Brutus term 4 2016

SUMMER EDITION ~ 2016 New first years : What you need to know Travel tips

Holiday fitness covered

Dorm room decor Time management 101

South Africa— why we love it so much

Contents page 5 Summer drinks—Suzanne Basson 6 Why we love South Africa so much—Stefani van der Merwe

8 Dorm room décor—Karlia Agenbach 12 Foreign language movies—Monique Jakob 14 Christmas gift ideas— Elsa Mijburgh

16 Holiday fit—Anri Magerman 18 Advice to new first years—Lize Nel 20 Travel tips –Sylvia Njoroge 22 Time management—Megan Payne 24 The ULTIMATE Nerina quiz 2

Nerina Huislied Daar staan geen huis met beter naam op vaste fondament Waar elke dag a vreugde is en vriendskap waarde het Nerina is ‘n huis waar jy ook jouself sal vind Want hier sal almal saamstem, Dis liefde wat ons bind ♼ Laat ons almal saamstaan, laat ons almal bou Kom laat ons Nerina aan Hom toevertrou Hier waar ons kan lewe, ons erfenis kan behou Hier beloof ons nou vir jou Nerina ewig trou

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LETTER from the Dear Nerina sisters

Editor ♥

When we do things out of our comfort zone, then only we will realise our true potential. This has been a short journey but what a learning experience it has been so far!

“Do something today that your future-self will thank you for.”

I learned that there is no better way to do something than to simply start. You may not know what to do next and that is also okay. I want to encourage each and every one of you to challenge yourself. Start something you always wanted to do, take up a new project and run with it. Don’t limit yourself. The things we do when we think we are not ready are often the things that change you the most and helps you grow. Let’s take this summer as a growing season by trying at least one new thing!

I believe in each and everyone of you—you are capable of far more than you could ever imagine.

Lots of love Mari-Louise Vermaak 4

What could be more refreshing than a tasty iced summer drink when it is 40 degrees outside. Here are a few easy homemade recipes to make the most delicious summer drinks. Feel free to change the recipes to your liking.

1. Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade 1 cup sugar +/- 10 sprigs of fresh thyme (for boiling and serving) +/- 1 cup quarter sliced strawberries ½ cup fresh lemon juice squeezed from +/- 10 lemons A splash of vodka (optional) Boil the sugar, thyme and 1 cup water in a small pot. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the thyme from the syrup.

Combine the thyme syrup with the strawberries, lemon juice and 5 cups of cold water in a large bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes where after you can serve it over ice.

Garnish the drink with thyme and a splash of vodka.

2. Piña Colada ½ cup spiced rum ½ cup coconut milk 1/3 cup fresh pineapple chunks A splash of pine apple juice A cup of ice 2 maraschino (sweetened) cherries Add rum, coconut milk, pineapple chunks and juice to blender with ice.

Blend until smooth and pour into 2 glasses. Garnish each glass with a pineapple chunk and maraschino cherry.

3. Wine Slushy Red wine Assorted berries (optional) +/- 2 cups of ice It’s simple and clean and oh so tasty. Add the wine and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the slushy into 2 glasses and garnish with berries on top.

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Authentically, wonderfully, proudly

South African When I count the reasons to be head over heels in love with our beloved country, my hands seem to run out of fingers. Don’t you too find it so interesting that “now now” can mean either a minute or a month? We are the lucky ones that just GET what Trevor Noah jokes about.

Here, on the tip of the continent, we all know someone who knows someone who has met Madiba. Howzit, braai, sheba, lekker, Bunny Chow, melktert and ubuntu are all words that evoke some kind of nostalgia that only we born -and-breds will truly know the meaning of.

I would love to invite you to come and look through my kaleidoscope and see what this vibrant land brings. Turning my kaleidoscope once, makes me see yellow spots and green leaves. Call me lyrical, but I cannot imagine a more breathtaking place than my homeland. I see the Springbuck flats stretched to the Waterberg’s neck and I smell rain-drenched soil.

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Ek sien hoe ’n rooikeelfisant kwêr-kwêr in die Soetveldland. Aartappelbos se reuk ver in die Noorde en die magtige brul van ’n leeu in die Laeveld. Die Moederstad se prag is geen geheim nie, nog minder is die blommetjies in Darling of die strande in Paternoster.

Turning my kaleidoscope again ensures another beautiful pattern as I feast my eyes upon the many colloquial tongues and tastes and cultures in South Africa.

Where else in the world can you have FIRST HAND experience of so many authentic cultures on one piece of land? Ons uiteenlopende agtergronde maak ons juis so uniek aangesien ons werklik by mekaar kan leer en inderwaarheid die wêreld kan verken sonder om tuisbodem te verlaat.

Ek draai my kaleidoskoop vir oulaas en ek sien ’n lig. A bright light: hope. Angus Buchan, well-known farmer and evangelist once said “There are enough lights in Perth. God wants you to let your light shine HERE, now, in South Africa.” You and I were called for a time as this, my fellow South African. We are called to shine with hope - here and now. If life throws you a curveball, swing low and keep this one thing dear to you heart: hope. Keep shining, keep living hopefully and just keep loving on.

Suid-Afrika, vandag plant ek vir jou ’n vlag en salueer ek jou. Geboortegrond - jou het ek lief bo alles. Nkosi Sikilel’ iAfrika.

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Foreign Language Movies

Not English, but with subtitles and popcorn you are sure to get your movie-fix. What a chance to improve your languages!

GERMAN MOVIES German title

English title

Storyline and why you should watch this

Fack ju Goethe (The spelling mistakes are intentional)

Suck me, Shakespear

After being released from prison, Zeki Müller sets out to find the money from his previous robbery. The only problem is, it is buried under a school’s gym. He plans to become the school’s new janitor, but ends up being the teacher of a class full of unruly teenagers.

This movie was a huge success in Germany and it basically makes fun of the anti-authoritative German schooling system.

Das Boot

The Boat

War is hell. Being trapped in a disabled submarine is worse.

This is the story of a World War II German U-Boat crew that has a terrifying patrol mission in the early days of the war.

Words cannot explain how captivating this movie is.

7 Zwerge – Männer allein imWald

7 Dwarves – We all know the story of Snow-white and the 7 dwarves. But Men alone thanks to Otto Waalkes and a bunch of other comedians, this in the movie is much more than your average fairytale.

Woods Written and directed by one of Germany’s most legendary comedians, this movie is a parody of the famous tale of Snowwhite and the 7 dwarves. This movie is very different from your average comedy.

Honig im Kopf

Head full of honey

Eleven year old Tilda loves her grandfather more than anything, but his dementia forces her father to consider putting him into an old age home. Together with her grandfather, Tilda runs away to Venice, the one place her grandfather could never forget.

This movie discusses a serious topic, is psychologically deep and manages to evoke laughter and tears.

Der geilste Tag

The most beautiful day

Andi and Benno have nothing in common, except for the fact that they are both dying. Because they don’t feel like spending the rest of their days in a hospital, they borrow some money and take a road trip which takes them to South Africa.

This is a drama/comedy movie and it takes place mainly in South-Africa.

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FRENCH MOVIES French title

English title

Les Misérables (2000)

What makes this movie special This movie is actually a French miniseries with 4 episodes, filmed in 2000. It is based on the novel from Victor Hugo and is quite different from the Musical, as it contains much more detail.

This is one of the most amazing movies I have seen, with absolutely beautiful songs (but it is not a musical).

Les Choristes

The Chorus

L’arnacœur

Heartbreaker

This is your typical romantic comedy and if you are into that, you should really check out this movie.

Amélie

Amelie

There is something about this movie that is strange, but fascinating. This movie is a French classic and famous for its soundtrack.

Intouchables

The Intouchables

Based on a true story, this movie is both deep and incredibly funny.

Even if you don’t understand a word of French, I would advise you to watch this movie.

You will not regret it.

Storyline This movie tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who tries to redeem himself while Javert, a police man is determined to take him back to prison. Valjean becomes the guardian of a girl named Cosette and his life becomes complicated as he tries to keep her safe while running from the law.

A failed musician becomes a teacher at a boy’s boarding school. The boys are full of mischief and a lost cause in the eyes of many. Despite the criticism from his colleagues and the cruel headmaster, Clément Mathieu starts a choir and finds a way to connect with the boys.

Alex professionally breaks up couples, but finds himself in over his head with his newest job. With only five days to get Juliette to break up with her fiancé, he has to be creative. What does he do? He pretends to be a bodyguard hired by her father.

Amelie is a socially awkward woman, but who could blame her? She likes to discretely orchestrate the lives of the people around her, creating a world exclusively of her own making. What she did not expect, was to find a guy with a mission of his own, that will captivate her.

Released from prison, Driss is determined to fail his job interview to qualify for welfare money. Against everyone’s expectations, wealthy quadriplegic Phillipe hires him as his new nurse. The two men end up helping each other in ways no one would have expected.

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Christmas Gift Ideas For MOM  

    

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Massage gift voucher Any mom will appreciate a massage or facial voucher from your local salon. If your budget is a bit tight however, give her some home made coupons for “a cup of tea in bed”, “a back massage”, “control of the TV remote” etc.

Diary 2017 Bath salt or any bath goodies A nice travel mug for her daily dose of coffee (or tea) Place mat set DIY bath bombs, learn how to make these at http:// www.everythingetsy.com/2014/05/diy-lush-inspired-bathbombs/ Some artisanal tea or coffee

(Sister, friend etc.)   

 

A cute ring or necklace A pencil case Anything from Typo (C) A comfy throw for her bed Sunglasses

C A

B 14

Guys (Brother, Boyfriend, Friend)      

    

   

Phone cover A World map for planning their travels Wallet Sunglasses Beer glass Diy beard oil http://www.everythingetsy.com/2015/05/ diy-beard-oil-gifts-for-himfree-printable-label/ Shaving set Poker set After shave Flask Coffee Funky socks Wooden bow tie Wine with a customized label ‘Punny’ sweets… Buy a bunch of sweets and put it in a bug mason jar or attach pun messages to them such as ‘I’m hooked’ (sour worms), ‘ I love you to pieces’ (Reese’s Pieces), “You are egg-cellent”(Smartie eggs) to name just a few. (A and B)

For DAD      

A set of Golf balls Whisky stones A fancy Pen Braai spice Gadget ( Any gadget really ) Tie organizer 15

It is the last stretch of the year and everyone is pretty much excited for the holidays. This year has been long and your body deserves a break! You might have stopped working out during the year or you worked out religiously each week. One thing is for certain, as soon as the holidays hit, your scheduled routine goes out by the window.

Unfortunately, during our long holiday breaks, our bodies suffer because we tend to forget to continue working out or to stay on that healthy diet. You worked hard all year, so do not throw it away. There are numerous ways you can keep your healthy lifestyle and still have an amazing stress free holiday.

One thing remains important, keep the healthy habit going. We all know it is so hard to avoid restaurants or take-out during the holiday, but I want to encourage you to cook for yourself. It is way healthier and you determine what goes into your stomach and what size your portions will be. Summers can become quite hot and the availability of blenders for a smoothie aren’t easy to come by. A great way to stay hydrated is to avoid fizzy cold drinks and opt for more fruit and pair it with water. In this way, you get the sweetness of the fruit and you quench your thirst too. Start your day by having a big healthy breakfast. Eating in the morning will keep you full for longer and you will have plenty of energy to take on whatever comes your way.

Late nights are what we live for! Yes, finally we staying up late to go out and have fun. No more stressful nights and early mornings.

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The holidays are the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your body and get it into a normal sleeping pattern. Go to bed a bit early and sleep a bit late, but get your 8hours of sleep in! The holidays are meant to relax you, so use it. Avoid tiring yourself out and give your body the sleep it deserves.

If you are travelling this holiday to foreign destinations or simply travelling nationally, do plenty of sightseeing – ON FOOT. Walking is a great form of exercise since you can do it with great ease and no hassle. Try seeing the city you are in by walking around or cycling. In this way, you get to see the town but also get to do a bit of cardio. Gather a few friends this holiday and do 30-minute workouts. Working out with someone else can be so much more fun than doing it alone.

When you are staying in a hotel find out if it has a gym and if you have access to it. The sun rises earlier during the summer so try working out in the morning as it will help you burn calories throughout the day but also it is a great natural energy booster. Jump in the pool, go for a hike or simply use the stairs instead of the elevator.

This holiday is the perfect time to relax and just let your mind and body rejuvenate. Live a little and give yourself a break.

Do not be too hard on yourself, it is okay to go off your health streak. If you going to stop yourself from enjoying yourself or indulging, you are most probably going to want it more.

Have fun and make wonderful memories. Wear your swimsuit with pride and love yourself no matter the size.

Remember live like you mean it xx Your fitness Theorist

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Dear first years

Looking back on this amazing year, moving in and the first week of welcoming was definitely the most intense experience of being out of your comfort zone. I wish there were things I would’ve done differently or which I had known... That is why I am here to be your angel in disguise, and to give you a little bit of advice which I hope will help the settling-in-process to be more comfortable and accommodating.

First and foremost, you don’t have to worry about girls being mean to you. No, believe it or not, that was for high school. All you need to worry about is if you’ll have enough energy for the amazing welcoming programme that awaits you. It is filled with the best activities, endless laughter, and a lot of getting to know your fellow Nerina sisters.

Here is a list of things I highly advise you to bring with you, it will make your life a whole lot easier, especially because summer is not a joke in Stellenbosch. a fan (this is of utmost importance) a laundry bag (i forgot this) a big plastic tupperware for your dirty dishes (it most probably will be lying under your bed)   

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liquid dishwashing soap and soap for your laundry (yes, you’ll be doing this own your own from now) your best summer clothes (it’s 40 degrees everyday) plakkies (secondly of utmost importance) swimming clothes (our fountain is our swimming pool) food you can eat on the go (for those healthy eaters, food in welcoming week isn’t all that healthy and you’ll be hungry all the time)

Remember your vitamins and lots of energy supplements. You’ll be very busy doing all those “lekker” activities and you won’t sleep all that much than what you normally do. But, I promise you, you’ll be fine. We are all here to take very good care of you and to make those first weeks the best ever.

Lastly, don’t forget that you’re only once a first year. You’ll never be able to experience this again. I know it seems scary, but in a few months’ time it won’t be new anymore. Get to know each and every one of your new sisters that will be joining you on this journey, and embrace them all, even if they’re different. Here at Nerina, there is a place for everyone.

This is the beginning of your new chapter. And you get to write it.

See you guys soon!

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We all enjoy travelling now and then, whether that means exploring your own town, travelling within the country, within the continent or even around the world. We all seek that adventure of discovering different cultures, different ways of living and dwelling on the simplicities of everything around us.

As enjoyable as it is to take new escapades no one likes being unprepared. That’s why I’ve decided to leave you with a few travel tips that could make your trip more efficient.

Plan Ahead! This is especially important If you’re travelling abroad.

One of the first things you should check is Visa and Vaccine information. it’s so important to check these at least two months before so that if issues do arise you have time to sort them out, before they ruin your plans.

Write down/Learn a few key

phrases of the language of the place you are travelling to. It always helps to be prepared for any kind of situation if the person maybe does not speak your home language, or if you just want to impress the locals by dropping a few cool phrases here and there.

Approach each day with a positive

mindset, being positive helps to keep the general mood of the group in check… being sour not only ruins the vibe, but it also interferes with the potential memories and experiences that you could have enjoyed with your travel group. You may not be as excited about every aspect of your trip, but having an open mind allows you to experience things you may not have otherwise considered doing and who knows maybe you’ll enjoy it…

Be flexible! As important as it is to make a plan, sometimes you just have to accept that things will go wrong. In situations like these be patient and stay calm, there’s no use in stressing out about the circumstances as it’s just going to make you more frustrated. I would advise you to just make the best out of a bad situation, especially if there is nothing you can do to change it.

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Make an Itinerary. Planning an itinerary for

On the theme of packing, make

everyday of your trip enables you to make sure

sure that you confirm your

that you cover everything that you wanted to

baggage allowance before-

see/do whilst on your holiday. Not only does this

hand. This helps you know

ensure that you don’t forget anything but it also

how much to pack, whilst still

makes your trip more structured that way you

leaving extra space for you to

don’t end up wasting time at your destination

bring back your shopping/

wondering what to do.

souvenirs.

Live in the moment, as cliché as this sounds… don’t be afraid to try out new

things, whether this is unfamiliar food or doing something thrilling, trust me the best stories are always the ones that forced you out of your comfort zone.

It is so important to just be in the moment and enjoy things as they come, because at the end of the day “you’ll only regret the chances you didn’t take”.

Leave early enough, check

Do some research about your travel destina-

-in beforehand and pack

tion. This includes everything from the weath-

extra copies of important

er forecast right down to the cultural norms.

documents. You never

This handy tip helps you familiarize with the

know when you might

customs and practices of the particular country

need to whip out an extra

that serves as a guide to how you should pack.

copy of your passport/ID or what could pop up be-

An extra tip about planning an itinerary is… make

fore you trip, be it traffic

sure that you account for everyone going on

or your car breaks down.

the journey, whether that includes younger sib-

Either way planning ahead

lings, parents, grandparents or just friends. Make

in this manner ensures

sure that there is at least one activity for the

that minor slip ups don’t

different groups. This ensures that everybody feel

interfere with your travel

included in the travel plans and overall makes it a

plans.

more memorable trip for everyone.

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We’ve all experienced those moments where we just wish that there were more hours in a day, and we can all identify with the typical ‘pick two’ between social life, studying and sleep.

Finding a balance in life and managing your time is a lot easier than you think, but the trick is – you really have to try.

There is no reason for you not to get that distinction whilst still going out with friends and fitting in a gym session; just follow the following few tips and life will be running smoothly. The following are just a few guidelines, there are many, many more ways that you can manage your time better!

PLAN AHEAD: Get a nice desk calendar and write down every test and important date coming up so that you can clearly see at the beginning of each month when you will have more time for fun and when you need to focus on work.

START EARLY: Don’t leave your studying for the night before and don’t hand that essay in at 11:59pm. There is no excuse to not start studying at least 3 days before a test and always try and start working on essays, projects and assignments as soon as you get them.

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KEEP UP TO DATE: This one can be tough, but try and make summaries of the work covered each day at the end of every day so that when it’s time for tests and exams, you already have your notes written out and you will have more time to spare just to chill with friends or go for a run. You will also stress less because you will feel like you have more time to study.

EXERCISE IS THE BEST STRESS RELIEVER: No, not food. Exercise. When life becomes overwhelming, put those running shoes on and run away (not literally). Put gym into your timetable like a normal class period and force yourself to go. Exercise releases endorphins which help boost your mood and relieve stress and you will feel more relaxed and focussed when you start to work again. Your body will also be more tired at night so you will fall asleep quicker and sleep more peacefully.

HAVE FUN: Our biggest lessons are learnt outside the classroom, so it’s okay to take time off and not think about work. We need to let our hair down otherwise we get so worked up that we stop being productive. You are at university to grow and live life, so never forget to do that.

“The bad news is: time flies. The good news is… you’re the pilot.” – Michael Althsuler.

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The ultimate Nerina quiz Across 3. The surname of Nerina's first residential head.

4. Nerina gets her name from an indigenous flower named Nerine ________.

7. Aunty A's favourite book is "For the love of a _____."

9. In Nerina this will give you eighty roompoints.

10. Nerina was established in 196_.

11. The name of our mascot.

Down 1. Two of the 2015/2016 NCC members went to the same high school, name the school.

2. Nerina won KleinsĂŞr for the first time in 200_.

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5. The front door was completed in the early nineteen-_________.

6. The name of the first residential head's dog.

8. How many different meal options can you normally book for lunch?

11. What colour is the flower Nerina is named after?

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All articles are written by ladies currently in Nerina and all images are taken from Google.