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TOP BIL LLIN NG CEM KO CONSTR RUCTION AN ND OJECT MANA AGEMENT iss a PRO privaately owned d construction com mpany, servving a diversse range of clients aacross Gauteeng. For moore informaation about any of ouur services, p please conttact us: www..cemkoconstruction.co o.za ccemko@po olka.co.za 082 774 4 6915 Jaco Lom mbard
P u b l i sh e r K-S t udio (P t y ) Ltd o n beh alf of B lue H ill s Eq u est r i a n E sta te A d ve rti si n g S al es Tobia tobia@k-st udio . co . za sales2@ k-st udio . co . za
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Disclaimer: This e-Magazine is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate to
SPACING- balance is key provide updates and useful information. It is produced
by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate
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HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, Blue Hills Equestrian Estate HOA and/or the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate information, and may not agree with all opinions expressed in this publication.
3 ISSU E 4 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
From The
Estate Manager Hello and welcome to our new homeowners. We hope that you are keeping warm during this bitter winter and have settled into your lockdown normal. We do hope that you are safe and trust that you have taken the time to enjoy our beautiful Estate even if its just for a brisk walk to enjoy some fresh, crisp air. Servest landscaping have started their annual tree pruning around the Estate. They have also started cutting of vacant stands and will be spreading compost around the Estate. Routine maintenance around the Estate will continue in conjunction with the winter plan for the Estate. We have noticed that stands have been dumping grass cuttings among other items around the Estate in the common area. Homeowners are requested to ensure that this does not continue and to ensure that grass cuttings and the like are disposed of responsibility.
arrangements that deviate from these protocols needs to be made via the appropriate channels. We appeal to homeowners to not vent your frustrations onto the guards and to please be mindful that the guards are acting upon instruction. To ensure the security of the Estate, we kindly request that homeowners advise the Estate office of any contractor or employee who are no longer in the employ of the stand. There are a number of employees, including contractors who are registered on the biometric systems, homeowners are required to advise the office should the access no longer be required as it compromises the security of the Estate. As construction continues in the Estate, homeowners are requested to ensure that your contractors are aware of the rules of the Estate. Homeowners are also requested to ensure that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to on stands at all times. CURRENT STATS Stands Sold Available Stands Total Stands Percentage sold
121 11 132 92%
BUILDING STATS Completed Stands Under Construction
30 32
There are a number of stands who have completed their construction but have not arranged for their Completion Certificates. Homeowners can make contact with Studious Architects to arrange for a final inspection of their property and to arrange Speeding within the Estate is still a huge concern. for their Completion Certificate. Residents are reminded that this is a community and that we need to be mindful of those around As a final note, we would like to remind us. Speeding puts those around us at great residents that harmonious community living is risk. The speed limit within the Estate is strictly only achieved when residents are able to use 30km per hour. Homeowners are reminded that and enjoy their private property as well as the they are also responsible for their visitors and public areas of the Estate amicably. General contractors. consideration and mutual respect by all residents for each other and their surroundings will greatly Security is an integral part of the Estate and assist in achieving a happy community and a requires a holistic approach. Unfortunately, our pleasant environment. guards are being abused for performing their duties which is unacceptable. Security works Kind regards under certain protocols and any requests or 2020 • I SSUE 4 4
Rashni Andhee-Shah
ESTATE NEWS
HOUSEHOLD & INDUSTRIAL CLEANING CHEMICALS
BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Pretty BUT TOUGH
+27 (0)82 263 7063 www.clearish.co.za
5 ISSU E 4 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
IMPORTANT INFORMATION & CONTACTS
BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BODY
THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF: • • • • • • •
Andile Mtetwa Heather Bowes Jessica Hofmeyr John Frayne Nick Crow Obakeng Mathibe Ugesparan Govender
The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body has been developed to ensure that should you have a query or wish to address anything on the Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer your concerns to. This Committee goes beyond our THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY: at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled • Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar with all due care. • Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar • Jillian Hendricks / Estate Portfolio Manager • Rashni Andhee-Shah / Estate Manager • Head office support Birdhaven
C
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CM
MY
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CMY
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ESTATE MANAGER Rashni Andhee-Shah 010 109 0935 083 703 9436 rashnia@trafalgar.co.za SALES MANAGER Musi Motsuenyane 082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za SECURITY SITE MANAGER 076 771 9082/ 061 704 0111 Bluehills@thompsec.co.za EMERGENCY Eskom 086 0037 566 JHB Water 0860 562 874 Police 10111 Ambulance 10177 SPCA 011 265 9935 SNAKE CATCHER Mike 083 448 8854 2020 • I SSUE 4 6
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
COMPLETE HOME AUTOMATION SAVES MORE THAN ENERGY.
Residential and Commercial Audio, Video, and Lighting Solutions
We at Automation Authority offers the ultimate smart home automation solution by making the electronic components and systems you already use on a daily basis work together, seamlessly. Integration using a reliable wired and wireless infrastructure forms the “backbone” of your home; and allows all of these devices to connect and communicate with each other. The result is an intelligent and personalised experience that enhances your life for added comfort, savings, convenience and peace of mind. Our Home Cinema Installations offer a complete solution including cinema seating, home cinema designs and layout, acoustic design and consultation, 3D design renderings, installation and programming, and the calibration of the audio-visual equipment to ensure the highest levels of performance.
Contact us to arrange a consultation to assess your automation requirements. Juan 082 308 0809
www.automationauthority.co.za
Johan 076 540 0393
Gauteng, Fourway.
@Automation_Authority
Platinum Wheels, Showrrom
@AutomationAuthorityAfrica
7 ISSU E 4 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
2020 • I SSUE 4 8
ESTATE GARDENING NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
IN YOUR
Garden
We’re not quite yet done with winter, but it is certainly time to start planning and planting for warmer weather. Remember, spring is just around the corner and Plantland is stocked to the brim with instant colour. Don’t forget to put out seeds for our feathered friends, which are slowly returning to the garden!
Colour In The Garden
Rose Colours And Their Meanings
Go on the colour run in your garden with annuals: Trays of pretty flowering snapdragon seedlings, both the tall and dwarf varieties, are available now at Plantland. Also remember that you can still plant pansies and violas, which will flower till late summer if set out in cooler areas of the garden with morning sun and afternoon shade – they will be in full flower at your favourite Plantland now, so you will be able to choose the colours you love!
A Kiss Of Red Seen as a reflection of the perfect beauty, the classic red rose is a traditional symbol of love and romance. The deeper the red, the more ‘unconscious’ its beauty. And like true love, endures endlessly. Explore our favourite red rose varieties below:
Petunias, whether purchased in trays, hanging baskets or small pots, are always a winner at this time of year. They are not fussy and simply require a sunny spot with regular removal of the spent flowers. Feed them regularly with a liquid plant food (Nitrosol or Guanoflow) and they will go on for months in your garden, providing splashes of colour!
• Builders Passion Red: Evocative and fullbodied, Builders Passion roses have a bright red colour that intensifies with age. • Grey Kollege Rose: Named after the boys’ school, Grey College, in Bloemfontein, Grey Kollege roses are long-stemmed and have an exquisite red colour. Blushing Pink Delicate and sweet, the pale pink of a rose denotes feelings of affection and gentleness, and are often associated with admiration and happiness. The 9 ISSU E 4 • 20 20
GARDENING BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
following varieties are some of our favourites in this colour: • Bloomin Easy Rose: A modern bouquet rose, the Bloomin Easy pink rose plant produces double pink flowers on each stem, with thick, bushy growth. • My Granny: One of our most popular roses, My Granny is a spreading shrub rose, with light pink, rosette-shaped blooms. • Princess Charlene De Monaco: Fresh and beautiful, and fit for a South African princess. These roses are pastel pink with a slight ochre tint. Sunshine Yellow Feelings of warmth and associations of friendliness define the bright and cheerful yellow rose. They are often given in bouquets as a token of friendship and joy. Here are some of our most treasured yellow rose shrubs: • Stodels Beauty: This rose shrub yields distinctive, bright golden-yellow blooms with a small red edge. • Germiston Gold: The floriferous Germiston Gold produces a magnificent display of golden-yellow roses with sharp, pointed buds.
new beginnings. There are plenty of gorgeous white roses to choose from for your rose garden, but we’ve picked out our top three for you below: • Iceberg: South Africa’s rose garden number one, the free-flowering Iceberg plant yields stunning white roses in abundance. • Flower Carpet: As its name suggests, the deciduous Flower Carpet spreads into a thick bush of pure white roses. Electric Orange The vibrant orange rose symbolises energy and excitement, a passionate desire and romantic connection. If you’re interested in planting orange roses in your garden, consider these: • Nelson Mandela Rose: Named in honour of Nelson Mandela, these fiery orange roses are disease-resistant and grow to more than a metre in height. • Just Joey: With its fruity fragrance and large, copper-apricot-coloured double roses, Just Joey is a rose garden go-to. Perfect Peach A symbol of appreciation, the soft and elegantlooking peach rose expressed gratitude for a relationship. If you love peach roses as much as we do, take a look at this variety: • Bloomin Easy Rose: This scented, climbing rose shrub produces cream-peach blooms with undertones of pink.
Is your rose garden feeling the love?
Pure white Pure and unassuming, the crisp white rose represents innocence and charm, and is often associated with 2020 • I SSUE 4 1 0
Now that you know the different rose colour meanings, all that’s left to do is order your flowers so you can get planting. So go on, get on those gardening gloves and show your rose garden some TLC this month.
GARDENING BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Perfection with perennials Go for flower power with Osteospermum, they are great for rock gardens and containers, or wherever bright splashes of colour are needed. Hurry to get yours at your favourite Plantland branch. Then chase away the last winter blues with Nemesia hybrids. Most are compact and sweetly scented and will flower repeatedly after a light trim. Another option We are blessed with many different types of vivacious vygies, succulent groundcovers and delospermums that can definitely take spring to a more colourful dimension when they smother themselves in luminous, satiny flowers. The Vygie Purple Parade is an all-time favourite. Pelargoniums are at their best at this time of the year, and there are lots of species and hybrids to choose from. They are great in the garden and lovely for pots, especially hanging baskets, and can supply colour all summer long.
Revive the Lawn It’s time for the ‘spring treatment’, which means a low cut, firm raking, spiking, generous feeding, levelling out and covering with a nutritious blanket of organic Malanseuns lawn dressing available at every Plantland branch. There are many good, reliable products available that will wake your lawn up from its winter sleep, and 7.1.3 form Efekto or Protek is a firm favourite! This is normally done in August, while September is still fine for colder areas. However, this treatment should only be applied to runner-type lawns like kikuyu. For more tips and tricks regarding lawn Plantland has all the knowledge you will need to get that luscious green lawn you dream of. 11 ISSU E 4 • 2020
2020 • I SSUE 4 1 2
ESTATE WELLNESS NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
CHOOSE YOUR FILTERS
By
“Figure out what you want to see more of, and then make sure you look out for it.” Caroline Webb, How to Have a Good Day
AIM
We’re each living through the lens of our own private reality – one that is shaped by our automatic system’s attempts at allocating our attention to the right thing. We experience an incomplete, subjective version of reality – one that may not serve us. We can’t switch off our automatic system’s filtering function (it is, after all, automatic), but we can adjust the settings by being more proactive in defining our perceptual filters.
• Sample exercise: “What really matters to me today is to help my team get off to a strong start with our new clients.”
We consciously notice only a small selection of what’s actually happening around us, and filter out the rest. What we mentally file as important is strongly influenced by our assumptions about ourselves and the world.
• Sample exercise: “I admit that I’m feeling grumpy and tired right now, and not necessarily in the mood to inspire others. I am irritated by the way the project is set up, and uncertain of its success.”
Think about what’s most important to you on any given day. What do you most want to achieve? What matters most to you right now?
ATTITUDE Notice and acknowledge the concerns that are dominating your thoughts and mood. Are they standing between you and your aim?
ATTENTION
In How to Have a Good Day (Macmillan, 2016), Webb suggests taking some time to consciously set our filters each day by defining our AIM, ASSUMPTIONS, ATTITUDE and ATTENTION.
Where do you want to consciously focus your attention to override your default attitude and achieve your aim?
“Human behaviour flows from three main sources: desire, emotion and knowledge.” Plato
• Sample exercise: “I can decide to set my irritation aside and consciously look for opportunities to help the team gel by highlighting common ground in our ideas. I choose to look for chances to inject warmth into the meeting.” 13 ISSU E 4 • 2020
SET BEHAVIOURAL GOALS TO SUPPORT YOUR INTENTIONS Now that you’ve chosen the most beneficial filter through which to view your ‘reality’, it’s time to define the behaviours that will support it. What tangible actions can you take to this end? WEBB’S GOAL-SETTING TIPS
• Make sure your goals are about doing desirable things, rather than avoiding bad things. If they’re negative, consciously turn them around. • Break your goals down into more manageable, bite-sized chunks. • Create a ‘brain-friendly’ to-do list… - Write your goals down. - Keep only today’s tasks in view. - Make it satisfying to check off your goals. - Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.
SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 30 stores nationwide or shop online to stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health.
www.wellnesswarehouse.com 2020 • I SSUE 4 1 4
ESTATE DECOR NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
ARTWORK INSPO
SPACING- balance is key
FRAMING - compliment the style
CLUSTERS - mirror the design
TEXTURE - create interest 15 ISSU E 4 • 2020
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
MERAKI DESIGN STUDIO Alcohol ink is a medium that creates the most unique designs each time it hits the canvas. Incoroporating a unique colour scheme or adding some texture to your space in your artwork is easily achieved with these pieces. Contact us to create your very own unique piece.
Chantelle Moss chantelle@merakidesignstudios.co.za 071 682 3754
2020 • I SSUE 4 1 6
artwork in your home
Your home is a space to reflect your personality, a space that should lend to relaxation and recharge you, and this largely shown by the pieces you choose to display on your walls and incorporate in the styling of each room. Choosing the correct piece of artwork for your home can complete your space beautifully. In the past, owning a piece of art was a massive expense and status symbol that spoke to your wealth. Nowadays, you can find a piece of art that fits your budget and can become an investment over time.
Here are our top tips for choosing art pieces for each space in your home. STYLE As we’ve said, your home is the place for selfexpression and the style of your space will dictate the type of artwork you choose to display. Firstly, find the focal point of your room, this is where your eyes land as you walk in to a space. To choose a style for your artwork decide, for example whether you want it to be figurative, landscape or an abstract piece. If your home is modern minimalist, then an Italian landscape framed in ornate gold would not be a cohesive design flow as such. This is not to say we cannot mix and match styles, but be sure to seek the advice of a professional as it can look out of place if not done correctly.
DECOR
COLOUR
BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Choose colours based on what mood you want to set in each room. Your bedroom is a place of retreat and reflection; your office space should keep you inspired and your living room hosts your guests as well as your family, so choosing a piece that provokes conversation and sets the feel and vibe of the space is essential. Grey, blue and all earth tones are a wonderful palette choice as it offers a soothing and mellow ambiance and atmosphere. Yellow invokes an energetic and playful mood and green brings the essence of nature into your home. So, choose the palette based on the feeling what your guests and yourself to experience as you visit or live in that space. SIZE You should always take into consideration the size of the space you’re working with. Placing pieces that are too small can make your room feel empty and using pieces that are too large can be overwhelming and make a room feel cramped and stuffy. However, clusters of artworks in various sizes can work well in smaller spaces like a stairwell, because you don’t need to have a full view perspective of the space. 17 ISSU E 4 • 2020
DECOR BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
If you have a large space with high ceilings, try using oversized pieces of art as it can fill up the room making it feel more intimate and cosy. TEXTURES Textures create interest and draws a person in to closely admire the piece on display. Alcohol ink is still a relative new trend but it is creating a whirlwind of excitement within the world of art. With the ability to incorporate contrasting colours with metallics, creating a marbled effect, these pieces of art will adapt into almost any home or office space. Alcohol inks are a highly pigmented, acid free, fast drying medium which can be used on non-porous surfaces. The ink seemingly has a mind of its own cause the artist does not have full control over the way the ink will mix or where it will go, making each piece unique.
colours in your painting and not compete with them. Choosing the material of your frame should tie in with the furniture items you have in your space. Again, here you can play around with merging styles. Ask your interior designer for assistance. PLACEMENT This can make or break your space. One of the most common mistakes people make, is hanging the piece too high or not in the right position in relation to the furniture. Keep in mind that it needs to look balanced and spacing it correctly is imperative. Do not have furniture block the art, and make sure you hang it with purpose. Not every blank wall needs a piece of art. Custom made art is a great way to ensure you have a unique piece adorning your walls, a conversation starter for sure.
(Contact us for your own unique piece for your space). Chantelle from Urban Trend Design and Meraki Interior Studio creates custom FRAMING pieces of art where you can select your own colours to suit your styling needs and sizing Framing should match the style of the artwork requirements. you’ve chosen. For example, if you have an abstract piece and your space is styled Get in touch with Meraki for a customised minimally, an elegant plain frame would work quotation via any of the channels mentioned well as opposed to a large ornate gold piece. below. Colour choice should also compliment the
2020 • I SSUE 4 1 8
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
19 ISSU E 4 • 2020
ESTATE NEWS FOOD BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
Chicken Moussaka d o o F Soul Delicious, flavourful and hearty
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1/4 cup Greek/Plain yoghurt 1 tsp finely grated Ginger 2 Garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp Chili powder Finely grated Zest and Juice of 1 lime 750g Supreme Chicken fillets, chopped 70g unsalted Butter, chopped 1/3 cup (50g) plain Flour 700ml Milk 2 large Potatoes, cut into slices 1 large Eggplant, thinly sliced 2 tbs extra virgin olive Oil 100g coarsely grated Haloumi
Butter Chicken Sauce: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tbs Butter 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 cinnamon barb 5g Ginger, finely grated 1 Red chlli, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp Chili powder 1 tsp each ground Cumin, ground Coriander and Garam masala 1 tbs ground Turmeric 1/4 cup dried Coconut 1/4 cup Cashews, finely chopped 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped 1 tsp brown Sugar 1 tsp Tamarind paste 3/4 cup Cream 2020 • I SSUE 4 2 0
Method:
To marinate chicken, combine yoghurt, ginger, garlic, chili powder, lime zest and juice. Cover fillets and chill overnight. The next day, remove chicken from the marinade. Heat oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. Butter chicken sauce: Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and add butter, onion, garlic, cinnamon, ginger and fresh chili. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion has softened. Add remaining spices and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to infuse. Add coconut, cashew, tomato, sugar, tamarind paste and cream. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes to infuse. Discard cinnamon, transfer sauce to a blender and mix until smooth. Add chopped chicken chunks. To make the white sauce, melt 70g butter in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring, until sauce thickens. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap and set aside until needed. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Grease 2 baking trays and line with baking paper. Arrange potato and eggplant separately on prepared trays in a single layer. Brush with oil and roast, with the potatoes on the higher shelf, for 30 minutes or until both are tender. Spoon butter chicken into a casserole dish. Top with eggplant and potato, then white sauce and Haloumi.
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
STRENGTHEN
your defences
One of the most important factors in staying well during times of global health crisis is to maintain a strong immune system. Cover all your bases with our essential vitamins, greens, minerals and herbs.
SHOP IN STORE & ONLINE www.wellnesswarehouse.com
21 ISSU E 4 • 2020
P L A N T P OW E R By Cara Harris
Indoor plants are the best way to bring nature into the home. But when thinking about which plant to choose, do you consider whether it’s indigenous, and how and where it was grown? This article will explore the best indigenous plants to include in each area of your home, the benefits and uses of each, and why we should be asking for organically grown when looking to green our spaces.
BENEFITS OF ORGANICALLY GROWN INDIGENOUS PLANTS * Many can be harvested for flavourful foods, health-promoting tonics, delicious teas and other beverages, fragrant crafts, and first aid remedies. * All play a role in biodiversity conservation, helping to restore local ecosystems and provide habitats for wildlife. * They support the local wellbeing economy, helping to create meaningful nature-friendly employment. * Many provide a feast for the senses, with a variety of naturally relaxing, health-promoting sights, smells, tastes and textures. * They create opportunities for children (and adults) to engage with nature, discovering and exploring the intricate web of life.
IN THE KITCHEN Indigenous plants well suited to the kitchen include culinary herbs, edible plants and first aid remedies. Aromatic herbs like African mint, wild garlic, wild rosemary and blue sage do well in large planters in sunny spots or in kitchen gardens. These fragrant, essential oil-rich plants are useful to flavour dishes, and can be used in much the same way as their overseas counterparts. Try a wild rosemary vegetable roast, 2020 • I SSUE 4 2 2
new potatoes with chopped wild garlic leaves and mint, or a spekboom leaf and watermelon summer salad. Our indigenous herbs can also be used to create delicious beverages. Enjoy a calming yet refreshing African mint iced tea, vitamin C-rich num-num fruits in your morning smoothie, or a sprig of zesty spekboom in your gin and tonic. Minor ailments can be treated with indigenous first aid remedies made from your kitchen herbs. The soothing and mildly antiseptic sap from bulbine leaves and crushed spekboom leaves are useful in helping to heal minor burns and cuts in the kitchen. Try sipping on antibacterial and pain-relieving blue sage, wild garlic and honey tea to soothe a sore throat, or wild rosemary and mint tea for indigestion. * Bulbine – Bulbine frutescens * African mint – Menta longifolia * Wild rosemary – Eriocephalus africanus * Blue sage – Salvia africana * Spekboom – Portulacaria afra * Wild garlic – Tulbagia violacea * Num-num – Carissa macrocarpa
IN THE BATHROOM Bathrooms tend to have the highest humidity in the home, and suit plants that like the extra moisture in the air. Ferns enjoy this climate, and our indigenous krauss spike moss is a good choice here. Plants that are happy in lower light levels are also suited to bathrooms. Spatula-leaf crassula and hen-and-chickens look beautiful cascading down from a shelf or hanging baskets. The zebra plant is an easy-care option that looks great on a bright bathroom windowsill or countertop.
WELLNESS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
* Krauss spike moss - Selaginella kraussiana * Spatula-leaf crassula - Crassula spathulata * Hen-and-chickens - Chlorophytum comosum * Zebra plant - Haworthiopsis attenuata
IN THE BEDROOM We spend a considerable amount of our lives tucked up in our beds, and quality sleep is vital for our wellbeing. Plants can play an important role in creating a peaceful space that encourages relaxation and calmness, and is conducive to deep restorative sleep. Indigenous plants that add sensual and calming interest to bedrooms include fragrant plants, small succulents and trailing creepers. The gardenia tree, with its aromatic white flowers and thicket spurflower with scented leaves, is happy in bright light areas. Gorgeous rose- and peppermint-scented pelargoniums need some sun, and are best placed on a windowsill or sunny spot. Indigenous trailing plants to consider for a hanging basket or shelf include Cape ivy and canary creeper. And for the romantics, look out for the extraordinary David’s root with its soft heart-shaped leaves. * Cape ivy - Senecio macroglossus * Canary creeper - Senecio tamoides * Gasteria - Gasteria liliputana var. bicolor * Gardenia tree - Gardenia thunbergia * Thicket spurflower - Plectranthus madagascariensis * Rose-scented geranium - Pelargonium graveolens * Peppermint-scented geranium - Pelargonium tomentosum
IN THE LIVING AREA Living rooms can provide a variety of plant-friendly spaces, and extra floor space may allow for larger plants and even small trees. Many of our indigenous fig trees, for example, are happy in bright to medium light. This includes the forest fig tree, which looks beautiful growing tall in a corner of a room. The largeleaf dragon tree is another option that grows tall and slim and enjoys medium to high light. The bird of paradise provides a spectacular indoor option in areas with a lot of bright light, as do our indigenous wild olive and sand olive trees.
* Cape aloe – Aloe ferox * Spicy buchu – Agathosma capensis; Garlic buchu - Agathosma apiculata * Pig’s ears – Cotyledon orbiculata * Starry wild jasmine - Jasminum multipartitum * Sour fig – Carpobrotus edulis
Plants add softness to the home, and a green haven to which to return. They’re fun to share with family and friends, and offer a means to connect with each other and nature. Owning organically grown indigenous plants takes this wellbeingpromoting ability to a whole new level - from conserving local biodiversity to soothing a sore throat, all while doing no harm.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cara Harris is the Creative Director of HAPPY BY NATURE, an indigenous nursery, nature shop and event space that promotes wellbeing in the middle of the Mother City. Everything they create and curate is locally sourced and organically grown. They are passionate about assisting Capetonians in creating urban gardens and green living/work spaces that nurture wellbeing. Whether you need a plant or nature-inspired gift, want to attend a workshop, require a consultation or just need a moment to reconnect with nature, pop in for a visit. They are always ready to share their wealth of knowledge over a glass of homemade herbal iced tea. www.happybynature.com
* Large-leaf dragon tree - Dracaena aletriformis * Forest fig - Ficus craterostoma * Bird of paradise - Strelitzia reginae * Sand olive - Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia * Wild olive - Olea europaea subsp. africana
BALCONIES & SMALL GARDENS If you are lucky enough to have a balcony or garden, you can greatly expand on how you create with nature and nurture wellbeing with organically grown, indigenous plants. If you do not have an outside area, explore if there are any spaces in your neighbourhood or at work that would be suitable. By selecting the correct plants for your specific environment, you can create habitats for wildlife including birds, bees and butterflies, and play a role in biodiversity conservation. If you like entertaining, perhaps consider a garden full of fragrant aromatic plants and culinary herbs to flavour your inspired indigenous food dishes and drinks. Or what about an indigenous medicine garden where you can harvest useful, beneficial plants for your family and pets, and create first aid remedies for many common minor complaints?
SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 30 stores nationwide or shop online to stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health. www.wellnesswarehouse.com 23 ISSU E 4 • 2020
ESTATE NEWS LIFESTYLE BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
HOW TO PLAN A G O U R M E T
picnic
with
2020 • I SSUE 4 2 4
LIFESTYLE
GOURMET PICNIC
BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
in the garden
With women’s day coming up on 9 August and the current restrictions we are facing in | What To Pack the country, what better way When packing your picnic basket make to celebrate the women in your sure you have several containers to the items in. Large and heavy soft life by having a gourmet picnic keep drink bottles or cans, can easily destroy in the comfort of your own sandwiches or crisps. Use a sturdy cooler box for your drinks and ice and a separate garden. picnic basket for all your food items.
Here are few tips on how to host the When it comes to packing cutlery, cups perfect outdoor gourmet picnic in and plates, why not make use of bamboo the Autumn sunshine. items. It’s environmentally friendly, and
after a lazy afternoon in the autumn sunshine, you won’t have to do any dishes either! Not to mention, great for | The Pretty Factor little fingers. Don’t forget paper towels or Us ladies love a pretty setting. Choose serviettes and definitely include wet wipes a colour palette that the woman in your as things do get messy! life loves, and base the décor essentials Take along a few cosy blankets in case around that choice. the breeze gets chilly, and some pillows Items such as picnic blanket, napkins, for comfort. If you’re going to be out in the cups, plates and flower choices can all sun, an umbrella is always a good idea to have the pop of colour they prefer. This prevent sunburn. makes it even more special! Choose wildflowers in soft pinks and greens and it will nicely match the garden environment | Gourmet Snacks too. Picking flowers from your own garden is another special touch that won’t go unnoticed. If you have a pallet you can use that as a table or just use a few thick picnic blankets on the ground.
Now for the yum part! The easiest way to get your menu done is to order picnic boxes and get them delivered to you. However, if you enjoy being in the kitchen why not create the menu yourself. 25 ISSU E 4 • 2020
LIFESTYLE BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
Don’t forget to include water, lemonade, ice tea and of course...champagne for the ladies!
Here Are A Few Delicious Ideas: • • • • • •
Simple houmous Cheese & Bacon Pinwheels Goats cheese & herb quiche Pressed Italian Sandwiches Caramelized Onion Tart Homemade Lemonade
| Special Items If you have these items in your home, use them to make picnic extra special: • Vases for florals • Cupcake stand for your gourmet treats • A nice juice jug for your lemonade • Platters to display your food items • Tray to hold your jug and glasses • Ice bucket for the champagne • Tablecloth for the pallet if you’re using one • Ice Tongs • Serving spoons I hope this has given you some inspiration for creating a lovely outdoor celebration with your loved ones.
If you’d like to order a gourmet picnic crate from MODE get in touch via the details below.
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ESTATE NEWS
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER 99 BLUE R59.99
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ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
You need a house... We will give you a home!
082 787 1755 meyer@debeerstudio.co.za www.debeerstudio.co.za
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ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
PROPERTY
INVESTMENT Ernes Stander, Property Investment Coach
“I will invest 33% of my income towards your retirement” -Tenant
market’’ and “interest rates are low”, but is that enough reason to invest in property and does that by itself make property the best investment for you?
Below you will find my three favorite reasons for investing in property, and why I believe you should too:
I clearly remember as a child how my dad encouraged my siblings and me to save some money during the year so that we would be able to buy nice things over the December holidays. His favourite strategy was to match us for every Rand that we saved. A guaranteed 100% return on investment was a no brainer! As I got older, I started looking The lower the risk, the higher the return for similar investment opportunities and almost lost hope. That was until I found and Property is the one investment were the understood property investments. lower your risk is, the higher your return will be. What is the difference between a low risk We all hear statements like “it’s a buyer’s or higher risk property? The risk factor lies
1.
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in the price that you pay for a property. ,If you overpay on a property, your risk will be higher, and the return will be lower. So, the key to a good property investment is to buy a property below market value. This will make your investment a low risk, high return one and might even pay for your next destination holiday or dream lifestyle. I do, however, suggest that you make use of a property investment coach to help you find below market value properties in a good area.
3.
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Your tenants are paying for your retirement
According to the financial advising industry one should save about 15% of your monthly income towards your retirement. Do you think the super-rich are saving 15% of their income in a Retirement Annuity? No, they use leverage to accumulate wealth and so should you. Multiple tenant pay on average a third of their income towards the investor’s investment portfolio in the form of rent. So, You do not need a lot of money to get in short, you can either put 15% of your own started income away for retirement or you can have 10 tenants that put 33% of their monthly If you want to buy shares on the JSE or any income into your retirement portfolio. other investment platform you will need to have every cent available before investing, but The choice is yours. not so with property. Banks are so confidant in the viability of a property as an investment that they will in many cases even lend you the full amount for the property that you want to invest in. This will leave you with a capital outlay of only more or less 5% of the value of your investment in order to pay the transfer costs of the property. What millionaires like most about property investment is that it is scalable; you can use the bank as leverage to keep on growing your investment portfolio.
2.
For more info: Ernes Stander Property Investment Coach e ernes@stanleur.co.za t 071-890-6371
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