THE | ESTATE NEWS
THE
ECHO I S S UE 3 | JUNE 2 0 2 2
ESTATE NEWS | THE
2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
CO N TEN TS
P u b l i sh e r K-S t udio (P t y ) Ltd o n behalf of T he H i l l s E sta te A d ve rti si n g S al es Tobia to bia@ k-st udio. co . za
ISSUE 3 | JUNE 2022
C alv in sales3@k-st udio . co . za sales2@k-st udio . co . za
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 you t K-S t udio (P t y ) Ltd e tobia@ k-st udio . co . za t 082 962 825 5 f Kreat iefS t ud i o
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IMPORTANT CONTACTS
34 36 38
FROM THE GYM MANAGER
46
INTRODUCTING THE ASTON MARTIN DBX 707
54 58 62 58
THE GREY GO-AWAY BIRD
FROM THE ESTATE MANAGER STOP SLEEPING LIKE A BABY
021 556 9229 info@tiltscreens.co.za www.tiltscreens.co.za
Disclaimer: This e-Magazine is produced especially for residents/owners of The Hills Estate to provide updates and useful information. It is produced by K-Studio on behalf of The Hills Estate HOA. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of content, The Hills 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.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A HOW TO WATER ORCHIDS SECURITY UPDATE SECURITY OFFICERS GET TO KNOW OUR SECURITY VIBRANT VEGGIES & MAGNIFICENT MICROGREENS SIX WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE CREATING A HEALTHY WINTER BEDROOM
SMALLS MEET THE GARDEN GROUP TEAM
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
important ESTATE MANAGER Murray Retief 066 474 0494 | MurrayR@trafalgar.co.za
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Maryke Botes 012 941 3703 Marykeb@trafalgar.co.za
SECURITY MANAGER Cornay Smit 082-9565199 / thehillssecurity@omegasol. com
Contacts
OPERATIONAL MANAGER
Ayanda Gwiliza 066 474 0495 ayandag@trafalgar.co.za
ARCHITECTURAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR Clarice Botes clarice@studious.co.za
MAIN GATE 082 826 3761 GATE COMMANDER (GARSFONTEIN) 082 826 3761 GYM MANAGER
Tanya Dannhauser 079 9742210 tanya@resiliencestudio.co.za
LEVY ENQUIRIES Clarice Heyneke 011 214 5200 clariceh@trafalgar.co.za NETCARE Pretoria East Hospital 012 422 2300 (Antivenom) GYM MANAGER Tanya Dannhauser tanya@resiliencestudio.co.za 079 974 2210 CARLITA’S RESTAURANT 062 808 0015 carlitasrestaurant@gmail.com 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 5
ESTATE NEWS | THE
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
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ESTATE NEWS | THE
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
from the
Estate Manager’s Desk
W
e are truly blessed by our wonderful surroundings at The Hills. That’s the first thing that came to my mind when we were recently surprized with the pictures of servals in Royal Albatross Road taken by one of our residents early one morning in May. We knew that they had been around in the past but this was the first time that someone was lucky enough to come across them in quite a few years. And what beautiful cats they are! I was therefore very interested to find out more about our spotted furry friends. The serval is a wild cat native to Africa and is found widespread in sub-Saharan countries except for the rainforest regions of the continent. It is a slender, medium-sized cat of about sixty centimetres in height and it weighs between nine and eighteen kilograms. It has a smallish head, large ears, a golden-yellow to buff coat spotted and striped with black and a short, blacktipped tail so they closely resemble juvenile leopards or cheetah. Interestingly, it has the longest legs of any cat relative to its body size. They are solitary carnivores which are active both by day and at night and it preys on rodents, small birds, frogs, insects and reptiles. During the hotter hours of the midday, they will usually rest or groom themselves in the shade of dense bushes and grasses which makes our green belt areas in the Estate a perfect and safe habitat for them. The serval has excellent vision, hearing and sense of smell which they use to locate their prey and they will typically jump up to two meters into the air and then land on it using its forefeet (the closely set ears can rotate up to 180 degrees independently of each other). As they are mostly solitary animals, there is little social interaction among servals except during the mating season when
pairs of opposite sexes may stay together for some time. The only long-lasting bond, however, appears to be that between the mother and her cubs. They have a gestational period of two to three months after which a litter of one to four young cats are born. The kittens are weaned at the age of one month and begin hunting on their own at six months of age. They leave their mother at the age of around twelve months. The males usually tend to be sturdier than the females. Like many other cats, the serval is able to purr but it is also known to sometimes make high-pitched chirping, hissing, cackling, growling, grunting and meowing sounds of different sorts. Although they are excellent and opportunistic hunters, they are completely harmless to us humans so we therefore have no reason to fear them. Also, as these animals tend to be fairly shy they will mostly avoid contact with people which accounts for the fact that they are not often observed. That is why we are so excited by the recent sightings and we truly hope to be able to see them more regularly. Should you therefore happen to spot them at any time, please let us know so that we can try and track their movements around the Estate. Thank you for sharing in our excitement and we wish you and your families well as always. Also please be sure to keep the fire wood and hot chocolate handy and stay warm in the coming months of winter!
Murray Retief 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 9
ESTATE NEWS | THE
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 11
Next level living Lifta Home Lifts are the epitome of style, function and comfort - the perfect addition to your double storey home.
BARRIER FREE LIVING Lifta Home Lifts are stylish domestic lifts that can be installed almost anywhere in your home. Our shaftless, plug and play installations are simple, neat and can be fitted with minimal alterations to your new or existing home. There is no need for three phase power or extensive and costly construction work and our units can be installed within 2 days. Take your home to the next level today. Contact Lifta for a free on site assessment on 0807 37 37 37. 1 2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 13
WELLNESS | THE
Stop Sleeping Like A Baby By Wellness Warehouse
Sleep hygiene for the restless sleeper. Have you ever had a baby? Would you characterise your bundle of joy as a particularly sound sleeper? The phrase “sleep like a baby” is commonly misused to refer to someone who enjoys deep and uninterrupted sleep, whereas in truth we all know that few blessed parents experience this to be the case with their little ones!
Where once we were able to pull all-nighters, there are some sleepless souls amongst us who can’t even pull off all-dayers. Hopefully, this article will have the power to lull you into the sweet dreams you’ve been missing - not because it’s boring (fingers crossed), but by empowering you with a few simple tweaks that can make a big difference. By paying attention to sleep hygiene, we can tailor our sleep patterns to suit our unique needs.
factor signalling to this biological countdown that it’s time to get sleepy.
This, in turn, builds healthy habits and restful routines that culminate in peaceful sleep. The importance of these quiet hours cannot be understated as a time for the body to rest and heal both mentally and physically. From children to adults, our productivity and overall quality of life hinge on our ability to get a successful night’s sleep.
In response to darkness, our physical processes are triggered to start preparing the body for sleep. For example, as the lights dim, the pineal gland begins to produce the ‘sleepy’ hormone, melatonin. When we are subjected to light before or during sleep, the exposure blocks these natural processes - resulting in a disrupted sleep-wake cycle.
Sleep Tight, Not Light
Eat, Breathe, Sleep
Before humans confused their sleep patterns with electronics and light pollution, we used to rise and set with the sun. Our internal clocks referred to as our circadian rhythms, control our natural sleepwake cycles, and light is the most important external
The nutrients in our food provide our brains with the chemical environment in which to facilitate sleep. While research into the effects that various nutrients have on our sleep is still in its infancy, the fact that they play a vital role is virtually undisputed. Our diets help to regulate our 24-hour sleep-
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THE | WELLNESS
wake cycles which, in turn, are responsible for keeping our bodily functions in check, including when and how deeply we fall asleep. Similarly, in a vicious cycle, a link has been made between the adverse effects of poor sleep and bad food choices. Psychological fatigue leads us to make poor dietary choices, leading to higher rates of obesity and metabolic diseases.
disrupted, effectively putting sleep back on the cards.
Move Well to Sleep Well
•
Lay off the booze. It’ll have you drowsy and dreaming in no time, but then your body spends more time in the deep sleep stage earlier than it otherwise might. Drink in moderation long before bedtime. Avoid heavy spicy or fatty foods at night. They take longer for the stomach to digest, making it difficult for your body to relax. Eat smaller portions at night so that your body doesn’t have to work as hard.
Regular exercise has proven to facilitate better sleep. Moderate • aerobic physical activity increases the amount of slow-wave (deep) sleep we get, allowing us to heal and refresh physically and • mentally. It can also aid the transition to sleep, as it acts as an opportunity to shed the day’s hardships and stabilise our moods. The best news is that people who Our bodies all work differently, engage in 30 minutes of moderate allowing some to consume large • As a stimulant, caffeine will aerobic physical activity may amounts of caffeine, while others keep you wired even when experience an elevated standard dare not reach for more than you want your body to start of sleep that very night! their morning coffee. But for slowing down, so experiment most people, caffeine fuels our with limiting your intake to adrenaline levels and blocks the earlier in the day. processes that ease our bodies • Limit the amount of overall into sleep. If you’re looking to caffeine you consume. improve your beauty sleep, keep • Consuming cuppa after cuppa in mind that caffeine can stay in of caffeine due to a lack of sleep your bloodstream for up to six is a less than ideal solution, hours, making the time at which as it will only perpetuate the you crack that Coca-Cola a factor • Consider blackout curtains if problem. to consider! your curtains/blinds are not doing the trick. • Turn off your hallway lights or roll up a towel and push it There are few things more against the gap between your frustrating than when you’re door and the floor. • While physical exercise can finally drifting off to sleep and • Wear an eye mask. certainly help sleep, don’t raise you’re confronted with the need • Put all electronics away 30 your adrenaline levels close to to use the bathroom or drink a minutes before you’d like to bedtime. glass of water. You just know that fall asleep. • Exercising outside in nature if you get up now, falling asleep • Switch to dim ambient lighting may work its magic to calm again is going to be a nightmare! in your house leading up to your mind. A simple and effective solution sleep time. is to install motion-sensor night • Install motion-sensor night Being a sleepy person in this lights. These dim lights limit lights. busy life can be very hard… But the glaring brightness while still in the end, that blissful night of safely illuminating your pathway. undisturbed sleep is worth the By limiting the amount of light measures you may need to take. you’re exposed to when getting As Benjamin Franklin said, “Early up to grab that glass of water or to bed and early to rise makes a run to the loo, you ensure that man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” • Stop skipping and shifting your physiological process isn’t meals.
Stop Losing Sleep Over Caffeine Intake
Cap The Caffeine
SIMPLE SLEEP SOLUTIONS Lessen The Light
Get Movin’ To Get Snoozin’
Nighttime Needs
Sustenance To Sleep
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 15
ESTATE NEWS| THE GARDENING | THE
From humble beginnings to a now flourishing tree nursery In 2015 it was decided to start an indigenous tree nursey on a farm situated on the banks of the Wilge river in the Zusterstroom area of Bronkhorstspruit. These Trees has chosen to specialize in the production of indigenous trees. Out trees are cultivated from seeds and go through stages of replanting until they are “hardened” to the elements on an extensive basis.Our trees are only marketed after spending a full season or more exposed to the natural environment. The ranges in temperature we experience at our nursery ensure that the trees are hardy enough to endure the climatic conditions prevalent in South Africa. The nursery has over 50 species currently growing in the nursery and in excess of 65 000 trees in stock.
Joe our resident horticulturist studied Horticulture at the Tshwane University of Technology. After graduating, Joe started working as an Environmental Rehabilitation Specialist in the construction industry. After successful projects in Mpumalanga, Gauteng & Kwa-Zulu Natal, he decided to specialize in the growing and production of indigenous trees.
Our aim is to provide affordable, quality, water wise trees which enhance the natural environment. By planting indigenous trees, we create optimal environments for birds and insects to enhance our natural world. We also have some Shrubs, and Aloes on offer. We deliver and offer planting services. In addition, we offer luxury self-catering accommodations on our farm for the individual who wants to take a break from the demands of modern life. For more information, please visit our Facebook pages. Burkei Guest Cottages @thesetreesSA @thesetreesS
These Trees (Farm) - to view trees Plot B09 Zusterstroom, Bronkhorstspruit, Pretoria 1020 sales@thesetrees.co.za (074) 900-8148 Visit: Burkei Guest Cottages www.burkeicottages.co.za
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S AB S Standard Approved
G L A S S
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 17
ESTATE NEWS | THE
Living in style! Blinds Shutters Curtains Aluminium Awnings Fabric Awnings Flooring Wallpapers
10% DISCOUNT 10% Discount on all blinds up to 31 July 2022, exclusive to The Hills Residents. Use Code ECHO.
18 |
Shop F43, Parkview Shopping Centre, Garsfontein rd, Moreletapark, Pretoria Tel: 012 991 5767 / 998 8382, www.matheoblinds.co.za ISSUE 3 | 2022
THE | GARDENING
How to Water Orchids to Encourage Beautiful Blooms and Healthy Growth By Deb Wiley and Viveka Neveln
The kinds of orchids commonly grown as indoor plants need to be watered differently than most other houseplants. Here’s what you need to know to do it right.
W
atering orchids is more of an art than a science, a task that becomes easier as you get to know these beautiful blooming plants. You’ll notice potted orchids are usually grown in bark chips or moss instead of potting soil like most other houseplants, which is your first clue that orchids have some special hydration needs. But like caring for any plant, it’s important to avoid giving your orchids too much or too little moisture if you’d like a long-term relationship with them. These tips will help you avoid common watering mistakes so you can keep your orchids happy and thriving.
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 19
GARDENING | THE
How Much Water Do Indoor Orchids Need?
The Best Way to Water Orchids Grown in Bark
In general, the types of orchids most commonly grown as houseplants come from tropical regions of the world, but that doesn’t mean they like constant dampness. And rather than growing on the ground in soil, these tropical orchid species are actually epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). That means their roots work a little differently than the roots of your other indoor plants, which is why orchids won’t appreciate growing in regular potting soil. Orchid roots need more air (they can even photosynthesize like leaves do in sunlight) and the chance to dry out between waterings. So if you’re wondering how much water to give your orchids, it’s better to give them too little water than too much.
The goal is to saturate the bark pieces, which takes more than a little sprinkle from a watering can. The best way to water orchids potted in bark is to place the entire pot into a bowl that’s at least as deep as the bark line. Then, pour water over the bark so it fills the bowl to just below the lip of the pot. If you put water in the bowl first, you’re likely to push the bark out of the pot when you sink it into the water. Let the bark soak for 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the pot out of the water, let the excess water drain out, and return your orchid to its regular spot.
When to Water Orchids How often to water your orchids depends on a number of factors, including how warm it is in your house, how much light the plants get, and the potting medium and even the type of container your plants are growing in. Rather than watering on a schedule (every Saturday, for example), it’s best to look for certain clues to figure out when your orchid needs more water. All orchid mixes should be moistened thoroughly each time you water, then allowed to dry out almost completely before rehydrating. Before watering, poke your finger into the moss or bark up to the first knuckle to make sure it feels completely dry. If you’d prefer not to get too touchy-feely, use the tip of a sharpened pencil, chopstick, or wooden skewer instead to perform this poke test. If you see any moisture darkening the wood, hold off on watering. It’s also best to water orchids in the morning, so that any splashes on leaves will evaporate faster in the warmer day temperatures. If any water gets inside the places where leaves meet the stems of an orchid, this could cause rot, so make sure to wipe any droplets away with a soft cloth or blot with a paper towel.
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THE | GARDENING
The Best Way to Water Orchids Grown in Moss For orchids growing in sphagnum moss, you can water these from the top, the way you water other plants. However, you may find it easier to soak your orchids in the sink or a basin to give the moss enough time to rehydrate. Sphagnum moss, which holds on to moisture longer than bark chips, can feel dry on the surface but still be damp inside the pot so make sure to do a poke test with your finger or wooden stake. Overwatering your orchids growing in moss is even easier to do if they’re in a plastic, glazed ceramic, or glass pot that retains water longer than a terracotta pot. If you start seeing an brown or squishy roots, you should definitely hold off on watering.
Room temperature water is best, but you can also water your orchid with ice cubes without harming the plant. About once a week, place up to three ice cubes on top of the potting medium, preferably where they don’t touch the leaves. As the ice melts, it provides enough moisture to keep your orchid thriving.
Should You Mist Orchids? Most indoor orchids appreciate higher humidity levels, but misting by hand doesn’t need to be part of your orchid care. Instead, try placing orchid pots on a humidity tray, which is simply a shallow saucer or basin containing a layer of pebbles. Set your orchids on top of the pebbles and fill the tray with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pots. As the water evaporates, it will humidify the air right around the plant. Running a humidifier in the room where your orchids are also works.
The Best Water to Use for Orchids You may have heard that rainwater (or melted snow) is best for orchids. Yes, this water can be beneficial because it contains a little nitrogen (an essential nutrient all plants need to grow) and is free of chemicals used to treat tap water. However, it isn’t necessary; regular tap water is fine as long as it isn’t softened with salts.
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 21
ESTATE NEWS | THE
Dear Residents, personal safety is a matter of shared responsibility between authorities and the individual. Here are some safety tips when traveling in our beautiful country. AT THE AIRPORT Make sure your bags and luggage have locks and name tags. Do not allow people to tamper with your bags. When seeking directions, proceed to marked information counters only.
IN YOUR VEHICLE Plan your route in advance. Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times. Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle. Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) before your departure. At night, park in well-lit areas. Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers. When driving, observe your surrounding areas. Be alert to vehicles that might be following you.
AT THE HOTEL, GUESTHOUSE, OTHER ACCOMMODATION Report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception. Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room. Keep your room locked. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door. Contact reception if you have any reason for concern.
ON HIKING TRAILS In the interest of personal safety and having assistance in the case of a physical or medical emergency, it is advisable to explore trails in groups. Steer away from isolated areas unless accompanied by a guide.
ON THE STREET Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables. Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended. Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended. Do not carry large sums of money with you. Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers. Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence. At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas. It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets. Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers.
Regards
2 2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
Thank you for respecting our hard-working security officers.
Markus Welthagen Security Contact Numbers: Security Manager: 066 176 3331 E-mail: TheHillsSecurity@omegasol.com The Hills Control Room: 012 996 1610 (landline) The Hills Control Room: 082 826 3761 (cellphone)
THE | ESTATE NEWS
Security Officers Anthony Tswai
Andries Langa
Andries Tswago
Vincent Msiza
Arthur Makena
Caswell Bodiroa
Cedrick Mamanyaga
Columbus Yeye
Daniel Phalatse
David Makopole
Edward Ramabopa
Edwin Hamese
Elias Mamushi 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 23
ESTATE NEWS | THE
Erick Madito
Ernest Morwaswi
Excelent Maholobela
Frans Mthimunye
Freddy Mosese
Given Mashimbye
Jackson Montja
James Mothiba
Jan Kutumela
Johannes Mtshweni
Justice Tjatji
Lucky Kabini
THE | ESTATE NEWS
Mafair Makopole
Margaret Msiza
McDonald Ngoepe
Phunzo Mosehana
Samuel Mbele
Selome Ngobeni
Shai Osea
Simon Sebothoma
Sunnyboy Msibi
Thabang Mohokone
Thabelo Mulaudzi
Thapelo Nonyane
Thank you for keeping us secure each and every day and for being so passionate about creating a safe and pleasant atmosphere at our Estate. We cannot thank you enough for all your help and sacrifices. 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 25
ESTATE NEWS | THE
GET TO KNOW OUR
Security Officers We all depend on security guards to keep us safe, but how much do we really know about them and their personal stories? We believe that homeowners should get to know the story behind the face of the people who keep them safe. We conducted an informal interview with each of them and will share it with you over the next six issues. Here is what they had to say:
I am Pfunzo Musehana, I was born on the 2nd of February, in Limpopo. I have two children a boy who is six months old and a girl she is 8 years old. I love working as a section leader at access control and meeting different people, I have been working at The Hills Estate for just over one and a half years. I love soccer and swimming. My superhero is the late Emanuel Scara Ngobese, former Kaizer Chiefs player.
My name is Salome Ngobeni, born on the 17th of December 1980 near Hammanskraal. I am married and have three sons agend 23, 18 and 13 years old. I enjoy being a security officer because I get to help people. I am a Senior Inspector and have been working for just over 3 years now at The Hills Estate, I was also a Gate Commander and Enrolment Officer. My hobbies are making things with my hands, either sewing or knitting, I also enoy traveling and going to resorts with pools and water slides. If I can choose to be anyone, it would be the late Princess Diana of Wales, she always found time to help people in need from different walks of life.
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
My name is Samuel Mbele, born on the 25th of October in Mpumalanga, I am not married and I have 3 kids, 12 years, 5 years and 4 months. I love to Patrol the Estate, I am currently a Senior Inspector, Playing Pool is one of my hobbies. Nelson Mandela is my Superhero as he fought for freedom.
My name is Margaret Msiza, born on the 16th of December at Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga. I am single and blessed with one child, she is 7 years old. I love my job, I am always friendly, love greeting and waving to all the homeowners and I like to help people at the gate. I am a Section Leader for 4 years at the Estate. My hobbies are listening to music, singing, going to Church, watching TV and reading the newspaper. I would love to be a Manager one day just like Mr Oppies Opperman, he operates and is always good to his workiers.
I am Cedrick mamanyaga. I was born on 21st of December in Limpopo Province, I am married and blessed with 3 children, my oldest son is now 12 years and I have two daughters, one is 7 years and the youngest is 4 years. I enjoy working at The Hills as a Senior Inspector, greeting Residents and their visitors and giving directions. I have been working at The Hills for 4 years. My hobbies are playing soccer, watching TV and reading. If i can be any one, I would like to be my Father Robert, because he never gives up, He always tries his best, searching for new things and forgetting the past.
Shai Osea is my name. I was born on the 16th of August 1996. I love working at the Entrance of the Estate and communicating with the people, I have been a Section Leader for almost 2 years now. Playing soccer is my hobby. If I can be a superhero, I would like to be Hellboy, because he is honest and teaches people that one should not judge a book by its cover.
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 27
ESTATE TR AVEL NEWS | THE | THE
Vibrant Veggies & Magnificent Microgreens By Juliet Almendro
A step-by-step guide to growing at home Although planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own produce can be rewarding and filled with fun, it can also be a quite daunting experience for those of us who don’t know how or where to start. Here are some of our top tips on creating a thriving veggie garden in your own space: 1. Build a raised plant bed The soil in a raised bed is often less compacted, and will drain better than soil in the ground. Additionally, having raised beds will make it much easier for you to spot any pest issues, as your crops will be higher off the ground. And that’s not to mention how much your back will thank you! 2. Place your plant bed in a prime position Be sure to choose a spot that receives full sun for most of the day so that your crop can photosynthesize optimally. 3. Add high-quality soil, compost, and some fertiliser This combination will ensure a healthy environment for your seeds to prosper, as it will stimulate plant growth and aid water retention. 4. Plant your crop in a triangular formation By planting in this way, you’ll create an extra bit of room for your veggies to grow. This, in turn, will reduce their risk of stress, disease, and insect invasion. Alternatively, you can encourage vining crops to climb upwards by adding trellises on the sides of your raised bed. By doing this, you’ll allow the vining crops to enjoy improved air circulation, which can reduce the potential of them experiencing fungal diseases. Simply secure your trellises to 2 8 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
sturdy end posts with string or nylon mesh and tie your vines to the trellis. 5. Border your veggies with natural security Plant some parsley or marigold around the edges of your plant bed to keep pests away. 6. Water generously once a week Water your veggies heavily once a week, instead of a little bit every now and then. This will force the roots to reach further down into the soil to get moisture, thus improving self-sufficiency. 7. Harvest regularly and remove old blooms This will encourage new growth. As an alternative, you can also plant your crops in succession to allow you to grow more than one type of vegetable per season. For example, you could follow an early crop of lettuce with a fast-maturing corn, followed by more greens. Just be sure to replenish the soil each time you replant.
THE | TRAVEL
The best veggies to grow in a raised plant bed: • Root vegetables • Leafy greens • Onions • Tomatoes • Potatoes
Microgreens… 1. May help prevent chronic disease 2. Are high in vitamins (especially vitamins A, C, E and K), minerals, and antioxidants 3. May assist in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure 4. Contain 40 times more nutrients than their mature plant counterparts 5. May aid in weight management as part of a balanced, healthy diet 6. Are considered a probiotic, as they feed good gut bacteria
What you need to grow microgreens: • Sprouting seeds • A glass or ceramic container with a lid • A growing mat or pad (hemp, coconut, jute, or natural fibre) • Water • Light (natural or artificial) • A mist spray bottle for watering • Scissors to harvest
How to grow microgreens: 1. Soak your seeds for six to eight hours, or according to package specifications. 2. Soak the growing mat and place it in a container or baking dish. 3. Spread the seeds out as evenly as possible and ensure that they remain moist until they sprout. 4. Cover the container with a lid and place it near a light source during this same stage. 5. Remove the lid once most of the seeds have sprouted. 6. Water daily with a mist spray bottle, aiming at the roots. 7. Once there are about four or more leaves present on the plant, harvest by cutting the shoots just above ground level with a pair of scissors.
The best types of seeds to grow on a mat: • Broccoli • Kale • Rocket • Radish • Chia • Beetroot • Spinach • Cabbage • Coriander • Fenugreek • Basil
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 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 29
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Furnishing Your Home With Only The Best We at Casa Italia Interiors pride ourselves in providing the finest exclusive high quality furniture, décor items and so much more for every home. All our items have been handpicked from both Local and Foreign suppliers and we strive for perfection when it comes to quality and design of all of our products We have a proud team of interior decorators available in store that will provide guidance and advice on how to convert your house into a home.
We offer a wide range of beds, furniture and decor items as well as accessories and carpets to complete any home. We are also stockists of high end outdoor furniture perfect for any patio or outdoor area. We strive to give you the best in the most efficient and effective way. wa
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We are partners with many fabric and leather houses and will go above and beyond to ensure your vision for your home is met. Various samples of leather and fabric options can be viewed in any of our showrooms. Our ranges are ever changing with the latest trends and designs of the global market can always be viewed in our showrooms situated in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
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We also offer exclusive ranges from Italy and carry various imported ranges from other regions to help a client make a statement in their homes. Our local products are made by the finest suppliers in the country who are always innovating and collaborating with us to bring on-board high-end designer products. Room settings as you see it on our showrooms can be done in your home spaces and our team is happy to help our clientele achieve their dream home.
Luxury made simple.
Contact us info@casaitaliainteriors.co.za www.casaitaliainteriors.co.za
MENLYN PARK SHOPPING CENTRE Shop U64 / U65 012 362 2879
KRAMERVILLE CORNER Building 3, Kramerville Corner, Desmond Street Johnnesburg 012 262 0089
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021 556 9229 info@tiltscreens.co.za www.tiltscreens.co.za 3 2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
THE | ESTATE NEWS
Luxurious Accommodation
The Ultimate Experience
BIRD Watching
Choose between spacious six sleeper or romantic two sleeper chalets. All surrounded by beautiful bushveld, a convenient 45km north of Pretoria in the malaria free Dinokeng Game Reserve.
Dinokeng Game Reserve is home to the big five, including the white and black rhino. Cheetah, spotted and brown hyena also roam freely, among a remarkable variety of plains game. Enjoy a insightful Guided Game Drive or Busht Walk. End your day with a romantic bush picnic or treat yourself with a Bushveld Spa, while embracing your surroundings.
Dinokeng Game Reserve is one of South Africa's prime bird watching areas, making this a twitcher's paradise! The close proximity of water, grassland and bushveld habitats attract a wide variety of birds in a relatively small area with more than 360 species recorded.
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Goodbye! Time to say
Dear Residents,
The time has come for me to bid you farewell as my next adventure awaits. While I am so excited about my future endeavors abroad, it is with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat that I have to say goodbye. My years as Gym Manager has been filled with challenges and triumphs and I will forever treasure the many friendships I have made along the way. I will sincerely miss the friendly faces walking up the stairs every day, meeting new members weekly, the pre-sunrise training sessions and more than anything, my clients. There are endless memories engraved in my heart. The different group classes, Kids classes, MyRun events, Yoga sessions, just to name a few. Heck we even powered through a pandemic with Zoom classes! A special thank you to my team, past and present. I will forever treasure each of our memories. Thank you for the loyal, hardworking, awesome human beings that you are! It was a privilege. I look back at the past 4 years with a sense of pride and a content heart. The Fitness Centre has grown to become the buzzing, beautiful fitness hub I always envisioned. I am confident that I am leaving the gym with a solid foundation and that your new manager will add so much more with their own fresh ideas. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Yours truly, Tanya 3 4 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
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ESTATE NEWS WELLNESS | THE | THE
SIX WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM NATURALLY BEFORE YOU GET SICK
Your immune system is your first line of defense when you’re battling a common cold, flu or other cold-weather illness. Your immune system helps you heal and stay well. To work well your immune system needs healthful foods, exercise and low stress. But, be careful because too much of an inflammatory response can lead to chronic (long term) illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. So how can you support your immune system and balance its response so you get and stay healthy? Here are six healthy living strategies you can use to boost your immune system: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Drink plenty of fluids Exercise regularly Limit stress Get plenty of sleep Include probiotics from foods or supplements Eat a colorful, well-balanced diet.
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WELLNESS | THE
THETHE | ESTATE | WELLNESS NEWS
1. Water is essential for immune health Water is still the best thing you can drink. Each person varies, but aim to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. That can be hard to do. Your body get dehydrated after hours of sleep, so drink a glass of water right away when you wake up. If you struggle with drinking enough water, set reminders throughout the day or drink a glass of water before each meal. Caffeine-free hot tea can count as part of your daily water tally. 2. Exercise regularly to strengthen immunity Exercise is essential to preventing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure, and to keep your weight in control. Exercise also contributes to a healthy immune system. It promotes good blood circulation, which helps your immune system do its job more efficiently. 3. Reduce stress for increased immune function Daily stress can overwork your immune system and drain your ability to stay healthy. Big and little daily stressors can constantly push your immune system. That’s why it’s important to take time for self-care. Make time each day to do things to “refill your tank.” Self-care varies from person to person. It can include setting aside time to read, meditate, talk a walk, do a hobby or get a massage. 4. Sleep, a natural immunity booster Sleep is essential for the health of your body and brain. When you don’t get enough sleep your natural immune cells go down, and inflammation cells go up. Good sleep helps strengthen your immune system. Adults should try for at seven to eight hours of sleep a day. Children and teens need more sleep.
Baltic fermented beverage made from rye bread) unpasteurized sauerkraut and kimchi yogurt, kefir (a thick, creamy and drinkable yogurt), lassi (a drink made from a yogurt or buttermilk) and leban (a liquid or semisolid food made from curdled milk tofu, miso, natto (fermented soybeans), shoyu or tamari (types of Japanese soy sauce) and tempeh (an Indonesian dish made from fermented soybeans) If you want to explore taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your health care provider. A variety of options are available in the vitamin section of grocery and natural food stores.
5. Food and drink to boost your immune system A healthful diet is important to a healthy immune system. An eating plan that focuses on plants, fiber, protein and healthful fats can help you feel better and heal faster. Protein colorful foods that also is essential to a body that is healing. 6. Eat boost your immune system Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep you Some of the best foods to boost immunity contain well. Eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits daily to probiotics, live bacteria and yeasts that are ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. Lean good for your gut health, and digestive system. proteins and complex carbohydrates, like brown Probiotics can be found in fermented and cultured rice and quinoa, are also part of a healthy diet. foods. Look on the food label for “live active Reduce how much you consume of processed cultures”. Some foods that contain probiotics are foods, sugar and beverages that have few kombucha (fermented, lightly sweetened black or nutrients such as soda and alcoholic drinks. green tea drink) and kvass (traditional Slavic and 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 37
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Creating a Healthy Winter Bedroom by simplehomesimplelife.com
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THE | INTERIOR
Since we spend so much time indoors, and maybe even extra time in our bedrooms through the cold season, it’s a good idea to make a few tweaks to your bedroom so that it’s warm, cozy and also healthy. Healthy spaces are important for our overall wellbeing. To me, that means looking holistically at every aspect of our environment. In a bedroom, that would include the air quality, the materials that we surround ourselves with in bed, and the atmosphere and whether it’s calming or stressful.
is much healthier to sleep in. Invest in organic cotton or hemp pillow protectors and mattress protector and opt for 100% cotton, linen or hemp sheets and duvet cover. And here’s a guide to making up your bed so it’s beautiful and inviting. 3. Declutter your space. Remove all things not related to the bedroom, including papers, work, electronics, kids’ toys and stuff from pockets that should be put away. Get in the habit of putting all of your clothes away in your closets and drawers, instead of laying on benches, chairs and floors in your bedroom. Have a laundry basket in your bedroom for dirty clothes, and hang lots of hooks on walls and backs of doors so that it’s easy to hang up jeans and sweaters.
4. Create a spot for everything. Make sure to have a drawer or a pretty basket on a dresser First of all, you want good air quality and good quality in which you can store stuff from when you materials in your bedroom where you’re sucking in air empty your pockets, your jewelry, and things and your body is rejuvenating for eight hours a day. like your handcream. I also like to keep a little Toxins come from furniture, paint, synthetic bedding bowl on my nightstand to corral my reading and rugs, as well as cleaners can be breathed in and glasses and lipbalm in one neat spot. Keeping absorbed through our skin. things neat and having homes for them is the best way to keep daily clutter under control. In addition, you want to make sure that your bedroom is calm, cozy and restful. Don’t have work in the bedroom, or any phones or electronics. You’ll 5. Decorate for calm and rest. Consider painting your room an off-white or other light, soothing also want to make sure to keep clothing put away in colour. Take down any decor or wall hangings that closets and drawers so it’s not visually cluttered and are not soothing or make you happy. Keep your stressful (even subconsciously). decor minimal but use artwork in muted colours and maybe paint out dark old wood furniture to a soothing light shade. Add a soft comfy rugs to your bedroom and add a soft throw to the end of the bed. All of these things will help you slow down and relax at the end of the day.
Here are 5 Steps to Creating a Healthy Bedroom
1. Clean the air. Having an essential oil misting diffuser in your bedroom purifies the air and also adds a bid of humidity, which we often need in our heated-dry-air-winter-homes. If you use lavender it’s also calming to your nervous system before bed. I also like to have plants in the bedroom - I find they help me connect visually with nature and are calming, plus they also clean the air (here are my top 10 favourite houseplants that are easy to care for and air purifying). 2. Make an organic, cozy bed. You may not be able to switch out your whole mattress or pillows for organic ones, but you can change out what you put on top of them so that your bed
Image source: superbalist rugs 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 39
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THE | INTERIOR
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90% OF DISEASE STARTS IN THE MIND AND MANIFESTS IN THE BODY The most important pathway to optimize disease prevention is the mind, once the mind is motivated the body will follow with ease. Chronic disease has become the most common health problem in society, while also being the most preventable. NuHuman gym clinics provide the ultimate environment with a variety of advanced and scientifically backed early detection testing to curb disease trends and extend life. Our Prevention and early detection protocols accompanied by daily treatment of photomedicine while you exercise have made NuHuman the leader in the field of lifestyle medicine. This is where the future of holistic wellbeing is truly evolving. “Lifestyle medicine” is a branch of medicine focused on preventative healthcare and self-care dealing with research, prevention, and treatment of disorders caused by lifestyle factors and preventable causes. Every human being should have the right to have access to the required data and sound scientific advice to perform personal inner engineering and self-healing. “The environment signals the gene”. The NuHuman environment is kept clinically clean and safe through a combination of UV-C and ozone infusion for maximum human safety and efficacy. WAIT. STOP! This all sounds incredible, but this is about you and your journey toward a better you, with more energy, more self-confidence, and improved quality of life. NuHuman wants to share in your journey in building a better world. By 4 2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
constantly bettering ourselves we take pride in the understanding that the true meaning of success is to make someone else’s life worth living. Be the change you want to see in the world because you are worth it. You are a gift; your life is a gift; it remains forever a matter of practicing your perception. Your dreams should be your reality. The most unhappy people on earth are people that dream and never execute. Join us here at NuHuman Olympus where we have built an environment where dreams become reality where your familiar past is no longer your predictable future. You can’t wait for your success to feel empowered. You can’t wait for your wealth to feel abundant and most importantly you can’t wait for your healing to feel whole. Choose life, choose NuHuman. - Brandon Halasz
Book a FREE consult www.nuhuman.co.za @nuhumantransformationclinic
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BE HEALTHY FEEL MOTIVATED
o lympu s @ n u h u m a n .co. z a
076 435 2 878
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www.nuhuman.co. za
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THE | WELLNESS
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ESTATE MOTORING NEWS | THE | THE MOTORING
Introducing the Aston Martin DBX707: The world’s most powerful luxury SUV
• • • • • • •
DBX707 heralds a new definition of performance and driving pleasure Segment defining DBX707 elevates Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance Unique Aston Martin developed 4.0-litre V8 generates increased power to 707PS/520kW and 900Nm Features comprehensive suite of engine, transmission, suspension and brake upgrades Hardware highlights include new 9-speed wet clutch gearbox and 420mm carbon brakes Upgraded performance matched by commanding styling Deliveries scheduled to begin Q2 2022
The new DBX707 is an SUV like no other. One which elevates Aston Martin to the pinnacle of the segment with a unique combination of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style and absolute luxury. Engineered with an abundance of character and compelling capability DBX707 is the ultimate SUV in every respect. Fastest. Most powerful. Best handling. Three accolades for which the DBX707 was conceived 4 6 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
to claim. Not by blindly chasing benchmarks but achieved on its own terms and in its own inimitable way. For Aston Martin this meant ensuring there is nuance behind the numbers - that’s to say worldbeating power and pace matched by exceptional precision, dynamic flair and genuine engagement for an addictive and uniquely impressive driving experience. Taking the V8 DBX’s widely acclaimed design, dynamics and driver-pleasing character as its starting point, DBX707 builds brilliantly on those authentic sporting attributes. Every area of the car has been enhanced to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure and amplify its on-road presence. Starting with the powertrain, Aston Martin’s engineering team set about realizing the full potential of the DBX’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Led by Aston Martin’s Head of Powertrain Engineering, Ralph Illenberger, the DBX707’s engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque. Also new to Aston Martin’s flagship high performance SUV is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission. Capable of managing much increased torque loadings
compared with a regular torque converter automatic, this high-performance transmission allows output of the 4.0-litre V8 to be lifted to an immense 707PS/520kW and 900Nm, increases of 157PS/115kW and 200Nm over the DBX (V8).
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The adoption of the new wet clutch transmission brings further benefits. Most noticeably much faster gear changes compared to the torque converter transmission. The feel of the shift is more immediate and direct, which gives the driver an increased sense of control and responsiveness, and a dramatic character change from the DBX (V8). Launch capability is also improved, which contributes towards the DBX707’s 0-100km/p time of 3.3 seconds. Integral to the DBX707’s suite of performance enhancements is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes. Measuring 420mm front and 390mm rear, these CCB discs are gripped by 6-piston calipers and result in a 40.5kg reduction in unsprung weight. Revisions to the braking system’s hydraulic sizing and booster tune improve pedal feel and braking response for greater precision and driver confidence. Improved brake cooling has been achieved by taking air from both the main cooling intake and the underfloor, with high performance brake pads delivering excellent friction consistency across a wide temperature range. Wheels and tires are 22” as standard (in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs), with an optional 23” alloy wheel offered in a choice of textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights. The adoption of a 23” wheel also brings dynamic benefits, with the larger diameter tyre offering improved steering response, better primary body control and improved lap times. DBX707 also features a new version of the electronic limited slip rear differential (e-diff). Strengthened to handle the full 900Nm of torque, it features a revised (shorter) final drive ratio of 3.27 compared to 3.07 for the DBX V8. This aids the DBX707’s sprinting ability through the lower gears and enhances in-gear response, while retaining the efficiency and cruising refinement offered by the 9-speed transmission. Torque distribution front-to-rear remains fully automatic, with the ability to send up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand. Careful calibration of the e-diff ensures the DBX707 has
the cornering agility, sporting feel and dynamic character of a true sports car. One that integrates chassis and powertrain technology to find the sweetest handling balance and seek to maintain the optimum combination of traction and agility at all times. Key to the DBX707’s exceptional handling is its air suspension system. Retaining the basic architecture and triple volume air chambers of the DBX V8 - already regarded as the best-handling SUV in the market - DBX707 features a dedicated chassis tune optimized to its uncompromising demands and objectives. Starting with the suspension, DBX707 features new damper valving and recalibration of dynamic spring volume switching to improve body control and steering response. The electronic power steering system has also been adjusted to improve steering feel, with greater effort build-up off center to help the driver build a clearer picture of increasing cornering loads and available grip. Combined with tighter management of heave (vertical movement over bumps and crests or in compressions), pitch (when the car dives under
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braking or squats under acceleration) and body roll, DBX707 gives the driver easier ability to adjust the yaw of the car with natural pedal or steering inputs. Further detail changes have been made to the eARC (Electronic Active Roll Control) system, with revised parameters that heighten the sense of agility and improve the dynamic balance of the car. To underline the DBX707’s driver-focused credentials there have also been some changes and enhancements to the Dynamic Drive modes. “Race Start” is available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to maximize off-the-line acceleration and truly showcase the enhanced performance. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive system transfer case achieves greater harmony and precise control between the driveline and the ESP system, for a more natural, sports car-like driving experience. Aston Martin’s Head of Vehicle Engineering and Procurement, Drummond Jacoy, adds: “Creating the ultimate SUV presented formidable challenges for our engineering team. Too often this class of car is characterized by a thuggish obsession with brute force. With DBX707 our objective was to match immense performance with impeccable control and precision, combined with an authentic sporting character essential in every Aston Martin model. To this end we applied an uncompromising approach to every area of the vehicle. Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electronic systems and aerodynamics have all been subject to extensive enhancement and meticulous tuning. The result is a car which sets new standards and further distinguishes the DBX from its class rivals.” In the spirit of placing the driver in control DBX707 introduces a revised lower console containing new drive mode selection switches. Now, rather than having to enter a sub-menu within the infotainment system, the driver has immediate fingertip control of key dynamic modes and setting. These include dedicated buttons for suspension mode, ESP, manual gear selection mode - which now holds manual like a sports car, rather than defaulting back to auto - and active exhaust switch, which opens the valves of new quad tailpipe sports exhaust system without needing to be in Sport drive mode. In keeping with its extensive engineering upgrades the exterior and interior of the DBX707 have received an equally thorough design makeover. The result is spectacular - overtly sporting but with 4 8 | ISSUE 2 | 2022
the style and attention to detail for which Aston Martin is rightly celebrated. New front-end treatment sees the DBX receive a larger front grille and all-new design of DRL complete with new air intakes and brake cooling ducts, plus a new front splitter profile. The satin chrome grille - enlarged to significantly increase cooling airflow to both the ultra-high performance V8 and new 9-speed transmission - features double vanes, the six horizontal bars now split to create more visual interest and make this rangetopping model immediately identifiable. Dark satin chrome window surrounds and new louvred bonnet blades co-ordinate perfectly with the front grille and gloss black splitter, continuing along the flanks with gloss black side sills, which now feature a deeper and more heavily sculpted profile to give the DBX707 a ground-hugging stance. DBX707 also welcomes the addition
THE | ESTATE NEWS
of soft-close doors, further enhancing the SUV’s luxury credentials. Rear-end treatment is just as dramatic. Enhancing both aesthetic form and aerodynamic function a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high speed stability, with a significantly enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system. Finished in satin black to compliment the gloss black treatment of the diffuser this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature. Completing the rearend changes a new rear bumper complete with integrated quarter panel vents accentuate the DBX707’s muscular physique. Aston Martin’s Chief Creative
Officer, Marek Reichman, adds: “The key to DBX707’s design DNA is capturing the confidence that comes from its dynamic supremacy. When you are the alpha SUV you don’t have to try too hard, therefore, we concentrated on those areas of the design that would make the DBX707 instantly recognizable as the highest performing model. Naturally, function is the driver for some of the changes - most notably the larger grille aperture, rear spoiler and optional 23in wheels - but elsewhere - such as the side sills and rear bumper - we expressed the DBX707’s immense performance in ways that create a more aggressive stance and greater muscularity. The result is a design that exudes potency while retaining our commitment to pure lines and perfect proportions. DBX707 is a true performance beast, yet
retains the beauty and elegance you expect from Aston Martin’s DNA” The sporting theme continues inside with Sport seats fitted as standard (Comfort seats are available as a no-cost option). All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard. There are three choices of interior environments - standardfit Accelerate, which features a mix of leather and Alcantara®, as well as the optional Inspire – Comfort and Inspire Sport, which features full SemiAniline leather complete with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the center of the seat and perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion. As on the exterior, the DBX707’s 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 49
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interior features a dark chrome finish to switchgear as standard. Bright chrome and carbon fiber can be specified as an option. Piano Black veneer is standard with carbon fiber or bronze metal mesh veneer finishes available as an option. For customers looking to further enhance the exclusive nature of DBX707 and create something truly unique, Q by Aston Martin, the brands bespoke service delivers the ultimate in personalization. Offering an extensive palette of options, from unique graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior, each ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ car can push the boundaries of desire and is completely tailored to the customer. As the flagship model in the DBX range, the DBX707 is poised to continue the multiaward-winning achievements of Aston Martin’s first SUV, which has achieved more than 3000 sales in its first year of production and scooped a host of accolades. These include ‘Best Luxury SUV’ at the GQ Car Awards, Top Gear’s ‘Super SUV of the Year’ award and back-to-back wins in PR Arabia National Auto Award ‘Best Super Luxury SUV’ category. DBX707 production is due to commence in Q1 of 2022, with first deliveries scheduled to begin during early Q2 2022. Aston Martin Johannesburg & Aston Martin Cape Town: Colleen Vilela PR & Marketing Manager E-Mail: colleen@daytona.co.za
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THE | ESTATE NEWS
THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL LUXURY SUV
astonmartin.com
A NEW SEAT OFPOWER POWER A NEW SEAT OF astonmartin.com Aston Martin Johannesburg, 1 Whiteley Rd, Birnam, Johannesburg, 2196 | Contact Jashwin or Gerhard on 011 301 7000 Official government fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the Aston Martin DBX707: WLTP Low 22.0 (12.8); WLTP Medium 13.9 (20.2); WLTP High 12.0 (23.4); WLTP Extra High 13.3 (21.2); WLTP Combined 14.2 (19.9). WLTP CO2 Emissions 323 g/km (NEDC Combined CO2 - Awaiting certification). Urban RDE trip NOx 85.8 mg/km, PN 9e11; Complete RDE trip NOx 85.8 mg/km, PN 9e11. PEMS ID: 09-SCF-0025-0; TA Number: Awaiting certification.
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"LET US PROTECT YOUR WEALTH"
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Pegasus Building 01 Amarand Avenue Waterkloof Glen Ext 02 0181
ESTATE NEWS | THE
THE GREY GO-AWAY BIRD
Previously known as the grey loerie, this rather dull looking, average sized bird is part of the Turaco family. Unlike the rest of the forest dwelling, colourful Turaco members, the grey go-away bird or kwêvoël (as it is now known), is found on the open African savanna, often near water.
These noisy birds make a rather unusual call once described, a nasal “kweh” or “go-away” sound, which gives rise to the old story of the birds warning call when danger was approaching. They are generally very gregarious birds and will often form groups of up to 5 4 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
20 birds that hop around the tops of trees in search of berries and insects. The grey goaway bird is much more vocal during the breeding season, which starts with the onset of the rainy summer months. It is definitely worth listening out for
THE | ENVIRONMENT
this repetitive call when out in the bush because most of the time, these grey little feathery friends have spotted something we may have not! We’ve recently seen and heard these “kwêvoëls” in the Eco area, this is another reminder that we live in such a beautiful and peaceful Estate. May you too enjoy the “kweh” sound. It eats mainly plant products, such as fruit, flowers, leaves and buds, supplemented with small invertebrates. It often forages in tree canopies, sometimes descending to the ground to feed on invertebrates and low-lying plants. The nest is a flat, flimsy platform of interlaced twigs. It is typically placed 3-10 metres above ground in a thorny tree. In a survey of of 128 different nests, 95 were in thorny trees, 18 were in non-thorny trees, 12 were in clumps of mistletoe and 3 were in matted creepers. Egg-laying season is year-round, peaking from September-October. It lays 1-4, usually 2-3 eggs which are incubated by both sexes for 26-29 days. The incubating bird is very difficult to scare out of its position. In one situation, the nest was covered in smoke from a grass fire at the base of the tree, but the incubating bird did not fly off! The chicks stay in the nest for 18-21 days, leaving before they can fly. At roughly 33 days old the chicks can feed themselves, learning to fly a few days later and becoming fully independent at about 41 days old.
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Smalls ESTATE NEWS | THE
AUPAIR •
Micaela is an excellent Au pair, currently looking after kids within The Hills Estate. She picks up the kids, helps with homework and takes them to extra murals, games etc. She’s very patient & great with kids. Contact her on 082 333 5431 or Contact Chuma on 0763937989 for reference.
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Affordable hosting solutions, web and graphic design services for small and medium sized businesses. www.lemoen.co.za
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For all your Graphic Design and printing, E-mail Tobia@k-studio.co.za for a competitive quote.
DOMESTIC WORKER •
BABY SITTING •
Babysitting / homework Assistance Gr1-4 contact Lihandi van der Linden on 083 643 0865
We have 2 cleaning ladies that have availability for house cleaning during the week. Lea has availability for 4 days during the week and she has been working at a family with a 5 year old child and she is very good and does proper cleaning. Rebecca has availability for 1 2 days during the week and is good at cleaning a house well. Please contact me should you need more details - Jolande: 083 635 1564.
BUILDING/ CONTRACTORS
EDUCATION / LEARNING
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Contact Meadowdine group for Skip Bins, Chemical Toilets, Hut Hire and more. Tel 079 736 8006 / 067 400 9720
CLEANING SERVICES •
Are you tired of your dirty windows? Then let us sparkle your windows. LNC is an expert in professional high-rise window cleaning services, catering for all types of properties. Contact NS Malepe 072 651 19471 / makua. malepe@gmail.com.
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Weekly pool cleaning at a monthly cost of R600 - ALL chemicals included. Contact 083 278 8720.
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Looking for Someone to clean your Carpets, We have used Dries before for Carpet Cleaning and we highly recommend his services. Contact him on 083 299 8569 Carpet Cleaning, Rugs, Sofa’s and Car Valet, we also collect & drop off after wash 079 093 2873 or 067 400 9720. Pureglaze Window cleaning 082 775 2862 or 076 852 1229 or email tom@pureglaze.co.za
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IKI KIDS sells STEAM educational products including Robotics and Coding Kits. 081 517 9589 or http://www.ikikids.co.za/ Learn to Swim, contact Annette 072 128 2689 from Jolly Waters Swim School Situated in Grootfontein. English and Science Tutor available in Pretoria East. Complete IEB NSC Bachelor’s Degree Pass in 2020. Year-round achievements at Reddford House The Hills. Currently studying BSc Biological and Agricultural Sciences (2nd Year in 2022). Tutoring and Pick-up from school can be arranged. Tutoring at R120 per hour. Contact details 0834158235/ mokgadi. violinist@gmail.com for full CV. I am a qualified teacher with 30 years of experience. I offer Afrikaans First Additional Language extra classes to learners from Gr.3 - 12 and would also like to be of service to learners in the Hills. Lida Cronje 082 558 3631
ELECTRICITY / SOLAR / WATER •
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Ikigai engineering: We do solar water heating and backup and hybrid solar solutions for homes. http://www.ikigaiengineering.co.za/ or 081 517 9589 Trustworthy Electrician based in Mooikloof Ridge: Contact Ian +27 79 587 8800
THE | ESTATE NEWS
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Contact Marius on 082 559 8859. Doing Electrician work in the Estate. Satisfaction guaranteed! Electrician Contact Basie on 082 699 9107
MAINTENANCE / HOME SERVICES •
I do koi pond maintenance, treating and medicating koi. Swimming pool maintenance, general household maintenance, electric gate motor repairs, irrigation system repairs and installation. Contact Brendan 082 691 1269
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Affordable & reliable Brooklyn Plumbers. 012 942 5907
I am selling raw honey at R80 a bottle or Honey and Rusks at R140 Contact Gladiola 0721915097 Free delivery for the hills residents and R80 courier anywhere else in Gauteng.
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Jonathan 0784697506 for all your Aluminum doors and windows and also do repairs.
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Patrick for tiling (078) 858-1160
Artisan Air-roasted coffee beans/ground by Airabica Roasters! Free delivery in The Hills. Priced from R110-R330. Contact Duncan 082 440 9174 or orders@airabica.co.za
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Thys Oelofse for all your painting jobs. Had great service from him. 0833212939
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Dawn Appliances All repairs to all make of appliances. Cold rooms, Aircon, Freezer, Ice machines, Ice cream machines, chip fryers, tumble dryers, dishwashers. Very affordable and experienced Contact 0797896746/0788125592 Reference: Guido 0823238163
FOOD •
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Samosas, springrolls, chutney & pickles sold to order. Contact Devaksha Maharaj WhatsApp 081 517 9589 or email devaksha.maharaj@ gmail.com, stand number is 482.
GARDENING/ LANDSCAPE •
R40 per 30kg bag of Manure. Delivery on Saturdays. Boost your garden, grass and veggies with our Manure. Contact 0794964525 to order.
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Top soil or compost delivered to your doorstep. 2m³ at only R1,680 delivery included. Bigger quantities are also available. Pieter 082 551 6670
GARDENER •
Patrick has been working for me for more than 10 years. I am serious about a beautiful garden and Patrick has always helped me to achieve it. He is also very handy with other duties around the house. He is a very trustworthy, loyal and hard working worker. We are looking for more garden work for him in the Hills Estate. He has availability for 2 - 3 days during the week. Please contact me should you need more details - Jolande: 083 635 1564.
GAS SUPPLIERS •
Frank collects and supply gas cylinders in the Estate, contact him on 082 557 1550
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Contact Gerrie Marnewick for all your gas needs on 071 602 9349.
PETS •
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Vets approved dog and cat food and Bravecto treatment for ticks and fleas delivered to your door in the estate at no extra cost. Please whatsapp Leré (0829749978) for price enquiries and orders. Delivery will take place on Fridays. Mobile Pet Grooming and Doggy Hotel, Contact 061 365 8031
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Mooikloof Ultimate Pet Care, we come to you, no traveling, no waiting in cages. Contact 010 021 0222 / www.ultimatepetcare.co.za
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Paws & Claws Pet sitting, Providing Pet Sitting Services in the Estate. I come to your home and take care of your pets’ needs. Contact Mienke on 081 553 9406
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Aupair Pets and kids: I will take care of both, it is a passion and it is a pleasure. Can’t wait to hear from you. Klarissa van der Linden 069 415 9649
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If you would like to advertise in the Echo’s Classifieds section, please email Tobia at tobia@k-studio.co.za by the 15th every 3 | 59 2022 of | I SSUE month. The Classifieds section is only available to The Hills residents and there is no charge
ESTATE NEWS | THE
Casa Italia Interiors is a Pretoria Based Premium Furniture and Decor store. We have a wide range of furniture products from Trendy Contemporary to Timeless Classical designed to suit every home and varying taste. We furnish all Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Pyjama Lounges, Entrance Areas Bed and Dining Rooms to your design needs.
Nova Corner Sofa
Top Billing Suite
Claudinha
MENLYN PARK SHOPPING CENTRE Shop U64 / U65 012 362 2879 6 0 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
KRAMERVILLE CORNER Building 3, Kramerville Corner, Desmond Street Johnnesburg 012 262 0089
info@casaitaliainteriors.co.za www.casaitaliainteriors.co.za
THE | ESTATE NEWS
We stock a variety of over 50 species of South African Indigenous trees
Our mission is, to provide for our customers the highest level of quality indigenous trees at competitive wholesale prices These Trees (Farm) - to view trees Plot B09 Zusterstroom Bronkhorstspruit Pretoria 1020 sales@thesetrees.co.za (074) 900-8148 Visit: Burkei Guest Cottages www.burkeicottages.co.za
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 61
ESTATE NEWS | THE
Meet the garden group Team Site Supervisor: Daniel Poto Daniel and his team, will be maintaining the gardens in and around your estate, our aim is to improve and maintain the gardens at the award winning standard that the garden group is known for. Feel free to contact us for questions or complaints. www.gardengroup.co.za
New Uniforms Coming Soon! Our New uniforms will have our logo on the back, and all staff will receive bright yellow cricket hats to ensure our staff look as great as the gardens we maintain!
6 2 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
THE | ESTATE NEWS
SHARING IS
Caring
To all keen photographers out there… why not forward your contributions for placement in the e-magazine? We live in such a beautiful Estate, let’s share with one another what life offers in such abundance. We eagerly await your contributions! Feel free to include a caption, who knows you might just see your photo on the Cover of our next issue. P.s You don’t have to be a professional to take part submit your photo to tobia@k-studio.co.za
2022 | I SSUE 3 | 63
ESTATE NEWS | THE
A WHOLE L A T TÉ LOVE By Jackie Foot (Wellness Warehouse Product Technologist) & Clarice Gomes (Wellness Warehouse Own Brand Coordinator)
Have you tried our freshly-roasted Wellness Coffee? We’ve bean buzzy tasting the best brews at only the finest coffee roasteries, and are thrilled to have found the perfect cuppa! Our range of Arabica grounds and beans is 100% organic, and words cannot espresso how delicious it is. We spill the beans on everything you need to know about our fabrewlous Wellness Coffee… What is organic coffee? Sip with a smile knowing our organic coffee is not treated with chemically steeped fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides during the growing or production process, ensuring cleaner beans, air, land, and water. Where does our coffee come from? Our coffee is a blend of 100% Arabica beans that have been organically grown on African soil.
Arabica beans come rom the flowering Coffea arabica tree, one of the two main types of coffee trees. The other tree is called Coffea canephora, more commonly known as Robusta. Did you know that Arabica beans are grown at a high altitude? The height is an indicator of the quality of the bean, and therefore also the coffee. Arabica beans are known to produce a richer and smoother cup of coffee than Robusta. What is the difference between a medium and a dark roast? Some people think that dark roasted coffee has more caffeine than a medium roast because of its bitter taste, while others believe that a medium roast contains more caffeine as the caffeine is ‘burnt off’ during the roasting process. The truth is that caffeine is extremely stable during the roasting process, and both medium and dark roasts have virtually the same levels. The difference lies in the taste: darker roasts tend to have an elevated level of bitter attributes, with richer and smokier notes, and medium roasts have a balance of flavour and a slightly sweet taste.
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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How do you determine the intensity of coffee? The intensity of a coffee is the character of the blend, and depends on the consistency of the body and the aromatic richness of the drink. Our Medium Roast has an intensity of 6/10. The intensity scale describes this brew as a balanced coffee, with a round body and rich flavour. Our Dark Roast has an intensity of 8/10. The intensity scale describes this cup as a coffee with a consistent body and rich aroma.
THE | ESTATE NEWS
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ESTATE NEWS | THE
DON’T SELL YOUR CAR - REFINANCE IT
WE CAN HELP YOU DO YOURSELF THAT FAVOUR AND GET IN TOUCH The current situation you find yourself in having to deal with the cost of living, payment obligations etc is not the problem the Real problem is you have not reached out to us to assist in taking the pressure off.
Honesty Reliable assistance Sound advice
Many people have become financially strapped and have difficulty meeting their monthly debt obligations. Most people own cars and most of these cars are not bought cash but rather paid off. What they do not always realise is that their car instalment does not have to be set in stone, because there are ways to redu reduce it. Refinancing is a sound example and can afford you the extra cash you need to spend on other things .
082 582 6873 6 6 | ISSUE 3 | 2022 calvin@assetfinancesolutions.co.za
97 Vonk Street, Pretoria East www.assetfinancesolutions.co.za
THE | ESTATE NEWS
BE REWARDED FOR LIVING LIFE WELL!
R E WA R D S MEMBERS GET
UP TO 3% CASHBACK* TO REDEEM
in store and online
Join our new tiered Live Life Well Rewards community to enjoy... • Up to 3 % in points to redeem in store and online • Triple rewards points for pensioners on Wednesdays • Our popular Wellness Magazine at half price • Exclusive partner offers • Automatic entry into our monthly lucky draw SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE & SIGN UP NOW If you already have a rewards card, you’ll be automatically upgraded to the new programme. If you’re ready to join the family, simply sign up in store or online at www.wellnesswarehouse.com! 2022 | I SSUE 3 | 67
ESTATE NEWS | THE
TENNIS COACHING FOR ALL AGES AND LEVELS NOW IN THE HILLS ESTATE
MAKE YOUR BOOKING TODAY
6 8 | ISSUE 3 | 2022
matchpointtennis9@yahoo.com 082 945 0104
let your brand take flight...
THE | ESTATE NEWS
Reach The “Crème De La Crème” With Our Unique Estate Digital Advertising
A DVE RT I SE
YO U R B U SIN E SS IN O UR N EXT ISS U E
tobia@k-studio.co.za | 0829628255
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