Blue Hills Equestrian Estate | February 2022

FEATUR ES 15

NE W Y E A R, N E W ME ?

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NA M A Q UA C A M IN O

27

O UR FAV O U R IT E L OC A L RO M A NT I C GETAWAY S

EQUESTRIAN

living

IS SU E 1 | FE B R U A RY 2022

contents

P u b l i sh e r K-S t udio (P t y ) Ltd on beh alf of B lue H ills Eq u estr i a n E sta te

ISSUE 1 | FEBRUARY 2022

07

A d ve rti si n g S al es Tobia tobia@ k-st udio . co . za sales2@ k-st udio . co . za

FROM THE ESTATE M ANAGER

IM PORTANT INFORM ATION & T H ECONTACTS LAKE JOZINI EXPERIENCE

10

C alv in sales3@ k-st udio . co . za

12

M EANINGFUL ARRANGEM ENTS

V A L E22N T I N E ' S M O N T H

Ed i to r Tobia von Zwiet r i n g

Copy w ri te r / p ro o f r eader C hantel Venter De si g n & La y o u t K-S t udio (P t y ) Ltd e tobia@ k-st udio . co . za t 082 962 82 5 5 f Kreat iefS t u d i o

HONEYBEE HEROES

Shayamanzi Love Boat 25 NUTELLA CRUFFINS SOPHISTICATED

Valentine's package includes: 30OurBATHROOM RENOVATIONS

A Two-Night Cruise in a OTORING 32 MCabin Deluxe

A Valentine's Hamper in your Cabin

2022 INTERIOR

TRENDS Delicious Meals and a Tiger Fishing and Game 36 DESIGN Viewing from our Tender Captain's Valentine's SNAKES OF GAUTENG 40 Boats Dinner

ALL

J O HLONG ATIM NN ECITY SBURG E TO PULL THE FOR 43 R12PLUG? 000 NAMEPER COUPLE

032 525 4076

reservations@shayamanzi.co.za

BEAU T I FUL ER T H I S IS IS A D BNUMB X

Disclaimer: This e-Magazine is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced

by K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate 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.

(Valid on Social Cruises February 2022 only)

www.shayamanzi

BHEE ESTATE NEWS

4 ISSUE 1 2022

A Class Above!

Celebrating Outstanding Matric Results in 2021!

100%e t

Pass Ra

92%

Bachelor Degree Status

for 21 Consecutive Years

49%

A or B Aggregate

2

Distinctions per Student

Pulkit Bansal (8 Distinctions) | Elihle Masuku (8 Distinctions) | Jessica Van Wyk (8 Distinctions) Jenna Clemens (7 Distinctions) | Jenna Mason (7 Distinctions) James Tibshraeny (7 Distinctions) Chloé Van Driel (7 Distinctions) | Jarred Mahabeer (6 Distinctions) | Liam Brady (5 Distinctions) Shamiso Chamisa (5 Distinctions) | Jade Harris (5 Distinctions) | Krista Matsila (5 Distinctions) Natalie Naicker (5 Distinctions) | Saien Phlad (5 Distinctions) | Praneel Purbhoo (5 Distinctions) Kivaan Reddy (5 Distinctions) | Erin White (5 Distinctions) | Joao Felisberto (4 Distinctions) Isabella Paola (4 Distinctions) | Hailey Sandström (4 Distinctions) THE FOLLOWING PUPILS QUALIFIED IN THE TOP 1% OF THE IEB SCHOOLS: Pulkit Bansal: Top 1% for Geography | Jenna Mason: Top 1% for Life Orientation Jessica Van Wyk: Top 1% for Advanced Programme English Chloé van Driel: Commendable Achievement: Achieving in the top 5% for 5 Subjects.

Open Day 12 March

Admissions Open for 2022 / 2023

admissions@kyalamischools.org | www.beaulieucollege.org | 010 591 5004 2022 ISSUE 1 5

BHEE ESTATE NEWS

J O HLONG A N N ECITY SBURG NAME

BEAU T I FUL ER T H I S IS IS A D BNUMB X

astonmartin.com Aston Martin Johannesburg, 1 Whiteley Rd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2196 | 011-301-7000 For more information on Aston Martin DB11 contact: Jashwin Chotu on jashwin@astonmartin.co.za or Gerhard Botha on: gerhard.b@daytona.co.za Official WLTP fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the 2020 Aston Martin DBX: Low 23.2 (12.2); Medium 13.6 (20.8); High 12 (23.5); Extra High 13.4 (21.1); Combined 14.3 (19.8). CO2 emissions 323g/ km. The mpg/fuel economy figures quoted are sourced from official regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.

6 ISSUE 1 2022

ESTATE NEWS BHEE

lette

r fro Esta m the t

Man e ager Dear Residents, Our landscaping company has been hard at work trying to maintain the flower beds around the Estate and revamping old ones to welcome the new season. The excessive rainfall has made it difficult to stay on schedule however they are persevering. Tree pruning around the Estate and grass cutting on the vacant stands are ongoing currently. We have highlighted some concerns with Servest regarding the maintenance of the common area around the Estate. We are hoping to see a major difference in the next few months. One of the challenges highlighted by the recent rains is the surface water and drainage at the Estate. We are working on finding workable solutions currently.

Stand owners are reminded that the verges of your property are your responsibility to landscape and maintain within the guidelines once you have completed developing your property, this includes the stormwater channels within those verges. We also request that the roads in front of your stands are swept regularly as there is lots of sand and debris visible on the roads, especially after the rains.

Construction stands need to ensure regular sweeping of the roads as the roads are in need of much attention currently. Construction stands also need to ensure regular grass cutting, fence maintenance, and rubble removal from their stands.

There are an increasing number of pets that have been found either roaming the Estate or escaping their stands unaccompanied by owners. Owners must ensure that fencing is adequate to secure your pets within your properties and to take the necessary precautions when entering and exiting your property. Pet owners are also required to clean up after their pets especially when they defecate on the common area.

Stands are reminded that pets need to have identification tags on their collars.

Let your pet not be a bone of contention between you, your neighbours, and other owners, residents, or visitors.

The board of directors shall have the right to prohibit, restrict and control the keeping or removal of any pet which they regard as dangerous or a nuisance to other residents of the Estate.

2022 ISSUE 1 7

BHEE ESTATE NEWS

We are happy to advise that there were no security breaches within the Estate during the last year and the festive period. We encourage you to be vigilant and take the necessary precautionary measures for your home, well-being, and your possessions.

The Estate is now offering a “follow me home service”. Homeowners may call the security control room on 010 109 0935 or 076 904 5511 to arrange for a security reaction officer to follow them to the Estate entrance from an agreed location.

Homeowners however will need to call at least 15 minutes in advance to arrange for the service unless in the case of an emergency. Terms and conditions apply.

On a friendly note, if you are not in possession of a Completion Certificate, your stand is considered a construction stand in terms of the Estate. This means that your stand is liable for a late building penalty should you have surpassed the building period. This still applies if you are living in your home and are in possession of an Occupation Certificate from the council. As announced at the end of 2021, the grace period is about to end, and stands will be liable for their penalties in February 2022.

Security is an integral part of the Estate and requires a holistic approach. Unfortunately, our guards are being abused for performing their duties which is unacceptable. Security works under certain protocols Homeowners are reminded that the biometric and any requests or arrangements that deviate from system is fully operational. Please contact the Estate these protocols need to be made via the appropriate manager for an appointment to enroll on the system. channels. We appeal to homeowners to not vent For those residents who have children that go to the their frustrations onto the guards and to please be school next door; Reddford School and who use the mindful that the guards are acting upon instruction. common gate to access the school, their children You may contact the Estate manager or the onsite and or employees will also need to be re-registered control room to make the relevant arrangements at the office since the system has changed. As of timeously.

01 February 2022, the school gate will no longer be opened by the guards. Users will have to be Homeowners are requested to contact the control registered on the system for access. In the case of room as per the numbers provided should you wish minors, parents, guardians, or helpers/employees to contact security for promote assistance. who accompany the child to school will need to be registered on the system.

General consideration by all residents for each other will greatly assist in achieving a happy community Kindly note, pedestrians who use the main entrance and a pleasant environment. Harmonious community are required to use the turnstiles to enter or exit the living is only achieved when residents can use and Estate. The booms are not permitted to be used, enjoy their private property as well as the public even if you are a resident. areas of the Estate. This is done without negatively impacting fellow residents.

Those residents who use the contractor’s gate for access are required to use the biometric readers Please be vigilant at all times and report any or their phones with QR codes for the automated suspicions to the office or to security. booms. The manual boom is not permitted to be used.

Remember to sanitise, mask up and most importantly stay safe!

As a reminder, there are a number of stands that have completed their construction but have not arranged Kind regards for their Completion Certificates. Homeowners can make contact with Studios Architects to arrange for a final inspection of their property and to arrange for their Completion Certificate. inspections@studious. co.za

Rashni Andhee-Shah

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ESTATE NEWS BHEE

THE LAKE JOZINI EXPERIENCE

VALENTINE'S MONTH Shayamanzi Love Boat Our Valentine's package includes:

A Two-Night Cruise in a Deluxe Cabin

A Valentine's Hamper in your Cabin

Tiger Fishing and Game Viewing from our Tender Boats

Delicious Meals and a Captain's Valentine's Dinner

ALL FOR R12 000 PER COUPLE 032 525 4076

reservations@shayamanzi.co.za

(Valid on Social Cruises for February 2022 only)

www.shayamanzi.co.za

2022 ISSUE 1 9

BHEE ESTATE NEWS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & CONTACTS BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BODY 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 monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled with all due care.

ESTATE MANAGER Rashni Andhee-Shah 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 CONTROL ROOM Primary contact for Security 010 109 0935 079 539 4499 EMERGENCY Eskom 086 0037 566 JHB Water 0860 562 874 Police 10111 Ambulance 10177 SPCA 011 265 9935 SNAKE CATCHER Mike 083 448 8854 10 ISSUE 1 2022

THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF: • Andile Mtetwa • Jessica Hofmeyr • Joe Mahlangu • Nick Crow • Obakeng Mathibe • Ugesparan Govender • Tracy Fry THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY: • Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar • Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar • Carlos Pinto / Estate Portfolio Manager • Rashni Andhee-Shah / Estate Manager • Head office support Birdhaven

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ESTATE NEWS BHEE

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A DVE RT I SE

YO U R B U SIN ESS IN O UR N EXT ISS U E

tobia@k-studio.co.za | 0829628255

2 022 ISSUE 1 11

BHEE GARDENING

arrangements THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Let’s face it—the real secret to a perfect Valentine’s Day is unique, thoughtful, and touching gifts. So how are you going to stand out this year? How are you going to give a bouquet of flowers that’ll get her attention, make her smile, and let her know she’s special? To put a little meaning behind your message this year, don’t just say it with flowers, say it with the colors of the flowers you choose, make your bouquet extraordinary this year.

A meaningful arrangement doesn’t have to be expensive. Just get out there and find something beautiful.

What Do Flower Colors Mean?

Do certain flower colors have meaning? Flower color symbolism dates back centuries or more and can be found in cultures all over the world. What each color means depends on the culture and region, but there are some persistent symbolic meanings and messages in western culture. Know these meanings to make more of your next floral arrangement or gift bouquet.

Why Do Certain Flower Colors Have Meaning?

The history behind what flower colors symbolise is 12 ISSUE 1 2022

not perfectly clear. It certainly varies depending on culture, and some of the meanings reach so far back that no one knows for sure why they exist.

The various meanings of flower types and colors date back hundreds of years and are found worldwide. They are found in Shakespearean writings, ancient Greek and Egyptian texts, and in Asian folklore and mythologies.

What Do Flower Colors Mean?

The meaning of flower colors is not perfectly well defined. The symbolism varies a little, but there are some consistencies you can use to match your flowers to a special person, mood, or meaning you want to express in arrangements or beds: Flowers are known for having their own language, with each type and color of bloom whispering its secrets within the floral marketplace. One stunning bouquet tells tales of love and devotion, while another is like a soft pat on the hand during a time of bereavement.

Local florists, usually well-versed in regional and national flower-speak, can craft entire messages simply by placing a certain color flower next to another and letting them have their say. Next time you are ordering or receiving a flower delivery,

GARDENING BHEE

notice the colors of the flowers and think of the messages they send.

Red Flowers Vibrant, passionate and demanding to be noticed, red is the color of love and romance.

Red flowers symbolize courage, respect, constancy, admiration and, of course, desire.

Pink Flowers Delicate light pink hues speak of gentleness, happiness and love.

A very romantic flower color, it’s also a symbol of grace and innocence.

Yellow Flowers Yellow flowers burst with happiness. They symbolize the bonds of friendship, the taste of success and pride. Joy is also one of the meanings of this flower, as that is one of the feelings the color is said to evoke.

Lavender Flowers Youth and elegance, grace and refinement. Lavender flowers have a delicate, feminine and oldfashioned touch to them, even when contained in a decidedly modern bouquet.

Orange Flowers No wallflower, here. Orange is bold, passionate and full of life.

It’s no wonder that orange blooms speak of enthusiasm, excitement and exuberance.

Blue Flowers Peaceful blue is said to convey serenity and openness. A flower delivery of a bouquet containing blue flowers may be a sign to slow down, relax and release the Green Flowers stress.

Green flowers represent the optimism of renewal, of spring White Flowers and of youthfulness. Green White flowers can mean flowers in a bouquet are also a reverence and humility, purity wish for good fortune and good and innocence or sympathy for a health. bereavement. Depending on the type of blooms chosen by your Purple Flowers local florists, a bouquet of white A royal color, purple flowers flowers can be bold and brilliant, symbolize dignity, tradition and or gentle and self-effacing. success. A bouquet containing purple flowers can be symbols of admiration and adoration.

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Landscape | Design | Installation | Maintenance

Our Main Expertise: Golf, Wildlife and Residential Estates Academic Institutions and Recreational Facilities Commercial and Industrial Facilities Office Parks and Security Complexes Lodges, Hotels and Resorts Retail Centres and Shopping Malls

Contact us: 012 804 1807 Website: www.gardengroup.co.za Find us on:

Proud Member of

14 ISSUE 1 2022

Y

NEW YEAR, NEW ME? Making Wellness a Reality

By Abigail Baker

ESTATE NEWS BHEE

ear after year, summer after summer, you repeat the same resolution in your head that this time will be different. This time, you’ll be healthier, fitter, happier, better – the list goes on.

You find a bunch of resources about the latest wellness trends and latch on, only to be disappointed in your attempts by February.

The major problem with this modus operandi is that these tools and tips don’t always suit your lifestyle, routine, or sensibilities.

The advice you’ve stumbled upon isn’t personalised or tailored to your unique needs, but rather highly generalised to fit a wide range of people who all live very different lives to the one you do.

The truth is, if you want to make any lasting lifestyle changes, it’s vitally important that you personalise your wellness. Here are a few simple ways you can make this a reality in 2022:

1. SPEND TIME IN SELF-REFLECTION Start by reflecting on your habits and personality type by asking yourself the following questions: • Do you feel more wellnessfocused in the morning or evening?

• What is your favourite part of your wellness journey?

• What fulfils you?

• Do you want to practise wellness alone or in a group?

• Do you need support?

• What has hindered your past attempts at making progress on the path to wellness?

• Do you respond well to reminders and prompts?

• What obstacles, both internal and external, can you foresee in the future?After this time of selfreflection, you should have a better understanding of what motivates and deters you, and what you would possibly have to enlist to make this work. Write your answers down and factor them into the next step.

2. PLAN TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS Sometimes, speaking a goal into existence simply just isn’t enough.

To take it a step further, you need to create a well-thought-out plan on how you are going to achieve your goals.

Start by identifying your main goal, and whittle it down into small, measurable, and achievable steps. This will help you not to feel overwhelmed, and give you something to measure your growth by.

3. DON’T BE OVERLY AMBITIOUS WITH YOUR TIME Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily

life, it can be difficult to set aside time to work on your wellness. Even when you finally find the time in your busy schedule, it can be tricky to engage fully, as you are likely already drained after a long day. That’s why it’s important to be gentle with yourself and factor in the time you will need to really slow down and take stock.

Yes, you might have an hour in-between meetings or social responsibilities, but you might need most of that time to rest and reset. So, instead of feeling pressured to be overproductive, why not start by practising wellness for just 10 minutes a day, and seeing how that goes?

4. SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS As you work through your plan and the months start to go by, you will find that your circumstances start to change, or that things that worked at the start don’t anymore.

Be proactive by setting a date with yourself every couple of weeks to identify what can be improved. This doesn’t mean that you should drastically be changing your plan every week, but simply that after a month of 10 minutes of meditation a day, you can decide to increase that time and incorporate more of what worked for you during this period.

5. TAKE IT STEP BY STEP When people feel the sudden urge to change their lifestyles, many make too many changes all at once. Although this might feel great (and as if you finally have your life together!), it’s often unsustainable. Therefore, try to implement changes incrementally along your journey, rather than all at once.

I hope that these tips will allow you not only to create a personalised plan that will propel you forward on your journey to wellness, but also give you an idea of the necessary self-awareness that will enable any big changes in your life to be successful.

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 48 stores (and growing) 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 2 022 ISSUE 1 15

e u n e V y t r T he Pa offers the : following

Pedal Cars for Young and old Roller Rink for young and old | Toddler Area Jumping Castles | Giant Waterslide | Foam Pit LED Screen | Braai Area Face Painting | Balloon Sculpting Airbrush Tattoos Magic Shows | Puppet Shows Craft Activities | Themed Décor

Contact Us Wendy: +27 79 957 1929 Email: info@xtremeparties.co.za Website: https://www.xtremeparties.co.za Location: Glen Austin, Midrand

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ESTATE NEWS BHEE

WE SPECIALISE IN THE FOLLOWING:

Sound | Lighting | LED Screen | Building Projection | Staging Structures | Corporate Events| School Productions | Product Launches

For more information, contact Joe: +27 82 782 9120 joe@xtremeproductions.co.za

2 022 ISSUE 1 17

BHEE TRAVEL ESTATE NEWS

Namaqua

Camino

An adventurous hike through the diverse Namaqualand landscape!

N

amaqualand is an arid region in the northwestern part of South Africa. It covers over 1,000 sq km. Although it is most famous for the annual flower display during springtime, it also offers a diverse selection of endemic flora and fauna at other times of the year, all of which form part of the endangered Namaqualand Succulent Karoo biosphere.

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The Namaqua Camino Group offers two slackpacking routes that set out from the quaint coastal village of Hondeklip Bay, situated in the Namaqualand Sandveld. A third and shorter route is being developed and will soon be announced on our website.

The 10-day Namaqua Camino hike traverses inland, crossing the Namaqualand Hardeveld to make an about-turn high into the Namaqualand Klipkoppe before descending again towards the coastal section of the Namaqua National Park. The terrain changes daily as the route meanders through dry river beds, sandy tracks, and gravel roads. Each daily stage presents different challenges and scenery. The total distance of the Namaqua Camino 10-day hike is 260 kilometers and is done over ten days averaging between 25 and 30 kilometers per day. This hike is challenging and participants are advised to prepare well in advance and to strive to be 100% walking fit.

TRAVEL BHEE

The Namaqua Camino’s Camini is a seven-day - 140 km supported hike. This route will take you inland for two days and then turn towards the coastal section of the Namaqua National Park. The three days spent along the coast are easy walks with ample time to enjoy the scenic unspoiled Namaqualand coastline.

Though it is a less taxing route compared to the 10day hike, it is still strongly advised that you prepare in advance and be as fit as possible to make the most of your hiking experience.

Daily routes are marked and a rest stop with water and a toilet are placed every five kilometers wherever possible. Hikers walk at their own pace and are encouraged to take it slow and steady. A support vehicle monitors the hikers at intermittent intervals and where necessary, a “sweeper” accompanies the slower hikers.

“Slack-packing” means that you walk with a light day pack to carry your drinking water, lunch, extra shoes, socks, and a small first-aid kit. Your luggage and camping equipment is transported by support vehicles to the overnight campsites. Basic ablution facilities are supplied in the overnight camps and consist of hot showers with strictly rationed water and bucket toilets. You can bring and pitch your tent at the overnight camps but if you prefer not to, you can make use of the camping equipment hire and pitching service, offered at extra cost.

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All meals and snacks are served in the large communal tent which is where the hikers gather to socialise and relax after a tough day on the road. A light breakfast is served daily before leaving camp and bread, butter and spreads are available for you to prepare sandwiches for lunch. Coffee, tea, cold drinks, and sweet and savory snacks are provided in the late afternoon. An ample and scrumptious twocourse supper is served every evening at 19h00.

Unlimited drinking water is always available along the route and in the camp.

To conclude, the Namaqua Camino is not a race or a competition. It is an adventurous and at times challenging excursion for anyone who wants to experience a unique and extraordinary environment at the grass-roots level (pun intended), make new friends, or just feel the gratification of living a simple life away from everyday urban pressures and challenges; albeit only for a short while. It is never too late and you are never too old - your feet are made to walk!

Namaqua Camino 10 Days - 260 km • 11 - 20 Augustus 2022 • 1 - 10 September 2022 Namaqua Camini 7 Days - 140 km • 25 April - 1 May 2022 • 19 - 25 September 2022 • 4 - 10 October 2022 The Custom Camini is a 4 -7 day supported slackpack walk that can be tailor-made for your private or school group of 20 - 25 hikers. Please note: You have to organise your own group.

For more info contact us http://www.namaquacamino.co.za/ namaquacamino@gmail.com 0836745045

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p i l OuK Game Lodge

OuKlip Game Lodge consists of fourteen luxury self-catering tent houses each able to accommodate 2-4 guests. OuKlip Game Lodge is unique in the sense that it is possible to

spot the Big 5 from your own tent and boma.

Map 2,8km

3,9km

OuKlip

Game Lodge was named after popular rock formations in the area. It is situated in the malaria free Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve which covers an area of more than 20000ha in total. The reserve is approximately 50km north of Pretoria next to the N1 near Hammanskraal.

This privately owned eco-lodge will provide a memorable stay for tourists and families.

Discover comfort, personal attention and excellent value for money. It is perfect for getaways from the rush of city life. Enjoy an outdoor experience in beautiful indigenous bushveld that will help you relax and spend quality time with friends and family around a campfire under the cosmos of stars.

RUST DE WINTER RD HAMMANSKRAAL OFF RAMP EXIT 183

FISANT AVE

DE WAGENSDRIFT GRAVEL RD

lip OuK Game Lodge

GRA VEL

25km

PUMULANI TOLLGATE

N1 NORTH OF PRETORIA

GPS: 25°23'27.9"S 28°23'44.7"E

Telephone: 071 313 5380 / 082 476 6214 Email: info@ouklip.co.za Website: www.ouklip.co.za 2 022 ISSUE 1 21

BHEE ESTATE ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Honeybee Heroes Not all heroes wear capes, and the busy bees at Honeybee Heroes are certainly worth their weight in liquid gold.

Situated in the heart of the Overberg, the Honeybee Heroes honeybee sanctuary and education centre seeks to create accessible, sustainable opportunities for South Africans to protect and engage with the environment, while staying grounded in the conservation of South Africa’s Capensis honeybee.

The Honeybee Heroes mission is three-fold: 1. To play an active role in reversing the decline of the Cape honeybee 2. To uplift low-income South Africans through beekeeper training and community microapiary management 3. To educate South African consumers on eco-friendly food choices and advocate for the purchase of ethically produced, local foods HIVES & HONEYBEES The Western Cape is home to a very unique honeybee subspecies called the Apis Mellifera Capensis, or Capensis for short, which is increasingly at risk due to farming and beekeeper malpractice, climate change and habitat loss.

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To conserve the Capensis honeybee, Honeybee Heroes runs an Adopt-aHive programme to help boost Capensis colony numbers while giving eco-minded consumers a chance to learn more about —and get actively involved in — the beekeeping industry without the responsibility of caring for a hive at home. In this programme, interested individuals can sponsor, or ‘adopt’, a personalised honeybee hive to be placed on their farm in the Overberg or other suitable private land nearby, which is then cared for by their expert beekeepers.

Since their founding in 2020, they have placed over 700 honeybee hives in the Overberg and beyond, giving millions of honeybees a new home to live, grow and thrive. They also host free, monthly beekeeping courses on their farm in Stanford Valley for people interested in learning more about the industry, and they recently launched a community micro-apiary programme, in which they’ll be training up a new generation of young female beekeepers from lowincome communities across the country to care for their own micro-apiaries on behalf of Honeybee Heroes.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Honeybees may be small, but they’ve got a big role to play in ensuring South Africa’s future food security and precious bio-diversity.

If you want to get involved in honeybee conservation, there’s a lot you can do — both at the shops and in your daily life — to help.

First, make sure that you’re purchasing ethically produced, raw honey from local producers.

By purchasing your honey at Wellness Warehouse, you’re supporting South African beekeepers who take care of their bees and produce only high-quality, raw honey.

They also host free monthly beekeeping courses, or you can spend a few days on their farm by booking one of their self-catering chalets.

If you’re interested in learning more about Honeybee Heroes, adopting a hive, or attending one of their courses, you can check them out at HoneybeeHeroes.com, or follow them on Instagram @honeybeeheroes or Facebook @ honeybeeheroesza.

Want to do a little more to help?

Adopt a honeybee hive through Honeybee Heroes!

Anyone can adopt a hive for themselves, a loved one, or even a business.

When you adopt a hive, Honeybee Heroes will set up a brand-new hive with your name on it in an ideal location for a new bee colony to build its home.

In return, you’ll get six jars of raw, Honeybee Heroes honey, plus the opportunity to visit their sanctuary, gear up in a beekeeping suit and join the Honeybee Heroes team in learning all about your new hive. They’ve got many adoption options available, giving you the opportunity to choose from various thank you boxes including a specialty box with beeswax and propolis products, a children’s box, or even honeybee-branded veldschoens.

“We believe that consumers have an incredible capacity for impact when they make responsible food purchases. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Wellness Warehouse to help spread awareness about the plight of the honeybees, and to educate their consumers about the importance of buying raw, local honey. As South Africa’s largest health and wellness organisation, we know that the Wellness Warehouse community is filled with like-minded individuals who are just as dedicated as we are to making a positive impact on the environment. Through this collaboration, we can merge our two communities to help save the bees and inspire thousands of South Africans to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle.”

Chris Oosthuizen, Honeybee Heroes founder

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 48 stores (and growing) 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

2 022 ISSUE 1 23

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FOOD BHEE

N TELLA

Cruffins

Recipe by Gail Ng

Swoonworthy crispy layers of puff pastry and nutella in these simple and easy nutella cruffins - a cross between a croissant and a muffin! Ideal treat for your Valentine.

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BHEE FOOD

INGREDIENTS Nutella Cruffins • • • •

1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed in fridge overnight 3 tablespoons Nutella hazelnut spread 1 egg, for egg wash granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Coffee Whipped Cream • • •

100 g whipping cream 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS • •

• • •

•

• • •

Preheat oven to 190°C and grease a muffin pan.

Gently unroll a sheet of thawed puff pastry dough onto a floured surface. With a rolling pin, roll out the dough in one direction until it has elongated by a few inches.

With an offset spatula, gently spread a thin layer of Nutella onto the surface of the dough, all the way to the edges.

Starting at one long end, gently roll the dough with your fingers until it becomes a spiral log.

With a knife, cut straight down the middle of the roll lengthwise. You will end up with two long strips. Then, cut each strip in half crosswise so you end up with 4 shorter pieces.

With each piece of dough, cut side facing upwards, roll into a snail spiral. Tuck the end underneath itself and place into a greased muffin pan.

In a small bowl, whisk up an egg for the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently brush cruffins with egg wash.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and cooked through the center. Sprinkle with granulated sugar while warm.

Whisk together the whipping cream, coffee, and sugar. Transfer to a piping bag with a closed star tip and pipe dollops on top of each cruffins. Also drop a teaspoon of extra nutella onto each cruffin.

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Enjoy!

TRAVEL BHEE

Our favourite local romantic getaways

Love is in the air! For the best romantic getaways in South Africa, we’ve got you covered with our favourite loved-up local destinations. Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day mini-break or longweekend escape – maybe even options for a local honeymoon – take a look at our recommendations.

Give your loved one a Red Carnation What is more romantic than spending a weekend away in a luxurious setting, with breath taking views, world-class cuisine and indulgent spa treatments? For the ultimate 5-star getaway, take your pick from three legendary Red Carnation Hotels in South Africa: The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in Ceres, and The Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga.

comforts of an upmarket 4-star hotel experience.

Your adventures into the pristine wilderness will be perfectly balanced by the hotel’s contemporary relaxation options. Set in a tranquil riverine woodland of immense African trees, there is a range of elegant accommodation from standard to large guest rooms, and from the executive to presidential suites. With refined Africa-inspired décor, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, airconditioning, free wi-fi and in-room dining.

Special highlights of your stay will include gameviewing from the Pool Bar with its stunning infinity pool; luxurious care at the beautifully appointed Spa and sumptuous dining in the glow of stars and wood fires in the outdoor Lapa.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve Go wild for each other How does a romantic luxury safari sound? Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, with soaring walkways and treetop ambiance, uniquely offers classic Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park with all the

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BHEE TRAVEL

A royal romance Treat your special someone to a stay at The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City. Splurge on 5-star dining and in-room spa spoils. Toast the rising sun on an early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Pilanesberg National Park, discover the Big Five up close on a game drive, or lounge around the adults-only swimming pools, The Royal Baths.

afternoons of watching the mountain peaks bask in the last rays of sunshine, there is no better place to be than Albert’s Cocktail Bar.

The hotel boasts a vast range of exciting recreation activities. Guests will delight in the cold and heated pools, tennis courts, horse rides, trout fishing, mini-golf, volleyball, archery, quad bikes, climbing tower, spa, gym and steam room, and a picturesque 9-hole golf course with Accommodation fit for royalty, The Palace of the alternate tees for an 18-hole game. Helicopter Lost City is synonymous with five-star luxury. sightseeing tours are always a firm favourite as Every detail has been carefully considered, from well. the cool mosaic tiles of the lobby and the subtle fusion of botanic aromas to the hotel’s regally appointed high teas. Each exquisite suite with its handcrafted furniture repeats the magic of this remarkable place and offers royal hospitality with breath taking views over water or jungle.

Cathedral Peak Hotel in Drakensberg Slip into cruise control MSC local cruises are always a great option for a romantic break. Heading up and down the South African coast from Cape Town and Durban or to Portuguese Island, these cruises are the perfect way to unwind. Plus, every night on a cruise ship The Palace of the Lost City can be date night! Sip sundowners on deck, dine out at a restaurant and then enjoy a live show Ain’t no mountain high enough… and a few turns around the dance floor at the Take your romance to new heights at Cathedral onboard nightclub.

Peak hotel in the Drakensberg. Choose a romantic honeymoon suite, with a king-size bed, fireplace, Victorian slipper bath and private verandah. You even get the use of a golf cart to explore the resort during your stay.

The sophisticated dining room offers an extensive buffet and superb cuisine, personally supervised by the hotel’s first-class chef, and an after-dinner drink and game of pool or darts can be enjoyed at Harry’s Late Night Bar. For those charming

MSC Orchestra

Check out all our local & international romantic getaways – Click here Get in touch with one of our experts now – Click here

www.pentravel.co.za 28 ISSUE 1 2022

087 094 0011

info@pentravel.co.za

ESTATE NEWS BHEE

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BHEE LIFESTYLE

SOPHISTICATED BATHROOM RENOVATIONS From a dusty, beige, 80s vibe to an elegant bathroom with modern fittings and plenty of comfort. Now that’s called renovation, right?

Bathroom renovations can be a costly undertaking, which means good planning and durable products are essential. The result is, however, long-lasting pleasure in the bathroom.

Now, before you start shopping, you might first spend some time in the planning phase and figure out what you want to achieve with your new bathroom. For instance, will you require a multifunctional space ideal for the entire family with a bath, shower and double sinks? Or is it just your guest bathroom that needs a face lift?

First knowing what exactly you want to do, combined with sufficient planning will give you a better indication of what look and feel you are after.

Renovating your bathroom can be stressful, but there is no reason why you should tackle this project alone – let a professional from Geberit assist you right from the start.

Here’s some things to consider when planning your bathroom renovation…

THE LUXURY OF SPACE Simply installing a new wall-hung WC and washbasin with matching cabinet results in a much tidier and cleaner bathroom. Among other reasons, this is due to the free space underneath the toilet and washbasin area, which makes the room appear larger.

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CLEANLINESS MEANS COMFORT A well-designed bathroom is not just a question of designs and colours – hygiene and cleanliness also play an important role. Avoiding corners and edges – as can be seen in the example with the wall-hung WC – eliminates nooks and crannies which would otherwise have to be cleaned carefully. The less time spent cleaning, the more time you have to enjoy your bathroom.

HARMONIOUS DESIGN When you buy a new sofa, you have to make sure that it fits in with the style of the rest of your apartment. A harmonious look is also in demand when choosing the toilet, washbasin and furniture in the bathroom. After considering other demands such as cleanliness, comfort and user-friendliness when fitting out the bathroom, the design is the cherry on the cake in creating a perfect bathroom ambience.

Its not hard to get lost between all the bathroom ideas that’s available online, however, with Geberit there is something for everyone. Your bathroom, your style and we guide you all they way. From deciding to installing.

For more inspiration and information, kindly call us on 011 444 or send an email to marketing.za@geberit.com Visit our website here: www.geberit.co.za

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BHEE MOTORING

SUBLIME CHOICES: DB11 NOW OFFERED WITH V8 ENGINE 02 August 2017, Gaydon: After its successful global introduction in 2016, Aston Martin’s definitive GT - the acclaimed DB11 - is now available with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Perfectly complementing the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12 engine, this new powerplant has provided the opportunity to reveal more of the DB11’s sporting character, while expanding its global appeal with a combination of exceptional performance and improved efficiency. Producing 510PS (503BHP) and 675Nm of torque, the V8 engine’s potency is beyond question, propelling the DB11 from 0-100 kmh in just 4.0sec and on to a top speed of 300kmh. This exceptional performance is matched by impressive efficiency: CO2 emissions of 230g/km1 and an EU Combined fuel economy figure of 28.5mpg1

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MOTORING BHEE

This new V8 derivative brings further significant benefits in markets where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity, such as China.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, commented: “As an engineer I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. Of course, the V12-engined variant is an icon - an ultimate, if you like, but the V8 is very much its own car. One with a distinct and carefully crafted character that’s truly seductive. It has been hugely rewarding to put our stamp on this new engine - both in the way it sounds and performs - and to use its impressive attributes as the impetus to reveal a little more of the DB11’s sporting character. “To be able to offer not one, but two exceptional GT cars is terrific for Aston Martin and our customers. I’m particularly proud that this car is the first to receive an engine supplied by our technical partner, Mercedes-AMG. Not least because thanks to the nature of our relationship with AMG we have been given complete freedom to tailor this exceptional power unit so that it meets the particular needs and demands of an Aston Martin.”

The inherent qualities of this light, compact and characterful power unit make it the ideal choice to sit alongside the existing V12 engine. Aston Martin’s engineering team has tailored the V8 engine perfectly for its application in the DB11 with bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems.

Electronic calibration of the V8 engine has included creating new ECU software and reprogramming the engine and throttle mapping to ensure it possesses the all-important feel and sound for which Aston Martins are renowned.

With its rich reserves of effortless performance, the V12-engined DB11 already fulfils the role of consummate high-performance luxury Grand Tourer. This provided the ideal opportunity to explore the more dynamic side of the DB11’s character and capabilities with the V8-engine option. To this end Aston Martin engineers designed new engine mounts, which together with the bespoke, slimline wet sump system enables the V8 to be mounted as low as possible for an optimised centre-of-gravity.

The V8 engine is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115kg and a kerb weight of 1760kg.

With more of that mass centred within the wheelbase, the V8-engined DB11 has an increased sense of

agility - a quality that has been fully exploited with detailed revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software. By carefully crafting its dynamic character to be distinct from that of the V12, the V8 appeals to those customers drawn to a refined and comfortable GT with a more sporting bias.

There are subtle visual differences between the two variants that include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12.

These vents come in a choice of black or titaniumfinish mesh, again different from that fitted to the twelve-cylinder variant.

Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same extensive choice of colour and trim options. They can also elect to enhance the specification of their car via the same Option Packs and Designer Specification packages, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin - Collection options.

“The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated

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BHEE MOTORING

car Aston Martin has ever made. Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals. Having driven the car during its development phase, it is not just the engine that has changed the character of the car, but also the resulting dynamic changes to create a remarkable GT car with its own distinct personality from the V12.”

For more information on the Aston Martin DB11 range contact Aston Martin Johannesburg Jashwin Chotu or Gerhard Botha on 011-301-7000 or Aston Martin Cape Town: Andrew Mayer on 021-425-2007

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J O HLONG A N N ECITY SBURG NAME

BEAU T I FUL ER T H I S IS IS A D BNUMB X

astonmartin.com Aston Martin Johannesburg, 1 Whiteley Rd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2196 | 011-301-7000 For more information on Aston Martin DB11 contact: Jashwin Chotu on jashwin@astonmartin.co.za or Gerhard Botha on: gerhard.b@daytona.co.za Official WLTP fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the 2020 Aston Martin DBX: Low 23.2 (12.2); Medium 13.6 (20.8); High 12 (23.5); Extra High 13.4 (21.1); Combined 14.3 (19.8). CO2 emissions 323g/ km. The mpg/fuel economy figures quoted are sourced from official regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.

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BHEE INTERIOR

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INTERIOR BHEE

Hi everyone and welcome to 2022 Interior Design Trends. My name is Lynne Blumberg and my company is Lynne Blumberg Interior Design. Every year there are a host of new trends and colours.

Here is my trend analysis: The Pantone colour of the year is “VERY PERI”.

VERY PERI is a gorgeous bluey-purple, almost like our beloved Jacaranda tree flowers. If you love colour, use this colour on a feature wall or sofas/chairs, however, if you still prefer a neutral sofa, pop the sofa with scatter cushions in this very beautiful “very peri” colour.

BATHROOM DESIGN - Trends are pointing to deep smoky spaces, using deeper marble colours, wallpaper and smoky mirrors with floor and wall tiles following suit. The feel is deep and dramatic calling for black and gold accessories and sometimes black sanware, i.e., toilets and basins. Clinical white in bathrooms definitely seems to have taken a back seat for now.

There seems to be a trend of deeper warmer coloured woods coming back into fashion, which instantly create a much more sophisticated look. Woods to look out for are a gorgeous striped Brazilian wood called Micasa. This is a very beautiful sophisticated wood and is much nicer than regular mahogany. Walnut is another popular darker wood that can be smoked to give it a modern look and does not go orange with age as normal walnut would. Still very trendy are woods being washed with incredible products like JAX to give unusual finishes. Silky duco’s giving one a soft sheen with the softest hint of a glamorous polish is also very popular.

Flooring trends to watch out for in 2022 are huge oversized tiles ranging from 1200 x 600 to enormous tiles of 2400 x 1400. It makes floors and walls look seamless – really fabulous!

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BHEE INTERIOR

Let’s look at the latest trends in design style:

Minimalism – sparse: This is a very simple style, no frills, no fuss, nothing excessive. Colours are black, white, grey and stone. If you prefer slightly warmer, go for a trend called warm minimalism, adding more creamy and greige colours into your colour palette.

trend is a very easy trend to live with and is very popular.

Japandy: This style relates to Japanese culture and is a warm, minimalistic simple feel. Less, rather than more. It’s rustic, organic and timeless. This trend is great for the person/family who prefer a simple uncluttered look – almost Scandi, using warm light-coloured woods and a slightly warmer colour palette like sludgy blues and greens and millennial pinks.

Art Deco: Art Deco is coming back into fashion in a different way, without being brash and is rather authentic.

Its pure glamour but a sophisticated glamour, a soft polish rather than shine, lots of bronze, gold or smoky mirrors subtly done. Patterns and curves on furniture, exquisite hanging lighting with velvet, suede or silky and luxurious fabrics, gorgeous marbles and beautiful woods like the Brazilian Micasa. This style is a real nod to authentic luxury.

It a bold look. Classy, sophisticated and luxurious and needs a clever eye to execute perfectly.

Maximalism: This is the complete opposite to minimalism. It is not a free for all. The rooms must be cleverly designed. It is definitely not a hoarder look at all.

Here you can mix in vintage pieces with contemporary pieces, taking old pieces that you love and mixing it in with newer pieces. Embrace colour, style and personality. This look is a total reaction to the cool understated minimalism we have been seeing everywhere for so long.

Post-modern/mid-century:

About Lynne Blumberg Interior Design Lynne Blumberg Interior Design is considered one of the top interior design companies in South Africa. The company has been awarded the very prestigious Design Et Al Award in 2019 in the 5-millionpound residential category and has been once again shortlisted for this prestigious award in June 2022. Lynne Blumberg Interior Design designs all types of interior designs including high end residential, corporate, hospitality and retail. Lynne Blumberg is a full turn-key company and has a team of designers, builders, furniture manufacturers etc. who are all experts in their fields and yet we are happy to redesign one room for you.

In the 80’s and 90’s new interesting sculptural modern pieces, i.e., squiggly mirrors and quite kookie furniture were very in-vogue. Today post-modern large furniture pieces like sofas and chairs are designed in more neutral colours or deep hues of blues, aquas and forest greens, rather than old Lynne mobile: 083 440 9236 / reds and crazy lime greens. The nature of this look Office: 011 447 6016 / Website: now is curvy, rounded, lovely feminine shapes, www.lynneblumberg.co.za rather than angular. This mid-century modern 38 ISSUE 1 2022

RESIDENTIAL

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CORPORATE

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HOSPITALITY

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RETAIL DESIGN

9 Dijon, 55 Hyde Close, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2090 enquiries@lynneblumberg.co.za or admin@lynnblumberg.co.za

Lynne Blumberg +27 83 440 9236

w w w.l ynne b lu m b e rg .c o .z a

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BHEE ENVIRONMENT

Olive Grass Snake

SNAKES Of Gauteng

Gauteng has its fair share of snakes but most of them pose no threat to humans. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to distinguish between harmless and dangerous snakes and one should never attempt to catch or handle any snake.

Night Adder and although it is not considered potentially deadly, one could end up in hospital after a bite and several dogs die each year after a Night Adder bite. The Rinkhals inhabits grasslands, especially near vleis and is by far the most common dangerous snake encountered over much of There are forty-seven different types of snakes in the Gauteng, especially on the East and West Rand and province with twenty-two species harmless, another south of Johannesburg. It is quick to avoid people six that can inflict quite a painful bite and six that are and move off but dogs are good at cornering them considered dangerous to humans and pets. and this may result in one or more dogs getting bitten.

Snakes keep a low profile in winter and spend much of their time in underground shelters, occasionally As one gets into bushveld habitat around Pretoria and coming up to the surface to bask in the winter sun Muldersdrift there are a number of highly venomous but in summer they are on the move looking for snakes including the Snouted Cobra, Mozambique food. And the good rain gets them moving. Snakes Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder and Boomslang. Black quite often end up in suburban gardens and the Mambas are not found around Johannesburg snake removers have their hands full now removing and Pretoria and only enter Gauteng in northern snakes.

Dinokeng and around Roodeplaat dam.

Snakes most encountered in gardens include the harmless Brown House Snake, the Herald Snake, Spotted Bush Snake, Aurora House Snake, the Olive Grass snake and the Rhombic Egg-eater.

The more dangerous snakes include the Rhombic

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Should you encounter any snake in your house or garden, never attempt to catch or kill it. Immediately get your pets out of the way and retreat at least 5 meters. Then observe the snake from a safe distance and call a snake remover. There are over 800 snake removers on the free app ASI Snakes (http://bit.ly/ snakebiteapp) and the app will list those closest to

ENVIRONMENT BHEE

you. Don’t lose sight of the snake – they are experts at escaping and once you lose sight of one it will be difficult to locate again.

In the unlikely event of a snakebite, keep the victim calm and immediately get to the closest hospital with a trauma unit. Avoid cutting, sucking out venom, tight bandages and a variety of other ineffective fist aid measures. The same applies to your pets – if your dog gets bitten by a snake, get it to a vet immediately. Forget about Allergex tablets, milk, charcoal and all the other mythical treatments – if your pet is severely envenomated it needs to be treated by a vet.

Two snakes in Gauteng can spit their venom – the Rinkhals and the Mozambique Spitting Cobra. They can spit up to about three meters and aim for the eyes. Venom in the eyes, both for humans and pets, is extremely painful and needs to be flushed immediately with lots of water. Then off to a doctor for further examination or get your pet to a vet.

Venom elsewhere on the skin does no harm and can be washed off with water.

Aurora House Snake

Herald Snake

Rhombic Egg-eater

Rinkhals

Mozambique Spitting Cobra

Night Adder

For more information on snakes and first aid for snakebite, visit our website www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com.

Johan Marais African Snakebite Institute www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com Cell: 0824942039

Brown House Snake

Spotted Bush Snake

Puff Adder

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LIFESTYLE ENVIRONMENT BLUE H I L L S E qu e strian Estate

info@greenplastic.co.za www.greenplastic.co.za

Variety of Outdoor Furniture, Fencing, Jetties ect.

Made with 100% recycled plastic Maintenance free 012 - 811 - 0094 / 082 - 873 - 4723

42 ISSUE 1 2022

ESTATE WELLNESS NEWS BHEE

TIME TO PULL THE PLUG?

Wellness & Wavelengths: Your Guide to a Digital Detox

By Liesl Lamprecht Headaches, strained eyes, overextended thumbs – you guessed right: your screen time might be interfering with your health. Tech over-use has become so pervasive that the average smartphone owner unlocks their phone 150 times a day, easily spending up to two hours and 51 minutes on them daily! There’s even a term for how dependant we’ve become on our mobile companions: nomophobia - the fear of being without your phone or without cellular service.

Too much time on your devices can overload your senses; harm your self-image and -esteem; increase headaches and eye problems; heighten depression and anxiety; lead to a lack of exercise or neglect of overall physical health; and reinforce addictive behaviour. Every scroll or swipe sends a hit of dopamine to the same areas of your brain that respond to addictive and dangerous drugs like cocaine.

The new year offers the perfect opportunity for you to focus on your digital wellness so that you can restart and reconnect the right way. Here’s how: BE REALISTIC While a ‘cold turkey’ digital fast can be refreshing over a holiday or weekend, it isn’t always realistic to forgo all forms of communication during our dayto-day activities in our highly digitised world. In that case, it might be better to slowly wean your hours online - much like you would cut back on your caffeine or sugar intake.

DECIDE YOUR DETOX If you need to stay connected during the day, try doing a ‘mini-detox’ at the end of the

workday, when you turn off your devices and focus on spending an evening completely free from electronic distractions like social media, texting, etc. Alternatively, you could do a short digital fast, in which you abstain from digital devices for one full day a week, or you can restrict your use of a specific social media app that’s been a major time drain.

SCHEDULE BREAKS & SET BOUNDARIES It’s good to abstain from your phone for certain time intervals by only checking notifications every hour or more; leaving your phone at home when you go for a walk; setting it aside when spending time with family and friends; putting it away during meal times and when working on a hobby; and disconnecting when you retire for the evening.

TRACK YOUR TIME There’s an entire app store with wonderful tools to help you track your device usage and equip you to be stricter with your screentime. These apps – and some phones’ built-in digital wellbeing features – allow you to set a time limit that you’re allowed to spend on each app per day and, after warning you a few times, they actually lock you out of the app.

TURN IT OFF If you find yourself constantly checking your phone and responding to every text or social media alert as it pops up, it may be a good idea to turn off the push notifications in your phone settings. Try to allocate time (about 20 - 30 minutes) to devote specifically to catching up on your emails, checking mentions and messages, or sitting down to respond to WhatsApps.

DO A SCREEN SWAP You’ve ditched your phone – now what? Rather than aimlessly wandering around the house wondering what you did in the days before wifi, you can swap the time you would’ve spent on a screen for other relaxing activities. By going for a walk or hike, taking up a hobby, reading a book or getting your hands dirty in the garden, you replace the thing you’re abstaining from with something else that brings joy.

Dialling down your screen time and unplugging yourself from your devices can help you to: • Be more present and feel more content and calm • Maintain a better work-life balance • Be more productive and use your time more effectively • Boost your self-esteem and reduce your sense of FOMO • Maintain an overall healthier lifestyle

SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 48 stores (and growing) 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

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BHEE ESTATE NEWS

Keep your family safe as the 4th wave approaches

100% natural & safe disinfecting Unique 2 in 1 Thermal and ULV fogging system to disinfect air particles and surface areas.

Ideal for homes, schools, office, businesses and vehicles.

Contact Us 061 529 3126 / info@ecosen.co.za

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