February 2017

February 2017

Help Your Teen

Shop for Valentine’s

Celebrate Valentine’s Without Breaking the Bank

Springbok Classic Air Valentine’s Flight Offer see page16

www.featzpublishing.com

Editor’s Message Some month’s feel as if they take years to pass, and sometimes they fly by before you even know it.

January passed so quickly and with so little time to reflect, but it was one of my best months working on this magazine. I’ve never felt luckier or prouder of my family. Felix, Eric, Alicia and Tristan – you guys are my most cherished Valentines. Your support and assistance with this project have been the reason that the magazine has been such a success.

The Featz team have started the year in our new home planning out our issues for 2017, incorporating our standard articles but also including some new ideas for the year ahead. I am so excited to share all that we have in store for you.

ay D s ine’

t

len a V py p a H

To advertise contact Zelda Tel: 012 348 3486 Cell: 084 041 3058 email: featzads@gmail.com www.featzpublishing.com

As we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day I want to take a moment to send all of you a love note and say thank you. Too often Valentine’s day focusses on romantic love when it should be about celebrating all the special people in our lives – family, friends, colleagues and all those who help us smile from day to day. For me, it’s all our advertisers, contributors and our readers because without you this project would not be possible. If I could, I would send you all a real Valentine.

Upcoming Submission Deadline for Advertisers and Contributors

Please enjoy our Valentine’s issue, and remember to get in touch with any suggestions or comments, we always love hearing from you. featzmags@gmail.com

April Issue: 23 March 2017

March Issue: 17 February 2017

Until next time, happy reading

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.

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What’s inside...

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Alaskan Malamute

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Valentine’s Day - Without Breaking the Bank

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Help Your Teen Shop for Valentine’s

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Love is in the Air - Create a Romantic Garden

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Lavender Tree

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Who is the Mysterious St. Valentine

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Is Mother Nature Turning Blue?

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! s y a w A e v i G Recipe’s fit for Valentine’s k o o 9 3 B r e u g o a p r e d b n a m Reme See page 9

featz news!

The Featz Team would like to thank our fantastic readers. You have been spreading the news and our subscription rates are climbing. We started in June last year with a subscription figure of just over 2000 for our first issue, now thanks to all of you our subscriptions are just over 6000 readers. This level of growth is a testament to how popular the magazine is and perhaps more importantly how useful it is to both business and readers alike.

We are busy upgrading our website, keep an eye on your inbox and we will let you know when it’s been launched.

Please like us on Facebook if you haven’t yet. (Featz Publishing)

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Alaskan Malamute

Shadow

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If like me you fell in love with the dog cast of Eight Below, you might have noticed that two of the dogs were not Siberian Huskies. Two of the cast members, Buck and Shadow, were Alaskan Malamutes. While not very popular in South Africa, there are local breeders.

When you first see an Alaskan Malamute, it’s easy to be impressed by his large stature, wolf-like facial markings and huge plumed tail waving at you. It’s often believed that Malamutes are part wolf. They might play the role of a wolf in movies, but they are all domestic dog.

to raise a happy, well-adjusted Malamute before you adopt one.

Breed Highlights: • They are intelligent and stubborn which makes them not suitable for first time dog owners • Malamutes will challenge for the top dog position in the household – ensure all family members know how to deal with this.

• The Malamute is a notorious digger

The Alaskan Malamute possesses tremendous strength, energy, endurance, independence and intelligence. He was originally sought to pull heavy sleds over long distances as well as to hunt seals and polar bears. Now chosen primarily for companionship, they succeed in several dogs sports, including conformation and obedience competitions.

• If not trained and exercised they will become destructive and bored

When he’s not “wooing” or pulling you on you inline skates or watching TV with you, he’s probably raiding the rubbish bin, surfing your kitchen counters for something good to eat, or digging a nice cool hole in the back garden.

• They rarely bark, but they will chat to you.

Malamutes regard everyone they meet as their friends. If you are looking for a watchdog, this is not the breed for you. A Malamute’s size might scare off an intruder, but that’s about the only protection you’ll get from him.

Alaskan Malamutes do best in situations where they have plenty of room and opportunities to exercise so they don’t become bored and restless. Their independent nature often causes them to be labeled as stubborn or stupid, but their intelligence shines through with the correct training. If the Alaskan Malamute is the right breed for you, he will give you years of enjoyments as an active playmate and companion who keeps his puppy exuberance well into adult life.

• Their high prey drive can cause the Malamute to stalk and kill smaller animals (birds, cats and even smaller dogs) • They shed heavily twice a year

Vital Stats: Height: 34-64cm at the shoulder Weight: 34 – 45kgs Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Buck

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Valentine’s Day

Without Breaking the Bank

Zelda Smit

are some ideas that won’t break the bank while they will put a smile on your partner’s face while making them feel the love you truly feel.

You know your partner’s morning routine, try leaving a few special notes in places he will find them on his way to work. The bathroom mirror is a great place to write something special, just make sure you do not use a permanent marker.

Over the years Valentine’s Day has If you pack his lunch, why not include become seriously commercialised, a little hand-written note promising a turning it into just another money special evening – he won’t be able to making industry for retail. But does wait to get home. Slip a note into his Valentine’s Day have to be about pants or jacket pocket when you say spending a fortune? Is it necessary to put goodbye, he will be very surprised when a rand value to your love? he finds it. (Just make sure he doesn’t see you – it needs to be a surprise when he Personally while receiving lavish gifts finds it) are great and they do make me feel very special, I prefer my man to make a If you have a private space in the little effort and show his love in a more garden, prepare a picnic dinner. What personal manner. Luckily for me, he better way to unwind after a day at shares my feelings and we try to keep work. You can pre-order a our Valentine’s Day picnic basket celebrations for more intimate.

Here

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Valentine’s from various suppliers, visit any Facebook group page and you are guaranteed to find someone offering them. Or if you have the time, shop and plan your own picnic meal, including all your favourite foods. If you are at a loss for ideas, a visit to a Woolworths store will help with lots of ready-made options.

If you don’t have children, or if you can get the children out of the house mid-week, do something romantic. Set up a small table with dinner for two in your bedroom, light some candles sprinkle a few rose petals on the bed, or even in a bath.(Rose petals from your own garden are always special – just don’t leave to many, it can be a mess to clean up.) When you partner gets home, make sure you are out of sight, but

leave a trail of clothing to where you are waiting in the bedroom. You can even leave him a note telling him where to find you. That’s guarantee to be a surprise!

The most important thing you can do this Valentine’s Day is to surprise your partner; any token of your love would be appreciated. Nothing says I love more than making an effort and doing what you won’t normally do.

Give-Away In Honour of Valentine’s Day, Featz Publishing is giving away a copy of The 5 Love Languages,

by Gary Chapman A book well worth reading!

To Win email your name and contact details to: featzmags@gmail.com Subject: Valentine This is a great Valentine’s Gift Remind your friends to subscribe at www.featzpublishing.com

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Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus The Black cuckoo is a medium sized cuckoo. The sexes are similar, the plumage varying by subspecies. Cuculus clamosus has upper parts black glossed with green slatey-grey wings and black tail tipped with white and sometimes with the outer feathers barred or spotted with white or buff.

The Southern African species Cuculus clamosus is migratory, breeding in South Africa in September to December and then moving in March to Central, Eastern and Western Africa. The range of this species extends from Liberia to Ethiopia in the east and Angola and South Africa. It is a woodland bird but avoids the interior of dense forests, preferring 10

acacia woodland, thickets, riverside woodland, plantations and trees around villages.

The Black Cuckoo feed mainly on hairy caterpillars but also consumes termites and ants, including winged ones caught in flight, beetles, grasshoppers and other insects, as well as bird’s eggs and nestlings.

The black Cuckoo is a brood parasite. Its main hosts are bush shrikes, particularly the tropical boubou and crimsonbreasted shrike. When the Cuckoo uses the boubou nest, the eggs hatch after about fourteen days, three days before the boubou eggs. The cuckoo chick

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evicts other eggs and nestlings usually with thirty hours of hatching. It is fledged in about sixteen days and leaves the nest a few days later. The foster parents continue to feed it for another three weeks.

Interesting Cuckoo Facts: 1) Only two of the 54 species of Cuckoos live in Europe.

2) The common Cuckoo is the only member of the family that calls cuckoo-cuckoo-cuckoo.

3) The Cuckoo’s favourite diet is hairy caterpillars.

4) Each Season the female will lay between 12 and 22 eggs – all in different nests.

5) A female Cuckoo will generally lay her eggs in a nest belonging to the same species of bird that reared her.

6) Unlike most birds, female cuckoos lay their eggs in the afternoon rather than the morning.

7) Though Cuckoo eggs usually resemble those of their host, around 20% are rejected and never hatch.

Garsfontein Elna Bosman 082 341 4750 elna.bosman51@gmail.com

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The National Sea Rescue Institute (N.S.R.I) was established in 1967. The need for a Rescue Service was realised when in 1966 at Stilbaai on the East coast, just below Mossel Bay, 17 fishermen drowned after three fishing boats sank in a terrible storm. Four boats were out that day and only one came back. Our founder Miss Patti Price began a committed letter writing campaign for the formation of a Sea Rescue Organisation in South Africa.

Miss Price’s persistence paid off and today N.S.R.I has over 1000 unpaid, highly trained volunteers at 31 bases around the coast and 5 inland dams who serve the community with passion and commitment. Our success story lies in the hands of these volunteers who give selflessly of their time as well as our 80 000 + donors who faithfully give as little as R25 per month.

From humble beginnings with our first inflatable boat Snoopy, Sea Rescue has grown to now having an annual running cost of over R73.4m that is used to run 35 bases, 83 rescue craft, 28 rescue vehicles, 16 quad bikes and 11 tractors. This could only be possible with the phenomenal support from the community. Our volunteers live out the values of Sea Rescue daily through their actions altruism, family, caring, pride, accountability and safety.

The National Sea Rescue Institute identified a serious need to teach children in the rural areas about water safety. Many reports prior to 2006 showed an increased amount of drownings in vicinities where children were living close to dams and rivers.

The rate of drowning in South Africa is estimated at 3,6 per 100 000 and 2000

people drown each year of which 600 are children.

• ongoing media campaign and public education

Faced with these statistics, in 2006 N.S.R.I sought the need to develop the WaterWise Academy. The WaterWise Academy’s mission is to promote and cultivate water safety nationwide. To reach all diverse backgrounds through the support and guidance of our local schools and municipalities. This in turn will embrace and foster the need of awareness through education to help preserve life.

• our WaterWise Academy which has reached more than one million children around the country

Our Instructors go out to the schools, teaching the children the following: • A simple 4 step program • How to react when faced with danger in water • Who to call in case of an emergency • Practical tools on how to do peer rescue

• and which has also seen the Western Cape Department of Education including this program into their school curriculum, • the introduction of rescue noodles to some beaches in a pilot project, • and in an intense collaboration with other services – the SA Police Services, SA Lifesaving, Provincial Government Health EMS, Private ambulance services, Municipalities and their Municipal lifeguards and Municipal Law Enforcement agencies, Fire Departments and local lifesaving agencies, the SA National Parks and other Community Services.

We believe that through the promotion and education of drowning prevention, • Hands-on CPR (for the older safety at sea and wearing a lifejacket, children) Sea Rescue will live out their mission.

Since its inception, WaterWise has grown Saving lives. Creating futures. to be an Academy that teaches and Become part of our future. raises awareness of water safety. Over 1 000 000 children (between the ages of 5 and 14) have been beneficiaries of this Academy. The children have been taught to be water wise by our instructors’ giving them water safety lessons in a safe learning environment.

www.searescue.org.za

As we celebrate our 50 years of saving lives this year, we have committed ourselves to Drowning prevention though our:

Help Your Teen Shop for Valentine’s Day

As a parent of teens you know that young love is inevitable and Valentine’s Day leaves teens feeling pressured to celebrate at a young age. It’s OK to let your kids celebrate Valentine’s Day as long as you help them pick appropriate gifts.

Discuss who the gift is for, and keep in mind that a lavish gift to an unsuspecting recipient can cause discomfort for both the giver and the recipient. Girls tend to be very embarrassed by receiving expensive gifts from boys they hardly know, let alone like.

Help your teen to select an ageappropriate and reasonable gift.

A stuffed animal is a good gift that is romantic without being sexy or too much of an investment. Give you teen 14

a budget guideline so they don’t come home with a monster bear. Make sure they pick their own gifts, it’s important for them to understand that they need to make an effort.( I know a mom who spent hours and lots of money doing her son’s Valentine’s shopping for him, when he handed the gift over he was as surprised by what was inside as the girl who received it.)

Movie tickets are a nice idea if your teen is dating. Encourage them to pay for the tickets with their own pocket money.

Don’t let them buy movie tickets for a new crush, what if the new crush doesn’t want to go with them? It might also be a good idea to confirm the date and time with the other teens parents to make sure they will be able to go before actually buying the tickets.

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Baked goods are a true gift from the heart – if your teen actually baked it themselves. Find an easy recipe, (see our sugar cookie recipe in this issue) and have your teen shop for the ingredients and a small decorative tin. Help them to bake the cookies, but try to let them do it themselves. Baked goods are personal and involve a lot of effort. They’re a perfect lesson in giving meaningful, thoughtful gifts that don’t have monetary value. To avoid a potential disaster, make sure your teen taste tests the creation before giving it to a Valentine.

Flowers are perfect, but they can get out of hand quickly. A dozen roses make a romantic, if slightly extravagant gift. Four dozen roses are totally out of hand for a teenager. Talk to your teen about giving a modest selection of flowers and gently prompt your teen to choose flowers that have meaning. A favourite blossom or favourite colour will make a bigger impact than a dozen red roses.

When teens are shopping for teens, the key is to avoid spending too much money and going over the top.

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Springbok Classic Air:

for the love of flying

Aviation enthusiasts can refuel their passion at the Rand Airport by taking a vintage passenger seat in the reception hall at Dakota Lodge, a bird’s eye view of Johannesburg from a Beech 18, or a course in flying at the Springbok Air Academy.

adventure travel company. Some safaris are booked a year in advance.

In the meantime, you could take one of the regular 20 minute flights and see Johannesburg in a new light. Other offers include a return flight to Mongena Game Lodge which includes a breakfast and game drive. Clientéle my request for more personalised shorter flights as well. Cost per person for scenic flights R680.00 and for the Mongena flight R1 680.00.

Some love relationships are built to last – like that between the renowned Airbus Captain Flippie Vermeulen and historic aeroplanes. After 42 years in the service of SAA, including 12 years at the head of the SAA Historic Flight project, Captain Valentine’s Day flight offer: Vermeulen founded Springbok Classic Air which operates from the Rand Airport Two 20 minute scenic sunset flights at 17:00 and 17:45, after the flights, join us near Germiston, Gauteng. for a Cocktail function on the Dakota If you dream of a classic prop-line Lodge balcony for a welcome cocktail voyage to unforgettable destinations and some snacks until 20:00. There will in Africa, Europe and beyond, look also be a cash bar. no further than this full-service luxury 16

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Cost per person R 800.00, which includes your flight ticket, welcome cocktail and The Springbok Air Academy is close snacks. to Captain Vermeulen’s heart. The five Before take-off or after landing, spend week Airbus A320 type rating is one of the night at Captain Vermeulen’s three the offerings providing men and women star Dakota Lodge with its strong with the skill and experience to wing their aviation theme. Enjoy breakfast in the way into the future. This professional Lodge dining room while you savour flight training organization offers onethe airport vibe. Conference and stop training and testing packages for event amenities are also available; the PPL and CPL. surroundings certainly make for a fresh corporate experience!

More information at 011 824 2142, info@ Take a fascinating stroll around Hangar springbokclassicair.co.za or www.

5, home to Springbok Classic Air and springbokclassicair,co.za or 011 824 Aviation Services who specialise in 2143, info@dakotalodge.co.za or www. rebuilding older aeroplanes. You may dakotalodge.co.za , 011 824 2142, come across a film team working on info@springbokairacademy.co.za or a documentary, or find that one of the ww.springbokcairacademy.co.za aircraft is being prepared for action at an air show.

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Love is in the Air

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February is the month of Love and a good time to design a garden of love In Victorian times, secret gardens were the perfect meeting place for lovers.

Winding paths led through shrubbery and mazes to climber-covered arbours and discreetly placed seats. A garden of love is all about atmosphere, and there are many ways you can introduce romance into your garden. A romantic garden can have intimate spaces; it can have a kaleidoscope of colour, or tiny, secret hideaways. Your romantic garden should be a special, secret world filled with anticipation.

Plants should be the main feature in your romantic garden, but placing a decorative accent such as a sundial can add a special touch. The sundial has been associated with romance for centuries. A sundial inscribed with your favourite romantic quote is a charming way of introducing some romance in your garden.

for your romantic garden. As their names suggest evening primrose and moonflower are good choices.

Roses are the flower of love and you should try to include at least one into your romantic garden. A good idea is the climbing version of the “sweetheart” rose. Tiny pink roses are produced for most of the year and this rose can be trained over an arch or encouraged to grow around a pillar or post.

If you want your lover’s haven to be filled in all shades of red (red flowers have been associated with love since the beginning of time) consider these: Callistemon, New Guinea impatiens and petunias.

When you are creating your romantic garden, envision your ideal hideaway, a secret space filled with fragrant flowers and a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy someone special’s company uninterrupted.

Create a private space, away from public eyes by using shrubs, gazebos or even latticework trellises. Add a swing chair or hammock and you have a romantic retreat.

To add some fragrance to your space, consider plants like honeysuckle, jasmine and roses. Rosemary and lavender only release their scent when they are touched so consider placing them along the path or near the bench. Plants that release their fragrance as the sun sets are perfect Remind your friends to subscribe at www.featzpublishing.com

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Lavender Tree

Heteropyxis Natalensis Harvey The Lavender tree family is a small family with only two species in Southern Africa. The local genus is characterised by alternate, entire, simple leaves with secretory cavities. These emit a pleasant smell when crushed. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.

This is a medium to large deciduous tree that grows about 10 meters high.

It occurs naturally in the coastal and inland regions of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also found growing in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

The lavender tree has drooping foliage.

The leaves are narrowly elliptic and are arranged spirally. They are shiny dark green above and paler green below, 20

slightly hairy to hairless when mature.

When crushed they produce a strong lavender scent. The leaf petiole is slender and pink over the lower half.

The main stem is crooked and sometime fluted. The bark is distinctively pale grey, often almost white and is flaking on the old stem. The flowers which are yellowish-green appear in summer. They are very small, about 3 mm in diameter, and are borne in branched terminal clusters. They are sweetly scented. The fruit is a small oval capsule that is up to 4 x 2.5mm. It appears between March and May. Its colour is shiny brown and it bears numerous seeds. When ready, it splits into two to three valves releasing the seeds, after which the old capsule may remain on the tree for months.

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makes a very good focal point. The leaves develop rich red autumn colours, adding to the tree’s attractiveness.

The flowers attract bees, wasps and butterflies.

The Lavender tree can be grown from seeds. They germinate easily and the young plants are relatively fast growing.

The Lavender tree is a very decorative tree for small gardens. With its glossy green leaves and a whitish stem, it

CHOP-CHOP FRESH CUT VEGGIES AND FRUIT We prepare fresh cut veggies and fruit just for U. Our packets are available in 1kg…700g…500g Please remember when you order from us we prepare it fresh for u to enjoy. If you decide to freeze it, keep it in your fridge or blanch it before freezing it is up to you, everyone does their own thing.

Please always remember that its not going to last forever, because we don't add any preservatives to the veggies.

We deliver on a weekly basis. We can deliver to your home or work.

It helps if a few people order together. We ask a R20 delivery fee If u require a price list pls whatsapp us on: Sylvia: 082 832 0065 Hein: 082 776 4935 u are welcome to send us a email to: chop.chopfreshveggies@gmail.com we will gladly send u a price list Our web address: www.chop-chopveggies.com We are based in Elsburg Germiston

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Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex appears Suave and refined, but then this charming and highly intelligent cat’s sense of humour and love of attention takes over as he strolls onto centre stage, ready to play the piano, perform tricks, or amaze onlookers with his ability to vault to the highest point in the room. His long toes enable him to manipulate objects deftly and to open doors and cabinets with ease. Be sure you put away securely anything you don’t want him to have, and don’t let him see you doing it.

This is a confident cat that loves people and will follow them around, waiting for any opportunity to sit on a lap or give a kiss. He enjoys being handled, making it easy to take him to the vet or train him for therapy work.

If it weren’t insulting, it might be fair to describe the Cornish Rex as “doglike”.

That includes his willingness to retrieve toys that are thrown. He has the speed of a sight hound but does not share the sight hounds laidback temperament.

The Cornish Rex is highly active, always on the move. His speed and sleek exterior are reminiscent of a finely tuned race car, complete with quick starts and cornering ability. The Cornish Rex is affectionate and gentle, but he is not the choice for someone who wants a quiet, ornamental cat. His voice ranges from sweet to strident, and although he is not as talkative as his ancestor the Siamese, he will indeed carry on a conversation if he feels the need to express his opinion.

The Cornish Rex maintains his kittenlike attitude well into old age. He never losses the desire to interact with people and is best suited to a home where he will receive the love and constant companionship he craves.

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of his jailer, and signed a letter that he wrote to her “from your Valentine.” Another tale says that after his brutal death. He performed the miracle of restoring the sight of his jailer’s daughter.

There is another Valentine who appears in early martyrologies, a bishop of Terni, Italy, who was also allegedly persecuted in Rome.

It’s been proposed that this man was one and the same as the Valentine executed by Claudius.

Who is the Mysterious St. Valentine?

Around the world on the 14th of February candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint?

Though everyone knows the name, much less is known about the man – he may not even have been just one figure.

The historical details are murky, and the prevailing theory is that one or multiple Valentine’s existed and may have been conflated over the years.

One Valentine was a Roman priest and doctor who was persecuted by the emperor Claidius II for marrying Christian couples. Claudius took a liking to Valentine, but Valentine overstepped his bounds when he tried to convert the emperor, and Claudius sentenced him to death – and an ugly death at that. Lore suggests that he was beaten, stoned and finally beheaded.

St. Valentine was said to be interred north of Rome on the 14th of February, though this date may mark his death instead of his burial.

The feast of St. Valentine was established

by Pope Gelasius I in 496. Some say that Valentine’s feast day is celebrated in February because the church wanted to Christianize an ancient Roman pagan festival called Lupercalia, which centered around fertility and purification, and also took place in February.

Valentine’s feast day has been celebrated as a lover’s holiday and a day of romantics since the 14th century when the date was thought to be the beginning of the mating season for birds.

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Environmental Is Climate Change turning Mother Nature Blue?

The changes we are seeing in our climate have gardeners looking for new ways to keep the eye happy.

Most find it interesting that some of the toughest plants have blue flowers and many of them are indigenous too. By utilising more of these resilient plants you will add a cool touch to the summer heat with these waves of ocean blue.

The lavender-purple flowers of wild garlic are borne above their teal coloured foliage all year, and from a distance could be mistaken for a lavender bush.

The tough tumbling temperament of blue Plumbago auriculata caught a breeder’s eye in California, leading to the new hybrid “Royal Cape” with its bigger and deeper azure blue Some of South Africa’s best blooms. Keeping it lightly trimmed indigenous beauties are recognised after every flush of flowers keeps it all over the world; try these in your bushy and promotes more flowers. garden to add a cooler touch this The spicy scent of the Sagewood summer. makes it a great plant for near the Agapanthus is grown in some of the entertainment area of your home. It harshest climates, from California is a tough, fast growing small tree, to Saudi Arabia. You are spoilt for ideal for a townhouse garden. choice as they come in so many shades of blue, lilac, purple and white.

Agapanthus 26

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Wild Garlic

The lilac blue flowers of the Crossberry are born all year round, and their fruit attracts birds.

Fast growing filler shrubs like the blue dune sage and the bush violet quickly cover exposed soil and help shelter more sensitive plants.

A sea of blue ground cover could be created by using kingfisher daisies, carpet geranium, shrimp plant and blue pincushions.

Shady spots could be filled with the long flowering Plectranthus “Mona Lavender� with jacaranda-coloured flowers and purple velvet undersides to their leaves.

As climate change forces us to adapt our gardens, we may have to rely on our favourite shades of blue for the answer. Fortunately Mother Nature gives us the solution to these changes, perhaps she is turning blue not only to provide us with a cooler appearance in our gardens, but maybe to also to share her emotions with us.

Sagewood

Geranium

Crossberry

Blue Pincushion

Mona Lavendar

Felicia Daisie

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Johan Jordaan Part 12

Intimacy is the Answer Works or our Christian duty is such a controversial issue and we all struggle with it so I’m going to spend some more time on it.

So instead of focussing on the works, rather focus on Jesus; that is what He is trying to convey in John 6:26.

We want to start at the finish line rather start at the start line which is your intimacy with Jesus. If it takes 10 The problem is that (dead) works are anti-grace. As I have said before; there years before we get to doing ‘works’ then so be it. At least you will not be are good works that God prepared for wasting your time with dead works. It is us to do from the foundation of the earth. These are the kind of works that guaranteed to be good works because our Daddy is doing them and we follow.

Jesus did. But He was specific about Why do you think Jesus had a 100% these works. When the Jews asked success rate with healings? Was it Him about the works of God that they because He was God? No, He laid must do he replied: John 6:26 Then down His ‘Godness’ (Phil 2:6-7). The they said to Him, What are we to do as a habit of life in order that we may reason was His relationship with His Father; He saw God working and then continually be working the works simply executed what God was already of God? Answered Jesus and said doing. He never prayed for a healing; to them, This is the work of God, God was already healing so He simply that you continually be believing said: ‘You are healed’ and it was done. on Him whom that One sent off on That is where we should also operate. a mission. (Wuest) It is a continual doing of the works which is: believe in Jesus. That makes it a lot easier. Just The Bible has a beautiful example of believe in Jesus and you are already this principle for us: Luke 10:38 Now doing God’s work; you are already as they went on their way, Jesus obedient! entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. 39 She had a sister Isa 64:6 ​​​​​​​We are all like one who is named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s unclean, ​​​​​​all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your feet and listened to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted with all sight. ​​​​​(NET) We are unable to do a single righteous act on our own. It is all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, dead works unless we see the Father “Lord, don’t you care that my sister working.

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has left me to do all the work alone?

Tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.” (NET) Martha was working – preparing and getting everything just perfect for Jesus. But Mary was NOT WORKING. She chose to ignore the preparations and rather listen to Jesus teaching in the lounge. Martha complained about this and one would think that Jesus would agree with her but He does not. Instead of reprimanding Mary, He reprimands Martha. Mary understood the importance of intimacy.

THE WILL OF GOD or works. But we must remember that the work that God requires of us is to believe in Jesus!

(John 6:26) If you fail to see this, you will (like I did) struggle to understand this passage. It is about intimacy. In the Bible ‘to know someone’ refers to intimacy. Adam ‘knew’ Eve (Gen 4:1) and she conceived. ‘To know’ in Biblespeak is intimacy.

People do not want to hear this; they are so caught up in their service (works) to God that they neglect their intimacy with God. Not only is that not what Jesus wants but it absolutely limits the results – we now produce some fruit instead of bearing much fruit.

So my answer to this question about works is simply this: forget about works Here is another (mostly misunderstood) and focus on Jesus. Allow Him to passage of scripture that shows that build an intimate relationship with you.

Jesus is looking for intimacy: Matt Proceed from there and if works flow 7:21 Not every one that saith unto from that, then so be it, if not, well then me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the you are intimate with Jesus and that is kingdom of heaven; but he that the first prize. doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me All of this happens through faith and in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not patience. Allow ample time; it does not prophesied in thy name? and in thy happen overnight. But since it is His name have cast out devils? and will, He will do it. in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto Next month we will look at our them, I never knew you: depart relationship with our Daddy. from me, ye that work iniquity.

(KJV) These people worked for God. They cast out demons and did many wonderful works. It does not say that Write to me, engage me and I will try to they tried to perform these works – answer any questions that you might they actually did them! But Jesus is not have. impressed; He wants intimacy – I never knew you. He sees their labour as Email: Featzmags@gmail.com / works of iniquity. Dead works. This is Subject: Grace very serious. At first glance it might look like Jesus is saying that we must DO Remind your friends to subscribe at www.featzpublishing.com

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Strawberry Avocado Salad Ingredients 2 tablespoons white sugar 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 cups salad greens 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced 10 strawberries ½ cup chopped pecan nuts

Directions 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside.

2. Place the salad greens in a pretty bowl, and top with sliced avocado and strawberries.

Drizzle dressing over everything, and then sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving, or serve immediately

Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction Ingredients: ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon dried thyme Salts and pepper to taste 4 lamb chops 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup minced onions 1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon butter

Directions: 1. In a small bowl mix together the rosemary, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub this mixture onto both sides of the lamb chops. Place them on a plate, cover and set aside for 15 minutes to absorb the flavour.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the lamb chops in the skillet and cook for about 3 ½ minutes per side for medium rare, or continue to cook to your desired

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doneness. Remove from the skillet and keep warm on a serving platter.

3. Add the onion to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, just until lightly browned. Stir in vinegar, scrapping any bits of lamb from the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. If you don’t, the sauce will be runny and not good. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter. Pour over the lamb chops and serve.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries Ingredients 450g milk chocolate chip 2 teaspoons butter (or shortening) 450g fresh strawberries with leaves if possible

Directions: 1. Insert toothpick into the tops of the strawberries 2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.

3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into Styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

Lollipop Cookie Valentines Ingredients 12 craft sticks ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/3 cup light brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon salt 450g white chocolate 1 egg white 1 ¼ cup icing sugar 3 drops red food colouring

Directions 1. Soak craft sticks for one hour in a bowl of cold water.

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2. In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stir chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

Remove from heat; let cool.

3. In a large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla together until fluffy. Beat egg in well, beat in cooled chocolate. With mixer at low speed, beat in flour, cocoa powder and salt until smooth. Divide dough in half.

4. Preheat oven to 1900C and grease two large cookie sheets.

5. Roll each half of the dough out to 3mm thickness between two sheets of wax paper; freeze in wax paper for 5 minutes. Peel top sheet of wax paper off dough, cut dough using a heart shaped cookie cutter. Reroll scraps and freeze again for 5 minutes, then cut out again.

Place half of the hearts, 1cm apart, on prepared cookie sheet.

6. Drain sticks, pat dry. Place one stick on each heart to make a handle, press lightly into the dough. Place remaining hearts on top; press edges gently to seal. Bake about 12 minutes until firm to the touch. Cool on wire racks.

7. In a heavy saucepan over low heat melt the white chocolate until smooth. Remove from heat.

8. Holding each lollipop by the handle, dip into the chocolate to coat on both sides; let excess chocolate drip back into pan. Place each lollipop as it is coated on wax paper liner cookie sheet; refrigerate 20 minutes until chocolate is set.

9. To make icing: in a large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat egg white and icing sugar until very smooth. Add drops of food colouring and use icing in a decorating bag fitted with a small writing tip to decorate your lollipops.

Rolled Sugar Cookies Ingredients 1 ½ cups butter softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Directions 1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

2. Preheat oven to 2000 C. Roll out dough on floured surface about 1/2cm thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 2cm apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

If you want to decorate the cookies, make icing sugar with milk, making it thin and try painting it on with a food brush.

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The Perfect Every Week Home Facial Routine The washcloth itself acts as a natural exfoliant.

If you do not have any facial scrub on hand, make your own mixing sugar with extra virgin coconut oil.

P

rofessional facials are decadent and expensive. Why pay for one when you can do them yourself at home? Below is a basic five-step at home facial that can be done once a week and works on all skin types.

Step 3: Steam

Step 1: Cleanse the Skin

Step 4: Apply a Mask

The first step is to cleanse your skin with your usual facial cleaner (be sure you are using one formulated for your skin type) to cleanse your skin, rinse your face and neck first in lukewarm water – never hot water!

Then dot the cleaner on your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck. Message the product into your face and neck in a circular motion for at least a minute, making sure to get around the nose and the chin.

For oily skin, use a clay-based mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.

Rinse your face and neck with a warm washcloth.

Smooth on a smoothing, basic moisturiser over your face and neck.

Don’t forget to remove eye makeup with a makeup remover.

Step 2: Exfoliate Apply a gentle exfoliating facial scrub in a circular motion to your face. Using your fingers, concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combination skin, work harder on the arrears that tend to be “greasy”. Use a soft washcloth soaked in warm water to rinse your face.

There are several ways to steam your face.

The simplest is to fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and press to your face repeating 2 – 3 times.

Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10 – 20 minutes – or according to the product directions. Cucumber slices on the eyes are not necessary but they do leave you feeling refreshed.

Rinse completely.

Step 5: Moisturise

Tip: If you have a daughter, sharing this routine weekly provides great bonding time.

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Even in my head you’re still in my bed Maybe I’m just a fool Do you think of me?

Of what we used to be?

Is it better now that I’m not around?

My friends are actin’ strange They don’t bring up your name Are you happy now?

Are you happy now?

Lyrics I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, no I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know Wasted (wasted) And the more I drink the more I think about you Oh no, no, I can’t take it Baby every place I go reminds me of you Do you think of me?

Of what we used to be?

Is it better now that I’m not around?

My friends are actin’ strange They don’t bring up your name Are you happy now?

Are you happy now?

I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, no I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know And I every time I go out, yeah I hear it from this one, I hear it from that one Glad you got someone new Yeah, I see but I don’t believe it

I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, no I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know No more “please stop” No more hashtag boo’d up screenshots No more tryin’ make me jealous on your birthday You know just how I made you better on your birthday, oh Do he do you like this, do he woo you like this?

Do he lay it down for you, touch your poona like this?

Matter fact, never mind, we’ll let the past be Maybe his right now, but your body’s still me, woah I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, no I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know, know, know, know Who’s taking you home, home, home, home I’m loving you so, so, so, so The way I used to love you, oh I don’t wanna know Lyrics are property and copyright of their owners. Lyrics provided for educational purposes and personal use only

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Rock Dog For the Tibetan Mastiffs living on Snow Mountain, a dog’s life has a simple riff. Guard a peaceful village of wool-making sheep from the thuggish wolf Linnux, and his rabid pack. To avoid distractions, Mastiff leader Khampa forbids all music from the mountain. But when Khampa’s son Bodi discovers a radio dropped by a passing aeroplane, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed. Bodi wants to be a rock ‘n’ roll star. Yet that means defying his father’s wishes, heading to the city and locating the legendary – and reclusive – musician Angus Scattergood, who needs to write a new song and fast.

If Bodi can put a band together, help Angus with his song, and defeat the wolves’ plot to take Snow Mountain, his life will be in tune, Bodi will become what he’s always dreamed of being: More than a dog… more than a Rock God…. He’ll be a ROCK DOG!

Mom’s, for some fun printable pages for the kids 36

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CLICK HERE

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Sudoku 4

2 7

2 4

9

6 4

9 6 8 3 7 1 6 2 8 6

8 4 7 3 5 5 6 4

8 2 6 7 4 2 6 9

3

3 4

6 5 2 3

3 2 1 9 8 6 9 5

3

6 9

7 2 3

5

2 9 5 3 6 8 5 9 7 1 6 2 7 1 4 1 7 1 3 8 2 8 5

5 4

6 1 5

5 1 3 7 8 2 9 1 2

1

5 2

4 2

8 4 6 9 6 7 4 8 2 3 7

For a printable copy, or the solution:

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Book Reviews

by Bianca Adendorff LET’S EXPLORE! Colouring * Collage * Puzzles * Drawing by Eric Carle. This funfilled book is a must-have for all The Very Hungry Caterpillar fans. Kids can find their way through a food maze, make a caterpillar door hanger and spot the differences between the ladybirds and lots more! This will give kids a fun start to their artistic expedition and will assist with a wide variety of exciting skills like drawing and colouring, plus, they can use the 3 animal stamps and ink pad to decorate the pages and create their own pieces of art! ISBN: 9781474844420 | Published by Parragon

NIGHT SCHOOL

by Lee Child. Are you a Jack Reacher fan? You are going to love this action-packed prequel story that will introduce you to a new side of Jack Reacher!

Lee Child has delivered yet another page turning thriller packed with twists, turns and an engaging plot! A definite must read that can be read as a stand-alone novel! ISBN: 9780593073919| Published by Penguin Random House UK

Book Give Away!

Email your name and contact details to:

featzmags@gmail.com

WIN! N! WI IN! W HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSE

by Jennifer Niven. Be prepared to be blown away by the brilliance of New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Niven as she delivers yet another poignant, powerful, exhilarating and heart-wrenching story. You will absolutely adore the realness, honestly and the strong message of hope. A great reminder to love yourself, be yourself and remember that everyone matters! ISBN: 9780141357058 | Published by Penguin Random House UK

HOLDING MY BREATH

by Ace Moloi. Ace Moloi starts this book off with a letter to his deceased mother. You will immediately fall in head first gulping down the great waves of pain but also soaking in the sun glittering on the water’s surface. Thank you to Ace Moloi for swimming out into life and sharing his story. This book will take you on a journey through various South African issues and in the end will inspire many to fight the tide and reach the shore. This richly told memoir with its beautiful narrative is intense and funny yet astonishingly tragic.

The poignancy will pull you in and reach deep into your heart, capturing it in so many different ways. There will only be a very few that will read this and walk away unchanged.

ISBN: 9781928337294| Published by BlackBird Books

Subject: Bargain Books

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Charles Dickens

y a d h t r i B y r s a u u o r b m e Fa in F 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870 Charles Dickens was born on 7 February 1812, the son of John and Elizabeth Dickens.

John Dickens was a clerk in the Naval Pay Office. He had a poor head for finances and in 1824 found himself imprisoned for debt. His wife and children, with the exception of Charles, who was put to work at Warren’s Blacking Factory, joined him in the Marshalsea Prison. When the family finances were at least partly to rights and his father was released, the twelve year old Dickens, already scarred psychologically by the experience, was further wounded by his mother’s insistence that he continue to work at the factory. His father, however, rescued him from that fate, and between 1824 and 1827 Dickens was a day pupil at a school in London. At fifteen, he found employment as an office boy at an attorney’s, while he studied shorthand at night. His brief stint at the Blacking Factory haunted him all his life – but the dark secret became a source both of creative energy and of the preoccupation with the theme of alienation and betrayal which would emerge, most notable in his books David Copperfield and Great Expectations.

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