Absolute Mama Issue 8

mama

South Africa’s Premium Parenting Lifestyle Magazine for Healthy Living

OMEGA 3’S

Reasons why you should be taking it

YOUR DAUGHTER’S FIRST PERIOD How to Help Her Get Ready & What to Expect

ADRENAL FATIGUE

Do you have Burnout?

A VEGAN OVERHAUL

How to take your beauty regime to a super-sustainable level

GOING DARK

The Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

Escape to Paradise FALL IN LOVE WITH ZANZIBAR’S RUSTIC CHARM!

ISSUE 8 2020 • R55.00 (VAT Incl.)

THE LOWDOWN ON MOM-SHAMING

Growth Journey

TM

The Growth Journey™ app makes tracking the height of your child simple and fun.

It’s more than height.

It’s HEALTH.1

Introducing the new smart growth tracking app with a camera functionality

Measure

The built-in automatic height measurement tool makes it easy for you to measure your child simply by taking a picture of them

Children’s growth can be an important indicator of health and wellbeing.1 Growth Journey™ makes tracking the height of your child simple and fun.

If diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency…

Record

The growth book gives you a visual historical record of all measurements made in the app

The Growth Journey™ app has an adherence module where you can create your own treatment journey following your doctor’s prescription, set reminders for when to inject your child, see treatment overviews and much more.

Track

Follow your child’s measurements on a growth chart to monitor their development Reference: 1) Haymond M, et al. Acta Paediatr. 2013;102:787–796. Novo Nordisk (Pty) Ltd, 150 Rivonia Road, 10 Marion Street Office Park, Building C1, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.

Tel: 011 202 0500 Fax: 011 807 7989 www.novonordisk.com

Growth Journey

TM ZA20GH00004

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BEAUTY NOTES

KIDS FASHION

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MAMA LOVE

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MOM-SHAMING

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FASHION

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MENSTRUATION EDUCATION

ECO-MOM

Contents

PARENTHOOD 30

ISSUE 8

ECO-MOM: BEACHCOMBERS

Beach foraging for the whole family

DIGEST 14

20

38

KIDS FASHION

FEAR-BASED PARENTING

Must haves for this season

Embrace cool colours and striking prints for your little fashionista

We take a look at the impact this style of parenting can have on our children

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Delightful reads for you and your kids

A look at the benefits of natural deodorant and a pick of our favourites

MAMA LOVE

NEW BOOKS

FASHION & BEAUTY 16

STYLE MODE

Fabulous fashion for Mom

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BEAUTY NOTES

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VEGAN BEAUTY

How to take your beauty regime to a super-sustainable level

THE LOWDOWN MOM-SHAMING

Defining mom-shaming and how to handle it

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MENSTRUATION EDUCATION

How to help her get ready for her first period

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ADRENAL FATIGUE

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AIR PLANTS

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ZANZIBAR

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SPRING RECIPES

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OMEGA 3’S

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LA VERANDA

Take your patio from drab to fab by adding any of these gorgeous items

FITNESS

FOOD & FITNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS 58

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WELCOME TO RISE!

Spotting the signs of adrenal fatigue and how to approach it

A transformation guide that equips women to strive to find their best selves by encouraging them to celebrate each other and to rise by lifting each other in love.

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Five reasons why you should be taking Omega 3

Delicious summer recipes for the whole family to enjoy

DO YOU HAVE BURNOUT?

FATTY ACIDS

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SWEET DREAMS

We explore the health benefits of adding dark chocolate to your diet

SUMMER RECIPES

HOME DÉCOR 88

AIRS & GRACES

Some inspiration for adding a modern spin on greening up your interiors

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TRAVEL 96

GARDEN ROUTE

We travel to the untouched and unspoiled coastline of our very own Garden of Eden

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ZANZIBAR

Explore the rustic charm and natural beauty of Zanzibar

DAD’S CORNER 108

HINDSIGHT IS ALWAYS 20/20

A satirical entry into our resident Dad’s diary

SHARE THE EXPERIENCE It is all about having an active lifestyle together. In the city or the great outdoors. Creating everyday adventures and going on holidays with family and friends. We have developed a broad range of products that let you and your kids share your passions - whatever the season and wherever you want to go.

Available at Thule Partner Stores & select baby stores nationwide Shop online www.thulestore.co.za

Bring your life thule.com

Editor’s letter During the strange and unsettling year of 2020, we all wondered whether the rollercoaster ride was ever going to stop, and should we withstand this ride, how would we be affected and what would the post-pandemic world look like?

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on” and hang on we did. Facing one stumble block after another, we endured and even though we aren’t through this unsettling time, we made it to the end of a year which felt like it would last forever!

Even in the face of what seemed utterly unimaginable, resilience has allowed us to muster the strength to not just survive but to prosper in these post-apocalyptic conditions and be thankful for what we have.

2021 is a blank canvas, full of opportunity.

Make wise decisions, plan ahead, redirect if necessary and stay safe!

In this issue we take a look at how you can take your beauty regime to a supersustainable level, we list the reasons why natural deodorant is a must and explore the

health benefits of including dark chocolate in your diet. We assist you in preparing yourself and your daughter for her first period and delve into the impact fear-based parenting can have on our children. We go beach foraging with the family and green up your interior by showing how to include air plants in your home. We take a trip along the garden route and fall in love with Zanzibar.

Grab your copy or your tablet, sit back and enjoy.

“Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.” ― Rachel Ann Nunes

Join me online Absolutemamamag

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Absolutemamamag

www.absolutemama.co.za

Absolutemamamag

STOP!

GENDERBASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE

absolute

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, John Swinley, Mariza Halliday, Nabila Mayet Cassim, Reta Robberts Social Media Manager: Monka Accounts: Candice Swart Images & Illustrations: Supplied, Bureaux.co.za and Shutterstock Advertising Sales: Jason Hill, 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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PREBIOTIC released in the stomach to create sustenance for your good bacteria.

PROBIOTIC delivered as a full dose to the lower intestine where it is most effective.

WWW.PROBITEC.CO.ZA * B a s e d o n s c i e n t i fi c a n a l y s i s o f t h e b e s t-s e l l i n g p r o b i o t i c s , P r o b i te c ™ w a s p r ove n to d e l i ve r 10 x m o r e p r o b i o t i c s to t h e gut than the next best performing brand and 2000x more t h a n t h e m a r ke t l e a d e r.

We Love

Unique artwork, beauty sleep and clean beauty products for the little ones are amongst our top picks this season

Luxury Décor, Thoughtfully Handmade

Inspired by the Scandinavian approach to bold minimalism with monochrome and neutral palettes, Jason and Dani, the duo behind JAYD have always had a very specific vision when it came to their own “style”. Using their plant hangers in your home will create elegant features on any wall. Create a green wall or vertical herb garden of dreams by hanging multiple on one wall outdoors.

Nikki Van Diermen Photography

www.shopjayd.com

Sweet Dear Deer Dreams

Dear Deer’s satin pillow slips are soft and silky, hypo-allergenic and PETA vegan approved. One of the many reasons our skin can look tired, dry and lined is due to lack of hydration. Sleeping on satin maintains the natural moisture balance in your hair and skin and assist keeping your hair looking shiny and blowouts last longer.

Satin assists in minimising facial lines, wrinkles and puffiness without absorbing your night creams and serum. Plastic surgeons recommend sleeping on satin after cosmetic care and doctors suggest sleeping in satin for cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiation, due to skin becoming sensitive. Look good – feel good!

www.deardeer.co.za

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Faux What?

Fauxmage handcrafted dairy-free cheese are cashew-based, providing a wholesome foundation of creamy goodness that is guaranteed to excite everyone’s taste buds. All ingredients are ethically sourced, natural and healthy with no preservatives (aside from Himalayan salt). Their outer packaging is made from wood-free paper that is fully biodegradable - so you can enjoy Fauxmage knowing you’re being kind to your body and the planet! Freeze friendly.

www.fauxmage.co.za

digest | WE LOVE

Clean Beauty Skincare for Little Ones

The recently launched JOMAR clean beauty brand uses clever combinations of active ingredients sourced from nature, truly setting the brand apart from other baby and toddler products on the market. JOMAR’s main ingredients include essential oils, antioxidants, botanical oils and butters and natural moisturisers. Parents will find everything they need for their little ones in the JOMAR range.

www.jomarbaby.com

DeLisle-ful Designs

Overberg artist, Grant de Lisle is a nature inspired artist and designer who has a passion for using reclaimed wood in all his artworks. He creates beautiful wood and epoxy resin jewellery pieces, using wild olive wood - each piece unique, shaped and polished by hand. His exquisite naturallyweathered wood lighting and oil art work on wooden blocks are one of a kind.

Facebook: Delislecreate

Simple Origin

Simple Origin, a female owned botanical dye house specialising in natural hand dyeing and eco-printing, creates beautiful, sustainable fabric designs, imprinted with organic shapes and dyed with natural colours. Being part of a circular economy, all the used dye water is poured over their vegetable garden and the organic waste is converted to compost. Simple Origin takes it a step further by harvesting rain water for the process.

www.simpleorigin.co.za

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

style mode Bright colours and bold prints to complete your wardrobe this season

1. Esther sunglasses, Witchery R399.20 2. Plain V-Neck Camisole, Woolworths from R299 3. Joyce suede belt, Witchery R559.20 4. Floral skirt, Guess R1299 5. Bianca hoop earrings, Witchery R399 6. Deidre A-line dress, Poetry R899 7. Garden spirit tiger eye gold watch, Thomas Sabo R8475 8. Rapture-C rose gold, Steve Madden R1399

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

1. Crinkle drop earrings, Woolworths R99.95 2. Palm print tiered pleated maxi dress, Woolworths from R1199 3. Leaves crown ring, Thomas Sabo from R2450 4. Blexxy-L nude bag, Steve Madden R1299 5. Colourful stones with golden stars bracelet, Thomas Sabo R9950 6. White top, Ted Baker R780 7. Polished cotton shorts, Witchery R899 8. Tasha sandal, Rare Earth R699

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

1. Joy one piece swimsuit, Poetry R899 2. Corsica cotton kaftan, Witchery R799.20 3. Ada one piece swimsuit, Poetry R999 4. Faith bikini top, Poetry R399 5. Faith bikini bottom, Poetry R450 6. S triped one shoulder swimsuit, Woolworths from R349 7. P rint twist front resin ringlet bikini top, Woolworths from R249 8. P rint layered ringlet high waist bikini bottom, Woolworths from R179

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fashion & beauty | KIDS

summer vibes Get them ready for summer by adding any of these pieces to your kids wardrobe

1. Adillete slides, Adidas R479 2. Striped t-shirt, H&M R99 3. Splatter print fleece shorts, Woolworths R229 4. Classic backpack, Adidas R299 5. Arsenal away t-shirt, Adidas R899 6. Animal spot recycled board short, Country Road R399 7. Bugs Bunny Chuck Taylor All Star high top, Converse R799 8. Wave riders flatbill cap, Woolworths R129 9. Organically grown cotton rhino t-shirt, Country Road R299 10. Shorts, H&M R229

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fashion & beauty | KIDS

1. C huck Taylor All Star all-over glitter high top kids, Converse R749 2. Lemon print top, H&M R99 3. H igh wasted denim shorts, Woolworths R299 4. Plaited sandal, Country Road R429 4. Striped strappy dress, H&M R249

5. F ur kitty backpack, Woolworths R29 6. S equin chiffon hair clips 2-pack, Woolworths R69.95 7. F rill textured cami, Country Road, R449 8. P ull on soft short, Country Road R429 9. Straw bag, Country Road R399

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fashion & beauty | NATURAL DEO’S AND ROLL-ONS

Scents & Sensibility Natural deodorant, it’s a thing. There are loads of benefits to consider which could help you switch from conventional to natural in an instant.

Why do we sweat?

Why natural?

It’s a natural body function to sweat, ensuring our bodies release all the toxins we ingest and absorb on a daily basis, and also regulating our overall body temperature — two very important jobs.

Conventional deodorants, including antiperspirants, clog up our pores and hinder the body from releasing toxins. Apart from clogging, conventional deodorants can also be the root cause of skin

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irritations like itchy armpits and bumpy, irritable skin, and can sometimes lead to more serious health risks.

Chemicals such as aluminium compounds and parabens that are often found in deodorants are

fashion & beauty | NATURAL DEO’S AND ROLL-ONS

directly absorbed into the skin and can cause estrogen-like hormonal effect; reports say that some ingredients in deodorant can be linked to Alzheimer’s, breast cancer and infertility.

Benefits of natural deodorant

Earthsap Grapefruit & Geranium roll-on Earthsap products are made from pure and simple ingredients, including a range of essential oils that won’t harm or irritate the skin. Other scent combinations include Wild Rose & Vanilla, Pine Forest, Tea Tree, Lavender & Rosemary, and East India Islands for men.

50ml | R59.95

Manufactured with NATURAL ingredients, it combats and soothes skin issues and sensitivities.

Swapping over can unblock your pores, promote healthy sweat production, and can also shrink pores and soothe itchy, razorburned skin.

Some natural deodorant ingredients can include bentonite clay, baking soda, honey or beeswax, coconut oil, olive oil and essential oils. All ingredients we’re familiar with.

Don’t sweat it! Try some of our favourite finds.

Hemporium Roll-on This natural deodorant is made with hemp seed oil, arnica, zinc and beeswax with an infusion of olive leaf, cat’s claw and coriander.

100ml | R109

Pure Beginnings Forest roll-on Forest roll-on has soothing and fresh ingredients including spearmint and aloe. It also contains sodium bicarbonate which targets bacteria that cause body odour. The fragrance is distinctively minty and will keep you feeling fresh all day. Monsoon (ylang-ylang) and a fragrant free variant is also available.

75ml | R60

Dr. Hauschka Sage & Mint roll-on A gentle combination of sage, mint and witch hazel combats bacteria and manages sweat and odours.

Other scent variations include real rose extract and jojoba oil.

50ml | R296

Simply Bee Roll-on An all-natural, mild roll-on deodorant. Some ingredients include beeswax, patchouli, rose geranium oil, lemongrass and lavender oil. Particularly suitable for delicate or sensitive skin.

75ml | R94

Salt of the Earth Melon & Cucumber spray 100% natural ingredients, including botanical extracts and oils, mineral salts and organic Aloe Vera, Salt of the Earth is kind to skin, allowing your body to function naturally while protecting you from body-odour. Amber & Sandalwood, Lavender & Vanilla, and a Pure Armour Explorer for men are also available in the range.

75ml | R189.95

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fashion & beauty | VEGAN BEAUTY

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fashion & beauty | VEGAN BEAUTY

Beauty’s Vegan Overhaul Want to take your beauty regime to a super-sustainable level?

Beauty journalist Helen Clemson switched to a vegan, plant-based product approach, and here’s how she did it!

By Helen Clemson

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fashion & beauty | VEGAN BEAUTY

P

erhaps it was the onslaught of COVID19 that was the final nail in my consumption coffin. A meat-eater – and user of not necessarily just plant-based fashion and beauty – this pandemic got me really thinking; what could I do for a more sustainable way of living?

Swapping my nutritional choices was an easy solution, but was I ready to give up my favourite, and let’s be honest, feel-good (especially in these challenging times), cosmetic choices in my quest for veganism? Total disclosure: The process unnerved me – it seemed overwhelming. But the discovery of a wealth of local (a big motivator in my more sustainable outlook) highly effective products has been exciting. To make things easier, I used a three-step approach when researching and changing over, and these are the questions that guided me. Whether you want to adopt strictly vegan beauty habits or embrace a more flexitarian mindset, here’s my how-to plan for a more “green” cosmetics space.

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ONE: Will it work?

No doubt the biggest concern for me in product selection has always been: “Will I see results?” Efficacy has historically been my number one priority. Throw veganism into the mix, and I was left with a question of sustainability versus great skin outcomes. Vain yes, but I want my anti-ageing serum to actually anti-age me. Dr Alek Nikolic, an aesthetic medical practitioner and creator of sk.in (Skin Ingredients), a range of vegan and cruelty-free skincare says that “there is no real difference in effect or skin results from an animal sourced active ingredient versus a non-animal sourced active ingredient.”

He also believes that confusion as to what vegan skincare actually is, is perhaps a source of concern with regards to efficacy. “I believe some people are confused between vegan skincare and natural, organic and botanical skincare,” he explains and adds that vegan is not necessarily ‘natural’ or ‘organic’. “Vegan skincare is classified or defined as skincare that contains ingredients that are not

tested on animals and that are not derived from animals.” This includes the manufacture process of any of the ingredients that are used to derive the final active ingredient. Active ingredients like ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C) and granactive retinol (vitamin A or retinol esther) are extremely effective, he goes to say, and for example for his product range, actives are sourced from approved vegan suppliers.

TWO: Is it really vegan?

“Another concern was feeling confident that my new product was in fact totally vegan and not just, ‘not tested on animals.’ Simply because a brand does not test on animals does not make them vegan,” says Dr Nikolic.

“It’s important to note that a brand is only truly vegan if their products have been vetted by a reputable vegan society and have been certified as vegan”, he adds. In others words, don’t be afraid to research who’s given your product the stamp of approval.

As Dr Nikolic unpacks: “The Vegan Society is an international based

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

fashion & beauty | VEGAN BEAUTY

society (and the oldest) that vets a number of products by researching every ingredient used from the suppliers to the manufacturers. Lauren Gibson, global education manager for Esse Skincare explains that “testing of our products are done in Bonn, Germany on human volunteers to ensure the results and influences to the skin are real and impactful which details high levels of efficacy.” Together with being accredited by the Vegan Society as well as being organically certified (by Ecocert, enforcing minimum organic percentages and banning ingredients deemed unsafe or unsuitable as well as regulating packaging used and overseeing it’s recyclability), measures like these practised by Esse for instance - are critical to ensure consumer safety and the most positive environmental impact possible.

THREE: How do I start?

Gibson suggests a phased-in approach. “The best way to start this phase-in, is with a trial kit that usually contains four to six trial-size products for you to test and see how your skin responds,” she says. While this way of starting your switch to vegan is a great method if you have sensitive skin (skin that is prone to reactions, inflammation or even itchiness), it’s also gentle on the budget. Financial outlay for a full-on vegan overhaul is most likely a concern, it was for me. I began my vegan beauty journey with a body care product or two. This meant I could finish my existing facial products (no waste) but also see how the skin on my body reacted to my vegan choices before investing in items like skincare serums.

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What I Switched To: My new top-to-toe vegan beauty wardrobe - and they’re all local brands!

Skincare: Nearly 40 – and a tired mother of a small child – my skin requires anti-ageing and brightening active ingredients for a healthy youth boost. I’m a big believer in serum layering for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions (like dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation), an issue that comes with getting older. I found great concentrations of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E as well as ceramides in sk.in Marvel Hydro Shot (R 1, 050) that I use over sk.in Gloss Radiant Shot (R 1, 300) every morning. The latter’s potent dose of anti-oxidants help offset the signs of UV and environmental damage, a real concern with living in perpetually sunny South Africa.

Bodycare: Determined to find a body cleanser that was not only vegan, but safe for my four year old to use, I tried Saponera Hand & Body Wash (R290 for 500ml). One hundred percent plant-based and made naturally, it’s nourishing ingredients (my daughter and I love the rose option) hydrates the skin thanks to shea butter, coconut oil and cacao butter in the formulation.

Haircare: Again, here I wanted an option that we could use as a family. The limited-waste approach to Be. Bare’s shampoos and conditioners, impressed me.

With zero plastic packaging, my husband loves the handy “looks like a soap but isn’t” bars we can use for hair washing. Made without water (so more can be saved), vegan and cruelty free, Be.Bare’s Shampoo Bar The Crowd Pleaser (R130) sits in our shower for everyone to use.

Make Up: A fellow beauty journalist recommended Esse Foundation SPF30 (R595) as my foray into vegan make-up. Part of a microbiome collection of products (it boosts skin with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients), this foundation promises light to medium coverage and increased skin glow. The result – after a super-smooth application – is natural-looking skin (no heavy, caked-on base), a hydrated skin-feel and wonderful radiance.

parenthood | ECO MOM

Production Roushanna Gray Photographs Warren Heath, Bureaux

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parenthood | ECO MOM

Beachcombers Children are natural born treasure hunters – why not take a leaf out of their books and revel in the beauty and bounty a day at the beach has to offer

S

By Vicki Sleet

mall fry have an innate ability to spot the things that adults miss – which is why spending a day rock-pooling and wandering along the coast can be so rewarding for the whole family. Pack a picnic full of edible spoils, made with oceaninspired and sourced ingredients and add an extra element to the adventure by including basic craft gear too – from old fishing line to paints and even paper sheets for boats, they’ll have so much fun in making their seaside mementoes.

Follow our step-by-step guides on how to make each craft and take note of the essentials you’ll need – oh, and don’t forget your fishing nets and buckets and baskets for collecting all those enchanting natural treasures.

1: LET’S BUILD A BOAT

There is something infinitely satisfying about making a folded paper boat – and once you and the children get the hang of it, it can be quite addictive. The perfect post-lunch activity, fold a fleet of boats and have races in sheltered rock pools. Any paper will do – so long as it’s a rectangular shape.

YOU WILL NEED • A few squares of sturdy paper (not card), 21.5 cm x 28 cm • Wax crayons for decorating the paper INSTRUCTIONS

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-aPaper-Boat

TIPS

• Decorate your boats using sticks and shells • Use shells to fill the boats with ‘sailors’

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• Fold and neatly crease the sheet of paper in half along its short side • Now rotate and do the same along the paper’s long side • Turn the paper with creases facing you, fold the top two corners down, leaving a rectangle along the bottom of the sheet • Fold the rectangle up on both the front and the back of the paper • Fold the bottom corners in and fold the top flap of the corner in around the edge of the triangle, then fold the bottom flap over the folded down top flap • Turn the triangle and open up the bottom of the triangle, making it pop into a square shape

• Crease the edges to hold the square shape • Fold up the bottom flaps and align with the top. Turn over and repeat • Again, turn the triangle and open up the bottom of the triangle, making it pop into a square shape • Pull out the triangles on the side of the square to pop out your boat – crease along all the edges to make your boat nice and sturdy • Ready to set sail!

TIPS

• Knot rather than thread each object onto your string so they don’t slip down onto one another • Sundried shells will be much easier to work with than wet ones and you’ll need very dry (crispy) pieces of seaweed too.

• You’ll need to weight your mobile evenly so it isn’t lopsided – two to keep the outside strings equally strung so the weight is distributed evenly.

IDEA 2: GET CONNECTED: MAKING MOBILES

These charming (and super easy to make) mobiles, made from foraged shells and natural finds will give their young creators such pleasure long after they’ve been made. Hang them in a window so the pearlescent shell inners catch the light.

YOU WILL NEED • Seashells (with holes in them) • Foraged kelp or driftwood • Sundried pieces of seaweed • Fishing gut or string • Scissors or a craft knife INSTRUCTIONS • First find a piece of driftwood or dried kelp to form the base of the mobile • Now make some strings of foraged and found ocean treasures – alternate with different shaped items to create visual interest • Attach to the mobile arm and trim the extra line • Create a handle or loop for hanging the mobile at home

IDEA 3: PEBBLE PAINTING

Children love the idea of finding, decorating and keeping a pet rock – why not help them to select just the specimen to start or add to a pet rock family? Another pretty way to decorate smooth pebbles is to paint repetitive

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Holy Rosary

Private Girls’ School Gr 00 -12 Co-educational Pre-primary age 1-5

parenthood | ECO MOM

mandala patterns onto them – there are no rules and each rock ends up being a unique piece of moveable art.

YOU WILL NEED • Flat, smooth pebbles – any size will do but larger ones are better for patterns • Paint pens or paint pots and brushes • Self-adhesive googly eyes to give a pet rock personality (leave at home and add later if easier) INSTRUCTIONS • Wait for pebbles to be bone dry before working on them and give them a quick wipe to remove any sand particles • Paint directly onto the pebbles and allow them to dry between colour and pattern applications • Allow to dry and finish off with eyes or sequins at home.

TIPS

•P aints can be fiddly to use at the beach – try correction fluid pens for a monochrome look.

• L ook for pebbles with smooth and flat surfaces rather than domed specimens which are much more difficult to work on.

• Pebbles need to be bone dry to allow the paint to seep into their surfaces a little easier.

• Prevent painted pebble projects from fading over time by giving them a once over with spray-paint varnish (available at hardware stores) – it makes colours appear punchier too.

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IDEA 4: SEA URCHIN JELLYFISH

These delightful DIY ‘jellyfish’ made from found sea urchin shells and air plants are super easy to make and even better – need little care to keep alive and kicking. Bring your air plants along with your beach gear and string them together in between rock-pool expeditions.

YOU WILL NEED • Fishing gut • Sea urchin shells in varying sizes • Air plants INSTRUCTIONS • Tie a piece of fishing gut around the top of an air plant cutting • Now thread it through the hole in the sea urchin shell • Anchor inside other shaped shells

before threading • Repeat to make a whole school of jellyfish • Either tie the school of jellyfish to a piece of driftwood to display or to a branch in an outside tree

TIPS

• Add a little bell when threading the jellyfish for an added sensory element of sound • T illandsia like sunny spots • Keep your air plants healthy by spritzing them on a weekly basis with water • If they’re very dehydrated, bring them back to life by immersing in a bowl of water for an hour

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TIPS IDEA 5: EDIBLE TREASURES

Did you know that aside from the usual suspects like fish and shellfish, the sea has so much more to offer in the way of edible rewards from freshly harvested seaweed and kelp? From tangy seaweed and citrus cordial to nori-laced chocolate crunchie biscuits and cheese sandwiches served with seaweed lettuce. There are so many interesting and delicious ways to include nutritious seaweed in a seaside picnic. Bring scissors with you and the kids can gather fresh seaweed takeaways from the rock pools.

YOU WILL NEED • A picnic basket, drinks, fruit and sandwiches • Plates for slicing and serving, cups for drinking • A pair of scissors for slicing freshly foraged seaweed

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• Take along a bag for any rubbish that you generate over the course of the day • Leave nothing but your footprints – our coastlines and rock pools are national treasures and should be engaged with consideration and care

FRESH SEAWEED FORAGING FACTS

• Kelp or Ecklonia maxima fronds are used here to make a Seaweed and Citrus cordial. Kelp has a high Glutamic Acid content, giving it a distinctive umami flavor – perfect for sweet and savoury dishes. It’s also high in minerals and vitamins as well as iron and iodine.

• When cooked or roasted, Nori or Porphyra capensis seaweed has an intense umami flavor – here it was infused into butter and used to bake

moreish Chocolate Coastal Crunchies.

• Collect fresh Sea Lettuce / Ulva rigida to snack on or pop onto cheese sandwiches. With its intense umami flavor, it is great eaten raw on its own, served in salads or in sandwiches and this easy-to-harvest lettuce is crammed with vitamins.

SCENIC SHOTS

Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula is blessed with a craggy coastline that hides plenty of rock pools – the perfect playground for children and family’s alike. Pack soft-soled shoes for exploring.

Cape Town’s Scarborough beach is home to a myriad of rock pools and places, ripe for children to explore and discover.

parenthood | FEAR-BASED PARENTING

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parenthood | FEAR-BASED PARENTING

Fear-Based Parenting One of the things that automatically come with parenting is having to make thousands of small and big decisions every single day.

BY MARIZA HALLIDAY

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T

he big decisions are things like choosing which school your child should attend, or decisions regarding their healthcare. They are usually made after careful research and proper reflection on the pros and cons.

Then there are the small, almost trivial choices that parents must make daily. Every second and hour of the day, we are tasked with making split-second decisions about how to react to our children. What to say and when to say it, what is not okay to say, whether to discipline or to let it go, how to be present, what to worry about, what not to worry about and the list goes on. There are countless decisions that collectively, have a large impact on how we connect with and raise our children. How we communicate with our children every day, in the little moments, tend to

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make the most lasting impressions on their upbringing.

These small decisions must be made constantly with little to no time for reflection. In all fairness, most of them are created based on instinct and the core values that are special to each of us. Now, what if that underlying core value is fear? The kind of fear that is so deeply embedded internally in our psyche and externally in society that we are not even conscious of its impact.

When you have the time to thoroughly analyse and contemplate as you do with major decisions, you may be better able to recognize when fear is unnecessarily influencing you.

It is much more challenging to recognize fear’s influence at the moment when we are operating on instinct and habit.

You may not realise that you are someone that parent out of fear, most

probably because some amount of fear when it comes to our children is natural and healthy. We do not want to become neglectful and take unnecessary risks with our children.

We love our children unconditionally and are protective over them.

According to Nini van Rooyen, a registered Educational Psychologist and children’s mindfulness teacher, parents might parent out of fear because of generational and cultural influences, as well as living in an unsafe and demanding society.

Studies have shown that those who parent out of fear end up with children who are timid, anxious, and often become adults who are incapable and unadaptable. Children need to take some chances, be allowed to make choices, and learn to weigh risks in an age-appropriate way.

Parents need to ground their fears in response to clickbait headlines and

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parenthood | FEAR-BASED PARENTING

scary stories about the safety of children. The truth is that stress, fear and anxiety is contagious. Kids including babies, pick up and internalise parental fear and anxiety.

How will children possibly learn to become independent if parents live in a constant state of fear of the possible dangers lurking around every corner?

“Such fear-based approaches could increase anxiety in children and parents and might interfere negatively on children’s creativity, school performance, and even have physical health and safety consequences “ says Nini.

The solution is mindful parenting, something Nini is very passionate about. Mindful approaches create calm, clarity of mind, and selfawareness, and therefore help to manage life’s ups and downs wisely, making appropriate decisions in each moment.

Mindfulness includes noticing bodily sensations, as well as mind patterns, and one learns to trust responding from the heart instead of reacting out of fear.

Nini believes that by acknowledging one’s own thoughts and feelings kindly and compassionately, one learns to calm down and respond

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more wisely instead of reacting out of fear or old habits. Wholehearted awareness and being fully present in each moment, are key factors to mindful parenting.

We need to unlearn our fear and instead focus on being mindful parents, but where to start? Practical examples of mindful parenting include: • When spending time with your children, be present and in the moment

• Listen carefully to your child’s opinion (even if you disagree) and acknowledge it.

• Be empathetic towards their feelings and viewpoints • Be aware and understand your own feelings when there is a child-parent conflict • Don’t respond in anger • “Just being” instead of “doing” Mindfulness is an ongoing process of practice, not a quick fix. We can teach ourselves to slow down, to pause, to give space for some ‘being’ instead of always ‘doing’.

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parenting | MOM-SHAMING

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parenting | MOM-SHAMING

The lowdown on

MOM-SHAMING All too often moms are left feeling vulnerable and attacked on their parenting styles.

It can come from a stranger at the grocery store or closer to home from a partner, parent, sibling or friend.

Y

BY NABILA MAYET CASSIM

ou may wonder why shaming happens.

One theory is the “shamers” may be trying to validate their own parenting decisions. Perhaps another reason is they simply don’t understand another mom’s perspective.

Picture this: You’re in a tricky situation with your child, you may be trying to pacify him/her and next you’re hit with judgemental looks or worse yet, an onlooker lobbying unsolicited parenting advice such as: You should be more firm with your child he/she would not behave this way if you set some boundaries

Or Breast milk is best, consider that over formula milk Or You work all week, when do you get quality time with your child?

Ah, those are some classical mom-shaming lines. These unwanted, judgemental comments that can be disguised as helpful hints can actually be hurtful and cause lasting effects.

According to Nancy Kenney, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Washington Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, mom-shaming is criticism directed at moms by people who basically try to control how women mother.

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Social media has amplified the problem. It is all too easy to post negative and shameful comments online without consideration of the receiver’s reaction to these comments.

WHY IS MOM-SHAMING SO HURTFUL?

Not unlike other forms of critique – mom-shaming is linked to a person’s self-worth and specifically induces questions linked to a woman’s skill as a mother.

Kenney explains: “You’re dealing with motherhood, a role that’s clearly of very high importance. I don’t think any of us can doubt that being a mom is something important, so commenting on parenting may feel more impactful than commenting on something else.”

WHY MOM-SHAMING HAPPENS?

Because parenting styles vary - what

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may work for one mom may not work for another, resulting in unnecessary and hurtful remarks.

“Too many people think they know what THE, with all capital letters, right way is,” Kenney says. “There is no right way.”

Different cultural norms may set the tone for parenting standards. In some cultures breastfeeding may continue way past the age of two, for example. This may seem “abnormal” in other cultures which provokes the shaming.

“Being a mom comes with absolutely no training or manual or handbook,” Kenney says. “People are uncertain, and they’ve developed their own views of how to do this. One way we console ourselves is to say that we’re doing a good job and that our way is the right way. When we see other people doing it differently, it’s, ‘Oh, how dare they.’ It’s hard to accept that other ways are probably just as good as yours, if not maybe better.”

We are bombarded by so many views on how to raise a child.

Oftentimes parents are overwhelmed and second guessing their decisions which can leave a mom feeling insecure. Added in the mix is the sleepless nights and stress that accompanies parenting, which can definitely push a mom over the edge with unwanted pieces of advice that question her decisions.

ABSOLUTE MAMA TOOK TO THE STREETS TO FIND OUT HOW SOUTH AFRICAN MOMS FELT ABOUT THE TOPIC:

One reason that moms feel ashamed is getting outside help (nannies, au pairs, etc.) to assist with raising their children. One 33-year-old stay-at-home mom said:” Mostly, it comes from close friends and relatives who may mean well but end up being offensive.”

Another believed a hot-topic for mom-shamers is food and nutrition.

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parenting | MOM-SHAMING

many moms end up feeling terribly guilty about it. This only led to the self-care time being carried out secretly or not at all.

HOW TO HANDLE MOM-SHAMING

“The shamers do not consider that perhaps your toddler is a picky eater and you’ve tried every bit of advice from parenting blogs/books but your toddler will not budge. Eventually you are just relieved the child is eating (even if it is a pizza for breakfast)” Choosing to work over staying home with the children was quite a sensitive topic for some of the moms

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who felt unfairly judged for doing so.

“The bystanders passing judgement may not have considered that little choice in the matter was available due to finances,” one mom said.

Weight is also a topic moms feel ashamed about - “it’s been a year since your baby, when are you planning on losing the extra kilograms?”

Moms feel guilty when taking some time out for themselves and even though we know self-care is vital,

Controlling others and what they say/ think is not an option, but controlling your reaction to what they say is.

Try speaking up for your parenting decisions. Perhaps use humor to lighten the mood while standing up for your decisions.

The shaming is less about you and more about the perpetrator.

The shamers do not know your struggles or what’s best for your family.

Raising kids is a tough job riddled with fear and insecurity. Whether you have shamed or been shamed, the bottom line is moms are doing the best they can and a helping hand is far more useful than unsolicited advice.

Kyalami Schools Group (NPC) is re-imagining 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), Tracy Newman, 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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M ark N

a

id

Here is a snapshot of the considerations and actions that our amazing academic staff have been unpacking as they adapt to campus and 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 through 2020 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.

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 changes in 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-discipline, 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 re imagine 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 bravely accepted the challenge to keep working during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our campuses are as strong as ever and we can now confidently offer online learning as needed. Thank you for your inspiration and helping us re-imagine education in the Kyalami Schools Group.

ADMISSIONS FOR 2022 AND 2023 NOW OPEN A community of schools developing global achievers

A

IIS

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Beaulieu College Beaulieu

Kyalami

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Kyalami

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Grade 8 - 12

Grade 1 - 7

Grade 1 - 7

Grade 000 - 0

Grade 000 - 0

College

Preparatory School

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www.kyalamischools.org | 010 591 5004

Prep Nursery School

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parenting | MENSTRUATION

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parenting | MENSTRUATION

YOUR DAUGHTERS FIRST PERIOD How to help her get ready and what to expect

Myth and shame have long meant that menstruation goes undiscussed in the home.

Perhaps it’s time we rethink ‘The Period Experience’.

BY CELESTE STRYDOM

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parenting | MENSTRUATION

WHERE DO WE BEGIN?

We need to be talking about periods in a general way with our daughters from about the age of seven. Many girls’ first inkling of menstruation is playground gossip. This can foster a sense of anxiety and isolation in anticipation of what’s to come.

INTRODUCING THE SUBJECT

Speaking openly and appropriately about our natural bodily functions from an early age can help us avoid our own feelings of awkwardness or embarrassment. This is a subject that can be covered in a series of conversations over a long period of time. One big talk might feel scary and overwhelming.

As your daughter approaches puberty, you might start having more focused talks.

• Ask her how much she knows about periods.

• Share some of your own experiences.

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• Steer away from language that euphemises. ‘that time of the month’, ‘protection’, ‘lady bits’.

• Use clear language. ‘period’, ‘menstruation cup’, ‘vagina’.

• Invite her to ask questions.

• Introduce her to menstrual products.

This is the gateway to setting the tone for how she will speak about her body, her sexuality and her health.

WHEN WILL HER FIRST PERIOD ARRIVE?

Dr Sibu Lubelwana, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Durban, and Honorary Lecturer at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, says that on average, a girl’s first period can be

expected at around 12 or 13 years old. Of course, every girl is different and, Dr Lubelwana explains: “Menstruation will not begin until a girl has started developing secondary sexual characteristics.”

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr Lubelwana explains, “When my daughter had her first period, my first words to her were: ‘Congratulations’.

As a mother and as a gynaecologist I’ve made a conscious decision, to positively influence the period experience. Period positivity doesn’t mean we pretend it’s all fun and games. It means we receive it positively and embrace this monthly event.”

These characteristics might suggest that menstruation will soon follow: • Breast development • Pubic Hair Parents should schedule a visit to the gynaecologist if: • By age 14 there are no secondary sexual characteristics • By age 16 there is failure of initiation of menstruation.

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parenting | MENSTRUATION

MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

Starting out, disposable pads might be the easiest option. There are plenty of organic cotton pads which are hypoallergenic, biodegradable, plastic-free, and chlorine free, our favourite ANNA Pure Organic Pads.

Reusable Pads

A great way to save the environment.

They come in various sizes and prints, and there are inserts for extra absorbency. Rinse after use and machine washable.

Tampons

A few more cons than pros. Tampons are super absorbent and can leave her vagina more prone to infections. If not changed frequently enough, she runs the risk of developing ToxicShock-Syndrome. If she prefers tampons, introduce her to those that are plastic and chlorine-free and make sure she knows to never leave it in for longer than 8 hours.

Menstrual Cups

Very eco-friendly. Cons- they only come in 2 sizes and will leak if they

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aren’t properly inserted. ProsReusable and can last up to 10 years.

A wonderful way to get acquainted with the volume, colour, and consistency of her flow.

PERIOD POSITIVITY IN PRACTISE

As parents, our values centre on honesty, openness and acceptance. If this is the language we speak, then let us speak it over our pubescent daughters.

Dr Lubelwana encourages keeping a period diary or making use of a period app. A normal healthy period should not be painful. A period that impacts negatively on quality of life needs medical investigation.

Cramping, bloating or rage may be signs of unbalanced hormones. This discomfort can be treated naturally.

Now that we have the wisdom that says that we don’t need to be locked away for a week of each cycle, we can teach our daughters to listen to their bodies in ways that we only recently discovered for ourselves..

There is a wealth of ways that we can support our girls as they become

healthy, informed, period-positive women, i.e. acupuncture, fatty acid supplements, magnesium, dietary changes, Yoga, meditation, physical activity, gynaecology, technology and the village they are raised in.

CELEBRATE YOUR DAUGHTER’S PASSAGE INTO WOMANHOOD

BY PUTTING TOGETHER A MOONBOX FOR HER. WHAT TO INCLUDE: • Biodegradable organic cotton pads • Reusable cloth pads & Liners • Menstrual cup • A wet bag • A book/ guide on the changes within her body • Dark or sugar free chocolate bar • A piece of jewellery commemorating this special occasion • Hot water bottle or heat pad • Feminine intimate wipes • Teen skincare mask • Acne spot serum • A letter from mom to daughter

health & wellness | ADRENAL FATIGUE

Do you have

BURNOUT? Chronic stress can leave you feeling more than depleted.

It could push you over the edge into adrenal fatigue.

BY LORI COHEN

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health & wellness | ADRENAL FATIGUE

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W

e all live with varying degrees of stress, both physical and emotional. Our bodies are designed to help us ride out these rollercoaster moments, with responses like our immune systems revving into high gear. It does this thanks to the adrenal glands, small organs above our kidneys, which release cortisol and adrenaline – part of our ‘fight or flight’ response. They lead to a higher heart rate and blood pressure. Just what you need to get you out of a tight spot.

Life threatening situations aside.

On a day-to-day basis, cortisol helps us in many ways to function optimally.

But faced with the demands of pumping out high levels of cortisol when we’re faced with stress in the long-term, can lead to adrenal fatigue.

The adrenal glands no longer work at

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the necessary level, leaving our bodies lacking in the hormone that gives us our mojo. “Long term our bodies cannot cope with the fallout of this overproduction of stress hormones – we literally run out of fuel,”’ explains Hayley Wylie, nutritionist, and Bio Energetic Stress practitioner.

From a prolonged illness to a death in the family, any high-stress situation can set the effects of burnout in motion.

SPOT THE SIGNS

What happens when our cortisol levels drop too low? The fallout can include a range of symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, low libido, and hair loss. Even after topping up on hours of sleep, you can’t shrug the exhaustion and brain fog and may even feel depressed.

Other telltale physical signs include cold hands and feet and low blood

pressure. “Without the ability of our immune system to regulate or respond to stress anymore, adrenal fatigue is associated with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions,” says Hayley.

RESTART THE ENGINE

To understand how to approach adrenal fatigue, it’s important to identify our different stress profiles and symptoms. “They will vary based on what is happening within something called the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal axis),”says Hayley. “The HPA axis governs how our nervous system and endocrine systems talk to each other, regulating bodily processes such as digestion, cardiovascular function, immune system, mood and emotions, libido, metabolism, amongst other things.”

Depending on which part of the

health & wellness | ADRENAL FATIGUE

HPA axis is out of sync, we will have different symptoms. “For high cortisol or an overactive HPA axis, regular exercise can help normalise cortisol again,” she says. It essentially helps us use up the excess glucose levels set off by stress. She also recommends cutting back on caffeine and alcohol as both can increase cortisol levels.

Let’s look at some further solutions to normalise cortisol production: Chill out. Go to bed no later than 10pm, and bring meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness into your life.

Take a good quality vitamin B complex, including at least 75mg of pantothenic acid (B5), 1 000mg vitamin C, and magnesium glycinate

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(minimum of 200mg a day).

Try therapeutic herbs Rhodiola, ashwagandha, and holy basil leaf, and avoid licorice or ginseng.

EMBRACE THE CHANGES

If you are in a chronically burnt out state, Hayley recommends avoiding exercise in the initial stages of treatment, as this can make it even harder to recover. “Often, this person will find exercise makes them feel even more exhausted the next day, and they are more prone to getting colds and flu when they have pushed themselves. In this case, I would normally recommend very gentle exercise such as a short walk or gentle yoga,” she says.

When we feel exhausted and unmotivated, we tend to turn to high-sugar foods, caffeine, takeaways, and processed snacks to get us through the day. It’s time to bin the habit. Relooking your nutrition is an essential strategy in returning your body to a state of calm and good health.

“There’s no need to embark on a specialised diet, but you do want to support your gut with foods that are easy to digest. Wholesome foods and the Mediterranean style diet with its emphasis on fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other good fats will help nourish the adrenal glands and reduce inflammation,” she explains.

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health & wellness | OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Five reasons why YOU SHOULD BE TAKING

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Do you know which fatty acids your body isn’t able to make on its own?

Omega 3 fats might be some of the most important healthy fats, and how you include them in your nutritional plan can make all the difference.

BY HELEN CLEMSON

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health & wellness | OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

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I

f you’re practically pescatarian, and eating lots of oily fish (think salmon, sardines and tuna), you’re most likely getting enough Omega 3. Same applies if you’re a dedicated nut and seed eater, adding ingredients such as chia and flax seeds (sources of alphalinolenic acid or ALA, another form of Omega-3 fats) to smoothies or snacking on walnuts or brazil nuts. If that doesn’t sound like you, or if you’re worried there’s not enough in your diet, there are many sound reasons to turn to Omega 3 supplementation.

First and foremost is simply because your body isn’t able to make these fatty acids. “The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials,” explains international health and wellness consultant Maria Ascencao, director at Coyne Health. “That isn’t the case for Omega-3 fatty acids (also called Omega-3 fats and n-3 fats),” she adds.

“These are essential fats—the body can’t make them from scratch but must get them from food.” Or

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supplements, and as registered dietician Bernice Venter explains: “When choosing an Omega-3 supplement it’s key to look at the EPA and DHA content - these are the acids that make up Omega-3. You need 500mg of EPA+DHA per day, but for pregnant and lactating women at least 200mg DHA per day is recommended” Need more motivation to go forth and get your Omega 3 fatty acids? Here’s five reasons why you need them.

ONE: THEY HAVE A MAJOR EFFECT ON YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

“What makes Omega-3 fats so special is that they are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes, “says

Maria. She adds that they provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, as well as inflammation. “They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function.” What does that mean for your health long-term?

“Likely due to these effects, Omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions,” says Maria.

TWO: YOU NEED THEM THROUGHOUT LIFE

From pregnancy to childhood, adulthood as well as old age, Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial. When you’re carrying a baby or nursing one, they not only promotes maternal health but support foetal and infant brain, eye and nerve development. For young children and teens, they help with continued brain and nervous system development, says Maria, and it’s the same for adults she explains.

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health & wellness | OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

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THREE:THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

“Research shows that Omega-3 fatty acids (mostly involving EPA + DHA, but ALA can also assist) improve your cardiovascular health”, says Maria. This means a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or reduced risk of death if you have cardiovascular disease.

“It also lessens your chances of sudden cardiac death caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, as well as blood clots because Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent blood platelets from clumping together”, she adds.

found that children who consumed an Omega-3 fat supplement as infants scored higher on rule learning, vocabulary, and intelligent testing at ages three.

FOUR: THEY BOOST YOUR BRAIN

FIVE: THEY’RE GOOD FOR GUYS

Not only is EPA and DHA linked to results to weight management, but the cognitive function of those with mild Alzheimer’s too, says Bernice. In fact, medical research has found that DHA affects children’s learning and behaviour. “Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or similar learning disabilities are more likely to have low Omega-3 fat levels,” says Maria. And it’s even been

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Got cholesterol issues?

Omega-3 normalises and regulates your cholesterol triglyceride levels, reports Maria. And if you’re worried about your cardiac health, know this: American medical researchers reported that men who consumed fish once or more every week had a 50 percent lower risk of dying from a sudden cardiac event than men who eat fish less than once a month.

Know your fish oil Omega 3’s from your plant-based ones (and why’s it’s important to reach for the best).

The Difference?

The three key Omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood.

What’s Important?

“Focus on selecting a good quality Omega supplement that is of clinical strength dose, is a GMO-free formulation and mercury-free (very important)”, says Maria. In terms of Fish Oil Omega 3, she suggests it needs to be sourced from a sustainable and MSC certified source. (In other words, Wild Alaskan fish from the pristine oceans of Alaska, are naturally high in Omega 3 fatty acids and naturally free of mercury, as they swim freely and eat a natural diet. They are harvested in a well-managed and certified sustainable fishery, and processed within hours to yield exceptionally fresh raw fish oil. Purest Omega 3® is the ideal choice for therapeutic dosage, containing the triglyceride (TG) form of Omega 3’s for superior absorption and bioavailability.).

What about ALA? While you can certainly supplement, adding Omegarich seeds like flaxseeds on food can be an easy solution. “You can even add seeds to your salads or over a vegetable dish or on your favourite banana bread,” suggest Bernice.

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health & wellness | CHOCOLATE

Sweet

DREAMS Add dark chocolate to your ‘diet to-do’ list and enjoy the benefits.

By Lori Cohen

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health & wellness | CHOCOLATE

T

hey say a little bit of sweetness can drown out a whole lot of bitterness. But what about it boosting your health? Quality dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients making it an option to add to your list of healthier snacks. We asked clinical dietitian Talia Den Dulk for a masterclass on it.

COUNT THE COCOA CONTENT

Indulging in dark chocolate instead of

its sugary cousins will contribute minerals to your diet, along with the fact that it’s lower in sugar. Look out for bars that have a seventy to eighty-five percent cocoa content.

Higher-percentage dark chocolate (85%) contains a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients than chocolate with a lower cocoa percentage. This brings to the party iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium, all essential minerals.

• Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function as well as energy

production.

• Iron helps with oxygen distribution, and lack of it will lead to fatigue and reduced immunity.

• Zinc is vital for the immune system, as is selenium, which also slows age-related mental decline.

LIGHTEN UP

What about the fat content? The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter. It comprises equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and

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health & wellness | CHOCOLATE

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CHOC

palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat linked to increases in bad cholesterol, inflammation, and heart disease risk.

“Research shows that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Still, this does not mean you can eat all the dark chocolate you’d like,” says Talia.

Remember, dark chocolate is higher in fat than other chocolates, which adds more calories, impacting your health. Talia recommends indulging in no more than one or two blocks daily.

PROTECT YOUR BODY

Polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins fall under the category of antioxidants – something unprocessed cocoa beans are loaded with. Talia explains: • Antioxidants help the body’s cells resist damage caused by free radicals formed by normal bodily

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processes and from environmental contaminants, like cigarette smoke and pollution. Without enough antioxidants to combat the amount of oxidation (free radicals), ‘bad cholesterol’ will form plaque on the artery walls.

• Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair the damage. When we eat foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this ‘antioxidant’ power.

• Flavanols lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and make blood platelets less sticky and clot.

“Be careful about the type of dark chocolate you choose. Watch out for those extra ingredients that can add lots of extra fat and calories,” warns Talia. “There is currently no established serving size of chocolate to help you reap the benefits it may offer, and more research is needed in this area. However, we do know that you no longer need to feel guilty if you enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate once in a while.”

• Pick a bar that has over 70 percent cocoa content.

• Look at the list of ingredients.

If it lists sugar first, you know it is high in this ingredient. If sugar is listed at the bottom, it’s a better bet.

• Opt for organic. In this way, you will know that any flavours or additions are not artificial, and you won’t be exposed to chemicals or pesticides.

• If hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil is present on the ingredients, that means the bar contains trans-fat and should be avoided.

• If the ingredients list state ‘cocoa processed with alkali’, it means the manufacturer has used a processing method to change the colour of the chocolate and reduce the bitter flavour. It also reduces the amount of antioxidants in chocolate.

• Is it fair trade? Fair-trade and organic chocolate supports cacao farmers ensuring they are not exploited. Where you put your money matters.

TM

O H

L

V

C H O C

T E

www.novachocolate.co.za For sales enquiries gemae@novachocolate.co.za

food & fitness | RISE WOMEN

WELCOME TO

Rise!

Rise is a transformation guide that equips women to strive to find their best selves by encouraging them to celebrate each other and to rise by lifting each other in love.

By Mariza Halliday

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food & fitness | RISE WOMEN

I

t was founded by Rachel Kolisi and Tammy Rawstron, who were driven by the comparison epidemic between women on social media and the way it leaves them feeling inferior. These insecurities lead to women breaking each other down to feel better about themselves, and it is heartbreaking to see and experience.

When a group of women comes together with a common interest and determination, we all know, there is no stopping them. When a woman feels good, she can conquer the world. That is exactly what Tammy and Rachel envision when they work on projects for Rise.

It has been scientifically proven that exercise makes everyone feel great. When you exercise, your brain produces neurochemicals called endorphins. Endorphins bring about feelings of euphoria and wellbeing as well as highlight the “reward” circuit of your brain. Exercise also brings people together.

When asked how starting Rise has impacted her life, Tammy states that it had an unexpected impact on her.

“I think it is just the way that a whole community of women has

come together. You don’t find this too often. It has become a space where women are not competing against each other or coming in just to look for all the attention, but to just be in a space to support one another and grow together.”

According to Rachel, working with Rise and meeting all these women from different walks of life impacted her parenting journey significantly.

“No woman is the same and no parenting journey is the same, says Rachel. “It’s always good to open yourself up to learning by listening to other people’s thoughts and ideas on parenting. Hearing different moms perspectives on parenting has been interesting and inspirational. How people handle their challenges can be life-changing, especially in motherhood. I think if we were more open and honest with each other about our daily challenges, we would feel like less of a failure.”

Rachel and Tammy are looking at becoming a lot more intentional about their mommy community and have recently launched Rise Mama.

They will be hosting events and small groups for moms to be able to come together in their communities and exchange ideas, thoughts, and information. It is also a great way to combat loneliness. We all know how difficult motherhood can be at times and how alone it can feel.

When asked what the most important part of Rise is to them, both Rachel and Tammy immediately answered “The community!” To them, allowing Rise to always be a safe space for women, especially the vulnerable, is a number one priority.

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They also pride themselves on transparency.

At Rise, they try to create a space that does not comfort depression or a bad season, but rather a space that almost challenges these places to see how you can get out of them. They believe the best way to do that is in a community, with support, and with an accountability partner.

And for those moms out there that want to get fit and do not know where to start? They encourage them to join their Rise Mama community.

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“Start small and slow. If you go in too quickly, you can burn out and put yourself off for a long time,” says Tammy. “Rather find a friend or a small group of like-minded women that hold you accountable and keep you coming back for more.”

Rachel Kolisi is a mother of 4, and a wife to our very own Springbok legend. She has had to learn the hard way how to prioritise herself, and that is how she met Tammy and started this journey to health and fitness. Rachel is passionate about empowering and encouraging women to be strong in who they are and the paths they are currently on.

Tammy Rawstron is a personal trainer who is at her happiest when she is eating clean, exercising, and empowering others. She is passionate about fitness and female empowerment and is fully committed to inspiring wellbeing, spreading love, and promoting self-love.

www.nutribullet.co.za

food & fitness | RECIPES

out of an african kitchen No need to venture too far for delicious African cuisine, try your hand at these mouth-watering African delights!

chilled beetroot soup Serves: 6

Ingredients

6–8 medium-sized beets, thoroughly washed 2 cups cold water 2 cups vegetable stock 1 Tbsp sugar 300ml buttermilk 200ml yoghurt plus an extra 50ml for serving 1 Tbsp lemon juice salt and freshly ground black pepper fresh dill, finely chopped

method

Peel the beetroot then roughly grate (wear gloves!). Put the beetroot into a large saucepan and cover with water (use more if necessary – it must be covered).

Bring to a boil slowly, then turn down the heat and leave to simmer very gently for 20 minutes (they must not boil too rapidly). Once the beetroot has softened, add the stock and sugar. Stir well and refrigerate until completely cold (for at least 4 hours).

Before serving, liquidise the soup and add buttermilk, yoghurt and lemon juice. Season well. Serve with a swirl of yoghurt and dill.

OUT OF AN AFRICAN KITCHEN: RECIPES & STORIES

BY NICKY FITZGERALD This quirky anthology of recipes, reminiscences, anecdotes and stories was compiled and written in honour of the chefs at Angama Mara, and its guests who made the dream possible. The food and the breath taking sceness were photographed by Sam Linsell, herself a well-known food stylist, food and travel photographer, and cookbook author.

Out of An African Kitchen: Recipes & Stories by Nicky Fitzgerald is published by Struik Lifestyle , an imprint of Penguin Random House and is available at bookstores nationwide at the recommended selling price of R290.

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food & fitness | RECIPES

KITCHEN NOTE At Angama Mara we make all our soups with our own vegetable stock (but a good store-bought one in liquid form works well).

This recipe can be prepared with a good chicken stock too.

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COURGETTE & HALLOUMI FRITTERS

Serves: 8

Ingredients 3 courgettes, coarsely grated 1 tsp salt ½ red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 limes, finely zested 60g self-raising flour 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cardamom 150g halloumi, broken into small chunks salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste vegetable oil for frying Lime & coriander sour cream 200ml sour cream 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander ½ tsp ground cardamom 1 lime, juiced and finely zested salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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method

Mix together all ingredients for the lime and coriander sour cream, check the seasoning and set aside.

Place the courgettes in a colander and sprinkle them with the salt.

Drain for 10 minutes, then squeeze to remove most of the liquid. In a bowl, combine the courgettes, onion, garlic, lime zest, flour, eggs, coriander, cardamom and salt and pepper.

Mix well, then fold in the halloumi. Shape into fritters and deep-fry until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with the sour cream.

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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.

food & fitness | RECIPES

GOAN FISH CURRY WITH PINEAPPLE CHUTNEY Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground coriander 1 Tbsp tamarind paste 1 Tbsp red curry paste 2 Tbsp medium curry powder 1 tsp chopped red chilli 3 Tbsp tomato paste 500g tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 2 tsp brown sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cups coconut milk 750g firm white fish fillets juice of 1 lemon ½ cup vegetable oil a bunch of fresh coriander, chopped Pineapple Chutney 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and finely cubed 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 5 sticks cinnamon 4 whole cloves 1 tsp turmeric 200g sugar 1 red chilli, finely sliced (optional)

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A flashback to Kenya under British colonial rule is illustrated by the tradition of employing Goan cooks in domestic households and on the ships that sailed from India to East Africa. The great British explorers Burton and Speke took two Goan cooks on their expedition to the Great Lakes of East Africa. Who knew?

method

Sauté the onion in a pan for 10 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, ginger and all the spices including the chilli and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 15 minutes.

Purée the mixture, return it to the pot and pour in the coconut milk.

Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.

Season the fish with salt, pepper and lemon juice, then pan-fry in the oil until lightly browned on both sides.

Transfer it to a heat-proof dish and pour over the sauce. Heat through gently for 2 minutes.

Serve topped with coriander and Pineapple Chutney.

Pineapple Chutney Combine all the ingredients in a pan and cook for 20 minutes over a low heat, stirring well.

Leave to cool. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

KITCHEN NOTE Any extra curry sauce can be frozen for later use.

food & fitness | RECIPES

SWAHILI MUHAMRI COCONUT ICE CREAM SANDWICH

Serves: 12

Ingredients Swahili Muhamri

Everyone loves fried dough: the Italians with their bomboloni, the French and beignets, koeksisters from South Africa and jelebi from India, to name but a few. In Kenya we have two ways of frying dough, mandazi from the hinterland and the lighter, more elegant and utterly delicious muhamri from the coast.

2 cups cake flour 3 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp dry yeast ½ tsp roughly ground cardamom (freshly ground for best flavour) 1 cup coconut milk warm water to bind oil for deep frying icing sugar for dusting Coconut Ice Cream 2 cups fresh cream 1 x 400ml can coconut milk 1 x 385g can sweetened condensed milk

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method

Combine the flour, sugar, yeast and cardamom in a bowl, then add the coconut milk and mix well. Add enough warm water to form a soft (but not sticky) dough and knead well. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 2–3 hours, until double in size.

Knock down the dough, knead again and roll out to a thickness of 5mm. Using a plain pastry round cutter, cut into portions. Leave for another 15 minutes to prove a second time. Fry in hot oil until golden and puffed on both sides. Allow to cool.

To serve, split each muhamri in half, fill with the Coconut Ice Cream and generously dust with icing sugar.

Coconut Ice Cream Whisk the cream until soft peaks form, then fold in the coconut milk and condensed milk. Freeze until ready to scoop into the muhamris.

home dĂŠcor | INDOOR PLANTS

Production Marissa Pretorius Styling Sven Alberding Photographs Greg Cox, Bureax Location Shot at Babylonstoren

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home décor | INDOOR PLANTS

Airs & Graces Naturally beguiling, low-maintenance and with myriad species to pick from – little wonder that air plants are the botanical must-haves du jour, offering a modern spin on greening up your interiors

By Mandy Allen

HANGING GARDENS

Idea: A configuration of air plants suspended above the bathtub is an exotic and ever-evolving art installation. Don’t limit the idea of layering to your soft furnishings and colour palette, air plants are complemented by other tropical species such as flowering orchids and citrus blossoms with their intensely coloured leaves. So intersperse these for a dramatic display. A woven basket also makes a whimsical living display when draped with air plants.

How To: Hook screws are easily hung from the ceiling. Secure lightweight air plants with transparent fishing gut for an ethereal effect and display the heavier species on window sills and flat surfaces.

RAIN FOREST

Idea: Transform your shower into a tropical paradise. Air plants generally enjoy a humid environment but allow some air to

circulate so they have a chance to dry off. Access to at least six hours of indirect sunlight will also ensure that they thrive. We love the presence of art in a bathroom – a

SUSPENDED ANIMATION

Idea: Greenery in the bathroom is often overlooked, even though it’s often the best place for plants and your serenity. In this instance, the air plants get to take advantage of the resulting humidity (saving you from the chore of watering) while you get a tranquil display of colour and form… An oasis all your own.

How To: Secure your air plants with transparent fishing gut and hang with hooks in the ceiling. Make sure the ceiling can take the weight of the heavier air plants, orchids and ferns that you may want to use.

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selection of air plants with various leaf-shapes and hues. Combine these with rustic natural and man-made elements such as wood, stone and clear glass lab jars and beakers for an industrialorganic effect.

LIGHT WORK

Idea: Greenery creates an organic focal point in this home office environment, encouraging creativity while enhancing a sense of calm. Taking its cue from the plants, the space feels decorated but without the usual distractions of decorative objects, overtly bright colours and clutter.

How To: Attach small to mediumsize air plants to the wall using Prestik, washi tape or small pieces of double-side tape (the latter may damage your paint if you want to take down the display).

Alternatively, if you don’t want to fix the plants to the wall directly, tie your air plants – at various heights and intervals – onto an organic piece of driftwood or bamboo using transparent fishing gut and make a mobile, then hang against the wall using hooks, picture nails or a simple curtain rail or copper pipe.

Additional air plants can be displayed in contemporary vases or vessels.

LIVING WALL relatively overlooked styling idea.

Botanical prints are ideal for this sort of space and have a visual connection with the display of living plants.

How To: Suspend your plants from bathroom-specific hooks attached to the shower surface (these usually come ready-to-use with double sided tape) or screw hooks into the ceiling and suspend plants with transparent fishing gut.

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IN GOOD COMPANY

Idea: There’s strength in numbers – particularly if you’re a plant (no, really, grouping plants close together increases the level of water vapour). This visually arresting mix of air plants is a beautiful living exhibit with its graphic leaf shapes, textures and shades.

How To: Choose an appropriate surface – be it a window sill, table top or vintage tray – and display a

Idea: Got your eye on that botanical print wallpaper but it’s ridiculously expensive? Create a living wallpaper using air plants. You’ll not only be beautifying your space, but purifying and detoxing the air.

How To: Attach small to mediumsize air plants to the wall using Prestik, washi tape or small pieces of double-side tape (the latter may damage your paint if you want to take down the display).

Alternatively, if you don’t want to fix the plants to the wall directly, tie

home décor | INDOOR PLANTS

your air plants – at various heights and intervals – onto an organic piece of driftwood or bamboo using transparent fishing gut and make a mobile, then hang against the wall using hooks, picture nails or a simple curtain rail or copper pipe.

Additional air plants can be displayed in contemporary vases or vessels.

SHOW & TELL

Idea: Make air plants the main event on a hallway table or other surface instead of figurines, objet and other predictable decorative homeware accessories. Display your living installation in a hallway, bathroom, living room side table or home office.

How To: Compose your air plants in a selection of clear round glass containers that are identicallyshaped, but in varying sizes and forms (think bowls, ramekins, small measuring jugs and even vintage clear glass tea cups). This will ensure visual synergy while imbuing the installation with a personalised, quirky touch.

How To: This contemporary twist on the classic terrarium concept sees a variety of air plants arranged in laboratory-style glass beakers, vases and preserve- and storage jars. Create a diaphanous effect by also hanging a few of your air plants in front of a window; use transparent fishing gut and hooks to make a super-simple ‘floating’ installation.

PLANT PROFILE • These exotic, sometimes bizarre-looking plants are part of the Bromeliad family and originate largely from South America • They are scientifically classified as Tillandsias but are commonly referred to as air plants • There are over 550 species of air plants • Air plants are lowmaintenance and do not require soil to grow, absorbing all their water and nutrients through their leaf system. This makes them extremely versatile for decorating within most environments

CENTRE STAGE

Idea: Rethink the centerpiece by displaying plants with oversized proportions and graphic forms. The juxtaposition of the sculptural retro statement table with the unruly, exotic botanical composition raises the dramatic impact to visionary new heights.

How To: Using a large piece of driftwood as a base, create an installation using exotic species such as a bromeliads or orchids along with a selection of air plants.

NATURE STUDY

Idea: Create an eye-catching indoor miniature garden with a stripped back, modern aesthetic – a great distraction if the view from your window is less than desirable.

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home décor | INDOOR PLANTS

MAGIC REALISM

Idea: With their almost otherworldly allure, air plants are the perfect subject to inspire your creativity.

Almost any object or surface can be the medium to display these exotic botanicals. Here they have been affixed to a distressed textured pedestal in an evocative fusion of industrial and organic.

How To: Because air plants do not rely on soil as a growing medium, they can be attached using craft wire or transparent fishing gut to just about anything that ignites your imagination. Maximise their impact by setting them against sculptural stumps of driftwood as well as man-made objects that display the patina of time.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

Idea: Create an eye-catching indoor miniature garden with a stripped back, modern aesthetic.

How To: This contemporary twist on the classic terrarium concept sees a variety of air plants arranged in

laboratory-style glass beakers, vases and preserve- and storage jars. Create a diaphanous effect by also hanging a few of your air plants in front of a window; use transparent fishing gut and hooks to make a super-simple ‘floating’ installation.

CARING FOR YOUR TILLANDSIAS • Air plant aficionado Marissa Pretorius of Opus Studio shares the low-down on how to care for this fascinating species…

• Air plants are very easy to care for as they absorb moisture from the air.

• They will still need watering: hang them in the shower for no-effort care or give a healthy misting with a spray bottle every second day.

• Air plants will benefit from being dunked in room temperature tap water for about 30 minutes every third week – once they’ve had a good soak, let them dry in a high-light environment.

• Placing air plants in a vessel with a small amount of water will allow them to produce their own moisture (the ‘self-watering’ terrarium effect). Make

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sure your your chosen container is not sealed as they need circulating air to survive.

• Does the colour of your air plant look too grey and dry? A light misting will restore its green hue.

• Air plants prefer bright, filtered light. Basically, the more indirect but bright light the more they will thrive.

• If your air plant is looking especially poorly and dry, give it an overnight soak. Shake it off properly so it doesn’t retain too much water, which can cause rot.

• My personal favourite is Spanish moss, also known as Old Man’s Beard. www.opusstudio.co.za / instagram.com/opus_ studio/

home dĂŠcor | INDOOR PLANTS

ARTISTIC LICENCE

Idea: Look to nature and replace that painting or print above the fireplace with an organic, textured sculpture that lives and breathes.

How To: Affix a variety of air plants to a piece of driftwood using thin craft wire. Hang the driftwood sculpture from a picture hook or nail as you would a framed painting (use craft wire or transparent fishing gut, depending on the weight of the driftwood).

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home dĂŠcor | YOUR PATIO Jamali garden scatter, SHF Home R1390 Castaway lounger, Block & Chisel R5495

Franji cushion cover, Knus R320 Holherd stool, Block & Chisel R1495

Indian fire pit, Weylandts R19995

Take your patio from drab to fab by adding any of these gorgeous items.

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home dĂŠcor | YOUR PATIO

Wheat diamond cushion, Block & Chisel R1495

Staghorn fern, Plantify R135

Bubble hanging swing chair, Knus R18720

Birch dining table, Block & Chisel R11995

Benin bronze head, Weylandts R6995 Two tone basket, Weylandts R495 absolute mama | ISSUE 8

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local travel | GARDEN ROUTE

OUR VERY OWN

Garden of Eden...

Forests inviting long leisurely drives, meandering trails and spectacular scenery awaits you on the enchanting Garden Route.

By Reta Robberts

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local travel | GARDEN ROUTE

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local travel | GARDEN ROUTE Storms River Canyon, Tsitsikamma

Storms River Bridg

A

e

scenic 300-kilometre stretch of the South African south-eastern coast, extending from Witsand in the Western Cape to the border of Tsitsikamma/Storms River in the Eastern Cape, you can’t help but be seduced by the glorious natural beauty and the vast range of outdoor activities the Garden Route has on offer.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Garden Route has the second mildest climate in the world after Hawaii. With its Mediterranean Oceanic climate, summers are warm to hot and winters are cool. Summer is from November to March and days are warmer, with December to February seeing mid-summer daily temperatures of about 24-30ºC.

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STORMSRIVER/ TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

Tsitsikamma is the Khoi-San word for a place of many waters. The Tsitsikamma National Park is internationally recognised for its forests which harbour and conserve the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood. This enormous tree has survived unchanged for hundreds of years and it’s also Africa’s oldest and largest marine reserve. Visit Robbehoek Kloof and Trails for walking and mountain

biking in the heart of the tranquil Tsitsikamma and Stormsrivier village where you will find various types of accommodation, restaurants, coffee shops, and Tsitsikamma canopy tours.

There is a short hike to two beautiful bridges across the river mouth with great views of the canyon. Between Storms River and Heidelberg, the Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline featuring lakes, mountains, tall indigenous forests, ambercoloured rivers and golden beaches.

local travel | GARDEN ROUTE Waterfront, Knysna

R

berg Bay

rve, Pletten

ture Rese obberg Na

PLETTENBURG BAY NATURE’S VALLEY

Despite it’s overwhelming beauty and managing to remain relatively ‘undiscovered’, Nature’s Valley is a picturesque village nestling between a lagoon and magnificent indigenous forest with sandy beaches and a variety of walking trails. Situated some 29 kilometers from Plettenberg Bay in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest, the site of monkey ropes and old man’s beard dangling from trees creates a feeling of being in Wonderland’s forest.

Engulfed by indigenous forest and surrounded by the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountains, this beach town and adventure capital of the Garden Route offers 20km of beaches, restaurants and various types of accommodation to fit every traveller’s needs. Activities include canyoning, diving, hiking, snorkeling, bodyboarding and canopy tours.

Nearby is Keurbooms River and for travelers with children, a visit to Adventure Land, a great outdoor place with various water activities is advised.. Just outside Plett, there are

three animal sanctuaries and with a single entrance ticket, visit Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife.

KNYSNA

Forest and ocean makes Knysna a definite favourite on the Garden Route. Enjoy delicious food and good wine at one of the waterfront restaurants on Thesen Island or choose from various water activities, an elephant safari or explore the indigenous forest on a scooter. Enjoy the breathtaking views on a sunset cruise with a glass of wine and some

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local travel | GARDEN ROUTE George Botanical Gardens with the Outeniqua Mountains in the background

co

Knysna Tura

GEORGE

famous Knysna oysters. The area around the lagoon is home to over 230 bird species and if you believe in fairytales with knights and castles, Noetzie is a must to see.

SEDGEFIELD

This sleepy town nestles on the banks of one of the largest natural inland saltwater lakes and is the place to go if you are looking for a peaceful holiday surrounded by forest. Offering the bird watcher a treasure trove of varied bird species and you are insured of a quiet time and usually empty beach. Just outside of town is

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the award winning Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday, not to be missed!

WILDERNESS

Sparkling white beaches, surrounding forest and the spellbinding beauty of the Wilderness National Park, it is an eco-tourist’s paradise. If you want to go the ‘happy camper’ route, Ebb & Flow, a camping terrain on the river banks with several hiking trails and kayaks for rental is advised, day visitors are also allowed. Feeling like Italian food, Pomodoro is an excellent choice or Bongo’s Pizzeria and Bar for ‘street-food’.

Being the ‘Gateway’ to the Garden Route it’s the ideal base to explore the Garden Route. This delightful town graces a coastal plateau in a fertile area of lush greenery at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. If a day on the greens is part of your itinerary, choose between Montagu, Outeniqua or the famous Fancourt, all situated in beautiful surroundings. Stay at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, visit a berry farm and the Outeniqua Transport museum or fine dine at various restaurants with good wines from the region.

MOSSEL BAY

With a rich archaeological and cultural history dating back approximately 350 thousand years, beautiful scenery and great weather conditions, Mossel Bay has a lot on offer. Visit Delfinos at the Point for good pizzas or Café Gannet for seafood and fish. Feeling adventurous?

Shark cage diving or skydiving here is a must as it’s the highest tandem skydive in Africa. Visit Dias Museum and the famous Post Office Tree. Not far from Mossel Bay is Oudtshoorn where you will find the Cango Caves and ostrich farms, well worth a visit.

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international travel | ZANZIBAR

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international travel | ZANZIBAR

Paradise

WITH A TOUCH OF SPICE ...

ON SWAHILI TIME With rustic African charm, islands surrounded by coral reefs and white sandy beaches lined with sweeping palm trees, you are bound to fall in love with Zanzibar!

By Reta Robberts

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international travel | ZANZIBAR

Z

anzibar, the romantic and exotic archipelago, reminiscent of Arabian nights and Indian Ocean indolence is well worth a visit.

In addition to safaris on mainland Tanzania and the idyllic beaches, are the mesmerising sunsets, an ancient city and Persian elements awaiting to be explored.

Zanzibar is a family-friendly, semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, just off the coast of the mainland and consisting of many small islands and two larger ones. The capital, Zanzibar City is located on Unguja Island and the great thing about Zanzibar is its accessibility. Zanzibar is diverse. It has stunning beaches, historical architecture and is a great destination.

Life here moves ‘pole pole’, meaning ‘slow’ in Swahili.

PLANNING YOUR FAMILY GETAWAY

With hot, tropical weather all year round, it’s easy to plan your trip. The hottest months being February and March with the cooler months during July and August, with significant rainfall

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during a long rain season spanning from March to May and a shorter rain season from November to December.

Accommodation varies from hotels, beach bungalows or family resorts and what’s great is there is no need for a Visa, but ensure that everyone has a valid passport. Check with your physician for any medical requirements for entry into the country.

KEEPING TIME Time-keeping is initially confusing, but actually makes a lot of sense. In Swahili culture, people start counting time at sunrise rather than at midnight, which means that 7 a.m. Western time is one o’clock in the morning Swahili time, and 7 p.m. is one o’clock at night.

international travel | ZANZIBAR Kite surfing

ZANZIBAR –WHAT TO DO

Head north to beautiful Nungwi and Kendwa for that idyllic ocean beach experience, but for a slightly more Zanzibari adventure, take a look at towns like Bwejuu or Jambiani where your slice of paradise is mixed with the rhythms of village life. Pongwe is hands down the most economic place to stay.

There are various water-based activities such as kite-surfing, dive centers offering training courses, and the best snorkeling can be had on Chumbe Island. Get lost in the ancient

St Joseph’s Ca

thedral, Ston

e Town

city of Stone Town, famous for its traditional Zanzibar-style doors and declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2000. The streets are very narrow here and you explore on foot.

Public transport in Zanzibar is mainly the daladala share taxis, and the main station is located near the Darajani Market. For longer trips, you will travel by bus and the main ‘mabasi’ (bus) station is also close to the Market. As with most of East African transport, the buses do not run on set schedules, instead departing when

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international travel | ZANZIBAR Woman harvesting sea weed on a sea plantation in traditional dress, Jambiani, Zanzibar

full. The main harbour is in the heart of Stone Town and regular ferries from Dar es Salaam and Pemba connect the town to the mainland.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and St Joseph’s Cathedral. One of the most finely decorated buildings of Stone Town is the Old Dispensary with large carved wooden balconies and stained-glass windows.

When in Zanzibar it is fine to wear what you want while you are on the beach, but once you enter the village or town area where the locals live it is important that both men and women observe local dress code.

FOOD, SPICE AND DRINK Experience one of Africa’s most interesting cuisines, a delicious mash-up of Indian, Arab, Chinese, Portuguese and African cooking traditions, all driven by the constant presence of spice. Try African ugali, Indian chapatti, Swahili curries, and eat as much fresh seafood as humanly possible. Look for island specialties like octopus curry and urojo, a turmeric and coconut-based

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GETTING TO THE ISLAND soup with crispy fritters and spiced potatoes that seems to have the island’s entire history contained within its broth.

Take time for tea - try the tangawizi (ginger) chai, and add vanilla if possible. Most tea stands start serving after sunset.

Although alcohol is freely available in Zanzibar, loud, drunken behaviour and foul language is considered extremely offensive.

Transit to Zanzibar happens by plane or boat, most likely departing from Dar Es Salaam.

The flight’s about 30 minutes, but the ferry is cheaper and can be a far more pleasant experience. The high-speed boats run four times a day each way, travel time about two hours and a ticket will cost you less than half of what it costs to fly.

Zanzibar is a beautifully diverse destination where you experience the perfect blend of history with a splash of the African charm, together with wonderful exotic beaches.

From historical Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, with its shops, markets, rooftop restaurants, to traditional villages, turtle sanctuaries, white sandy beaches shaded with palm trees and calm, turquoise water, there really is something for everybody. This island paradise is just over 3 hours flight away!

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parenthood | DADDY DIARIES

HINDSIGHT IS ALWAYS

I

20/20

By Alasdair Cunningham

t’s been a rollercoaster of a year, and not the exhilarating kind either. Not the kind that makes you scream to go faster and throw your hands up in the air. It’s been the sort assembled by drunk carnival clowns with handfuls of nuts and bolts left over from when they laid the track.

If it was a flavour, it would be OJ and toothpaste. If it was a sound, it would be fingernails scraping on a chalkboard. If it was a taste, it would be what you get if

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you accidentally chew on a piece of tinfoil. And finally, if it was a phone call in a horror movie? It would be coming from within your house.

I learned something valuable about this year: Don’t turn your back on it, not for one second. Even when that zero becomes a one make sure you’ve staked it through the heart and stuffed it full of garlic. We do not want it coming back. Treat it as you would a wild animal out of its cage. Sure it’s fluffy and cuddly, but it has the potential to either

lick you or eat your face off. And judging how this year has been going so far? I think I know what it’ll do.

Annus Horribilis, Her Highness famously said when her palace burned, and all her kids were getting divorced.

An absolute “mare“ my youngest said, and he’s only five, so you can tell how happy he’s been. But despite my moans, we have managed to weather the storm intact. I have homeschooled with the best of them, fed sourdough starters like a pro, and somehow

parenthood | DADDY DIARIES

refrained from drinking pineapple beer and smoking dried banana skins like we used to back in high school.

This virus has covered the globe like a K-pop song straight from Seoul, and quickly became another word we heard daily in the news cycle. Last year it was Brexit and Trump. This year it was Coronavirus. Now it’s a mix of all three, and I’m praying they all come to a peaceful end. Looking back, now that this year is nearly over, a few things come to mind.

Murder hornets were a thing, and we watched a fully kitted-out team of scientists in hazmat suits approach the nest with such caution you would have thought that it had just landed from outer space. It turns out it didn’t have only one queen inside, but more than two hundred. That says it all about this year.

On the positive side, Africa - once trumpeted to be wiped from the face of the earth by the virus - has done better at containing it than just about every other country on the planet. We

are fortunate to have had fewer fatalities in an entire continent than some states in the USA. And now most of those countries are heading into a second lockdown while we are slowly beginning to tackle the long road to recovery that lies ahead of us.

We watched Uncle Cyril dolling out both good and bad news, and failing to put on his mask while the camera stubbornly refused to fade. Kudos to him though, he was laughing about it on national TV the very next day.

Celebrities tried hard to make themselves relevant, and that backfired spectacularly for most of them.

Wonderwoman and her Injustice league singing Imagine, as well as Ellen saying it felt like she lived in prison spring to mind. X Æ A-12 was born, and no one could pronounce the name, not even the parents. The Pentagon admitted that the videos of pilots chasing supposed UFO‘s were real and they had no clue as to what they had been tracking. Then just recently we’ve had several earthquakes in and around

Cape Town. I think it’s the Kraken getting ready to show itself on New Year’s Eve and take a bite out of the harbour before midnight.

Thankfully my lads have handled this whacked-out year with relative ease. They’ve grown to look like squirrels, cute and with their cheeks stuffed full of food. School is back, and they are enjoying seeing their friends again, even if it is from a distance and over a mask. It’s a whole lot better than being cooped up with Dad every day for months on end, reminding them to do their homework, clean their room, and not be late for their Zoom meetings.

Next year’s landscape is going to look completely different, and nobody knows what it holds for us here in SA. My only hope is that we can undo the damage and get help to those who need it most. I could say ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ are required, but in my experience, actions speak louder than words. Let’s be the change we want to see and be the change SA needs.

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essentials | BOOKS

Summer reads

A look at a more energetic lifestyle through plant-based eating, a mission to save the land of forbidden magic and the story of John Lennon’s last days awaits in this season’s top reads.

The Castle of Tangled Magic Sophie Anderson

Olia lives with her parents in an old crumbling castle, filled with hidden turrets and secret doorways. When she follows a mysterious cat to one of the castle’s roof domes, she finds herself stepping through one such doorway into a magical world. With the help of an enchanted band of new friends, can Olia find a way to save both her own home, and the land of forbidden magic?

Softcover | R200 Usborne

9-12

0-3

6-9 Don’t Be Shy, Bushbaby

Avril Van Der Merwe

The other animals don’t understand why they never see Bushbaby, so they assume he is shy. One by one, they try to coax him out of his hole in the tree, but Bushbaby never appears. As night falls, the animals head off to sleep. All that is, except Owl, who has been silently observing the day’s events. As Owl prepares for the night, he calls to Bushbaby, who bounds out his hole, awake and alert, and they, and other nocturnal animals go about their everyday activities before returning to their beds.

Softcover | R100 | Struik Children

Revolting Things to Touch and Feel Roald Dahl

From slippery snails to bushy beards, this book is full of the most REVOLTING things to touch and feel! What does a giant’s foot feel like? How about a rotten egg, or a bumpy crocodile? Find out how.

Hardcover | R185 | Puffin

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essentials | BOOKS

Love Your Life Sophie Kinsella

I love you . . . but what if I can’t love your life?

Ava is sick of online dating. She’s always trusted her own instincts over an algorithm, anyway, and she wants a break from it all. So when she signs up to a semi-silent, anonymous writing retreat in glorious Italy, love is the last thing on her mind. Until she meets a handsome stranger. . . All she knows is that he’s funny, he’s kind and -she soon learns -he’s great in bed. He’s equally smitten, and after a whirlwind, intoxicating affair, they pledge their love without even knowing each other’s real names. But when they return home, reality hits.

They’re both driven mad by each other’s weird quirks and annoying habits, from his eccentric, naked-sauna-loving family to her terribly behaved, shirt-shredding dog. As disaster follows disaster, it seems that while they love each other, they just can’t love each other’s lives. Can they overcome their differences to find one life, together?

Softcover | R310 | Random House UK

The Last Days of John Lennon James Patterson

The Last Days of John Lennon is the amazing story of his life and career and his last seconds. It tells the story of the most profound rock-and-roll genius of all time – and of the consummate Nowhere Man who took him from us. In the summer of 1980, ten years after the break-up of the Beatles, John Lennon signed with a new label, ready to record new music for the first time in years. Everyone was awestruck when Lennon dashed off ‘(Just Like) Starting Over’. Lennon was back in peak form, with his best song writing since ‘Imagine’. In December 1980, Chapman boarded a flight from Hawaii to New York with a handgun stowed in his luggage. He was never going home again.

Softcover | R340 | Penguin UK

Made with Love and Plants Tammy Fry

As a director of Meat-free Mondays in Australia and South Africa, it’s Tammy Fry’s mission to enable others to live a happier and more energetic lifestyle through plant-based eating. Through her blog (seed-blog.com) and lifestyle workshops she has become a key influencer and thought leader in the plant-based, health and wellness world of holistic nutrition. Made With Love & Plants will not only present more than 75 wholefood, plant-based recipes, all beautifully photographed and styled, but also provide detailed, yet easy-to-follow guidance on living the plant based lifestyle. Tammy particularly understands how challenging the change to such a diet can be and is there with helpful support and tips to make the journey easier. The recipes will encompass a full range of meals from breakfast through to treats, and for family and entertaining.

Softcover | R350 |Penguin SA

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