Life & Style October 2020

www.lifeandstyle.fm

EDITORS NOTE Trees of Life A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to my old hometown. It was a sentimental notion that came to me as it were, out of the blue. As time passes, I feel strangely compelled to revisit the places of my youth. Time has a habit of blurring memories to remove the sharp edges, transforming what was no doubt a totally ordinary and probably quite boring suburban South African childhood into something out of a Disney movie. This is, in my case, what drove me to revisit 4 Westfield Rd, Lakefield, Benoni. I was on a mission to rescue a tangible vestige of my childhood.

PUBLISHER

Westfield Rd was a short cul-de-sac consisting of a total of five houses. The street ended at a precast wall, behind which lay the rural delights of an agricultural small-holding that was strictly off limits to us kids of the neighbourhood, but we were drawn to it like moths to a flame. The sweet scent of ripening maize will always remind me of that field of dreams where we fought the Germans and Red Indians and hid from the farmer when he came out to investigate the commotion. Petrol powered lawnmowers manicuring the lush green Kikuyu grass in the large gardens that we played in, left another evocative scent in my field of dreams, as did the tiny blue blossoms of the syringa and the snow white petals of the Jasmin flowers that bloomed as the smoky bitter cold of winter began to retreat.

North Coast Publishing PTY LTD editor@lifeandstyle.org.za EDITOR IN CHIEF

88FM RADIO LIFE & STYLE

Dave Charles editor@lifeandstyle.org.za

Studio 032 586 0555 info@lifeandstyle.fm

ADVERTISING / MARKETING Megan Clark media@lifeandstyle.irg.za

ADVERTISING/MARKETING Megan Clark - media@lifeandstyle.irg.za Anneline Peacock - ap@lifeandstyle.org.za

Anneline Peacock ap@lifeandstyle.org.za Sales Office 032 946 1145 / 3112 / 3674 ONLINE EDITOR Dan Charles dancharles@live.com SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS www.life&style.co.za @lifeandstyleballito @88fmBallito

The views and opinions expressed within the editorial and advertisements of LIFE & STYLE do not necessarily reflect those of its staff, nor any of its associates. LIFE & STYLE and anything contained within is copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, copied or stored electronically without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

COVER Photographer: Ryan Roake Designer: Amanda Laird Cherry DESIGN THE LAKE PUBLISHING www.thelakepublishing.com

Lakefield was the natural habitat of the Giant or Highveld Bullfrog and we would often come across these terrifying looking creatures in the open marshy veld still undeveloped as it was in those days. They had a reputation for unprovoked attacks on naughty kids, that filled us with terror, though I think this was a wild over exaggeration.

What did attack without provocation though, were the kids from the other side of the tracks, jealous as they no doubt were of our privileged lives. Our dads were the well-paid professionals in town and our neighbourhood reflected that. We lived in much bigger houses, we had better bikes, clothes and toys and our parents drove posh cars. The poor kids from the Western Extension, had much tougher lives, by comparison.

The local municipal school busses were guaranteed conflict zones and if there were no big kids from our little private school to protect us, casualties were almost guaranteed. The army was the big leveler – no matter what we may have been or had or done when we went in, by the time we were sent home, there was little to separate us. We were brothers.

But that was long ago.

And now I was on a mission to find a tree. Each street in our posh suburb was planted with different trees.

Westfield Road had a special species of tree that I have yet to identify. It was an evergreen exotic that produced little bell-like pale yellow blossoms with spotted red centers that tasted like sugar. It also produced seed pods the seeds of which were covered in sharp hairs like prickly pear fruit.

I used to climb the tree on our pavement and from the top branches, I thought that I could see the whole of the world. It was to this tree that I returned recently, and I found some seed pods.

As I write this, one of the seeds has sprouted. It’s a living link with the past and, if I am lucky, I will add it to the small arboretum of other special trees I have collected that remind me of the people and places I have loved.

The Ballito Bonsai Society features in this edition. It’s a wonderful hobby and a great way to meet others in the community with similar interests. Maybe I’ll see you there soon!

**Catch Dave Charles on 88FM, the voice of Ballito, 11am -1pm Monday to Friday. - The Voice of Ballito

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BEACHFRONT OR N2

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Buying a property on the right side of the highway

By Ryan Hunt the 1990’s and early 2000’s the biggest property tip on the North Coast was ‘Make sure you buy on this side of the highway’. By ‘this side’ the purveyor of the advice was invariably talking about the eastern side of the N2.

THE ADVICE DURING THAT TIME WAS RELATIVELY GOOD, as proximity to the coast was important for the following reasons: • Ballito was a small town made up of small established suburbs, a strip of holiday homes and apartment blocks along the coastline, and Zimbali Coastal Estate.

• Ballito was often seen as direct competition to areas such as South Broom and Pennington.

• Most of the commercial and retail activity in the greater Ballito area was situated in Ballito Village. Lifestyle Shopping Centre, the Ballito Business Parks, Ballito Junction, Tiffany’s Shopping Centre and Sage Centre were not in existence.

• Further afield, the Umhlanga Ridge and Gateway Precincts were in their embryotic stages. King Shaka International Airport was not yet a fait accompli let alone under construction.

• ‘Durban life’, both work wise and socially, centred around Durban City Centre, Durban beaches, Berea and Morningside.

• The M4 was the quickest route into the above areas of Durban.

As Ballito has progressed from a sleepy holiday town into one of the fastest growing areas in the country, the importance of access to the N2 has grown for the following reasons: • The two main drivers of Ballito’s growth, being the development of Umhlanga Ridge business precinct and the King Shaka International Airport, are best accessed from the N2.

• Cornubia and the Dube Trade Port are currently in development and will be equal drivers of investment on the North Coast as the Umhlanga Ridge business precinct has been.

• The vast majority of employed Ballito residents commute to work, with Umhlanga Ridge, Johannesburg, Durban and surrounds, and Richards Bay being the four major centres of employment. The N2 is main thoroughfare to these areas.

• The vast majority of Ballito retail and commercial activity, both present and future, is within proximity to the N2.

The above evidence is proven in the capital gain experienced over the past decade in estates on the western side of the N2 – such as Umhlali Country Club, Ballito Gardens, Brooklyn Estate, Manor Estates and Caledon, with these estate often outperforming comparative estates closer to the coast.

The above evidence is proven in the capital gain experienced over the past decade in estates on the western side of the N2 – such as Umhlali Country Club, Ballito Gardens, Brooklyn Estate, Manor Estates and Caledon, with these estate often outperforming comparative estates closer to the coast.

The beach is still one of Ballito’s major selling points, but if you take into account the Western most Ballito Estate, Manor Estates, is only 6km’s from the major Ballito beaches. Everywhere in Ballito is close to the beach.

Although being on the beach front and having a sea view still holds great value, it is time that the old adage of ‘make sure you buy on this side of the highway’ is put to bed. Ballito as a whole offers value and great investment opportunities, sometimes for different reasons.

HUNT PROPERTIES To find your home – be it on the beachfront, slightly inland, or in-between. www.huntproperties.co.za sales@huntproperties.co.za For property queries call us on 032 815 0600

The HUNT Properties team celebrates record Q3.

WE'RE SIMPLY G R A T E F U L . #SUPPORTLOCAL

SWIMMING THE OPEN OCEAN

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has long been a haven for runners, many of whom tackle ultra-distance events on a regular basis.More recently it has become popular with an elite band of long-distance swimmers who have taken to training for open ocean challenges in the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool.

UNDER THE GUIDANCE and inspiration of veteran open water athletes, Mike Oberholzer and Josie de Charmoy, there is a growing number of people being drawn locally to this physically and mentally demanding sport.

The attraction of becoming one with the Big Blue and sharing the last great open wild space with the creatures great and small that inhabit it is compelling for those who enjoy a challenge.

Recently a group of intrepid swimmers tackled a ten kilometer swim from Clark Bay to Salt Rock and back. This is twice the distance of the inaugural Yellowfin Ocean Challenge that Mike and Josie pioneered with an enthusiastic committee last year to put Ballito firmly on the international open water ocean swimming map.

The conditions were far from perfect but, with good support in the water and the veterans to guide them, they all rose to the occasion and completed the swim.

Now, plans are afoot to make the next Yellowfin Open Ocean Challenge bigger and better as the Ballito region continues to grow and more swimmers rise to the challenge of swimming in some of the most exciting open water ocean conditions on the planet.

CONTACT INFO Mike - 082 305 3662 Jose - 082 583 4369

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TAKING YOUR HEALTH INTO THE NEXT LEVEL Kim Wilson

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your health into the next level of lockdown, means that we get to focus on more than just our immune systems. With greater access to the beaches, restaurants and bars, and social gatherings with loved ones, comes unique opportunities to include your health essentials. Here is the ultimate guide to your must-have essentials:

TAKE YOUR HEALTH TO THE BEACH We will always be advocates for more sunshine and the essential Vitamin D that it brings to our bodies. This is an important nutrient for many systems in our bodies including our bones and joints, our immune system, mood and much more. Spending time on the beach also means more activity than we may have had previously – and we all know the amazing benefits of exercise!

YOUR HEALTH ESSENTIALS: A skin- and health-friendly sunscreen.

Choose a chemical-free, plant-extract-based sunscreen that will block UVA exposure to reduce melanoma risk whilst maximizing UVB exposure to maximise your Vitamin D levels. Choose from our selection of natural sun protection products in store including Sunumbra Sunscreen, Pure Beginnings Sun Cream, and Moringa 5000 Sun Defense Lotion.

EMERGENCY SUNBURN RECOVERY: We get it, it’s sometimes difficult to remove yourself from the beauty of the beach before you get a bit too much sun exposure. Instead of suffering in pain for the

next few days, choose soothing solutions that not only alleviate the pain and redness, but deal with the internal repair of your skin as well. Our favourites in store include Silvergenesis Colloidal Silver Gel or Esi Aloe Vera Gel for topical relief, and Astaxanthin as your internal antioxidant solution to reduce skin aging.

TAKE YOUR HEALTH TO DINNER Heading out to dinner is once again a luxury that we can indulge in, and we all deserve a break from cooking once in a while. Taking your health to dinner means preparing your body for food (and drink) that may be slightly richer than you are used to, and preventing unwanted side effects thereafter.

YOUR HEALTH ESSENTIALS: - Natural digestive aids Choose from our wide variety of digestive enzyme products in store to give your natural enzymes a bit of extra support when dealing with richer than normal food.

Our favourites include Solgar Vegan Digestive Enzymes, Metagenics Spectrazyme Metagest or NOW Foods Gluten Digest. Taking these with your meal will go a long way to preventing unwanted bloating, heartburn and discomfort.

- Natural bowel support Another unwanted side effect of over-indulging when it comes to food can be constipation. Daily elimination of our bowels is an essential part of a healthy body.

Choose from our variety of products to promote regularity from Aloe Fibre Bitter Crystals or Amipro Magnozone (for immediate relief), to more subtle supplements such as Sally Ann Creed’s Psyllium Husk Powder or Magnesium Citrate Powder.

TAKE YOUR HEALTH TO THE PARTY Social connection is essential to health. If there is one takeaway from going through lockdown, it is the importance of connecting with others often. In fact, one of the main purported benefits of the “Blue Zone” lifestyle is frequent social connection and interaction. Now that we can visit loved ones in person, we are allowed once again to celebrate important milestones and occasions together.

Alongside this however, we need to take care of our health if alcohol will be involved.

YOUR HEALTH ESSENTIALS: - Pre-party liver support Preparation and planning will go a long way when it comes to taking care of your liver health. When you know that it will be under strain, plan to include a liver support complex at least the day leading up to the event. Our favourites include Medford Liverscript, Viridian Organic Milk Thistle, or Solgar N-Acetyl-Cysteine.

- Recovery support Again, ideally take action to prevent hangovers rather than simply deal with them when they arrive. Our hands-down customer favourite product for hangover-prevention is our Sfera Hangover Remedy – taken just before you get to bed after a night out.

FINAL THOUGHTS Take your health into the next level with the health essentials above, and you will be well-prepared to enjoy the freedom we now have! Embrace the opportunity to get out into the sunshine, head out for a nice dinner and support our amazing local restaurants, and absolutely spend time with your family (safely of course).

LIFESTYLE HEALTH Lifestyle Centre, Ballito, 032 946 0441 www.lifestylehealth.co.za

Preparation and planning will go a long way when it comes to taking care of your liver health. When you know that it will be under strain, plan to include a liver support complex at least the day leading up to the event. Our favourites include Medford Liverscript, Viridian Organic Milk Thistle, or Solgar N-Acetyl-Cysteine.

NOW AVAILABLE AT LIFESTYLE HEALTH

NOW AVAILABLE AT LIFESTYLE HEALTH NOW AVAILABLE AT LIFESTYLE HEALTH

MEDFORD LIVERSCRIPT NOW WITH ADDITIONAL MILK THISTLE •Assists in liver support and protection while providing additional antioxidant benefits.

•Support and repair in acute and chronic liver disease.

Happy Baby Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal

Happy Baby Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal BABY’S FIRST SOLID FOOD

BABY’S FIRST SOLID FOOD

This Organic, Probiotic Baby Food is enriched with Iron & Choline for Baby’s Development & contains Probiotics.

This Organic, Probiotic Food is enriched with A great part of Baby a healthy breakfast.

Iron &OuCholine for Baby’s Development & contains Probiotics. r anic l a al og erA c e great part of a healthy breakfast. atme o

• Whole Body Detoxification.

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• Hormonal Balance.

• Reduction of Alcohol Cravings.

• Immune and Allergy Protocols.

Shop 24A | Lifestyle Centre | Ballito 032 946 0441 hello@lifestylehealth.co.za

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Shop 24A | Lifestyle Centre | Ballito 032 946 0441 hello@lifestylehealth.co.za

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THIS MONTH WE TRIED The Cleaning Guy

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Cleaning Guy is a small, very professional boutique cleaning service on the North Coast. They use state of the art equipment and take pride in the quality of their work. The Cleaning Guy specializes in window cleaning but also offer high pressure specialized cleaning of areas that need attention like roofs, driveways, and solar panels.

They really do an excellent job at a realistic price. We recommend them highly.

THE CLEANING GUY Contact Nico on 064 008 5939

PICTURE PERFECT SUMMER WINDOWS

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Trellidor

you noticed how being confined to your home for weeks on end, as most of us have been this year, you start to appreciate the little pleasures in life? Like being able to look out of your window at a soothing view while working in your home office. Or sitting with a cup of tea in a room with the sun streaming in through the window. Here are some ideas from Trellidor on how to keep those windows picture perfect.

SPRUCE UP WITH A SPRING CLEAN

PRIVACY CONTROL IDEAS

A good old-fashioned spring clean is a good start, followed by a fresh coat of paint if your windows need it. Remove the curtains or whatever you have in front of your windows if they have seen better days. If you have a good view and no privacy issues, you may want to leave your windows uncovered. Otherwise, consider installing blinds. They are popular for their modern, uncluttered look and they also help to control the amount of light that comes into a room. The choice of style and colour is incredible, so do some research and you’ll find something that suits your home and budget.

If you live in a busy estate or suburb with people passing by, your windows could do with some sort of privacy control. There are some elegant options on the market that add an element of style without cluttering your outlook. Beach house type louvre shutters from Trellidor are one such option. They look stunning and are very practical because they’re all-in-one burglar proofing and blinds. Open them up when you want to bring the outdoors in. Or close and lock them when you don’t want anyone looking in and also for protection. When closed, you can tilt the louvres to allow in light and fresh air. Another design to consider is Clear Guard, a see-through security screen that let’s you enjoy your view even when closed and locked. The screen allows some air flow into your home but blocks out excessive heat. An added bonus is that the mesh also keeps out the mosquitoes, monkeys and snakes that are problematic in summer.

TRY A COMBO-DEAL Burglar proofing should be a given for windows. However, people sometimes ignore the need for protection as they understandably don’t want their view spoiled.

With some expert help, burglar proofing and window blinds can work beautifully together. Many people don’t know this, but Trellidor supplies blinds as well as burglar proofing. At the moment they’re offering local residents some excellent combo deals. You can order a combination of burglar proofing and window blinds from as little as R2 480/m² fully installed, excluding VAT.

TRELLIDOR Visit www.trellidor.co.za to find out more at your nearest Trellidor outlet. www.trellidor.co.za/get-a-quote

BUCKLE UP! Mind the speed

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been around for just over a year, and have grown significantly in the last 12 months. We were privileged enough to be rated in the top 3 ISPs on My broadband in our first 3 months of launching.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER Firstly, there is a difference between a Fibre Network Operator (FNO) – think Openserve, Vumatel and Metrofibre – and an ISP (internet service provider) • FNOs lay the physical infrastructure to your house and install that box on the wall – its called an ONT • SPs deliver internet via the fibre infrastructure. You’ll get a router from your ISP. • You will notice that we deliver fibre across several fibre network operators; vumatel, metrofibre, frogfoot and Openserve BEFORE YOU CAN GET FIBRE YOU NEED TO CHECK THAT YOUR ADDRESS IS FEASIBLE FOR FIBRE. • This means – is there fibre infrastructure in your area.

• On the MTS website you simply put in your physical address and we will let you know if your address is feasible for fibre internet.

• And we will tell you what network operators have laid fibre in your area.

• And what packages you can select under these operators.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU NEED TO LOOK AT WHEN YOU SELECT AN ISP • First and foremost, infrastructure is key. But luckily most of the top ISPs have similar infrastructure.

• For instance, MTS has capacity on 5 different subsea cables – which connects SA with the rest of the world – SEACOM, SAT-3, WACS are the most popular.

• You will probably recall them breaking at some point in the year and people subsequently not having any internet.

• By having multiple cables on both the western and eastern sides of SA MTS has redundancies. So, if one fails, we can run the service on other lines.

• But in our opinion what really sets an ISP apart from the other is SERVICE

HOW DO YOU TEST SERVICE? • Call the support number and see how quickly they answer the phone • Send support an email, see if the respond • On average our support response time is <within 30 to 40 seconds.> • Can you sign up online?

• How long does it take for someone from sales to get back to you – we encourage you to ask questions • After Hour support? we offer support after hours until 8.30pm weekdays as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings so as to assist users when they are at home.

OTHER THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR • How knowledgeable does the staff sound? Our engineers and support staff are highly skilled and go through rigorous training before they are allowed to even speak to a customer • Is your line unshaped?

• What does their fair usage policy look like?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • If they are very long and convoluted – ask yourself why • Do you understand them • Do they seem reasonable and fair to both parties?

ONLINE REVIEWS AND WORD OF MOUTH • Check sites like hello peter etc – are people mostly happy or mostly unhappy • Sure there will always be a proportion of unhappy people, but for the most part, are people happy or do they complain about the same thing WHY HAVE WE SEEN SUCCESS? • Trained, dedicated, happy staff • Remote work – we’d been doing it way before lock down and so we were very geared for the sudden shift in work life balance • Our infrastructure is solid and our engineers monitor our core on the hour • We don’t just offer fibre to the home, we help people work, learn online, relax, explore and connect! We treat our customers like the humans we want our service providers to treat us! Despite us being a start up ourself we helped out a number of customers over lock down with some financial relief. These were customers in the travel industry, restaurant owners, single parents. And we show up every day with that attitude. And I think that sets up apart from a lot of big ISPs who simply cant treat people like individuals.

SAY WHAT!

Free internet and a payment plan?

Sign up by 31 October and get 1 month's FREE internet access.

Also, get the option to pay off the installation and setup fees (charged by the fibre network operators) over 6 months to help with your cashflow. www.mindthespeed.co.za | 086 999 0161 |

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THE NEW TOYOTA COROLLA HATCH Official Carrier of the Afternoon Drive on 88FM

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latest Corolla Hatch has only been on the market for a year but it’s already getting a specification upgrade, with the TSA adding new features and two-tone colour options to the mix.

MOST OF THE NEW FEATURES apply to the range-topping Xr model, but Toyota has added a wireless phone charger as standard equipment across the range. The Xr gains a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, brake synchronised precrash system, blind spot monitor and lane trace assist.

The flagship model also gains Auto High Beam LED headlights.

Both the Xs and Xr models are available with the new two-tone colour options, which allow the Emotional Red, Satin Silver, Pearl White and Caribbean Blue body colours to be paired with a black roof. The latter two colours are no longer available in single-tone.

The Xr commands a R39 000 premium over the base Xs model, which is mostly due to the new safety features as well as upgraded seats with suede and leather upholstery as well as heating for the front occupants and two-way electrical operation for the driver.

However, the Xs is not short on standard kit, boasting features such as dual zone climate control, Display Audio touchscreen system with reverse camera, on-board Wi-Fi, multi-function steering wheel, seven airbags, traction control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

ALSO PART OF THE DEAL IS A SIX-SERVICE OR 90 000KM SERVICE PLAN. The 2020 Corolla Hatch is powered by the same 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine as before, which produces 85kW and 185Nm. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox (only on the base model) or a CVT with 10 pre-programmed steps.

COROLLA HATCH PRICES 1.2T 1.2T 1.2T 1.2T 1.2T 1.2T

Xs – R 361 900 Xs Bi-T – R 372 400 Xs CVT – R 373 100 Xs CVT Bi-T – R 383 600 Xr CVT – R 412 600 Xr CVT Bi-T – R 423 100

BIDVEST MCCARTHY TOYOTA BALLITO www.ballito.mccarthytoyota.co.za Tel 032 946 7800

A CUT ABOVE THE REST The Ballito Bonsai Club is Growing

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trees are often thought to have originated from Japan, but records over 2,000 years old show trees being grown in China, as part of landscapes planted in shallow containers.

AROUND 1,500 YEARS AGO TREES, many of which would have been collected from mountainous regions, were first grown as individual specimens and these can be seen clearly on ancient Chinese line drawings. Several centuries later the Japanese began growing and training trees in pots and have developed the hobby to its current level.

A common misconception about the hobby is that it is ‘cruel’, with the trees being starved to dwarf them. Nothing could be further from the truth! Bonsai trees require regular watering, feeding and repotting to keep them in optimum health and in many cases they are actually healthier than their counterparts in the wild, enjoying the same longevity. Some trees in Japan have recorded histories spanning several centuries and are often traditionally passed from generation to generation, keeping them in the same family during their long lifetime.

Root pruning is a widespread horticultural technique, used by many gardeners to produce better root systems on plants grown both in pots and in the garden, and is not just associated with bonsai training. This practice facilitates the growth of

a well-developed, compact root system with many fine, fibrous roots which are so necessary for taking up nutrients and does not restrict the overall growth.

Various branch and shoot pruning techniques are what actually dwarf the tree, in the same way as trimming a hedge keeps it from growing into a line of large trees.

The growing of bonsai, which translates literally as ‘plant in a tray’, is a wonderfully satisfying hobby that combines both horticulture and art, to create trees that are often referred to as ‘living sculptures’. It is vitally important to keep the trees healthy and in excellent condition. Pruning and shaping does, however, require a certain amount of artistic imagination to visualise the future development of the trunk and branches.

Bonsai should embody all that is so wonderful about trees that grow naturally in such a variety of shapes and sizes. Large specimen trees, ancient trees with hollow trunks, trees which have been shaped by severe weather conditions or even small forests can all be recreated in the confines of a pot. By growing trees in this way it is possible to have a mini-arboretum of beautiful small trees in your own garden or even on a balcony, whatever the size.

The timescale to create impressive bonsai is dependent upon the origin, species and general health of the tree. Trees grown from seed or cuttings will invariably

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Bonsai should embody all that is so wonderful about trees that grow naturally in such a variety of shapes and sizes. Large specimen trees, ancient trees with hollow trunks, trees which have been shaped by severe weather conditions or even small forests can all be recreated in the confines of a pot.â&#x20AC;?

take longer to create the images required than much older material, possibly collected from the wild or obtained as nursery stock, although it can be most rewarding to build a collection from a variety of different sources. However, actual age is not as important as the illusion of how old the tree appears - a well-trained bonsai may look far older that it really is.

The Ballito Bonsai Club is a welcoming environment for all local bonsai enthusiasts from beginner to experts. They get together every second last Saturday of the month at the Mica Ballito nursery hothouse.

BALLITO BONSAI CLUB Caroll Hermann 082 567 7583 carollhermann@gmail.com

NEO-NOIR Andrea Loupis

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to the cinema! The play between light and dark blurs a threshold between dreams and reality, expands the praxis of imagination and sets a traveling through a range of experience all in a confined space.

Our shoot explored this aspect of going to watch a film. The visceral experience of how a new light and new dark can create a new reality; a strangeness, a mystery and then the shock of a private experience in a public space. With the aid of theatricality of Sindiso Khumaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Afro-gothic prairie dresses, we chose to create two looks that could allude to the possibilities of the cinematic juxtaposition of light and dark.

Photography & Styling: Andrea Loupis @andrealoupis Garments: Sindiso Khumalo - Miss Celie Dress @sindisokhumalo Model: Alice Findlay @thewonderlandgazette Hair and Makeup: Kristina Verwey @verweykristina Location: The Labia Theatre @thelabia

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MOUNTAIN BIKE LINGO Dr Rosie Carey

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know your berms from your bibs? Dr Rosie Carey, trail-runner and mountain bike aficionado unpacks all the jargon you need to know before you hit the dirt.

STARTING MOUNTAIN BIKING is daunting on all sorts of levels. Not only do you have to negotiate the gear and kit, and face the challenges of single track, bridges and steep downhills, but you also need to learn a new language.

Anyone who has started mountain biking as a novice will know exactly what I mean; mountain biking has its own language. It’s like a dialect of road-riding jargon, which in itself is a whole new language. So, before we progress any further, I am going to provide you with a useful glossary of terms to get you through this series of biking articles and then hopefully comfortably onto the trails.

If you’re serious about starting mountain biking, cut this article out and stick it on your fridge, take a photo of it or keep it handy on a clutter table somewhere – anything that allows easy accessibility, because you may find yourself referring to it often: BERMS: built up embankments on a trail, usually on a corner. Riding the berm allows you to take the corner faster and keeps you flowing on the single track.

Once you’re confident on single track, start playing with testing out the berms.

Once you’ve got the hang, they are fun!

BIBS: cycling shorts that don’t have a waistband but rather have straps that go over your shoulders (imagine something like old-fashioned braces, but you wear them under your shirt, not over). The benefit of wearing a bib is that it stays nicely in position ensuring a more comfortable ride and minimising chafe. Specialized makes fantastic Hook-Up bibs which mean that you don’t have to get completely undressed for a toilet stop. (Visit specialized.com to purchase.)

BUNNY HOP: a little hop or jump that you do on your bike to clear obstacles like rocks, logs and small streams without having to stop. Not too difficult to learn and gives you loads of street cred!

CLEAT: cleats are attachments on the base of your cycling shoe that clip into special pedals. When you start riding you will probably wear normal trainers and use standard pedals, but as you progress you may want to take advantage of the benefits that riding with cleats offers, like more power on the uphills, and more control of the bike. When you are ready to make the transition, you can take your bike to your local bike shop and ask them to change your pedals and advise which are the appropriate cycling shoes and cleats to buy. Cycling shoes range from comfortable trainer-like shoes to rigid carbon shoes. If you’re going to be walking a lot, I recommend the former; if you’re racing, the latter.

CLINCHER TYRE: a normal tyre with an inner tube. When you get a puncture with a normal tyre and tube, it’s a hack to fix. I strongly suggest that you convert to tubeless tyres if you are planning on riding more than once a year. Again, your local bike shop will be able to do this conversion for you.

DRAFTING: riding directly behind someone so that they act as a windbreak for you and you can ride at the same speed using less energy.

LBS: local bike shop. Go there. Support them. The staff will get to know you and be able to offer you personal attention and service, you will be kept up to date with local knowledge about rides, routes and events and you will inevitably become part of a bigger bike family.

LUBE: lubricant to keep your chain well-oiled. You should lube your chain before every ride (run the lubricant onto your chain as you spin it around).

A lubricated chain is a happy chain. On that note, you should also clean your chain after each ride.

“ Anyone who has started mountain biking as a novice will know exactly what I mean; mountain biking has its own language. It’s like a dialect of road-riding jargon, which in itself is a whole new language. So, before we progress any further, I am going to provide you with a useful glossary of terms to get you through this series of biking articles and then hopefully comfortably onto the trails.”

QUICK RELEASE: the quick release lever allows you to remove the wheel from your bike quickly. Useful when you need to fix a flat tyre or fit your bike into your car.

SINGLE TRACK: narrow trail as opposed to jeep track, cane roads or gravel road. Single track can range from easy and flowing to very technical.

Slime: the fluid that’s used inside tubeless tyres to seal small punctures. It does need to be replaced every few months.

SWITCHBACK: a single track that switches back on itself to make an almost 180-degree turn. It’s similar to a hairpin bend. Switchbacks can be uphill or downhill.

TUBELESS: tubeless tyres are tyres that are filled with a special fluid that self-seals small punctures as you ride. Tubeless tyres save you endless stress and I advise every beginner rider that I take out to convert to tubeless. You can still get a puncture with tubeless tyres, but its far less frequent than with a standard tyre and tube.

Remember that if you would like to start mountain biking but feel too nervous to take the plunge on your own, contact Matt to learn more about the beginner groups that I take out. Anyone is welcome!

CONCEPT CYCLERY BALLITO 032 586 3681

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L&S Fa

THIS MONTH WE LOVE… Muze, at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre

“

concept is based on a few timeless key pieces, interchangeable items that work together to create a complete wardrobe. A few interesting accessories will take you from day to evening, workday to weekend and Summer to Winter.

Beautiful fabrics are our focus and we will assist you in creating that perfect look by adding a few fab accessories. Our accent is on luxury casual wear, which can be dressed up (with a bit of bling, silk scarf or fabulous jacket) or down (with a leather belt and flat, strappy sandals). It’s all about creating a stylishly desirable, yet comfortable lifestyle.

Pop in and let one of our friendly shop assistants help you put together a fabulous outfit. Should you require personal styling - call Wendy on 0832949232 to make an appointment” NOW AVAILABLE AT: Muze #staystylish Should you require personal styling: Call Wendy on 0832949232 to make an appointment” Lifestyle Centre, Ballito

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SPRINGTIME Steve Honeysett

“

after a cold few winter months Spring has arrived and it is time to get out and enjoy the change of season.

While out walking the other day I was wondering what it is that signals the change of season.

OUT ON THE BEACHES it’s the winds that start blowing in August but looking for signs of change in the bush, I noticed a certain flower that blooms at the onset of spring - the Blood Lilly which has a colourful bloom like a Protea.

The Blood Lilly is an unusual plant that shortly after it blooms it withers away - this is why I had very little success when I went back to try get a photo of one for this article.

The re appearance of animals, reptiles and insects also signifies change and one has to start to concentrate when walking as I found out when I walked into my first snake.

During winter we know that there are not too many snakes about so we tend not to pay too much attention to where we place our feet, but in Spring they start to emerge from their hiding places as I discovered when I walked straight past a Spotted Bush Snake sunning itself on the side of the road.

Noticeable is the obvious sign of the days getting longer, with sunrises and sunsets taking place earlier and later. I have always been fascinated by the way the sun moves across the horizon from its summer position in the south to its easterly position in the winter. The rains are another sign of spring’s

“During winter we know that there are not too many snakes about so we tend not to pay too much attention to where we place our feet, but in Spring they start to emerge from their hiding places as I discovered when I walked straight past a Spotted Bush Snake sunning itself on the side of the road.”

arrival. We have very little rain during the winter months when cold fronts move out to sea off Port Elizabeth tending to miss KZN. On a recent mountain bike trip in the Harberg area, we were treated to the signs of spring within the forests and witnessed lots of small grass hoppers on the track in numbers which had us stopping and carrying our bikes over them to avoid riding over them.

Bird life increases with a lot more noise going on up in the trees and another sign is the return of the Yellow Bill Kites that migrate north for the winter and then come back for spring and summer.

Who hasn’t walked into a spider web when out walking?

Also being brought to light, is the number of sightings of large cat prints around in the areas of the beach dunes and as far up as Holla Trails. Some say it’s leopard which would not surprise me, but it could well be serval or other cats.

Stay safe out there and always let someone know where you are walking just to be safe.

SEAWEED STEVE Presents the Daily Surf & Weather Report on 88FM Ballito.

REPAIR, REPAIR, REPAIR Dermagen Skin Care

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Dermagen Skin Care it hasn’t been easier...

This Luxury Skin Multi-Nutrient contains 21 ingredients.

PLEASE SEE BELOW THE CAREFULLY CHOSEN NUTRIENT PROFILE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS. 1. Bilberry Extract, strengthens the inner and outer skin layers. It improves the skin’s protective function. It also maintains skin elasticity, vibrancy and suppleness.

2. Glutathione’s antioxidant effects keep cells functioning optimally.

3. Copper, an effective skin regenerating and remodelling ingredient. It repairs damaged skin by reducing scar tissue.

4. L-Cysteine advances repair and replaces damaged skin.

5. Vitamin A resists cell damage.

6. Alpha lipoic acid replaces damaged collagen fibres invigorating the skin.

7. Beta-Carotene repairs the skin. It assists wound healing and prevents scarring.

8. Pycnogenol supports healthy skin.

9. Vitamin E strengthens the skin’s barrier function and causes outer skin layer regeneration.

10. Vitamin D3 anti-inflammatory effects stimulate reconditioning and rejuvenation of the skin.

11. Vitamin C is key to healthy connective tissue and the synthesis of collagen.

12. Zinc encourages the production of elastin, collagen and dermo-proteins. This aids the skin‘s capacity to heal.

13. Selenium induces suppleness and better skin texture. This allows the skin to retain healthy condition.

14. Manganese is required for collagen assembly in skin. It is crucial to the skin support system.

15. Resveratrol keeps the skin looking fresh and supple.

16. Grape Seed Extract improves skin suppleness resulting in a “natural face-lift”.

17. Co Enzyme Q10 and MSM stimulate collagen production 18. Collagen serves as a structural component of connective skin tissue. It is used for rejuvenation and promoting firmer skin.

Dermagen is a revolutionary concept in skin care, meticulously developed by Fusion Laboratories. Its scientific formula, which contains Glutathione, Collagen and Co Enzyme Q10, is specially designed to stimulate the body’s circulatory system while nourishing and revitalising your skin. Dermagen is specifically formulated to: • Detoxify the skin • Treat certain skin disorders • Enhance skin clarity • Improve skin tone and elasticity • Reduce visible signs of ageing One capsule taken daily activates your skin’s metabolism through the delivery of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This nutrient-rich formula provides optimal conditioning for your skin.

THE RESULT: A significantly more radiant appearance.

DERMAGEN www.fusionlabsonline.com or accredited stockists nationwide.

Retail price – R468

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Expert Advice

workshop@motolekballito.co.za Ballito Motolek, 27 Kylami Park, Ballito

PROFESSIONAL & AFFORDABLE

SANITISING AND DISINFECTING SERVICE WE ARE ALWAYS READY

AVAILABLE 24/7

We specialise in low and high-pressure cleaning around the home, from roofs and walls to windows, tiles, paving, facia boards and more. Our experienced team and their mindful approach is what makes us a leading cleaning company in the Durban and Umhlanga areas and in more recent times Gauteng too.

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES Servicing the Hospitality and Retail Sectors, we work in high traffic volume areas, both in and outdoors of your business. We offer a range of cleaning solutions for the Commercial, public facing sectors, from Window Cleaning and Building Washdowns to Deep Cleaning of Ablutions, Air Vent and Extractor Cleaning. We will complete our contracts at your premises at any hour of any day to accommodate your business practices.

INDUSTRIAL CLEANING X-treme Cleaning Solutions is well versed in degreasers and cleaning agents. We provide large-scale services for all your cleaning needs. From Warehouse Floor Cleaning, Foam degreasing, Acid Cleaning and Bund areas to heavy duty degreasing, pipe cleaning, line cleaning and more, we have capacity to take on the more Specialized Cleaning Contracts.

ress Owned by Mario Maio, ACDC Express Ballito first opened its door on 4 November, 2009. Our store is managed by Daniel Beetge and his friendly sales team who - since then have continued to service the Ballito area. One of our store's many strengths is our extensive catalogue; widely recognized as a benchmark in the electrical industry. Considered a world-class guide, it includes all the specifications, product ranges, and technical details you could possibly require in order to make the most appropriate product selections. The store's wide range of products and world-renown brands is what sets us apart within the electrical retail industry.

At ACDC Express Ballito, you'll find everything electrical under one roof!

You'll be sure to find the right tools to get the job done the first time, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that ACDC Express stocks high-quality products. We understand that you strive for excellence in the delivery of every task you undertake - be it a simple home-improvement, or a large-scale construction - and as such we do our utmost to provide products to meet your standards for quality and durability.

You'll save time at our store too since we provide a one-stop shopping solution through our supermarket-styled retail experience.

We stock a wide range of products to ensure that you'll find everything electrical under one roof.

Visit our store to browse our wide range of lighting, glands, and more.

When you buy from ACDC Express Ballito, you will be certain that your work meets all safety and industry standards, and can take pride in knowing that your tools and parts will be protected even in the harshest of environmental conditions.

We stand by the safety and reliability of our product ranges! While you're visiting us, you'll also be able to add all of your lighting installation essentials (from wiring to decorative and/or functional sockets and switches) to your shopping trolley and enjoy expert advice from a member of our highly-skilled technical and/or sales team.

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e pride ourselves on delivering superior quality customer service ...

When you step into our ACDC Express Ballito store, you're sure to be met with a warm smile, superior industry knowledge, and convenience as your search for the product you're after. We pride ourselves on delivering superior customer service, and if you're not able to find just what you're looking for, we will do our utmost to ensure that we track and supply the product as quickly as we possibly can.

ACDC Express Ballito - we put our customers first!

ACDC Building, Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito Business Park, Ballito

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danielb@acdcexpress.com www.acdcexpress.com

10 UIT 10 SKRYFBEHOEFTES A Homegrown Family Success Story

“

Wilma Greyling, owner of 10uit10 Skryfbehoeftes in Ballito.

Founded in June 2014, 10uit10 is a real family business, run by Wilma and her husband Werner, with their kids Heindrich (9) and Janika (8) all happy to be part of the busy team that makes it work.

“In 2014 we decided to start a small business and supply local schools with day-to-day stationery. But soon we realised the need for a family-orientated store where we could service a wide range of Ballito customers. Since then, we have managed to set up huge Back to School campaigns every year, where we assist lots of local schools and parents.”

On the corporate side, 10uit10 service a wide range of small and medium local businesses with their office stationery supplies, printing and laminating requirements.

“We intend to keep growing the business each year and we are so thankful for our amazing team of dedicated and hardworking staff that continues to make it possible. Thank you, Ballito, for supporting Local!”

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL IN STORE.

WE ARE OPEN

AND READY FOR BUSSINESS

10 / 10 0325861690 wilma@10uit10ballito.co.za Remember, you can find us on: Crowthorne Corner, Garlicke Drive

TEN POINTS

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Be a cheering influence.

Live sanely and gracefully, and without regret.

Three essentials for happiness: something to do, something to hope for, someone to love.

Whoever listens most usually controls the situation.

Search out the positive.

Remember what you have learned.

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.

Clear the clutter from each day.

Be the first to forgive.

Do no harm, act for the good, purify the mind.