Blue Hills Equestrian Estate | February 2023

EQUESTRIAN living

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.

THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF:

• Andile Mtetwa

• Jessica Hofmeyr

• Joe Mahlangu

• Obakeng Mathibe

• 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

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

letter from the Estate Manager

Greetings Homeowners!

I trust that you have had a great start to the new year. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your beloved ones well for the new year.

As we welcome the new year, we gladly welcome some changes in Estate.

I would like to welcome Bomikazi Gangxa to the Blue Hills Equestrian Office in her capacity as the office administrator. Bomikazi has been in training and can assist you will your administrative requests. A contact number for her will be distributed shortly.

The landscaping upgrade on Mopani Road has been completed. STM, the external service provider who is responsible for the upgrade is currently maintaining the area. The landscaping upgrade is per the discussion held during the AGM. STM will be moving into the Estate to the corner beds and the Contractor’s gate thereafter.

Most homeowners would have noticed work has started around the tennis court area.

The Estate has approved drainage to be installed around the courts as water and moisture have caused damage to the courts. One tennis court will be resurfaced while the other will be converted into a multi-court. The sports included will be soccer, basketball, and

Netball. We are hoping the kids will love this. Lighting has also been included in the upgrade for the courts.

Work on the contractor’s gate had processed well towards the end of 2022, however, we have not seen great improvement in January. We are hoping to see the completion of the new gate towards the end of February 2023. I will keep you posted!!

Now that operations have resumed onsite, the reality is that contractors are also back onsite. We’d like to request that homeowners ensure that your contractors familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines of the Estate. The rules will be enforced stringently henceforth. You are welcome to contact the Estate office should you require any information. Not knowing the rules is no excuse!

Speeding within the Estate is still a huge concern despite the installation of speed signage around the Estate. Residents are reminded that this is a community and that we need to be mindful of those around us. Speeding puts those around us at great risk. The speed limit within the Estate is strictly 40km per hour. Homeowners are also reminded that they are responsible for their visitors, employees, and contractors. Offenders will be penalised per the Estate penalty schedule. Continued transgression of the Estate guidelines has resulted in the responsible parties being escorted out of the Estate and in some instances access even

being denied in the interest of the safety of the Estate.

Our landscaping company has been hard at work trying to maintain the Estate as best as they can taking into count the heat waves and the recent level 1 water restrictions.

Homeowners are advised that you may not water gardens during the day with municipal water due to the water restrictions. Watering is permitted before 6 am and after 6 pm until further notice from the municipality.

Construction stands need to ensure regular sweeping of the roads as the roads need 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 their pets within their properties and to take the necessary precautions when entering and exiting their properties. Pet owners are also required to clean up after their pets especially when they defecate in 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 neighbors, 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.

I am extremely 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 still offers 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 15mins in advance to arrange for the service unless in the case of an emergency. Terms and conditions apply.

Homeowners are reminded that the biometric system is fully operational. Kindly contact the Estate manager for an appointment to enroll in the system. For those residents whose children go to the school, their children and or helpers will also need to be re-registered at the office since

the system has changed. As of 01 February 2022, the school gate will no longer be opened, users will need to be registered on the system for access. In the case of minors, parents, guardians, or helpers/employees who accompany the child to school will need to be registered on the system. Kindly note, pedestrians who use the main entrance are required to use the turnstiles and not the booms, even if you are a resident.

Those residents who use the contractor’s gate for access are required to use the biometric readers or their phones for the automated booms. The manual boom is not permitted to be used.

As a reminder, several stands have completed their construction but have not arranged for their Completion Certificates. Homeowners can contact Studios Architects to arrange for a final inspection of their property and to arrange for their Completion Certificate. inspections@ studious.co.za

A friendly note, if you do not have a Completion Certificate your stand is considered a construction stand in terms of the Estate and will still be liable for a late building penalty. This still applies if you are living in your home and have an Occupation Certificate from the council.

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 and any requests or arrangements that deviate from these protocols need to be made via the appropriate channels. We appeal to homeowners to not vent their frustrations onto the guards and to please be mindful that the guards are acting upon instruction. You may contact the Estate manager or the onsite control room to make the relevant arrangements timeously. Homeowners are requested to contact the control room as per the numbers provided should they wish to contact security for promote assistance.

General consideration by all residents for each other will greatly assist in achieving a happy community and a pleasant environment. Harmonious community living is only achieved when residents can use and enjoy their private property as well as the public areas of the Estate while not negatively impacting fellow residents.

Please be vigilant at all times and report any suspicions to the office or security.

Kind regards,

Rashni Andhee-Shah

Leash etiquette and laws: Stay in the know

Dr Trudie Prinsloo is a qualified veterinarian and attorney. In 2015, she started Legalvet Services to provide legal advice to the animal health and veterinary industries in South Africa – and now she’s teamed up with us to tell us more about dog leash etiquette and laws in South Africa.

dotsure.co.za is not responsible or liable for any advice or any other information provided herein.

I am convinced Troy, our Giant Schnauzer, is a mind reader. He always knows when I decide to take him for a walk. Long before I say or do anything that could give it away, he gets excited and runs to fetch his leash. He knows that he can only go outside if he has his leash.

Dogs need to exercise, and they need

stimulation. Walking is a great way to provide this. But with it comes several responsibilities. When walking our dogs in public areas, we must keep them safe from dangers that they may not be aware of, such as speeding cars. On the other hand, we also have a responsibility to make sure that our dogs do not pose a danger to people or other animals. And while protecting our pets and other people, we must still make sure that we obey all relevant rules and laws.

Some Leash Etiquette

One of the joys of walking a dog is meeting other people and their dogs. I make a note on my phone of the names of the people and dogs that Troy and I meet on our walks as soon as we get home. The next time we see them, I greet them by name. Most people we encounter

on our walks are wonderful dog owners who automatically know good dog leash etiquette. If you are a first-time dog owner, or sometimes wonder what is expected of people walking their dogs on a leash, here are some basic guidelines:

1. Always have your dog on a leash in a public area, unless it is expressly indicated that they may be off-leash. And also make sure that if they are off-leash, they are wellbehaved and will not attack other dogs or terrorize other dogs.

2. Never take an untrained adult dog on a leash into a public area. It will be super stressful for your dog and for you. Train your puppies to walk on a leash from eight weeks old and make sure they are well socialized. This is the best and easiest time to train a dog. If you must train an adult dog, rather get assistance from a professional dog trainer, animal behaviourist, or veterinarian.

3. Do not allow someone who cannot handle your dog to take it dog for a walk. Recently I came across someone who insisted that I walk a huge detour with Troy because she was not capable of controlling her dog at all. Not only is that rude, but it is also dangerous. She will face serious legal consequences if her dog harms someone.

4. Understand that a leash influences your dog’s natural behaviour. This could lead to unexpected aggression in an otherwise gentle dog. If your dog does this, get help from an animal behaviourist as soon as possible.

5. Be considerate towards other dog walkers, pedestrians, and property owners. Do not trespass with your dog and please pick up the dog’s pool

6. Avoid direct contact between your dog and other dogs, including dogs behind fences. Cross the street or move to a different area if necessary. Only allow brief contact between

your dog and another dog on a leash if you know your dog very well and the owner of the other dog is confident that their dog will be fine too and agrees to an introduction.

By-laws

Most local authorities have by-laws that specifically deal with the control of animals in public places. Although the by-laws differ amongst different municipal areas, they generally require that dogs must be on leashes in public spaces, unless they are in designated areas where off-leash presence is allowed. These by-laws provide for fines to be imposed on people who transgress them or for seizing and impounding the animals.

Common law

The common law principles of the Actio de pauperie are always relevant to dog owners. This means that dog owners are strictly liable for any damages caused by their pets, even if the owner did not act negligently. Although the Actio de pauperie does not require you to keep your dog on a leash, doing so will help you prevent your dog from causing harm to anyone.

Animals Protection Act[i]

Most dog owners who care enough to take their dogs for walks will not deliberately harm their pets. However, if how a leash is used, or the material used to make a leash causes the dog to suffer unnecessarily, it is an offence as defined in the Animals Protection Act and will be punishable. If you see anyone causing their dog to suffer in this way, please report it to the nearest SPCA branch.

Please be responsible when walking your dog, but don’t forget to have fun and make it enjoyable for your dog too!

[i] Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962

Outdoor Picnic

Nothing lights up faces and hearts faster than being in the great outdoors, free to meander and wander and, of course, eat! Food just tastes that much better eaten al fresco. It’s why the Italians have a special name for it.

By Sarah Graham

Here is a great compilation of tips and treats, leaving you no excuse not to get your picnic party on this Valentines day!

Besides the very obvious ones of packing a cooler box with ice packs to keep drinks and food cold, picnic friendly utensils, cutlery and plates, here are a few more handy ideas to send you on your merry way.

1. 2. 3.

Pack fruit, nuts and biltong for extra snacks along the way, especially if you are traveling with kids and the journey might take longer than you planned.

Freeze water or juice the night before and pack in your cooler box so that by the time you’re ready to dine it’s deliciously slushy and chilled.

If you are traveling or walking particularly far and don’t have adequate keepcool options, avoid using mayonnaise or dairy products in your food.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Pack wet wipes! These are so useful for keeping hands and faces clean when you’re eating outdoors.

Pack rubbish bags to collect the mess you will make as you go along. Tie it up securely and take it home to deposit safely, or in the on-site bins if there are any.

Take a tablecloth instead of a picnic blanket to sit on if space is an issue as they are more lightweight and take up less space.

Pack insect repellent, sunscreen and hats.

Pack board games for some after eating fun.

NATURALLY CALM KIDS

By Wellness Warehouse

With the hectic pace of the world, many children struggle to stay in a calm zone. By helping your children cultivate a sense of calm at an early age, you’ll not only be a happier parent, but you’ll be laying an important foundation as they grow older. Here are 15 ways to introduce more peace and calm into your children’s lives.

1. Prioritise Sleep

Lack of sleep is a recipe for edginess at any age. Establishing good sleep habits from a young age is essential so make this a priority in the first few years of your child’s life. A soothing and predictable bedtime ritual that includes a warm bath helps children unwind and get ready for dreamland.

2. Massage it Out

Trials from the Touch Research Institute, shows infants and children who receive massage therapy have fewer stress behaviours and reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Massage is a great way to bond with your little one and help them relax, while also relaxing yourself. Follow your baby or toddler’s lead to find out when they are most receptive to massage and for how long.

3. Calm the senses

Chamomile and lavender essential oils have a calming effect, benefiting both you and your child. From three months of age onwards, put one to three drops of oil in your baby’s nighttime bath or on their favorite blanket or toy. This will help soothe their senses. After time they will associate these scents with feelings of comfort and security, and you can use them to reduce

anxiety in times of heightened stress, like during air travel.

4. Hold them Close

Nothing comforts a child more than being held by a parent. Wear a baby carrier, wrap or sling to create a calm and safe space when the busy outside world drives them into sensory overload. When they are older, a momentary embrace helps them feel safe and release stress.

5. Pay Attention

Children often act out to get parental attention, starting as early as toddlerhood. Carve out quality time when you are physically and emotionally present with your child so they feel heard and worthy of your positive attention. Spend this time with them doing things they enjoy and avoid distractions like checking your phone.

6. Furry Friends

If you don’t have a family fur baby, identify other ways for your children to interact with animals. Research shows that even brief interactions with animals affect hormones like oxytocin and cortisol, making individuals of all ages happier and more relaxed.

7. Eat for Calm

Remove foods known to contribute towards hyperactivity in children - sugar, caffeine and certain additives - and replace them with grounding wholefoods. A good starting point is to reduce carbonated beverages and bottled juices and replace with water, herbal teas, and homemade juices or smoothies. Keep an eye out for food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies as these also affect behaviour.

8. Zen time

Meditation helps children return to a place they feel safe, secure, peaceful and focused. Learning to cope with stress is an important part of development, and teaching your child to meditate empowers them to manage stress. Guided meditation books and audios are available for children of all ages. Giving kids a special object to hold during meditation can help them tune in more easily.

9. Kids Yoga

Yoga is calming and can help develop concentration, focus, and self-awareness from a young age. Use a fun book or yoga cards to teach them yourself so you can practice as a family. My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste is a popular book for this. They key is to make the introduction fun, using stories and games and drawing on nature and animals.

10. Channel energy

Give children many outlets to channel their energy into. Physical activity and getting outdoors helps children relax. Give them an outlet for their creative energy through art, music, singing, dancing, or projects like creating vision boards or putting on theatre shows for the family.

11. Lead by example

Research shows the level of stress in family life directly impacts how kids learn to deal with stressful situations. Irritable and stressed out children are usually mirroring what they are experiencing at home. Bring peace into your child’s life by leading by example and making a conscious effort to welcome a calm disposition into your life and home. Model healthy stress management by practicing yoga or meditation. Tell them what you’re doing and why.

12. Beat the Rush

Make your day much calmer by being extra organised in the morning. Do this by preparing the night before. Create less pressurised evenings by preparing meals in advance over the weekend. A batch of quinoa lasts several days and can be repurposed into many meals. did you know? Parental stress can be passed on to children with long term effects. Stress in pregnant women has been linked to anxiety, autism and ADHD in children, and research led by Michael Kobor from the University of British Columbia has shown day-to-day stress in early childhood can predict changes in DNA observed into adolescence.

13. Switch Off

Leave work stress behind by practicing deep breathing on your way home. If you work from home, walk outdoors at the end of the day to signal a transition out of work mode. Walking through the front door in a more peaceful state of mind will help you stay calm in the face of challenging parenting moments.

14. Laugh More

Laughing is an easy and powerful way to reduce stress and has many other health benefits. Try laughter yoga or join in whenever anyone happens to be deep belly laughing nearby.

15. Focus on Yourself

Once a month take five minutes to reflect on the main stressors in your life and identify three steps to restore balance in these areas. Also, create child-free ‘me time’ routinely and do something you enjoy. By actively cultivating inner peace and happiness, you will naturally pass these qualities on to those around you, as well as respond more lovingly when kids are niggly.

DID YOU KNOW?

Children are subjected to stress and anxiety at earlier and earlier ages. A 2013 Stress in America report found that teenagers surpassed adults as the most stressed population in the United States. This is concerning as an extensive body of research from Harvard University and other leading institutions shows that prolonged activation of stress response systems in children, in particular the brain, can negatively impact healthy development, including:

• Learning, cognitive ability and short term memory

• Behaviour and temperament

• Blood sugar levels, weight and digestive health

• Overall health across lifetime

Catarina Andrade is a Cape Town based health and happiness coach and laughter yoga leader who helps busy women create more time and energy to get everything done with less stress and more balance. Get her free guide to jumping off the stress express at: www.catarinaandrade.com/create-time

of the Month

Chicken and Camembert sausage rolls

Ingredients (4)

1 puff pastry — thawed

8 sausages — chicken

1 camembert cheese

1 eggs

Method:

Lay out your puff pastry widthways onto a sheet of baking paper.

Cut pastry the length of 1/2 sausage all the way down the pastry. Then cut strips 2x the width of the sausage (enough to roll over

Fold the pastry tightly over one piece of sausage and add a sliver of cheese. Using a knife, cut a line about 1cm further than where the pastry meets, and then close the ends together using a fork. Brush with egg wash

Chill the assembled rolls on a greased baking tray in the fridge for 10 minutes, and during this time turn your oven on to 200C. Bake the sausage rolls for about 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy.

*Serve with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, or cream cheese mixed through with herbs

By Sarah Graham

At Wellness Warehouse, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellbeing. That’s why we want to learn your unique needs so that we can help to empower your personal journey to holistic natural wellbeing.

Chat to one of our expert in-store Wellness Warehouse Consultants about your health today!

All-New Toyota GR86 – For the Love of the Drive

Driver-focused Cockpit

The GR86’s interior design goal was to deliver the best possible layout for usability and operation of the car’s systems, with a strong horizontally configured instrument panel that gives the driver a wide field of vision and helps them focus on the business of driving. Throughout, there is a sense of harmony in the design.

Around the driver, function controls are designed and located for intuitive recognition and operation, including an air conditioning panel in the centre console with large LEDilluminated dials and piano key switches, and door armrests with integrated release handles and long pull handles. The functionality of the centre armrest has been improved with cup/ small bottle holders, two USB ports and an AUX socket. The cupholder has a new splitopening lid that can be used as an armrest

when closed. The eight-inch multimedia display is angled for easy viewing from the driver’s seat.

The new-shape front sports seats feature supportive pads that are independent of each other, ensuring a slim design and good body-holding. A walk-in release lever on the front seat shoulder makes for easy access to the rear. The new seat frame weights 3kg less than in the GT86, making a significant contribution to the car’s weight reduction programme.

Upholstery is a combination of Ultrasuede™, which gives good body-holding performance, paired with genuine leather. The left side of the display presents the multi-information data, audio and tyre pressure information and the driver assistance function settings. Detail changes in the cabin include new-shape air vents for a better direction control and spread of air flow. Handy touches include a 25% increase in the size of the glove box and the addition of a bottle holder in the door panel.

Exterior Design

The GR86’s exterior design is an evolution of the taut, low-slung look of the GT86, expressing its classic front engine/rear-wheel drive set-up. Short overhangs add to the agile look, together with a wide and low stance, while the front and rear wings and cabin are individually accentuated, generating the dynamic feel of an authentic sportscar.

The overall dimensions are close to those of the GT86, but notably the height has been lowered by 10 mm (to 1,310 mm) and 5 mm have been added to the wheelbase (2,575 mm). The lowering of the centre of gravity (by 1.6 mm) is central to the car’s handling and the driving experience – supported

by a 5 mm lowering of the driver’s hip-point. The new, parabola-shaped LED headlights have an internal L-shaped arrangement like those on the GR Supra, while the grille has a GR-exclusive “G” motif mesh pattern.

The front bumper has a new textured moulding that is functional as well as sporty, helping to reduce drag; it also features deep air ducts at each side, which aid manoeuvrability. Together, the low-set grille and front ducts form the “functional matrix grille” that is a trademark design feature of Toyota’s GR models. In profile, the powerful front wings and large rocker mouldings form side skirts, while the horizontally aligned underbody, running across the top of the wings and through the doorline, projects a strong front-to-rear posture.

The rear wings are equally powerful in appearance, while the tapered rear cabin emphasises the car’s wide stance and low centre of gravity. The rear light clusters have a strong three-dimensional form and blend into a garnish that runs across the width of the car; the licence plate has been moved down to the bumper – another detail in the drive for a lower centre of gravity. The rear wheel arches are pulled in more tightly, emphasising the car’s wide stance.

YOUR NEW FAVOURITE NUMBER

THE ALL-NEW 86

The GR86 is ready to be driven.

Introducing the return of an icon: the GR86.

The GR86 is equipped with a 2.4ℓ boxer engine that races away to the tune of 174 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. Its near-perfect 53/47 front/rear weight distribution makes it the apex predator around any corner and with a host of exclusive and aggressive Gazoo Racing styling elements, it looks just as good as it drives.

Book your test drive today at toyota.co.za

Model Shown: GR86 AT

12 GREAT REASONS to Visit Belgium: The best things to do each month of the year

Issued by: Dorine Reinstein

After the long lazy beach days, parties and excitement that come with the festive period, January can feel like the gloomiest month of the year. With most South Africans by now back at their work desks and kids back to school, 2023 can start to feel a bit daunting. The best way to beat the January blues? Book your next trip.

According to CCO of Air Belgium Emmanuel Menu, Belgium is just the place to be for South Africans looking for holiday inspiration

a

destination to visit

of the time of year. Each season offers its own advantages for travellers. Enjoying Belgium is not weather dependant. No matter

Here are some monthly highlights to get some ideas on what activities to do in Belgium all year round. Get your planner out, as it might be time to begin organising your trip!

January – Tap your toes to jazz in Brussels

In Brussels, jazz lovers will be in their element during January. On various stages around the city, jazz fans can experience a range of talent from Belgium and Europe. Between Djangofolllies (the blues festival dedicated

to Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt), the classic Flagey’s Brussels Jazz Festival and the River Jazz Festival, there are nearly three weeks packed with cool beats to heat the winter evenings.

February – Infuse your days with art

Although it’s the low season, visiting Belgium in February has its perks. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists that flock to the country in summer, you can also enjoy the many museums in the country. Explore the Antoine Wiertz Museum, the Constantin Meunier Museum, the Oldmasters Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum and the Modern Museum. Exhibitions on offer to art lovers in February 2023 include Picasso & Abstraction, featuring 140 incredible works by

“Belgium is

great

regardless

when you choose to explore the delights of our beautiful country, there will be something unique and memorable to discover in each season,” he says.

the world’s most famous cubist.

March – Celebrate the end of winter Wallonia style

The month of March is a special time in Wallonia, when citizens gather to celebrate and say goodbye to winter. For centuries, it has been a tradition to drive away the winter spirits with huge bonfires that light up the sky - none more spectacular than the Bouge fire over the Mosane Valley in Namur. The majestic flames serve as a beacon for thousands of people who gather each year to participate in this ancient, culturally rich ceremony.

April – Take a canal tour in Bruges

For an unforgettable trip to Bruges, timing your visit for the driest month of the year is recommended. One of the most beautiful features Bruges has to offer is its canals. A halfhour cruise along these waterways will give you magnificent views and a rich understanding of the city’s history. Five landing points provide access to start your journey,

allowing you to witness Bruges’ magical charm from a different perspective.

May - Experience a mediaeval parade

Looking for a taste of life in Europe in the High Middle Ages? On Ascension Day, forty days after Easter, Bruges hosts the Procession of the Holy Blood. Drawing in between 30,000 and 45,000 visitors each year, the pageant dates back to the thirteenth century. An incredible array of 1,700 performers sing and dance through elaborate processions transporting you back centuries.

June – Get ready for the music festival season

Summertime in Beligum means festivals of all kinds! The most popular is certainly Tomorrowland. Every year the music event comes to Boom and brings with it some of the biggest names in electronic music. Vibrant stage sets make this festival extra special - so don’t forget to buy your tickets early before they sell out in July! Other

music events not to be missed include the Rock Werchter Festival and the Fête de la Musique. The Rock Werchter Festival is known for its big stars, while the Fête de la Musique takes place in Brussels and is completely free to the public.

July - Join petrol heads at the Belgian Grand Prix

There was speculation that the Belgian Grand Prix would be cancelled and replaced with a race in South Africa. It has since been confirmed that Formula 1 will (sadly for SA) return to SpaFrancorchamps in 2023. Watching on TV can never replicate that sense of atmosphere! Instead join the 350,000 spectators that are expected to watch Max Verstappen compete in the three-day event at this race track.

August – Relax in a seaside village

When August comes, many flock to the North Sea - 68 km of Belgian coastline offer much to discover. Koksijde can be an interesting escape from the sun-hungry beachgoers. Take a boat ride along the coast or admire the architecture of this small town. The Paul Delvaux Museum (in honour of the Belgian surrealist)

TRAVEL

is housed in a farmhouse and features one of the artist’s oil paintings as well as other earlier works - a great way to lose track of time.

September - Taste the best of Belgian beer

Beer lovers gather annually in Brussels to relish in the Belgian Beer Weekend. In early September, more than 400 Belgian beers are showcased on the Grand Place, along with beer tasting, parades and activities. The event kicks off with the iconic brewery floats and beer-filled wagons, rolling to the Fish Market in Brussels. Don’t be surprised to see many people dressed in traditional brewery costumes. You can also look forward to brass bands playing cheerful tunes echoing through the streets.

October - Go hiking and mushroom hunting in the Ardennes

Autumn brings an abundance of natural beauty to Belgium, especially the lush forests of the Ardennes. Think relaxing walks and bike rides to mushroom picking and watching the deer rut – it’s time to get outdoors. In October, you’ll find the most delicious mushrooms in the East Belgian forests, such as meadow mushrooms, porcini mushrooms and chanterelles. For mushroom novices, joining one of the many organised tours offered locally is recommended.

November - Hit the road for castle hunting

November is a good time to enjoy the remnants of autumn foliage and explore Belgium by car. Since there are more castles per capita than in France (more than 3,000), the country is perfect for a day trip visiting several castles. An excellent place to start is the Castle of Freÿr in Wallonia. It has been in the same family for over 20 generations.

December – Experience the magic of a Christmas market

When December rolls around, Belgium puts on its glad rags and celebrates Christmas in a unique way, thanks to the fusion of French, Dutch and German influences. There is no better place than the Grand Place in Brussels to start the festive season! The heart of the Belgian capital is lit up with countless colourful lights and is accompanied every hour by musical performances that include a nativity scene, food stalls and choirs. As the festival spreads across the historic sites, you can also take advantage of an ice rink, big wheel and 200 market stalls in the magnificent squares. The best thing is that Christmas markets can be found across Belgium from the larger cities to the smaller villages, so you can soak up the Christmas cheer wherever you are in this beautiful country.

will allow you to get the lowest fare for your trip in 2023. Book your trip before 13 February for travel until 25 October 2023 and you can save up to R1 800. Simply make a booking on airbelgium.com or go to your trusted travel agency to benefit from this great promotion.

Customers can book on www. airbelgium.com or through reputable travel agencies.

From January to December, this is just a glimpse of all the sights and experiences Belgium has to offer. Of course, it can be challenging to even consider booking an international trip in the midst of Janua-worry. Luckily, Air Belgium has a great special that

About Air Belgium

Air Belgium SA is a company under Belgian law with its registered office in MontSaint-Guibert in Walloon Brabant. Its purpose is to offer direct intercontinental flights from Belgium. Exclusively devoted to long-haul flights at competitive fares for business and leisure travellers with a strong Belgian identity felt through all its ground and inflight services.

Air Belgium’s main operational base is located at Brussels Charleroi Airport. Air Belgium also operates from other airports in Belgium and Europe. Beyond its own regular routes, Air Belgium also provides services for many prestigious foreign companies, tour operators, cruise operators and foreign governments.

#THENEARESTFARAWAYPLACE

MAKE SOME MAGIC...

Ask any kid what the ultimate sleepover trick is and no doubt their answer would be a bunk bed!

The notion of creating a wonderful bedroom for your child is close to every parent’s heart and CLM Home kids’ furniture and decor help you become the awesome one you are with their bunk beds, bedding, and magical decor collections for kids.

Let your kids explore the excitement of the CLM Home exclusive Adventure Bunk Beds or curl up in a Vox Nest Multi Bed with their favourite book. Complete the look with a wide range of CLM Home duvet sets, quilts, rugs, hanging canopy tents and playful scatter cushions.

The children’s Vox Nest Multi Bed (left and right configurations available) is an exceptional kid’s bed from the innovative brand Vox (distributed exclusively by CLM Home).

As standard, this unique mid-sleeper comes with built-in graphite-coloured shelves and a fixed ladder. It is the perfect space-saving furniture solution for smaller children’s bedrooms and cool enough to please the most discerning teenager, this designer bed will make their bedroom fun and functional destination to hang out, study and sleep.

Vox Nest Multi Bed

A host of matching children’s furniture items like the Vox Nest Study Desk and the Vox Nest Container for the Nest Multi Bed have been specifically designed to fit under the Nest Multi Bed, and create practical workstations without taking up too much valuable space. Both the Vox Nest Container & Vox Nest Study Desk have wheels that make it fun and easy for both mom and child to tidy up the room once all the homework has been completed! Discover CLM Home kids furniture and decor to add some magic and adventure to your kids’ rooms that will leave your young people a little reluctant to fly the nest! www.clmhome.co.za

Vox Nest Container for Multi Bed

HOUSEPLANTS

THE TRENDING OF 2023

By: THURSD.

Just as fashion and paint colors are tracked to see what’s in and what’s out, there are houseplant trends as well. These beauties will influence what you choose for your home.

Meet the Trending Houseplants for 2023

Is your fiddle leaf fig acting a little too... simple? Is the Monstera in the corner gradually becoming white noise in visual form? Don’t worry, lovers of indoor plants, to stay on the cutting edge, we’ve prepared the ideal verdant match for your house with these seven trending 2023 houseplants.

1. Alocasia Black Velvet

This is a very demanded option that’ll reign over in 2023 as a low-light houseplant. The Alocasia Black Velvet has of course black velvety leaves which leaves evidence that this easy-going plant doesn’t require much light. Alocasia plants thrive in indirect light that is between mild and bright. Keep them out of direct, bright sunlight and even dim light.

Give them fresh water once to twice a week (less frequently in cooler weather, more frequently in warmer weather), letting the potting mix become halfway dry in between applications. If the air in your home is dry, think about adding a humidifier or pebble tray to help this plant thrive.

2. Bird of Paradise Tree

What better way to make a statement than with a tree-like indoor plant, which is increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in interior design? Oversized plants, which are six feet or taller, fit the proportions of high ceilings better and, because of their height, can stand alone as a living artwork. Although Strelitzia (a.k.a. Bird of Paradise) plants thrive best in a sunny location, they prefer bright light (both direct and indirect). The optimum placement is typically near a north or east-facing window, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. Definitely one of the seven trendiest houseplants for 2023.

New year, new plants, new greens to keep embellishing your favorite spots with the world’s greatest gift: nature. Filling up spaces with green is becoming seemingly popular, besides the fact they aesthetically add an extra value to spots and they are good for our health as well.

3. Cat Palm

We’ll observe plant parents opting to invest in plants that can adapt to numerous places in their home, including the outdoors, as the cost of living rises. The ideal choice for indoor-outdoor plants is a hardy plant that can withstand significant temperature changes and flourish under varying light conditions. For this reason, the Cat Palm (Chamaedora Cataractarum) is the perfect option and one that will be a trending houseplant in 2023.

Place your plants in the areas where you spend the most time, which are typically pleasant interior settings in the winter and outdoor patios and balconies in the summer. Bright, indirect light is what the luscious Cat Palm requires for proper growth. Water till it freely flows into the saucer when the soil is roughly 50% dry.

4. Stromanthe Triostar

Dark foliage and variegated plants are more adaptable to different areas of your home because they can tolerate a little bit less light than their all-green competitors. To really make your vibrant leaf stand out, try arranging it next to a bright white wall or pairing it with the complementary color of the plant. Yet another very interesting houseplant that will be trending in 2023.

Bright, indirect light is excellent for the Stromanthe Triostar, so make sure you have that. Although the plant can endure low light, direct sunlight is likely to scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant color. It is recommended to water thoroughly until water drips through the drainage holes when 25% or 50% of the soil is dry. When growth naturally slows in the winter, decrease how often you water.

5. Philodendron Imperial Red

If you didn’t get the memo, red will be a color that will be everywhere in 2023. This houseplant has become a popular choice because of its eye-catching greenery and usually laid-back atmosphere. Philodendron Imperial Red begins as a bright red flower that develops into a rich burgundy color and then dark green as it ages.

This burgundy beauty thrives in indirect light that is either medium or brilliant. Give this plant one to two weeks of watering, letting the soil completely dry out in between. In brighter light and warmer temperatures, air on watering increases, and in winter months, it decreases.

7. String of Succulent Varieties (Senecio)

The edges and corners of spaces tend to be the natural locations for newly introduced houseplants. Since there are windows here, the light is usually the brightest. Plant parents will gravitate to groups of smaller, low-growing plants that can breathe life into the middle of a room as those spaces fill up. All three of the plants—the String of Pearls, Bananas, and Pickles—thrive in direct sunlight (and may not survive at all without it). This said, allow the soil of all three to completely dry out before watering. Water them all until it drips through the pot’s drainage holes, then pour out whatever water is left in the saucer.

If you know what they’re called, they might be easier to find: Senecio Radicans is the botanical name for String of Bananas, Senecio Herreianus is the scientific alter ego for String of Pickles, and Senecio Rowleyanus is a difficult way to say String of Pearls.

6. Money Tree

As remote work becomes the norm for many, there will be a move toward creating home offices that are not just practical but also attractive, cozy, and healthy. Plants are a crucial component of the puzzle, contributing demonstrable gains in productivity and creativity. Choose lowmaintenance plants that develop slowly and are tolerant of low light to avoid being constantly interrupted by the need to care for them.

The Pachira Aquatica, a.k.a. Money Tree, may adapt to reduced light levels, while it naturally favors indirect, strong light. To maintain balanced growth, rotate it every month. When soil is 50% to 75% dry, water thoroughly until water drains through the pot. Money trees like consistency, so try to pick a permanent spot for your plant.