MAY/June 2017 Issue 43
ed’s note
MAY / JUNE You CAN buy happiness. It just goes by another name: Coffee. We took a bit of a break this year since our last issue, and as from this edition we’ll be bringing out the magazine on a bi-monthly, rather than monthly, basis. It gives us the chance not to rush the magazine, and to bring you quality articles. So, are you excited for winter? I am. Sure, I’ll probably regret those words in a few months, but for now I’m looking forward to endless cups of coffee, wooly socks, and blanket forts. So, as we gear ourselves for winter, take a bit of time out to read our magazine. It’s filled with interesting people, places and things. If you want to get involved in Flat White Magazine, through articles or advertising, please contact me. We’d love to welcome you to the Flat White family! With love, laughter and a lot of coffee. Christine www.flatwhiteconcepts.com
@FW_Concepts FlatWhiteConcepts www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
RECIPE DEVELOPER, FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER AND STYLIST www.bibbyskitchenat36.com
EVERYDAY NUT AND HONEY GRANOLA Bibby’s Kitchen @ Thirty Six www.bibbyskitchenat36.com
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Breakfast, as we all know, is the most important meal of the day. With our busy lives and access to convenience foods at every turn, getting off to a nutritious start can be challenging. Having a stash of homemade everyday nut and honey granola at the ready is my morning backup plan. Using whole rolled oats as the base ingredient with free-handed measures of nuts and dried fruit, this granola is addictively good. In our house it’s eaten by the fistfuls as in-bewtween snacks, tossed into fruit parfaits or as toppings for breakfast muffins. Often Skylar and I will sit gossiping on the kitchen counter late at night, the granola nestled between us, while I pick out the chewy blueberries and she the honey coated almonds.
Ingredients
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• 2 cups whole rolled oats • ¾ cup desiccated coconut • 1¼ cup raw almonds • 1 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped • ½ cup pumpkin seeds • ⅔ cup sunflower seeds • ¼ cup sesame seeds • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • Pinch salt • ¼ cup coconut oil • 3 tablespoons water • 200ml (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Growing up in the 70’s our weekday breakfasts • 1 cup dried cranberries usually involved bowls of piping hot Jungle Oats • ½ cup Turkish apricots, roughly chopped with a splash of cold milk and gravely white • ¼ dried blueberries sugar sprinkles. And if we were lucky, strands of golden syrup were jackson-pollocked all over the place. The joys of childhood pleasures. While the sweetenings weren’t ideal, it was one way of making sure we’d plough through 1. Preheat the oven to 170º C. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or foil and spray our bowls of porridge. with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Combine the oats, coconut, nuts, seeds, cinOnce regarded as ‘old people’s food’, oats is namon and salt in a large bowl. once again on the up and trending on all the 3. In a separate jug, heat the coconut oil, water, hippest breakfast menus. Come winter, we’re honey and vanilla. Whisk together to combine. going to to be hot-stepping it with flavour Pour the warm honey syrup over the oat mixcombos that’ll have you thinking it’s a cake for ture. Mix thoroughly to coat the oats. breakfast kind of situation. My pantry is nev- 4. Spread the mixture onto the tray and bake er without this staple. Just think, without oats for about 30 minutes, turning over several there’d be no South African crunchies! Almost times during the cooking time. on the scale of a national disaster, that would 5. Remove form the oven and mix in the dried be. There’s something so honest and nostal- fruit. Cool completely before storing in an airgic about oats. It’s versatile, cheap as chips tight container. 6. To assemble the breakfast pots, start with a and packed with enough nutrition to fortify an layer of honey roasted granola in a mason jar. army. To make the honey granola, you’ll need Top with vanilla Greek yoghurt and fresh seaall your favourite nuts, dried fruits, whole rolled sonal fruit. Finish with a handful of muesli and oats, coconut and honey, of course. Swapping a drizzle of honey.. out the usual butter for coconut oil makes this granola even healthier.
Method
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www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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Coconut Caramel Camilla
Gluten & wheat free, refined sugar free For the salted caramel sauce: • 1 can coconut milk • 2/4 cup coconut sugar • 1 tsp rock salt • ½ Tbsp coconut oil • 2 tsp vanilla extract (We use NOMU) To serve 2 people: • 50g organic coconut flaked, lightly toasted • 4 scoops Skinny Scoop’s Vanilla Camilla
1. Combine coconut milk, coconut sugar and rock salt in a saucepan. Bring to the boil and allow to cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. 2. Lower the heat and allow mixture to simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring often. 3. Once mixture becomes darker and thick, remove from heat. Stir in coconut oil and vanilla. 4. Place two ice-cream scoop in each bowl and serve with salted caramel sauce and toasted coconut flakes. TIP: This makes roughly 400ml of salted caramel sauce. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge Win a cooler bag for up to 10 days (if it lasts that long!)
www.snapsizzleandcook.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
with six ice creams from Skinny Scoop. See competition pages for more.
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Banana & Peanut Butter Split Gluten & wheat free, no added sugar For the banana split: • 2 Tbsp coconut oil • 1 Tbsp agave syrup or raw honey • 1 banana, skin on, sliced lengthways • 2 Tbsp no added sugar peanut butter
nana, fruit side down, and fry until golden. Flip over to give the skin a quick fry, then place onto a plate. 2. Melt peanut butter for about 30 seconds in the microwave. 3. Place a scoop of Vanilla Camilla onto the banana and finish off with the drizzled peanut butter. 4. Serve immediately.
1. Heat a frying pan on medium heat and add coconut oil and agave syrup. Once hot, add ba- www.skinnyscoop.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Win a cooler bag with six ice creams from Skinny Scoop. See competition pages for more.
www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Quaffee
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We chat to Warren Machanik from Quaffee, and find out more about this hugely passionate company that wants to bring good coffee out into the world.
Tell us more about Quaffee and how it differs the coffee sustainable, but always driven to be from other coffee brands? lip-smacking delicious. Quaffee represents a quest to find great coffee, I love the packaging - who does this? and roast it in a way that exposes any nuance we have identified to be within it. We do, using only local people, and local materials. In the decade that we have been going, we have learnt quality coffee can only be so if every part What is your most popular product to date? of the chain of hands that touch the coffee, are quality focused. Through the years we have Choosing a popular product would mean exbeen fortunate enough to meet and work with cluding too much of the hard work done by our growers, producers, millers and agents that love partnerships and people. It is easier to separate quality coffee. Love is the key. We work with our products into taste categories, so that each people that love producing quality, and want to client has a choice. For those that love the fruity share that love. This why we need to work as coffees our most popular blend is our interpredirect as possible in each origin. We have been tation of the finest of African coffees, Bunna. lucky enough to find local coffee people with While, for those that enjoy a more classic coffee the same mindset as us. taste, our blend of four distinct highland grown Colombian coffees, the Relationship blend is Every coffee we purchase is selected from the the most popular. And then there are those range offered by our partners. These coffees are that want the purity of a coffee from a micro realso evaluated many times during the time in gion, we try and always have a good representawhich we have them. tion of our list available there. We love to offer choice since we believe a coffee lover should be The logo, the company, the brand - how and allowed to enjoy a variety. when did it all come about? Tell me a bit more about the team. Quaffee is not only about quality coffee, it is also about thinking long term. The logo of a frog was Our team is similar to our clients. We all love selected by my daughter when she was only complex coffees, sometimes a good sweet and two. We wanted to build a company that put fruity coffee answers the call, sometime a carapeople, as well as environmental sustainability, mel coffee tingles the taste buds. We have one as a key pillar to the business. The frog in the thing in common though, we prefer our coffees logo has a coffee bean mouth. So, not only is black. www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 42
In your personal opinion, which two coffee accessories could you not live without?
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day. We have a reduced offering at the roaster based in Vineyard hotel, which offers some coffees unique to that location.
A good burr grinder and a scale. Once you have these you can make any type of brew. Both of Where can we buy your coffee? these ensure a consistent and repeatable brew, no matter how you brew the coffee. At the roasteries, online through our website (www.quaffee.co.za) or Cape Coffee Beans. Also Where are you based? the coffee shop at Buitenverwachting (called the CoffeeBloc) offers a small selection. We make The roastery based at Buitenverwachting has the sure all our coffees there are sold or removed most choice and we are open Monday – Satur- from the shelf within a week of roasting.
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taste We finally visit Culture Club Cheese. I’m half French. I grew up in a household where cheese was an important part of our everyday lives. The fridge always had cheese, and I’ve carried that tradition with me into my married life. Thankfully, I married a man who matched (if not outdid) my love for cheese. I did an article on Culture Club Cheese in a previous magazine. It was an interview with the owner. And since then, it’s been on my to-do list. I’m so happy that we finally made our way into the city to try it. Culture Club Cheese is situated in Bree Street. The fact that the street shares a similar name to one of my favourite cheeses pleases me to no end. The building is hard to miss with its bright yellow walls, contrasted with dark grey finishings. It was a windy day (when is it not?) so we chose to sit inside rather than outside. Inside and outside, the atmosphere was great. We don’t often order a sandwich at a restaurant. Mostly because it feels too much like something we could whip up at home. But this was the sort of place where it just felt right to order a grilled cheese. I went for the Green White & Blue on Woodstock Sourdough - which included roasted aubergine, De Pekelaar borenkaas, cashew nut pesto and peppers. Warren chose the Bacon on Woodstock Sourdough, which included unpasteurised Myst Hill cheddar, free range bacon, avocado and tomato. Yes! They were amazing. Afterwards, we finished off with a delicious Deluxe cappuccino. It was midday, and we had somewhere else to be after lunch, so we didn’t sample the wine. But I’m definitely coming back to enjoy an evening of cheese and wine. Visit them at 215 Bree Street!
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Please note: prices may change.
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THINGS WE LOVE
“Whino” Rhino Wine Holder Native Décor creates minimalist pieces that breathe life into your living space. Selling price: R389 Visit www.nativedecor.co.za
Continental Espresso Coffee Beans 1Kg The 100% Arabica continental espresso coffee beans are dark with a full-bodied flavour. Selling price: R189.95 Visit www.woolworths.co.za
Mini Me Memorables Easily create unique and personalised Mini Me gifts for any occasion. Selling price: Minimum order R300 (Free shipping) Visit www.minimememorables.co.za
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Please note: prices may change.
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THINGS WE LOVE Rex the Terrier
Rex is part of a menagerie of animal cushions for your home. He is screen printed in dark grey waterbased ink on thick 100% cotton fabric with a linen texture. He is backed in cotton twill in a soft stone color. There is a woven label on the side. He is plushly stuffed with unicurl for great recovery and maximum cuddles. Rex is printed in a course bitmap pattern, which up close seems quite modern and abstract, but take one step back and his personality comes shining through. Visit www.andmenagerie.co.za for prices.
Frappuccino Nut Milk Frappuccino Nut Milk (Water, Almonds & Macadamia Nuts), Dates, Vanilla Extract, Arabica Coffee, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Himalayan Salt. • No artificial anything • Locally sourced ingredients • Environmental sustainability • A great-tasting dairy free alternative Visit www.thealmondcreamery.co.za for a list of stockists.
The Swede This is your Poplar Serving Board for food lovers with green fingers. Featuring a modern design and clean profile, the Swede is a stylish addition to your kitchen. All the boards are treated with environmentally friendly natural oils. Selling price: R285 Available at www.arkworkshop.co.za
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Please note: prices may change.
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THINGS WE LOVE Olive & Herb Gourmet Popcorn
Popped to perfection and flavoured with only the freshest herbs and spices. Guzzle & Wolf popcorn will have you dropping all pretences of civilised nibbling and sharing. • Delicious gourmet popcorn • Freshly popped popcorn with an extra virgin olive oil and herb flavouring • Perfect for snacks, parties and entertaining Selling price: R25 Visit www.yuppiechef.com to find a range of different flavours.
Personalised Enamel Mugs Not only for camping, these classic blue trimmed enamel mugs are perfect for any age and beverage! Selling price: R200 Visit www.lovelettersstationery.co.za
Kale Chips - Cheezy Handmade by lovingly massaging fresh kale leaves with a naturally flavoured sunflower seed and spice blend, and air-drying them at low temperatures for 18 hours to preserve nutrients and living enzymes of the wholefoods. Kale is a superstar leafy green, high in vitamins A, C, K and a great source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus. Selling price: R24 Visit www.herbivore.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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THINGS WE LOVE
Pineapple Earrings Pineapple stud earrings handmade from polymer clay. Selling price: 80 Buy at Hello Pretty: https://hellopretty.co.za/turkey-dimple/pineapple-earrings Visit www.turkeydimple.co.za
Quaffee - Colombia Relationship Bundle Quaffee are extremely passionate about Colombian coffee and this shows in the variety of delicious Colombians they have to offer. While they have similarities, each of their Colombian single origins is unique in its aromas, flavours and body. Selling price: 129 Visit capecoffeebeans.co.za
Monogram Notepad Laser cut/engraved wooden notepad cover with unique living hinge. Engraved with swirly mongram design with 1 letter of your choice. Size approximately 12,5cm wide x 17 cm high. Comes with 100 sheet A6 notepad. Selling price: R80 Visit www.shop.paperkutz.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Please note: prices may change.
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LOKAL is a curated collective guide to all your favourite local brands & small businesses! #LoveLOKAL Twitter: @LOKALza Facbebook: lokalZA Website: lokalza.wordpress.com
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Meet Kevin Waters, the founder of a company that has been stealing hours of my time . . . Mini Me Memorables. I’m a little obsessed with these guys . . .
Take us back . . . My background is in Graphic Design, and I have always worked freelance (I like to be my own boss). But I was bored of doing the same thing and wanted to start a new venture - but still within the creative field. I’ve always had a love for LEGO, specifically the mini figures, since
childhood. So, I decided to combine my love for design with the ever popular LEGO mini figures to create a unique and personalised product for the gifting market. I definitely saw a gap in market for such a product - especially in the corporate field. I really wanted to target the everyday person and not just the typical “LEGO fan”. I have also always wanted to have the experi-
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ence of building and marketing my own brand. It started off as a much more basic product, and evolved over many months of alterations before the site went live. We are always updating and perfecting the experience, as well as the product, as the months go on and things are only going to get better! Tell me a bit more about the team . . .
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marketing gig but there will definitely be some products for sale too. Will also be displaying at SACSC ( South African Council of Shopping Centres ) in September as a base to getting into retail. More features, giveaways and an even better Mini me experience and products! If you had to make a Mimi Me of yourself, what would your top three accessories be?
Me, Myself and . . . (you know the rest). I think I Game controller, Laptop and Pizza! explained a fair amount in the previous question. When I first started the business about 6 months ago I intended to work it as a sideline to my general graphic design, and gauge the interest before going full time but with the response, sales and general feedback I have basically been living this business! Everything from the site itself to handing out flyers is done by myself. Most popular product so far? Cellphones and laptops for sure! Who makes your stock and how often do you change it up?
What has the public reception been so far? And Well that’s me . . . surprise surprise. Ordering how can we follow you? stock, photographing stock, editing photos, uploading stock etc. All our stock is official LEGO Amazing, Overwhelming, Crazy, Insane! Could product sourced from multiple different suppli- not have hoped for a better response, and this ers in countries from all over the world. The local has just motivated me to push the business fursupply of Mini Figure items is very limited and ther. It was by no means easy in the beginning, basic, and the majority of our items you wont especially when it came to getting the name out find anywhere else in SA. We are constantly add- there and marketing on a minimal/zero budget ing new items to the site, and our inventory will but thankfully social media has made it a little only continue to grow. easier in this day and age. I aim to do some sort of marketing no matter how big or small every What do you have in store for 2017? day. Speaking of which, you can follow at : Tons and tons of Mini Me’s! Super excited to be having a stand at Fan Con 2017 in Cape Town, Which is basically the local version of ComicCon - A worldwide event celebrating anything and everything nerdy and geeky. It will be more of a
Instagram.com/MiniMeMemorables Mini Me Memorables on Facebook Twitter.com/MiniMeMems Or visit: www.MiniMeMemorables.co.za
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We speak to Vusani Ravele, the founder of this amazing company Native Decor. I wanted to keep this article mostly photo driven because their products speak for themselves. But we also asked Vusani to take us through his background . . .
Background: In high school, I was the kid who ran the tuckshop that competed with the school tuckshop. My tuckshop eventually outgrew the school tuckshop as I was able to continue selling to the boarding school after hours and well into the night. After high school I studied Industrial Engineering and thereafter went on to co-found a publishing business for about 2 years. I learnt a lot from that business, particularly sales, and after it didn't work out I did a bit of travelling to the UK to gain clarity. On my return I went into a sales job and eventually worked my way up to sales manager for the company. It was in 2015 when I received a cordless drill as a valentines gift that it all started. I couldn't stop drilling holes into things and felt I had to take this further. I would find myself making all sorts of things from a mini chest of drawers to other decor items. Eventually I bought a CNC machine after weeks of tireless research. The machine arrived in bad shape after being couriered down from CT and so I set out to rebuild it. Once it was up and running the creative juices started flowing. Fast forward to a year later and I found myself making history on Mnet's Shark Tank SA TV show. I was the first entrepreneur to benefit from a lucrative deal with the astute Gil Oved of The Creative Counsel.
Visit www.nativedecor.co.za to place your order. www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
www.nativedecor.co.za
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www.nativedecor.co.za
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We chat to Leezl Bezuidenhout, from Graphic Girl.. TELL ME ABOUT GRAPHIC GIRL? Graphic Girl, like most entrepreneurial journeys, was born from the desire to create a purposeled career. I spent years in corporate, gaining as much experience as I could, until I felt I had the confidence to go on my own. My aim as Graphic Girl is to mentor like-minded, heart-led business owners through their brand launch experience, to by-pass all the hurdles and short-track them to creating something amazing.
WHAT PROJECT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST PROUD OF SO? To be honest, mine (Graphic Girl) and Steampunk Coffee. The positive response has definitely made the heart swell. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT GRAPHIC GIRL? I love sunshine and music so if I’m on a beach or at a music festival, I’m in my happy place.
Graphic Girl is only nearly 2 years old. When my boyfriend decided to move to the KZN Midlands I love to DIY around my little farmhouse, and I to open a coffee shop, I saw that as my now- enjoy experimenting with superfoods. or-never moment to follow him, to stop talking about it and actually do this thing! WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU USE AS PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PACKAGES... I’m constantly yo-yoing between the creative I offer the two essentials to getting a business brain and my tech side, so I’m subscribed to a off the ground – Branding and Website Design. bunch of creatives and developers and just keep Branding is the process of figuring out what abreast by going through my inbox. logo, look and feel your business should have, and then rolling out the basics (email signature, WHICH BRAND IS 'DOING IT JUST RIGHT!'? social media headers etc.) which give you that professional image. The website, then, as an A few local business brands I love are Citygirlextension of your branding, completes the full searching, Hooray Weddings, Urban Lace and professional identity. Olly Polly. I also love StartupCreative, Australia WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
WHICH CAFE WOULD WE FIND YOU AT?
Steampunk café on the R103. I may be bias, but All over. I love Pinterest, who doesn’t? And a it’s ruined me for other coffee shops. I’ll have a dedicated Instagram session can be quite ben- black Americano, and if not from there, then I’d eficial (although the comparison game can get rather order a 5 roses. to you.) I’m also inspired by the stunning work of Andrea Barras (Bird and Design). www.graphicgirl.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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We chat to Bridget Richardson, the talent behind Love Letters Stationery... How did Love Letters Stationery start? sonalised HB Pencils, and Gift Stickers. Our cusI started Love Letters in 2009 - I had recently left a corporate job and wanted to use my design training. I initially made a set of personalised notecards for a friend, and they were so well received, I realised there was a gap in the market for well-priced personalised stationery in SA.
Tell us a bit about the team. I employ two women in my office. Blessing has been with me for 4 years and Asanda for 3. We all do a bit of everything in the office as you have to when you are a small team. Asanda is quite loud and funny, and Blessie is the quiet thoughtful one. Asanda largely does the logistics and Blessie the office management, order management and proofing. I do the product development design, marketing and sales.
tomers definitely like the personalised items the most, the sales on them are significantly higher than the generic items. They are unique and show a level of thought and planning when buying a gift for someone.
Tell us about your products? We offer over 130 different products (mostly stationery), with the majority of them being personalised. We do also have a number of homeware lines, again largely personalised to add a fun touch to your home. We sell a mix of kids, teens and adults products - mostly for girls and women but a few aimed at men. I add new products every couple of months, and I retire some at the same time. Of course I always love to hear new ideas from people!
What's inspires you?
What was the first item you created?
Lots of things inspire me - people, design, naI created a set of personalised Thank You cards ture. Anything can catch my eye and give me a for my friend Barbs, who always writes thank jolt of excitement for a new product. you notes - so was the perfect gift for her.
Your favourite item stationery item?
When you're not working at Love Letters In my range, my favourite product would be our Stationery, what are you doing?
Copper Bulldog Clips. Otherwise a Tom Dixon Usually thinking about Love Letters! But oth- Cube Stapler, as it would match my Copper Bullerwise I’m with my family, beaching, watching dog Clips so nicely on my desk. sport, seeing family and friends, and eating.
What is your most popular product?
Lastly, if we were to find you at a cafe, where would it be?
The Personalised Notebook and Pencil Set, and Usually Seattle - I love their coffee, and it’s conthe Personalised Moleskins are our two most veniently close to my gym. popular products, followed closely by the Perwww.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Win a personalised travel mug! See competition pages for more.
www.lovelettersstationery.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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“The soul finds peace where the herons rest.” Now that we live in Blouberg, I’m constantly on the search for holidays a bit closer to home. Less time on the road means more time to enjoy the holiday. So I was excited to discover a holiday house only an hour and a half away. Herons Rest is a restored farmhouse and cottage, situated on the banks of the Berg River in Velddrif. It’s an oasis that springs out of the quiet road, and welcomes you in. The house itself sleeps eight, while the cottage sleeps four, offering a large twelve sleeper should you book out the entire 6 hectare estate. Due to the size, we opted to bring along some friends to fully experience what the place had to offer. We’ve been away a few times with our friends, but we all agreed that this was by far the best holiday house we’ve stayed at. First, every single room came with its own bathroom and bar fridge. That alone makes it different to most other places. It means that a large group of people can enjoy the holiday without fighting for bathroom time or fridge space. This attention to detail is just one of the many that we discovered during our stay. The guest house amenities include a plunge pool, a shared lapa with a built in braai, a jungle gym and a beautiful garden. They have also recently built a large stoep with tables and chairs to sit and relax. This ended up being the place we sat at the most. It offered a wonderful reprieve from the sun, and a great place to sit and play boardgames. Inside, the kitchen was fully fitted and the bedrooms were spacious and clean. We were even greeted with little chocolates on our bed, and our bar fridges came equipped with milk and water. www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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We had a great time, relaxing inside, and exploring the area through long walks, or trips to the beach. It’s also worth mentioning that Herons Rest is dog friendly. This was great for our friends who could finally bring their dog along for one of their trips. And Rolo, of course, had the time of his life!
Herons Rest offered far more than we thought it would, and exceeded our expectations. Two days was definitely not enough, and we’re already planning our next trip together as a group of friends. It’s clear that the owners take great pride in this place, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more. If you want to live your best West Coast life, than this is the place to go. Thank you to Mercia Wanneberg, General Manager of Herons Rest, and Carmen Lerm, from West Coast Way, for organising this relaxing stay for us. We cannot wait to come back! By Christine Bernard Photos by Warren Bernard www.flatwhiteimages.com www.heronsrest-velddrif.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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discover Floatation Therapy.
We spend an hour in a deprivation tank! It was my husband’s birthday recently, and I decided that instead of spending too much on material goods, I’d book him in for an experience too. He’d been talking about wanting to try out a deprivation tank for ages, so I was excited to find that there was a place in Cape Town that offered just that. From the website: The Ubuntu Wellness Center is one of very few places in South Africa to offer a complete focused floatation hydrotherapy environment. One hour floatation equals to 4 hours deep sleep. It is beneficial in reducing jet-lag, anxiety, depression and more. It is a unique relaxation environment that assists with alleviating anxiety, fears, habits, addictions. It also helps in improving sports performance and with accelerated learning and better concentration. It is also called Sensory isolation or R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique).
The idea is that you lie inside a pod filled with epsom salt water, the lid comes down so that all sense of sight and sound are gone, and you allow yourself to float for an hour. I immediately booked him in on a session, and then booked one for me too. The Ubuntu Wellness Center has two rooms, each with a pod, so two people can enjoy the experience at the same time. Of course, in typical ‘me’ fashion, the moment I arrived I became freaked out by the thought of lying in a closed capsule for an hour. It didn’t help that we’d watched a movie the night before that used them in more barbaric ways. Every creepy thought ran through my head. I told the manager this, who assured me that I didn’t have to put the lid down. With the lid open, it wasn’t a deprivation tank anymore (dim lights, soft sounds), but was still a great way to relax. I breathed a sigh of relief, and climbed into my pod to relax. At the end of the session I closed the lid to see if I was at all claustrophobic. Turns out I’m not, and the experience with the lid
Win a floatation experience See the competition pages for more!
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down was far better. Of course, by then time was up, and I regretted not experiencing it fully. My husband, thankfully, was not nearly as worried as I was, and closed it from the start. He said it was one of the best things he had ever done. I figured out a few things about myself during that hour. One, I am easily frightened. Two, I have a brain that doesn’t want to switch off. Three, I do not know how to relax. I only started fully relaxing by the end of the session. I can’t wait to try it again. Next time I’m going to put the lid down, ignore my worries of not being able to get out (the lid is light enough to just lift up), and still my mind. I’m already planning my next session, and I recommed that you do the same!
Why float? It’s a way to soothe and heal the body from the constant stress of life’s daily pressures. People float for so many reasons. It helps the body with relaxation, jet-lag, fatigue, insomnia, low blood pressure, weight control, stress, pain relief, focus for competition, decision making and creativity enhancement. This floatation therapy is located at the Cape Town Medi-Spa at 99 Kloof Street, Gardens. www.ubuntushop.net www.medispa.co.za
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MacNut Farm.
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Nuts about weddings!
I recently attended a wedding at MacNut farm, and I was blown away by the lovely Hannah and her husband Paul, and the passion they have for their job. They tell me a bit more about their venue, and what it’s like to plan a wedding . . .
www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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What makes Macnut Farm so special?
Tell us about the name.
Macnut Farm has been operating for 6 years as a wedding venue of which we have had memorable and special days shared with bride, groom and their guests. We offer personalised, exclusive, individualised packages with superior service, food and décor.
For a bunch of nutters, it wasn’t difficult to come up with this name. The more obvious reason is that Macnut Farm boasts a large orchid of macadamia nut trees.
Tell us about your team, and what do you do when you're not putting together amazing Macnut Farm is situated in the Assagay Valley, weddings? just outside Hillcrest, in a luscious environment with the Umhlatuzana river running through it. We are both involved full time in the wedding It is a photographer’s paradise with an abun- venue business – constantly creating a more dance of beautiful places for photographs and beautiful and unique environment. We see Macvideo shoots to capture the special day. There nut Farm as one huge creative canvas to express are numerous options for the bride and groom our creativity. I’m also a fine artist and I make to choose from, from riverside garden ceremo- time for painting every week. I made the stained nies to covered or indoor options. Signing of the glass windows for Macnut’s chapel and I’m curregister or intimate elopement weddings can be rently finishing the ceiling for the chapel, which held in a unique, beautiful chapel (the smallest Paul designed and built. chapel in the Southern hemisphere) or used just as part of the photo shoot. We have a regular team of staff, both full time as well as part time, who are just as dedicated To make it a stress free and magical day – various to the success of the business and who offer an other options are available which include a one- outstanding quality of service. stop-shop wedding arranged by us.
What made you decide to get into the wedding business? Macnut Farm wedding venue started hosting weddings in 2011 when we returned from a sabbatical year in Indonesia. The romantic nature of the business sparked the passion in both of us to share our small piece of paradise with others.
What makes for a special wedding day?
A special wedding day is one that is stress free, unique and one that is a reflection of the bride and groom’s personalities. The service must be impeccable, food has to be delicious, memorable and plentiful, and the day must be a true celebration of the couple’s marriage to one another.
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What other packages do you offer? Weddings are our number one function of choice, but on weekends when we do not have a wedding booked, we also host other functions like corporate events, birthdays and anniversaries. We like to host wine tasting evenings and other social events from time to time.
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What advice can you give to any couples out there planning their wedding day?
A wedding can involve a lot of planning, but we recommend to the couple to avoid the stress that can be created around that. Most importantly, we urge that the couple enjoy their wedding day to the fullest and go with the flow on the day. Timelines are only there for the planning and should only be used as a guideline. If you need Your most memorable wedding to date? more time for photos, then take it. We take care Every wedding is very special to us. Every couple of all the details so the bride and groom can enthat gets married here becomes part of the Mac- joy their special day without any worries. nut family and we love to stay in touch with what happens in their lives. It is always nice to see the Contact: babies that are born or couples that come back to enjoy a bottle of champagne on the banks www.macnut.co.za of the river celebrating an anniversary. Couples 031 - 7652 572 sometimes just pop in for a visit.
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www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Comp 1
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Three lucky readers can win copy of The Memory of Water by J.T Lawrence.
HOW TO ENTER: Email your name and contact details to christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘J.T Lawrence’ Winner announced: End June
www.pulpbooks.wordpress.com JT Lawrence is an Amazon bestselling, genre-hopping, female-protagonist-loving author (and playwright) based in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. She is the mother of two small boys and a baby girl, and lives in a house with a red front door.
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Comp 2
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One lucky reader can win a cooler bag with six ice creams from Skinny Scoop.
HOW TO ENTER: Email your name and contact details to christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘skinny scoop’ Winner announced: End June. NOTE: PRIZE TO BE COLLECTED IN PAARDEN EILAND, CAPE TOWN
www.skinnyscoop.co.za Skinny Scoop protein ice cream is a guilt free treat made with no added sugar and all natural ingredients. We have three available flavours that are presented in two sizes - 175ml and 500ml tubs: Vanilla Camilla, Afterdark Cacao and Peanut Butter Zoey. We sell our delicious ice cream at select Spars, Wellness Warehouse, deli’s, 24 hour convenience stores and gyms. Skinny Scoop is the perfect way to indulge without any of the naughty stuff!
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Comp 3
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Win a R250 voucher from Mini Me Memorables HOW TO ENTER:
STEP ONE: Like Mini Me Memorables on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MiniMeMemorables/ STEP TWO: Once done, email christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘Mini Me’ Winners announced: End June
Easily create unique and personalised Mini Me gifts for any occasion! Browse our ever growing inventory of over 1000 Lego mini figure parts and custom plexiglas stands with personalized text to create the perfect Mini Me. Worldwide shipping. www.minimememorables.co.za www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
Comp 4
Win a personalised travel mug from Love Letters Stationery.
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White ceramic travel mug, and rubber lid, personalised with a design of your choice. HOW TO ENTER: Email your name and contact details to christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘Love Letters’ Entries close: End June
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Comp 5
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Win a bag of coffee from Quaffee by answering one easy question! HOW TO ENTER: Name ONE of the four factors needed for quality farming. Click here to find the answer. Email your answer, name and delivery details to christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘Quaffee’ Entries close: End June
www.quaffee.co.za They strive to source the best coffees as direct as possible from the growers. Then they identify a roast profile they think will make the coffee the most delicious. They put them out there, attracting orders, roasting only when they receive orders so that the coffee is always fresh. They also recommend the Jura coffee machines as the automatic machine of choice for home and offices.
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Comp 6
Win a floatation experience from The Ubuntu Wellness Center
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The Ubuntu Wellness Center is one of very few places in South Africa to offer a complete focused floatation hydrotherapy environment. One hour floatation equals to 4 hours deep sleep. It is beneficial in reducing jet-lag, anxiety, depression and more. It is a unique relaxation environment that assists with alleviating anxiety, fears, habits, addictions. It also helps in improving sports performance and with accelerated learning and better concentration. It is also called Sensory isolation or R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique). HOW TO ENTER: Email your name and contact details to christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com with the subject line: ‘Floatation’ Entries close: End June PLEASE NOTE: The Ubuntu Wellness Center is located in CAPE TOWN.
www.ubuntushop.net This floatation therapy is located at the Cape Town Medi-Spa at 99 Kloof Street, Gardens. www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43
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Do you want to advertise with us? Email Christine on christine@flatwhiteconcepts.com
www.flatwhiteconcepts.com | Issue 43