mum’s m@il
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Charcoal Face Masks:
Good or Bad?
Homemade Chocolate Truffles for Mother’s Day
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
WIN
Tickets to Disney On Ice
A Dinosaur Delight in the Garden
Happy Mother’s Day! Issue 21 | Johannesburg - East Rand | May 2019
| Editor’s Life
From the Editor’s Desk... Happy Mother’s Day to all our yummy mummies! We have some cute Mother’s Day ideas for you in this issue! Why not make some yummy truffles that are so easy to make (or rather get Dad or Granny to make them with the kids, while you have a lovely lie in bed with your favourite book!) What did you think of the new look April issue? We have had some great response from our readers and we’d love to hear from you too, so please do send an email with your comments. Last month we had our highly anticipated 6th Annual Ladies Breakfast in PMB, which was a huge success. Over 200 ladies dressed to our chosen ‘Fifties’ theme and much fun was had by all. We managed to raise lots of funds for our charity, The Sunflower Fund and helped to raise awareness too. All funds raised will help to educate and recruit more blood stem cell donors, which is fundamental in offering the hope of life to patients suffering from life-threatening blood diseases like leukaemia. Finally, I have just returned from the Splashy Fen Music Festival and had a great time, watching some awesome bands. I really would recommend going next year if you haven’t been already.
Victoria xxx
Wishing you all a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Everyday Life
Meet the Cover Star Homemade Chocolate Truffles for Mother’s Day Win Tickets to Disney On Ice The Magic of Home-Grown Vegetables Easy Recipes
9 10 11
Dr Des@Home: Burn Wounds Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month Charcoal Masks: Good or Bad?
12 12 14 15
Fortnite: Battle Royale Figurine Collection Science Experiment: Underwater Magic Sand Mother’s Day Craft: Egg Carton Flowers A Dinosaur Delight in the Garden
CONTENTS
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Healthy Life & Beautiful Life Kids’ Life
The Mum’s Mail Team
Editor: Victoria Arthur • editor@mumsmail.com Sub-Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com Enquiries: Natalie Wilcox • 031 - 573 1731 (ext 1) Accounts: Daniella Geldenhuys • daniella@mumsmail.com Advertising Sales: Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com | Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com
Designer: Wendy Offer • Cover Photographer: Shoot the Moon, shootthemoonza@gmail.com, 078 099 4372
DISCLAIMER: Neither the Publisher, Printer or Editor can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any omissions or errors, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Mum’s Mail. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Mum’s Mail magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.
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Editor’s Life |
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| Everyday Life
Meet the Cover Stars Our lovely cover stars are Michelle Fourie and her daughter Lara, who is 2.5 years old. Michelle owns her own graphic design studio called Rebelle Design, and her husband, Pierre, is an engineer.
not appreciate all the attention Lara lavishes on him but they are set to be great pals once Lara realises her own strength.”
personality develop, especially their sense of humour, is the best. What I really treasure is living life through the eyes of my little girl - everything is twice Another love of this little as exciting and a real treat… it adventurer is travelling to the makes my heart happy,” says very special world of Peppa Pig. Michelle about motherhood. “We call our little girl “Bean” Lara calls Peppa Pig “Piet” and this nickname originated at our she asks to watch “Piet” all the Advice for new moms: first pre-natal appointment when time! “She’s a big joker with a “RELAX! Do it your way and we saw her little heart beat for massive sense of humour and don’t make life more difficult by the first time and the doctor said she truly makes our house a trying to be mom of the year. “Look it’s a Bean with a Beat”!” home,” says her proud mom. YOU are the perfect mom for says Michelle. YOUR child!” advises Michelle. “We love taking leisurely strolls; “You can never give your little “Lara is our little dreamer… Daddy loves to rough-house one too much attention… kiss she already has a massive with Bean and on Thursdays and hug them as much as you imagination and she adores we have a movie night and then can!” reading books. Her favourite Lara sleeps with us in our room.” thing in our home is Bentley Written by our Persian cat. Bentley does “Seeing your little person’s Sarah Mackintosh
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Everyday Life |
Homemade Chocolate Truffles for Mother’s Day You can really impress your mom this Mother’s Day by making her some homemade chocolate truffles. Add the butter, if using, to the chocolate and pour the heavy cream evenly on top. Let the warm cream and chocolate sit for five minutes. Add the vanilla extract then stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface (to avoid condensation) and refrigerate for one to two hours. Tip: Pour into a flat shallow dish, so the mixture evenly and quickly sets.
They sound really fancy, but we’ve found a super easy recipe at Sally’s Baking Addiction blog. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
• Optional: 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • Optional: 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract • Toppings: unsweetened cocoa These homemade chocolate powder, sprinkles, crushed nuts, truffles are extra creamy with the melted or tempered chocolate, addition of butter. After mixing coconut and chocolate sprinkles the ingredients together, let the etc. Use your imagination and mixture set in the refrigerator, have fun! then roll into balls. You can coat in your favourite toppings and Instructions: add lots of fun flavours, too! Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set aside. Ingredients: • Two 4-ounce quality chocolate Heat the heavy cream until it is bars (226g), very finely chopped simmering. You can heat it on • 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy cream the stove or in the microwave. 5
Scoop the set truffle mixture into two teaspoon-sized mounds. For larger truffles, use tablespoon size mounds. Roll each into balls. This gets a little sticky, so Sally suggests you cover your hands in a bit of cocoa powder to reduce stickiness. Roll each truffle into toppings, if desired. Truffles taste best at room temperature! Cover tightly and store truffles at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Place the truffles into a cellophane bag and tie a ribbon around the top, or into a special gift box with tissue paper. Source: www. sallysbakingaddiction.com. www.mumsmail.com
| Everyday Life
WIN Tickets to
Disney On Ice
Get ready to enter a winter wonderland as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring the most magical moments from across the Disney kingdom to Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and, for the very first time, Pretoria as Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival skates into South Africa in June and July. You’ll be whisked away into the wintery world of the Academy Award®-winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen, to join
royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, rugged mountain-man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven as they help the sisters along the way in a story full of action, adventure, magic and unforgettable characters.
sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn from Disney’s Tangled. And get swept away by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take centre stage in a spectacular show for Belle.
Experience Disney’s The Little Mermaid with a show-stopping performance by Sebastian as he breaks out of his shell to make waves with Ariel “Under The Sea!” Get tangled up with a chorus of harmless hooligans when they get a visit from the
It will be a magical mix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this new adventure in a winsome wonderland to South Africa. Tickets are only available from Computicket, the official Disney On Ice ticketing agent.
WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has two sets of four family tickets to give away (two adults and two children/one adult and three children) - one set at Timesquare, Menlyn on 14 June 2019, PLUS one set at the Ticketpro Dome on Friday 28 June 2019. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. www.mumsmail.com
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Everyday Life |
The Magic of Home-Grown Vegetables There is nothing more rewarding than eating crops you’ve produced in your own backyard. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to teach your children the delight of growing their own vegetables. It’s time to get the kids out of the house and into the garden. There’s no better way to spend the school holidays than out in the fresh air. What you will need: • Two medium plastic terracotta pots • A craft knife • A ruler • A pencil • Some potting mix • One or two potatoes which have ‘eyes’ (a little sprout or two) It’s time to make your easyharvest potato planter. The first step is to take one of the pots
and, using the ruler and pencil, mark three areas along the side of the pot to be cut out. Make sure to leave a 5cm edge at the top and bottom of your pot. The next step is a bit tricky. Parents, it’s best if you assist your kids with this one. Use the craft knife to cut out the 3 marked panels of your pot.
After all the panels have been removed, place your cut out pot into the other one. This pot should still be completely whole. Get your child to place some potting mix in the bottom. Now it’s time for your little one to plant their potato. Add the potato to the soil in the pot and then cover it with a little more
potting mix. Your child should then water it thoroughly.
Now for the magic - WATCH IT GROW! This is the easy part, let the potato do the work. Leave your potato planter in the sun and water it well every few days. As the plant grows, your child can add more potting mix, covering the stem and leaves. Give the plant around two months to grow. After two months you can lift out the inner pot and harvest a potato! Wow! Turn the potato into chips and enjoy. (Don’t forget to plant another one). Source: www.lifeisagarden.co.za
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| Everyday Life
Cheesy Chicken & Corn Parcels
Easy Recipes
These kid-friendly pastries are packed full of chicken and vegetables in a mild cheese sauce. Let the little ones help fill the parcels and brush on the egg, then serve them up with tomato sauce on the side. Ingredients: • 30g soft butter • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 2 leeks (washed, sliced) • 1 Tbsp plain flour • 1 cup milk • 1 cup cream • 1/2 cup frozen peas • 1/2 cup corn kernels • 1 cup cooked chicken (chopped) • 1 1/2 cups cheese (grated) • 6 sheet shortcrust pastry • 1 egg (beaten)
Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Melt butter with oil in a large frying pan over gentle heat. Add leeks and cook for eight minutes until soft. Add flour and cook, stirring for one minute. Pour in milk and cream, stir well and allow it to simmer for three minutes, or until thick. Add corn, peas and chicken and stir into sauce. Remove pan from heat and stir through grated cheese. Allow to cool completely. Cut pastry
sheets into four circles approx. 12cm diameter. Holding a circle in your hand, brush edges with beaten egg. Spoon in about 1/3 cup of filling and press edges together. Place upright on baking paper and crimp edges with fingertips. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Brush the tops of the parcels with remaining egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden. Note: Puff pastry also works well in this recipe. Source: www.kidspot.com.au.
Chocolate Truffle Cookies
• ¼ tsp salt • Icing sugar Directions: These enticing cookies are crisp In a microwave, melt one cup chocolate chips, unsweetened on the outside and soft on the chocolate and butter; stir until inside, somewhat bittersweet smooth. Cool 10 minutes. and very chocolaty! In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs for two minutes. Beat in Ingredients: • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chocolate mixture and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, chips, divided • 4 ounces (115g) unsweetened cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into chocolate chocolate, chopped mixture. Stir in remaining • 1/3 cup butter, cubed chocolate chips. Refrigerate, • 1 cup sugar covered, until firm enough to • 3 large eggs handle, at least three hours. • 1½ tsp vanilla extract Preheat oven to 180°C. With • ½ cup all-purpose flour lightly floured hands, shape • 2 Tbsp baking cocoa dough into 1-inch balls and • ¼ tsp baking powder www.mumsmail.com
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place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly puffed and set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on pans for three minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with icing sugar. Source: www.tasteofhome.com.
Healthy Life/Beautiful Life |
Dr Des@Home: Burn
Wounds
This Burns Awareness Month, Dr Des Ferreira offers us some advice on treating burns correctly. Living in a country where the risk of suffering burn wounds is high, all parents should be prepared to treat childhood burns immediately and correctly. 1. COOLING should commence as soon as possible. Target the affected area with cool, running water for 20 minutes in total. Do not use ice! It can worsen tissue damage. Use Hydrogel burn products (e.g. Burnshield) only if no water is available during this time. 2. Irrigate eyes with copious volumes of water. 3. PAIN RELIEF should be given immediately at the maximum dosage: Paracetamol @ 20mg/kg and Ibuprofen
@ 10mg/kg. It can be given simultaneously. 4. Rush your child to the closest medical facility if there is any chance of inhalation burn wounds. Children with hoarseness, black sputum or any respiratory distress might need intubation. Respiratory symptoms usually get worse after exposure and the earlier an airway is secured-the better. Once the airway is swollen, it is very hard to secure oxygen flow. 5. Hydration is important! Major burn wounds will be treated aggressively in hospital. Superficial burns can be treated without a dressing, but if the skin is broken, a protective, moist
dressing (e.g. Jelonet) with an antiseptic ointment with Silver Sulphadiazine (e.g. Bactrazine) should be applied to prevent secondary infection.If the area around the wound becomes red or pussy, consult your general practitioner for oral anti biotic treatment: Infected wounds can be dangerous and lead to scarring. Aside from the pain and the emotional and physical costs of treatment and hospitalisation, there is a lot of guilt associated with childhood burns, because it usually happens within the home. Parent should be vigilant prevention is better than cure! By Dr Des Ferreira - www.umhlangagp.net. Factory shop – open to the public
13 Bundo Road, Sebenza, Edenvale
011 452 1083 factoryshop@ brunational.co.za
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| Healthy Life/Beautiful Life
Multiple Sclerosis
Awareness Month
May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, and Mum’s Mail chatted to Carly Erasmus, a local mom and entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2011. Multiple sclerosis is an first two years after diagnosis, unpredictable, often disabling Carly also suffered from disease of the central nervous depression and gained weight. system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and In 2017 Carly became a mom between the brain and body. and moved to Durban to open a Symptoms range travel business “...sometimes from numbness with her sister. and tingling to I can’t talk, some- She lives with blindness and her mother times I shake and and son on paralysis. forget words...” her sister’s Although she property. This didn’t realise it, Carly was ensures she has a good support having symptoms as early as system around her – this is 2007 – four years before she important for MS sufferers, was diagnosed. At the time of especially a single mom like diagnosis, Carly had a stressful Carly. Her son Matthew is now executive job and it became two years old and is a real difficult to function – she got fireball, according to his mom! tired easily and suffered from Carly works from home - this short term memory loss. For the ensures she can rest when
she’s tired, which is essential for MS sufferers. “I have to wear flat shoes all the time in case I fall, sometimes I can’t talk, sometimes I shake and I forget words… I have to inject myself three times a day and take 13 pills, twice a day. I never want my son to feel as if he has to take care of me. As he gets older, I will explain more about my disease.” Of course Carly hopes a cure will be found. Until then, Carly says it’s important to raise awareness about MS and how to support those you know that have MS.
“If you know someone who has MS – be mindful of the fact that there are many side effects. Be patient – we have no control over it. Support them where you can.” To those who have MS, Carly has this advice: “Be kind to yourself, it’s not your fault. Take a deep breath and surround yourself with people who love you and understand. Cut out stress and negativity in your life.” For more information about MS, visit www. multiplesclerosis.co.za. Written by Sarah Mackintosh.
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Healthy Life/Beautiful Life |
Charcoal Masks:
Good or Bad?
So you’ve all seen those funny videos online of people pulling off a painful charcoal peel-off mask… And you may also have read about the amazing benefits of charcoal masks… but then you’ve also heard they might not be so good for you. So which is it; are they good or bad for your skin?
charcoal peel-off masks are Therapy and Cosmetology says made from charcoal and glue… this; “They look very damaging doesn’t sound very good. And to the skin. You’re literally ripping these masks the surface layer “activated charcoal of skin off (and are being sold online by does have wonderful probably the unregulated purifying benefits for vellus hair with beauty it)... your skin” I did a little internet research, companies. and here’s what I found out… As for all those “blackheads” Andy Millward, a qualified it pulls out, the majority of the According to an article on www. aesthetician and member of the oils pulled from the skin will be cosmpolitan.com, many of those British Association of Beauty sebaceous filaments which are actually needed by the skin so will be replaced within 30 “...there is a difference days anyway to ensure healthy between a peel-off mask and skin balance. Blocked pores (blackheads) are entirely different a wash-off, clay-based mask.” to sebum lined pores.” He says continued use can cause secondary skin concerns. Some women even experienced chemical burns. However, there is a difference between a peel-off mask and a wash-off, clay-based mask. It’s the peel-off ones that are so damaging to your skin. The general consensus seems to be that activated charcoal does have wonderful purifying benefits for your skin, and as long as you use an organic, clay-based, wash-off mask – you should be safe! However, I am no expert and it’s probably best to ask your aesthetician before trying anything new! Written by Sarah Mackintosh. 11
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| Kids’ Life
Fortnite: Battle Royale Figurine Collection Kids and gaming fans will be thrilled to know that Prima Toys has launched a brand new range of Fortnite: Battle Royale figures. They are ideal for children who enjoy collecting, as well as teenagers who play the actual game online. Each highly detailed micro-collectible figure stands at just over 5cm and has been sculpted in action pose with two to three points of articulation. Each figure includes a stand and two swappable accessories, ranging from weapons to Back Bling. So, what can fans expect? The first wave of 16 figures
will include fan-favourite skins like Skull Trooper, Drift, Brite Bomber, Carbide, Omega, Ragnarok and more! Fans can also be on the lookout for Diecast, a limited-edition figure… only 1000 exist! The collection will grow to 100. This range is ideal for ages eight years and over and is available at toy stores and retailers countrywide. For more information go to www.primatoys.co.za.
WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has one Fortnite Battle Royale Figurine hamper to give away, valued at R1200. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.
Science Experiment: Underwater Magic Sand • Shallow disposable container • Fabric protector spray • Large glass bowl of water • Spoon or other utensils (optional) • Plastic container with lid
Science question: Can you make sand waterproof? Wet sand is heavy and messy! In this experiment, we will coat the sand with a hydrophobic layer to waterproof the sand. Supplies needed: • Fine sand www.mumsmail.com
The Experiment: In a well-ventilated area, spread the sand out in the disposable container. Spray the sand with a heavy coat of fabric protector spray. Shake the box a few times to make sure it’s thoroughly coated. Allow the sand to dry. Pour the dried sand into the bowl of water. Play with the sand in the water, using spoons to dunk it in and out of the water. Store the sand in a 12
lidded sealed container. The Outcome: The sand clumps together in the water. Why it worked: When you sprayed the sand with the fabric protector, you coated the grains of sand with a hydrophobic layer (or a layer that hates water). This causes the grains of sand to clump to each other in water. Source: The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Rachel Miller, Holly Homer & Jamie Harrington.
Kids’ Life |
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| Kids’ Life
Mother’s Day Craft:
Egg Carton Flowers
We’re always scouring the internet for cute craft ideas, and we stumbled across this beautiful flower craft from www. easypeasyandfun.com - just in time for Mother’s Day! You will need: • Cardboard egg cartons or an alternative • Paint • Glue • Scissors • Paint brush • Canvas or cardstock Instructions: If working with egg carton, cut the “cups” – each cavity makes one cup. If working with any other carton, like a cup holder, cut in the same manner. Cut the sides of each piece, this being the first step into shaping your egg carton flowers. Also www.mumsmail.com
cut leaves, stems and a short straight strip from the flat top of the egg carton. Shape the sides, make them round. You will need three cups, one with smaller “petals” and two with larger ones for this project, so keep this in mind as centre of the smaller, shorter flower piece. Glue two egg you shape your petals. carton cups one on top of the other. If crafting with younger kids, let them just use one or two cups for one flower as this will make it Now glue the small part in the centre of the two you previously easier for them. glued together. You can leave the rolled spiral as it is or you Roll the short straight strip into can colour it too. a spiral. Bring out your favourite floral colours and paint all the petals. Don’t forget to also paint the stem and leaves green. Glue the twirled circle into the 14
Glue the flowers on the canvas (painted or white) or on construction paper. Source: www. easypeasyandfun.com.
Kids’ Life |
A Dinosaur Delight in the Garden This is a great way to encourage your kids to play outdoors in the garden! exactly on theme, that’s fine too. Let the children lead with their own ideas. Step 4 Once the paint is dry, you can place the tyre on the weed barrier cloth (if you chose What you will need: not to staple it to the tyre). • An old tyre Step 5 Fill the inside of the tyre • Some acrylic paint (let your with soil, leaving enough room children choose their favourite for the plants you’re going to colours) be adding. Dinosaurs, rocks, • A paintbrush and other small items will also • Some potting mix invading the children’s creation. need to fit in. At this stage, it’s • A double layer of weed You can either use a staple great to talk to children about barrier cloth gun to secure a double layer of soil and its importance in • A staple gun (optional) weed barrier cloth to the tyre, sustaining life. • Small plastic dinosaurs or you can lie a double layer of Step 6 Now is the most fun • Some small rocks and/or weed barrier cloth down on the part of all. Plant the plants, stones space you’re going to use for leaving space for the dinosaurs. • Plants (like ferns, moss, your dinosaur delight garden. Remember to choose plants coleus etc) If you decide on the second based on the location of the option, ensure you’ve cleared tyre. Some plants will not thrive Let’s get started: the ground and made it fairly in full sun, while others require Step 1 Give the old tyre a it. Once your plants are in, good wash the day before you level. Step 3 The children can now it’s time for the dinosaurs to begin the activity. Consider make their entry! Place them in this the phase where you prep get busy with the paints! Let them make some dinosaur position and add rocks, shells, your tools. The tyre needs to footprints along the top of and other items that tie into the be completely dry before you the tyre, arrows, leaves, or theme. can use it. anything else that works with Step 2 At this point, we’re the theme. Remember to leave Source: going to take measures against weeds popping up and room for creative play, if it’s not www.lifeisagarden.co.za. The idea behind this garden is to encourage children to build a dinosaur world as they imagine it.
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