The Ridge 127

SEPT-OCT 2021 ISSUE 127

GIFTED Kay Ndungane's business blossoms Distributed to the communities of Ballito, Durban North, Gateway, La Lucia, Mt Edgecombe, Prestondale, Somerset Park, uMdloti, uMhlali, uMhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga Rocks, Zimbali

STAYING HOME is the new GOING OUT

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Visit our showrooms to fully appreciate the choice and quality of our extensive range.

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Thinking out the box

here’s one thing the Covid pandemic and lockdown has done for us. It has given us time to think – think about the past, think about the future, think out the box, think of new ways to make money, think of ways to adapt businesses to keep them alive, think about what we really want to do with our lives.

Our cover entrepreneur, Kgomotso Ndungane, is one such outgoing woman who had to relook her eventing company when Covid struck, but, after considering what

TALK TO US

lorna.king@ famouspublishing.co.za www.theridgeonline.co.za W Ridge Magazine

people want, came up with a solution … and the rest is history. Today her new brand, LeLaPa, is bringing happiness and joy to her many clients.

She had a goal and is making it work. Read more on page 10.

Sue Miles is another dynamic woman who’s passion for stylish, comfy shoes has seen her digging deep to fulfil her dream. With attention to detail and quality, and proudly South African, Sue is now busy working on her third Zaluki range of shoes.

Watch this space and read her inspirational story on page 12.

For artist Dee Donaldson on page 16, the lockdown meant she had time to put in long hours on her own work, and today feels she is a better painter than she was a year ago.

Congratulations to the 1st Glenashley Journey’s End Scout Group who have recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Sixty years is quite

a milestone, and something all their members should be very proud of – turn to page 38.

With summer just around the corner, now is as good a time as any to pamper yourself.

On page 56 we look at luxury beauty treats you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

And if you’re tired of eyebrows that are sparse and untidy looking, and want to give them the attention they deserve to get that million dollar look, then make-up artist Debbie Jean on

IT’S FREE! Join The Ridge newsletter community and receive interesting reads, competitions and lots more.

To subscribe, email sarah.mackintosh@ famouspublishing.co.za page 29 offers expert advice – and there’s a competition to win an eyebrow makeover worth R2 800.

We have two issues remaining in 2021. If you’re interested in advertising your business in time for the festive season, contact Lynda on 082 379 9912 to book your space. If you want to be a winner, you need to be seen.

Until next time … stay safe!

FROM LEFT: Kgomotso Ndungane, Dee Donaldson and Sue Miles.

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in this issue*

GROUP EDITOR Doody Adams EDITOR Lorna King 078 750 9669 DESIGNER Kyle Griffin SALES CONSULTANT Lynda Kapsimalis 082 379 9912 DISTRIBUTION Mphumzeni Thusi ACCOUNTS & DISTRIBUTION QUERIES Meghan Dewet 083 533 5898 ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Mackintosh CONTRIBUTORS Gareth Bailey, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, Cathy Clark, Lee Currie, Ant Ellis, Janet George, Kate Hoare, Sarah Mackintosh, Anne Schauffer Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing.

Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein. Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

* To the people of uMhlanga, La Lucia, Zimbali, Mount Edgecombe, Ballito, Gateway, La Lucia Mall, the Crescent, the office parks, the residential estates and, of course, all our advertisers, thank you for your continued support

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16 COMMUNITY 3 DESIGNING WOMEN

LIFESTYLE 10

Making dreams come true during lockdown Published by Famous Publishing www.famouspublishing.co.za Printed by Novus Managed distribution by Vibrant Direct

THE FINE ART OF TEACHING MOKI.STORE

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In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4, if you do not want to receive The Ridge magazine for free, please email sarah.mackintosh@famouspublishing.co.za For more information visit: www.famouspublishing.co.za

1st Glenashley Journey’s End Scout Group

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Eye health for the young and old

HEALING HANDS

TINY TERIORS

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WINTER PARADISE

HOME PLEASURES

34 36 38 40

Home luxuries to welcome spring

THERE'S A BULLY IN MY CLASS

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A look at relational aggression

A CHANGE OF SEASON

Weighing up the many benefits

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Designer wallpaper for babies and children

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48

REGULARS ED’S LETTER TAKE NOTE TRENDING LAST WORD

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3 6 56 64

ADVERTORIALS REDDAM COLLEGE RENISHAW HILLS CLEARWATER FARM VENUE EFFORTLESS BROWS GLOBAL EDUCATION CHAS EVERITT

Goodbye winter ... hello spring

BENEFITS OF BUYING OFF-PLAN

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A winter experience in Finland

A round-up of popular massages

SCOUTS HONOUR

SUMMER CLASSICS

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An urban farm concept in uMhlanga

LOVE YOUR EYES

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Easy-wear linen collection

A collection of beautiful things

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BATHROOM BLISS Get the style with Lisa Walters

Dee Donaldson's take on art

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY

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ON THE COVER: KGOMOTSO NDUNGANE *Picture: Christy Hosking

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SMG MINI print.pdf

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take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP So Much More THAN JUST TEA As a nation, we’ve had more than a few curve balls hurled our way in the last few months – or rather, years. So a stroll through a myriad of beautifully tended flowers, shrubs and plants on a brilliant spring day is indeed a sight for weary eyes. I had arranged to meet up with friends for lunch. The venue was Hingham Nursery in Glenanil where nestled among the colourful foliage there’s an oasis in the shape of the popular tea garden. There were quite a few of us with tons to discuss (as always!) and we were well looked after by a charming Loura Venter and her niece Heleen.

The menu offers the likes

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of quiches, Greek-style lamb burgers, tramezzinis, their popular bobotie and some delicious colourful salads to name just a few. Drinks include Crazy Shakes and home-made pink lemonade.

We all enjoyed our choices.

There’s also an all-day breakfast menu – think Eggs Benedict, Welsh Rarebit and more.

They are pooch friendly offering a “doggy” menu. Oh, and don’t forget the plants – you’ll be sorely tempted to buy some greenery on your way out.

They also offer platters for functions and are in the process of launching a deli.

FOR MORE INFO:

15 Clematis Grove, Glenanil; 076 553 9691 or 081 550 0389; @hinghamnurseryteagarden

Know your NUMBERS HANDY PHONE NUMBERS FOR USEFUL SERVICES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD  NORTH DURBAN

VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES: (formerly Durban North/Umhlanga Crisis Team).

Trauma debriefing: 066 483 8589  NO WATER? SIZA WATER: 032 946 7200  POISON INFORMATION 24-HOUR HELPLINE: (includes medication, toxic substances snake and spider bites): 0861 555 777  POWER FAILURE: 032 437 5081  TO REPORT INJURED MONKEYS: Monkey Helpline: 082 659 4711/ 082 411 5444  CONCERNS ABOUT TREATMENT OF ANIMALS – SPCA: 031 579 6500  TO REPORT POTHOLES AND BURST WATER PIPES: 080 131 3013  SNAKE CATCHERS: Jason Arnold 082 745 6375 Neville Wolmarans 082 561 4969  TO REMOVE BEES: Honey Bee Removals: 084 594 1122  WHALES AND DOLPHINS (beached as well as entangled in shark nets).

Sharks Board: 031 566 0400

Beauty Is EVERYWHERE Our favourite material girl, creator and designer extraordinaire, Lou Harvey, is back with a collection that celebrates that beauty is everywhere. As always, Lou’s focus is on keeping all aspects of her business homegrown, which means that everything she does is 100% locally created, manufactured and produced.

A big business lesson from the last year?

“These days, you don’t need to have a bricks-and-mortar store to be successful,” she says. “South Africans have realised that online shopping is the way forward and trust the concept,” explains Lou, about her decision to give her website a fresh new look.

One thing that hasn’t changed is her approach to how she creates. As a busy working woman and a mom, she creates items for women who want to make life happen every day – so that everything in your home (or on-the-go) is organised and easy to get to.

This collection of gorgeous, sometimes flamboyant designs had to have some leopard print (Lou’s favourite). So, there’s both Leopard Rose and Pink Versace Leopard Print in a lovely, subtle light pink.

Zalica Red is bold yet feminine, whereas Retro Rose Autumn is sophisticated with a nod to yesteryear.

FOR MORE INFO: Shop online at:

louharvey.co.za

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S E R A B E L L A – M E A N I N G A B E AU T I F U L E V E N I N G I N I TA L I A N – I S A N E W D E V E LO P M E N T I N T H E H E A RT O F I Z I N GA I N U M H L A N GA C O N S I ST I N G O F M O D E R N C O N T E M P O R A RYI N S P I R E D V I L L AS T H AT E M B R AC E A S E N S E O F S PAC E A N D E L EGA N C E A N D F E AT U R E STAT E - O F -T H E -A RT F I N I S H ES W I T H I N I TS AU T H E N T I C BA L I N ES E A EST H E T I C S .

No transfer duty payable Stunning architecturally designed modern contemporary / balinese inspired homes embracing a sense of space and elegance situated in a prime position in the prestigious Izinga open suburb, Umhlanga making it one of the most sought after addresses in the area.

Gated with an electrified perimeter fence and surveillance cameras with a 24 hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse providing residents with absolute peace of mind.

The guardhouse area will also incorporate domestic help washrooms, change rooms and toilets.

Only a few kilometres away from the famous Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex, as well as in close proximity to some of KwaZulu Natal’s most prestigious schools and hospitals. A short drive to the Umhlanga coastline beaches.

Location, security and privacy translates to peace, happiness and a coveted lifestyle that only Sera Bella can provide.

Peace of mind: Situated within a double gated security precinct, in addition to patrolled security and tactical presence, Sera Bella also has an electrified perimeter fence with surveillance cameras and a 24-hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse.

Location is key: Sera Bella is ideally located to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, hospitals, prestigious private schools, King Shaka International Airport, restaurants and beaches.

Privacy is paramount: Ranging from two- and three-storey villas to three-bedroom apartments, each villa’s garden is totally private and fenced off, offering total seclusion. Within the complex there is also a communal pool and braai area.

TO FIND OUT MORE Website: www.serabella.co.za / Email: sales@serabella.co.za Mobile number: +27 83 786 8999 / Address: P.O. Box 22115, Glenashley, Durban 4022

take note*

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP Pamper Your PET The Huntlea Leather brand was born with the aim to produce truly South African products made to withstand the African climate while looking modern and feeling luxurious.

Since being established in 1928, Huntlea products have been manufactured using proudly South African, full-grain cow hide leather and various other materials which

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attests to its durability, comfort and quality craftsmanship.

New to the Huntlea stable is a range of quality dog beds, collars, leads and toys to pamper your family pet with, which are available at all leading pet stores and online platforms nationwide. Our online store will be re-launching soon.

FOR MORE INFO:

076 147 5122; info@huntlea.co.za; or visit our social media pages.

STOCK-A-SHOP - A Cause In Desperate Need!

Paralysed after five days of looting and violence, many informal North Coast communities have been left without access to basic foods and essentials from their local trading stores and spazas. During the recent mindless riots, hundreds of local spazas were vandalised, destroyed and their stocks looted, leaving just the broken shells of their uninsured stores. The impact on these local communities is significant and there is a desperate need to get these local stores and communities back up and running.

Many spaza store owners have been left destitute, with the overwhelming unlikeliness of ever being able to rebuild, restock and restart after years of providing for their communities. The basic food supply chain to these communities has been destroyed and the impact and devastation on these communities is immeasurable.

The Stock-A-Shop initiative of Hearts That Hope NGO based in Salt Rock and championed by Kent and Lyndall Vanderyacht, is all about getting these informal traders back in business. By

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donating or part-sponsoring a mere R7 500, corporates, book clubs, individuals, anyone can contribute towards getting one of these spazas fixed up, restocked and running again, ensuring the survival of many outlying communities.

Stock-A-Shop falls very much under #rebuildKZN. Each individual spaza and store owner is listed and photographed on the Hearts That Hope website so you can see exactly those in need.

How to help?

Individuals and/or businesses both small and large can: • Sponsor an entire store for just R7 500 (fix up and stock up).

• Donate towards store repairs.

• Donate, and Hearts That Hope will shop and stock for you.

For a nominal amount you can help rebuild these communities, and not allow them to become another sad story and statistic of the recent unrest in KZN. TO DONATE VIA EFT:

www.heartsthathope.com/ stock-a-shop

SCOTCH & SODA WWW.SCOTCH-SODA.CO.ZA

Shop F042 / Gateway Theatre of Shopping / 031 566 4130

cover story*

3 Designing

WOMEN

THREE WOMEN, THREE IDEAS, THREE DIFFERENT JOURNEYS … ALL ASSISTED OR PROMPTED IN SOME POSITIVE WAY BY, STRANGELY, COVID, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

Kgomotso Ndungane - LELAPA 1

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hen Kgomotso – Kay – moved to Durban, married husband – and legendary rugby player Odwa – she turned her back firmly on Johannesburg’s corporate world, embraced local life, became a celeb on the

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SURROUNDS:

A selection of luxe products and gifts from the LeLaPa range.

BELOW: Kay shows off one of her LeLaPa gift boxes with beautiful flowers.

Real Housewives of Durban reality TV show … and went solo with her own events business, Oak Celebrations.

She’d been researching a service provider for her own wedding, seen a gap in the market, and her creative soul said, “Take It.” Oak Celebrations was flying.

Until Covid grounded it.

Weddings had been a significant aspect of her business, with flowers a major feature. Kay’s not someone who shrinks from a challenge, so Covid was a hiccup, not a stop sign: “I’m from a solutiondriven background, so I knew I needed to bridge the gap between events and Covid. I asked myself, ‘What, in these times, do my clients need, how can I make things better for them, what products am I familiar with?’ The answer? Flowers.

Kay decided she’d create a form of gifting: “People still needed to connect, show they care – so beautiful gift boxes of flowers!” She created an online business which was very well received.

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“Then I was asked what I could team up with the flowers to make the gift exceptional. I love home body and bath beauty products, so I began tucking upmarket branded ones into the box, and slowly I thought … why not create my own brand of luxe treats? I can do candles, hand wash, lotion, body butters …”

She investigated local laboratories and factories, not easy during Covid, nor because she only needed small quantities. She drew up a business plan, and spent a great deal of time researching different fragrances until she settled on the ones she loved. “It just made sense to pair flowers with scents, and I loved the synergy of it.” Lemongrass, neroli, rose geranium, lavender, lemon verbena – she even has a local

It just made sense to pair flowers with scents, and I loved the synergy of it” ceramicist who makes her fragrance burners and candle holders.

Kay says, “I’m a big believer in goals – small, achievable ones that you work towards. I didn’t know how this would all pan out, but I had the courage to try. That’s enough for me.” She found a small lab prepared to produce small batches, and began with two ranges organically focused – one an essential oil range, the other fragrance based. She chose what she describes as a little brown Parisienne apothecary styled bottle, and the show was on the road.

Kay’s brand name is LeLaPa, “family” in Tswana, largely in memory of her grandparents and the key roles they played in her life. Her logo is of an oak tree with the branches representing family: “My brands are always built around an ethos of nature. Family roots you, grounds you, they’re your safe haven, and reminds you where you come from.” » FOR MORE INFO Kay’s products are produced under the Oak Celebrations banner: www.oakcelebrations.com

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cover story*

Sue Miles ZALUKI 2

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’ve always been crazy about shoes,” admits Sue Miles. “And like so many of us during Covid, I had more time to plot, ponder and explore new ideas. I had no idea about the shoe industry at all, and it was a crazy time to start a new business.

As Martin Luther King said: You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. So I did!”

It was a daunting project, but Sue had a starting point. She’d always struggled to find different, stylish and comfy shoes, so that was her mantra: “I did some market research, canvassed family and friends, and just had a gut feel. I wanted my shoes to be inspired by international looks and trends, but also drawn from our own rich multicultural tapestry.” Feminine and flattering, her Zaluki range was born, a name with a warm African ring, while simultaneously upmarket and international.

ABOVE: Sue Miles.

SURROUNDS: Sue’s first and second ranges of shoes – platform wedges and handmade mules.

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She smiles: “This time last year, I didn’t have a single contact in the industry. It’s been fascinating, challenging and sometimes frustrating to find the right people, but so enriching and exciting. Several people have

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LY TEL OUR S RY TO Chantelle Jonathan HEAD OF PREP, REDDAM HOUSE UMHLANGA

been incredibly generous sharing their time and knowledge, and I’ve learnt so much in such a short time.”

Sue’s lived up to the vision she had … and more: “I don’t use synthetics, even in the linings. I use premium materials, always genuine leather and suede.” And she’s proudly South African, committed to supporting local artisans and suppliers wherever possible. From makers of knives and patterns, to craftsmen for heels, soles and uppers, she looked for local: “I wanted in some small way to contribute to building South Africa’s economy, and help retain existing jobs.”

The designs are just exquisite, and it’s clear she’s had such fun designing them.

There’s a playfulness about them. She loves the stunning rich-hued leathers and hides which make up her shoes, and being super fussy, you know you’re getting superior quality! Her first range was a bright, fun, deceptively comfy platform wedge in four

colourways – cerise, tangerine, turquoise and sapphire blue – perfect for spring into summer. Her handmade mules – plain panel with a contrasting patterned or textured panel – are just as eye-catching with a pair of jeans as they are all dressed up for a glam look. She says, “The V-shape is super flattering and gives length to your legs, making them perfect to pair with a short skirt, cropped pants or long pants.”

Sue has a way with words – as she should.

Her business before Zaluki was – and is – called Working Words, a PR, brochures, events, and corporate social investment consultancy.

She’s busy designing her third range – a summer sandal – and although she’s currently talking to a few boutiques as potential stockists, you’ll need to hunt them down online via the Zaluki website, Facebook and Instagram. » FOR MORE INFO www.zaluki.co.za

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In August Reddam House uMhlanga welcomed Chantelle Jonathan as the new Head of Prep. With a career in the education sector spanning 33 years, she brings not only a wealth of experience but decades of in-depth study within her chosen field. Chantelle’s overall philosophy of respect for time and those around you is at the core of her vocation to play a role in developing students into successful adults who live lives of value, making a positive contribution to society.

Her love of global travel has shone a spotlight on international best practices in education allowing her to apply her learnings to the benefit of the students: “We have a finite time span to prepare these future citizens of our global village.

We need to be informed on changes in methodologies and resources in the field of education which changes as the world constantly changes, and navigate these changes quickly to keep our applications on the cutting edge of education.”

Reddam House uMhlanga’s parents can look forward to nurturing a critical alliance between themselves and the school with Chantelle Jonathan at the helm. What they may be surprised to know about their optimistic new Head, is that she is partial to a dance move or two!

FOR MORE INFO 031 566 5736; www.umhlanga.reddamhouse.com

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our children is a full-time job,” laughs Judith Saulez of Durban North, and she was just that – a full-time mom.

Prior to that, she’d worked for an independent training organisation which operated across different industry sectors, developing their leadership, sales and service disciplines.

Useful skills for her business today, in particular she says, understanding the sales process, how to implement it, serve your customers, and how to sell.

Judith knew that when she looked into the future, she didn’t want to be that mom who went into a crisis when her children left home: “I knew I wanted something into which I could pour myself when everyone had left the nest.”

Judith had always been interested in health, lifestyle and exercise, and was a firm believer in the benefits of probiotics for gut health: “When I was introduced to topical probiotics and saw the impressive results, I was excited. I wanted to explore how we could take this product to market.

The science behind Probacare comes out of Belgium – it started with five clinical trials which proved conclusively that topical probiotics could be used in hospitals to outcompete superbugs. “We began with the Probacare concept in 2019 … in a converted room in our home, bottling, labelling and packaging our products,” says Judith.

“The entire family was involved

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LEFT: Judith Saulez.

BELOW LEFT: Judith’s Probacare products for family, home and pets.

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Judith Saulez - PROBACARE

in the design and packaging, and in the last quarter of 2020, we opened to the public as an online business.”

Judith says it wasn’t easy returning to the workplace after 20 years: “It’s hard building up confidence, learning new skills, launching yourself into the whole new world of technology.

I sometimes felt paralysed with fear, but I kept going. The gift of Covid of course, was that it gave us time to think about what we wanted to communicate, how to design the packaging and so on.” Judith’s two older children are at university, the two younger ones still at home. She grins, “Having teenage skins at

For Judith, the vision was that Probacare would restore and protect family hygiene home was another catalyst for our products.”

For Judith, the vision was that Probacare would restore and protect family hygiene: “It’s this same technology which applies to the personal hygiene side of the business, where common skin problems are linked to bad

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bacteria. Probiotics are all about outcompeting bad bacteria – killing all bacteria can lead to a massive pandemic which is directly related to anti-microbial resistance.” She says they began with the three products they believed would receive the least consumer resistance – their patented Probaderm Face Cream, Face Wash, and Probiotic Mister: “We coupled that with an education programme on Instagram and Facebook.

It didn’t take long before we expanded to home cleaning products – ProbaClean – and we’ve just launched ProbaPet.” Judith says they had a very clear idea of what they wanted to convey about the business – clean, safe and trustworthy: “We’ve created a premium product at a mid-tier price point, and we’re really happy with the current trajectory of the response to Probacare. We’ve been assisted by the global trend towards topical probiotics, and to be honest, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by people’s understanding of the technology, more than we had originally given them credit for.”

At the moment, Probacare is only online, but Judith’s currently in negotiations with a major retailer, and it looks likely that within six months, they’ll be stocking their products.

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FOR MORE INFO www.probacare.co.za

art*

The fine art of

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hey were little, the size and shape of coasters. It was Dee’s Lockdown Series 1, a painting a day that, at 6pm sharp, went up on her Instagram feed. It was rare if it remained unsold for longer than five minutes. From flowers past their best, to a dog, to a reflection: “It was a nice shift for me, just sitting at my dining-room table, painting these little pieces. I wanted them to have a playful feel.” They do. From there, she moved on to Lockdown Series 2, slightly larger, square paintings, both series capturing little moments, often arbitrary, parcelled up and so treasured by the fastest typist of Me in the comments section. Sold.

This little lockdown series has in one way, little to do with Dee’s main bodies of

TEACHING

FINE ARTIST DEE DONALDSON IS KNOWN FOR APPROACHING AND TEACHING ART FROM WONDERFUL NEW ANGLES. ANNE SCHAUFFER MET UP WITH HER TO FIND OUT MORE

Life is a little bit odd, little bit of an improv … my work is probably a bit like that” work, yet in another, says something about both her and her paintings: playfulness, her spontaneity, her intuitive response to a moment, a person or an object.

Dee grew up in Dundee on a smallholding, the small town her parents chose to escape to from the rat race.

She was about 12 when she developed scoliosis, and was fitted for a brace: “Looking back, when kids get set apart in some way, they start to look inwards, rather than outwards,” she says, “I knew one way or another, I’d be a writer or a painter.”

Dee studied fine arts at DUT, and was awarded the coveted Emma Smith Scholarship which she used to spend six months in a studio at the Cité Internationale

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ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Dee’s Lockdown Series; Bobby Seated.

LEFT: Artist Dee Donaldson.

des Arts in Paris: “For a girl whose travel history was limited to Johannesburg (once), and numerous South Coast holidays, the experience was life altering.”

She stretched out that magical time, backpacked around Europe, UK and spent a few years in America.

“Arriving back home was tough. What now? I was never going to be anything other than a full-time artist, so I had to find a way to make it work.”

Dee took over art classes from a friend who was leaving Durban in the 90s. Almost to her surprise, she loved teaching. She shrugs, “I love painting, so teaching painting is a joy. When you see people’s eyes light up when they get it …”

Over the years, Dee moved these classes from various small locations, ending at ArtSpaceDurban, where she began what all who’ve attended them would call, her legendary workshops or boot camps. “Have you attended one of Dee’s workshops?” is usually said in hushed tones. That was 2013, and they represented a seismic shift. She still shakes her head: “I’d been

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trying to loosen up my own painting, and spent six months teaching myself how to do it. I documented the process, and devised workshops for doing it with Portraits and Landscapes. The results were amazing. People responded so well. The workshops kept filling up.”

These workshops changed the trajectory for Dee. Together with a printmaker, she fell upon a vast, beautiful, perfect space in the Point Road regeneration zone, and somehow, made it happen. Studio3 opened its doors, a venue for workshops and classes, individual studios for artists, exhibitions, and Dee’s own studio.

Health, loss, pandemic … the past few years have been disruptive and mindaltering for Dee: “I take a while to recover from emotional stuff. I holed up in here, painting and stacking them up.” Time – no workshops – and quiet, extended introspection gave her time to put in long hours on her own work.

Dee’s art right now: “Layers, not just physical layers but those that attempt to bridge time – bringing memory to the surface; layers, including historical painting and images from my own archives.”

Alongside this series, or even within it, is family. Dee loves those old photographs »

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art*

showing simple family rituals like birthday lunches or the typical South African Christmas meal, with everyone in their cozzies, wearing paper crowns, a Portapool in the background: “I love the ritual and slight absurdity of these events that we do year after year.”

Dee is constantly juxtaposing imagery, so there’s often an unsettling feeling in the paintings. She laughs, “Life is a little bit odd, little bit of an improv … my work is probably a bit like that.”

Her painting process is intriguing: “I never plan an image digitally, then paint it – it’d be stale by the time I got going. I activate the canvas by getting rid of the white, putting down some colour, adding some marks. I don’t anticipate the imagery that’ll go on the canvas – this just puts some tension there, certain rhythms that might attract certain imagery. I want the play of images together, so I’ll keep pushing and changing the painting in quite an intuitive way. In the last stage of the painting, I focus on getting the ‘feels’ right on the surface. The painting is never a documentation of something I created digitally – I do use a digital process at times, but it’s a tool to move the painting forward, it never replaces the process on the canvas.”

Dee’s classes have just started again,

d an 1601 s ff 0 i tar 94 or 031 f s n ll u tio Ca rma o inf

Monkey Business.

Success is a tricky word. I think I’m a little closer to being the painter I want to become. I’m certainly better than I was a year ago”

she’s planning a Saturday morning Portrait Painting Club, and she’s talking exhibitions again. For her, “Success is a tricky word. I think I’m a little closer to being the painter I want to become. I’m certainly better than I was a year ago.”

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FOR MORE INFO Studio3: 162 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Point Waterfront; W https://www.facebook.com/DeeDonaldsonArtist/ Dee donaldson artist

Somerset Lodge CARE CENTRE

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY OF EXCELLENCE, OFFERING DIGNITY-BASED AND INDIVIDUAL CARE FOR OUR RESIDENTS Somerset Lodge offers strict, but discreet, security arrangements, with well laid out gardens and lovely furnishings

COVID-19 SCREENING IS IN PLACE NOW OFFERING HOME-BASED CARE TO RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET VALLEY ESTATE Visit our website for a virtual tour

www.somersetcarecentre.co.za

The Ridge 210x275mm Bleed.pdf

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advertorial*

W

hile its temperate climate, natural beauty and rich heritage make South Africa a prime destination for property investors, strong security measures have always been an important part of this incredible lifestyle. For this reason, those considering investing in a mature lifestyle estate often prioritise safety, but it’s the quality of safety that is the truly deciding factor.

“The recent civil unrest put into sharp focus the importance of a sophisticated level of security when it comes to estate living,” explains Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments on the KZN South Coast. “Homeowners, particularly those enjoying their golden years, need to be assured they can enjoy the quality lifestyle so celebrated in South Africa without the constant concern for safety.”

When it comes to secure estate living, the following six security features will ensure that residents are able to benefit from an outdoor lifestyle with complete peace of mind.

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Secure perimeter

High-tech cameras

24-hour patrols

The security company assigned to a mature lifestyle estate must be able to provide a 24-hour, onsite security service.

This will include manning all entry points to

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6 SECURITY FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN INVESTING IN A MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATE

check who is coming and going, as well as constant patrols, day and night.

Quick reaction time

The reaction time of a security company is what truly sets them apart, because in an emergency, time is of the essence. It’s also worth checking whether the security company offers the option of panic buttons which can either be installed in individual units or provided as a mobile device.

5

A well-run estate will include thermalvision cameras positioned on the perimeter fencing. These will ensure any unsanctioned activity is quickly identified and halted, and can be reviewed to pick up on any previous activity.

3

LIVING 4

The first feature is secure, electrified perimeter fencing, constructed from advanced equipment which is constantly monitored and maintained. Clear-view fencing is currently the preferred perimeter option, as it provides optimum security without impacting views.

2

Carefree

Security collaboration

Security cannot work in isolation. An estate dedicated to the security of its residents will ensure that onsite security works with a network of outside security operatives, including law enforcement, community policing forums, security consultants as well as other security organisations. This ensures they are fully prepared against any potential threat.

6

Unrestricted living

At the end of it all, residents want to enjoy

the benefits of security without feeling restricted by it. An estate needs to prioritise unobtrusive yet effective security wherever possible. This includes a dedicated and friendly security staff, clear-view perimeter fencing, and other techniques that effectively blend security measures into the natural surroundings.

Renishaw Hills, the Scottburgh-based mature lifestyle village, ticks all these boxes when it comes to state-of-the-art security features. “It’s a delicate balance ensuring our residents always feel safe without it being too conspicuous,” explains Phil. “At Renishaw Hills, we feel we’ve achieved this balance. With the incredible ocean and forest views, nature trails, estate facilities and wonderful community living, residents are truly able to live that holiday life without ever having to worry about their safety.”

FOR MORE INFO Start a new adventure at Renishaw Hills. Book a tour with all relevant health-and-safety measures adhered to at info@renishawhills.co.za or visit www.renishawhills.co.za

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LIVE THE HOLIDAY

When you’ve worked towards this moment all your life, why shouldn’t retirement feel like a holiday?

At Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village on the mid-South Coast, we deliver more than just value, security, and community. With lush indigenous gardens and more days of sunshine, it’s the perfect place to enjoy freedom, fitness and friendship alongside stellar sea views and coastal forest expanses. Thanks to the convenience of a single monthly levy, you can live with peace of mind, knowing that everything you need is always taken care of. For more on our homes that epitomise indoor/outdoor living, join us for a private tour of Renishaw Hills, Scottburgh when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or take our virtual tours on www.renishawhills.co.za

Sharyn 079 853 8946 | Kelly 087 135 5555 | sales@renishawhills.co.za | www.renishawhills.co.za

advertorial*

Where dreams

BEGIN

LOOKING FOR A WEDDING VENUE WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS, IS AFFORDABLE, AND AT THE SAME TIME FAR FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF CITY LIFE? THE BRAND NEW CLEARWATER FARM VENUE TICKS ALL THE BOXES

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learwater Farm has a history going back many years. In fact, it has been in the Abbott and Janse van Rensburg families for three generations farming granadillas, guavas, bananas, but now solely macadamia nuts.

Today Murray Janse van Rensburg manages the Clearwater Farm – 60 hectares of established macadamia nut trees – and his vision for the future is to ensure his farming methods are environmentally sustainable and organic.

Murray’s partner, Grace King, has worked in and comes from a family who have been in the hospitality and events industry for many years.

Then one day, not so long ago, as Murray and Grace were looking out over the mighty Umtamvuna River from their View Deck, they wondered how they could share this magnificent setting with everyone. Slowly but surely their dream started to unfold, and before long they had launched Clearwater Farm Venue.

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ALL PICTURES:

The perfect backdrop for a wedding with a difference – Clearwater Farm Venue offers amazing views to make your special day memorable.

Tucked away on a macadamia nut farm at Port Edward on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Clearwater Farm Venue boasts a pleasant climate and spectacular scenery – and is the perfect setting for taking your wedding vows.

Clearwater Farm Venue provides you with a blank canvas venue hire, allowing you to design the wedding of your dreams – just the way you would like it. We offer a list of local, preferred suppliers who will provide you with outstanding services to make your special day truly special.

According to Grace, there are two different price options to hire out the venue. A smallish wedding – less than 60 guests – will cost

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Clearwater Farm Venue provides you with a blank canvas venue hire, allowing you to design the wedding of your dreams R18 400 including VAT, whereas up to 150 people will cost R23 000 including VAT. These prices include: • Venue available for set-up two days before the wedding, 8am to 5pm • Complete access to the View Deck and around the macadamia farm for stunning photographs to be taken • An open-air ceremony with seating • Reception and ceremony can seat up to 150 people • Kitchen for caterers to make use of • Water, electricity and back-up generator • Fully licensed bar, barmen and glassware • 15 10-seater rectangular tables • Guest parking • 24-hour security services • Paraplegic friendly • Staff to wash dishes during the event.

Not included in these prices are: • Catering • Photographer • Videographer • Hiring of chairs, cutlery, glassware and crockery • Flowers • Decorations • Cake • Waiters • DJ and music equipment • Accommodation.

FOR MORE INFO Contact Grace King: 083 231 7494; Email: grace@clearwaterfarmvenue.co.za

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decor*

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oki.store is the realisation of a dream which owners, Monica and Ian Loubser, have long held. They describe their two stores – uMhlanga and Kloof – as “quite simply a collection of things we love, a reflection of our ever-evolving style. We opened it because we couldn’t find anything like it here.” Simple.

The Loubsers aren’t new to the industry, and have long been supplying retailers. For them, Moki is a personal project, focused entirely on their style, and – clearly – the style of many others too.

Step into a Moki.store, and feel the peace.

The store design, layout and decor creates a

MOKI.STORE

THE LOUBSER’S DRIVING FORCE BEHIND MERCHANDISE SOURCING FOR MOKI.STORE IS ENTIRELY PERSONAL, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

or yourself. We are a kind of a ‘no rules anything goes as long we like it’ store.”

Moki also offers a platform for local designers to showcase their products. They’re currently working on creating a space in Moki uMhlanga where they can showcase a single designer for a limited time.

Many of Moki’s products are unique: “We

contemplative space you don’t want to leave: “We love the minimal aesthetic of Japanese and Scandinavian design,” says Monica. “We adore plants – they transform any space into a place of peace, tranquillity and give a Zenlike feel. The Japanese have a practice called forest bathing which is simply using all your senses to absorb the forest atmosphere. It can be done anywhere where you have plants or trees, not necessarily in a forest. If you can’t be outside, bring the outside in.”

In Moki, you’ll find homeware, plants, furniture, books, stationery, clothing, cosmetics and jewellery, with quality of design and manufacture paramount. “The idea at Moki is to be able to find something different for someone

RIGHT: Ian and Monica Loubser.

SURROUNDS: Some of the amazing

goodies you’ll find at Moki.store.

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try to source local, well designed and made products, but also stock a selection of overseas finds … from Europe, Morocco, India, Malawi, and the East,” says Monica.

The Loubsers are massive book fans: “There’s still something magical about a book, and we source and stock a very different selection – and it’ll continue to grow.”

And you’ll find IXXI at Moki, a concept the Loubsers discovered in Amsterdam: “We bought an Ernst Haeckel print for the Kloof store entrance, and just loved it – we’re now their local agents. The beauty of the system is that it is so easy to install, and

customisable, so you can get one to fit any space. There are so many designs and images to choose from.”

The Loubsers may head up Moki, but their two right-hand women, Valthi Swanepoel and Jessica Shuttleworth, “are as much part of Moki as we are,” says Monica.

“We believe our offering is unique. Some of our product is a bit edgier than most homeware stores, it’s not intentional, just our style. And yes, black is our favourite colour …”

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FOR MORE INFO 083 494 6892; Beacon Rock, uMhlanga; www.moki.store; moki.st0re

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community*

AN URBAN FARM IN UMHLANGA? MYLES AND MICHELE BUXTON’S DREAM OF EXTENDING IMIFINO’S VISION TO OUR COMMUNITY TO NOURISH, EMPOWER, UPLIFT AND FEED IS STARTING TO TAKE ROOT, WRITES KATE HOARE

Feeding the

COMMUNITY

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ith its humble beginnings in the hills of Shongweni, Imifino, a modest, registered, non-profit organisation is the passionate calling of friends – Kaz and Matt Wilson and Andre Rutishauser.

Since lockdown 2020, Imifino – with their Operation Community Nutrition programme – started cooking for those in need with a big focus on children. Together with the help of Skhindi Shandu, they prep and cook 500 meals a week and deliver highly nutritious, plant-based meals to impoverished communities in the rural Shongweni, Assagay areas.

Vegetables and rice packed with natural superfoods and high in protein are cooked slowly over wood fires in giant, cast iron potjies, then decanted into five-litre containers for delivery. Onions, potatoes, butternut, lentils, sweet potatoes and imifino (wild, leafy greens, somewhat like

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spinach) make a delicious and nutritious smoky veg risotto packed with goodness.

Imifino grows wild across South Africa and is a highly nutritious superfood. Once a traditional food, it’s now seen by impoverished communities as a “poor person’s food”.

Central to NPO Imifino’s vision is re-educating on imifino’s high nutritional superfood value, making it an acceptable “cool” leafy green again amongst communities, one that is packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

ABOVE: Skhindi Shandu, Kaz and Matt Wilson of Imifino Assagay, Ty, Michele and Myles Buxton of Imifino uMhlanga.

ABOVE RIGHT: Skhindi takes care of the cooking.

Being hungry is unimaginable, and with the Covid-19 lockdown, impoverished people have suffered so much more in terms of job losses and rising food prices. As horticulturists and nutritionists, Matt and Kaz understand the importance of good nutrition, but as they expressed, “delivering hundreds of weekly meals to nearby

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impoverished rural areas is not sustainable”. Their plan is to plant sustainable food gardens and fruit forests within rural community centres, where community “champions” are trained in gardening, rain-water harvesting, seed saving, growing, harvesting and nutritional recycling, empowering communities to become nutritionally knowledgeable and self-sufficient.

Prestondale and uMhlanga have Blackburn Village – an informal settlement – on their doorstep, so the opportunity to

extend NPO Imifino’s vision to our North Coast makes enormous sense. Prestondale’s Myles and Michele Buxton are passionate about community upliftment, and rather than creating an entirely new initiative, they’ve partnered with Kaz and Matt to extend the Imifino nutritional community project to uMhlanga.

Coincidently, for the past two years, Ridge Association Management in agreement with eThekwini “Adopt a Spot” and DSW have been managing a vacant piece

of land in Parkside on the uMhlanga Ridge as an ongoing community vegetable garden. They currently have a dedicated team, horticulturist and 24-hour surveillance overseeing the land and employ and upskill ladies from Blackburn Village on a rotational basis in the growing of vegetables and flowers. The upskilling of Blackburn ladies provides skilled labour for the uMhlanga Ridge resident landscape providers, and more importantly, a permanent source of employment. »

community*

Myles and Michele are working in collaboration with Siya Gumede from Ridge Association Management and Ms Neliswa Nogoni from Blackburn Village to turn the existing Parkside community vegetable and flower garden into an “urban farm” in the heart of uMhlanga. An additional area close to Blackburn Village has been identified where the range of vegetables grown can be cooked together with rice in giant potjies into nutritional food for Blackburn Village children.

Chatting with Myles and Michele, they feel passionately about “the growing need for community and company involvement in feeding and

ABOVE: Myles Buxton with gardeners Zinhle and Fikile, Siya Gumede, a junior landscape manager at the uMhlanga gardens, and Neliswa Nogoni from the Early Learning Centre in Blackburn Village. empowering the hungry and see the Imifino and Parkside vegetable and flower garden project as a fulfilment of both these ideals”. The need is for companies and individuals to get involved in assisting them to secure funds needed to purchase vegetable seedlings and potjie pots to get the project

up and running. Reddam House uMhlanga have kindly offered to assist Myles and Michele with the project, involving their pupils in this wonderful outreach programme.

It is critical that the Imifino uMhlanga and Parkside garden project is not merely a handout feeding scheme, but rather

a sustainable self-sufficient community upliftment initiative that extends into outlying communities where the concept of food gardens, irrigation and nutritional recycling can be taught and set up locally to feed those in need.

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FOR MORE INFO www.facebook.com/imifino; To donate towards the uMhlangaImifino and Parkside start-up project, please use the Zapper code below.

SA Wine Barrels Pty Ltd

YOUR SOUTH AFRICAN WINE FURNITURE MANUFACTURER UPHOLSTERY

We make solid hand-built furniture, with each piece being handcrafted by artisan carpenters from fine hardwood and hand-selected French Oak wine barrel staves

Benze is a family enterprise steeped in tradition and old fashioned values since 1970.

WE DEAL WITH ALL FABRIC HOUSES

SERVICES WE OFFER

RE-UPHOLSTERY * RESTORATION * REPAIRS * SCOTCHGARDING * CUSTOM FURNITURE DEEP CLEANING SERVICES: LOUNGE SETS, DINING CHAIRS, CARPETS, PERSIAN RUGS AND MATTRESSES 55 Buro Crescent, Unit 19 Buro Centre, Mayville, Durban upholstery@benze.co.za | www.benze.co.za | 031 208 7131 | 082 635 0165 (WhatsApp)

O r d e r o n l i n e @ w w w. s a w i n e b a r r e l s . c o m Email us @ info@sawinebarrels.com

*advertorial

B

allito based eyebrow artist Debbie Jean – who consults in Durban North and Hillcrest as well – specialises in eyebrow reconstruction using cosmetic tattoo techniques to enhance, define and reshape eyebrows to suit your individual facial features. Debbie, a top make-up artist who studied the art in London in 1994, now specialises solely in eyebrow makeovers.

Debbie gave us the lowdown on cosmetic tattoo eyebrows.

“This technique offers ladies realistic looking eyebrows. The process involves taking pigment (similar to tattoo ink) and implanting it just underneath the surface of the skin, which defines the eyebrow area and forms a perfect frame for your eyes,” says Debbie.

DEBBIE EXPLAINS THE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES Feather stroke brows: This is a very delicate procedure implanting realistic looking little lines into the surface of the skin to imitate hair. Requires more frequent touch-ups as the feather strokes soften over time, fade and disappear.

Softly shaded brows: As opposed to feather stroke brows, they look neat and realistic, plus the pigment lasts longer.

Ombre brows: These are shaded but the front of the brows start to fade out and appear misty. The brows then gradually get darker as they progress to the ends.

Powder brows: These are slightly more defined than

LEFT: Debbie Jean uses

cosmetic tattoo techniques to enhance eyebrows.

the more progressive term cosmetic tattoo.

Effortless

BROWS

EYEBROW ARTIST DEBBIE JEAN CAN TRANSFORM YOUR FACE WITH EYEBROWS THAT PERFECTLY FRAME YOUR EYES ombre brows with less of a faded out front area.

Permanent make-up: Even though it’s called “permanent” make-up, it does fade and require touch-ups. Although the pigment might be in your skin permanently, it’s not always visible or dark enough as it fades over time. I prefer

DEBBIE'S ADVICE • Touch-ups are necessary – usually between two to six months – when a second layer of pigment is added to ensure a longer-lasting finish. This also ensures longevity and refinement of the brow design.

• Cosmetic tattooing is not an exact science, it is an art. Some clients need a touch-up once a year, others every few years.

• Pain is almost non-existent. I work shallow in the skin and use two topical numbing agents to ensure the clients’ comfort.

• During a consultation we discuss your ideas, likes and dislikes regarding the shape of your brows, and choose a colour based on skin tone, hair colour and eyebrow hair – the client has a say, but obviously I advise.

FOR MORE INFO Contact Debbie: 082 804 2748; email: makeupartistdebbiejean@gmail.com; www.eyebrowmakeovers.com; W Eyebrows With Debbie Jean; eyebrowswithdebbiejean

Win a brow makeover worth R2 800!

One lucky reader stands a chance to win an eyebrow makeover with Debbie Jean valued at R2 800. This includes both the initial and touch-up procedures. Before and after pictures of the winner will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Ridge.

Enter today by going to www.famouspublishing.co.za.

Closing deadline: September 30

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advertorial*

Looking to study

ABROAD?

GLOBAL EDUCATION, THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERT IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ZIMBABWE, IS HERE TO HELP

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or over 15 years, we have been the “home” of overseas university applications, assisting self-funded students through the entire university application process. Our services include direct access to hundreds of our university partners, providing all the necessary information and documentation to ensure your successful application to study abroad.

Our team value is to expose interested students to a world of opportunity, and we are here to guide and assist you through the entire process.

Global Education is your “in-country admissions” team, connecting you to over 300 directly contracted world-class universities and colleges across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Cyprus, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. Whether you wish to study for a diploma, undergraduate

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or postgraduate degree, Global Education will find the right international college or university for you. Prospective students are empowered with all the knowledge required to begin their studies in a new country with ease and confidence. This is all part of the professional and personal service offered by the company, including individual counselling and student advice.

In short, leave the worrying, chasing and sorting out of all paperwork to us. We are your direct link to the universities worldwide, and aim to ensure the application process to study abroad is as stress-free as possible.

Our services include: Application Advice Guiding students on exactly which documents are required to apply and how they need to be verified, and assisting with admissions and placement at international universities. We also assist high-achieving sport and academic students to connect with the top institutions, and ensure you have the comprehensive support to make a successful application.

Student Visas We assist you with your student visa by providing all the necessary information and checking through all documentation to ensure a successful study visa application.

We have a 100% track record for student visas.

Campus Accommodation We guide and assist students with securing their on-campus accommodation.

Pre-departure and Arrival Events We co-ordinate pre-departure and arrival events to help our students connect with the university and other successful applicants, to ensure that they are prepared and have all the knowledge necessary to have a successful start to their new adventure.

Start your journey with us today!

FOR MORE INFO 031 830 5556; www.globaleducation.co.za

TOP: The Global Education “incountry admissions” team – ready to help you study abroad.

ABOVE: Nico Eleftheriades, MD of Global Education.

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Study ARE YOU LOOKING TO

abroad Global Education is your gateway to international academic opportunities!

Application

IELTS Test

Student VISA

Accommodation

WE DO NOT SELL COMMODITIES,

WE LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A STUDENT’S FUTURE. I have accumulated extensive experience in the business of representing international universities over the past 17 years in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. I have a very good working knowledge of the Cambridge Education System, as well as the IEB and the South African National Matriculation Qualifications. We are very familiar with the Australian education system.

It is beneficial that I have visited most, if not all, of the institutions that we represent in Australia, USA and the UK. We are able to market these institutions effectively because we have visited them, know the cities, the transport system and the culture.

- Owner and founder of Global Education,

Liza Manoussis

+27 31 830 5556

UNDERGRADUATE • POSTGRADUATE • VOCATIONAL • NO SCHOLARSHIPS

Branch Manager: miguel@global-education.co.za

get my style*

ABOVE: “Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom that won’t break the bank,” says Lisa Walters.

Bathroom

BLISS

FOR INTERIOR DESIGNER LISA WALTERS, BATHROOM SPACES ARE ALL ABOUT SIMPLISTIC STYLE THAT EXUDE PAMPERING LUXURY

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lush tones have always been one of my favourite colour palettes, and with spring here, there’s nothing more beautiful and appealing than this fresh, crisp look to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom,” says top interior designer Lisa Walters.

As bathrooms are normally confined busy spaces, Lisa firmly believes in keeping bathroom styling practical and simple

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with usable items. It’s time to be ruthless and declutter.

“In this bathroom I took my cue from the pink and white tones of the vanity unit. Using a round metal tray as the ‘foundation’, I placed everyday bathroom items – liquid hand soap, a pretty marble container to hold jewellery for safekeeping when bathing, bath crystals and candle for relaxing, mood and atmosphere. Pretty flowers add the finishing touch – they always bring joy and beauty to any space. For me, flowers really do make a home,” says Lisa.

Find my style: Gold and blush tray, H & M Home; Bath crystals in glass container, Unison, Flanders Mall; Anenome flowers, Simply Bliss, Flanders Mall; Marble container with lid, uMhlanga Rocks SuperSpar Decor Division; Stoneglow candle, uMhlanga Rocks SuperSpar Decor Division; Charisma liquid hand soap, uMhlanga Rocks SuperSpar Decor Division.

*

eye health*

Love your

EYES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD SIGHT DAY ON OCTOBER 14 AND EYE CARE AWARENESS MONTH FROM SEPTEMBER 21 TO OCTOBER 18, IS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THEIR OWN EYE HEALTH AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT HAVING REGULAR EYE HEALTH CHECKS, WRITES SARAH MACKINTOSH

A

ccording to Nicolette Raubenheimer, optometrist at Optical Emporio Durban North, “Seventy-five percent of all cases of blindness are avoidable either through prevention or treatment – which is why it is important to get your eyes tested at least once a year.

“Your eyes are not only a window to your overall health, but can influence your mood and comfort in your day-to-day life, because you use your eyes for so many

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tasks. If you notice a change in your vision, headaches or visual discomfort – have an eye test. Many eye health issues can be prevented if caught in time.

“The good news is that even small preventive measures, like wearing sunglasses and eating greens, can help protect your eyesight and stave off vision problems later in life,” says Nicolette.

Joanne Kalil, an optometrist with a special interest in low vision and children’s vision, says that many people don’t have access to eye care and others simply aren’t aware of the importance of eye care. “Vision is often something that is taken for granted until it is affected, and maintaining ocular health, ideally managing and preventing problems before they happen, is the best approach.

Children, especially, may not realise how well they should be seeing or that their vision may be slowly changing.

“There are easily managed and detected eye conditions that don’t present with very obvious symptoms until they are quite advanced and not as easy to manage. This means that regular eye appointments to pick up any potential issues in the early stages, when they are easily managed, is the best approach,” says Joanne.

Joanne suggests these tips for maintaining eye health: • Healthy eating • Wear sunglasses.

• Avoid smoking • Manage systemic health concerns such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. • Regular eye appointments.

Joanne says that unless there are any issues at birth or before age three (such as squinting, visual symptoms or the eyes not having a normal appearance) she generally recommends the first detailed assessment of a child’s eyes around age three and then annually during their school-going years, even if glasses aren’t needed. “We monitor all aspects of a child’s vision and how they use their eyes together for learning, as appropriate for their age.”

ABOVE: Optometrist Nicolette Raubenheimer believes it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year.

Wearing sunglasses and eating greens can help protect your eyesight and stave off vision problems later in life CARING FOR YOUR CHILD'S EYESIGHT – TIPS FROM NICOLETTE • Set clear limits on screen time and establish screen-free zones at home (like at the dinner table).

• Encourage your child to spend some of that screen-free time outdoors.

• Model moderate screen use as a parent.

Show your children, with your own behaviour, how to live a varied and healthy life where all

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With 25 years experience and a wealth of knowledge behind her, our optometrist, Nicolette Raubenheimer, has a passion for child vision care. It is important to maintain the health of a child’s eyes from an early age in order to prevent complications later in life. Together with Carl ZEISS Vision, we offer eye care with precision optics. We also stock a wide range of designer or basic frames for your little ones to choose from. www.opticalemporio.co.za Durban North: 031 563 5681 Mt Edgecombe: 031 502 5098

habits are practiced in moderation.

• Adopt the 20-20-20 rule when using a computer or other screen device – every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on something at least 20 feet away.

• When purchasing spectacles ensure they have a blue protective coating or at least UV400 protection.

• Make regular eye exams a part of your child’s healthcare schedule. You may be able to tell if your child’s eyes are tired or irritated, but it’s harder to tell if they are developing a vision problem. Only a comprehensive eye exam, by an eye practitioner who specialises in children can reliably tell you that.

“Adults should aim for an eye test every two years and those over 60 or with a history of glaucoma should aim for every year,” suggests Nicolette.

“Find an optometrist you can trust. We don’t only prescribe glasses and contact lenses. A paediatric optometrist will check for eye muscle control as well as eye health and vision,” concludes Nicolette.

*

FOR MORE INFO OPTICAL EMPORIO Durban North: 0 ​ 31 563 5681; durbannorth@opticalemporio.co.za ​JOANNE KALIL OPTOMETRISTS: 031 563 6994; info@familyeyecare.co.za

ZEISS Myopia management is a portfolio of lenses made specifically for children to manage their vision. Annual eye tests

are essential for children.

If a child doesn’t enjoy optimum vision, this can impede their quality of life … their development can suffer as a consequence … and lead to learning difficulties resulting in the child not reaching their full potential.

info.za@zeiss.com / ZEISS.co.za Durban North: 031 563 5681 / Mt Edgecombe: 031 502 5098

pampering*

Healing

HANDS

W

ith so many different types of massage, it can become overwhelming trying to choose where to go and what massage to have … so we sent a few lucky women to experience some of the best massages around, and these are the results!

 Mangwanani Spa at

Sibaya Casino Meghan Dewet visited Mangwanani Spa at Sibaya Casino for a full body exfoliation massage.

“I loved the peaceful, relaxing time out and the silky soft feel

The light stretches with the use of the thumbs, elbows and forearms relieved all my muscle tension and post gym stiffness!”

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A RELAXING MASSAGE TO LIFT THE SPIRITS AND SOOTHE YOUR MUSCLES, WRITES SARAH MACKINTOSH

treatment. Of the two options, dry brushing and sugar, I chose the sugar which entailed a brief shower in between the exfoliation massage and the deeper lotion massage which followed.

“I was greeted warmly by all the staff members I came into contact with, and don’t worry, strict Covid protocols

were followed throughout the entire experience. The ladies made sure I fully understood the differences between the treatments and explained the contents of the products they were using, all the while asking about my comfort and preferences. Thank you to Adela and your beautiful team for a wonderful afternoon.”

1

of my skin afterwards,” said Megan. “I have never had this treatment before and I was not sure what to expect. I would definitely do it again, my skin was glowing afterwards and the silkiness of my skin is still evident even after a few days – gone is the rougher skin around my feet, elbows and hands.

“I highly recommend this

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 5 Star Thai Massage

and Health Spa Doody Adams visited 5 Star Thai Massage and Health Spa in uMhlanga for a Traditional Thai Massage. According to Doody, “The pressure of the massage was perfect, reaching all the sore spots. The light stretches with the use of the thumbs, elbows and forearms relieved all my muscle tension and post gym stiffness!”

Although Doody has had a Thai massage before, she said this was the best one she has ever had! “I would highly recommend this type of massage for deep muscle relief and relaxation.

“The spa is authentic and provides a peaceful and

2

3

gently pinpoint every ache and pain in your neck and back – and firmly fix those with just the right intensity and pressure. The warm, rich oils and the cosy, comfortable bed – plus the soothing sounds of a surrounding garden full of birds. It’s an all-round delightful sensory experience. I’ve had this treatment twice before at Fordoun and it always delivers.

“I had a rather tender neck and achy shoulders going into my treatment. I’d spent the previous weekend in the bush lugging heavy photographic equipment around. But, Zee managed to work through all my knots and wound-up

restful environment to enjoy a massage. The therapists are skilled and trained in their craft of Thai massage, and you will leave the spa feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. I also loved the Thai tea served after the massage,” concluded Doody.

 Fordoun

Hotel and Spa Antoinette McDonald went to the beautiful, five-star Fordoun Hotel and Spa – just outside Nottingham Road in the Midlands.

“I had a 60-minute, full body massage with the Fordoun signature range of Ndlovu products. The best thing about this massage is … everything about it!” says Antoinette.

“The strong and skilled hands of one Zee – my masseur extraordinaire – stand out.

With ease she’ll manage to

places. Afterwards my body felt like it had been through intensive therapy, but I slept so well that night. That hour long massage did the trick.

“I cannot recommend Fordoun Spa enough – you can’t help but sink into an oasis of restoration and relaxation.”

 Aloe Spa at

Rain Farm Private Game Lodge Megan da Costa visited Aloe Spa at Rain Farm Private Game Lodge near Ballito for a 60-minute Full Body Swedish Massage.

“The tranquil space of Aloe itself within the lodge is very beautiful and the Swedish massage left me feeling rejuvenated and relaxed,” said Megan. She had lower back pain and poor circulation in one leg due to an old injury, and said the massage helped immensely.

“On arrival, the staff were very welcoming and Michelle, my therapist, was amazing and made me feel comfortable and right at home. I would definitely go again. Rain Farm has added benefits of being able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in a private game farm, after a spa treatment of your choice,” concluded Megan.

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FOR MORE INFO MANGWANANI SPA AT SIBAYA CASINO: 031 580 5230; www.mangwanani.co.za 5 STAR THAI MASSAGE AND HEALTH SPA: 031 566 1077 FORDOUN HOTEL AND SPA: 033 266 6217; www.fordoun.com ALOE SPA AT RAIN FARM PRIVATE GAME LODGE: 083 352 6830; www.rainfarm.co.za/spa/

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community*

W

orldwide there has been a steep decline in scouting membership, South Africa included. But not so for 1st Glenashley Journey’s End Scout Group where the movement recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

“We are fortunate in that our Scouters are able to keep the youth engaged online during lockdown, when we’re not able to meet at our hall. The key is a strong group of parents and adult volunteers which we are blessed to have,” explains Heather Theron, an uMhlanga general practitioner and Scouter (adult leader).

Husband Phil is also a Scouter while all three of their children are in the group which is currently made up of Meerkats (5-6 years), Cubs (7-10 years) and Scouts (11-18 years) – both boys and girls.

Apart from learning new skills, the scouts community projects and activities are wide ranging: feeding schemes, beach clean-ups, recycling and many others.

They may have differed over time in terms of today’s technology, but the ethos remains essentially the same – to make the youth aware of current issues and foster care for the environment and for others.

“The more I get to see and know about scouting, the more impressed I am with the movement. It’s one of the few places children are still able to learn and practice skills such as independence, leadership, obedience, honour and team work. Our world has become so ‘self-centred’ and this encourages them to look beyond themselves to see where they can be of service to another. All this is done in a fun and interactive way while developing a sense of belonging to their group,”

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Scouts

HONOUR

LEE CURRIE CAUGHT UP WITH 1ST GLENASHLEY JOURNEY’S END SCOUT GROUP TO FIND OUT THE SECRET BEHIND WHY, 60 YEARS ON, THEIR GROUP IS STILL THRIVING

Philip age 13: “Scouts is really nice because it teaches you survival skills like how to build a fire and cook on it.”

comments Heather.

To commemorate the first cub group which was formed in August 1961, a firepit and amphitheatre are in the pipeline, with the ground-breaking and levelling of the land scheduled in August (as we were going to press). “One of the activities we always enjoy is our campfire evenings which become a family affair.

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A section of the scout hall grounds was cleared away for us by the new owner of the house next door, leaving us with more space, so the idea of installing the firepit was born,” comments Karin Ellis, an eager parent.

This group’s history goes back to the late 30s, when the Journey’s End MOTHs (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) started a Scouts Group in their basement, where the Durban North post office is today.

Over the years Durban North Scout Groups and 1st Glenashley amalgamated becoming 1st Glenashley Journey’s End, now housed in Glenashley. The Scouts black and gold scarf was Journey’s End MOTHs colours and is still worn today.

Michael Gill, whose first day as a cub was in 1960 and who later became a Scouter had this to say: “I remember having BP Sunday (celebrating the

Stephen age 11: “It is interesting to learn many different knots and games that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I really enjoy the camps and hikes.”

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birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell) at Northlands Boys High School and the cubs and scouts on parade filled the rugby field. Nowadays the groups have dwindled to a point that there are only two groups in the district. So as Glenashley now celebrate their 60th anniversary I would like to wish them all the best in scouting and may they stay strong for a long time to come.”

A wishlist going forward?

“Community members are needed to lead or assist with running our groups.

Also those who have a particular skill that may be interesting or useful to the Scouts would be most welcome to share their knowledge. Funds towards projects are also welcome,” comments Heather.

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FOR MORE INFO Email: hgtheron@gmail.com; karin.ellis@iclould. com; www.facebook.com/1stglenashleydurban/

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decor*

LITTLE LUXURIES TO ADD STYLE TO YOUR HOME

Home

PLEASURES SLEEP IN LUXURY Limited distressed velvet duvet cover from R559,99, Sheet Street.

SOFT LUXURY Highly absorbent and super luxurious, 100% cotton towels with double stitched hem for durability. Available as a face cloth, hand towel, guest towel, bath towel and bath sheet, from R99, Volpes.

BURNING LIGHT Spring air table candles, R89 each, Home Etc.

DECORATIVE PLATE Wooden leaf plate, R99, Home Etc. CLASSIC CARPET An elegant and classic design in soft tones of blue, this 100% cotton carpet will feel light and airy in any room. Size, 200 x 290cm, R4 499, @Home.

COMFY CUSHIONS Add a touch of colour, pattern and texture to your home with scatter cushions. Available in various sizes, with a microfibre or feather filling, from R229, Volpes.

All items available from Gateway Theatre of Shopping

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Gut Immunity Defence A LIVE, LIQUID PROBIOTIC CONTAINING THE MOST NATURAL FORM OF BENEFICIAL BACTERIA FOR COMPLETE GUT HEALTH  12

beneficial strains  3 variants for daily health, repairing the gut & healthy kids  Does not need to be refrigerated  Suitable for diabetics  Vegan-friendly

AVAILABLE AT HEALTH STORES, WELLNESS WAREHOUSE, FAITHFUL-TO-NATURE, AND SELECT SPAR SUPERMARKETS

*schooling

A

s parents, we hope our children engage in lasting, healthy friendships built on trust, loyalty, honesty and mutual respect. However, while friendships should be a source of support and happiness, they can shift and become fraught with conflict and power struggles.

While it is normal for friendships to experience the occasional spat, with most issues easily resolved, some friendships can become toxic. In these cases, it is important to recognise the signs and intervene early in an effort to limit the emotional impact. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for your child’s friend to morph into their bully, with the “friendship” becoming unhealthy and ultimately destructive.

Despite efforts to root it out of the classrooms and playgrounds, bullying remains a pervasive element within schools. But what we sometimes don’t realise, is that bullying can manifest in different ways. Bullying is often associated with the archetypal push or shove, but can exhibit in other ways like gestures, hurtful words and statements.

These insidious acts are not confined to the school environment or amongst schoolchildren, and can often permeate our work and social spaces as well.

The bottom line is, schools

There's a

BULLY

in my class PLAYGROUND OR BATTLEGROUND? EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST JANET GEORGE UNCOVERS THE HIDDEN NATURE OF RELATIONAL AGGRESSION find it challenging to address bullying, while parents find it difficult to adequately censor their child if they are the bully, or support their child if they are the victim. In the real world most children experience acts of bullying by friends during their school years, which could impact on their self-image and beliefs about friendship.

In my experience, having

worked within co-ed and single-sex schools, covert bullying – or relational aggression as it is often termed – is more prevalent amongst girls. Bestselling author and girl advocate Rachel Simmons suggests that girls often do not display their anger through physical aggression, but rather resort to non-verbal and indirect

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aggression. While on the surface we witness friends engage with appropriate civility, beneath the surface often lies strategic ploys of exclusion, gossip, cybersent rumours and hostility, often turning friendships conflictual, which can be emotionally and mentally damaging to the victim.

As these behaviours are mostly subtle, teachers and parents are often unaware that these tensions exist, making intervention difficult.

Unfortunately, these acts often trigger a child to lose confidence and diminishes their desire to attend school.

You may also witness a gradual or sudden drop in grades, loss of interest in activities, anxiety, depression, or even suicidal ideation amongst those children badly affected by this type of bullying.

As parents and teachers we need to find a balance between shrugging off this behaviour as “girl drama” or downplaying it as “girls being mean”, and waging war against the offender. Ultimately, we cannot be an ever-present shield, but we can provide the tools and support required to build a resilient and independent child.

We should be sensitising children both to their own behaviour, and that of others, thereby ensuring the desired behaviour is affirmed. The recognition that words and actions hold meaning, that they can be used as a positive »

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Water the gift of life

schooling*

- and now available from Phuza Water Ballito

We specialise in personally branded bottled water for restaurants, businesses and events, as well as water refills, water cooler machines and sparkling water.

WE DELIVER TO THE DOLPHIN COAST, DURBAN AND HILLCREST AREAS. We offer quality bottled water at affordable prices and good customer service.

Shop 14, The Quarter Shopping Centre, Ballito; Phone/WhatsApp: 079 475 6318; ballito@phuzawater.co.za; phuza-water-ballito.business.site/; @phuzawaterballito; W @phuzawaterballito

ABOVE: Janet George is an educational psychologist at Durban Girls’ College, and has presented a number of workshops related to parenting, bullying, trauma, burnout and anxiety. force, or a tool which can cause hurt and pain, is important in ensuring we effect positive behaviour changes amongst our children. How do we do this?

The ability to identify relational aggression is imperative: Gossip and rumour-spreading are common forms of relational aggression that children (and even adults) engage in without thinking about how this impacts the victim. Bullies often thrive on drama and unrest and will use gossip and negativity to elicit a desired response. This can be difficult to contain with often numerous and alternative accounts of stories. Distancing oneself both physically and emotionally can be an effective strategy, while raising particularly hurtful and damaging rumours with school staff and parents is often required.

Schools need to ensure that staff are well-informed about the nature of relational bullying and provide platforms for children to engage with them about friendships and incidents of relational aggression. Adults can be supportive by teaching girls (and boys for that matter) practical strategies for expressing anger in constructive ways and to recognise incidents of relational aggression disguised as friendship. Most importantly, we must refuse to accept that “mean girl” behaviour is unavoidable.

Encourage healthy friendships: Encourage children to choose friends who are affirming, who listen to them and treat them well. Talk to them about what constitutes a healthy

friendship – to espouse values that are important in a friendship. Encourage honesty, trust (unless safety is an issue) and kindness.

Your child’s ability to temper their reactions and reflect should be developed over time.

Address issues early and intervene: There should be consequences for bullying, with the ultimate goal of modifying behaviour. Interventions within schools should focus on promoting pro-social behaviour, thereby creating warm and inclusive school environments as well as empowering bystanders to act against bullying incidents. Both teachers and parents can, individually, affirm kind and compassionate behaviour, which is the bedrock of a healthy friendship.

Of course, a parent’s ability to effectively deal with relational aggression can be complicated when we have our own friendships with the parents of the bully or when our children fail to disclose the issues they face at school. Teachers themselves have to adopt a pragmatic approach and can often only respond to what they observe in class, which is usually confined to classroom or playground flare-ups.

The opportunity and ability of children to communicate is key, with space provided for your child or student to raise issues and express their feelings. This allows for self-reflection and an opportunity to offer support and guidance. No child is immune to bullying, so it is important that we engage our children on this issue in an effort to sensitise, build resilience and encourage the adoption of appropriate behaviour.

Schooling and the friendships made during this period can and should be a positive experience, with the role of teachers and parents important in ensuring that convivial playgrounds don’t turn into battlefields.

*

FOR MORE INFO Contact Janet on: jgeorge@dgc.co.za Useful resources: Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture Of Aggression In Girls, by Rachel Simmons; No More Mean Girls – The Secret To Raising Strong, Confident And Compassionate Girls by Katie Hurley.

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Designed for the

sophisticated

Izinga freehold stands from R3.195 million

Located on the beautiful North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Izinga Hills boasts expansive North facing views of the Indian Ocean and is perched above the bustling hub of Umhlanga.

Blending exclusivity, Izinga Hills has unlocked a private domain where you can discover a like-minded community and an environment designed for high-end family living.

Izinga Hills presents spacious freehold stands starting from R3.195 million. These stands allow you and your family to build a legacy home and experience open spaces unlike any other residential opportunities within the neighbourhood. Enjoy access to the holistic premium estate facilities that promote family-friendly time within this secure estate.

Clubhouse

Pool

Kid’s play area

i n fo@i zi ng a h i l l s . co. z a | 0 8 7 0 9 5 2 7 4 8

24-hour security

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advertorial*

Malta

M

any thousands of people around the world buy properties outside their home countries every year as holiday homes or investments, or to gain access to a second passport.

However, buying a property abroad can be confusing, time-consuming and even financially damaging – unless you have help from a company that can offer you both global property expertise and an advantageous knowledge of local markets and legal procedures.

And in that regard your

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Grenada

of experience in facilitating international property referrals and investment property purchases, and we count many diplomats and global executives among our satisfied clients.

For South Africans seeking to emigrate or gain a second passport, we offer easy access to the most appealing residency and citizenship-byinvestment (CBI) programmes globally – including those in Mauritius, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Grenada and Montenegro. We are also currently able to offer some lesser-known residency, retirement and citizenship programmes in countries such as Italy and Panama.

Every country has different immigration rules as well as different real estate purchase processes and restrictions,

A smooth

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but we provide our clients with individually tailored emigration/immigration and investment guidance to ensure that all their questions are answered and all their needs are met. We simplify complexity to ensure a smooth

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move from start to finish.

As one of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World©, Chas Everitt is able to offer clients unrivalled access to a global network of real estate experts with detailed knowledge of their local markets, new developments and property purchase, investment and rental options in 70 countries.

In addition, we have built and maintained an extensive international network of legal partners and service providers to ensure that our clients receive total support – from assistance in choosing the right investment options and immigration programmes, to the compilation and completion of applications and a full suite of specialist relocation services.

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rock the kitchen*

A change of

SEASON

GOODBYE WINTER … HELLO SPRING. A CHANGE OF SEASON IS LIKE FOOD FOR THE SOUL, WRITES ANT ELLIS

H

ow can it be spring of 2021 already? I don’t know about you, but a significant part of my mind feels stuck knee-deep in the unholy mess of 2020 – which is why I’ve made a very conscious decision that this change of season is going to matter. No, really! Of course, this means getting into a lighter diet after mountains of comfort food all winter, and a second, third and fourth helping of tasty positivity. As cheesy as that is, good food does actually equal a good mood.

Spring eating generally means a shift to healthier, less-rich food, which is good for all of us. The question, I hear you ask, is

ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis.

hey, it’s about time to set the outside table again, and put the chenin blanc in the fridge.

Check out these quick and easy springtime recipes that’ll get you going for the season.

 Spring Green Pasta YOUR GREEN VEGGIES INTAKE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SERVED ON THE SIDE OF A PROTEIN. MAXIMUM FRESHNESS, MAXIMUM FLAVOUR, MINIMUM DRAMA – AND PERFECT FOR VEGETARIANS TOO. Serves 4 • 400g of your preferred pasta • 500ml vegetable stock • 1 cup frozen peas • 200g baby spinach leaves, washed • juice of a lemon • 2 cloves of garlic • big bunch of mixed fresh basil and parsley leaves • 6 Tbsps olive oil • salt and pepper to taste • 2 Tbsps crème fraiche (optional) To serve: • Parmesan, pecorino or hard feta cheese • 4 Tbsps crushed walnuts (optional) Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. In a pan, heat stock to boiling. Add spinach and peas. Cook for 4-5 minutes until spinach has wilted and peas are cooked through. Drain most of the liquid (keep aside to add to your sauce

It’s about time to set the outside table again, and put the chenin blanc in the fridge whether we can maintain the full-bodied flavours of our winter indulgences while eating more consciously – to suit our refreshed headspace? Yes, of course we can. It’s not about smothering good ingredients with mass-produced sauces or dressings from bottles or sachets. You can create super-delicious, rock ’n roll dishes for the family table, quickly and with top-notch ingredients.

This spring, get your head around fresh vegetables (especially leafy greens), fish and shellfish, robust salads with beautifully bright vinaigrettes, and fruity desserts. And

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Ace your Maths!

DURING EXAM SEASON THERE ARE SO MANY SUBJECTS TO FOCUS ON, IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE TO FIND THE TIME TO FOCUS ON MATHS.

depending on your preferred consistency), also reserving 2 tablespoons of cooked peas for serving. Add spinach, remaining peas, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, crème fraiche (optional) and olive oil to a blender and purée, adding stock as necessary to achieve your desired consistency, ideally like a loose pesto. Season to taste.

Drain cooked pasta and return to pot.

Stir the sauce through, adding reserved peas, then toss through thoroughly. Serve hot with grated Parmesan, pecorino, or crumbled feta, fresh herb leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper and walnuts (optional).

 Easy Spiced

Kinda-kedgeree

INSPIRED BY THE TRADITIONAL DISH MADE WITH SMOKED HADDOCK, THIS LIGHT FISH AND RICE DISH WITH BOILED EGGS IS A DELICIOUS, LIGHTLY-SPICED SEASONSTARTER. Serves 4 • 1 Tbsp butter • 2 Tbsps olive oil • 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • small piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 1 Tbsp medium curry powder or masala mix of your choice • 500ml

stock of your choice • 250g basmati rice (regular long-grain rice is also good) • 300g cleaned, skinned and deboned fresh white fish – hake, kingklip, dorado, or the traditional smoked haddock (not the horrible dyed junk from a box) • ½ cup frozen peas To serve: • 3 eggs, medium to hard boiled • handful of chopped coriander • fresh sliced red chilli (optional) Heat oil and butter in a pan on medium heat, add garlic, ginger and onion.

Sauté until soft and fragrant. Add curry powder and cook for two minutes, mixing constantly so as to not burn. Add stock and rice, bring to the boil, then cook until rice is almost done. Add more water if rice is drying out. Cut fish into chunks, season, and add to rice with peas. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Cover and leave to stand. Serve with quartered boiled eggs placed over rice, with fresh coriander leaves and cracked black pepper, and chilli if desired.

Until next time, let’s agree that while salads may save the world, spring chickens are delicious too.

*

FOR MORE INFO Talk to me at ant@rockthekitchen.co.za

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Maths Online gives your child the opportunity to take control of their learning by providing them with pre-recorded lessons that have been divided into bite-size pieces.

Rather than watching an hourlong Maths video to find one key concept, Maths Online makes it easy for learners to search for the section they need and then watch a quick video on that topic.

Maths Online videos average between 5 and 15 minutes, which means your child will be able to cover so much more in just a fraction of the time!

Use the code MO-RIDGE-21 at checkout for 10% off 3-months or 12-months access* to Maths Online.

Visit www.advantagelearn.com/ maths-online to find out more. *Terms and conditions apply.

info@advantagelearn.com 071 500 4951

fashion*

2 3 1

Summer

CLASSICS PERFECT FOR HOT BALMY DAYS ON THE EAST COAST, THESE LINEN PIECES ARE MUST-HAVES TO KEEP YOU LOOKING COOL AND CHIC ALL DAY LONG

C

ape Town-based fashion brand, Leocé Luxury Couture has launched an Irish linen collection – a first for the recently rebranded label, previously known as Geo by George.

Soft, breathable and lightweight, the new collection consists of the chicest linen pieces that will keep you cool all summer – dresses, jumpsuits, blouses, skirts and shorts. “When we rebranded Geo by

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6

4 5

Elm dress, R1 221,59. Bloom blouse, R763,49 teamed with Flora shorts, R814,39. Oren jumpsuit, R1 221,59. Dionne blouse, R763,49 teamed with Pearl skirt, R814,39. Fiore jumpsuit, R1 017,99. Gemma blouse, R712,59 teamed with Terra skirt, R763,49.

George to Leocé Luxury Couture, we decided to also bring out a simple, classic and, most importantly, affordable collection,” explains director head designer George Stander. The Irish linen collection has something for all ages and body types.

Not only is easy, breezy linen the trend you’ll want to wear all summer long, it’s also sustainable and gets better with age. For Leocé’s Irish linen collection, the effortless textile has been re-imagined to make its way into the heart and closet of the modern-day fashion lover – think billowing midis, 90s slip styles and belted minis in earthy tones such as terracotta, brown, olive and cream. “We have kept clean, straight lines throughout the design process to enable women to add their personal touch to their outfit,” explains George.

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FOR MORE INFO Shop Leocé’s Irish linen collection online at www.leocecouture.com

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decor*

T

iny Teriors is the new kid on the block. Or the wall, if you prefer. It’s the brainchild of Warwick Wright, director of his sister wallpaper company 23Interiors, which he began four years ago. He’d seen an opportunity, and took the gap.

He grins, “Was I interested in interiors?

Not really, but the deeper I delved into it, the more I developed an eye for it – and soon I fell in love with what I was doing.

I researched trends and forecasts, and every day I learnt something new. I still do.”

From the outset, one of the most satisfying aspects of producing bespoke wall coverings was the response from clients: “Between my own circle of friends and social media, word spread, and the business took off – interior decorators and designers began approaching me. There’s nothing more satisfying that seeing a client over the moon with their bespoke wall.”

Bespoke is the name of the game.

Warwick holds no stock at all. Every wallpaper is a customised design, sized to a client’s wall specification: “Clients

Tiny

TERIORS approach us with an idea or look they’ve seen on Pinterest, Instagram or elsewhere, and we forge our own interpretation of that, add a twist or two, all from scratch.

Our in-house graphic designer sources and creates, and there’s a fair amount of to-ing and fro-ing with the client so they can tweak it to their satisfaction – reduce

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WONDERFULLY WILD, GENTLY FANTASTICAL, IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, TINY TERIORS CAN DESIGN IT JUST FOR YOU, PRINT IT AND TRANSFORM YOUR CHILDREN’S ROOMS INTO MAGICAL LANDSCAPES, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER

the size of the flower, move elements around, alter the colours and so on.

“We send the client an image of the wallpaper in the specific room. When it’s perfect, we print it to the precise wall size, and create the panels.” Warwick works throughout South Africa, so hand-picked installers are outsourced.

And then came Tiny Teriors. Warwick and wife Alicia welcomed a baby girl into their world a year ago: “We saw what energy we put into creating a world in her room, and knew we wanted to do this for others,” says Warwick. “We opened a separate business, and Alicia came up with the name Tiny Teriors.”

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FAR LEFT: Luna – gender-neutral design of moon phases.

TOP LEFT:

Toucan Landscape on pink background.

TOP RIGHT:

Terrazo – marble quartz texture.

LEFT: Animal Pocahontas Set – A3 and A4 available.

RIGHT: It’s A Jungle Out There.

BELOW: Amazonia – jungle-themed wallpaper with birds.

We send the client an image of the wallpaper in the specific room. When it’s perfect, we print it to the precise wall size, and create the panels” Together, the couple has created some glorious scenarios for children’s rooms. The ultimate goal for the business is to choose 20 or 30 of the Wright’s most favourite looks, then bring in new designs monthly: “It would be an online business, but with a bespoke element. No one’s walls are the same size or even flat, so I’m working on accommodating that. Our service is always a personal, interactive one, and it’s that that I love. The clients do too.” »

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decor*

Blank canvas, obsessed with Barbie, no idea which colours work best with your black lacquered furniture? Warwick laughs, “I’m very used to that, and with experience I’ve learnt what styles and patterns work best in different spaces, colours which really complement, and designs people tire of more quickly. With children, the sky’s the limit – but it’s also best to think twice about TV characters or fads, unless you’re comfortable changing the walls quite frequently!

“Our Tiny Teriors range is in its early stages, and it has so many possibilities – we’re constantly creating new artworks, and equally, our clients are pushing us in new, uncharted directions! It’s an exciting space to be in!”

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FOR MORE INFO www.23interiors.co.za; tinyteriors.com

ABOVE: Warwick Wright with one of his bespoke wallpapers behind him at Danté in uMhlanga.

TOP LEFT: Rainbow Pink Wallpaper.

LEFT: Tropical Paradise – botanical and animal themed seamless wallpaper.

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WITH ONLY A FEW OPPORTUNITIES REMAINING TO PURCHASE DIRECTLY FROM THE DEVELOPER, TAKE ADVANTAGE AND PAY NO TRANSFER DUTY! Get the very best in specialised care at our on-site Care Centre operated by TotalCare. Our Care Centre provides tailor-made care and access to a multi-disciplinary medical team, which means residents also enjoy the benefit of having access to compassionate home-based care within the luxury of their own apartment.

Shoreline Sibaya presents modern, luxurious single-level sectional title apartments for over 50s. Offering

Over 50s Lifestyle Estate Heated swimming pool

Library

Aqua aerobics

Gym

Cycling club

On-site restaurant

Walking club

Art classes

Dancing

the perfect lock-up-and-go solution, Shoreline Sibaya also provides a wheelchair friendly environment available to all residents. There are Studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom options available and all facets of Shoreline Sibaya’s architecture and landscaping have been designed around the needs of the retirement market, accentuating convenience and practicality.

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE BREATHTAKING SEA VIEWS, COMMUNITY FEEL AND CAREFREE LIFESTYLE FOR YOURSELF! C O N TACT Natalie Bradfield / 082 466 6506 natalie@shorelinesibaya.co.za w w w. s h o r e l i n e s i b a y a . c o . z a

trending*

Home

HAVEN

E

veryone loves a relaxing day at the spa, being pampered and taking time out to de-stress from our busy lives. And according to the 2021 Pinterest Predicts report on trending topics, bath rituals are the new spa days – but not your typical tub. The Pinterest report claims that bath time will get an upgrade with influences from ancient rituals … with more people carving out time for an extra-special soaking experience.

Before setting up your home spa, be sure to clear your schedule, and no checking emails or answering calls – just like you would if you were visiting an actual spa.

Next, create the right atmosphere, making sure you incorporate elements that are pleasing to all your five senses – smell, sound, sight, touch and taste.

Lastly, dim the bathroom lights, light a beautifully fragranced candle, play some soothing music – preferably instrumental rather than words – and slip into a plush comfy bath robe before pouring yourself a glass of refreshing cucumber and mint water. Now relax and enjoy our spa menu.

Spiritual Cleansing & Relaxation recipe: 1 cup Himalayan salt; 1 cup Epsom salts; 1 cup fresh or dried lavender; 2-3 drops DoTerra Lavender Oil To order: Lauren Uys from Flowoils: 083 300 9824

Spiritual Cleansing Bath 1

A spiritual cleansing bath is similar to a normal bath, but instead of bathing in bubbles you use ingredients that “charge” the water with healing vibrations. Spiritual cleansing baths are used to reject the negative, open the paths, eliminate negative situations, attract positivity, and, above all … relax! It is the perfect self-care ritual to help you detox and rebalance.

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WITH SPRING HERE AND SUMMER AROUND THE CORNER, NOW’S THE TIME TO PAMPER YOURSELF WITH SOME MUCH NEEDED SELF-CARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

2

1

Oola Marula Oil

An easily absorbed, fragrance-free oil made from 100% organic cold-pressed Marula oil, suitable for all skin types. Super rich in antioxidants and Omega 6 and 9, it can help heal and reduce acne, boost cellular activity and hydrate your skin.

Perfect for daily use.

Absolute Heaven, uMhlanga Centre; 031 561 2182.

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3 4 6

Massage into your wet hair and leave to soak for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

R585 for 100ml. www.hairnetwork.co.za

Post Bath Luxurious Body Massage 5

5 CŽcile & Boyd Scented Candles 3

2

Cécile & Boyd candles, available in four scents – Frangipani & Tuberose, Hyacinth & Wild Fig, Orange & Ginger, Oudh & Myrrh.

Large candle R480, medium candle R340. www.cecileandboyds.com/shop/

4

Double Luxury

Double up the luxury with a nourishing hair treatment while giving your face and neck a gym workout. Olaplex No 3 Hair Protector restores the healthy appearance and texture of your hair by repairing damage and protecting the hair structure.

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Following your relaxing bath ritual, towel dry and lather yourself in the most luxurious body butter ever. Umu Ora Wonder Rub Body Balm – made from the seeds of the sausage tree – is unscented and naturally loaded with African oils and butter. This super moisturising balm might require a little rubbing to absorb and penetrate deep into your skin, but it leaves your skin soft from sunrise to sunset.

Absolute Heaven, uMhlanga Centre; 031 561 2182.

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Face Gym

Indulge in a relaxing facial massage designed to drain toxins, improve facial blood circulation, clear sinuses, improve lymphatic drainage and smooth out fine lines. Using a Jade or Quartz Facial roller and Gua Sha tool, sculpt and contour your complexion while giving your skin a beautiful glow. Apply a facial oil like Oola before starting your massage, to boost absorption and increase radiance, R132. www.takealot.com

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travel*

F

inland has never been on my travel agenda, but when my son invited us on a winter holiday to experience more than a sprinkling of snow I was genuinely excited … and a little apprehensive.

Understandably so. We were going from a hot, humid climate to one that barely registered more than a few degrees.

With suitcases jam-packed with winter woolies, thick jackets and pants, boots, socks, thermal underwear, scarves and beanies, we

ITCHING TO GET AWAY TO SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT? WITH MORE COUNTRIES OPENING UP IF YOU’RE FULLY VACCINATED, NOW’S THE TIME TO CONSIDER A MEMORABLE WINTER EXPERIENCE WRITES LORNA KING arrived in Helsinki early in the morning. Great planning – we had the entire day to explore, but as it was still dark and freezing as we headed out of the airport, it was time to put our winter gear through its paces.

A quick train ride and brisk walk and we were checking into Hotel Kämp in the city centre. Elegant, timeless and luxurious, our room and marble bathroom was spacious and the perfect retreat at the end of the day. The breakfast buffet was everything you’d expect, the staff were professional and friendly, and the complimentary coffee and snacks in one of the lounges kept calling us back.

There was much to explore in Helsinki. If you’re into admiring beautiful architecture, you’ll be overwhelmed at the mixture of old and new – from the grand Helsinki Cathedral standing proud looking down on Senate Square, to the amazing, state-of-the-art Helsinki Central Library which opened at the end of 2018 and is

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Winter

PARADISE

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TOP FROM LEFT: Helsinki – South Harbour; old architecture; and new architecture.

BOTTOM FROM LEFT: Helsinki city centre park; getting ready for a skiing competition in Ruka.

known as a “living meeting place”.

Contrary to what I had heard about the Finnish, everyone we came across was friendly, and everywhere we went we were spoken to in English. And all restaurants had English menus. From a vegan cafe to the local pasta eatery, a food market and even a very special fine dining meal at The Peak Restaurant in Ruka, I can honestly say all our

There was much to explore in Helsinki.

If you’re into admiring beautiful architecture, you’ll be overwhelmed at the mixture of old and new meals were tasty and memorable.

By day Helsinski seemed like any other city, but when daylight faded – at about 3pm – and the lights came on, the ambiance and vibe was awesome – especially with Christmas lights adding to the festivities. The shops came alive – in fact by day I didn’t even notice most of them, but by night there was a special kind of magic. One thing that did stand out was how impeccably clean the city was, »

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travel*

and there were no crowds.

The second leg of our holiday was to Ruka Ski Resort in the north-east of Finland, an hour’s flight from Helsinki and -6 degrees when we arrived. We were lucky enough to stay in a log cabin – kitted out with all the mod cons and centrally heated – and a short drive from the hub of a vast range of snow activities.

Catering for families, Ruka Ski Resort offers skiing (and lessons if you need them), snowboarding and cross-country skiing, while snowmobiling, husky sledding, visits to a reindeer farm, ice-karting and lots more are on offer in and around Ruka. We enjoyed the husky sledding and snowmobiling, but be advised, everywhere looks the same, so take someone with you who knows the area.

A gondola lift connects Ruka Village with Ruka Valley, and allows you to get off at the top and take in the magnificent views of the breathtaking wilderness surrounding you – all gently blanketed in snow. It was truly wonderful, and well worth standing outside in -10 degrees. A quick ride down into the village

ABOVE: Ice-karting fun in the snow in Ruka.

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Our log cabin in

Ruka; learning to ski on gentle slopes; a cute husky puppy we “adopted” when we went husky sledding.

and we warmed up with a traditional Finnish meal – a steaming bowl of creamy smoked salmon soup and chunks of bread. So yummy I tried this out three times during my stay.

Sadly we did not see the Northern Lights – but perhaps next time. This was a “real” winter holiday – thick snow, freezing temperatures – a complete contrast to our east coast way of life, and well worth it.

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THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM...

T H E WO R L D O F O P E N O N T H E C I N E M A L EV E L E &O E * To s e e i f WO I i s a f fe c t e d by t h e c u r re n t Lo c kd ow n A l e r t Leve l , p l e a s e v i s i t o u r we b s i t e w w w. g a t ewa y wo r l d .c o. z a

property*

F

irstly, there are financial benefits to buying off-plan as buyers can save on transfer duty because development sales include VAT and the banks treat the VAT portion as part of the purchase price. This means the buyer doesn’t need to come up with additional cash for transfer duty which would usually be the case. In addition, more advantageous financing options are often available and off-plan purchasers can often receive 100% home loans.

A cash deposit of just 10% generally secures the purchase, with the balance payable one or two years later when construction of the unit is complete. As a result, the property is likely to appreciate in value. In other words, buyers can enjoy capital growth before they have even taken ownership, depending on timelines, payment structures and market conditions.

Plot-and-plan purchases can be profitable for buyers who identify good developments being launched in popular or up-and-coming areas and get in early. Depending on the size, a project which is going to take a couple of years to complete can yield solid capital gains in a relatively short space of time, provided that the development sells well and goes ahead according to plan. This is why it is important to ensure you are dealing with a reputable

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developer and estate agency.

Another key advantage of buying into a sound plot-andplan development is that the end cost is established at the outset with the buyer signing a building agreement at a fixed price.

This eliminates the hassle and costs involved in designing and building the property, especially as budgets can escalate.

Land and building packages are most often located in secure estates and buyers enjoy the dual benefit of investing in a home customised to suit their own individual preferences in addition to a secure lifestyle.

Benefits of buying

OFF-PLAN

WHETHER A FREEHOLD HOME OR SECTIONAL TITLE UNIT IN A SECURE ESTATE OR COMPLEX, BUYING A PROPERTY OFF-PLAN IN A NEW DEVELOPMENT FROM A REPUTABLE DEVELOPER OFFERS NUMEROUS BENEFITS, WRITES GARETH BAILEY

This type of investment is often more expensive than buying an existing property in the marketplace, but it offers a contemporary, customised home, with brand new fixtures and fittings which will ultimately save on maintenance and upgrades in the years to come.

Buying a freestanding home on an estate offers

flexibility ranging from a completely bespoke design to choosing from a set list of options for buyers with a firmer budget. New houses in these developments come with developer and NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) guarantees, while architectural guidelines create and maintain a standard of construction

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and design to help futureproof these investments.

Strict architectural guidelines and estate rules also ensure conformance to the aesthetics of the estate and further help to protect and bolster home values over time.

Gated communities also offer buyers a higher degree of service in terms of maintenance of the common

NORTH DURBAN Durban North office · 031 573 6000 Umhlanga office · 031 561 5300 Umdloti office · 031 568 1299

ABOVE: Gareth Bailey,

Pam Golding Properties.

A project which is going to take a couple of years to complete can yield solid capital gains in a relatively short space of time

property, while architectural guidelines are contemporary, incorporating the latest design trends and technology, and most importantly, allowing for the inclusion of new energy generation technology, which is expensive to retro-fit in existing homes.

Given the major structural shifts we are seeing in terms of the way we are living and working, and the desire to “go green” or at least reduce our dependence on increasingly expensive government supplied utilities, such as electricity – particularly amid ongoing load shedding – there is much to be said for designing a home to reflect these new imperatives rather than trying to restructure an existing house.

Apart from the appeal of modern design, new buildings offer the latest in digital security and fast bandwidth for residents, while many include air-conditioning and home automation. Green features are usually standard and include economical use of grey water and efficient hot water generation.

Finally, buying into a newbuild offers buyers peace of mind in the form of building warrantees and once the development is complete, buyers have a period of time during which to inspect the property and create a snag list of defects which are then rectified at the developer’s cost.

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Umhlanga Rocks / R18.5 million

Ref# 1ND1522432 Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / State-of-the-art living on the beach.

Prime position in a sought-after crescent, on the beach in lower La Lucia.

This modern, spacious open-plan home calls for easy living at its very best.

Bev Sparks 082 781 7577

Durban North / R7.9 million

Ref# 1ND1540226

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Parkings 10 / This lovely, modernised home has an appealing presence. Upon entering, the first impression is of wonderful spaces flowing out to a magnificent deck, pool and captivating sea views.

Stella Simes 084 556 5842

OPEN

Izinga Estate / R11.999 million

Ref# 1ND1534223

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 5 / Garages 3 / This property has character, charm and tasteful finishes to match. The ground level offers open-plan living spaces. The kitchen is modern with state-of-the-art appliances.

Bev Sparks 082 781 7577 / Brett Kallides 083 258 9631

JOINT

Umdloti / R9.8 million

Ref# 1ND1513952

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3.5 / Garages 3 / This home is designed to maximise the panoramic breaker/sea views from all 3 bedrooms and the open-plan lounge and kitchen. With self-contained income generating flatlet.

Nico Swart 082 446 0008

last word*

Y

ou couldn’t take it,” said my partner.

“No, YOU couldn’t take it,” I replied.

“Don’t be childish.”

“I’m not being childish, you’re being childish.”

We were having an adult conversation about children. We have no intention of having children, but occasionally the subject comes up. One of us says, “It wouldn’t be so bad,” then the other says, “Will you take it for walks and clean up after it?” Then the first one says, “A baby’s not a puppy,” and the other replies, “You couldn’t handle a puppy,” and then it becomes competitive.

Once we argued for three days about who should give up their jobs to be a full-time parent. We both wanted to be the one. “You make more money”; “Please, you make MUCH more money.”

It’s a kind of reverse competition – we’re both convinced we’d be the ones to crack first.

“When he doesn’t bother to come home for Christmas, I’ll be so furious,” I’ll say.

“No, you won’t. You hate family Christmases. You’ll be grateful he doesn’t come home. I’m the one who’ll be upset and wish we’d never had him,” she’ll reply.

But recently we became more traditionally competitive. She mentioned that our friends with a new baby are suffering from sleep deprivation, and I said, “That wouldn’t bother me. I don’t need much sleep.”

At this she made a mocking, hooting sound. For some reason she deludes herself that she gets three hours a night less sleep than I do. This is a spurious claim, supported by fanciful assertions that one of us snores and wakes up the other person, who then spends the small hours staring at the ceiling and thinking about the regrettable choices she has made in her life, especially those involving romantic partners.

I pointed out that at dinner parties she’s always the one who gets tired and wants

64

Epic

FAIL! AFTER MUCH BANTER AND LATE NIGHT RIVALRY, MY PARTNER AND I AGREED WE’RE NOT CUT OUT FOR HAVING CHILDREN, WRITES DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY

to go home, but that devolved into an unseemly wrangle about the fraudulent allegation that at dinner parties one of us drinks too much and the other has to drag me away before I offend the other guests.

Clearly there was only one way to settle this.

“Tonight,” I said, “we’ll see who can stay awake longest.”

The competition would take place under “baby conditions” – no drinking, no loud music or loud television, no making out. We would remain awake, under circumstances as pointless and boring as humanly

endurable, just like real parents.

I started strong. I was making little jokes. At midnight I did some Mohammad Ali shadow boxing to intimidate her with my energy. But by 2am I started to flag. She was showing unexpected resilience. She was making to-do lists and catching up on correspondence. I was becoming too aware of the skin on my face. My eyes felt like unpeeled lychees. My tongue was a hairbrush.

“Wait,” I said, “these aren’t proper baby conditions. We should be able to take short naps and be unexpectedly awoken at unpredictable intervals.”

“Hmmm,” she pondered. “But who will wake us?”

“You wake me,” I said. “It’s much worse to be woken than to do the waking.”

“OK, then you wake me,” she said.

“You can’t handle being woken.”

“You can’t handle being woken.”

It’s a good thing there wasn’t a baby in the house, because when we woke up 10 hours later we realised we’d both fallen sleep on the sofa mid-argument, and nothing would have stirred us, not a baby screaming, not the onset of the zombie apocalypse.

It was a beautiful thing, two people coming together, bonded by something bigger than themselves – the knowledge that they would both be utterly useless at having a baby.

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*

Custom Solutions To Any Entrance GATE & DOOR CONTROL BELIEVES THAT EXCELLENCE IS AN ATTITUDE - AND HAVE LIVED UP TO THIS SLOGAN FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS

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gated estates and business parks Manual or automatic booms with a GSM intercom system for hassle free communication or an automated, commercial gate, manufactured from wood, galvanised steel or clear-view panels.  We offer after-sales service and maintenance on all installations Service level agreements available for optimal functioning.

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