crafted with 100% organic bamboo fibre, hypoallergenic and packed with the natural goodness of activated charcoal, aloe vera and coconut oil, proven to soothe symptoms whilst promoting wound recovery for even the most sensitive skin types. www.patchstrips.com
ED’S CHOICE Peach & Geranium
Fun filled events and activities for the whole family
What’s on April
Holla Trails Classic
5 Apr
Fairview Estates, Ballito
It’s time to run, bike and enjoy awesome trails at the Holla Trails Classic in Ballito on 5 April. Whether you’re racing or spectating, the whole family can get involved and enjoy a great day, whether it is the 45km MTB Classic, a 19km MTB trail ride or a family 5km fun ride, as well as early morning 8km and 16km Trail runs on offer.
Entries start at R75
Swan Lake Ballet
22 Apr – 2 May
Teatro at Montecasino, JHB
The majesty of traditional Russian ballet comes to South Africa when the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s magnificent classical ballet, Swan Lake, with its graceful dancers and breathtaking scenery and costumes.
Tickets from R648
SA Cheese Festival
25 – 27 Apr
Sandringham Estate, Stellenbosch
Demolish your way through mountains of cheese, wine, charcuterie, freshly baked bread, olive oil and a bevy of other treats. Live music and kiddies entertainment round up the offering.
Tickets from R240pp, kids 2-13yrs R20pp
Decorex Cape Town 2020
30 Apr – 3 May
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Decorex is the pinnacle of the annual design calendar in Cape Town. With design, decor, appliance, home, kitchen and hardware retailers from all over the country, setting up stands to showcase their product ranges.
Tickets from R110pp
Event details are correct at time of print.
May
Comic-Con Cape Town
1 – 3 May
Cape Town Stadium, Greenpoint
Listen up gamers, comic book lovers and cosplay enthusiasts: Comic-Con is coming to Cape Town! The Internationally loved two-day event (which also features workshops, presentations and panels) is this year’s biggest celebration of animation, gaming and comic book talent.
Tickets from R160pp
The Vegan & Plant Powered Show
30-31 May
Cape Town International Convention Centre
South Africa’s premier vegan and plant-based event has arrived, promoting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Tickets cost R120pp
Like2Bike Event #3
17 May
Hobby Park, Johannesburg
Join in the family fun of this exciting MTB and Duathlon series for kids. If your kids do 4 of the 6 kids’ events, they get a Series Champ cycle top at the end of the season. Mom and Dad can also participate in this fun-filled and energetic event at a fantastic venue and create memories for years to come.
Become a certified Health Coach
Imagine in 9 months being able to be your own boss and start a whole new life and career.
This 9-12 month training will teach you everything you need to know to become a highly skilled Certified Health Coach and build a thriving health coaching practice.
Are you interested in a career in the booming Health and Wellness industry? Do you want to be trained in how to effectively support people to transform their health?
Does the idea of helping others to radically improve their lifestyles excite and inspire you? Are you keen to learn a Person-Centred Nutrition approach that is tried and tested and promotes optimum health and wellness? Would you like to be one of the first South African trained Health Coaches with professional membership to COMENSA and HCA?
NEWNEWYOU CAREER
ANITA KAUMPEK TAM
The level of commitment and support from the tutors at The Health Coaches Academy has been amazing. The knowledge gained, the experience, the high level of professional tutoring is worth more than the cost of the course. Health Coaches Academy
ILSE PIENAAR OXT THERAPY
The course with The Health Coaches Academy is a wonderful adventurous journey! Being able to work with the latest research under the umbrella of tested coaching skills have been lifechanging for me.
HELEN JOUBERT WELLNESS & NUTRITION
This course is like rocket fuel. I wish I had done this years ago. Not only have I seen substantially improved success rates with my clients, but the coaching skills I’ve gained have really helped on a personal level, with friends, family, kids. This course equips you with everything you need, practical tools, support, knowledge, inspiration and motivation; and you’ll meet a great bunch of like-minded people in the process.
H ELE N J O UB E R T Health Coaches Academy Class of 2017
Workshops not to miss
Explore the world of olives
15 Apr
Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Don your hat and slip on comfortable shoes – we’re going to the orchards!
Take a stroll through the olive orchards with farmer Ian de Villiers and Linda Costa, doyenne of the olive industry in South Africa, who will explain how to grow, maintain and harvest olives. A tasting will follow, including faulty oils for reference, as well as this season’s fresh olive oils. Finally, Linda will share her tried-and-tested methods for preserving your own olives. www.babylonstoren.com
Get funky with fermentation
6 May
Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Now recognised for its numerous health benefits, gut-loving ferments has long been a way to preserve foods. As awareness of the bacterial composition of our bodies continues to grow, fermented foods and beverages are making a huge comeback. Become part of this revival as kombucha brew mistress Kari Doorduin shares her passion for making fermented beverages. www.babylonstoren.com
Combat Garden Pests, Naturally
27 May
Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Toss out the pesticides! Our botanist Ernst van Jaarsveld and entomologist Arné Stander will teach you how to plan a garden ecosystem that encourages predatory birds, insects, spiders and other garden animals to restore the balance in your garden –the way nature intended. www.babylonstoren.com
Unlock the diversity of Indigenous Succulents
10 June
Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Learn to cultivate, propagate and design a succulent garden under the keen and knowledgeable guidance of Ernst van Jaarsveld, our resident botanist. After walking through our cycads, Ernst will share his top succulent tips during an illustrated talk. You’ll learn how to grow your own collection of succulents from seed and cuttings. www.babylonstoren.com
Experience 9 May
A Mother’s Day paint event, just in time to spoil Mom. No painting experiences is need and kids need to be 6 years and older. This offer includes a rose for Mom, cookies, coffee, tea and all art supplies. www.lilliangray.co.za
Learn the pecking order: Keeping chickens at home
24 June
Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Interested in keeping chickens at home, but not sure about the pecking order? Spend a day with experienced poultry farmer Christo Botha, sharing his passion and tips for keeping free-range fowls at home. Visit the fowl house to explore what is needed to keep chickens happy and healthy. www.babylonstoren.com
1. Perspex lounger sunglasses, Woolworths R220
2. Stars necklace, Thomas Sabo R8475
3. Adrianna sandal, Rare Earth R1299
4. NALEDI Curved drop earrings, Woolworths R120
5. Savanna low V maxi dress, Ted Baker R4980
6. Cabana ruffled button front top,Ted Baker R2180
7. Contrast panel wide leg trouser, Ted Baker R2580
8 Natural & Organic Makeup Brands Your Face Will Love You For
It’s not uncommon to see ‘natural’ and ‘green’ plastered across every cosmetic product these days. Unfortunately, these marketing buzzwords don’t often reflect the ingredients and practices behind most makeup labels.
Blush
Lula Fox
75% Organic, gluten free and Vegan. Producing a natural look – this formula perfectly mimics the colour that your cheeks turn when you’re naturally flushed. These soft, natural shades are loaded with natural ingredients to help nourish and protect while
85% Organic, gluten free and Vegan. Organic anti-oxidant rich Jojoba, Avocado and Coconut oils deeply nourish and moisture lips. Naturally derived Organic Butters (Mango, Cocoa and Capuacu) are soothing, hydrating and also have regenerative properties to help heal dry lips and improve elasticity. Preservativefree formula. R375
Inthusiasm
Pure Wild Volumising Mascara
Hey Gorgeous Skincare
This Gorgeous mascara’s delivery system coats lashes, one luxurious layer at a time for full, clump-free, water-resistant definition. 30ml for R150
Reflects light thus softening lines. Antiseptic, as well as regeneration and protective qualities with a sun-protection factor of 17. Trace amounts of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide have anti-inflammatory qualities and natural minerals masks the appearance of lines and is gentle on sensitive skin. 14g for R286
Lula Fox
All Natural and Vegetarian. Each Pencil glides on smoothly to define a perfect line. *The eye pencils are not Vegan because of the use of Beeswax. This is considered to be Vegetarian. R275
Facial Cleanser & Makeup
Remover
Ecologic
Ecologic’s Facial Cleanser is a gentle, yet effective cleanser for daily use. The milk-like formula is half cream cleanser and half oil cleanser, gently mopping up excess oils and impurities while moisturising the skin. 200ml for R215
ESSE Foundation
ESSE
skin wherever you go. This invigorating face spray is energised with electrolytes and Rosewater, and immediately boosts skin’s radiance. Mist skin before applying makeup to help it set and reapply throughout the day to refresh.
The natural skin illuminator offers light to medium coverage with a natural finish. Esse’s LEVEL 3 BIOME+ technology boosts your skin’s microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients and a SPF 30 natural skin defence 30ml for R596
THOUGHTFUL PARENTING Raising Children to have Integrity & Self-Esteem
As parents we love our children from the second we first lay eyes on them. We feel a primal desire to protect them, to give them the best life possible, to do whatever it takes to help them succeed in life. We look forward to all the lessons we will teach them and the values we will instil in them. But then reality steps in, we realize how short the days are and how fast the years go by – and we ask ourselves… how? Not to mention, none of us ever feel like we know what we are doing.
By Mariza Halliday
We constantly ask ourselves how to help our children live good and balanced lives — to be both happy and successful and to use their gifts to make the world a better place. What can we as parents do to ensure that our children grow up with a positive self-image and help them understand that integrity involves much more than what teachers and friends believe about them? How do we go about giving our kids the values and skills to succeed as adults?
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS TO FOCUS ON:
TRUST
The most fundamental element in building trust is honesty. By using
only place doubt in our children’s minds which makes it difficult for them to trust us.
With the state of technology today, information (and a lot thereof) is immediately available and as a result, parents are constantly afraid
and second-guessing themselves. Our fear manifests in our children, they mirror it. They become afraid too — afraid to be who they are, to take risks and to stand up against injustice. Trust has to start with us.
BUILDING BLOCKS OF GUT HEALTH
Setting out to support your family’s health through maintaining the health of their microbiome really is an achievable goal.
What is our microbiome?
Picture a bustling city on a weekday morning, the sidewalks flooded with people rushing to get to work or to appointments. Now imagine this at a microscopic level, and you have an idea of what the microbiome looks like inside our bodies, consisting of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species.
Each person has an entirely unique network of microbiota that is originally determined by one’s DNA. A person is first exposed to microorganisms as a baby, during delivery in the birth canal and through breast milk.
In a healthy person, the many good and few bad “bugs” coexist peacefully, with the largest numbers found in the small and large intestines but also throughout the body.
Can diet affect your Baby’s microbiota?
What we do know, is that the composition of microbes in our gut influences way more than just our digestion. Diet is considered as one of the main drivers in shaping the gut microbiota across our life-time. Intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining our immune systems. Gut bacteria that is changed has been associated with infections and disease.
Boosting your Baby’s Microbiota
Prebiotics can be seen as the food that helps to stimulate, grow and maintain the beneficial gut
bacteria in your baby’s gut. These oligosaccharides act as prebiotics in the gut and help to maintain the health of the digestive tract of your baby by encouraging the growth of the good gut bacteria and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Human milk contains an abundant supply and diverse array of oligosaccharides, which possess these ‘prebiotic’ properties that are known to offer significant health benefits to the breastfed infant.
However, when a mother’s milk is not available, infant milk formula is considered as an effective alternative. Goats’ milk is considered to be more similar to human milk. Why, you may ask? Because goats’ milk naturally contains higher levels of the beneficial oligosaccharides relative to milk from other mammalian species. These oligosaccharides help to establish and maintain a healthy gut, boosts your baby’s immune system and protects against gastrointestinal infections.
When we trust ourselves and have confidence in the choices we make as parents, we can then trust our children to take important and necessary steps toward empowerment and independence. By leading them and guiding them, we can then trust that they too will be able to practice good judgment in life.
RESPECT
Every child has a unique personality. They have a gift and it is a gift to the world, and it’s our responsibility as parents to nurture and help develop that gift, whatever it may be. This is the exact opposite of dictating who our kids should be, what profession to pursue, choosing what their life should look like. It is showing them
respect by supporting them as they identify and pursue their own goals and create their own lives.
INDEPENDENCE
Independence cannot be achieved without a strong foundation of trust and respect. Truly independent children are capable of constructively coping with adversity, setbacks and boredom, all unavoidable aspects of life.
KINDNESS
Real kindness involves gratitude and forgiveness, selfless service toward others and an awareness of the world outside yourself. It’s important to show our kids how exciting and rewarding it is to make someone else’s life better. Don’t forget to lead by example.
SELF-ESTEEM
Ask any parent what they want most for their children, and self-esteem will likely top the list. We cannot “give” a child self-esteem, but we can support the practices that will lead a child to it, and abstain from the actions that tend to undermine a child’s self-esteem.
Our ultimate goal as parents is creating self-responsible people in a self-responsible world. We are not just raising children, but building the foundation of the future of humankind.
We’re evolving human consciousness, and we’re doing it faster than ever before. With your trust, guidance, and respect, your child will become exactly the person they are meant to be.
“
Imagine leaving a message for a loved one from beyond the grave... “
or is this thinking only for science �iction or movies?
By Prakash Patel - CEO ForKeeps
No one wants to think about it, but sadly we are all going to pass away one day, we just don’t know when! Imagine if you were able to create a digital message that can be stored securely and only released upon your death to your loved ones, who can then, see and hear your voice again? A heartfelt message from beyond the grave to loved ones by loved ones.
Or Imagine being able to capture your legacy, a digital time-capsule of your life, that can be viewed by future generations? What about, creating a wedding album on the morning of your big day? Throughout the wedding day guests can share their own
photos into your album, with their personal wishes and comments. Sounds like science fiction or even a blockbuster movie?
There is now a great new way to create and keep memories alive and it’s the brainchild of a proudly new innovative, digitally led South African company, called ForKeeps - Keeping Memories Forever
ForKeeps is a world-first digital platform launched this year, designed specifically to allow anyone to securely and easily create and deliver messages, wishes and/ or celebrations of a person’s life, whilst they are alive and when they have sadly
departed. A platform that will allow their memories and wishes to live forever, where science and technology can ensure the future becomes the now and the now becomes the future.
“We live in an era of digital technology – where the impossible is now possible, through innovative new technology and thinking. We have the ability to do anything, we can now create everlasting memories and messages for loved ones, even when we are no longer here.”
- Michelle van Niekerk ForKeeps Marketing Executive
Timeless Message Forever Album Digital Legacy
ForKeeps initial features include, the Timeless Message, that can be delivered to loved ones when you are no longer here, like your daughter’s milestone 21st birthday (a known date), or even their wedding day (an unknown date).
Create a Forever Album for all occasions, that can be designed in minutes for any event, from celebrating the birth of a New born, your Wedding day or even a Tribute Album that can live forever either privately or publicly.
Capture all those special moments and document your life as a Digital Legacy, for future generations to see, in particular your grandchildren or even great grandchildren. All beautifully created using the ForKeeps App – Keeping Memories Forever.
The concept of Forkeeps was a combination of ideas and dreams from di erent personal experiences from the ForKeeps management team; Rob Inglis, Michelle van Niekerk, Pieter Meyer and Prakash Patel. Their desire to change how we currently celebrate life and deliver everlasting messages to loved ones, when we are no longer here, through to paying tribute to loved ones, who have sadly departed.
The ForKeeps App isn’t a social media platform, but an App that solves a number of needs and/or wishes, that you could have only imagined before. In its ability to specifically celebrate life now and after life in a unique and innovative digital way, as never seen in the world before.
There is no subscription or ongoing payment, only a simple has a once-o payment model, to keep your memories forever! To celebrate the launch of the app this year, Absolute Mama readers can use this special code (ForkeepsAbsolute), to receive 1 Forever Album and up to 5 Timeless Messages.
Readers must download the app and register for free before the 30th June 2020
The ForKeeps App is available for free to download and on the Google Play and Apple Store with in-app purchase.
How
Take or select a photo to be used and upload it into our ForKeeps frame generator, position photo and then click save.
Once your photo has been saved, share it directly to Facebook or download the image and share it on instagram
To be eligible to win, please tag your photo when posting to either Facebook or Instagram with #LoveMoments
WE ARE STAYING
Emigration has planted into every aspect of our lives – from conversations over dinner to watching your friends start new lives overseas on social media. Have you considered leaving South Africa? We’ve weighed some pros and cons and spoken to other parents to hear their opinions.
BY NATASHA CLARK
Sometimes it seems like almost everyone is leaving. It’s quite rare to attend a braai or social event without the topic of emigration coming up. Discussions on who has left South Africa, who is trying to leave, how expensive it is or our country’s dwindling resources, not to mention news headlines we hastily click away from.
In a recent article by David Buckham, CEO of an independent specialist consulting firm focused on finance, treasury, risk and compliance, he summarized the following: “I am concerned that there is a strong, deeply embedded negativity that skews our perception of the realities in SA, creating a self-realising, neurotic condition that is far more damaging than the actual problems we face in this country. The concern of losing skilled people through emigration is only one example of this nature of hysteria.”
Let downs we have had, but we have also had an equal amount of reasons to celebrate. Our hearts burst with pride over our Rugby World Cup win, Cape Town was voted The Best City in the World, 7th year in a row and Zozibini Tunzi brought home the Miss Universe crown.
Over 1 million South Africans have joined the #ImStaying group on Facebook. It’s an open platform where locals share beautiful and heartwarming stories, showcasing their heritage, helping their community and create very uplifting and positive content about South Africa.
WHAT DO PARENTS SAY?
We spoke to Lexi Bird, owner of MaMère Confections – an entrepreneur, business woman and mother. She says, “One of the biggest reasons for us staying is that we won’t get the quality of life we have in SA for the income bracket we are in elsewhere in the world. We have access to the best beaches, winelands, mountains and adventure playgrounds right on our doorstep. Crime is a worry, but there will always be something to worry about in any
country you live in.” Lexi is based in Bergvliet, Cape Town and has two young children.
Angie Durrant, curator of the popular “Lucky Pony” blog adds: “Shane and I love South Africa. We love Johannesburg. It’s the place where our babies were born and a place they will always call home. We are going to stay because it’s where the people we love, live; where we’ve made nearly all our memories and have grown and found ourselves as individuals, its home.” She has two children and also property and business investments in SA.
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
With an estimated 23 000 – 30 000 people leaving South Africa every year, the UK, Australia and New Zealand seem to top the list to start anew. There is no denying that families living comfortably in South Africa will face a drop in lifestyle when emigrating,
unless you are backed by life savings, an inheritance or having won the lotto. According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in the UK is 61.32% higher than in SA and rent 86.43%. Whilst in Australasia it is an average of 70% and rent between 95-112% higher.
STAYING POSITIVE
As a parent, choosing to stay in a flawed country adds an even greater responsibility. We have to stay positive whilst encouraging our families and creating the best possible environment.
Some tips on keeping ourselves and our children happy and motivated and creating a positive environment: Communicate. Your kids need to know they can talk to you about anything and see you as a safe place to come for information and advice.
Show love and appreciation. Appreciation enhances self-esteem and motivates positive behaviour.
Place an ‘Appreciation Jar’ in your home for notes on positive happenings in our country, your life, your friends and family, school or work. This can make for a lovely tradition at Christmas or New Year’s to share all that was good of the past year.
Spend time together. Parents and kids should schedule family-time. Dinner is an excellent time to share and catch up on everyone’s activities. At the dinner table, make a ‘nonegativity’-rule – instead, each member of the family can say what they are grateful for, living in our country.
Get involved. Join community projects in your area, support causes that are important to your family. Once you get involved, you’ll feel more integrated with your fellow South Africans. Pay it forward.
Stop wasting time on negativity Scroll past negative posts on social media. Rather post motivating stories and good deeds with your friends, family and followers.
Kyalami Schools - An Independent, Not For Profit Group of Schools
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Eco Mom:
Second-hand & Upcycling
The clothing industry has done nothing but grow over the years. With the influence of social media, the pressure to keep up with the latest trends and the instant gratification of online shopping, it can be difficult to not give in to consumerism. However, with new clothing ranges hitting the shelves daily comes expensive prices, sweatshop labour and having thousands of people own an identical item.
BY MARIZA HALLIDAY
In recent years, the thrifting phenomenon has taken the world by storm. Charity stores and second-hand shopping sites have been around for decades, yet second-hand shopping has only exploded in popularity over the last few years. Wearing secondhand clothes used to be a sign of poverty, something to be ashamed of. But now thrifting is actually...cool.
We take a look at why thrifting is good for your wallet as well as the planet. Hopefully at least a few of these benefits will encourage you to forego your trip to a big retail store and check out a second-hand shop instead…
GUESS WHAT? THRIFTING IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!
You are dramatically lowering your carbon footprint by selecting second-
hand items over newly produced products. The second-hand clothing industry’s environmental benefits range from fewer carbon emissions to saving water and reducing waste. Giving a used item new life rescues it from ending up in the landfills as well
comes with the purchase of a new garment. It is a gift that keeps giving.
DISCOVER DESIGNER ITEMS AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE
In the mood for a treasure hunt? Spend some time digging through the
Co-ed Pre-Primary , Girls Primary and High School.
SECOND-HAND WILL BE LARGER THAN FAST FASHION WITHIN 10 YEARS
Millennials and boomers do the most second-hand shopping, but Gen Z’ers (18-24) are the fastest-adopting group. More than 1-in-3 Gen Z’ers bought second-hand clothing in 2019. Overall, 64 percent of women say they’re willing to buy used apparel, shoes, and accessories, compared to 45 percent in 2016. Second-hand is projected to grow to nearly 1.5 x the size of Fast Fashion by 2028 according to the Thred Up 2019 Resale Report.
shelves and you might be surprised by the quality brands you can purchase at a significant discount. There are few feelings as rewarding as finding an amazing designer item for a fraction of its original cost. Secondhand items are often actually better quality than new ones, proving its durability by lasting long enough to be donated. The longer it lasts, the longer it stays out of the landfill. You might even find a true vintage item with a much greater value than its price tag.
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN GOOD SPENDING HABITS
Taking your children to a thrift store is a good way to teach them how to find good products while saving money. It also teaches them great values by allowing them to donate their unwanted clothing items, while not giving in to the pressure of consumerism.
BE UNIQUE
Purchasing the latest trends from your local fashion retailers means looking the same as everyone else. Finding inspiration from the in-store mannequin can become a bit dull. Thrifting allows you to unleash your creativity and create styles that are unique to you. Put together looks that speak to your personality and makes you stand out from the crowd.
HOW ABOUT A LITTLE DIY?
You will find countless ideas online –from transforming tired clothing into fashionable braided headbands, creating macramé hangers from an old t-shirt, or recovering a dull-looking chair. You can find the basic materials
for your DIY projects at a local charity store or second-hand shop online. Get your kids involved and give them the chance to express their creativity constructively! This will also make for excellent bonding time – and a lesson that one man’s trash is another’s treasure for sure.
CHARITY ALWAYS FEELS GOOD
Many thrift stores are non-profits that partner with local charities, and when you support them, part of what you spend goes to a good cause.
Let’s get serious about recycling our clothes to decrease the demand for production and encourage sustainable living.
The Suzuki Like2Bike Kids events is an exciting MTB and Duathlon series for kids of all ages getting them outdoors and building confidence both on and off the bike. Mom/Dad can participate for FREE when you enter your child in the 2km, 5km or 10km MTB FUN RIDES, or Power, Mid or LITE Duathlon categories. The 25km MTB FUN RIDE carries a R50 trail use fee for the adult participating. We also offer 15km and 25km* MTB RACE categories where the kids will go it alone on the incredible trails in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. Our NEW XCO series will launch on 19 April 2020 and the exciting Kids Stage Race will be back this year!
HOW DO YOU WIN?
The more Suzuki Like2Bike Kids Events you do in 2020, the more entries you get into the final draw for the incredible opportunity to win a MIA SPORT TWO by Momsen or a JUNIOR SPORT LIGHT JSL 60. Join us for a FUN morning out creating memories, overcoming challenges and opening up a world of sport to all ages, fitness levels and abilities!
For more info on our exciting events go to: www.like2bike.co.za
The Big Brain Workout
Every brain changes with age, as do mental function. We look at how lifestyle and nutrition can minimise the effects of ageing.
BY HELEN CLEMSON
Did you know that the brain is a muscle and you can train it to assist you to create the life you desire?
Helen Hansen, a kinesiologist who specialises in holistic psychology, talks about exercising the brain to adopt constructive thought patterns. “Statements such as ‘I always forget these days’ or ‘Ever since the birth of my child, I can’t think straight anymore’, will help to accelerate ageing,” she says. “Be mindful of making positive, solution-based statements that will programme your brain to create the experiences you want. This may take some time but with practice, you will see the benefits.”
Diet is also a contributor to a long and healthy life. “Our brain is a machine. We are careful to put the correct fuel into our car so it makes sense that we have the same consideration for our brain and our body,” says Hansen. “Look at the nutrients you choose as currency for
your brain. When you choose the high-converting currency you will empower your brain with balance, clarity of thought, improved processing abilities and the skill to respond rationally. The quality of your brain affects your emotional state and your physiological state. Invest wisely.”
SELECT SMART WHOLE FOODS
Where to start? Go for a variety of nourishing foods that include whole foods (those closest to their original form) such as fresh fruit and vegetables, and non-wheat whole grains. In particular, opt for almonds, avos, kale and sustainable fish options. Avoid eating processed food, refined flours and sugars regularly as these can contribute to depression, anxiety, insomnia and gut issues. Hansen’s advice is to check labels for chemical ingredients such as GMO, aspartame, corn syrup and sodium benzoate which trigger hyperactivity, anxiety and irritability.
Nutrigenomics and dietetics
specialist Dr Christa North of Geneway, agrees that diet affects cognitive function. How a healthy diet influences midlife cognitive functions are mediated by dietary components with antioxidant (e.g. fruits, vegetables) and anti-inflammatory (e.g. omega-3, polyphenols) properties. “A healthy diet also decreases the risks for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all of which have been associated with cognitive decline and dementia,” she says.
Also be supplement smart: EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) are abundant in fish oil and imperative for healthy brain function and development. Popping a daily capsule of this brain booster means those with cognitive decline and even mild depression may see an improvement in their symptoms.
GET YOUR GENES TESTED
Dr North has another perspective. “Genetics, environment and lifestyle
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literally shape the brain. Ideally, you should have your genes tested but diet quality is more important and can ‘override’ dysfunctional genes to a great extent.”
If you wish to know more about the makeup of your body, results from gene tests can be very specific as to which nutrients you do and don’t need to overcome genetic deficiencies. “For example, the APOE gene – well known for its link to Alzheimer’s disease – is very sensitive to saturated fats and alcohol and highly responsive to exercise. If you carry that gene mutation, you know exercise must form part of your routine and the Banting diet is not for you,” says Dr North.
STAY HYDRATED
In addition, B6, B12 and B9 (Folate) vitamins are required to make brain chemicals. Gene tests can determine the function of the genes required to convert B vitamins into the active forms necessary to make the brain chemicals. If you’re faced with having to reduce your alcohol or coffee
intake, or both, and can’t decide which to cut, Dr North quotes a 2018 study that suggests that in addition to boosting alertness, caffeine may increase the brain’s capacity for processing information.
When it comes to liquid intake, drinking plenty of water for your body size, climate and environment is also vital. “Heat, air-conditioning and heaters dehydrate the body,” says Hansen. “The brain uses more than
70% of the water we consume. When one feels tired, anxious or has brain fog, reach for a glass of purified water before taking in food or other beverages.”
Anybody even vaguely healthconscious, would have heard a lot of this umpteen times before, but do we heed the advice? It’s clear that the sooner, the better for mind-body health.
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Editor at Wellness Magazine
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SWITCHING OFF TO SWITCH ON A digital Detox
It’s tempting to think that the only people who need to unplug are those completely addicted to technology. Everyone can benefit from reducing screen time. Various studies have shown that overusing technology is bad for your sleep, your relationships, your productivity and your self-esteem.
By Mariza Halliday
Being too dependent on technology and being constantly connected makes it more difficult to live your life on your own terms. Taking the time to unplug can have tremendous health benefits on your body and mind. A Digital Detox is when you reduce or stop the use of tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets and visiting social media sites.
YOU NEED A DIGITAL DETOX IF:
1. You have difficulty sleeping
2. Your work efficiency is suffering
3. You constantly check your notifications or your phone throughout the day –even when it is not necessary
4. You feel anxious or stressed out if you can’t find your phone
5. You suffer from eye-strains and headaches
6. You make careless mistakes because you are always distracted
7. You’re sedentary for long periods of time
8. Your personal relationships are suffering due to the time you spend using technology
9. You feel depressed, anxious or angry after spending time on social media
BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL DETOX
• Better sleep
• Improves mental health
• Relaxes your eyes
• Improves relationships
• Gives you more time to focus on yourself
HOW TO DO A DIGITAL DETOX
Nobody is saying you need to go live completely off the grid and banish all
forms of technology. Start by identifying two important variables:
• How much time you spend online (most phones can track this)
• What you want to do instead Based on this data, decide how you want to proceed. If you want to go without any screens at all, do so realistically. If you have a job that requires computer screens or cell phone access, your boss might not appreciate your digital detox. It is better and more sustainable to start small.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR A REALISTIC DIGITAL DETOX:
Ban your most-used app for a week. Completely turn off notifications for that app and inform friends they can call or text you if they want to reach you. Better yet, uninstall it from your smartphone.
Turn off your notifications during work hours or when you are with friends. Set designated times where you allow yourself to check your messages, like once every other hour.
Make the bedroom a no-tech zone. Blue light tricks our brains into
phone in bed also reduces intimacy between you and your partner, and hurts your relationship.
Unsubscribe from email newsletters that clutter your inbox. You don’t need them!
Spring clean your social media accounts. Facebook and Instagram help us to connect with family and friends all around the world. We do not need studies to point out that the more time we spend on social media,
we only see a heavily curated version of friends’ and celebrities’ lives, it really is not surprising. Comparison is inevitable which can be toxic for self-esteem. Block, mute, unfollow, or delete ruthlessly until you’ve created a list of connections who add value to your life, make you laugh and fill you with happiness.
Follow this simple guide, take a deep breath and notice all the beauty around you that you miss when your eyes are glued to a screen. Live in the moment, be present and be happy.
Food for Fertility
Can you really eat your way to a positive pregnancy test? Good nutrition can certainly get your body – and hormones – perfectly primed to conceive easy the experts. Here’s how..
BY HELEN CLEMSON
“Motherhood isn’t a practice. It’s a daily learning experience.”
This quote, posted on Instagram account @peanut – a social media space dedicated to connecting women across the fertility and motherhood journey, exemplifies the trials of conception and parenting. CEO and co-founder of the Peanut app Michelle Kennedy explains that her mission was to recognise a pain point that millions of women encounter and find a solution. As she so rightly unpacks on her website, motherhood can be challenging. But for so many women, the first – and seemingly unsurmountable challenge – is just to get pregnant. As far back as 2004, a global study was published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), reporting that 186 million women of
reproductive age (in 2002) were infertile. Fast forward 16 years and it’s believed that over 6.5 million births are made possible via in vitro fertilisation (IVF). But what if a natural conception still feels right for you? Look to your food for guidance. The first step is understanding that in
9 FOODS TO BOOST FERTILITY
• Spinach
• Blueberries
• Asparagus
• Eggs
• Quinoa
• Wild Salmon
• Dark Chocolate
• Oysters
• Legumes & Pulses
terms of holistic wellness, you really are what you eat. “It’s important to note that entire body functioning depends largely on what we eat, and with foods we’re eating, we’re either nourishing our body’s fertility or exasperating its infertility,” explains Elenia Kolokotronis, a clinical nutritionist, who specialises in nutritional fertility.
THE PREGNANCY PLAN
When broodiness turns to an urgent desperation to have a child, the need to fall pregnant may seem overwhelming. Dr Maurits Kruger, homeopath and iridologist at Health Renewal suggests straight-forward adjustments to your eating plan that could reap the largest of life’s rewards. “The dietary no-no with the biggest negative impact on fertility is sugar and refined carbohydrates,” he cautions. Simply put: A diet that contains too much of these will lead to high blood sugar and insulin levels, he adds. “High insulin levels have a very negative impact on ovulation and may cause abnormal ovulation and
cysts on the ovaries, leading to infertility.” Dr. Kruger reports that you should shun sugar - in any form – and that means sweets, chocolates, soft drinks and “low-fat” foods. Also be cautious of carbohydrates like rice, potatoes, bread, cakes, cookies, maize and any product containing refined carbohydrates. Fried foods, junk food, and foods high in trans fats will also raise insulin and disrupt hormone balance. This may cause problems with ovulation, so cut these out too. How should you be nourishing you? Balanced nutrition, rich in fresh vegetables, lean protein and omega-3 fats will promote hormone balance and fertility. “The Mediterranean diet is a very good example of a healthy diet for fertility and pregnancy,” he says.
WONDER WORKOUT
In the run-up to two blue lines appearing on that magic stick, exercise for sheer enjoyment, rather than with a punishing regime in mind. Kolokotronis’ best workout advice for women really focusing on falling
pregnant – apart from staying hydrated with good quality water – is being active but not obsessively so. Too much exercise is “more detrimental to fertility health for some cases,” she explains and suggests that you rather keep fit by means of swimming, walking, dancing or any movement that you find enjoyable. And only a few minutes a day is all you need to start the way forward in sound health and fitness, she says. Now might be a good time to start practicing yoga. According to yogajournal.com certain abdominal poses help energise your belly and womb, rebuilding broken connections to this area. They will also move out any lingering numbness and debris, including physical debris (think badly digested food that leads to constipation as well as old menstrual blood) and emotional gunk (like sexual trauma, anger, betrayal, or resentment). The site recommends Frog Lifting Through, an especially good pose for conceiving as it opens up the pelvis and inner legs while activating your abdominals.
THE POWER OF Ginger
From luxury to necessity, ginger has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. It can also radically change your health – and adding it to your eating plan is easier than you think!
BY HELEN CLEMSON
Ginger has a longer trading history than most other spices, reaching Rome first in the hands of merchants. The flowering plant, which belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom, is a creeping perennial with thick, tuberous underground stems. It can
reach one metre in height.
If you lived in the 14th century and were into making sweet treats with ginger that were considered a delicacy at the time, the cost would have set you back the same as a live farm animal (think sheep or cattle).
Europe began importing ginger from the East Indies in the 16th century. The plant is grown commercially in tropical
countries with Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia being top producers. Jamaican ginger is paler and rated best for culinary use. The crop is also cultivated annually in South Africa.
GINGER 101
From a health perspective, ginger is known to warm your innards, help digestion, and sometimes treat
flatulence and colic. Fresh ginger provides the best taste but you can also buy it powdered, dried, preserved (when fresh young roots are peeled, sliced and cooked in sugar syrup), crystallised (also cooked in sugar syrup, then air-dried and rolled in sugar), and thinly sliced and pickled in vinegar. Sushi lovers will know it as an accompaniment intended to refresh the palate. In Japan this type of ginger is known as gari.
PATHWAYS TO HEALTH
Medicinally, ginger can work as an anti-inflammatory and help stimulate circulation, explains Hannah Kaye, a lifestyle consultant who specialises in nutritional therapy. “It’s a strong antioxidant and also has anti-microbial properties,” she goes on to say. With ginger’s long tradition of alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, it’s no wonders it’s also been a popular remedy in pregnancy for its ability to help alleviate morning sickness. “There has been some animal research to show a benefit in colorectal and ovarian cancer,” says Kaye. “Another animal study has shown that ginger can decrease the damage caused by radiation therapy which means it may also be beneficial for patients undergoing this treatment.”
IT’S IN THE GENES
Ginger is gaining traction in the application of genetic health, reports dietician Ashleigh Caradas. “The growing field of nutrigenomics helps professionals design diets based on a person’s genetic blueprint and how that interacts with environmental factor, including diet,” she explains. “Ginger itself helps to improve the functioning of various enzymatic pathways that might be genetically
compromised and has applications spanning from anti-cancer properties, to weight management and detoxification.” Now that’s extremely good news, particularly if dread diseases could be in your DNA.
EAT (AND DRINK) UP
We don’t suggest you dive straight in and chew down on ginger root. Neither does Caradas. “It’s probably a bit harsh to just bite into a piece,” she says and adds that a great way to start including it, is by way of adding it to fresh juices. Her go-to is one made with beetroot, lemon and ginger. When you’re ready to include more to your nutritional plan, Kaye has this advice: “Fresh ginger is higher in active compounds that the dried version, so it’s better to use.” She suggests approximately 1 tablespoon of grated ginger a couple times per day added to hot water and also added to food. It all depends on you as a person, she explains. “Some people can handle that amount but for others it will be too much and may cause stomach distress,” she unpacks. “It should also not be taken in large amounts by people on anticoagulants.”
Stops headaches
Weight loss
Reduces the risk of a stroke
Relieves inflammation
HEALTH BENEIFITS OF ROOT GINGER
Natural aphrodisiac
Protection against colds
Relieves fatigue
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AT HOME Exercising
Do you want to get fit without having to sign up to a health club or without leaving your house? Is this even possible? With the right determination and tools…totally!
By Taryn Dekel
You have several schedules to juggle and trying to fit in a daily work-out, can seem like just another headache. Exercising at home can seem impossible and challenging, but if you have a set plan from the word ‘go’, you can pave your way to success and reap the health and fitness benefits.
Even if you do have a gym membership that you use periodically for activities like swimming and weigh-ins, the trick to getting fit and staying fit is by constantly doing something every day. We’ve put together a handy guide to get you started with exercising at home.
WARM-UP
COOL FLEX
Before you push off with a fast-paced run, do some stretches and go for a brisk walk. Alternatively, you could use a treadmill or start slow on an exercise bike if you have one. The idea is just to get the blood pumping.
ADD AN AEROBIC WORKOUT
Up the ante a little bit by increasing the speed of your warm-up or shift to something different such as step aerobics on DVD or try your hand at a
skipping rope. Without an aerobic workout, you won’t burn the calories you need, and the work out will be for nothing. You need to find ways to push your endurance and strength training to reap the benefits of a work-out.
DON’T FORGET RESISTANCE TRAINING
Take your resistance training to the next level by adding a resistance band around your legs and arms as you exercise. Keep it simple with squats, push-ups and crunches. As your fitness level increases you can add weights to this portion of your exercise routine.
Increase your flexibility by adding floor stretches and yoga poses to your work-out. There are various free online sources available, or you could check out a book at your local library to get you started. Increasing your flexibility will improve your recovery time after each work-out and take your fitness levels to new heights. Remember it’s not all about heart rate.
COOLDOWN
Your cool-down phase should be like your warm-up. Something slow-paced to bring down your heart rate to a resting state.
TOP TIPS
• Choose an appealing location. If it’s not welcoming and spacious you won’t want to exercise.
• Purchase the necessary equipment to assist you such as an exercise mat, resistance bands and dumbbells.
• Find a time that suits you best and add it to your schedule.
• Look ahead and plan your workouts, if obligations clash, reschedule your workouts ahead of time to set yourself up for success.
• Have fun and enjoy the benefits of keeping fit!
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Add stir-fried chicken or beef strips for a complete meal, or a handful of pumpkin seeds as a plant-based protein option. If you can’t find chickpea pasta, you can use rice pasta instead.
mindful eating
Delicious, nutritious and deceptively simple recipes to guide you on your path of leading a healthy lifestyle through good eating.
Exotic tomato and chickpea pasta salad
Ingredients
250 g chickpea pasta
150 g baby spinach
600 g small exotic or multi-coloured tomatoes, halved
8 red salad onions/scallions, chopped (leaves included)
120 g sundried tomatoes, chopped handful chopped fresh parsley
30 g wild rocket
50 g diced or flaked almonds fresh micro herbs for garnishing
Dressing
1 heaped tsp crushed garlic
2 tsp Oryx desert salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
5 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp raw honey
3 Tbsp sesame seeds
Method
1. Cook the pasta as per the packet instructions. Drain and allow to cool.
2. Place the baby spinach in a large mixing bowl and pour hot water over it. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to wilt, then drain well, chop and return to the bowl.
3. Add the tomatoes, onions, sundried tomatoes, parsley and rocket to the spinach.
4. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, mixing well until the honey dissolves and then pour over the salad. Add the pasta and almonds and mix well.
5. Garnish with micro herbs and refrigerate until needed. This is best served after 2 days.
Serves 6-8
MINDFUL EATING BY IZELLE HOFFMAN
In Mindful Eating, Izelle encourages you to rethink what you put in your body in a fun and healthy way. She demonstrates, that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that your diet needs to be boring and restricted, especially where vegetables are concerned.
Mindful Eating by Izelle Hoffman is published by Struik Lifestyle, an imprint of Penguin Random House and is available at bookstores nationwide at the recommended price of R350
Ingredients
4 large Portobello mushrooms 4 tsp olive oil
150 g shaved extra-lean moist biltong
120 g sundried tomatoes, chopped
1 heaped Tbsp almond flour
pinch of Oryx desert salt
½ tsp crushed garlic
1 heaped tsp sesame seeds
1 small red onion, chopped
¼ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp soy sauce
chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnishing
Grilled Portobello’s with biltong and sundried tomatoes
method
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C and line the tray with baking sheet.
2. Place the mushrooms stem-side up on the tray and drizzle each with 1 tsp olive oil.
3. Top with biltong and then sundried tomatoes.
4. Using your fingertips, mix the almond flour, salt, garlic and sesame seeds to a large crumb-like texture.
Replace the biltong with 1 Tbsp cooked red quinoa per mushroom for a vegetarian option #winningatlife #Charlotte
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
2 heaped Tbsp sesame seeds
1 heaped tsp crushed garlic
½ tsp fine Oryx desert salt
2 heaped tsp onion flakes
1 heaped tsp dried parsley
4 large eggs
4 large chicken fillets
3 Tbsp raw honey
4 tsp olive oil
pinch of paprika
handful of chopped fresh Italian parsley
One of Dad’s favourites –just the healthy way
Healthy almond flour chicken schnitzel
A family favourite, with a healthy ‘Izelle-approved’ twist!
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C and line the tray with foil.
2. Combine the almond flour, sesame seeds, garlic, salt, onion flakes and dried parsley in a shallow bowl.
3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Place the chicken fillets on a flat surface and pat dry with paper towel. Place a sheet of cling film on top and gently tenderise the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin.
5. Seal both sides of the fillets with the honey.
6. Start by rolling the chicken fillets in the flour mixture so that it sticks to the honey, then dip them in the egg and roll in the flour again. Place on the prepared baking tray.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the paprika, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
8. Serve warm, garnished with the chopped fresh Italian parsley.
4 Servings
For a vegetarian option, cut a whole cauliflower into steaks and use the cauliflower steaks instead of chicken fillets.
Ingredients
2 x 410 g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 Tbsp raw honey
100 g almond butter
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp caramel essence
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
90 g almond flour
100 g pitted dates, chopped
1 tsp Oryx desert salt
2 jumbo eggs
Sauce
200 g almond butter
6 Tbsp raw honey
2 tsp caramel essence
1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp Oryx desert salt
50 g pitted dates, chopped
Topping handful of flaked almonds
2 pitted dates, chopped
1/2 tsp almond flour
Caramel date pudding
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C on thermo-fan and line a 20 x 30 cm oven-proof dish with baking sheet.
2. Place the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the eggs, and process on high for 3–5 minutes, scraping down the sides, until the mixture is smooth and well blended. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can pulp the chickpeas with a blender, add the rest of the ingredients and beat with an electric beater for 2 minutes on high speed.)
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until light and fluffy, then add to the chickpea mixture and beat for another 30 seconds to mix well.
4. Scoop the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes.
5. To make the sauce, spray a small saucepan with non-stick cooking spray. Add all the ingredients and cook over medium heat until the almond butter starts to melt. The sauce will get a glazed look and have a slightly toasted nutty/caramel flavour.
6. After 20 minutes, remove the pudding from the oven and pour over the sauce. Top with the flaked almonds and chopped dates and dust with the almond flour. Bake for another 10 minutes. Serve warm.
6-8 Servings
For a festive twist, add 100 g cranberries to the mix – be on the lookout for ones sweetened with pineapple juice
PASTEURISED TO PROTECT, NATURALLY
Bust a slow day with a healthy protein pick-me-up. Nulaid Safe Eggs are pasteurised to protect themselves – and you – against bacteria. This added natural barrier helps them stand up to baddies, making them a safer, healthier choice – and it extends their shelf-life, too. Look out for us in the egg aisle. Naturally.
foliage fanatic
Succulents, fiddle leaf figs, the elusive variegated monster, ask any proud plant parent about their collection and they will reply with such enthusiasm that you’d think they were talking about actual children.
Besides being aesthetically pleasing and assisting us in finding balance in our ever increasing stressful lives, houseplants also come with a long list of health benefits. Some of these benefits include purifying the air,
creating a calming environment and in doing so promoting healing, and can even help in lowering your blood pressure.
Herewith our tips on becoming the best plant parent and creating an oasis for you and your family.
The Perfect Environment
Deciding on which greenery or how many to add can be quite overwhelming, with endless options it’s best to start off by considering the conditions your space provides. Lighting. Many plants require bright light without direct sunlight, south, west or east facing rooms are best. However, if your room is north facing and you want to grow succulents, you’re likely to have problems. Succulents and cacti need continuous, daily sunlight. Temperature. During spring and summer room temperatures are ideal for most plants. Problems arise in the colder months when
“ Keeping plants around the home or office allows people to bring nature to their immediate surroundings when it can be hard to find time to get away from the day-to-day hustle and escape to the outdoors,” says Lily Ewing, anxiety and relationship therapist and plant enthusiast.
temperatures suddenly drop. Most plants will survive the winter months, but some species can react badly and die.
Pets and children. Another important factor to think about is where to place plants when toddlers are running around. You also need to be aware some plants are toxic to the skin and can cause irritation when handled and damaged. Pets, especially cats love chewing on house plants. Some plants are mildly toxic while others can make your pet seriously sick.
Watering 101
Water in the morning. Watering
at night could encourage dampness. Water less in winter. During the colder months there is less transpiration and plants don’t enjoy being over-watered. Less is more. Most of the time we are concerned about not watering enough, when in fact we water far too much! Plants don’t want to have “wet feet,” a friendly term for when their roots are absolutely saturated from sitting in a puddle for days. Unless noted otherwise, most houseplants would prefer being slightly dry than soaking. Water less in winter. Tepid water is better absorbed.
Propagating is the new black!
When it comes to propagating, there are many methods to pick from, ie. leaf blade cutting, side shoot cutting or leaf vein cuttings to name but a few. Stem cutting is a really simple way and you can
propagate your little one either in water or soil. Cut the stem off a few cm under a node and remove any bottom leaves. Pop the cutting into a glass of water and voila! Soon your little guy will grow new roots, transplant it into a pot with potting soil. Whatever method you choose,
multiplying your houseplants will yield satisfying results.
Giving away or swapping plant babies can be a rewarding and fulfilling craft. Besides that, you can pat yourself on the back for practicing environmentalism and saving money.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
It is really easy to add indoor plants
to your home. Pop down to your local nursery or visit one of the online stores like atriumplants.co.za, who will
9 Gorgeous Indoor Plants that are almost impossible to kill
Green fingers or not, these babies are tough enough to withstand almost any neglect from their owners. Just try to remember to tend to its low-maintenance needs and you should be good to go:
1. Snake Plant
2. Dumb Cane
3. Yucca
4. Pothos
5. Spider Plant
6. Ponytail Palm
7. Rubber Plant
8. Dragon Plant
9. Bamboo Palm
deliver to your doorstep. Join a local plant swop or become a ‘plantfluencer’ and offer inspiration, tips and tricks!
It’s All About the Pot
Counting down our favourite planters to take your plants to the next level
1. Sixy modular wall hanging, Plantr R949
2. Large tripod planter, SHF R1090
3. Poitjie pot plant holder, KNUS R499
4. Ombre bowl planter, Weylandts R895
5. Tall column pot plant stand, KNUS R1090
6. Swazi basket, Atrium Plants from R119
7. Brass hanging planter pot, Weylandts R525
Endless Horizons Road Tripping in a Country of
Ochre dunes whipped into shape by multidirectional winds, towering towards clear blue skies, 900 year old skeletal trees and in the rainy season, just before the sun goes down, majestic clouds and a beautiful light paint the sky…This is unspoilt Namibia, a country where the desert, mountains and wilderness meet.
By Reta Robberts
Regarded as one of the top three destinations for stargazing in the world, Namibia’s barrenness and minimal light pollution allows you to see all the stars you could wish for. In the local Nama language, Namib means ‘A vast place of nothingness’, but the Nama were wrong. The Namib is a living desert
THE PREP
You will need:
• A passport and a valid driver’s license
• The registration documents for the vehicle you are traveling in
• At least one spare tyre, two is advisable
• Emergency equipment and a ZA sticker on the back of your vehicle
• A very popular way of discovering Namibia is in a 4x4 vehicle, equipped with a roof-tent and everything you may need. Various rental options available
• Apply for a Gondwana card to enjoy lower rates on accommodation
NAMIBIA
Vioolsdrif border post is your port of entry, open 24 hours a day. Follow the B1 highway with towering red signatures and you are well on your way into Namibia. The Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is well known for the Fish River Canyon, a good choice if you do not want to travel far to experience the spectacular variety of landscapes and wildlife. Choose from self-catering chalets, camping, safari-tents and then moving on to the more luxurious lodges and spa’s like Sossusvlei (located in the direction of Swakopmund) with its’ world renowned Dune 45.
If your trip is focused on the most southern parts, pop into Grunäu, a small settlement in the IIKaras Region.
The Grunäu Country Hotel offers a comfortable bed, friendly staff and a delicious meal to the weary traveler. For the nature lovers, camping is available at N$100 per person as well as tents, mattresses and bedding in the winter seasons at N$150 per person (May-Aug). Relax next to a fire on a perfect night, or a sundowner cruise or opt for a game drive, definitely advisable in this beautiful country.
Travel towards Ais-Ais where you can take a short walk in the Canyon, or, if the weather is cooler, enjoy a dip in the hot springs. A good idea is to either opt for sundowners at the main lookout, or even better, a flask of coffee early morning will give you an opportunity to take breathtaking photos at sunrise.
For something different, towards Keetmanshoop you will find the Quiver Tree Forest and nearby Giant’s Playground, where huge boulders form a strange pattern like massive Lego blocks.
Then onto Luderitz. On your way there, visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the Namib, a well-chosen stopping point and any photographer’s dream. Guided tours available daily informing you about the history of this partially, sand-buried town and all of its interesting buildings.
At the Garub drinking hole you will find the world-renowned wild horses, that have been surviving in the desert
for more than a century. Klein Aus Vista, is a favourite and you may choose from various accommodationtypes, but we encourage you to stay over at Eagle’s Nest chalets, built next
vast expanse of sand (or nothingness?).
FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS
Namibia is any adventure seeker’s paradise - offering hiking, cave-diving, 4 x 4 adventures, and so much more. Feel like Aladdin? Then take to the skies in a hot air balloon, announcing its ascent into the purple blue yonder with bursts of flames. At Noordoewer, you can do canoeing on the Orange River and overnight on the banks in the Richtersveld. There are various options to choose from: A day-, weekend- or 4 day excursion. You
cannot utter the word ‘Namibia’ and not mention the Strudel. Make sure to visit at least one German restaurant for these fluffy delicacies. Book a scenic flight by plane (in advance) over the canyon, following the Fish River until it meets the Orange. With the endless travel and exploring options, Namibia is and will stay a holiday destination which gives you value for money. Whether you want to experience the culture, go on a photo-safari or a chance to meet the Big Five from closer, you are in for a lifetime of adventure and unspeakable nature!
Crystal Clear Waters, Sandy White Beaches
Colourful and calming shores cradling azure waters, isles of whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets combined with a cultural discovery filled with monuments and legendary mythology topped with cheese, olive oil, sun, sand and mythical legends. Welcome to Greece!
By Reta Robberts
Enjoy a constant journey through time in a country of beautiful contradictions, vibrant streets, fascinating islands with sun-kissed beaches and breathtaking nature. This is a landscape that has given us thousands of colourful postcards where imagery turns into reality.
Rooftop restaurants in Athens with uninterrupted views of the Acropolis and bustling tavernas, shop owners sitting outside sipping coffee and playing chess, just wiling away time in urban eccentrics in a slow, lazy way of life.
PLANNING AND PREPARING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY
If planned well, the perfect summer holiday in this Mediterranean paradise is a good choice. Before getting excited about breathtaking coastlines, pristine architecture and historic monuments, make sure everyone has a valid passport, Schengen Visa and Euro’s. From April to October the time difference is only an hour and the
best time to visit is between Easter and mid-June.
Speak to your doctor regarding any medical requirements for entry into the country. Deciding to visit the Greek Isles is just the first step, you need to decide which island or how many. If you are planning a family holiday, Paros, part of the Cycladic Islands group would be a good choice.
It is a great idea to incorporate 2 or more islands into your itinerary and island hop by ferry. Facilities aboard include a coffee lounge, children’s playroom, gift shop, Wi-Fi and more. There are quite a few affordable hotels to choose from, ranging between R650 and R800 per night. The months of May, June and September are more ideal, as the island is relatively quiet,
Beautiful Naousa village, Paros island, Cyclades
accommodation is cheaper and easier to find.
EXPLORE GREECE WITH THE FAMILY
Flying to Athens? Spend at least a day or two in this beautiful city to soak in unique sights such as the worldfamous Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and Agora, and follow the footsteps of Socrates and Plato in the capital of Greece. Taking a ferry from the port of Piraeus to Paros will last just over 4 hours, and will cost you around R500 for a family of 4. Or fly
to the new airport in Paros. Golden Beach, rightly named for the colour of the sand offers various sports like surfing, kayaking and canoeing, kite-boarding...too many to mention. Visit Paros Park, a protected area with walking trails, different rock
ISLAND HOPPING
The islands of Naxos, Mykonos, Portes Island, Tigani Island and Drionisi are in close proximity and well worth the visit!
formations, caves and also a free open-air cinema! By taking a local ferry from the harbour you will travel only a nautical mile to find the historical centre located in the Venetian castle of Antiparos, Paros’ sister island. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart frequently from Parikia or Pounta.
SANTORINI. Taking a ferry to Santorini for a 2-day trip will take just over two hours. For the adventurous, you can hire quad bikes or motorcycles from a local provider to make it to the black or white beach in the South, then the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Sample delightful Greek cuisine and local wines at
outdoor cafes. Visit the small beaches at Kolymbithres, trapped between big rocks you will find sun beds and clear water, ideal for families with children. At Santa Maria shallow waters are ideal for children to swim and there are also a few beach bars and restaurants. Main towns to stay in, should you decide to stay over, are Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi, Drios and Lefkes.
FEAST LIKE A GREEK IN A TAVERNA
Sample different traditional delicacies by eating Meze-style and top it off with Ouzo, best known for its compatibility with strong-flavoured seafood such as octopus or marinated anchovies. Frappe, a delicious iced coffee drink makes the hot summer days comfortable.
In Athens, savour the best local
souvlaki, a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables, grilled on a skewer, or try Dolmadakia - tiny dolmades - grape leaves stuffed with either ground lamb or beef (sometimes both) and rice and Keftethes, served with pita bread or Basmati rice. Moussaka, a legendary traditional dish, is an absolute must and served in almost all tavernas in Greece. Vegetarian options are widely available.
PLACES TO SEE & TIPS FOR PAROS
•Visit “Butterfly Park”, a mere 15 minutes from Parikia port to experience the majestic butterflies. During the summer months, they cover all the leaves of the trees. Open during June to September from 9am to 8pm daily
• Lefkes is probably the most famous mountainous village on the island
• Leave your car, your watch and your stress behind, and follow one of many walking trails on Paros Island that leads to Prodromas, a village which has kept the traditions passed on for centuries
• Ferryhopper is the best online platform to buy ferry tickets
• Getting around the island is best by rented car, otherwise use the bus
• Snacking on the foods outside of the hotel is perfectly safe - try the Yiro & Souvlaki bars - easy to find and cheap
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I love my kids dearly, but man, that was a long holiday! It started off fine enough; everyone was enjoying the downtime, no rushing around in the mornings packing lunchboxes and forgetting blazers or homework books.
No scrambling for Bakerman coins or making them swear on pain-ofdeath to come back with change for your last one hundred rand note or having to surreptitiously ‘borrow’ the money from their Piggy banks.
No screams of ‘Hurry up and brush your teeth! We’re going to be late...again.’ No ties or shoes covered in toothpaste. No, ‘I need to go to the toilet,’ just as you are about to jump in the car and join the rat-race. None of it. Zip. Niks. Nada. It was good, almost too good.
I was happy because I wouldn’t have to venture out into traffic to drop them off at their respective schools. They were pleased because they wouldn’t have to listen to my music while trapped in the car or listen to me moan about people cutting-in or not indicating, and my wife was happy because she didn’t have to go to work or make another peanut butter sandwich for at least three weeks. Bliss.
Excursions were had, movies were seen (although the sheer cost of that little outing made me check my sanity and my wallet, leaving me with the grimy feeling that I had just been robbed) and all the parks the city had on offer were played in. Beaches were combed, friends were visited, and a few late birthday soirees were attended. Which brings me to a point about birthday gifts. How much can you possibly charge for a handful of plastic bricks that can make a spaceship for about twenty seconds
before being magically broken apart and sucked into the vortex of all the other plastic blocks they have? But I digress.
School was still fresh enough in their collective memory that their manners were more or less intact. Indoor voices were the order of the day, and brotherly love reigned supreme. Plus, we still had Christmas to look forward to, and that’s one of the most exceptional child motivators an adult can have in their arsenal.
But the closer we got to that day it all started wearing a bit thin, and like the meme narrated by Morgan
I love my kids dearly, but man,that was a long holiday!
Freeman says, “ It didn’t matter how the children behaved - they would get their presents. She knew it, they knew it, even Santa and Baby Jesus knew it.”
This year we tried a different tack when it came to gifts. We chose things we hoped would last and entertain them longer than until the first week of the new year. Books, board games, lots of paper for drawing and making comics, and all manner of pens and crayons to do it with; sure there was the odd superhero figurine, but way less than usual and no one seemed to mind that the entire Avengers force had not assembled under the Christmas tree. Fortunately, they are at that age where they are not caught up in peer pressure and the like. Their wants and desires are very much their own.
We were off to a great start, but somehow in the middle of it all, the monotony set in and the second half
of the holiday began. I knew the second I overheard my five-year-old tell my seven-year-old that he was his mortal enemy that we were in for some‘Lord of the Flies‘-level shenanigans. I was right. My wife was watching my youngest son smash the big green one (Hulk) against the one that has a hammer (Thor) and said maybe he should be careful lest he hurt himself or worse, break his figures. He just shot her a look and said, sarcastically, “It’s Hulk-Smash, mom. Not, if-you’re-happy-and-youknow-it-clap-your hands.”
Indoor voices became something akin to the “HOUSE IS ON FIRE” voices, even if they were asking for a glass of water. They regressed, becoming these cavedwelling troglodytes or goblin type creatures that slunk and skulked around the house moaning about everything. “I’m bored,” became their rallying cry, “there’s nothing to do, uh.” Everything ended in, uh. Everything... uh. A precursor to the teenage years, one presumes.
So began the Echo Days, where you have to ask for things to be done way more than once, and way more than any self-respecting parent should have to. I was contemplating bribing the school’s principal to open just a few days earlier, and thoughts of sending them off to join the French Foreign Legion danced in my fevered brain. And then, like that, it stopped. Maybe because school was around the corner and the excitement of that gave them something to look forward to, who knows. Maybe they missed their friends and wanted to catch up. Perhaps it was a mixture of them both. All I know is that next year my wife and I are going to Paris and leaving them with their Ouma and Oupa, only kidding, we’re going to drop them with the neighbour!
Autumn
A Pop-Up Safari, creative writing with Fantastic
Mr Fox and delicious one-dish wonders awaits in this season’s top reads.
YOGA FOR GIRAFFES
CARLY TOD
3-6
Yoga? For giraffes? With enough hard work and a good imagination, anything is possible, as Sindile the giraffe discovers. When he stumbles across a human yoga class underway at a game lodge he decides to master the skill as well. Yoga isn’t the easiest thing for a giraffe, and it takes some doing, with hilarious results. Written in rhyming verse accompanied by delightful illustrations, Yoga for Giraffes promotes an interest in health and well-being for young children, as well as entertaining them and showing them the benefits of perseverance.
Hardcover | R95 | Struik Children
READS
9-12
Creative Writing with Fantastic Mr Fox Roald Dahl
Plan brilliant beginnings, magnificent middles and excellent endings with fun activities and writing tasks. Structure the perfect plot with Fantastic Mr Fox whilst developing language and vocabulary skills.
Softcover | R110 | Puffin
0-3
Pop Up Peekaboo! Baby Animals
DK
Take your toddler on a colourful adventure and find the adorable baby animals in this lift-the-flap baby book with pictures that pop off the page! This book follows animal parents and their babies as they play hide-and-seek. Lift big flaps and see peekaboo surprises pop up from the pages. The lively, read-aloud rhymes encourage literacy and early learning, while the surprise pop-up scenes will delight curious preschoolers. With the help of parents and caregivers, toddlers will have fun turning the sturdy board book pages, guessing what’s hiding under each flap, and then lifting the flaps to reveal the baby animal characters and play peekaboo! Ideal for interactive preschool play, Pop-up Peekaboo! Baby Animals will appeal to both parents and children and is certain to keep little ones entertained time and time again!
Hardcover | R115 | Penguin UK
One of the greatest challenges for human wellbeing in the 21st century will be to focus on the advantage of having a healthy colon and therefore a good immune system – this is where probiotics can play a significant role.
Probiotics are critical for normal digestion and for defence against infection. Bacteria in the gut are known to:
• Stimulate the immune system
• Enhance the mucosal barrier
• Aid digestion and break down toxins
• Inhibit adherence of pathogens
A good probiotic can be beneficial in the following ailments:
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Bad breath, gas and bloating
• Irritable bowel and lactose intolerance
• Gastroenteritis and playschool diseases in young children
The Other People
C.J Tudor
She sleeps, a pale girl in a white room... Driving home one night, stuck behind a rusty old car, Gabe sees a little girl’s face appear in the rear window. She mouths one word: ‘Daddy.’ It’s his five-year-old daughter, Izzy. He never sees her again. Three years later, Gabe spends his days and nights travelling up and down the motorway, searching for the car that took his daughter refusing to give up hope, even though most people believe that Izzy is dead. Fran and her daughter, Alice, also put in a lot of miles on the motorway. Not searching. But running. Trying to keep one step ahead of the people who want to hurt them. Because Fran knows the truth. She knows what really happened to Gabe’s daughter. She knows who is responsible. And she knows what they will do if they ever catch up with her and Alice…
Softcover | R290 | Penguin UK
HAPPY EVER AFTER
C.C. MACDONALD
Naomi seems to have everything. A beautiful daughter, a gorgeous house, a perfect life. Behind the scenes though, she and her husband are drifting from one another and struggling to conceive their second child.Then Naomi meets a parent at her daughter’s nursery. Sean understands her, or so she thinks. Looking for a connection, for a friend, she joins him at a swimming lesson with their children. That day, Naomi makes a terrible mistake. Weeks later, when Naomi attempts to contact Sean, he has disappeared without a trace. But as she begins to piece her life back together, it becomes clear that someone else knows her secret. Someone who wants to make sure she never forgets what she did at the pool.
Softcover | R290
Random House UK
All Sorts of One-Dish Wonders
Chantal Lascaris
Author Chantal Lascaris is the first to admit that she’s a messy cook. So, the concept of dirtying as few dishes as possible and having a clean kitchen in the wink of an eye is really appealing. Yet when one says ‘one-dish cooking’ most people think ‘mid-week stews and casseroles’. Not so! With this collection of almost 80 dishes, Chantal proves that cooking in one pot or pan can be exciting and dinner party worthy, obviously delicious!. Nor are they only for dinner parties – from breakfasts, a plethora of main courses and side dishes, right through to yummy desserts, you’ll be serving memorable meals to family and friends and still have time to do the things you want to do.With a focus on seasonal, fresh and healthy options, All Sorts of One-Dish Wonders will become a favourite of home cooks who are looking for the best meals that are also low maintenance and simple to prepare, with a dash of flair.
