Absolute Mama Issue 7

mama

South Africa’s Premium Parenting Lifestyle Magazine for Healthy Living

ISSUE 7 2020 • R55.00 (VAT Incl.)

20007

9 772617 450004

CBD

• The Highs & Lows • Clean-Beauty CBD Products

GLOW UP WITH RUSHTUSH Rushda shares all on fitness & motherhood

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

How do you know if your child has a problem?

OGILVY SA 30363/E

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MAMA LOVE

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KIDS FASHION

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BEAUTY NOTES

FASHION

Contents

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ISSUE 7

DIGEST 12

MAMA LOVE

Must haves for this season

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NEW BOOKS

Delightful reads for you and your kids

FASHION & BEAUTY 14

SPRING HAS SPRUNG Fabulous fashion for Mom

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CHILDS MENTAL HEALTH

A CREATIVE EDUCATION

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ECO-MOM

KIDS FASHION

Embrace cool colours and striking prints for your little fashionista

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BEAUTY NOTES

Clean-beauty CBD products that you just have to try

PARENTHOOD 24

A CREATIVE EDUCATION

A look at how schooling has had to take on a creative approach adapting to the kids of today

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PROTECTING YOUR CHILDS MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health conditions affecting our children and how to protect their mental state

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ECO-MOM TO THE RESCUE How to reduce your reliance on the national electricity grid

Call Orleans Cosmetics on (021) 701 2900 for your nearest stockist.

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HORMONAL HEALTH

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HOME OFFICE

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TURKEY

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SPRING RECIPES

HOME DÉCOR 60

EYE HEALTH

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HOME OFFICE LOOKS TO LOVE

FITNESS

HEALTH & WELLNESS 46

THE POWER OF CBD

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WHAT THE SLIPPERY ELM?!

We list the benefits and how to add this magical bark to assist your gut

Taking a look at how extracted cannabidiol can impact your health and wellbeing

FOOD & FITNESS

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TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR HORMONAL HEALTH How to avoid the most common hormone disruptors

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Get to know Rushda Moosajee and reach your fitness goals

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SPRING RECIPES

EYE HEALTH

Exploring ways to optimizing eye health as we age

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GLOW UP WITH RUSHTUSH

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Celebrate and transform humble ingredients into French masterpieces with easy-to-follow recipes from Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s latest recipe collection, JAN – A Breath of French Air

Some inspiration for creating the perfect space to motivate productivity and get your creative juices flowing

TRAVEL 94

WILD COAST

We travel to the untouched and unspoiled coastline of the Wild Coast

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TURKEY

Explore the ancient culture and natural beauty of Turkey

DAD’S CORNER 108

M-M-M-MY CORONA

A satirical entry into our resident Dad’s diary

Editor’s letter It’s been a long winter, and hell, what a year we’ve had so far!? If you had told me earlier this year we were in for something bordering on a zombie apocalypse, I would have laughed it off. But with all of the chaos and disorder, heartache and loss we have experienced this year, for many it’s also brought on opportunity and reflection. With a slower pace came the prospect for discovery and the realisation that often we don’t have to go very far at all to feel the enrichment of the world around us.

Lockdown for me was about taking much needed time for myself. For the first time in years I had time to paint, read a good book, explore new recipes, focus on my own wellbeing and spent hours in my garden, embracing all the beauty right here in my back yard. As a family we grew closer, the kids took up new hobbies, we pulled out the Monopoly and Bananagrams, and created wonderful memories together. It wasn’t all bliss, there were days one felt trapped and we were at one another’s throats, but we got through it and have come out stronger.

Lockdown has also exaggerated another deadly epidemic in South Africa - gender based violence. It is estimated that 40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetime and less than 7% of rape perpetrators will be convicted. How many marches, protests and shutdowns are needed? And how many other women like Jesse Hess, Tshegofatso Pule, and Uyinene Mrwetyana do we have to

lose to GBV before change takes effect?

All women need to know they deserve a life of dignity, respect and freedom. Let’s stand together to bring an end to violence against women and children.

In this issue we take a look at how schooling has taken a creative approach to adapt to the kids of today. We delve into the health benefits of including CBD in your everyday life and go on a gastronomical adventure with Jan van der Westhuizen to the French Rivera. We list all the clean-beauty CBD products you just have to try, eat baklava in Turkey and we find paradise in the unspoiled Wild Coast.

Grab your copy or your tablet, sit back and enjoy

I am woman, hear me roar ― Helen Reddy

Join me online Absolutemamamag

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GENDERBASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE #absolutemamacares

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mama S o u t h A f r i c a ’ s P re m i u m Pa re n t i n g Li fe s t y l e M a g a z i n e fo r H e a l t h y L i v i n g

Publisher: Absolute Mama (Pty) Ltd Managing Editor: Anje Hill Sub Editor: Reta Robberts Design & Layout: Indio Design Contributors: Alasdair Cunningham, Celeste Strydom, Eleanor Swinley, Helen Clemson, Mariza Halliday, Nabila Mayet Cassim, Reta Robberts Social Media Manager: Driven Social Accounts: Candice Swart Images & Illustrations: Supplied & Shutterstock Advertising Sales: Jason Hill, Vann Van Staden, Clive Kotze @ Mediamatic - Media Sales Consultancy Distribution: On The Dot Printing: CTP Printers Editorial enquiries: anje@absolutemama.co.za Sales enquiries: jason@absolutemama.co.za The absolute mama Magazine is published by Absolute Mama (Pty) Ltd www.absolutemama.co.za Tel. 087 802 2035 Fax: 086 416 2977 Email: info@absolutemama.co.za DISCLAIMER ŠAbsolute Mama (Pty) Ltd. ISSN:2617-4502 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.

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We Love

Charismatic scents, healthy and delicious treats and gorgeous functional decor are amongst our top picks this season

Earthenware for Your Home

Kilnhouse is a mashup of an age old craft and modern design thinking, resulting in ceramic wares that are both nostalgic and boundary pushing. Nicola’s pieces are functional and look lovely displayed and used in your kitchen or on your dinner table, we are absolutely smitten with the Spilled Milk Collection!

Instagram: @kilnhousedesignstudio

Exquisitely Curated

Jimnojean is a feminine online retail destination specialising in quality decor, art, beauty and lifestyle products. Experience thoughtful consumer journey from order to delivery, with a special focus on items like packaging, and a transparent approach to sustainability within the business. Their high-quality Zodiac pendants are a must for any woman’s jewellery collection. Inspired by the sky, the pendants are hand-carved out of wax, then cast into solid sterling silver and dipped in the highest quality 18ct gold. Beautifully placed on a dainty chain for daily wear, we love it!

The Good Biscuit

ED’S CHOICE Sugar Free Choc Chip Biscuits

Galletas Gullón have us going Ga-Ga over their range of healthy biscuits. They have a wide variety of sugar and gluten free biscuits, a great source of fibre, delicious and low in calories, perfect for your child’s lunch box or as a treat.

www.freefrombiscuits.co.za

Yellow Lenz photography

www.jimnojean.com

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digest | WE LOVE

The Basket Every Mom Needs

Baskiti is a beautiful range of handwoven hanging baskets, designed with purpose and design aesthetics in mind. A big focus has been placed on understated elegance which is clear in all Baskiti’s simple designs. The initial concept was inspired by the founder, Jana Leonard’s son, after he used all their vegetables as balls, she knew there had to be a simple solution – Baskiti was born. To place an order email orders@baskiti.co.za or visit lmda.co.za/baskiti/

Instagram: @baskiti_cpt

The Smart Toy Club

Keep your kids entertained through variety and reduce clutter in your home by joining the Smart Toy Club. Your child receives a toy bag every month which include educational toys, wooden toys, trendy tech toys, books, puzzles and games, all specially selected and age appropriate. Keep the bag for 4 weeks and just as your child starts needing fresh stimulation, exchange for a new selection! Pricing starts from only R299 per month. Happy Kids. Happy Parents.

www.smarttoyclub.co.za

Captivating Scents, Beautiful Minimalist Design and with the Best Ingredients

Amanda-Jayne products are all hand made in small batches, using the finest quality natural ingredients. Each and every product is carefully put together, wicked, poured and labelled by hand, to ensure a premium result for their customers. Their candles are made from a creamy 100% soy wax and scented with our pure essential oil blends. Each blend is made up of a unique arrangement of oils, carefully combined to give you a perfectly balanced scent throw.

www.amandajaynecandles.com

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

spring queen Gorgeous fashion and accessories to complete your wardrobe this season

1. Jasmine sunglasses, Witchery R599 2. Silk scoop neck camisole, Witchery R999 3. Together coin bracelet with gold coloured ring, Thomas Sabo R4475 4. Metal bar flap purse, Woolworths R250

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5. Pants, H&M Conscious Exclusive R1199 6. Tallulah earrings, Witchery R299 7. T encel dress, H&M Conscious Exclusive R1899 8. S ane metallic high heel sandal, Steve Madden R1399

fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

1. B Stakes blush bag, Steve Madden R999 2. Sparkle fan studs, Woolworths R79.95 3. White dress, H&M R799 4. Vegan leather sandals, H&M Conscious Exclusive R1199 5. Recycled brass, zinc and glass hairpin, H&M Conscious Exclusive R329 6. Balloon sleeve dress, Witchery R1399 7. Garden spirit malachite gold watch, Thomas Sabo R8475

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

1. Rose gold Celeste sunglasses, Witchery R599 2. White top, Ted Baker R780 3. Bquit black bag, Steve Madden R1099 4. Skirt, Ted Baker R1980 5. Royalty stars and moon earrings, Thomas Sabo R4950 6. Belted A-line viscose midi-dress, Woolworths Classic Collection from R599 7. Pink stone ring with star, Thomas Sabo from R3475 8. Flared strappy high heel sandal, Steve Madden R1599

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fashion & beauty | KIDS

game on Get the kids ready for spring with a brand new look

1. Hoops 2.0 shoes, Adidas R799 2. Stripe t-shirt dress, Country Road R499 3. Multicolour scrunchies 2-pack, Woolworths R59.95 4. Back pack, Converse R399 5. Hoody, H&M R249 6. Shorts, Converse R549 7. Organically Grown Cotton Logo Sequin T-Shirt, Country Road R299 8. Aeroready printed tights, Adidas R549 9. High-tops, Converse R629

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fashion & beauty | KIDS

1. High-tops, Converse R629 2. Tiger t-shirt, Country Road R299 3. D obby shorts, Country Road R399 4. Backpack, Converse R399 5. Snapback cap, H&M R149

6. Shark hoody, H&M R279 7. J ogger pants, Country Road R549 8. T-shirt, Converse R349,95 9. M ust haves badge of sports shorts, Adidas R449

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fashion & beauty | BEAUTY BUZZ

the buzz on cbd beauty

CBD is seen in many products on the market and beauty products that include CBD have a wealth of benefits that are worth taking note of. It’s naturally moisturising, regulates oil production and with it’s anti-inflammatory properties can assist with various skin ailments.

It’s no wonder that more and more beauty brands are adopting this popular beauty secret. These are some of our favourite, clean-beauty CBD products that you just have to try.

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fashion & beauty | BEAUTY BUZZ Cleansing bar ALCHEMY ELIXZAR Citrus & cannabis stretchmark butter Cannabis Queen CBD naturally increases collagen production which makes this cream a wonder-worker. It helps reduce chances of cellulite and increases the elasticity of the skin which reduces stretch marks. Other ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E oil.

The rich emulsion of this luxurious face bar is known to leave your skin feeling refreshed and pampered. CBD and activated charcoal, with a zest of tangerine together extract toxins and deep cleans pores, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

R245 per bar

CBD muscle rub FourfiveCBD

R520, 200ml

Targeting specific areas, this CBD balm targets sore muscles and helps repair damaged or dry skin. Ingredients include CBD, olive oil, lavender and marigold, to name a few.

CBD glow serum Goodleaf If you’re looking for a natural glow, then this is for you. This serum targets a fatigued complexion and is formulated using CBD and African botanicals like mongongo oil and baobab oil, which replenishes your skin’s moisture.

R395, 30ml

Moringa CBD cream Moringa 5000 Moringa is a plant that has naturally nourishing components in it, marry that with CBD and you have a winning product. This CBD cream is anti-ageing and helps prevent acne and helps with dark spots. It also strengthens our skin’s natural defence system assisting with the prevention of future ailments.

R229, 100ml

R699.99, 45ml

Hemp hair shampoo ~ Sativa Whoomph Suitable for all hair types, this shampoo is formulated with 100% organic hemp seed oil and pure, soothing aloe vera. It cleanses and purifies your hair, and energises the scalp which can promote hair growth.

R260, 200ml

CBD night moisturiser Goodleaf The night moisturiser is made with green rooibos, marula oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid. Goodleaf has included an extra dose of CBD to boost nourishment and hydration while you sleep.

R475, 50ml

Moisture-rich face mask ALCHEMY ELIXZAR CBD morning moisturiser Goodleaf The soothing morning moisturiser is infused with green rooibos and marula oil and also includes hyaluronic acid for hydration.

This fragrant face mask is designed to hydrate your skin. It’s formulated with CBD oil, clary sage, neroli and ylang-ylang that assists with inflammation, combatting swelling and puffiness around the eye area.

R450, 100ml

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Kyalami Schools Group (NPC) is reimagining education! Led by the Group Head of Academics and Innovation - Mark Naidoo, along with his dedicated team of deputies, Tammy Odendaal, Kim Deirino and Denise McKee (Kyalami Preparatory), Bobby Bain, Debbie Kromm and Debbie Waldron (Beaulieu Preparatory) and Jorge Ruiz-Mesa (Beaulieu College), they have worked to modify the academic offering to our community of schools.

Kyalami Schools (NPC)

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Here is a snapshot of the considerations and actions that our amazing academic staff have been unpacking as they move to online teaching.

THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING! Are brick and mortar schools a thing of the past? Will online learning become the new norm? Teaching and learning is fundamentally a social activity – can this be replicated with an online learning approach? Recent media articles and interviews voice their opinions on the above questions, a number of which are given by technology experts and the corporate sector; I wonder if teachers will have their say.

Our schools have been fortunate enough to transition to an online learning model given our access to existing technology infrastructure, the agility of staff and availability of pupil devices.

The rapid response by our management teams has also helped us in preparing for the inevitable changes that will take place, post Covid-19.

However, we are acutely aware of the inequalities in South African education as we note that the majority of pupils in government schools do not have access to infrastructure, data and connectivity to support distance learning. In many of these schools, education has ceased for the past few weeks, driving apart the education gap.

NEW CHALLENGES Schools thrive when pupils, parents and staff actively contribute to the learning experience that does not simply focus on academic prowess. Kyalami Schools Group has a holistic approach to education; the emotional, social and physical well-being of our pupils and staff are of paramount importance. While we have modified our programs to offer holistic development, it has become a challenge given the Covid-19 situation. Social interaction and play, especially for younger children in the pre-primary phase, is a necessary part of their development.

Teachers also depend on a social cues to guide their pedagogy.

Subsequently, questioning techniques, facilitating a meaningful discussion and debating opinions become complicated in an online learning environment. However, adapting to these environments and learning to navigate an online meeting has propelled the pupils forward, teaching them an important skill they will need in the fourth industrial revolution.

Parents who have to manage the availability of devices and ensure uninterrupted connectivity, while their employers have expectations of them, adds a tangible level of stress to many households. Therefore, we have adopted an asynchronous approach to allow for flexibility, especially where more than one child needs to access a device per household. We remain committed as a Group to finding ways to improve the situation, within our means.

THE BENEFITS In some ways the move to remote teaching and learning has yielded positive outcomes for education, with the understanding that the experience is pronounced in independent schools. We are witnessing an accelerated development of more resilient pupils.

Better time management, active self-dicipline, an increase in independent thinking and the use of multiple technologies have become a norm in the current approach to learning. Teachers are finding new ways to engage their pupils and at times, pupils experience a greater level of personal attention through one-to-one interactions. Teacher creativity, peer collaboration and peer review of learning material, critical thinking and the ability to communicate succinctly via online mediums have strengthened our 21st century skills.

WHY CONSIDER ONE OF THE KYALAMI SCHOOLS? Teachers across our campuses accepted the challenge, albeit at short notice, to present their subject content remotely, in a professional manner. They have also become more innovative in their delivery and continue to find ways to sharpen their online skills.

As a community of schools, our ability to work closely as a team and leverage our collective expertise has aided staff to feel secure during these challenging times. Online teaching and learning demands a range of teaching modalities; our staff continue to explore these modalities and determine to remain adaptable. We also maintain the view that technology remains an enabler – great teachers know how to leverage technology to reach a predetermined objective.

As a Group, it has always been our values of Integrity, Consistency, Accountability, Respect and Excellence which have driven our commitment to our pupils and parents. Our values determine who we really are. Access to the Kyalami Schools staff and management is seamless, which is important for constructive engagement. The staff go the extra mile (I know this sounds cliché) so that each child is nurtured and feels part of the greater community. There is an innate generosity which our teachers express to pupils in their care and our service to parents and pupils remains our core focus.

IS THERE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL? When all is said and done, our values as a community will determine how we respond to a completely new approach to learning. We control our response, irrespective of the circumstances imposed on us. How we respond now will certainly have lasting effects on how we reform education in South Africa. The education system has been reset, not by choice. I see this as an opportunity to reimagine education – if we are completely honest, it’s about time!

#REIMAGINING EDUCATION

celebrating

by #reimaginingeducation

The measure of success isn’t always in awards and trophies, sometimes the measure of success is most noticeable in the efforts of humanity, community and caring. We salute the success of our staff, children and parents who have bravely accepted the challenge to keep working during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Thank you for your inspiration and for helping us reimagining education in the Kyalami Schools Group.

ADMISSIONS FOR 2021 AND 2022 NOW OPEN A community of schools developing global achievers

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Beaulieu College Beaulieu

Kyalami

Beaulieu Beaulieu

Kyalami

Beaulieu Beaulieu

Grade 8 - 12

Grade 1 - 7

Grade 1 - 7

Grade 000 - 0

Grade 000 - 0

College

Preparatory School

Preparatory Preparatory School School

www.kyalamischools.org | 010 591 5004

Prep Nursery School

Nursery School Nursery School

Follow us @KyalamiSchoolsGroup

parenting | EDUCATION

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parenting | EDUCATION

A Creative Education

Education affects all of society. We all come into contact with the education system at some point in our lives – either as students or as parents. Increased access to education has been an outstanding theme of South Africa’s transformation since 1994, but the quality of education has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks.

BY MARIZA HALLIDAY

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parenting | EDUCATION

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here has been a big push for the use of new technologies in the classroom to advance teaching and better equip children for the future. The rapid changes necessitated by the Covid-19 lockdown have shone a light on the importance of technology in the classroom like never before.

We need the education system to foster the competencies that societies and economies require, now and in the future. There is a call for a focus on learning environments and new approaches to teaching for greater justice, social equity, and global solidarity. Education must be about learning to live on a planet that is constantly evolving and under immense pressure, cultural literacy, and be deep rooted in equal dignity and respect for all living beings.

Education has a big role to play in helping to bring together the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

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With the world constantly changing, it only makes sense that education must change with it. Unfortunately, while science and technology evolve at a rapid rate, our education systems have remained mostly the same. This is not sustainable. The World Economic Forum estimates that 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in completely new jobs that do not yet

exist. We cannot prepare learners for this with an outdated education system. “In simple terms, the current curriculum being taught in South African schools creates little value for the world, hence the emergence of groups like Generations aimed at solving this problem� states Jevron Epstein, CEO of Generations Schools.

parenting | EDUCATION

“Education is multidimensional, with layers of not only academics but emotions and cultures as well. It is the amalgamation of concepts and ideas that form the basis of understanding and substantiation” – Generations Schools All children are born with an innate capability to excel at what interests them, provided the environment in the home, community, school, and wider society nurtures them with love and support to self-actualise.

Traditional schooling that refuses to change with the times is doing our youth a major disservice. Over the past few years, we have seen a rise in independent school groups, like The Generations and Kyalami Group of Schools, and this number is predicted to continue growing for the foreseeable future. What sets these schools apart is that the core focus of them is to create citizens that are holistically equipped for challenges that lie outside of academia. These are also coupled with business models that make independent, private schooling accessible to lower-income groups of the

population.

We need to move away from traditional methods of teaching whereby students are only the receivers of content and teachers are the deliverers. We need to create spaces where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and be able to dissect and engage with the content in ways that suit them.

At Kyalami Schools a unique ethos of aspiration, reflection and improvement permeate the schools at all levels. Staff and pupils are receiving a very special opportunity to learn about real-life skills, values, how to think and question effectively, and how to prepare for a happy and successful life.

All children must be treated as individuals. Some will thrive in a Montessori environment, while others will be better suited for homeschooling or attending cottage schools. Whichever teaching method resonates with your child, we have to make sure that it equips them to deal with the nuances of modern life.

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advertorial

METACOGNITION

THE POWER OF THINKING ABOUT THINKING Metacognition is a word you are going to hear as your child goes through school, but what does it mean? Very simply put, metacognition is thinking about thinking.

By Diane Horsten

I

f metacognition is thinking about thinking, then what is thinking about thinking? I would like you to pause here and consider this. I wonder…

• Did you find thinking about thinking difficult to explain?

• Did you feel you had the concept within your grasp but could not quite pin it down?

• Did you use examples to explain thinking about thinking?

Surprisingly, your answers to all the above should be ‘yes’. Your brain starts to hurt when thinking about thinking. Our ability to think is what

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makes us distinctly human.

However, we have no common language or approach for thinking or teaching thinking. Can you imagine trying to do Maths without a common language such as add, subtract or divide?

Metacognition can be explained as, “awareness or analysis of one’s own learning or thinking processes.” (Merriamwebster, 2020) Imagine yourself as a learner, looking down on the task set for you. You would ask yourself: • What am I meant to be doing?

• What is the task?

• What is the learning?

The Education Endowment Foundation has conducted numerous studies on metacognition, finding it holds great promise to accelerate a child’s progress by 7 months and being cost effective. The EEF also acknowledges that although metacognition holds promise, it can be difficult to implement.

(EEF, 2018) At Holy Rosary School we have adopted a structured and explicit approach to teaching metacognition through the form of, “The A to Z of Thinking Moves” created by Roger Sutcliffe.

(Dialogueworks, 2020) There are

advertorial

26 moves, each corresponding to the letter of the alphabet. Each move represents a type of thinking.

For example, the move of Question asks us to question. The move of Connect asks us to look for similarities and the move of Divide asks us to look for differences. Each move is taught with the aid of an icon, a hand sign, synonyms and coaching questions.

The moves are comprehensive, understandable, and memorable.

Most importantly, these moves provide our children and teachers with a common language for thinking, not something new but rather different types of daily thinking and doing.

The efficacy of these moves became apparent to me while substituting in a Grade 1 class for a few weeks. It was remarkable how quickly these young girls memorised the moves and hand signs, and easily began implementing them. Connect and Divide were certainly their favourites. When learning phonics, they were quick to delete or add sounds to make new words from an existing word. A highlight for me was when we were counting in 3’s.

From the back of the classroom I heard, “I have made a connection. One number is odd, and the next number is even.� My belief that the young child has tremendous capacity for learning was reinforced. It also became clear that Thinking Moves is suitable

for all age groups.

Thinking Moves also incorporates self regulation and self reflection.

The move of Ahead is used for predicting but can also be used for planning. When provided with a project or task, children are encouraged to think Ahead. Very often children think of the final result but do not factor in the steps to get there. By thinking Ahead, they are encouraged to slow their thinking down and plan the steps to successfully complete the task.

Think Back is our second move and incorporates, what do you remember? However, we also use this move to reflect on our learning.

We ask children to think Back and consider what went well or what was difficult? Were they involved and what did they learn? How did they feel about the learning?

Thinking Moves does not only create an awareness of your own thought processes but also helps to improve your thinking. They are used to deepen learning and move the learner forward. Once you are aware of your thinking and types of thinking, you can apply the appropriate thinking to tasks.

Thinking Moves is especially beneficial for inquiry based learning, including Philosophy for Children.

During lockdown and online learning, the girls were provided with Hometalk which encouraged families to enter meaningful conversations. Each lesson, a

Thinking Move was explicitly explored. The power of metacognition and in-depth learning is brilliantly demonstrated by 10 year old, Eden van Wyngaardt, whose astonishing world view was brought to the fore when asked to Zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Her response is self directed with her asking the questions and responding accordingly. Scan the QR code to see her in action.

Using Thinking Moves, the learner can apply higher order thinking skills to their learning, making discoveries on their own. This makes the learning more memorable, more meaningful and most importantly, thinking about your thinking is fun!

To find out more about Holy Rosary School and Thinking Moves contact: marketing@holyrosaryschool.co.za For more information on Thinking Moves visit Dialogueworks.co.uk To book training in South Africa visit Thinkative.org.za

BIBLIOGRAPHY Dialogueworks, 2020. Dialogueworks. [Online] Available at: https://dialogueworks.co.uk [Accessed 4 August 2020].

EEF, 2018. Education Endowment Foundation. [Online] Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/tools/guidance-reports/metacognition-and-selfregulated-learning/?utm_source=site&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=site_search&search_ term=metacognition [Accessed 4 August 2020].

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parenthood | CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

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parenthood | CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Protect your child’s

mental health As parents, we’re diligent about taking our kids for check-ups and offering nutritious meals. But are we doing enough to take care of our children’s mental health?

BY CELESTE STRYDOM

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ne in five children suffer from a mental disorder. And while not all mental health issues can be prevented, there are ways to help keep your child as healthy and happy as possible.

COVID-19 and Lockdown has impacted life as we know it.

Consultant for The Neuro Diversity Centre in The Western Cape, Janine Boshoff, an educational psychologist, warns of intense feelings of uncertainty, fear and worry in a world where one’s daily schedule has suddenly been cancelled.

Janine explains, “Because of the preventative measures we as a society now have to put in place, it is important to acknowledge to ourselves and our kids how things have changed. You need to help your child verbalise their experiences and

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the emotions they associate with it.

Acknowledging your child’s experience, helping them with the words to express it and offering alternative options or a positive perspective, will support them and build their resilience.

While the world may seem a little uncertain, we look at practises we can observe to fortify our children’s minds.

people report feelings of lethargy, lack of motivation or noticing changes in their eating or sleeping habits; all signs of mental fatigue. Be mindful of how you are feeling and if you need to, talk to your doctor. Research shows that when a parent receives therapy or medication to address mental illness, children’s mental health symptoms improve as well.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

DEVELOP THEIR SELF-ESTEEM

Janine notes, “The home is the first line of defence. The parent(s) or carer is the first person the child looks to for reference, to show them how to deal with a situation. It doesn’t help to tell a child “Do what I say and not what I do”. Our children should be our own reason for improving our own coping strategies during stressful and uncertain times.”

Living through a pandemic many

Parents can participate in boosting their child’s self-image, but they should also teach children how to develop their own.

• Encourage healthy self-talk.

• Acknowledge their emotions, recommends Janine. “I can see you are feeling sad. Are you missing your friends? It is OK to feel sad and alone when you can’t see them often”.

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parenthood | CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

• Allow them to be independent and demonstrate competence.

• Offer genuine praise, it can be tempting to extend exaggerated compliments to our children.

However, try to avoid praising things they can’t control, like how they look or how smart they are.

• Ask questions about their interests and goals.

• Monitor their access to social media and set firm and fair boundaries.

HELP YOUR CHILDREN PROBLEM SOLVE:

Teach your child how to relax when they feel upset. Introduce them to breathing techniques or just the concept of spending time alone.

Without taking over, talk them through difficult events by suggesting possible solutions.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD HAS A PROBLEM?

Mental health problems may present as a lack of energy, change in appetite, tummy aches or general aches and pains. It’s easy to see why these issues can so easily be mistaken for a physical ailment rather than a mental one.

Look for changes in the way they

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act, feel or think. And remember, just because you notice these changes it does not mean that your child has a mental health problem.

interesting or want to call your attention to.’’ Janine Boshoff Be proactive in seeking out joy.

Many families have been thrown into

“Probably the biggest insight… is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process. Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy.” – Ed Diener Contact your doctor: • if a change in behaviour persists or interferes with your child’s ability to function; • if you’re concerned about your child’s emotional or mental health.

‘’It is against a child’s nature not to socialise, touch, play, explore together and share their experiences with others. As parents, we need to be mindful of their need to share what they discover, see, find

turmoil in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve cancelled travel, we’ve not seen our loved ones for protracted periods of time, many of our careers have been impacted and our homes are suddenly full. Full of love, full of frustration, full of everyone’s feelings. Our children are experiencing this daily grind too, and just as mindful as we are of what we put on their plates, so too must we concern ourselves with what is on their minds.

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CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK RUNS FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW IN SA

Despite progress vehicle safety, road traffic accidents still represent the number one cause of fatalities amongst children under the age of 10.

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egardless that every child under the age of 3 be securely strapped into a car seat, a shocking 93%

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of motorists and public transport flaunt this law, due to ineffective law enforcement. The majority of injuries, through car accidents, are

due to a complete lack of any kind of child safety restraint.

An adult holding a child in their arms provides absolutely no

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protection in the event of an accident. In a crash at a speed of 50 km/h, body weight is increased by around 30 times.

For example, a child weighing approximately 30 kg turns into a projectile weighing a ton. At the point of impact, no-one is capable of restraining them. The strength of the impact is equal to falling 3 storeys.

“Child Passenger Safety week runs internationally from the 7th to the 11th of September, and we at Maxi-Cosi really want to get people talking about the importance of our children’s safety in motor vehicles in South Africa.,” says Debbie Billson, Operations Director for Maxi-Cosi.

“We want to educate and inform South African road users of the dangers of travelling on our roads with children who are not securely strapped into a car seat.

Strapping our children into a well secured car seat needs to become something every single one of us do, no matter how short a car trip we are doing!”

Standard seat belts in most cars are designed for adult passengers 150cm and taller, leaving children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old requiring additional support in the form of a booster seat. “Children under 150cm are not safe just being secured by a seat belt as the lower belt doesn’t sit on their hips, as it is intended to do with adults, and rather ends up around their abdomen, which can result in fatal internal injuries in the case of a crash. The upper section of the belt rests dangerously across their neck, as opposed to being on their shoulder, and can easily break a child’s neck in the case of an accident!”, says Bilson.

SA consumers are fortunate to have a selection of well-tested, reasonably priced car seat options.

“The average car seat costs a measly 1% of the value of most cars in SA – there’s NO EXCUSE to not secure your child into a car seat!”

Here is a list of safety tips to ensure you are using your car seat as safely as possible:

• Even on short trips use a car seat Many children are taken on trips of less than 3km without being strapped in, and, if unrestrained, an impact can prove fatal from speeds of 20km/h, and the risk of being ejected from the car is 6 or 7 times greater.

• Avoid second-hand car seats You don’t know if it’s been damaged in an accident, or has pieces missing or been misused in any way​.

• Use the correct size car seat It’s best to buy a car seat for your child based on their current height and weight. Investigate and consider all your options when purchasing a seat that claims to cover multiple age groups. This will ensure adequate safety in the unfortunate instance of a collision.

Install car seats correctly Group 0 or Car seats for babies under 1 year or 80 cm in height must always be ​rear-facing.

If your car has ​ISOFIX Points, y ​ ou can select any car seat with either an ISOFIX connection or opt for a seat that uses your car’s seat belt.

If you don’t have ISOFIX you can use a seat belt-installed car seat.

Make sure you know how to ​guide the belt correctly and pull the car seat belt tight.​ Pull the car seat’s s​ afety harness​ tight. If you can just slip one finger​ ​between the harness and your child’s chest, it’s tight enough.

Both forms of installation options

are safe as long as they are installed correctly.

• Take your child’s coat off A thick coat can make the harness less effective.

• Make sure the safety harness is at the right height and not twisted The harness should always be adjusted to the correct height setting, which is at shoulder height.

Check there are no twists in the straps. Incorrect height placement of the harness often results in children unbuckling themselves.

• Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible It’s safest for babies and toddlers to stay in a rear-facing car seat until they are a ​ t least 15 months old​. The neck of a child matures with age, and not when it reaches a certain stature or mass. Up until 15 months, the baby’s neck is not yet developed enough to withstand the impulsive force of an average frontal collision because of its relatively heavy head. The excessive pressure on the neck of the baby might lead to serious neck injuries.

• Beware of activated frontal airbags The safest place for a rear-facing car seat is on the ​back seat​behind the passenger. ​Deactivate​the front airbag if you use your car seat on the ​front​​passenger seat​and place this seat in the most further back position.

• Keep loose items off the rear parcel shelf For more information about Child Passenger Safety Week please visit https://www.facebook.com/ childpassengersafetyweek

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parenthood | ECO MOM

Eco Mom:

GOING OFF THE GRID South Africans have been left in the dark time and time again which is making more people look into the possibility of going off-grid. While load shedding may be one popular reason why South Africans are looking to generate their own electricity,the introduction of carbon taxes and the consistent price hikes on electricity has made investments in alternative renewable power sources an even more attractive option.

BY MARIZA HALLIDAY

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parenthood | ECO MOM

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here are so many ways you can start to reduce your reliance on the national grid for all homes and budgets.

We take a look at all the options:

IS TAKING YOUR HOME ‘OFF THE GRID’ EASY? IT DEPENDS ON SEVERAL FACTORS SUCH AS: • The number of people living in your home • The amount of electricity the home uses • How old the building is (newer buildings are more likely to be designed with energy efficiency in mind) • If your goal is to be completely independent of the grid, or ‘less reliant’ on it

HOW TO DO IT:

1. Change your lighting The first thing you would need to do is to reduce your consumption. Replace

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old incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs. This will significantly reduce your current electricity usage.

systems. Where possible, replace these with solar or gas alternatives.

2. Convert your appliances Converting your cooking and heating to alternative power is the next big change. Electric stoves, ovens, geysers, heat pumps and heaters all use excessive amounts of power when considering alternative energy

3. Solar power Solar is the go-to form of renewable energy and it’s a viable option in South Africa, which is ranked highly as a location for solar concentration. Solar panels are the key component of a solar-powered system, consisting of

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parenthood | ECO MOM

photovoltaic (PV) cells that receive the sun’s rays and generate direct current, which is converted to alternate current by an inverter. Setting up your home to run off solar power is certainly not cheap, but energy efficiency is all about the long-term benefits. A solar system can also be installed in segments, which means you cough up money as you save up to install. Aside from the cost, another concern regarding solar energy is reliability. Solar-powered systems should include a battery

storage unit, which will provide power at night, and in poor weather conditions. The flip side is that battery systems usually need to be replaced every five years, thereby adding to the cost.

4. Gas power Bottled gas is a more affordable option, and not as complicated to implement. There are gas generators available on the market, which are relatively cheap and cost-effective to

4 WAYS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO SAVE ENERGY 1. “Turn it Off” Time. Challenge your family to take a few hours a day to keep the electricity off. For young children, this can be an especially fun adventure and they have to use their imagination in a new way.

2. “I Spy” energy savings. Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned game of “I Spy?” Test your child’s knowledge of energy-savings around the house or while out on errands. Have them spot all of the energy-saving products around them and explain products that may be using more energy.

3. Conserve together. Create rules specifically for conserving energy.

If you reduce your shower time, have your child do the same.

Everyone should be expected to turn off the lights when they leave a room.

4. You save, they save. Besides helping the environment, saving energy can also save on bills. When you and your family save money, your child saves too! Reward their hard work by having them choose what the money they saved should be used for.

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run, as well as being far quieter than a diesel generator.

A gas-powered geyser will go a long way toward freeing you from dependence on the grid. 60% of household electricity on average is consumed by geysers, and as such is the first port of call for homeowners seeking to improve energy efficiency.

Gas-powered stoves are another helpful and affordable addition, making it possible for you to cook food and boil water without fear of load shedding.

5. Battery power This is the go-to option for restaurants and shopping centres that intend to remain open during load-shedding, although homeowners may be put off by the high cost of implementation.

That said, a relatively low-end battery system can be implemented at an affordable cost. This is seen as a back-up for when the grid electricity fails you.

Implementing some of the technologies mentioned here would not only benefit your electricity bill but the value of your home as well. A home that is less dependent on the grid makes for a sound investment opportunity.

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PERSONAL COVER RE-INVENTED

Old Mutual launches new modular personal cover

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ld Mutual, which recently celebrated its 175th anniversary as a trusted financial services provider, is proud to launch its new personal cover solution, which allows customers to build their cover to suit their lifestyle and their budget.

“Our brand new personal cover range is a real game changer and

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is evidence of how our innovation culture enables us to respond to the needs of our customers,” says Priya Naicker, Head of Strategic Retail Marketing at Old Mutual.

“Customers’ needs are rapidly evolving, and as an insurer that holds the customer at the heart of everything we do, we felt it was important to design this solution around them and their ever-

changing needs.”

“Today, people are following non-linear career paths, enjoying non-traditional and blended families, as well as re-assessing parenting and gender role norms.

Our current reality highlights the need for personal cover that is comprehensive, flexible, and modular, keeping pace with our evolving lives. This is exactly what

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our new proposition offers,” says Naicker.

“When we designed this proposition, we picked only the best features to include in the products that make up the range so that our customers could enjoy cover that is comprehensive. We then used the insights we got from the extensive market research we conducted to inform the modularity of the proposition so our customers could choose and only pay for the cover they need, making it truly customisable and affordable. And because we understand that circumstances, goals and ambitions change, we ensure that customers have the option to add and remove modules or extras as their needs and budget shift.”

A SEAMLESS DIGITAL EXPERIENCE Not only has Old Mutual introduced a new product range, but they’ve also introduced new technology that makes doing business with them much easier, quicker, safer and more seamless all the way from quote to claim stage.

This means that customers will now be able to approve their quotes on a mobile phone via USSD, have their cover issued quicker than before due to a smart underwriting system that uses reflexive questions, get a copy of their advice record straight after interacting with their financial adviser, and be able to receive their claim pay-out quicker than before – and even quicker still if they have an Old Mutual Money Account.

NO TWO INSURANCE NEEDS ARE THE SAME According to Naicker, the first step in choosing the right cover is

understanding your needs, what type of cover will help you address that need, and how much you need.

“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. For example, the insurance needs of a single working professional are different to that of a new parent,” she explains. “To help you establish what’s best for you, speak to a financial adviser who will do a financial needs analysis to assess what you need, and then work through a solution recommendation process to structure the most appropriate solution with you based on your need and budget.”

expenses you spend it on.

With Disability insurance, depending on which product you choose, Old Mutual will pay out a single tax-free amount or a monthly tax-free payment, if, due to an illness or injury, you are impaired, unable to work or take care of yourself.

With Illness insurance, Old Mutual will pay out a single tax-free amount if you’re suffering from a severe illness to help with your recovery or day-to-day expenses.

With Future Insurance, you get underwritten at your current age, the younger and healthier the better, so you can get cover in the

Our current reality highlights the need for personal cover that is comprehensive, flexible, and modular, keeping pace with our evolving lives.

Old Mutual’ s Personal Cover offering includes Life, Funeral, Disability, Illness and Future insurance, and extra features which can be added such as Cashback and Premium Protection.

Life insurance pays out the cover amount, tax-free, when the insured person dies. You can choose whether you want to leave your family with a once-off sum of money or a regular monthly income, or both. Your beneficiaries can choose how to spend the money. You also get cover for up to 30 days before you pay your first premium.

With Funeral insurance, you can cover up to 22 family members and an unlimited number of dependent children. If an insured person dies, Old Mutual will pay out the cover amount tax-free and within hours of receiving a valid claim. You can also choose what

future without going for medical tests and you pay a premium that’s based on your current good health. This way, you circumvent potentially higher premiums or exclusions if your health deteriorates.

And lastly, all customers who are signed up to Old Mutual Rewards will get a percentage of their premiums back in points every month for simply having cover.

They can invest, donate or spend their points with any of the wide range of partners on the Rewards programme.

Find out more at www.oldmutual.co.za/personalcover or speak to your financial adviser.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited is a Licensed Financial Services Provider

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health & wellness | CBD

IT’S A KIND OF

Magic

Tempted to try CBD oil? Before you step into your health store, get to grips with cannabis and how extracted cannabidiol can impact your health and wellbeing.

BY HELEN CLEMSON

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health & wellness | CBD

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et’s start with the question that seems to be on everyone’s mind; can cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, make you high? No. “Most CBD products get their CBD from the Hemp plant, a variety of cannabis which has a lower concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and a higher concentration of CBD,” explains Sean Willard from Releaf Pharmaceuticals, a pharmacist and certified holistic cannabis practitioner.

The marijuana plant however is the reverse; a much higher concentration of THC and lower concentration of CBD, Sean adds.

Why is this important to know? Firstly, how these cannabinoids (“both are chemical compounds” explains Sean) can impact your physiology. “CBD and THC work differently in the body in terms of how they interact with the endocannabinoid system,” he says.

“We all have this system - just like we have a digestive system or sympathetic nervous system - and CBD and THC work on that system too.” Our endocannabinoid system is all about balance and regulating our bodies systems and functions and keeping them in homeostasis (equalised). For example, if you feel pain or fever from an injury, it throws your systems out of balance.

“CBD modulates or supports our body’s own system and THC interacts with that system too. It does so differently however, and because it binds directly

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to the CB1 receptors in the brain, it can cause a “high” - known as a psychotropic or psycho-toxic effect,” Sean reports.

BUY THIS, NOT THAT

It’s critical to read labels before buying and where possible, establish if there is a ‘certificate of analysis’ which verifies that what is on the label is actually in the product – “because the COA will confirm that there is less than 0,001 percent THC,” says Sean.

Why the fuss? Rules and regulations. “In terms of South Africa’s regulations from the Department of Health (under the recommendation of South African Health Products Regulatory Authority), regulations were passed in May of 2019 stating that certain cannabidiol products can be sold as a supplement under certain conditions and those regulations were updated this year.

The maximum daily dosage of CBD can’t exceed 20 milligrams per day and the pack may not exceed more than a month’s supply (in other words, no more than 600 milligrams per sales pack) and the concentration of THC should not be more than 0.001 percent, so it’s almost negligible.”

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health & wellness | CBD

ASTHMA

CBD has potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties

EYES

CANCER

Compounds found in CBD feature neuro protection and vasodilation properties which further assist in the conservation and treatment of glaucoma

Cannabinoids may have benefits in the treatment of cancer-related side effects

HEART

BRAIN

Anti-inflammatory, Atherosclerosis, and Anti-Ischemio

Anti-Anxiety, Anti-Depressant, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective

INTESTINES

WELL BEING

Cannabidol reduces intestine inflammation through the control of the neuroimmune system

Helps to relax and to calm body and mind

SPINAL CORD INJURY

STOMACH

Studies have not only demonstrated CBD’s pain-killing properties, but also it’s ability to reduce spasms and improve motor function in SCI patients

Antiemetic, Appetite Control

BONE STRUCTURE

CBD works by improving bone density and reducing the occurence of bone diseases. It strengthens the collagen “bridge” that forms at the site of the break which then hardens with the new bone

explains, CBD is well-known for its large range of highly therapeutic and immune boosting qualities. And while it is non-psychotropic, it’s psychoactive in its “ability to regulate serotonin positively,” he explains. In fact, CBD can help for anxiety - or symptoms of anxiety - so it does work centrally but it doesn’t cause the high, adds Sean.

How can you incorporate it into your everyday regime to reap the health and wellness benefits? In terms of South African regulations, the two main categories where CBD is helpful as a wellness and health product is for those with pain and inflammation as well as anxiousness, stress and mood, he unpacks. But don’t be fooled; though CBD boasts a number a significant number of benefits, it is in no way a cure for any disease or condition, says Elouise Trichardt, CEO of Nabinoi

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Wellness.

“Cannabidiol can treat symptoms, but not the root cause, and is a

pharmaceutical alternative for those who desire natural treatment for their symptoms.”

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DOSAGE? Sean’s golden rule if you’re a first timer? “Start low, go slow,” he says.

“Cannabis has a bi-phasic effect, so you may have a response at a very low dosage or you may need a slightly higher dosage - but you won’t know until you’ve tried it.” In other words, one person may be fine on two or three drops per day but others may need 10 or 20 drops.

“It really is just up to the individual”, he adds (Elouise calls it “finding your sweet spot”). And, how you get your CBD into your system depends on your preferred supplementation.

Marcel reports that one of the best approaches to taking large doses of bioactives (like herbs and vitamins) in conjunction with CBD is through ingesting capsules. However, if you’re only supplementing with CBD (in small milli doses), “the most effective and bioavailable approach is transmucosal, such as using a tincture,” he says.

“Your mucous membranes allow for fast and efficient absorption of compounds directly into your blood system.” Importantly, Elouise recommends you give your CBD product of choice at least 14 days to show results. “Don’t take it for two days and say it doesn’t work,” she says, as you need two weeks to make an educated decision.

health & wellness | CBD

MY PET AND CBD

COA. “The product of choice should be laboratory tested and should be GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. In fact, each batch produced should come with a Certificate of Analysis,” says Paul Jacobson, owner of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition. The Vondi’s range of vegan, THC free (so no “high”), one hundred percent organic and GMP certified CBD products mean dietary supplementation that can help soothe ailments from joint pain to reducing inflammation which affects skin ailments and bladder disorders.

For dogs that suffer anxiety from separation, stressful vet or grooming appointments, thunderstorms or fireworks, it might be the ticket.

While feeding guidelines are on labels, the daily recommended dose can vary from 1mg – 10mg and more (it all depends on the size of your hound and the frequency with which you’re supplementing).

Got an anxious pooch?

Battling to keep Oscar’s arthritis managed? Perhaps the answer is CBD supplementation, a growing trend overseas. In fact, according to a 2016 report published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (JAHVMA), 58.8% of dog owners are currently using CBD products. And over threequarters of those products were prescribed by a veterinarian.

It seems vets and owners are going the CBD route because when a dog ingests it, it can affect how they perceive pain and stress, boosting their dopamine levels (which lifts their mood), says research from The American Animal Hospital Association.

On a physical level, CBD’s interaction with Fido means reducing inflammation and even lowering cancer cell reproduction. When choosing the best product though, make sure – like on yours – there’s a

CBD DOG TREATS CAN HELP RELIEVE AND MANAGE CONDITIONS SUCH AS:

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ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

ANXIETY

SEIZURE

CBD treats can alleviate these joint pains and have them moving around again

They can help relieve the stress from separation anxiety and noise phobias for many highstrung pets

CBD have been shown to reduce and help manage seizures brought upon by epilepsy or other genetic disorders

CANCER PAIN

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

LOSS OF APPETITE

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR

CBD products can help mitigate some cancer symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, or chronic pain

CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body and can act as an antiinflammatory and immune-boosting agent

CBD treats can boost appetite, reduce nausea, alleviate digestive issues for suffering dog

These treats can help minimize aggressive behaviours and stress disorders

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health & wellness | HORMONES

Taking control of your

HORMONES Hormones play a big role for women, they influence just about every aspect of our health. Synthetic chemicals in products like plastics and fragrances can mimic hormones and interfere with, or disrupt the fragile endocrine dance.

BY MARIZA HALLIDAY

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health & wellness | HORMONES

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P

ollution is a global issue without a readily apparent solution, though taking steps to avoid exposure can help. In addition to the environmental effects, pollution can affect your hormones in some surprising ways. The endocrine system—a network of hormoneproducing glands—plays a vital role in all phases of development, metabolism, and reproduction.

We sat down with Elenia Kolokotronis, a clinical nutritionist specializing in natural female fertility to take a look at how external and internal elements affect your hormonal health.

“Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are compounds that bind to a certain matter. Some EDCs include compositions of plastics such as bisphenol A, phthalates and other harsh chemicals. As we are living beings that need clean fresh air for our entire body to function properly, our lungs are the most dependant on this for obvious reasons. But what we

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might not know or understand is how our hormone functions are disrupted by breathing in polluted air or living in a toxified environment” says Elenia.

When asked why conventional health care practitioners seldom address pollution as one of the worst hormone offenders, Elenia feels that health care practitioners are backed into a corner. Their primary concern is to assist and treat the patient as swiftly as possible and they do so with what they can manage at hand.

HOW TO AVOID THE MOST COMMON HORMONE DISRUPTORS:

1. Wash Your Hands In the time of Covid-19, we have heard this phrase time and time again.

When you wash your hands with fragrance-free soaps you will rinse a substantial amount of chemical residue down the drain. This should especially be done before eating.

2. Vacuum and Dust Often Even though they’re linked to

Shirley Gottschick

Grace de Maar Stephné Jacobs We believe that women in low-income categories deserve the same access to support services as anyone else. The Power of Pink campaign ensures a silicone prostheses service that empowers survivors to regain their self-esteem and confidence after a mastectomy.

Research significantly illustrates the link between the consumption of mushrooms and cancer. The annual Power of Pink campaign in Pick n Pay stores in partnership with the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association provides essential funds for our DITTO Prosthesis project.

I know first-hand what a breast prosthesis means. It’s a life-changing gift of hope for a mastectomy patient. We provide a fitting service at local breast clinics and our oldest lady in Jhb was a 93-year-old, who literally danced out the door with her new “breasts”!

A woman wants to feel beautiful at any age and we cannot thank the Power of Pink campaign enough!

Follow us on: @freshmushroomssa

FreshMushroomsSA @FreshMushroom

www.mushroominfo.co.za

No one understands the financial challenges disadvantaged breast cancer survivors experience like the brave volunteers at Reach for Recovery who are breast cancer survivors themselves. That is why the Power of Pink campaign needs your support urgently.

The monies raised annually, gives Reach for Recovery (R4R) volunteers the capacity to help reshape the lives of survivors.

Help restore dignity to underprivileged women diagnosed with breast cancer

All you have to do is purchase a pink punnet of 250g whole or sliced white button mushrooms at Pick n Pay stores during October. R1 from each punnet goes to R4R’s Ditto Prosthesis Project where it is used to purchase life changing silicone prostheses for underprivileged women who lost a breast(s) through breast cancer.

Support the Power of Pink campaign and BUY mushrooms in pink punnets

So grab a pink punnet of mushrooms today and join Reach for Recovery in being a part of the much-needed healing process for survivors. You’ll also win because ongoing research 1, 2 indicates that women who eat an average of 10g of mushrooms a day may halve their risk of breast cancer!

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19048616 2. http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/03March/Pages Cancerprotectionfrommushrooms.aspx

A joint initiative between the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA), Pick n Pay and Sinica

health & wellness | HORMONES

hormone disruption (and cancer, too), flame retardant chemicals are utilized in many common household products. Research shows that these chemicals collect in your household dust from various surfaces. Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which traps small particles of dust instead of blowing them around the house.

3. Avoid Fragrances The word fragrance on a label signifies a mixture of various ingredients, without further specifying what those ingredients are. But we do know that phthalates, one class of chemicals typically found in fragrance, can disrupt hormones. Choose fragrancefree creams, cleaning products and laundry detergents. Fragrances can show up in unexpected places, such as diapers or garbage bags.

4. Say No To Plastics We’re surrounded by plastic. It’s wrapping our food, bottling our conditioner, encasing our phone.

Some plastics contain hormonedisrupting chemicals. One commonly used shatterproof plastic (PC #7) can contain bisphenol-A, commonly called BPA, and flexible vinyl (PVC #3) contains phthalates. Reduce your

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plastic use wherever possible. Swap plastic food storage containers with glass or stainless steel. When using plastic containers, don’t use them to store fatty foods, and never microwave them. Replace plastic baggies with reusable lunch bags, and plastic cling wrap with a beeswaxcoated cloth.

5. Avoid Tinned Products Tinned foods can make meal prep a breeze, but those cans are likely lined with BPA to keep them from corroding. Try to use fresh, frozen or dried foods instead.

6. Watch What You Eat Certain pesticides have been linked to

hormone disruption. Try to opt for organic food where possible. Consider how you prepare food as well. EDCs can hide in non-stick pots and pans, so cook in chrome steel or forged iron instead.

7. Filter Your Tap Water Running water from the faucet through a proper filter can decrease the amount of some endocrinedisrupting chemicals. Improving our diet and nutritional status and reducing our exposure to endocrinedisrupting chemicals are pivotal changes that will profoundly impact our overall health.

health & wellness | EYE HEALTH

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health & wellness | EYE HEALTH

On the LOOKOUT for healthy eyes NABILA MAYET CASSIM explores ways to optimise eye health as we age.

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our eyesight can possibly be one of the more important senses that may deteriorate with age. Eye health is an important part of our general health, and being cognisant of the nutrients that are important is valuable when it comes to boosting eye health against harmful light and reducing the risk of age-related degenerative diseases.

Optometrist Rubeena Jadwat says “Age sometimes brings changes that weaken your vision and eyes, but there are things you can do to maintain lifelong eye-health,” she says.

AN OVERVIEW OF COMMON EYE DISEASES: Cataracts: A condition that leaves your eyes feeling cloudy. Age-related cataracts can be a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness.

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Dry eye disease: When there is insufficient tear fluid which causes the eyes to dry up and lead to discomfort and visual problems.

Diabetic Retinopathy: This condition is associated with diabetes and is a driving force behind visual impairment and blindness. Usually, this condition develops with high blood sugar levels that damage the blood vessels in the retina.

Glaucoma: Degeneration of optic nerve due to increased intra-ocular pressure. This condition may cause weakened eyesight or blindness.

Macular degeneration: This condition comes with age and is one of the main causes of blindness.

“Although your risk of getting these conditions depends to some extent on your genes, your diet also plays a major role,” Dr Jadwat explains.

An unhealthy diet of highly processed foods that lack nutritional value may not provide enough nutrients to support optimum eye-health. In fact, research suggests that a high-fat diet of processed foods may increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

So what are we required to add to our diet to assist with our eye-health?

Vitamin A:

A lack of vitamin A consumption may result in night blindness, dry eyes or even permanent blindness.

Carrots may be the food best known for helping your eyes because they are rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. But other Vitamin A rich foods such as liver, egg yolks and dairy products are also vital.

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

health & wellness | EYE HEALTH

Gamma-Linolenic Acid:

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in small amounts. The richest sources of GLA are evening primrose oil and starflower oil.

“Some evidence suggests that taking evening primrose oil may reduce the symptoms of dry eye disease,” Dr Jadwat says.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble antioxidants that protect fatty acids from harmful oxidation. The best sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils like flaxseed oil.

Zinc:

Because our eyes contain high levels of zinc it is important to include zinc in our diets to maintain our eyesight.

Zinc can be found in meat, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and oysters.

Vitamins C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids

These vitamins all play a role in eye health. They can help prevent cataracts - the clouding of your eye

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lens. They may also fight the mostlikely cause of vision loss when you’re older age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Moringa and Spirulina

Both moringa and spirulina boast high antioxidant levels.

“Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction while spirulina may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration,” says Sofiyya Haffejee Head of Aafiyah Healthcare.

“Spirulina and Moringa capsules are effective in supplementing a healthy diet that promotes healthy eyes,” Haffejee adds.

The truth of the matter is that regular check-ups are essential. In addition, Dr Jadwat provides these tips to optimise your eye health:

• Yearly check-up’s for under 16’s and over 60’s - this will detect any problems early on.

• Wear sunglasses from teen years, the UV damage to eyes can be prevented by this one simple task.

• Hypertension and Diabetes are two major causes of eye problems and both these diseases can be controlled or prevented by a good diet and exercise.

• If you wear contact lenses, ensure they are worn only 4-5 times/week for a maximum for 5-7 hours daily.

This will prevent major eye problems in later years.

A healthy body will result in healthy eyes too.

health & wellness | SLIPPERY ELM

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health & wellness | SLIPPERY ELM

THE

Bark

WITH BENEFITS Need to overhaul your gut health? Meet Slippery Elm, a herbal supplement – that can be remarkably helpful in soothing the gastrointestinal tract. And that’s not all!

BY HELEN CLEMSON

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health & wellness | SLIPPERY ELM

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escribed as “an incredible herbal product”, director at Flora Force, Jurgen Kerschbaumer goes on to say that only the inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree is intended for use. “For the sake of sustainability, limbs are carefully selected to be pruned and then the outer bark is stripped back to reveal the soft, inner bark that is dried and powdered for our tablets,” he explains. As Slippery Elm is high in soluble fibre, it makes it a great food for gut-friendly bacteria, Kerschbaumer adds. And while a simple internet search will reveal many of its good-for-your-gut benefits, and help bring relief to those suffering from conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the experts reveal that every-day common issues that all of us will battle with from time to time can be eased with Slippery Elm. “A tablet dissolved in a bit of water is soothing for a sore

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throat - it works a charm!” says Kerschbaumer.

How to really make Slippery Elm work for you and your body? Read on…

MUCILAGINOUS MARVEL

Time to get a little (more) technical.

This herbal antidote is so good at improving your gut health because “it’s mucilaginous quality (a healthy version of slimy) means that it provides a protective layer that soothes the gastrointestinal tract,” Kerschbaumer further explains. And so even if you suffer from ulcers or reflux, “it is remarkably safe and highly

D IS FOR DEMULCENT As Healthline.com reports, Slippery Elm bark is a demulcent, so it’s capable of calming the lining of the stomach and intestines and reducing irritation. Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents. beneficial,” he adds. In a report by Healthline.com, a study even found that Slippery Elm had an antioxidant effect in people with Crohn’s disease.

However, remember this type of condition is a serious one, so ask a registered healthcare practitioner for appropriate advice before any self-treatment.

SaatchiCPT452125

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.

health & wellness | SLIPPERY ELM

LOOK TO YOUR LIFESTYLE

While there’s no denying the health payoffs of Slippery Elm, Kerschbaumer stresses the need to investigate your wellness holistically, especially when it comes to treating your gut and potentially severe conditions. “We are prone to self-medicating or relying on the pharmacist to do a doctor’s job - and we do so at our own peril,” he cautions. “Just like a healthy diet and exercise, there is no substitute for the value that a

TAKE TWO That’s two hours (or up to four) after any chronic medication or supplements. Why? The very quality that makes Slippery Elm so amazing can inhibit the absorption of chronic medication or supplements when taken simultaneously, Kerschbaumer explains.

9 CONDITIONS SLIPPERY ELM COULD ASSIST IN TREATING: • Acid Reflux • Heartburn • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) • Constipation • Soothing a Cough and Sore Throat • Diarrhoea • Urinary Tract Infections • Stomach Ulcers • Haemorrhoids

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close relationship with a practitioner can add. All too often we ignore the importance of having someone that can share our burden. And we are most blind to our own pathology.” He uses Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as an example of not just relying on pills but rather considering lifestyle changes such as reducing coffee and alcohol, including exercise as part of your routine as well as “introducing destressing practices like yoga or mindfulness meditation.”

Breathe easy Chamiflor ® Ocean Nasal Spray with chamomile; • Combines physiological ocean water with natural sea salts, purified water & chamomile fluid extract.

• Ideal for gentle cleansing and rinsing of the nose.

• Can be used for babies, children and expectant mothers.

• Contains chamomile which facilitates in the regeneration of the nasal mucosa and may decrease this risk of nose bleeds. 1

Available without prescription Ask your Phamacist for Chamiflor ®

References: 1. Metcalfe W, Costello R. Question from practice: When to worry about nosebleeds. Pharmaceutical Journal (2013):1-4.

Available from: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/learning/learning-article/question-from-practice-when-to-worry-aboutnosebleeds/11123224.article?firstPass=false.

Chamiflor® Ocean Nasal Spray. Chamiflor contains physiological ocean water with natural sea salts 0,9%, purified water and chamomile extract. www.chamiflor.co.za

Mylan (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No.: 1949/035112/07. 4 Brewery Street, Isando, Kempton Park, 1600. Tel: (011) 451 1300 Fax: (011) 451 1400 www.mylansa.co.za M3146 Exp: 05/2021

SS 14410-5224

• Assists with the supportive treatment in rhinitis and in a stuffy nose.

food & fitness | GLOW-UP WITH RUSHTUSH

Fitness: GLOW-UP WITH RUSHTUSH

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Online fitness coach and personal trainer Rushda Moosajee, who is known in the digital sphere as RushTush, is passionate about helping women reach their fitness goals.

ushda is not only a personal trainer and online coach but a resourceful businesswoman, building a legacy and expanding her lifestyle offering, while enjoying growing her family.

We decided to spend some time getting to know this tiny, yet fierce woman – and we can see why she is one of South Africa’s most loved influencers.

Q. Who is the woman behind the brand?

I’m a proud mom of two boys. My love for fitness started when I was 23-years old. Through this love, I have transformed thousands of women’s lives through correct training and balanced eating plans. I built the Rushtush brand over 12 years, mainly online and in the homes of women. I wanted to expand my reach beyond the gym. I created a platform for women to train with me via eBooks which they would purchase online.

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This elevated the brand to a global audience. The next step was to build my fitness app, which launched in 2020. It is the first stand-alone personal training app in South Africa. I also have another shopping app, Rushtushlife where you can shop my Beauty, Pharmaceuticals, and Athleisure products.

Q. You have so much passion and your ventures have all been very successful - where did you get that drive to succeed from?

My folks! I have a strong work ethic, I don’t stop until I’m satisfied and I’m very resourceful. I love creating something out of an idea. Seeing it being enjoyed by many is thrilling!

Q. Why did you create the Spring Glow-Up challenge?

I wanted women to have access to that support group of other likeminded women. Together we can achieve so much more. I wanted

women worldwide to experience what it would be like to be coached by me in the comforts of their own homes.

Q. What kind of results can women expect from the Spring Glow-Up challenge, and what kind of sacrifices should they be willing to make?

You should be prepared to focus on yourself. As women, we forget about ourselves, what we need, and what we deserve. Only expect the best for yourself, and your best is good enough.

Q. What makes your challenge different from other diet programs out there?

It’s a balance of wholesome, real food.

The training is my training style developed over the years to ensure women are strengthened, elongated, and reinforced from inside out while maintaining a feminine shape and a confident strong and able physique.

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Q. How do you balance life, fitness, health, being a boss, and parenting?

I make sure I have a full team to help me with all the responsibilities of both seeing to the kids and my business, so I can be creative, fit and my best self for my kids and family.

Q. What advice do you have

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for new mothers who feel lost on where to begin to embrace their new curves and who are too insecure or busy to join a gym?

You have to learn to love and appreciate your body in all its phases. Forget about gyms, it is so 2019. You can train in your own home, using my app!

The RushTushFit training App is available for download on the App Store, enjoy the first two weeks free! Android is launching in September. Heat 2 of the Spring Glow-Up challenge starts on 4 October and contestants stand a chance of winning up to R3000 in cash prizes for the best transformation.

For more information, visit www.rushtush.com

www.nutribullet.co.za

food & fitness | RECIPES

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food & fitness | RECIPES

a breath of french air Local-born chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen brings a bit of French fine dining to South Africa, with easy-to-follow recipes and home-grown ingredients, making this sometimes intimidating style of cooking attainable for the everyday cook. Classical French cooking techniques with a South African twist!

JAN A BREATH OF FRENCH AIR

BY JAN HENDRIK VAN DER WESTHUIZEN JAN – A Breath of French Air is a memoir and celebration of the renowned eatery JAN, a South African restaurant in the south of France. Each chapter captures the mood and inspiration of what is served at JAN, and the collection of over 90 recipes covers everything from locally baked breads, amuse bouche and mouth-watering main course meat and fish dishes to what the chefs eat after a long night’s service in a hot kitchen.

JAN A Breath of French Air by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is published by Struik Lifestyle, an imprint of Penguin Random House and is available at bookstores nationwide at the recommended price of R430

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food & fitness | RECIPES

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food & fitness | RECIPES

GOLDEN SHALLOT AND ORANGE CUSTARD Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 40 min Cooking time: 1 hr 30 min

Break away from the idea that a custard has to be sweet. Nothing comes close to caramelised shallot – hidden at the bottom of each ramekin – the sweetness and the umami, finished off with a touch of zesty orange. This dish is ideal to make ahead and perfect for vegetarian guests.

Ingredients

method

4 shallots, peeled 15 ml unsalted butter Sea salt and white pepper 5 ml granulated sugar Freshly grated nutmeg Zest of 1 orange 2 large eggs 375 ml double cream

Preheat the oven to 275 °C. Using a sharp paring knife, very thinly slice the shallots lengthways, but leave the slices attached at the root end. Use your palm to gently fan out the slices.

In a medium sized pan, melt the butter and add the shallots. Season with salt and white pepper.

Sprinkle the sugar and a pinch of nutmeg on top and cook for about 10 minutes until nicely browned. Add the orange zest and cook for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Fan out the shallots in the centre of four ramekins. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, 2.5 ml salt and white pepper to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg and pour the mixture into the ramekins. Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and set in a glass or ceramic dish filled with hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Place the baking dish in the centre of the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the ramekins stand in the water for 5 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and leave to cool.

Serve warm or at room temperature with Shallot Confit (see page 248) and garnished with Caramelised Sunflower Seeds.

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food & fitness | RECIPES

GLAZED ENDIVE, SPELT AND CARAMELISED SUNFLOWER SEED SALAD Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 15 min Cooking time: 1 hr 20 min

The endive – cousin to chicory – is an under-appreciated bitter-leafed vegetable. It caramelises really well if grilled and then drizzled with honey.

A bowl of this fresh salad is a winner alongside a simple steak, and can even be enjoyed as a dish on its own.

Ingredients

method

3 large endives, washed and halved 125 ml water 5 ml granulated sugar 2.5 ml white wine vinegar 50 ml honey 100 g spelt or barley, rinsed 250 ml Chicken Stock (see page 249) 2 cloves garlic 150 g peas, fresh or frozen 60 ml olive oil 4 medium-sized lemons, juiced, skin reserved 20 g fresh parsley, roughly chopped Sea salt and ground black pepper 2 gem lettuces, cut into wedges or leaves picked Caramelised Sunflower Seeds 50 g sunflower seeds 10 ml Chinese five spice 30 ml granulated sugar Pinch fine sea salt

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Cut off most of the stalks of the endives and remove several of the leaves.

Trim the ends until neat.

Combine the endives, water, sugar, vinegar and honey in a large frying pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Make sure the endives are in a single layer in the pan and braise for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. When pierced with a knife the stalks should be soft. Increase the heat and cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the endives are turning golden brown. Caramelise for 5–10 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside.

Place the spelt or barley in a medium-sized saucepan and cover with the vegetable or chicken stock. Add the garlic and cook over medium heat until all the liquid has evaporated and the spelt is soft. This will take 45–60 minutes. Remove the garlic and strain the spelt. Flatten out on a baking tray and cool in the fridge.

Blanch the peas in boiling water and immediately place in ice water to cool down.

Mix the olive oil and lemon juice with the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

To caramelise the sunflower seeds, toast the seeds in a non-stick medium-sized pan for about 3 minutes over medium heat. Stir in the five spice and sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar has melted and all the seeds are coated with a thick layer of caramel. Sprinkle with salt and turn out onto wax paper. Allow to cool.

Gently mix the endives, peas, gem lettuce and spelt on a plate and toss with the olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Grate some of the skin from a lemon into the salad and toss. Sprinkle with caramelised sunflower seeds and serve.

food & fitness | RECIPES

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food & fitness | RECIPES

COD WITH CORN, CAULIFLOWER AND POPCORN POWDER Serves: 4-6 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 20 min Cooking time: 20 min

Any white fish will work for this recipe. On a recent visit to my parents’ farm in Mpumalanga I had to do one evening of ‘smart food’ and used hake with fresh corn from the harvest. The extras on the plate can be varied with a fresh salad or, if you fancy a similar plate, use carrot purée, ginger gel and popcorn powder.

Ingredients

method

4–6 cod or hake fillets Sea salt and ground black pepper 90 ml extra virgin olive oil 45 ml butter 4 corn on the cob, grilled quite dark and cut off the cobs 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets and blanched Popcorn Powder 15 ml sunflower or grape seed oil 180 g popcorn kernels 15 ml fine sea salt

Make the popcorn powder first. Heat the oil in a large saucepan until hot.

Add the popcorn kernels and cover with a lid. Keep shaking the saucepan until the popping has come to a stop. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large baking tray. Carefully pick out the kernels that didn’t pop and discard them. Season the popcorn with salt, sugar and cayenne pepper and place the mixture in a blender. Use both hands to shake the blender while it is in action so that it blends evenly. The popcorn should resemble a fine powder. Place in an airtight container until ready to use.

Season the fish fillets on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 60 ml of the olive oil and 30 ml of the butter. When the pan is hot, add the fish fillets and cook until golden brown and the fish flakes easily. Depending on the thickness it should take about 3 minutes on each side.

In a separate medium-sized pan, warm the remaining 30 ml oil and 15 ml butter over medium heat. Add the corn, cauliflower and seasoning.

Sauté until the corn and cauliflowers are soft and warm.

Serve the fish with the corn and cauliflower, Carrot Purée (see page 252) and Ginger Gel (see page 253). Dust each portion with 5 ml popcorn powder.

15 ml sugar 5 ml cayenne pepper (optional)

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food & fitness | RECIPES

LEMON AND POPPY SEED CHEESECAKE Serves: 8-10 Difficulty: Little effort Prep time: 40 min + 2 hr 20 min chilling Baking time: 25 min

Ingredients Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake 7 eggs 460 g sugar 480 g all-purpose flour 15 ml baking powder 310 g butter, melted 80 ml olive oil Zest of 5 lemons and juice of 1 60 ml poppy seeds

Cheesecake 300 g speculaas biscuits, crushed 30 ml granulated sugar Zest of 3 lemons 1 cm piece fresh ginger, grated 125 g butter, melted 250 ml fresh cream 500 g cream cheese 250 ml condensed milk 250 ml lemon juice 30 ml vanilla 100 g icing sugar 7 sheets gelatine, soaked in cold

method

For the poppy seed cake, preheat the oven to 180 °C. Spray a baking tray with non-stick spray.

In a stand mixer, combine the eggs and sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Sift the flour and baking powder together and fold it into the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.

Combine the melted butter, olive oil, lemon zest and juice and allow to stand for a few minutes before adding it to the flour mixture. Mix until smooth and then add the poppy seeds.

Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 25 minutes, or until the batter is cooked and golden brown. Once cooled, carefully remove from the tray.

Depending on the height of your sponge, trim the top with a large bread knife or use a string to cut it into a perfect flat shape. Set aside.

For the cheesecake, line a medium-sized loaf tin with wax paper and spray with non-stick spray.

Mix the biscuits, sugar, lemon zest, grated ginger and melted butter together in a large mixing bowl. Press a thin layer onto the base of the loaf tin until evenly spread and place in the fridge. Reserve the rest of the mixture at room temperature.

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the cream until thick. Add the cream cheese and whisk on a medium speed until there are no lumps – maximum 2 minutes. Combine the condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla and icing sugar, add to the cream cheese mixture and whisk lightly.

In a small saucepan, warm the gelatine with some of the leftover water and melt down until smooth – do not boil. Add the gelatine mixture to the cream cheese and cream and whisk for another 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to over mix or it will separate.

Pour a little of the cream cheese filling into the loaf tin on top of the crumble and return to the fridge to set for 20 minutes. Make sure the cheese filling is semi-hard before proceeding with the stacking: add a layer of the sponge, some more cream cheese filling and lastly a layer of biscuit crumbs. Return to the fridge for 2 hours to set.

To serve, roast a few lemons on a griddle pan until they are caramelised and serve with dollops of Caramel (see page 179) and toasted coconut.

water and drained

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home dĂŠcor | HOME OFFICE

a home office look to love Since Coronavirus lockdown forced workers to take their jobs home, the home office has once again become a much sought-after feature of modern living. To create a working environment that is suitable for your business and in balance with the needs of your family requires much thought, whether it is full time or part time.

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home dĂŠcor | HOME OFFICE

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home décor | HOME OFFICE

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orking from home has again gained popularity since the 1990s with the pandemic forcing our work habits and environments to change dramatically, and pushing us to re-evaluate the functionality and design of our living space.

Here’s some inspiration for creating the perfect space to motivate productivity and get your creative juices flowing.

Be a Minimalist Minimalism is so hot right now. A clutter-free space with simple furnishings and a neutral colour palette has a way of freeing the mind and sparking creativity. If you need to warm things up, add a plant or macramé wall hanging.

Add Metallics Modernise your office space by incorporating an assortment of gold, silver and rose gold accent pieces.

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Go Bohemian Embrace your inner free spirit and decorate your office with anything that tells a story, has sentimental value to you, or that you picked up on your travels. Add a bold coloured rug, colour on colour and some plants. Consider yourself creative? More is more in that case.

Focus on Lighting When selecting lights for a works space, it’s important to consider the type of lighting. White light

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD, 7 BEST PLANTS FOR YOUR OFFICE: • Devil’s Ivy • ZZ Plant • Peperomia • Philodendron • Peace lily • Sanseveria “Snake plant” • Bamboo Palm

home décor | HOME OFFICE home décor | OUTDOOR LIVING

PAINT COLOURS TO INSPIRE PRODUCTIVITY AND PEACEFULNESS The brain has a strong relationship with colours and certain hues can cause you to react in different ways. Here are some colours which will turn your work space into a den of ultimate productivity.

Blue is stable and calming, the most productive colour around.

The brain reacts positively to seeing blue, it helps you focus and can take the edge off of stressful work situations.

improves productivity whereas yellow light can often make people feel tired and less productive.

Should your space lack natural lighting, add as much task lighting as you possibly can. For small offices where floor and desktop space may be limited, narrow sconces work wonders and lend a more laid back mood when put on a dimmer.

Give Yourself a View Position the desk where you can stare at something more interesting than a blank wall. A window’s natural light is ideal, but if you’re in a windowless space, hang a pretty picture above your desk.

Find the Rug Ground your space with a colourful area rug for visual interest and soothing sound absorption. You can dress up the room with decorative accents in the same hue. Keep the furniture simple and clean for a sleeker look.

Colour Pop Ensure your office isn’t a total snooze by adding a bold pop of colour while keeping the rest of the space neutral.

Invest in a Great Chair You spend hours in your office chair.

Add a beautiful, ergonomically correct comfortable seat to relieve bodily strain while enhancing your mental mood and proficiency. An ergonomically designed model that enhances posture will also induce you to gravitate to stances that bring personal confidence and encourage healthier working habits.

All About the Art Decorate with images that speak to you, even if you’re crunching numbers all day. Fill your office with vibrant art to energize your space and make you feel motivated. Add a bit of love with a framed grouping of art made by your kids.

Green is great as it doesn’t cause eye fatigue, perfect for those who often find themselves burning the midnight oil. It’s also quite calming, and helps with efficiency.

Red can actually stimulate a physical reaction, increasing blood flow and raising your heart rate. It also brings out emotion and passion which definitely helps with productivity.

Yellow is much like how you might feel inspired on a sunny day. This bright and brilliant hue is said to stimulate creativity.

The intensity of the tone will make a big difference in how your body responds to it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment a little and you’re sure to come up with the perfect blend of colours to keep you focussed and working hard all day long.

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home décor | HOME OFFICE Split Leaf Philodendron, Plantify R325

Reader Table Lamp, Weylandts R2795

Dragonfly Framed Wall Art, SHF Home R2990

SPRING INTO ACTION Add some new pieces to your office for a fresh new look

Chindi Rug, Block & Chisel R10 995

Peg Board, KNUS R1450 Untethered Art Print, KNUS from R495

Venice Desk, SHF Home R12990

Malibu Desk Chair, Weylandts R12110

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Future Educator

Their future may start as bits of ideas.

Future Sportsman

Future Scientist

But you can turn those bits into it a reality‌ bit by bit.

For more products, information and our online gold-vouchers:

www.krugerbits.co.za customercare@krugerbits.co.za 0860 76 66 46

local travel | WILD COAST

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local travel | WILD COAST

Paradise Found

Untouched Wonderland - Unspoiled Coastline, Welcome to the Wild Coast, an adventurous playground where untamed nature, ancient legends and iconic features come together.

By Reta Robberts

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local travel | WILD COAST

Lookout deck, Umng

A

true African coastline where waterfalls tumble into the sea, sandy beaches stretch into the far and beyond and an abundance of unique landscapes, fills up your camera’s lens. The resorts, nature reserves and camping facilities although remote, offer unsurpassed experiences to all visitors. Value-formoney holidays all year round due to mild winters and fantastic summers make the Wild Coast, also known as Transkei, a good choice for your next local holiday. The journey begins at Mzamba, just south of Port Edward and the Umthamvuna River, at the popular casino and top end luxury resort, Wild Coast Sun.

WHERE TO STAY

From luxury holiday apartments or hotels to fishermen hideaways, the range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is vast. Bare in mind that the road access to the resorts along the coast are mainly gravel roads, although well maintained, be prepared for breathtaking scenery and friendly waving

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azi Hotel & Spa

locals along the way. For complete isolation, pristine beauty and soulful rejuvenation, Umngazi Hotel & Spa with its spacious and tastefully furnished thatched rooms and wide open spaces is an ideal destination for couples and families. Set amongst indigenous lush gardens, Umngazi offer a variety of activities to keep you as busy or as lazy as you prefer, not forgetting the incredibly unique award-winning spa, which will certainly restore your wellness. (www.umngazi.co.za) First Group Hole in the Wall Resort is situated just 9 km outside of Coffee Bay and the resort overlooks this

BEST TIME TO VISIT April & May or Mid-August to Mid-October

iconic landmark. Self-catering, thatched roof apartments come with a well-equipped kitchen and a lounge area with a double sofa sleeper couch.

The resort features an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, BBQ facilities and an a la carte restaurant. Couples often prefer to visit the spa which offers a selection of treatments.

local travel | WILD COAST

Waterfall Bluff

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local travel | WILD COAST

ATTRACTIONS AND WHAT TO DO Whether your dream get-away is long, lazy days on the beach or beside the

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pool, fishing or exploring uncharted territories away from the tourist hoards, the Wild Coast has something for everyone . Well known for its

magnificent hiking trails, the wrecks along this stretch of rugged coastline, will stir your imagination. Famous landmarks include “the Gates� at Port

local travel | WILD COAST

St Johns, Hole in the Wall, Magwa Falls, Waterfall Bluff, the Jacaranda shipwreck, Nongqawuse’s pools and the Morgan Bay cliffs. Humpback and Southern Right Whales migrate from the Antarctic to the shores of South Africa to calve and are often seen along the coast. Other Wild Coast activities include golf, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, surfing, canoeing, horse riding, game viewing and bird watching.

In the most northern part of the Wild Coast lies the Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest. A tour goes out

at 9am every morning and if 80 million year-old fossils tickle your fancy, this is definitely an excursion not to miss!

From its people, to its footprintfree beaches, waterfalls and famous landmarks, the Wild Coast offers a wealth of things to see and experience. A unique and much loved sighting visitors have is of cows on the beach. The cattle love coming down to the beach to sleep or relax.

LOCAL FARMER’S & CRAFT MARKETS, MORGAN BAY

On the banks of the Inchara River you can enjoy a morning browsing local

produce from a range of stalls surrounded by indigenous trees. From homemade cakes and jams, local biltong, fresh fruit and vegetables, wild honey and free range pork to handmade jewellery and accessories – too much to mention. There is also a tea garden, gift shop and bar open for delicious meals, gifts, antiques and books, Wi-Fi availability and the pizza is not to be missed!

The Wild Coast is about hours spent on beaches, meeting cows at river mouths, Xhosa huts, coffee out of tin mugs, cliff hikes, river canoeing, horseback rides and surfing. Most of all, it’s about getting away from everything. So, come on, make that call and come and unwind.

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international travel | TURKEY

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international travel | TURKEY

A Turkish Delight!

Fairy chimneys, crystal waters and idyllic beach spots combined with Ottoman architecture and to top it all - Baklava to die for!

By Reta Robberts

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international travel | TURKEY Old Town, Kaleici in Antalya

T

travertine Carbonate kkale ols, Pamu natural po

urkey is a great place to visit culturally and historically with beautiful nature, fantastic beaches and lots of outdoor activities to choose from, not to mention a vibrant nightlife and more. The Turks are well known for their hospitality and if you are travelling with your kids, prepare for an even warmer welcome! Many hotels have kids-clubs, giving Mom and Dad much needed time for themselves.

A PEEK INTO TURKEY

Don’t be a turkey, the key to having a great time on your holiday is to plan early and the best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn when temperatures are more mild and the skies are clear. Turkey’s warm welcome, beautiful beaches, climate and wealth of family-friendly resorts are hard to beat. Adventurers can try parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, scuba diving, etc. Turkey is a non-euro zone, its currency is the Turkish Lira, cheaper than the likes of Spain, Italy and Greece, which makes it a very affordable destination. Make sure

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everyone has a valid passport and speak to your doctor regarding any medical requirements.

WHERE TO STAY

Heading for the popular resorts around the Aegean or Mediterranean coast - Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye or Antalya in particular, are the more established coastal areas well catered

to families. Ranging from luxury to little family run hotels, you are sure to find accommodation to suit your budget. You may also choose a self-catered stay in a villa or apartment in Turkey. Large families or groups of friends can hire a villa in Fethiye, a stunning coastal port, or an apartment in Bodrum. Renting a Turkish property is very reasonable if split between guests and the bonus is

international travel | TURKEY

Rock formations in Pasabag Monks Valley, Cappadocia

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international travel | TURKEY Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Blue Mos

que interior

that you get to live as a local, visiting the fabulous open markets or supermarkets for food.

PLACES TO VISIT

Istanbul and surrounds Situated on both sides of the Bosporus, the strait and internationally significant waterway that separates Europe and Asia, majestic Istanbul offers a fair amount of fascinating places to see. The compact old city of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, is full of lovely parks and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for its blue Iznik tiles and

The sunken harbours of ancient Dolichiste, Kekova Lagoon, Lycia, Antalya Province

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unique six minarets. Hagia Sofia was constructed in the 6th century as a Christian church until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. And just around the corner is Topkapi Palace and make sure to visit the aromatic Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Take a halfday-cruise (you can buy the tickets at the harbour) on the Bosporus. The cruise is a hop-on-hop-off trip and if you feel like some exercise whilst on the cruise, climb the Pierre Loti hill and catch a beautiful view of the

international travel | TURKEY

FOOD ANYONE?

Golden Horn. Experience a Turkish bath or go for an Oriental Turkish Show in a night club or a gastronomic dinner cruise.

You can do day-tours to Troy, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Izmir - take a dip in the turquoise pools and

drink healing water in Pamukkale.

Learn more about the Turkish history in Ankara and visit Pergamum.

Explore the caves in surreal Cappadocia, some of them 6 storeys underground where the Christians hid from the Romans or enjoy the view from a hot air balloon.

Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, baklava is one of the most iconic Turkish dishes – you will find it in most bakeries and best when enjoyed with a rich cup of Turkish coffee, often laced with cardamom, yum! To encompass a variety of street eats, try any kebab – whether it is beef, lamb, fish or vegetarian.

Kofte -Turkish ‘meatballs’, can be eaten solo as street snacks, dipped in plain yoghurt or served with rice and salad or a pide - a flat bread topped with cheese and assorted meat and vegetables, heated in a stone oven, much like a pizza. But when in doubt, order Meze –a range of traditional delicacies which includes about 20 items.

Turkey is affordable, fun-filled and family-orientated … just the place to create memories …

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parenthood | DADDY DIARIES

M-M-M-MY

CORONA

By Alasdair Cunningham

I

thought I’d be ready for it. I felt that a lifetime of comics and books, zombies and sci-fi would have better prepared me for what was to come. I thought I’d be

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that guy we all hate in the movies, the know-it-all with the high-pitched voice screaming “See! See! I told you so!

We’re all doomed!” while the monster lurches up from below to finish us all

off. But I was not, not even close; it snuck up on me as much as the next person. I heard it from my kids first, whenever someone coughed or sneezed or stood a little too close

parenthood | DADDY DIARIES

to them.

Then I heard it on television. It was vague at first, rumour, innuendo. It seemed as if it was on the other side of the world, a million miles from where we were, and then all of a sudden, it wasn’t. It was here, in the streets, lurking. I saw genuine fear on the faces of people in the shops while stocking up for the inevitable. I was shocked at the rows of empty shelves in our country‘s most significant retailers, and I was humbled when someone gave me half of their loose toilet rolls because there were simply none to be had. I grew angry at those people with large bulging trolleys,

holding enough supplies for months and months on end, leaving nothing for the rest of us. Was it selfishness or survival?

These are the same kind of people who text and drive; I’m almost sure of it. It made me think. Would I have done the same had I got here sooner?

I want to say I wouldn’t, but I don’t know for sure. When it comes to survival and protecting your family, you’ll go to the ends of the earth to keep them safe. I asked my boys what they would do. They said they would only buy what they could use and leave the rest for other people, or better yet, limit the amount that people could buy. Brilliant! Such wisdom from the mouths of babes. I wonder why our local store manager never thought of that. I told my Mum about what I had seen. She just nodded and said she had seen that behaviour during the War, and to be honest, I’d also witnessed it during the drought when there were fisticuffs over spring water. Then, the schools were cancelled and the long wait began. My boys took it in their stride.

Youth, naivety, and their teachers doing a damn fine job in telling them what to expect.

Most people donned pyjamas and began to work from home, revelling in the newfound freedom it gave them. I work from home anyway, so it didn’t bother me in the slightest. However, I’m also the kind of person who would be comfortable on a desert island with nothing but a basketball called Wilson for a friend.

So, with all these extra bodies around they were beginning to cramp my style. The boys had a good time.

Sure it was weirder than usual, but they did what kids do.

They played, fought, cried, and drove us up the wall. Then they kissed and made up before starting the cycle all over again. We grew close as a

family, and I realised that there is nothing we can’t get through together.

I also gave up feeling guilty about anything. Screentime? Who cares.

Less than healthy snacks? Who cares.

You do what you do to get through.

You have to keep the machine running, and if that machine puts food on the table while young Timmy watches Pepper Porker for the umpteenth time? So be it. Night after night we watched the world burn, and I hoped that something new would be born from out of the ashes of the old one, but I’m yet to see the green shoots poking out the ground. I sat watching dumpster-fires envelop “First World” countries that are still smouldering today, and I watched ours do what it could with what it had; although some of the decisions left us scratching our head.

Days came and went, morphing into one endless week, month, year of existence. I don’t even really know what the date is today; the sun’s up, that’s all I know. And sadly, with every passing day, everything we had built up as a country seemed to vanish.

Businesses and jobs in all sectors gone, or dying slowly on the vine, while the chasms between us become vaster and even more unfixable. We’ve borrowed eye-watering amounts of money from institutions you don’t want to be borrowing money from.

Let’s face it; these are the kind of places that will send large burly men to your house with a bat to tickle your knees till you pay up. In closing, all I know is this: I love my family, my friends, and everything I have in this world. We have our health, and our jobs, which is more than most can say, and we’re doing what we can for those who need it now more than ever. Oh, and no matter how hard I try, my boys still tell me I look like an overweight superhero with my mask on.

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essentials | BOOKS

Spring READS

9-12

Exploring the sophistication of French cooking, a mission to save a Caribbean island from plastic pollution and an unexpected love story in Tuscany awaits in this season’s top reads.

CLEAN UP! NATHAN BRYON

3-6

Join lovable, passionate Rocket as she sets off on a mission to save a Caribbean island from plastic pollution! When Rocket goes for a holiday to visit her grandparents, she’s shocked by the pollution that is spoiling their island home and putting the local sea life at risk. Can she think of a way to save the day? This is a heartwarming, timely and empowering picture book, showing how we ALL can make a difference. It’s a sequel to Nathan and Dapo’s debut Look Up! Paperback | R165 | Puffin

3-6

Treasure Hunters 07: The Plunder Down Under James Patterson

The Kidd family is on the hunt for Lasseter’s Gold, an Australian legendary lost treasures. When their ship is waylaid by pirate Charlotte Badger, their parents are framed for stealing priceless gems! Bick, Beck, Storm and Tommy have seven days to navigate the dangerous Australian Outback, find Charlotte Badger, and steal the evidence needed to prove their parents’ innocence and prevent them for being jailed!

Softcover | R165 | Random House UK

I Love You to the Moon and Back Illustrated by Tim Warnes

When the sun comes up, Big Bear and Little Bear think of new ways to share their love. Big Bear loves Little Bear more and more as each day passes, right up to each new moon and back. A joyful celebration of the love between parent and child, this lovely chunky board book is perfect for reading with your special little person.

With sturdy pages that are easy for little hands to turn and beautiful illustrations by Tim Warnes, I Love You to the Moon and Back will soon become a firm bedtime favourite.

Hardcover | R105 | Little Tiger Press

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the ideal natural solution for a blocked nose for you and your baby Flo for your baby

Flo Baby for babies’ blocked nose esp. before feeding and sleeping

Flo for you

Flo Saline Plus for a blocked nose during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

S PR A AT A YS ANG NY LE

Effective relief from a blocked nose Natural & gentle formulation Contains extra minerals required in the nose Preservative-free isotonic solution No stinging or burning

Flo Sinus Care nasal douche is available when you need more than a spray to relieve congestion whilst pregnant or breast feeding.

CS Health (Pty) Ltd

Tell us what you like most about Flo and stand a chance to win a Flo hamper.

Email us on info@cshealth.co.za

Visit our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/cshealthsa Available from Dischem, Baby City and leading Pharmacies.

Always read the label. Follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.

essentials | BOOKS

THE LAST MIGRATION CHARLOTTE McCONAGHY

The Tuscan Contessa Dinah Jeffries

In 1943, Contessa Sofia de’ Corsi’s peaceful Tuscan villa among the olive groves is upturned by the sudden arrival of German soldiers.

Desperate to fight back, she agrees to shelter a wounded British radio engineer in her home, keeping him hidden from her husband Lorenzo, knowing that she is putting all of their lives at risk. When Maxine, an ItalianAmerican working for the resistance arrives on Sofia’s doorstep, the pair forge an uneasy alliance. Feisty, independent Maxine promised herself never to fall in love. But when she meets a handsome partisan named Marco, she realizes it’s a promise she can’t keep... Before long, the two women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game with the Nazis. Will they be discovered?

And will they both be able to save the ones they love?

Softcover | R185 | Random House UK

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Kidnapped in Venice by a Russian defector, Kate knows she’s in trouble. But all is not as it seems.

The spy offers her conclusive evidence that the British Prime Minister is a live agent working for Moscow. Kate’s holiday quickly becomes the start of her next mission. With proof of the PM involved in a sordid scandal and a financial paper trail that undeniably links him to the Russians, the evidence seems bulletproof. But the motives of the defector are anything but clear.

And, more worryingly, it seems that there are key people at the heart of the British Establishment who refuse to acknowledge the reality in front of them. Kate can trust no one, and this mission will push her dangerously close to the edge... but is that the price to pay for the truth?

Softcover | R290 | Random House UK

JAN A Breath of French Air

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

JAN –A Breath of French Air is a memoir and celebration of the renowned eatery JAN, a South African restaurant in the south of France. The restaurant is a showcase of South Africa’s tradition of hospitality, transported from a farm in rural South Africa to the glamorous French Riviera. JAN, now a one-star Michelin restaurant, is proof that dreams can be lived and how a love for what you do can transform humble ingredients into a masterpiece.

Each chapter captures the mood and inspiration of what is served at JAN. The collection of over 90 recipes covers everything from locally baked breads, amuse bouche and mouth-watering main course meat and fish dishes, to what the chefs eat after a long night’s service in a hot kitchen.

Hardcover | R430 | Struik Lifestyle

R

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