Special family issue * Summer 2015
FOOD
Finger-licking finger food
MONEY
Teaching kids the value of cash
ADVENTURE
WILD RIDES AT SA’S BEST THEME PARKS WELLNESS
Swimming safety: how to protect your little ones
TRAVEL Jozi hotspots children love
THAILAND for the family WHEELS Teen machines
WELLNESS Inside a teenager’s mind
win A THAILAND TRIP WORTH
R30 000!
editor’s letter
Our annual summer edition of Reality is on its way to you, but why not enjoy a preview of what’s in store in this digital magazine. The focus is on family – from the lighter side, like South Africa’s best theme parks (p4) and how to prepare awesome snacks for outdoor occasions (p14); to the more serious side of summer, which is how to keep your children safe by the pool (p9). There’s also an informative article on how to teach your children to be money savvy – probably the most important lesson you can give them in life. Read a sneak peek on page 10. Enjoy!
inside 3 WIN
A trip for two to Thailand worth R30 000! 4 TRAVEL
Life’s a rollercoaster… and some 6 TRAVEL
The secret side of Thailand 8 WELLNESS
Where moody teenagers come from 9 WELLNESS
Cool by the pool 10 MONEY
Money-wise from the start 12 WHEELS
Best buys for students 14 FOOD
Snack attack 16 SPECIAL OFFERS 18 ON THE WEB
Robyn Daly Editor
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YOUR REALITY BENEFITS
win
competition
A trip for two to Thailand worth R30 000!
exclusive to Reality members
One lucky Reality member and partner will win 10 nights in Patong on Phuket Island in Thailand. PRIZE INCLUDES: • Two return tickets from Johannesburg to Thailand on Thai Airways • Bed-and-breakfast accommodation for 10 nights at the four-star Seaview Patong Hotel • Return airport transfers • All current pre-payable airport taxes and fuel surcharges PRIZE EXCLUDES: • All items not mentioned • Travel insurance • Items of a personal nature
HOW TO ENTER: Send an email to realitycompetition@narrativemedia.co.za. Include ‘Thailand’ and your Reality membership number in the subject line. In the email message, include your name and cellphone number so we can contact you if you’ve won. Alternatively simply SMS the word ‘Thailand’, your name and your Reality membership number to 31108 (normal SMS rates apply). The competition is exclusive to Reality members. CLOSING DATE: 28 February 2015 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The prize is valid for travel from 1 April to 31 October 2015. It is non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash. The prize is not valid for travel over peak periods and is subject to availability at the time of booking. A consultant will assist with the booking. Click here for Reality terms and conditions.
LIFE’S A
ROLLERCOASTER … AND SOME
They’ll terrify you, but you’ll keep coming back for more. Here are South Africa’s top theme parks, combining high-adrenalin rides, frivolous fun, historical curiosities and animal attractions. With her heart in her mouth, Catherine Hofmeyr went rollercoasting.
FLY AND DRIVE WITH REALITY
Use your Reality benefits to get to great South African holiday destinations. Get up to 25% off Mango flights and Tempest car hire from R199 a day. Book online at www.reality.co.za or call 0860 732 5489.
travel
Enjoy more fun at… SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP THEME PARKS: 1. G old Reef City, Johannesburg 2. V alley of the Waves, Sun City 3. Ratanga Junction, Cape Town 4. uShaka Marine World, Durban
RIGHT: At Gold Reef City you can pop your eyeballs on more than 30 rides.
Experience the first life-size 3D maze in the country, or a puzzling forest walk at the Plett Puzzle Park, outside Plettenberg Bay. www.plettpuzzlepark.co.za Mini Town is a pint-sized model of Durban city’s most popular landmarks, complete with moving trains, planes and a tug pulling a ship out of the harbour. www.kznkids.co.za Ride the D-Rex, the biggest man-made stationary wave in the world at Wave House in Umhlanga’s Gateway Mall. The complex also has a huge skate park and the world’s highest indoor climbing wall. za.wavehouse.com Interact with creatures, both living and dead at the Oceanarium, Snake Park and Museum at Bayworld on the Port Elizabeth beachfront. www.bayworld.co.za
The secret side of
THAILAND Most visitors to Thailand head straight for island escapes, not knowing that the mainland has a magic of its own. Justin Fox explores three great destinations within easy distance of Bangkok, offering lots to do for the whole family.
travel
SAVE FOR THAT MAGIC HOLIDAY
Saving starts from the first rand, which is why you have Reality benefits. There are also ways to grow your rands so that you can have that dream holiday. Click here to contact a Sanlam financial adviser, who can help you with savings and investment options.
Idyllic beaches and islands, delicious food, year-round warm weather and friendly locals make Thailand a top holiday destination. Plus, it’s rand friendly. Tourists normally opt for an island package that routes through Bangkok, but they’re missing out. Add a few extra days to your itinerary and try some of the spots close to the capital.
1. H ead west for elephants and war memorials 2. V isit the ancient capital of Siam 3. Go to the summer playground of royalty, Hua Hin
wellness
WHERE MOODY TEENAGERS COME FROM Teenage moodiness is more than just raging hormones, as Dr Kay Brügge explains. SPOT THE SIGNS As the brain undergoes significant changes and hormones surge, your baby darling becomes a different creature. Any of these sound familiar? • acting before thinking/mouthing off; • failing to anticipate the consequences of their actions; • struggling to manage impulses flexibly; • struggling to stop a behaviour once it’s in action; • blaming extraneous circumstances and people for their problems; • seeming to lack empathy and appearing excessively self-centred and self-absorbed, even cagey; • challenging and clashing with authority figures; • exhibiting rebellious and pleasureseeking behaviour; • being very sensitive to criticism. Read the full article (on page 32 of your printed magazine) for advice on how to deal with moody teenagers.
wellness
31%
of total drownings in SA are kids under 9
Cool by the pool South Africa has more residential swimming pools per capita than most other countries. Nick Dall explains how to make the pool a safe place for everyone to enjoy this summer. USE YOUR REALITY BENEFIT Get the Personal Assistant to help source a swim school, pool safety gear and emergency numbers. Call 0860 732 5489.
For every child that dies from drowning, five are left with permanent brain damage
21%
of total drownings in SA happen at home 9 out of 10 children who drown are under some sort of supervision at the time
Money-wise from the start The greatest gift you can give your child is love – and the greatest material gift is money savvy. Start teaching them when they’re young and instil good habits from the get-go. By Paul Kerton. In a world where children regularly watch their parents literally go to a hole in the wall, punch in a code and effortlessly draw out handfuls of cash money, it is easy for them to get the wrong idea about the value of money. Now that ATMs are available everywhere, instead of the old adage “money doesn’t grow on trees”, we need to explain that money does not just come out of the computer, it’s not universally available to everybody and if we don’t work hard for it, then the money will quickly run out.
Reality poll According to our latest poll, Reality parents aren’t spoiling their kids. R100 a month or less, seems the norm for pocket money. Under R50 a month 17.14% Between R50 and R100 a month 22.86% More than R100 a month 38.57% Depends on chores done 21.43%
Take our latest poll on www.reality.co.za.
USE YOUR REALITY BENEFITS Help your kids get financially fit and start saving early. Click here and we will put you in touch with a Sanlam financial adviser who can help you find the right savings and investment options.
money
Best buys for students When the days of Mom’s taxi are over, it’s a terrifying feeling to let your child loose behind the wheel. The temptation is to avoid any car that accelerates faster than a 1970s Volksie Beetle. James Edge suggests four bestsellers that are affordable, reliable and safe.
wheels
BUY RIGHT Consider these five critical criteria when selecting a car for the young driver: 1 How much? Our four
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Use your Reality Wheels benefit to find great deals on cars – as well as assistance with financing and car insurance, as well as car accessories. Click here.
choices are all in the 120k+ bracket – quite a lot of money! But that, unfortunately, is what you need to spend if you want a balance between putting food on your own table, and keeping your beloved safe as he or she flies the nest. Cheap is cheap for a reason – reliability and safety are the first casualties. 2 N ew or used? A more difficult discussion. You can find a 10-year-old 3-series (or even a 5-series) BMW for the money we are talking here. But you won’t get a warranty, or a service plan, so any catastrophes will be for junior’s account ie your account. New = reliable = cheaper in the long run, unless you are a car person and know what to look for. 3 Safety. Must-haves: at least a 4-star Euro NCAP rating and ABS. The latter helps careless, inattentive drivers (students, in other
words, even the best of them) grow into old, attentive drivers. 4 Comfort. Yes, they should be in a holey, smelly Beetle like you were. But cars have moved on. Aircon is a given, today, in all but the cheapest cars, so you might as well – but the biggest luxury could be the one that keeps them the safest: a funky integrated Bluetooth hands-free/ MP3 sound system. If it is easy to use, they will use it. If you don’t provide one, they will not put the phone in the boot. Ever. 5 Two wheels good? The final debate may be about whether a scooter is a good idea. This depends on location, and the attitude of your youngster. As a rule, they’re deathtraps – underpowered poor brakers with tiny wheels that skid out when you sniff. If your youngster has grown up on bikes, and understands the vulnerability of two wheels, then it may be a cost-effective option (by R100 000!), but it’s a risk to be on two wheels on South African roads.
Snack attack Summer is for lazy sunny days spent outdoors, for chilling by the pool and picnics in the park. It definitely shouldn’t be spent in the kitchen, so Katelyn Williams compiled a spread of quick and delicious snacks that beat the boring chip ’n dip.
Cheat’s chilli poppers
back of a teaspoon, scrape out most of the seeds Everyone loves chilli poppers (depending on how hot you but all that crumbing like your chilli poppers). In and deep-frying is timea bowl, combine the cream consuming, not to mention cheese and lime zest and unhealthy. This version is season to taste. Place in a easier and a lot healthier. piping bag or ziplock bag, Make double and freeze cut off the tip and pipe the unbaked poppers for the cream cheese into the another summer’s day. chillies. Unfold the phyllo Makes 20 pastry sheets, working with two at a time (keep the rest 20 whole fresh (or under a clean, damp kitchen pickled) jalapeno chillies towel to avoid drying out), 240g low-fat cream brush one sheet with butter cheese and place the other on top. Zest of 1 lime Repeat with two more Salt and freshly ground sheets and place them black pepper, to taste all on top of each other. 8 to 10 sheets phyllo Cut into strips as wide as pastry (about ½ packet) the jalapenos, then wrap 2 Tbsp melted butter or each chilli in the phyllo olive oil, for brushing pastry, brushing the ends Sweet chilli sauce, to with butter to seal. Repeat serve with the remaining phyllo pastry and chillies. Place on Preheat the oven to 180°C. a baking sheet and bake Cut a slit lengthwise into in the preheated oven for each jalapeno chilli, open 20 to 25 minutes or until slightly and, using the golden brown.
food
USE YOUR REALITY BENEFIT If you’re feeling
too lazy to cook, treat yourself to a night out. Reality+ and Reality Health members can use their dining benefit to save. Order two meals at any of the selected restaurants and receive the second meal free (up to the value of R120). Same-day bookings now available – click here.
CHEAT’S CHILLI POPPERS
Special offers
For these offers and more, call Reality on 0860 732 5489 or visit www.reality.co.za/special-offers.
Travel CRADLE OF HUMANKIND EXPLORE THE CRADLE FROM THE MISTY HILLS COUNTRY HOTEL AND SPA From
R1 996 pp
INCLUDES: Two nights in a deluxe
room with these spa treatments included: a hot stone full body massage, deep cleanse facial and an African scalp massage. You also get breakfast and a light lunch. Set in the heart of the Kromdraai Valley, close to The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Misty Hills is surrounded by lush gardens and natural forests. VALID: 1 October 2014 to 30 April 2015
save R80 0
sav e
R3 450
HONG KONG IN STYLE BASE YOURSELF AT THE BEST WESTERN HOTEL AND EXPLORE THE HEART OF HONG KONG
R10 965 pp (3 nights)
INCLUDES: Three nights at the new,
29-storey Best Western Grand Hotel, return economy flights to Hong Kong from Johannesburg on Qatar Airways, airport transfers and current pre-payable airport taxes. The Best Western is in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the most famous upmarket areas of Hong Kong on the Kowloon Peninsula. You’re five minutes’ walk from a plethora of shops and restaurants on Nathan Road, train stations and the Star Ferry, listed as one of Time magazine’s top 10 things to do in Hong Kong. Catch an evening ride and watch the nightly Symphony of Lights show from aboard. VALID: 20 January to 31 March 2015
special offers
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Wheels
Click here to view more special travel, wheels and connect offers.
HONDA BRIO 1.2 TREND MANUAL
The Brio’s enthusiastic 1.2-litre engine delivers peak power and torque outputs of 65kW and 109Nm respectively. The whole car weighs just over 900 kilograms so you would expect it to be quite zippy and low on fuel. Around town it’s a wasp, darting into gaps in traffic, happy to fly along at city speeds. NORMAL PRICE: R132 000
OUR PRICE: R115 875 SAVING: R16 125
Connect
SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB3 7.0 • OS Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean • Dual Core 1.2GHz processor • 8GB memory PRICE: R199 On a My Gig 1 package * 1GB + Get double the data between midnight and 5am
DO MORE ON
www.sanlamreality.co.za Did you know? You can complete the entire booking process for these Reality benefits online. And it’s super easy!
FLY WITH MANGO
Save money on your upcoming holiday – get up to 25% discount on flights! Exclusive to Sanlam Reality clients. Step 1: Activate your Mango benefit at www.sanlamreality.co.za/mango.
You will register with your Sanlam Reality membership number or ID number, and receive a password via SMS. Step 2: Once you’ve logged in with your new password and confirmed your details, you will be able to register your dependants. Step 3: From there, you will click a link that takes you directly to the Mango website to make your flight booking as per normal. Step 4: With your booking, Reality Standard members get 15% discount and Reality+ members get 25% discount.
on the web
HIRE A TEMPEST CAR
More travel savings – pay as little as R199 per day for car hire! Step 1: Go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/tempest and log in with your Reality membership number and your ID number.
Step 2: Choose your pick-up and drop-off points, and select
your car hire dates. Step 3: Now select the car you’d like to hire. The Reality membership deal starts from as little as R199 per day! Step 4: Then add any extras you require, such as additional drivers, baby seats and more. Step 5: You will be given a rental cost estimate, with all the details – which you can accept or amend. Step 6: Booking complete.
SEE A NU METRO MOVIE
See the latest movie releases for less – just R30 for two movie mobi codes! Step 1: Go to www.sanlamreality.co.za/movies and click on the ‘Buy movie mobi codes’ tab. Step 2: Select 2D or 3D movies, then log in with your ID number or Reality membership number. Step 3: Choose the number of movie mobi codes you’d like to buy. For every code you buy, you will get another free. For 2D shows, you pay R30 for two codes; for 3D shows, you pay R60 for two codes. Step 4: Your movie mobi codes will then be sent to you by SMS. They are valid for three years. Step 5: Then, book your seats and collect your Nu Metro tickets at the cinema counter, or go online at www.numetro.co.za to book your seats. When you get to the payment page on Nu Metro’s online booking system, insert your mobi codes into the ‘Mobi Tickets’ box. Seats booked! Collect your tickets when you go to the cinema.
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