Community Ch@ - December 2018

December 2018

CHRISTMAS

Table Decorations & Recipes

Festive Season

Health Tips

Holiday Safety Tips

The Best Christmas Cookies DIY Festive Wreath www.featzpubishing.com

Issue 31

Editor’s Message Merry s a m t s i r h C Last month my letter might have given you the impression that I am not a huge Christmas fan. That is not true. I just do not like how the retail market tries to bring Christmas to us in October already.

December has arrived and with it the excitement of Christmas! Now I am ready to whip out the tree and decorate everything in sight, even the dog’s if they would stand still long enough. Planning Christmas day with the family is probably my favourite part of the year, picking and wrapping gifts, deciding what I will do with our Christmas table and selecting the perfect meal is all very exciting. Watching everyone’s curiosity as presents slowly start appearing under the tree day after day. The month of December is without a doubt one of my favourites.

In this month’s issue, you will find ideas for your Christmas table, some of our favourite Christmas foods and a selection of stunning Christmas cookies. I hope these will help make your Christmas special.

I have a lot of baking and decorating to do, so have fun reading this month’s issue, and we will see you again in the New Year, have a blessed Festive Season.

To Advertise Call Zelda Tel: 012 348 3486 Cell: 084 041 3058 email: featzads@gmail.com www.featzpubishing.com

Merry Christmas from The FEATZ Family!

Published by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd and distributed via email. No responsibility is accepted by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All our advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources.

Reproduction of the content of this magazine is not permitted without the prior consent of the publisher.

Community Ch@ Magazine www.featzpublishing.com featzads@gmail.com Just Call: 012 348 3486 / 084 041 3058

What’s Inside...

3

10

Christmas Table Decoration Ideas

22

NSRI’s Holiday Safety Tips

28

Christmas Favourites - Recipes

32

Festive Season Health Tips

34

DIY Festive Wreath

36

Grace - part 34

38

Red Flags for possible Sexual Abuse

50

December Gardening

56

Music History

60

Beautiful Christmas Cookies

FEATZ would like to thank all our LOYAL READER and ADVERTISERS for a successful year! You make it possible for us to do what we love and for that, we are truly thankful.

We wish you all a safe and blessed festive season filled with the joy of family and close friends.

Thank you for your support!

Facts

December is known around the world as a family time of celebration honouring cultures, religions and traditions that have been with humanity for hundreds of years.

See below for a mix of the weird and wonderful facts about this magical month!

7. The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany, fashioned out of goose feathers that are dyed green!

8. Spiders and spider webs are considered good luck on Christmas.

9. Common decorations on a 1. An almanac prediction states that if Christmas tree each have their snow falls on Christmas Day, Easter specific meanings. Candles – the light will be warm, green and sunny. of the world, the Star at the top is a reminder of the first Christmas night 2. The name December comes from and Candy canes are to represent the Latin decem for “ten”, as it was the 10th month in the Roman Calendar. Shepherd’s cane.

3. The term Yuletide comes from a Norse tradition of cutting and burning a tree to bring in the Winter Solstice. This was to last through 12 days – later known as the 12 days of Christmas.

4. December 12th is Poinsettia Day. 5. Saint Nickolas, who would eventually be called Santa Claus, was originally the patron saint of children, thieves and pawnbrokers!

6. December 28th is considered by some to be the unluckiest day of the year.

Community Ch@ Magazine

10. “Jingle bells” was composed in 1857, and not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!

11. In 1647 Oliver Cromwell, English Puritan leader, banned the festivities of Christmas for being seen as immoral on such a holy day. Anyone who was seen celebrating was arrested! The ban was lifted in 1660.

12. An ancient legend states that forest animals can speak in human language on Christmas Eve!

These wrinkly-faced dogs have an adorably rich history. Here are some essential facts for any pug fanatic.

Community Ch@ Magazine

7

Because the pug lineage stretches so far back, their early history is a little murky. Most believe that the breed originated in China and existed before 400 BCE and was called (or at least closely related to a breed called) “lo-sze.”

Buddhist monks kept the dogs as pets in Tibetan monasteries.

THEY’RE AN ANCIENT BREED.

Emperors of China pugs as THEY WERE kept lapdogs and treated TREATED LIKE them to all the luxuries of royal ROYALTY. life. Sometimes the pampered pooches were given their own mini palaces and guards.

In Holland, the pug is called a mopshond, which comes from the Dutch for “to grumble.”

A GROUP OF PUGS IS CALLED A GRUMBLE

THE BREED PROBABLY GETS ITS NAME FROM A MONKEY.

Marmosets were kept as pets in the early 18th century and were called pugs.

The name made the jump to the dog because the two animals shared similar facial features.

In 1572, the Dutch were in the midst of the Eighty Years’ War, a protracted struggle against

THE PUG IS THE OFFICIAL BREED OF THE HOUSE OF ORANGE.

the Spanish. The Prince of Orange, William the Silent, led the Dutch forces into battle. According to Dutch legend, while the prince was sleeping in his tent one night, Spanish assassins lurked just outside.

Luckily, William’s pug, Pompey, was there to bark wildly and jump on his owner’s face. The Prince woke up and had his would-be assassins apprehended. Because of this, the pug was considered the official dog of the House of Orange. The effigy of Prince William I above his tomb also features Pompey at his feet (although weirdly, that dog doesn’t have a flat face, leading some to believe that it was a different breed).

Later, when Prince William III came to England to rule with his wife Mary II, he brought his pugs, who wore little orange ribbons to their master’s 1689 coronation.

Pugs are known for their curly tails that curve up towards their bodies.

According to the AKC, “the double curl is perfection.”

THE PERFECT PUG TAIL HAS TWO CURLS.

In 2009, Chester Ludlow the pug received THERE’S A an online PUG WITH AN graduate degree from Rochville MBA. University. He submitted his resume to the website and paid around $500 for entry. A week later, he received his grades, degree, and a school window decal in

the mail. Although he never attended a class, he received a 3.19 and he got an A in Finance. Chester may have been the first pug to get his degree.

It’s too bad Rochville University isn’t accredited. The whole thing was a stunt pulled by a website called GetEducated.com. The website reviews online colleges to protect students from being duped by diploma mill fraud. So while Chester the pug has a diploma, you won’t see him getting a job very soon (unless that job is acting in cute commercials).

Around 1740, Roman Catholics formed THERE WAS a secret fraternal group called the A SECRET of the ORGANIZATION Order Pug. The Pope NAMED AFTER forbade Catholics from joining the THE DOG. Freemasons, so this group formed as a replacement. They chose the pug as their symbol because the dogs were loyal and trustworthy. The Grand Master was a man, but each division of the group had two “Big Pugs” that were always one male and one female.

To join, members were expected to prove their devotion by kissing the rear of the Grand Pug under his tail (luckily, the Grand Pug was porcelain). Other wacky habits included wearing dog collars, scratching at the lodge door for entry, and barking loudly.

Napoleon’s wife Josephine had a pug named JOSEPHINE pet Fortuné that she BONAPARTE’S loved so much that she refused PUG DIDN’T to let the dog MESS sleep anywhere but in her bed.

AROUND. It’s rumoured that when Napoleon entered the bed with his new wife for the first time, her pug bit him on the leg.

Long before Queen THEY’VE Elizabeth II met her first corgi, Queen GOT ROYAL Victoria was the top British dog CONNECTIONS fancier, and she IN THE UK, loved pugs.

Victoria was such TOO. a dog lover that she also banned the practice of cropping ears, enabling pug owners to enjoy their pups’ velvety ears in all their glory.

Pugs are brachycephalic, THEIR meaning their are SHORT NOSES noses pushed in more CAUSE SOME than other dogs. While TROUBLE. cute, these smushed faces can lead to some breathing problems.

Their facial structure makes it difficult to take long and deep breaths, which is why you might hear a pug snuffling while running around.

The dogs are still very energetic, but they might not be the best swimmers and may have trouble on aeroplanes.

This outcome probably wasn’t the result anyone was expecting from the freemason ban, so this new, stranger Pugs are excellent pets because group got banned in of their adaptable personality. several regions until Whether you like to stay at ultimately fizzling PUGS ARE home or enjoy the outdoors, out. Probably due little dogs will be up MADE TO BE the to a lack of people for anything. Bred to be willing to kiss a pug’s COMPANIONS. companions, their favourite posterior. place is right by your side.

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Please give me a....

New Home for the

Holidays

0861 938 667 wetnose@absamail.com.za www.wetnose.org.za

Christmas Table Decorations for the Merriest Holiday Dinner This year your dining room will rival the North Pole. No matter what’s on the menu, a holiday table deserves a special touch. Add sparkle to your place settings with these festive centrepiece, tablecloth, and accent ideas

Golden Touches If you’re tired of your table linens, check your closet. We used a scarf as a runner here and mixed pink with gold accents. Painted gold, broken terracotta pots get a new life as name cards.

Chalkboard Tablecloth Using black paper as your base, write the names of guests above the plates with a white paint pen. DIY napkin rings by stringing cranberries on a thin wire and tying it into a circle with a sprig of eucalyptus

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Felt Tree-Topped Hurricanes Transform your table into an enchanted pine forest. Just cut out fir shapes from felt and hot-glue them onto candle holders filled with faux snow.

Icy Details Try a frosty blue and silver colour palette instead of the usual red and green. Guide your guests to their places by tying labelled tags onto glass ornaments.

Casual Stripes Short on linens? Cute tea towels can sub in for placemats and napkins, and they›ll get plenty of use after the big day.

Fancy Plates Break out the fine china, or put one gilded salad plate atop an everyday set to make each place setting feel special. A runner of greenery and blooms is a lowprofile floral option that’s easy for guests to chat over.

Woodsy Centrepiece This five-minute centrepiece is as easy as filling a glass container with unshelled nuts, faux cranberries, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and dried citrus.

Cantered on a polished wood slice, the table’s good to go.

Snowflake Napkin Rings On top of a knit tablecloth, holiday favourites like pine cones and flowers look a little less traditional.

Top off each place setting with a DIY snowflake napkin ring.

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Personalized Place Settings A bit of greenery is all your neutral linens need. After making name cards with cut cardboard, secure the tags to a circle of leaves welcoming each guest.

Edible Name Card Holders Thanks to a pearl-topped pin, ripe pears serve as edible name-card holders.

Pears also appear, with greenery and tiny ornaments, in a DIY-on-a-dime centrepiece.

Fancy Fruit Faux grapes, limes, and pears dusted with glitter look plucked from Jack Frost’s icy orchard — and will last for years. (To craft, coat fruit with spray adhesive and roll in a mixture of three parts white glitter to one-part silver glitter.

Nutty Candles Heaped with walnuts, cranberries, and kumquats, a cylinder vase displays festive flavours. Place a tall (8- to 12-inch) pillar candle and holder inside the vase; surround with fruits and nuts.

Repurposed Wine Bottles Empty bottles become holiday-ready candleholders with some silvery wrapping paper and lush green ribbons.

Napkin Trees Napkins folded into triangle “trees” with name card “trunks” made from scrap paper will help each person find his or her spot.

Candlelit Centrepiece Sophisticated yet stress-free, this candlelit centrepiece will last until you ring in the New Year. Just place several snowy tapers in short candlesticks in the center of a storebought boxwood wreath.

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Crimson Textures Custom linens don’t get simpler than this.

Snip and sew red ticking fabric, matching the stripes to cheery chargers and crimson berries.

Cranberry Pinecones Here’s a fast, festive way to spruce up some evergreen seeds: Lightly spray-paint half the cones in cheery cranberry, the rest in shimmery silver; display in a clear glass bowl. Or to make a pop art-y piece, coat cones completely in a bright lime or gold.

Contemporary Trees These miniature trees will add contemporary Christmas cheer to your collection of traditional decorations.

Festive Fruit In ancient Greece, pomegranates were consumed on holy days. If the red fruit doesn’t make it onto your Christmas menu, this table runner should keep the tradition alive.

Plates Wrapped in a Bow Here’s a simple yet stunning way to dress up your dining room for sit-down gatherings. It couldn’t be quicker — just wrap each place setting with a length of wide, pretty ribbon.

Extra Glitz If there’s no more room on the tree, pour ornaments and tinsel in a clear vase. The glittery contents will bounce candlelight all around the room.

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White Rumped Swift Witkruiswindswael

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The White-rumped Swift is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Apodidae bird family group which includes birds such as Typical Swifts.

The White-rumped Swift has a height of 14 centimetres and weighs around 24 grams. The head and bill is coloured black. The White-rumped Swift has a white coloured throat, brown legs and a black coloured back. The eyes are brown.

The White-rumped Swift attacks its prey aerially and feeds on wing or takes the prey to a secluded venue where it is killed, torn into small pieces and eaten. This bird eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. These invertebrates are usually hawked aerially, killed and then eaten.

The White-rumped Swift is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 1 to 5 eggs and they are coloured white.

The nest is built high up in the tree canopy and is protected from predators by branches and the dense green foliage. The bird is mainly found in the Savanna grasslands where it breeds and feeds.

The White-rumped Swift is very common in most of the Southern African Forests and is usually seen in small family groups or in large flocks.

NSRI’s safety tips for the Summer holidays

If the some can b provid There sign w Buoy. emer Sea R the si

If any to ent Rescu for th casua

Have of an

M emer your cell phone in any emerg •

Our rule number one, for a safe experience at the beach, is to choose a beach that has Lifeguards on duty and to swim between their flags.

•

That way you don’t need to worry about rip currents, or suddenly getting out of your depth. Putting an arm in the air and waving for help will get a rapid response from the Lifeguards on duty. Unfortunately, for various reasons, people regularly swim where there are no Lifeguards on duty. This may be on a beach after the Lifeguard’s duty has finished or at a beach that does not have Lifeguards.

This is when things can go wrong.

In a typical scenario Sea Rescue gets an emergency call for a swimmer in difficulty and, when we get there, we find two or more people in danger of drowning.

Tragically, sometimes we are not able to get there in time and someone drowns. Usually the person who does not survive is the kind person who went into the water to try and help a person in difficulty.

• •

•

•

Put the local Sea Rescu (or you can Google Sea NSRI station emergency

Check the wind, weathe

Tell someone where yo are due back, make sur

When climbing on rocks - never ever turn your b strongly advise rock an know when spring high

If you are paddling or o always use NSRI’s free nsri.org.za/safetrx

Because this happens so frequently, Sea Rescue launched Here are some safety tips to b our Pink Rescue Buoy project in November 2017. These

bright Pink Rescue Buoys are hung on strategically placed 1. Swim at beaches where signs and we hope that they will remind people to take care when entering water – and not to swim if Lifeguards are on duty. are not on duty.

ere is an incident and eone needs help these buoys be thrown to that person, ding emergency flotation. e are clear graphics on the which explain how to use the y. And most importantly, the rgency number for the closest Rescue station is printed on ign.

yone decides, against advice, ter the water the Pink ue Buoy provides flotation hat person as well as for the alty.

e a plan in place in the event emergency to prevent panic:

Lifeguards are on duty at selected beaches between 10am and 6pm on weekends and during the week in summer school holidays. Listen to their advice and talk to them about safety on the beach that you are visiting. They are the experts on that beach. If lifeguards are not on duty do not swim.

2. Swim between the lifeguard’s flags.

Teach children that if they swim between the lifeguards flags the lifeguards will be watching them and can help if there is a problem. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.

3. Don’t Drink and Drown

Alcohol and water do not mix. Never drink alcohol Make sure you have and then go to swim. rgency numbers saved in cell phone. Dial 112 from any gency.

ue number in your phone too a Rescue to find the closest y number)

er and tides.

ou are going and when you re they know your route.

s or fishing from rocks back on the sea and we nglers to wear a lifejacket and h tide is.

on a boat download and e SafeTrx app - http://www.

bear in mind this summer:

e and when lifeguards

4. Don’t swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.

If you are with a buddy while swimming there is someone who can call for help if you need it and you can’t wave to the lifeguards or call for help yourself.

5. Adult supervision and barriers to water are vital.

Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. This is vital if it is at a water body that does not have lifeguards on duty. It is extremely dangerous to get into the water to rescue someone so rather throw something that floats to the person in difficulty and call for help (112 from a cell phone and check for the nearest Sea Rescue station telephone number before you visit a beach – put that number into your cell phone). Children should not be able to get through or over barriers such as pool fences to water.

6. Know how to survive rip currents.

If you swim between the lifeguard flags they will make sure that you are safe and well away from rip currents. If for some reason this is not possible do not swim. Educate yourself about rip currents, there is plenty of educational material here http://www.nsri.org. za/2017/01/beware-of-rip-currents/ including videos of what rip currents look like.

7. Don’t attempt a rescue yourself.

Call a lifeguard or the NSRI by dialling 112 from your cell phone for help. If you see someone in difficulty call a lifeguard at once or dial the nearest Sea Rescue station from your cell phone. You should put this number into your phone before you go to the beach – get the emergency numbers for NSRI here http://www.nsri.org.za/ emergency-numbers/ or you can Google for the closest NSRI station emergency number. 112 is a good emergency number – for any emergency – to dial from your cell phone. After calling for help try and throw something that floats to the person in difficulty. A ball, a foam board and so on.

8. Do not let children use floating objects, toys or tire tubes at the beach or on dams.

9. Do not be distracted by your cell phone or social media.

While you are looking after children in or near water you need to focus on them and nothing else. Adults who are supervising children should not be distracted or use their cell phone. It is not possible to concentrate on children in the water and be on your phone at the same time.

10.

Visit a beach that has lifeguards on duty – there is a reason that we have repeated this!

Please remember that drowning is completely silent. Someone who is drowning will not shout for help. They will be vertical in the water (like they are trying to stand or climb stairs) and they will then silently slip under the water. Listening for children (or adults) in difficulty in the water is not good enough, you must be watching them very carefully. Make sure that they are not getting in too deep or being moved by currents away from a safe area.

Also, be aware of storing water without safe covers and make sure that they are behind barriers to small children.

Especially children under 4 years of age.

A small child does not have the strength to lift themselves out of a bucket of water and if they fall into a bucket they will drown. At home make sure that your pool has a child safe pool cover or net and an approved fence that has a double locking gate and can’t be climbed by small children.

You can very quickly get blown away from the shore and as much fun as tubes and Styrofoam are it is easy to fall off them. If a child can’t swim and falls “ENJOY WATER, PLAY SAFE” off in deep water they will drown.

27

Blue Kunibush / Bloukoeniebos Searsia glauca

Searsia glauca is a sprawling, wind resistant shrub or small tree, that is perfect in harsh coastal conditions, with berries that attract pollinators and birds.

This is an evergreen, densely branched shrub 2–3 m tall, sometimes a small, multi-stemmed tree up to 4 m tall, with branches that are characteristically angular.

Older branches have rough pale grey bark that is slightly fissured, becoming gnarled with age. Stems and branches of this genus have prominent lenticels.

Compound leaves are borne on slender stalks, characteristically consist of three sessile leaflets (trifoliate), with the terminal one being the largest, are scattered or clustered on young reddish branchlets; tips of leaflets are often slightly indented. Leaf colour is glossy green when young, with a resinous coating that dries to leave a grey powdery layer on older leaves, giving them a distinctive bluish hue.

the axils of the leaves (female) or at the end of the branches (male) clusters. The flowers are followed by small, spherical drupe berries (3 mm diameter), green ripening to reddish chestnut-brown in the late summer, and drying to black, through to autumn.

Searsia glauca is commonly found along the coastline of southern Africa. Although most common near the coast occurring on coastal dunes, bush and along watercourses, it is also found inland among fynbos vegetation.

Searsia glauca plays an important role as a pioneer species in the ecological cycle of plant succession, as it is able to establish itself under harsh environmental conditions, such as drought, salt spray and high wind.

Leaves of Searsia species have a resinous smell when crushed.

Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers, and birds eat the ripe berries. A wide variety of butterflies breed on various Searsia species.

As this shrub is common on dunes, There are separate male and female Jackass penguins are often found plants, a phenomenon which is referred to as dioecious, with densely nesting underneath it. It is also the favoured host delicate pyramidal sprays (panicles) of butterfly of flowers up to 50 mm long in larvae. late winter, through spring to early summer. The flowers are minuscule, greenish white or pale yellow, in

Favoutite Christmas Recipes There are so many delicious recipes to choose from when you are setting your Christmas Menu, we have put together a few of our favourites to help you with your selection.

You will find the complete recipes on our website in an easy to print format.

Marmalade glazed roast duck

Tas

Mak to t add hea

Pickled red cabbage with walnuts & apple

Serve this festive pickled red cabbage with cold cuts and sausage rolls on Boxing Day and beyond. It also makes a fantastic side dish for Christmas Day

Try roast duck as an easy alternative to the usual turkey dinner on Christmas Day. A sticky Seville orange and marmalade glaze makes it even more festive

Roast lamb stuffed with apricot & mint Take roast lamb to another level with a flavourful apricot and mint stuffing.

Great for a Sunday roast, or as an alternative to turkey at Christmas

Roast turkey breast wrapped in bacon Wrap turkey breast, sausagemeat and cranberry sauce in streaky bacon to make an all-inone main course that’s guaranteed to impress your Christmas dinner guests

Ginger & orange-gl baby ca

Pan-fry baby carrots w zesty orange, ginger and h sauce until golden and for a festive and flavourfu vegetable

B &

S p m c d

sty make-ahead gravy

Boxing Day soup

ke the base for this gravy up two days ahead, then simply d your roasted meat juices and at before serving

Use up your leftover Christmas Day vegetables in this comforting winter soup

e e

d d n t e y

Perfect roast potatoes A foolproof recipe for roasties that come out perfect every time

lazed arrots

with a honey sticky ul root e side

Braised chestnuts, apples & Brussels sprouts

Spruce up your sprouts with pan-fried apples and sweet, melting chestnuts to give this classic Christmas side dish a delicious French twist

Black Forest trifle This indulgent trifle won’t keep you in the kitchen for long but will impress guests at your next get-together

Easy raspberry & ginger trifle cheesecake This show-stopping cheesecake makes an impressive ending to any dinner party, buffet or barbecue. Prepare up to a day in advance.

All-the-trimmings traybake Enjoy the best of Christmas in a traybake. A perfect Boxing Day feast for using up leftovers like potatoes, parsnips, carrots, sprouts and pigs-in-blankets

Sloe gin cranberry sauce No festive meal is complete without cranberry sauce. Try this version, which includes sloe gin for a modern twist on the classic Christmas relish

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPES

Festive Season Tips:

by Yolande Pretorius

How do I keep healt

We all know the story: Spring arrives and we all focus a little bit more on our health and getting “summer ready” for summer holidays and festivities. You’re prepping your meals, you’re sweating it out, you’re drinking green tea by the gallon, and you feel great.

Come December month and your long awaited beach holiday; everything goes down the drain. Between social and family commitments, eating out, disrupting your routine, and finding a million things more enjoyable than hitting the gym, it can be an absolute mess sticking to your healthy intentions.

People are choosing to replace their usual social events with healthy bonding sessions. Obviously, we’re not telling you never to go out and relax, but there are options for socializing that don’t involve food and alcohol. Going for a hike with your girlfriends or family can be a great way to get your exercise and visiting in at once. This will also help to keep you accountable, so you’re less likely to bail on a workout.

3. Be adaptable and do your research when it comes to food

When you’re eating at a restaurant, it can be easy to feel unsure about what you should be eating. You’d planned a meal of To help you stick to your goals and stay lean protein and veg, but nothing on the focused, here are some tips for getting menu looks like what you’d make at home. through the Festive Season as healthfully While it’s good to have a general idea of as possible: what you’d like to be doing diet wise, you need to learn the basics of nutrition so 1. Plan your workouts that you can make an informed decision Sticking to an exercise regime is making about what to order when eating out. For a serious commitment to yourself, and to example, knowing that salad dressing your body. You need to treat your workouts contains way more sugar and fat than you like appointments, at least until it becomes were planning on ingesting, means you’ll an absolute habit. Schedule your workout know to order a salad with dressing on times, and stick to them. Plan ahead and the side. Similarly, the different ways of be realistic. If you know you’re going to preparing proteins (frying, grilling, etc.) have a late night, don’t plan a workout for can greatly influence their caloric content 5am the next day. Rather try to find an and their healthy-factor. It also helps to afternoon class that you can attend. have an idea of what is on the menu at a restaurant before you go. Usually you’ll be 2. Invite someone to workout with you able to find an online menu.

Fit nights out and Saturday morning yoga classes are becoming all the more popular.

Community Ch@ Magazine

thy over the Festive Season?

4. Drink tons of water

6. Eat breakfast

We all know hydration is essential. Try to keep a bottle on hand over the weekend, and where possible order water instead of alcoholic drinks/cool drinks. This will help keep your healthy eating on track. There is also a ton of research that shows thirst plays a major role in over-indulgence.

Try to start each day off right, with a healthy breakfast. If you’re meeting friends for brunch, try to have a snack before you go to avoid over-indulging later.

5. Get enough sleep Keeping a regular sleep schedule will help you to stick to your workouts and your healthy-eating routine. Messing with your circadian rhythm can also have a negative impact on your health. Too little sleep can actually promote the release of cortisol which could contribute to overeating and fat storage.

Routine is a big factor when it comes to any healthy eating and exercising plan.

In the beginning it can feel like a chore, and it can feel as though it’s disrupting your social life and taking too much effort.

However, with enough time, it will become a habit and you’ll find your groove. Keep as consistent as possible and your hard work will stay rather than disappear by the end of the holidays!

DIY Festive Wreath

35

There’s nothing like the holidays! Festive food, houses brimming with family and friends and just the most wonderful time of year. This year, we get into the festive spirit by making our very own wreath.

What you will need: - 15-inch florist foam (38cm) ring - Carissa Macrocarpa/bay leaf tree branches (preferably with flowers and berries) - Filled watering can to soak the foam - Ribbon - Hook - Red bow - Pretty pins

Let’s get started! ● You can either soak the florist’s foam in some pool water, or other water which you’ve saved, or use a watering can to soak it in (always remembering to be water wise!) ● Get some newspaper and put it on a surface you don’t mind getting a little wet. ● Then, very carefully, start inserting the plant twigs and thorns into the foam, perpendicular to the foam, and work your way around the ring, filling in any gaps with twigs. If twigs are a little unruly or long, simply cut them to the size and/or shape you’d like.

● Once all or most of the foam is covered with greenery, it’s time to add some festive red. Use the pretty pins to attach the bow to the wreath. ● Cut a length of ribbon and tie it around the top of the wreath, and knot it so that the hook will go through and hang nicely. ● And voila! Hang your wreath up at the entrance to your house to welcome visitors ● Spritz the leaves and foam every few days to keep your wreath lush and lovely.

For more information on bringing Life to your Garden, visit our website www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lifeisagardensa.

By Johan Jordaan

from self-p failure. The ‘Gospel of

The road ahead In many houses there used to hang a picture of a wide road and a narrow road with many people on the wide road that apparently leads to hell and few on the narrow road that leads to heaven; beautifully depicted in vivid colours. Now I am not about to trash the painting, but I want to point out that there is a third road. It has only a trickle of people on it, so that it does not even show up on the picture. The narrow road in the picture is actually also a wide road; the highway of religiosity.

If you are anything like I was then you are pedalling your bicycle on this highway – going to church, reading a bit every morning and shooting off a quick prayer before getting involved in the chores of the day. This road however goes nowhere significantly and it’s a lot of effort. You pedal hard, and it looks like everybody else is doing the same; so it must be right. This road is full of self-loathing, failure, trying to do better, promising to do better, re-dedicating yourself, condemnation, confessing your ‘multitude of sins’ but never making any significant headway. This road is, let’s be honest, no fun. There’s no life there. It’s a ritual. It’s trying to keep on the right side of God. But the journey on this road is not a satisfactory one.

It’s a frustration from beginning to end. Actually, in many ways it’s worse than the wide road. At least there is some fun there. But this one is oh so serious.

This off-ra a road that winding up does it thro you to go b you what y you. This r It’s knowin being le Part 34 It’s Jesus to li living the d of Jesus H divine nature (which is inside

But it is also a long road. Firs programmed. Even for the mo take a long time. And this hap minds with the right diet of gr allow the Spirit to reveal Jesu can the re-programming begin work of the Holy Spirit. So alt it’s not hard work. It might inv faith. When it doesn’t look like to keep on believing that God renewing our minds.

What do we do? We rest. (He to enter into that rest, lest an example of unbelief. (Webste road. We rest and let God do We do not run ahead and star might seem like the right thing vine we bear fruit; but what d certainly do not produce the f

When the Lord has done enou slowly start giving us tasks to His voice and a personal intim develops, He gives us more re we accomplish more than wh But ultimately we accomplish There are off-ramps from this path. But which should we does it. We are only the instru take? Most lead back to the ‘Highway to Hell’. There is one just grateful for the privilege o however that leads to life, one that is fun, joy, life, victory to bear fruit. (See John 15 – and that leads to friendship with God. One that is free

pedalling, condemnation and e name of this off-ramp is Grace’.

amp leads to the third road, t might be rocky but ever p. But we don’t pedal, God rough us. This road stretches beyond yourself, finds in you did not know you had in road is freedom, being you. ng that you are in God’s will. ed by the Spirit. It’s allowing ive His life through you. It’s divine life; eating and drinking Himself; partaking of the e of you).

Is this not a much better road? It’s uphill, but not a battle; it’s God Himself taking us higher and higher. It’s not by our own effort – you’ve exchanged your bicycle for a motorcycle without even realising it! I’m done with the super-highway of religiosity and legalism. I want to travel this road. I want to partake of the divine nature. I want to live by the newness of the Spirit not the oldness of the letter. I want to reign. I want to live from my position in heavenly places, seated with Jesus. As a son I want to live from a relationship with my Daddy.

We’ve come to the end of this series and I hope that I managed to show you that it’s not about what you can do for God, but rather what He has done and still wants to do for you. It’s not about behaviour but about faith. It’s not about ‘dos and donts’ but about ‘who you are’. It’s not about achieving for God but rather knowing God. It’s not about being the best servant I can be but about being a son, an heir. When we travel life’s journey on the ‘works’ road it can be very frustrating, while there is a better road; a road that is rewarding and that leads to growth and victory. A road where our Daddy and Jesus through the Holy Spirit guides you all the way. A road where you are never alone.

st we have to be deost open-minded, that can ppens when we feed our race messages; when we us to us. Then and only then n. Fortunately this is also the though it takes a long time, volve a lot of patience and I trust that you have come to see our Daddy as good, e much is happening, we have loving, kind and hopelessly in love with you – yes YOU. He is at work, transforming us, has good plans for you – He even wants to give you His Kingdom! Believe it.

eb 4:11 Let us labor therefore Grace to you. ny man fall after the same er)) That’s the beauty of this His work in and through us. rt working, even though it g to do. Like the branch in the do we do to bear the fruit? We fruit.

ugh of His work in us, He will o do. As we grow in hearing mate relationship with Him esponsibility until eventually hat we could ever imagine. h nothing. It’s the Lord who uments, never claiming glory; of being involved, being able The vine).

Write to me, engage me and I will try to answer any questions that you might have. Email: featzmags@gmail.com Subject: GRACE

disclo are af not be the re angry child w respo abuse

Many that p battle unres due to sexua projec and pa childr cope with their ow gain control over experience. Due t trauma they tend child in the victim possible threateni arises, resulting in abuse of the child

Red flags for possible sexual abuse Written by: Yolandi Singleton, Supervisor: Assessment & Therapy Unit

on the challenges women and children face in South Africa. Let us all be aware of the warning Sexual abuse is probably the signs and try to do our bit to type of abuse that upsets the change this ill in our society. As a society the most. As adults we child protection Organisation, our are extremely aware that it causes focus is on children during this physical, psychological, social and campaign. emotional damage to a child when Children mostly display being sexually abused - not to problematic behaviour to show the mention the other challenges the world what they are experiencing, same child might be facing at the without verbally expressing it. same time.

When it comes to sexual abuse, As we embark on the national children will often subtly make campaign of 16 days against disclosures in order to test the violence against women and reaction of the receiver. All too children, it is time to again focus often children do not want to

The signs and sym children who have emotionally or ph are more or less t therefore challeng what type of abus exposed to by me behaviour. The fo

ose abuse as they fraid they will e believed or that eceiver will be y or think that the was in some way onsible for the e.

times we find parents who their own solved issues o childhood al abuse often ct their hurt ain onto their ren as a way to wn trauma or to their personal to their own to place their m seat when any ing situation n the sexual d.

signs can however be reasons for concern when considering the possibility of sexual abuse: • Excessive masturbation, still continuing even after boundaries were set to the child; • When a child wants to sexually engage with another child by attempting to enforce penetration of the genitals or any form of object; • Encopresis (soiling in pants) or enuresis (bedwetting) – please note there could also be medical reasons for these occurrences;

the child or someone else in a position to get hurt: • When the child’s main focus during play is to engage on a sexual level; or • Sudden change in behaviour such as sleeping and eating patterns (consider that these symptoms are also present when children have been physically or emotionally abused or face other challenges such as loss, divorce or bullying).

What to do when a child made a sexual abuse disclosure

• When a child makes a disclosure • Children do not verbally and thereafter recant (withdraw communicate like adults and find it their statement); difficult to express the experience.

It is important to stay calm and • Expressing strange and overly find help. Do not overreact. It anxious comments about a causes more harm. specific person; • Do not interrogate the child.

• Infection in the genitals (consider that some genital • If a child displays inappropriate infections might be due to medical sexual behaviour, explore it in a mptoms of reasons); non-leading way such as: “I am e been sexually, wondering where you learned to • Age inappropriate sexual hysically abused do… or tell me more…”. behaviour (the child displays the same. It is • Refrain from asking the child at ging to determine sexual behaviour when not first who is responsible for the se the child was supposing to have such knowledge); sexual abuse. Remember that the erely looking at identity of that person can be very ollowing warning • When the sexual behaviour put

threatening.

sexual abuse is a very brave step, but a difficult step at the same time. Children • Do not say anything negative about must be free to experience life in a the alleged abuser (this will scare the non-threatening way. At times they can child and cause possible withdraw. engage in innocent sexual play without Remember, perpetrators are threatening having the intention to receive sexual and manipulative). gratification, but merely to explore body • Do not make empty promises, such as parts, which is an interesting time in the “you will never see that person again”. life of a youngster. Treat them gently • If you are not trained to explore abuse and assure them of your support and by means of forensic interviewing, limit understanding. your questions regarding the abuse and If you suspect sexual or other abuse, the alleged perpetrator. Avoid questions please contact us on 012-343 9392. that leads the child to a specific answer Child Welfare Tshwane – serving the you want such as “did uncle X touch community of Tshwane with pride your pee-pee?” Resist the temptation to since 1918. gather all the information. Leave it to the professionals to explore properly.

• Let the child know that you believe him/her and that you are proud of them for telling you something you know makes them uncomfortable. Assure the child that you do not blame them and are not angry and that it is not their fault.

Remember that for a child to disclose

CYMRIC

Community Ch@ Magazine

43

With a Cymric around the house, you’ve got a “watchcat” who reacts rapidly and will growl threateningly or maybe even go on the attack at the sight or sound of anything out of the ordinary.

Life Span:8 to 14 years This is a medium-size cat who weighs 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms and feels surprisingly heavy when lifted.

These cats originated as mousers, and whether shorthaired or longhaired they retain their fine hunting skills and alert nature. With a Cymric around the house, you don’t need a watchdog; you’ve got a “watchcat” who reacts rapidly and will growl threateningly or maybe even go on the attack at the sight or sound of anything out of the ordinary. If he sees that you aren’t alarmed, he’ll settle back down.

When he’s not protecting his family and property from mice, stray dogs, or other threats, however, the Cymric is a mellow fellow: an even-tempered and affectionate cat who enjoys serene surroundings. That’s not to say he is inactive. This is a happy, playful cat who likes to follow his favourite

person through the house and assist with whatever he or she is doing. When you are ready to relax, though, the Cymric will be on your lap, ready for a comfy nap. If no lap is available, he’ll curl up on the nearest available spot that allows him to keep an eye on you. He “speaks” in a quiet trill and will carry on a conversation if you talk to him.

The Cymric has an adaptable nature if he is exposed to activity and plenty of people as a young kitten. He will enjoy meeting new people, greeting them with a gentle head butt or cheek rub, and can adapt to a new home or family if such an upheaval in his life is necessary.

This is a smart cat who can learn tricks, including fetch and come, and is willing to walk on a leash if taught early. He often likes to ride in the car, making him a great companion on longdistance trips.

He is also

good at learning how to open doors, so be sure anything you don’t want him to have is under lock and key. Unlike most cats, the Cymric is willing to accept boundaries and will usually respect your wishes if you tell him no when he jumps on the counter or scratches on your sofa. Just be sure you give him an acceptable alternative as thanks for his nice behaviour.

The Cymric is highly people-oriented. Choose him only if you can give him plenty of time and attention daily.

The Cymric is known for his lack of a tail, but not every Cymric is completely tailless. Some, known as “longies,” have a normallength tail, and others, known as “stumpies,” have short tails. A Cymric with no tail is called a “rumpy” and one with just a rise of bone

CYMRIC

at the end of the spine is known as a “riser.” You will see only rumpies and risers in the show ring, but cats with tails can be used in Cymric breeding programs.

calicos. Chocolate and lavender colours and the pointed Himalayan pattern are not permitted. The coat gradually lengthens from the shoulders, and the fur on the neck ruff, upper rear legs (known as breeches) and the belly is usually A Cymric has other distinguishing characteristics as well, including a longer than that on the rest of the round head with large round eyes, body. The neck ruff goes around a stout, powerful body with a broad the shoulders and forms what chest, short back and broad, round looks like a bib on the chest. Many rear end, short front legs and long Cymrics have tufts of fur on the toes and ears as well. Because hind legs with muscular thighs. of the long hair, especially over The long rear legs give him the appearance of a rabbit and may be the rear, the Cymric sometimes looks longer than the Manx, but it’s the source of the “cabbit” myth. merely an optical illusion.

The Cymric has a long, soft, silky double coat that comes in many different colours, including various solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells and

Community Ch@ Magazine

The Cymric matures slowly and may not reach his full size until he is five years old.

Best known for his tragicom character “The Little Tramp Charlie Chaplin revolutioniz cinema, both during the sile and the talkies. Almost a ce later, The Gold Rush, Moder Times, The Kid, and The Gre Dictator are still considered essential cinematic works. writing, producing, directin acting, and scoring of his o received just as much atten as his controversial person The London-born Chaplin h penchant for marrying teen women and ended up fathe children. Though his outspo political views would event force him out of America fo in 1952, Chaplin’s Hollywoo legacy still burns brightly. H are 10 facts about the legen filmmaker, who was born i

1. HE COLLABORATED WITH FEMALE FILMMAKER (WHIC A RARITY IN THOSE DAYS)

10 Enduring Facts About

Charlie Chaplin Community Ch@ Magazine

Mabel Normand was a silen film actress as well as a w producer, and director—wh unusual for the mid-1900s. starred in 12 films with Cha Chaplin, including 1914’s Ma Strange Predicament, whic marked the onscreen debut Chaplin’s The Tramp charac (though Mabel’s Strange Predicament was filmed fir technically was his first Tra appearance, it was released days after Kid Auto Races a Venice, the actual film debu the character). She also dir Chaplin in 1914’s Caught in Cabaret and the pair co-dire and starred in Her Friend th Bandit, which was released

mic p,” zed ent era entury rn eat d His ng, own films ntion nal life. had a nage ering 11 oken tually or good od Here ndary in 1889.

HA CH WAS .

nt riter, hich was . She arlie abel’s ch t of cter

rst and amp d two at ut of rected a ected he d the

47

same year.

words, “Flower, sir,” but he forced her to repeat them for 342 takes.

2. HE CO-FOUNDED A BIG-TIME “He knew exactly what he wanted MOVIE STUDIO. and he would have preferred not to In 1919, Chaplin and fellow have any other actors in his films— filmmakers Douglas Fairbanks, he even tried making a film once Mary Pickford, and D.W. Griffith where he was the only person formed United Artists as a means in it,” Hooman Mehran, author to finance their own movies so that of Chaplin’s Limelight and the they could retain creative control.

Music Hall Tradition, told CNN. The first film released under the 5. HE WAS EMBROILED IN A new studio was 1919’s His Majesty, NASTY—AND GROUNDBREAKING— the American, starring Fairbanks.

PATERNITY SUIT. The studio took off and eventually branched out to build a chain In the 1940s, actress Joan Berry of movie theatres. But in 1955, was allegedly having an affair with with movie attendance at a new Chaplin. At one point, he invited low, Chaplin sold his shares. UA Berry to travel from L.A. to New released the first James Bond York City. While in New York, movie in 1963. Today, MGM is UA’s she spent time with Chaplin and parent company. claimed that the director “made her available to other individuals 3. HE COMPOSED THE MUSIC FOR for immoral purposes.” This MANY OF HIS FILMS. violated the Mann Act, in which a Beginning with 1931’s City Lights, person isn’t allowed to cross state Chaplin composed scores for lines for depraved behaviour. his films’ soundtracks. His song When, in 1943, Berry gave birth “Smile,” used in Modern Times, to a daughter, she stated that became a classic. In 1954, Nat Chaplin was the father—a charge King Cole’s version—now with he adamantly denied. Though blood lyrics—peaked at number 10 on the tests confirmed that Chaplin was Billboard charts. Michael Jackson not the father, because the tests also recorded a cover. Chaplin won weren’t admissible in California his only competitive Oscar in 1973 courts, he had to endure two for composing the theme to his separate trials. Despite the blood 1952 film Limelight (the film wasn’t evidence saying otherwise, the released in the U.S. until 1972). jury concluded that Chaplin was the 4. HE WAS A PERFECTIONIST. father. Not only was his reputation ruined, but he also had to pay child There was a reason Chaplin did support. On the bright everything himself: perfectionism. side, the ruling When he worked on his short helped film The Immigrant, Chaplin shot reform 40,000 feet of film, which was a lot for a 20-minute short. Chaplin cast actress Virginia Cherrill in City Lights to say just two

state paternity laws.

WAS CONVERTED INTO A MU

6. HE ACCEPTED HIS 1972 HONORARY OSCAR IN PERSON. In 1952, because of his alleged Communist politics, the U.S. denied Chaplin re-entry to the United States after he travelled to London for the premiere of his film Limelight. Incensed, he moved his family to Switzerland and vowed he’d never return to Hollywood. But 20 years later, possibly to make up for his exile, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honoured the 82-year-old Chaplin with an honorary Oscar (his second of three). Chaplin attended the ceremony and received an enthusiastic standing ovation. When he finally spoke, he said, “Thank you for the honour of inviting me here. You’re all wonderful, sweet people.”

7. A RUSSIAN NAMED A MINOR PLANET AFTER HIM. In 1981, Russian astronomer Lyudmila Georgievna Karachkina, who has discovered more than 100 minor planets, named one of them after the legendary director: 3623 Chaplin.

8. THERE’S AN ANNUAL CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM FESTIVAL. In the 1960s, Chaplin and his family enjoyed spending summers in the village of Waterville, located on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. In 2011 the town founded the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, which is held each August. (A bronze statue of him resides in town.) The festival features a short film competition with categories like Chaplins of the Future. Last year the fest tried to break the Guinness World Record of the largest gathering of people dressed as Chaplin.

9. HIS FORMER HOME IN SWITZERLAND Community Ch@ Magazine

On April 16, 2016—what wou birthday—Chaplin’s World, a filmmaker’s life and work, op in Switzerland. The museum 300,000 visitors in its first y home, the Manoir de Ban, at Lake Geneva. The estate als his movies are screened, wa some of his film set pieces, The Tramp.

10. THIEVES GRAVE-ROBBED HELD IT FOR RANSOM.

Even in death, Chaplin creat died on Christmas Day 1977 home in Corsier-sur-Vevey, months after his death, on M Oona Chaplin, received a cal “somebody dug up the grave Chaplin told The Independent

The thieves demanded $600 Oona tapped the phone lines to the two men, Roman Ward They confessed to the crime Chaplin’s body, which they b his original gravesite. The m before writing “I’m sorry” le them.

USEUM.

uld’ve been his 127th museum dedicated to the pened in his former home m has welcomed around year. Visitors can see his t Corsier-sur-Vevey, by o houses a studio where ax figures, recreations of and a restaurant named

D CHAPLIN’S BODY AND

ed controversy. Chaplin and was interred near his Switzerland. Almost three March 2, 1978, his widow, ll from the police saying, e and he’s gone,” Eugene t.

0,000 to return the body. s, which led authorities das and Gantscho Ganev. e and showed the police buried in a cornfield near men went to jail, but not etters to Oona, who forgave

Life is a Gard December in your Garden Have a green Festive Season this year by substituting the boring old gifts like soaps and socks, with plants and gardening products that will add lasting value to the lives of loved ones.

What mom needs…

Mandevilla ‘Cosmos White’ is a lovely climber which has super big white flowers with a yellow throat. It blooms non-stop and is perfect for mom’s garden, growing over a trellis or an arch, but also stunning on patios and balconies in a pot. This mandevilla requires little water and prefers a location with full sun or partial shade.

What dad needs...

To turn the garden’s organic waste like leaves, grass clippings, and prunings into compost, dad needs a smart compost bin and handy compost activator to speed up things. To recycle all food waste safely and to improve the quality of the garden soil even more, he will also need a bokashi composter and a packet of bokashi bran or liquid bokashi.

What grandma needs...

Gran will love some colourful Coleus hybrids to turn her shady garden’s floor into a tapestry of leaf colour. Coleus plants are regarded as summer annuals since they do not take kindly to cold and frost. They are available in the flashiest leaf colours and are super simple to grow. Plant them in compost enriched soil in light shade, and do not overwater.

What brother needs...

Boys love the macabre, like plants which are carnivorous, so beaker plants (Sarracenia), which attract and “catch” insects will be a super choice. They must be kept in a sunny

den and warm spot in pots containing real peat.

The pots must always stand in at least 2cm deep water as the plants like to be wet all the time. Repot them every year into fresh peat and never ever fertilise them as it can kill them.

What sister needs...

Spoil her with a small ficus tree to keep in her bedroom. Ficus trees are very forgiving if one perhaps forgets to water them now and again, and it’s not difficult to keep them happy, as long as there is ample indirect light, they are not moved unnecessarily, or standing in a draught.

A really smart choice for a discerning teenager, is the pseudo bonsai called Ficus ‘Ginseng’.

What the house needs...

Decorate the house with the traditional plants we all love over the festive season. Use a lovely cypress like Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Gold Crest’, with its lime-green feathery foliage as a cute festive tree, and deck the halls with lots of Poinsettias with their festive bright red flower bracts. Display them in bright indirect light and be careful not to overwater them. You can also use them as table decorations, by displaying them in a row of white or black ceramic pots.

Hot tip: All of the above is a one-stop-shopexperience waiting for you at your nearest GCA garden centre!

Special things and thoughtful touches….

•

Tie bunches of fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, lavender and bay leaves together with string to decorate the festive lunch table.

•

Gather mixed flowers from your garden and tuck them into everyday objects like glass bottles in a variety of shapes and sizes. Group them on a window sill for

maximum impact.

•

Fill your house with Hydrangea flowers. Pick mature flowers (all the little florets must be open), scrape the bark off the bottom 5cm of the stem and leave them overnight up to their necks in cold water before arranging them in vases.

•

Use rosemary branches and ribbon to make a pretty festive wreath for your front door. You can also use aromatic rosemary stems to make a centrepiece for your festive table.

Simply buy an oasis ring, stick the rosemary stems in, and fill up with small cocktail tomatoes on toothpicks.

Fruits of summer Enjoy the sweet taste of strawberries and watermelon with refreshing ice lollies packed with flavour. Blend 4 cups of watermelon cubes with 2 cups of homegrown hulled strawberries until smooth.

Fill popsicle moulds with the mixture and freeze for at least 4 hours. De-mould and enjoy!

Going on holiday?

Don’t forget to add water retention granules to the soil in all your outdoor pots. It can go a long way to save precious plants. After watering thoroughly, top up every pot with fresh compost to help keep the soil moist and cool. Water all indoor plants and place them on an old blanket which has been wetted down well in the bath. Leave curtains or blinds open to allow for the most light.

Rose care in December Follow this quick checklist to keep your

roses happy while you’re away on holiday: granular ant bait, which will be carried to the nest, and the nest eradicated.

• Check that your irrigation system is in e good working order and clean blocked These are easy on your water bill! sprayers.

Our choice of water wise plants for December can actually be planted together • Mulch around each rose bush to keep as a tough combo; use Euphorbia milii as a the soil cool and moist as long as background row. Fill in with Helichrysum possible. petiolare and finish off with a border of Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Diamond Frost’ • Spray against blackspot, insects, and – a combination for a sunny and hot spot red spider mite before leaving. which will give you pleasure for years to • Pinch out the growing tips of young come! branches and remove all buds. This will reduce the plant’s water needs and will • Crown of Thorns (E. Milli) is a shrub which has prickly stems and bright delay flowering until your return. green leaves. Bright red bracts • Move roses in containers into the surrounding tiny flowers are produced shade and place saucers beneath throughout the year, meaning that you the pots to catch water. Organise for will always have a splash of colour in container roses to be watered every your garden. You will also find them second or third day, or attach them to in yellow or pink. Crown of Thorns is an automatic irrigation system. an excellent barrier plant and is very pretty when planted en-masse.

Lawn fixes before the holidays • Kooigoed (H. Petiolare) is a shrubby If you don’t have water restrictions, feed plant with woolly, grey leaves and the lawn with a lawn fertiliser and water it a cascading habit. This makes for a well before and after application, and then beautiful filler plant, as it lends an at least twice a week. (The best time to element of softness. It bears small, fertilise, of course, is when it is raining!) cream-coloured flowers in late summer to autumn.

Pest patrol

Symptoms of ant infestation include small • ‘Diamond Frost’ (E. hypericifolia) is a tough groundcover that covers itself in s heaps of fine sand on the surface above masses of small white flowers all year the nests on lawns, uneven or dying long. It creates lovely soft and flowery patches of lawn and sometimes uneven pillows on the foreground of mixed paving. Ants prefer lawns which are beds. patchy and in a bad condition, so first prize is to ensure your lawn is well-maintained.

Spray with a contact insecticide or apply

For more information on bringing Life to your Garden, visit our website www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lifeisagardensa.

Pretoria High Teachers Awards Pretoria High School for Girls is exceptionally proud of three of our teachers who were finalists for the Provincial round of the National Teachers’ Awards.

Congratulations to the following teachers on their achievements: Mrs Allison Lamb - placed 3rd in Lifetime Achievement; Mr Victor Sebuthuma - placed 3rd in Excellence in Mathematics Teaching FET and Mrs Valerie Holhs - placed 2nd in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.

We are privileged to have educators of this calibre at our school!

Huletts Market Day Several schools in each province competed in the 2018 Huletts Market Day Project. PHSG held our Market Day on 12 September and were amongst the 548 learners and educators that participated nationally.

Our Consumer Studies learners in Grade 10 made treats that were sold at the Market Day and PHSG was recently selected as the Gauteng school to receive R10 000 that will go towards the upgrade of the Consumer Studies classrooms.

The market day played an important role in empowering and encouraging the learners to become young entrepreneurs.

Well done to all the young ladies that participated!

School for Girls Karate International Championships Well done to Ayakha Qhomfo (Grade 9) for her outstanding performance in the JSKA Karate International Championships in Russia. Ayakha competed against more than 800 others from various countries and managed to secure the most medals in her team.

She returned from Russia with 5 medals for: • Kata (routine with different defence and attack movements) – Gold • Kumite (one on one contact) – Gold • Team Kata (routine that includes 3 team members) – Gold • Team Mixed Kata (routine that includes team members of mixed genders) – Bronze • Team Kumite (three on three contact) – Bronze

Cycling PHSG is exceptionally proud of Mackenzie Rimmel (Grade 8), who rode the Amashova Cycling Road Race, a 65km ride from Cato Ridge to Durban. Despite being tired and sunburnt from her Water Polo tournament, she managed to come 2nd in the U15 girls section.

She has only recently started road riding but also competed in the full 94.7 Race for Charity. Mackenzie came 3rd in the U14 females with a time of 04h34 (despite her mom forcing her to stop often for water).

She also completed the 94.7 MTB race the weekend before.

We congratulate her on her tenacity and strength. Well Done Mckenzie!

Northerns Titans Cricket Congratulations to Aimee Perfect on being selected for the U16 Girls Regional Cricket Team for Northerns Titans Cricket. We wish Aimee the best of luck in their tournament which will take place from the 30th November to 4th December 2018!

Music History - December

December 1

1956: Randy

1983: Neil Young is sued by Geffen Records for producing albums that are “not commercial in nature and musically uncharacteristic of his previous albums”

December 7

1949: Tom W

December 8

1982: Epic Records releases Thriller – Michael Jackson’s first solo album in three years

1980: John front of his N after returni session with

December 2

1947: Gregg

1970: Jay-Z is born Shawn Corey Carter

1943: Jim M

1967: The Monkees set a record by achieving four number one albums in the same year

1967: Otis R

December 3

1964: Sam C hotel manag

1979: Eleven Who fans are trampled to death rushing to gain admittance for general seating at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium.

December 1

December 1

1957: Jerry his third wif Brown

December 6

December 1

1988: Roy Orbison dies of a massive heart attack at the age of 52

1943: Keith R Stones is bo

1969: The Rolling Stones headline a free show at Altamont Speedway in California; the Hell’s Angels handle security and stab a man to death during the show

December 2 1966: Eddie born

1955: Bruce

y Rhodes is born

December 24

7

1945: Lemmy of Motorhead is born

Waits is born

December 25

8

1946: Jimmy Buffett is born

Lennon is gunned down in N.Y.C. apartment building ing home from a recording h his wife Yoko Ono

December 26 1968: Led Zeppelin begins its first U.S. tour

Morrison is born

1940: Legendary music producer and “Wall of Sound” creator Phil Spector is born

10

December 27

g Allman is born

Redding dies in a plane crash 1932: Radio City Music Hall opens to the public in New York City’s Rockefeller 11 Centre Cooke is shot and killed by 1952: David Knopfler (the younger ger Bertha Franklin brother of Mark Knopfler) of Dire Lee Lewis secretly weds Straits is born fe, third cousin Myra Gale December 30

Richards of The Rolling orn

1999: George Harrison is stabbed several times, but survives, after he and his wife, Olivia, are attacked by an intruder in their home outside London

23

December 31

18

Vedder of Pearl Jam is

e Hornsby is born

1943: John Denver is born John Henry Deutschendorf

The Grinch

Instant Family

Mortal Engines

Adventure, Animated, Children’s, Comedy, Family Scheme big.

Comedy, Drama Just add chaos, laughter, awkwardness, mistakes, love…

Fantasy, Sci-fi, Adventure

A cynical grump goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. A universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

This title releases 07 December 2018

When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child, but, when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15-year-old girl, they find themselves speeding from no kids to three kids—overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hopes of becoming a family, with hilarious consequences.

This title releases 07 December 2018

Some scars never heal.

Thousands of years after civilisation was almost destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted, and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities now roam the Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns.

Tom Natsworthy, who hails from a Lower Tier of the great traction city of London, finds himself fighting for his own survival after he encounters the dangerous fugitive, Hester Shaw. Two opposites whose paths should never have crossed forge an unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future.

This title releases 14 December 2018

Aquaman Superhero, Adventure, Scifi, Action Home is calling.

Mary Poppins Returns Family, Musical, Children’s

In depression-era London, a now grown Jane and Arthur Curry learns that he Michael Banks, along with is the heir to the underwater Michael’s three children, kingdom of Atlantis. He are visited by the enigmatic must step forward to lead Mary Poppins following his kingdom and to be a a personal loss. Through hero to the world, while her unique magical skills, caught between the surface with the aid of her friend dwellers and his people, Jack, she helps the family who are ready to lash out rediscover the joy and and invade land. wonder missing in their This title releases 21 lives.

December 2018 This title releases 28 December 2018

Robin Hood Adventure 118 min | 13 V The legend, you know. The story, you don’t.

A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling actionadventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mindblowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance.

This title releases 28 December 2018

Creative and Easy Ideas for Decorating Christmas Cookies Bring on the cookie cutters!

You can’t have a holiday cookie swap without a tin of decorated sugar cookies. Instead of relying on the store-bought dough, impress your family, friends, and co-workers with these seriously delicious made-from-scratch cookies. Perhaps the best thing about this recipe is that you can transform this dough into just about anything, including snow-covered Christmas trees and tiny candy canes.

Before you bust out the cookie cutters, take a look at these tried-and-tested tips from the pros.

1. Always work with cold dough. It’s easiest to cut and shape cold dough.

If it warms up, freeze for 10 minutes and then get back to work.

2. Parchment paper is your friend. To avoid a sticky, doughy mess, place a disk of cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper before flattening it with a rolling pin. Bye-bye messy kitchen counters!

You will find the dough recipes on our website.

icing slightly with water; spoon each colour into a separate decorating bag with small writing tip. When cool, decorate cookies with icing.

Peppermint Drops

Glazed Holly Hearts Before baking, cut Sugar Cookie Dough into hearts.

Divide and tint icing with red, green and white food colouring. Thin

Scoop and roll Sugar Cookie Dough into 1-inch balls; place on cookie sheet. Pat to flatten. After removing cookies from the oven, immediately press a candy kiss into the centre of each cookie.

Sprinkle “Donuts” Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into rounds. With Scoop and roll Sugar a smaller cutter, cut Cookie Dough into middles out of rounds.

1-inch balls in a bowl When cool, spread with of small nonpareils; frosting and decorate place on cookie sheet. with red and green Make indentations in the sprinkles. centres of each cookie.

When cool, fill centres with jam.

Thumbprint Jammers Choco-Dipped Trees Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into trees. When cool, dip half of each tree in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with multi-coloured sanding sugar.

Crunchy Candy Canes Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into candy canes.

White Chocolate Trees White-Christmas Drops When cool, drizzle with melted white chocolate Cut Sugar Cookie Cut Sugar Cookie and sprinkle with Dough into trees. When Dough into rounds. When crushed peppermints. cool, drizzle with melted cool, spread with vanilla white chocolate and frosting. Sprinkle with green candy melts. edible silver leaf.

icing, place 3 mini red M&Ms on each.

White Chocolate Sparklers Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into squares.

When cool, dip diagonally in melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with green sanding sugar.

green food colouring.

When cool, decorate the bottom half of each cookie with green icing and top half with white.

Press nonpareils to decorate while icing is still wet.

Stained-Glass Ornaments Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into ornaments.

With smaller cutters, cut out centres. With straw, cut a small hole at top of each for the ribbon.

Bake cookies 7 minutes, then fill each decorative hole with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed hard candies. Bake another 3 to 5 minutes. After cookies cool, thread ribbon through holes at tops.

Dulce de Leche Thumbprints Scoop and roll Chocolate Truffle Dough into 1-inch balls; place on cookie sheet. Make indentations in centres. When cool, dust with confectioners’ sugar; fill centres with dulce de leche or caramel.

Sparkling Wreaths Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into wreaths.

Tint icing with green food colouring. When cool, decorate cookies Glazed Stockings with green icing and Fudgy Frosted Stars press into green sanding Cut Sugar Cookie Dough into stockings.

Cut Chocolate Truffle sugar. With a dab of Tint half of the icing with Dough into stars.

When cool, spread with chocolate frosting; sprinkle with edible gold leaf.

with small writing tip.

When cool, decorate each cookie with icing, shredded coconut, and mini red M&M’s.

a separate decorating bag with small writing tip. When cool, cover cookies with basic icing; decorate with red and green icing and mini M&M’s

Cocoa-Hazelnut Linzers Cocoa Snowflakes Cut Chocolate Truffle Dough into squares.

Cut out and remove centres from half of the squares. When cool, spread whole squares with the hazelnutchocolate spread. Dust cut-out squares with confectioners’ sugar; make sandwiches.

Cut Chocolate Truffle Dough into snowflakes.

Thin icing slightly with water; spoon into decorating bag with small writing tip. When cool, decorate cookies with icing.

Holly with Berries Cut Chocolate Truffle Dough into holly leaves.

Tint icing with green food colouring; thin slightly with water. Spoon into a decorating bag with small writing tip. When cool, decorate cookies with icing. Use a little icing to attach mini red M&M’s to bottoms of cookies.

Frosty the Snowmen Choco Teddies Cut Chocolate Truffle Dough into bears.

Thin icing slightly with water; spoon into decorating bag

Cut Chocolate Truffle Dough into snowmen.

Set aside 1/4 cup of icing and divide in half; tint with red and green Oh Choco Trees food colouring. Thin icing lightly with water; Cut Chocolate Truffle spoon each colour into Dough into triangles.

Tint icing with green food colouring; thin slightly with water. Spoon into decorating bag with small writing tip. When cool, drizzle cookies with green icing and sprinkle with small coloured nonpareils.

Swirly Spice Drops Cut Winter Spice Dough into candy shapes. Divide icing in two; tint half with green food colouring. Thin slightly with water; spoon each colour into separate decorating bags with small writing tips. When cookies cool, decorate with icing.

Candy Bells Cut Winter Spice Dough into bells.

Set aside 1/4 cup icing; tint the rest with yellow food colouring. Thin slightly with water; spoon each colour into separate decorating bags with small writing tips. When cookies cool, decorate with icing, matching sanding sugar, and mini M&M’s.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPES

The WychElm Tana French One night changes everything for Toby.

He’s always led a charmed life –until a brutal attack leaves him damaged and traumatised, unsure even of the person he used to be. He seeks refuge at his family’s ancestral home, the Ivy House, filled with memories of wild-strawberry summers and teenage parties with his cousins. But not long after Toby’s arrival, a discovery is made: a skull, tucked neatly inside the old wychelm in the garden.

As detectives begin to close in, Toby is forced to examine everything he thought he knew about his family, his past, and himself.

Jack Ryan26: Oath of Office Marc Cameron

Numa Files 16: Sea of Greed Clive Cussler and Graham Brown After an explosion in the Gulf of Mexico destroys three oil rigs trying to revive a dying field, Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Projects Team are tapped by the President of the United States to find out what’s gone wrong. The trail leads them to a brilliant billionaire in the alternative energy field. Her goal is the end of the oil age; her company has spent billions developing the worlds’ most advanced fuel-cell systems. But is she an environmental hero... or a rogue genetic engineer? The NUMA crew discovers that the oil fields are infected with a bacteria that is consuming the oil before it can be pumped out of the earth –a bacteria originally lost decades ago when two submarines vanished in the Mediterranean.

With hired killers on his trail, can Kurt Austin locate a submarine that’s remained hidden for more than fifty years? And even if he can, can the biological terror that’s been unleashed be stopped?

On a crowded tourist beach in Portugal, US operatives use a hightech drone to watch a French arms dealer flirt with a beautiful woman. It’s only when she leaves that they realise she has shot him dead. In Iran, protests are growing against the oppressive regime, whipped up by a charismatic student. Most external observers are excited, but on the ground a spy of questionable loyalty senses something is badly amiss. And meanwhile, with the United States reeling from a string of natural disasters, Russian troops and ships are massing on the borders of the Ukraine, bringing the two powers ever closer to war.

Across the globe a conspiracy is brewing, so darkly brilliant that no-one has yet joined the dots. And the distracted President Ryan has little time to play catch-up: little does he know that he faces a madman with a plan more devastating than he could possibly imagine...

The Rains Gregg Hurwitz In one terrifying night, the peaceful community of Creek’s Cause turns into a war zone. No one under the age of eighteen is safe.

Chance Rain and his older brother, Patrick, have already fended off multiple attacks from infected adults by the time they arrive at the school where other young survivors are hiding. Most of the kids they know have been dragged away by once-trusted adults who are now ferocious, inhuman beings. The parasite that transformed them takes hold after people turn eighteen—and Patrick’s birthday is only a few weeks away. Determined to save Patrick’s life and the lives of the remaining kids, the brothers embark on a mission to uncover the truth about the parasites—and what they find is horrifying.

Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity’s only hope for salvation.

The Rains 02: Last Chance Gregg Hurwitz The Rain brothers fight for the survival of humanity in Last Chance, the thrilling sequel to New York Times bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz’s YA debut, The Rains.

The New York Times bestselling author of Orphan X, Gregg Hurwitz, returns to Creek’s Cause to follow the Rains brothers as they fight an alien threat that has transformed everyone over the age of 18 into ferocious, zombie-like beings, in this thrilling sequel to The Rains. Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity’s only hope for salvation.

Matilda at 30: Astrophysicist, : Chief Executive of the British Library, World Traveller Roald Dahl October 2019 marks 30 years since Matilda was published! This brand new jacket comes with a never-before-seen illustration of Matilda as an astrophysicist -one of the careers that Quentin Blake himself has imagined that Matilda might have at 30 years old.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Lucy Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress, voice actress, director and artist who became known for playing the role of the vicious and ill-mannered Ling Woo in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002), for which she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Nelly Kim Furtado (born December 2, 1978) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. Furtado first gained fame with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly! (2000), which was a critical and commercial success that spawned two top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 Amanda Michelle Seyfried (born December 3, 1985) is an American actress, model, and singersongwriter. She began her career as a model when she was 11 and her acting career at 15 with recurring parts on the soap operas As the World Turns and All My Children.

Marisa Tomei (born December 4, 1964) is an American actress.

Following her work on the television series As the World Turns, she came

to prominence as a cast member on The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World in 1987.

Nicholas Caradoc Hoult (born 7 December 1989) is an English actor.

His body of work includes supporting work in big-budget mainstream productions and starring roles in independent projects in both the American and the English film industries. He has been nominated for such awards as a British Academy Film Award, a Critics Choice Award, and a Gold Derby Award. Hoult was included in Forbes magazine’s 2012 list of 30 under 30.

Ian Joseph Somerhalder (born December 8, 1978) is an American actor, model and director. He is known for playing Boone Carlyle in the TV drama Lost and Damon Salvatore in The CW’s supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries.

Dame Judith Olivia Dench (born 9 December 1934) is an English actress. Dench made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. Over the following few years, she performed in several of Shakespeare’s plays, in such roles as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. Although most of her work during this period was in theatre, she also branched into film

work and won a BA Most Promising Ne strong reviews for the musical Cabare

Taylor Alison Swift 13, 1989) is an Am songwriter. One of contemporary reco is known for narrat her personal life, w widespread media

Vanessa Anne Hud December 14, 1988 actress and singer. feature film debut i Hudgens rose to pr portraying Gabriella School Musical film 08), which brought mainstream succes

Theodore Peter Ja Taptiklis (born 16 D better known as Th an English actor an portraying the role Eaton in The Diverg trilogy. He played D William Clark, Jr. in drama series Golde and David in the fil Awakening (2012) Blood Wars (2016).

December Birthdays

AFTA Award as as Will Younger in the Netflix ewcomer. She drew Original film, How It Ends (2018). her leading role in William Bradley Pitt (born December et in 1968.

18, 1963) is an American actor t (born December and film producer. He has merican singerreceived multiple awards and f the worlds leading nominations including an Academy ording artists, she Award as a producer under his own tive songs about company Plan B Entertainment. which has received Ashley Victoria Benson (born coverage.

December 18, 1989) is an American actress and model, known for dgens (born her role as Hanna Marin in the 8) is an American teen mystery-drama television r. After making her series Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017). in Thirteen(2003), She starred in the films Bring It rominence On: In It to Win It (2007), Christmas a Montez in the High Cupid (2010), Spring Breakers (2013), Ratter (2015) m series (2006– and Chronically Metropolitan (2016). t her significant ss.

Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal (born December 19, 1980) is an American actor. A member of the Gyllenhaal ames Kinnaird family and the son of director Stephen December 1984), Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi heo James, is Foner, nd model, known for Stephenie Meyer (born December of Tobias -Four24, 1973) is an American novelist gent Series film and film producer, best known for Detective Walter her vampire romance series Twilight. n the crimeThe Twilight novels have gained en Boy (2013), worldwide recognition and sold over lms Underworld: 100 million copies, with translations and Underworld: into 37 different languages. Meyer . He starred

was the bestselling author of 2008 and 2009 in America, having sold over 29 million books in 2008, and 26.5 million books in 2009.

Jared Joseph Leto (born December 26, 1971) is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and director. After starting his career with television appearances in the early 1990s, Leto achieved recognition for his role as Jordan Catalano on the television series My So-Called Life (1994). He made his film debut in How to Make an American Quilt (1995) and received critical praise for his performance in Prefontaine (1997).

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins (born 31 December 1937) is a Welsh actor, director, and producer.

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1992 and was nominated three additional times.

Hopkins has also won three BAFTA Awards, two Emmys, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. In 1993, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the arts. Hopkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, and in 2008 he received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

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