Lowveld Living

LOWVELD ISSUE 73 | WELLBEING 2019 R30.00 (incl VAT)

LIVING

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE PLACES, PRODUCTS, TREATMENTS FOR BODY, SOUL & MIND | WINS SECRET SUNRISE | GARDENING WITH KIDS | ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE RECYCLING RUBBER TYRES | SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN HOPPING

73

9 771813

621003

happy new year happy new you

&

The Lowveld Living team wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

With that in mind, we bring you some reading material to inspire you to live your best life.

We want you to read, dance, travel to far off places or explore your own backyard.

We want you to teach your little ones and motivate their creativity.

Eat well, live well, be creative, be silly.

Look after your body – you only get one. Calm your mind and feed your soul.

Ask for help when you need it and don’t forget to spoil yourself every now and again. With that in mind, we have lots of wins inside to get you on track so start reading.

Enjoy x

EDITOR Nicky Manson, nicky@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | EDITORIAL Nicky Manson, Adam Cruise, Jenny Chaplain, Liz Mackintosh ADVERTISING Audrey Ford Duimelaar audrey@lowveldlivingmagazine.com.

Shanei Mostert shanei@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | DESIGN Creative Union | PROOF READING EditPro PHOTOGRAPHY Africa Photographic Services | EDITORIAL info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com | DISTRIBUTION GMF Consulting PRINTING Paarl Media | CONTACT US 076 952 7761 COVER Flower image, Unchalee Srirugsar, www.pexels.com

@lowveldLiving

@lowveldLiving

lowveldlivingmagazine.com

@lowveldLiving

@lowveldLiving

© Copyright 2019 Lowveld Living. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of Lowveld Living Magazine or the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All editorial information contained herein is, and remains, the property of Lowveld Living Magazine and/or its writers and/or photographers. Lowveld Living Magazine, its publisher, staff and contractors accept no liability for loss or damage in any form whatsoever arising from information, submissions or opinions expressed in this publication. Public comment and submissions are published at the sole discretion of Lowveld Living Magazine. E&OE.

POP IN Good food and unforgettable views make the Lift Café at the Graskop Gorge Lift Centre a must-do when in Graskop. The restaurant serves contemporary, freshly-made meals, complemented by a generous beverages list, including craft beer on tap, cocktails, specialty coffees and shakes. Finish off with a decadent dessert or simply enjoy the salted caramel cheesecake or the macadamia and pecan pie as a teatime treat.

Before or after your visit to the Lift Café, take the viewing lift down into the forest and enjoy a magical hour exploring the wonderful mist habitat of the Afromontane forest. The circular route consists of elevated boardwalks, some stairs and suspension bridges. It is suitable for all ages and is partly accessible by wheelchair. Also on site are curios, crafts, and an art gallery. Open daily: 08h30 to 5ish.

Pop in or call ahead: 066 305 1572, Email: graskopgorgeliftcompany.co.za FB: GraskopGorgeLiftCafe

The Home of Beautiful Furniture

what’s inside play

The latest best sellers, exploring our backyard and welcoming the sunrise.

5

kids

Cool kids stuff and introducing the green thumb to your littlies.

15

We look at veganism in the Lowveld and provide an extensive shopping list.

23

Meet a gorgeous creative couple.

31

Mountain climbing anyone?

37

We want you to live your best life in 2019 and provide treatments, products and spaces to help you achieve wellbeing and peace.

43

eat style go live

spaces

A home in Tsaneen and a beautiful river lodge in Sabie Sands.

61

play

read

good books The Necessary Marriage by Elisa Lodato: When Jane falls in love with her teacher, no one is shocked. It’s the days when marrying at 18 is perfectly acceptable. But once married with two kids, Jane realises she may have settled too early. R315, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson: After a brutal attack by an ex, Kate moves across the world and does a house swap with her cousin. But when her new neighbour is murdered, who can Kate really trust? R175, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

I Witness by Niki Mackay: When Kate Reynolds is found holding the body of her dead best friend, she pleads guilty.

Now she is being released. After all she isn’t the murderer, so then why confess?

R315, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Don’t Wake Up by Liz Lawler: You wake up on a surgeon’s table. You can’t move your body. There are bright lights on you and medical instruments surround you. But it’s not a doctor standing over you… Riveting. Jonathan Ball Publishers.

elise-buitendag-genesis-of-garden-LL-ADvert.pdf

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet: When Caroline and her husband get the chance to house swap, they jump at it. A week away to get back the spark.

But the holiday house has her favourite

1

Genesis of a Garden Elise Buitendag

Book Launch and Solo Exhibition

An interplay of pen and brushstroke 02 March - 27 March 2019

2019/01/25

7:46 AM

flowers in it, her favourite music is in the CD player and there are other weird coincidences. Whose house is she staying in and what are they doing in hers? R290, Penguin Random House.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena: We read the Couple Next Door and Stranger in the House and this is Lapena’s latest thriller and it will have you wondering whodunnit right until the end. A weary gathering of guests arrive in a snow storm at a secluded hotel.

They are all there for their own reasons, lovers getaway, break from work, to write, and so on. No one knows each other and when the first guest dies, it could have been an accident. Until the second body is dicovered. There is no escape, there is a killer amongst them.

Penguin Random House.

Check out our interview with the author on the next page.

Opening Saturday 02 March 2019 12 noon

Opening Speaker: Karin Daymond Walkabout with Elise Saturday 16 March at 12 noon

Contact Dana on 082 784 6895 Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre White River, Mpumalanga

read LOWVELD LIVING GETS INSIDE THE HEAD OF AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR SHARI LAPENA. Explain the genre ‘domestic noir’. It refers to psychological suspense novels that mostly occur in a domestic setting. They’re the kind of situations that most people can identify with in some way – marriage, family relationships and so on. They focus on the tensions and conflicts in these relationships and take them to their absolute extremes. I think that’s part of the fun of this genre – the reader can identify with the characters up to a point, but then are grateful they are not actually living their lives.

Your characters are always so seemingly normal. If someone is obviously some kind of maniac from the outset you’re looking at more of a slasher kind of story. Domestic noir is more about what you don’t know about the people closest to you; that’s where the menace lies.

Put normal people into extraordinary situations and see how they react? Yes, I’m really fascinated by what people do in situations of stress, and by people who make bad decisions. I love to see how the consequences of one bad decision leads to another and another until the character is in a terrible place. I’m rather hard on my characters. People aren’t perfect; anyone can make a bad, regrettable decision. In a thriller, the consequences can be deadly!

The Couple Next Door presented every parent’s worst nightmare, what inspired this story line? I myself am a parent, and I think the worst possible thing that can happen to you is if you were to lose your child. The only thing worse than that would be to lose your child and for it to somehow be your own fault. I hit on the idea of parents who leave their baby at home, thinking she will be quite safe as they have the monitor with them, and they’re only on the other side of the wall, and they’re checking on her frequently. But of course, that was a bad decision, and terrible things flow from that.

Stranger Next Door also looked at paranoia, affairs, lusts… are these themes you like to explore in each book? I think these are great themes, and they are common in thrillers. My new book, An Unwanted Guest, explores other themes, such as how people will act when threatened, how fear causes them to lose perspective and self-control and behave in rather monstrous ways.

How important is the shock factor? I think a bit of shock in a thriller is a good thing, but you don’t want to overdo it. You want it to be believable, and you want it to follow from what you’ve set up. It can’t come out of left field. But if you’ve set something up properly, it should be somewhat shocking, but the reader should be able to say – “Of course! I didn’t see that coming, but I probably should have.”

Your endings are renowned to have a twist that never quite puts the reader at ease.

My books do tend to have rather ambivalent or ambiguous endings, and although I don’t see that coming until it happens, I do like it. I don’t really want to have everything tied up in nice tidy bow at the end. I also want my readers to feel that my characters live on beyond the pages of the book after they’ve finished reading it, so I want to leave them with that feeling that something else is going to happen. Especially with A Stranger in the House, I have left it rather open-ended and as a result I have had an awful lot of requests to write a sequel!

Are thrillers your favourite genre? Yes, absolutely. Although I read quite widely – literature, history, and general fiction and non-fiction as well.

Are you a fan of other thriller writers? Of course. I read a lot of thrillers and crime fiction.

On my bedside table TBR pile right now are: B.A Paris; Mary Torjussen; Steve Cavanagh, Will Dean, Erin Kelly, Martin Edwards, Mark Billingham, Yrsa Sigurdardottir; Rachel Rhys; Laura Lippman; and Kate Atkinson. And that’s just the first pile!

How do you think of your shock factors? It’s like everything else – I think of them mostly as I go along. Nowadays when I’m writing I’ll see the possibilities for a twist or a development earlier on and I’ll put a text comment in the margins so I don’t forget it; I find that with more experience I’m thinking more about possible plot developments as I go along. But quite often, twists simply surprise me.

Advice for future thriller writers? Write the stories that thrill you as you write them. Write stories that excite you, and write them in your own way. That’s the only way to be successful in this field. There’s so much out there – you have to strive to be unique, and develop your own style, your own voice. Don’t try to copy anybody else.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

7

my backyard

explore your

backyard

Dullstroom is a small town that lies between Belfast and Lydenburg. Well known to South Africans as a fly fishing mecca, it is also notably the highest town in the country

B

ut fishing is not all this charming town has up its sleeve. It has also become home to a number of fun, family activities and festivals. Lowveld Living chats to Dullstroom Accommodation (https://dullstroom.co.za) and gets the low-down of top spots you must visit and explore.

1. VERLOREN VALEI, located 15km from Dullstroom on the De Berg Road, is a internationally protected wetland area. This nature reserve of rolling grasslands is also the breeding place of three species of South African cranes. Field trips can be arranged. 013 254 8800 2. THE BIRD OF PREY REHABILITATION CENTRE, situated 3km west of Dullstroom on the R540, is a must visit. Enjoy live interactive flying displays from rescued and rehabilitated birds of prey. Daily shows at 10.30am and 2.30pm. 082 899 4108.

3. ANVIL ALE BREWPUB is Dullstroom’s very own craft brewery. Taste their internationally acclaimed beers, whilst having a light meal in the garden setting. Pet friendly. 073 168 6603.

4. WILD ABOUT WHISKY is probably the southern hemisphere’s best stocked whisky bar with over 1400 whiskys on the shelves. They offer whisky, rum, gin, tequila and brandy tastings. Open daily. 082 600 5388.

5. HIGHLAND GATE GOLF AND TROUT ESTATE features a course designed by SA’s favourite golf player, Ernie Els, and was voted the 15th best course in SA in 2018, a great golfing destination. https:// highlandgate.co.za 6. RUN the world’s second highest Parkrun, around the Dullstroom Dam – visit www.parkrun.co.za Read on, on page 10.

8 LOWVELDLIVING #73

my backyard 7. Learn more about the history of Dullstroom by visiting the HERITAGE MUSEUM, close to the Dullstroom Inn. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2.30pm. 072 651 0092 8. And of course… TRY YOUR HAND AT FLYFISHING – Dullstroom is the flyfishing capital of SA. Mavungana Flyfishing located in town offers guiding and instruction. They can supply the fishing tackle as well. Call 013 254 0270.

Contact the Village Angler, 013 254 0045, for rod hire, local advice and more.

NOTE: Dullstroom is home to many festivals and events. The next one is the Lekkerland Carnival, 23 March. Book your tickets now. www.lekkerland.co.za.

INFO www.dullstroom.co.za

subscribe & win

Win a family weekend at Hulala Lakeside Lodge valued at R8000

Sign up to the LL experience and the latest copy will be delivered to you.

For only R216.24, you will receive a year’s subscription of six editions of Lowveld Living Magazine. Subscribe in the months of February and March 2019 and you stand the chance to win a two-night weekend stay for a family of four at Hulala Lakeside Lodge in a family suite with all meals included and a lakeside cruise.

J

ust a three-and-a half-hour drive from Johannesburg you will find a retreat where the modern world scarcely intrudes – Hulala Lakeside Lodge. Situated on the shores of Da Gama Dam, this tranquil resort is located in the most beautiful part of the Lowveld. Close to White River, Hazyview, the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park, Hulala Lakeside Lodge is set amongst giant granite boulders on a spur of a deep blue lake, and is surrounded by rolling lawns and landscaped gardens, which make for a relaxing destination.

Each of the 27 suites have magnificent views of the water. The tastefully decorated suites feature a bedroom, en suite bathroom, a lounge area complete with a wood-burning fireplace and its own private patio. The Cottage Suite – geared specifically for honeymooners offers discreet seclusion with its own private swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Water activities include canoes, fishing and the ever-popular Sundowner cruise. Hulala offers a number of trails along the water’s edge for cycling, jogging or leisurely walking. Another tantalising lure for nature lovers is the extensive bird life. You can pamper yourself at the Hulala Lakeside Spa that offers a range of packages from full body massages to 5-hour pamper packages.

For those who simply want to soak up the sun and cool off, there is a sparkling swimming pool right on your doorstep. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and sumptuous dinners in the restaurant or on the deck, as well as a relaxing lunch on the poolside terrace. The Malachite Room is the perfect venue for picturesque weddings, fun and relaxed functions and corporate functions.

INFO 013 764 1893, 063 692 2371, 013 764 1864, reservations@hulala.co.za, gm@hulala.co.za, www.hulala.co.za

TO SUBSCRIBE: CALL: 079 523 4671 | EMAIL: lowveldliving@gmfc.co.za Ts & Cs: The prize excludes: transfers to and from the Lodge, beverages and activities not specified in the prize. Bookings are subject to availability. Magazine: Rate applicable to one-year subscription of six editions at R216.24. Processing of the subscription may take up to a week.

play

The secret of the sunrise

12 LOWVELDLIVING #73

play

It’s dawn. A group of people are dancing with joyful abandon – apparently in silence. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once observed that those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music....

Words Liz Mackintosh

so what might

a curious onlooker make of this? Could it be a gathering of sun saluters or dance expressionists?

A party, a celebration, a silent disco, a yoga session, an aerobics class, a sober rave?

In reality it’s Secret Sunrise, the new craze that regularly celebrates the rising sun from various amazing venues. People of all ages and from all walks of life dance unencumbered to a soundtrack played through wireless headphones, uniting as a community without disturbing the neighbours.

The need to share compassion, kindness and most importantly pure joy and a sense of child-like fun is a global imperative, so it was only a matter of time before the right vehicle came along. No Danger Diaries, a social enterprise based in Cape Town, was on one of their joy missions in Zambia, doing reforestation work in a village near Livingstone when the first Secret Sunrise took place.

Dance proved to be the universal language – a combination of spiritual, funk and power dance brought together the diversity of the villagers, volunteers and children, as they stomped the dust under an African sunrise.

Co-founder Grant Ross has an audacious vision to make dancing to the rising sun (and even the sunset) a global phenomenon, changing mindsets and creating an avenue for radical self expression. Their mission, to have Secret Sunrises in every city around the world, is already gathering momentum. Sunrisers currently meet in Ibiza, Bali, Mauritius, London, Sydney, Amsterdam, Dubai, and also in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Durban. And now in the Lowveld!

The franchisee behind the Nelspruit/ White River events, and the facilitator of each gathering in the Lowveld,

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

13

play

is financial guru, artist, fitness and dance instructor and free spirit, Tash Cope. Long tresses whipping her face, through her microphone she encourages and cajoles the Sunrisers to whirl, cavort and pirouette, to form a conga line, to skip backwards, to dance like crazy, to greet and make deliberate eye contact with other Sunrisers, or just to sway with closed eyes in private bliss. Even the most selfconscious and reserved participants shed their inhibitions for an hour and become swept up in the contagious energy. As they say, you’ve got to dance like there’s nobody watching and live like it’s heaven on earth.

“We adults,” says Tash, “sometimes forget that we really need to play. We need to get out of our busy minds, to feel love and joy, to dance, unite, be who we want to be, and to groove and celebrate along with the rest of the world.”

The precise locations of the venues are kept secret until just before the event to create a delicious anticipation and heighten the excitement. Some urban city events take place on a week day, creating a platform of positivity to step off into the work day ahead, transforming even the most boring daily grind. Here in the Lowveld, we are spoilt for choice of beautiful venues at our weekend jols. Tash and her bubbly sidekick, yoga instructor Kerry Dunshea (who opens and closes each gathering with a meditation) have used the cricket field at Uplands Prep School, the swimming pool surrounds of the Casterbridge Hollow Hotel, Lowveld Botanical Gardens, the pear orchard at Kaapsehoop and the site of Nelspruit’s dodecahedron shaped “soccer ball” water tower. It’s what the Lowveld needs! Heck, it’s what the world needs – this powerful injection of positivity, bringing people, Nature and magic together.

So where are they planning to hold future Sunrise events, I ask. “It’s a secret!” says Tash.

INFO Tash Cope, lowveld@secretsunrise.com

14 LOWVELDLIVING #73

kids

kids Baby Secrets Merbabies can be collected; each pack contains one merbaby and a magic pearl with fun accessories. Ages 4+.

R99.99, available at toy stores.

WIN IT!

WIN IT! Treasure X is for kids who love to hunt for treasure. Scratch, dig and unearth the lost bounty. Aged 5+. R199.99, available at toy stores.

kit

4 kids

Quick Barney Run by Pip Jones and Laura Hughes: It’s raining, so Barney and his sister go looking for adventure. And they find it – flying their own plane, parachuting, climbing cliff faces, and swinging in the jungle. A gorgeous adventure story for small people. R150, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Nighty night We love the striped bed linen from Linen Drawer. Pure natural cotton percale with hypoallergenic properties, the range includes cotton sheets, duvets covers, or blankets. Called Rainbow Baby, this white 200t/c pure cotton percale cover features seven rows of satin stitching and the pillow case has two matching rows.

Available from www.yuppiechef.com

16 LOWVELDLIVING #73

kids

Wild Violet by Alex Latimer.

Illustrated by Patrick Latimer: Violet is a wild little girl who hates bathtime, refuses to eat with cutlery and basically creates havoc wherever she goes. One day Granny takes her to the zoo but after a lovely afternoon, Violet is accidentally left there and Granny brings home a monkey instead. The problem is, no one notices!

R145, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

WIN IT!

Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls: This is girl power at its best.

Join six adventurous girls from around the world as they use their wits, courage and strength to overcome any obstacle that is thrown their way. A wonderful twist on some classics like Hansel & Gretel and The Snow Queen – here you can be sure that the heroine always saves the day. R290, Penguin Random House.

Meet the Fingerlings Untamed baby Velociraptors! These newborn creatures are fierce and unpredictable. In untamed mode, they roar, hiss and chomp! In tame mode they nuzzle, purr and love to be near you. Ages 5+.

R399.99, available at toy stores.

Little Live Bizzy Bubs are cute babies that interact with their pacifiers and bottles.

For ages 5+. R399.99, available from toy stores.

WIN IT!

Comfort & fun Fun, comfortable, waterproof and colourful… Available from the Crocs Store at Riverside Mall and online at www.crocssa.co.za TO WIN ONE OF THESE PRIMA TOYS, send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put the coloured code word in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2019. Ts & Cs apply.

17

kids

nursery school

Sow the seeds of a lifelong love for nature by introducing your sprouts to these playful and rewarding projects with plants Words Mandy Allen/Bureaux Production Jeanne Botes Photographs Warren Heath/Bureaux

18 LOWVELDLIVING #73

kids

kids will get a kick

out of completing these tactile, all-season activities that merge imagination, creativity, botany and a little bit of practical magic. You also don’t need acres of garden to dig in – if you have a sunny windowsill, you’re good to go. With an emphasis on upcycling and sustainability, each of these easy projects is designed to encourage children to engage with nature, not tech. As well as the fun of getting their hands dirty, the bigger reward lies in watching something grow that they have nurtured themselves, thereby encouraging them to care for and appreciate all forms of life.

code green Kids can keep track of what they’re growing (and you get to slip in a little spelling lesson along the way) by crafting cute washi tape flags and jotting down plant names onto them.

You will need • Rolls of plain washi tape • Scissors • Markers • Wooden takeaway chopsticks or long kebab sticks Instructions Cut a piece of washi tape to the length you’d like your flag to be • Wrap that piece of washi in half around the top of the chopstick or kebab stick • Trim further if it’s too long and cut a small triangle out of the centre to make a flag shape • Write down the name of the herb or plant and stick the chopstick into the soil so that the flag sits above the top leaves.

Tips If your child can’t yet read, come up with a colour code together that will help identify the different plants.

bean there Germinating beans with cotton wool, water and a bit of sunshine is a classic project for budding horticulturalists. It’s an especially appealing activity for younger children thanks to how quickly the bean grows.

You will need • Dried beans (broad beans, sugar beans and butter beans will all work well) • Cotton wool • A glass container • A sunny windowsill Instructions • Place a layer of cotton wool in the bottom of a small Mason jar or other clear glass container.

• Slip your dried beans in on the sides so that kids can have a clear view of the day-to-day changes.

• Place another thin layer of cotton wool on top of the beans and gently press down.

• Wet – but do not soak – the cotton wool.

• Place on a sunny windowsill and wait for the magic to happen. The beans should start to germinate after about three days.

Tips Water the cotton as and when it feels dry to the touch • When the sprouts are around 20cm tall they can be transferred, cotton wool included, to a planter or into the ground • Beans love to climb: support them on a beanpole, trellis or bamboo or wooden frames.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

19

This cracking idea recycles egg shells, transforming them from kitchen refuse into nutrient rich eco-containers for growing flowers from seed.

You will need • Cleaned and dry eggshell halves • Egg carton • Potting soil • Teaspoon • Spray-bottle filled with water • A long needle or pin • Flower seeds such as marigolds, cosmos, cornflowers, nasturtiums, pansies and sweet peas.

Instructions • Crack the eggs and pour the yolk and white into a bowl for cooking • Rinse eggshell halves well, making sure to remove the fine membrane, and leave to dry • Using a long needle, firmly but carefully poke a hole in the bottom of the shell from the inside. This is for drainage • Lightly spray the eggshells with a fine mist of water • Fill the shells about 3/4 of the way with potting soil using a teaspoon and level out with your fingers • Gently press a few seeds into the soil using the instructions on the packet as a guide to suitable depth • Place each egg container back into the carton • Place in a sunny spot and wait for them to sprout • Water with a spray bottle accordingly • Once the seedlings are large enough, gently crack the eggshell containers and replant them into a pot or container in a place they will thrive • Continue caring for the seedlings according to packet instructions until they bloom.

Tips Once you’ve emptied the contents of the eggshell, boil them up for a few minutes. This removes any remaining egg residue plus hardens the shells • Make sure you have poked your small drainage hole in the bottom of the shell before boiling • Remove any small bits of shell before potting with soil so that the opening is not too jagged • Try broccoli, radish, carrot and tomato seeds for homegrown veggies.

20 LOWVELDLIVING #73

➠

stalking on eggshells

Put your zero waste lifestyle aspirations into practice by showing kids that it’s entirely possible – and super-simple – to re-grow new organic vegetables from scraps.

You will need • Small glass container, deep dish or a drinking glass / small pots • Soil • Thick base of a celery Instructions • Once you have used all the stalks on your bunch of celery, place the base in a container, deep dish or glass with clean, room-temperature water • Leave on the windowsill or somewhere that the base will get gentle sunlight • New leaves should start to grow within five days • Once the leaves are a little bigger, you can transfer your celery base into a pot filled with potting soil • Plant the base in the soil with the leaf tips exposed and place in a spot that gets generous sunlight • Water regularly • After a week or two you should see stalks start to emerge.

roots ‘n shoots

kids

growth spurts

from the bottom 1/3 or half of the cutting so you are left with a bare stalk and a few leaves on the top section • Put the cutting in the bottle of water, submerging only the leafless stem • Place the bottle in a place that gets partial sunlight and that is neither too hot or cold • Once the roots are several inches long the cutting is ready to transplant into soil.

Tips • Keep the water topped up and replace once a week or sooner if it becomes cloudy • Let the kids feel like mini scientists by displaying their cuttings in test tube vases • Upcycled chutney and tomato sauce bottles filled with cuttings, displayed en masse, will create an eye-catching decorative element.

Let children observe the magic of how a cutting grows its roots – a quick way to propagate plants for free, and a valuable lesson in caring for and appreciating just how awesome nature really is.

You will need • A sterilised medium-sized glass bottle • Cuttings from healthy plants that will root easily without nurserybought rooting hormones. Try species such as African violet, Geranium, Mint, Wandering Jew, Impatiens, Philodendron and Spekboom (indigenous to South Africa).

Instructions • Help your kids cut a section of stem from a healthy-looking plant by making a clean, angled snip above a leaf node • Let them remove leaves

potty personalities Let kids decorate their own plastic pots with cute faces and then fill them with succulents and indoor plants to resemble funky hairstyles.

You will need • Plain white plastic pots • Succulents or indoor plants • Soil • Permanent markers Instructions • Give the kids their own pots and let them have free rein in drawing faces with permanent marker • Help them fill the pots with soil and their chosen plants • Leave the potty personalities indoors or on the balcony in a good spot and let them take care of the watering (and cutting back if necessary).

Tips • Avoid succulents with small thorns that can stick in little hands • Herbs such as chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme and basil also make for funny-looking hairdos and can be left on the kitchen windowsill for regular trimming to use in cooking or munching • Older children can use ceramic markers on terracotta pots to design pretty patterns or more elaborate drawings.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

21

kids

let’s be fronds

You say potato, I say beautiful indoor plant…

The trailing, vine-like leaves of a sweet potato make for a whimsical and unusual addition to your collection of indoor plants. Kids will take pride in knowing that they have grown something so unusual and, quite frankly, cool.

You will need • A few healthy, wrinkle-free sweet potatoes – even better if little sprouts are beginning to shoot out of the sweet potato ‘eyes’ • Clean glass jars and bottles with wide enough necks to place the potatoes into.

Instructions • Fill the jars almost to the top with water and place the bottom of the sweet potato into it so that it is resting in the water • Keep at least the top 1/3 of the potato out of the water • Place in a sunny or semi-sunny spot and wait for the magic to happen • Vines with stems will begin to sprout in a few weeks.

Tips • Maintain the health of your sweet potato vines and the mother plant by keeping the water in your container clean • Change once a week or when it becomes murky • Snip off any vines that have started to brown and wither.

22 LOWVELDLIVING #73

making a scene Inspired by the terrarium trend and museum dioramas, there’s great fun to be had in planting up a clear container with succulents, moss and plastic wildlife and fairies.

You will need • An assortment of glass or clear plastic containers: terrariums, vases, medium to large jars as well as small fish bowls or tanks • Child-friendly, spike-free succulents • Spray-bottle filled with water • Small pebbles as well as decorative stones • Potting soil • Moss (available from nurseries) • Plastic animal toys/fairies Instructions • Place a generous layer of small stones or pebbles in the bottom of the container • Top with soil, leaving a few inches of space at the top for plants and small plastic toys • Plant the succulents and create scenes using the toys and moss • Spray with a fine mist of water as needed.

Tips • A terrarium makes a great DIY gift for little friends: pop a suitable container, several small succulents and a mini spray-bottle into a gift box along with soil, pebbles and plastic toys sorted into separate Ziploc bags. Don’t forget hand-written instructions • There’s no limit to how creative you can get: think colourful gravel, fairies and toadstools and dinosaurs • Before assembling your terrarium, mark the inside of the jar with dots of glow-in-the-dark paint to up the cool factor.

eat

drink

flavoursome summer BOS Ice Tea has introduced a new flavour – Watermelon & Mint.

BOS uses organic rooibos, is colourant and caffeine free and only has four grams of sugar so is low in kilojoules. Discover the new flavour in the 200ml TetraPack, and a 3 litre box. Available from supermarkets.

hey good looking We love this nifty device from BRITA. The stylish Flll&Serve Carafe combines cutting-edge MicroDisc filter technology, which removes impurities found in tap water and eliminates the taste and odour of chlorine, with an eyecatching design. Filter your water at the table while looking good. R500, available from @HOME, www.takealot.com and Yuppiechef. www.brita.co.za

banish a dry 2019 from your thoughts Glenelly Lady May 2012 is named in honour of Glenelly’s Grande Dame, May de Lencquesing of France who first introduced Glenelly winemaker, Luke O’Cuinneagain, to an 1873 Lafite Rothschild. Lady May is crafted predominantly from a single Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the nose invites fresh black fruit like cassis and blackberries, leading on to red fruit, primarily raspberries and cranberries. On the palate, find thyme, roast beef and cedar.

The tannins are fine and well-integrated, giving the considerable ageing potential of 12 to 18 years. Enjoy with a fillet of lamb. R490, available from specialist wine merchants and online at www.glenelly.co.za

local is lekker J’Something, the SA’s muso and foodie, has released his own new craft gin, Jin Gin. The range includes Rooibos, Orange and Honey; Tomato and Sweet Piquant Peppers and Olive & Honey – each created according to an inspiration from the artist. We tried Olive & Honey – a unique and totally different taste sensation – very refreshing with its green and slightly savoury flavours. R390, available from Pick n Pay and liquor stores. www.jingin.co.za

24 LOWVELDLIVING #73

drink

celebrate something

KWV Sparkling Wine Demi Sec: This wine has rich, tropical fruit aromas, a characteristic of the Chenin Blanc grapes used, and it finishes with a semi-sweet, yet crisp acidity. Serve well chilled as a welcome drink or an accompaniment to light dishes. Also perfect with tangy, nutty or creamy cheeses. www.kwv.co.za Robertson Winery Brut Rose Sparkling Wine: Part of a new range of Robertson’s sparkling wines, this is vibrant with a gentle fizz. Discover aromas of wild strawberries on the palate and delicious fruity and floral notes on the nose. Enjoy it with

light canapés and serve this pink and dry Sparkling Wine at the ideal temperature of 4 - 9º C. www.robertsonwinery.co.za Graham Beck Brut NV: Affectionately dubbed the “President’s Choice”, the Brut NV was served at both Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and at Barack Obama’s presidential nomination.

This delightful Cap Classique exudes light yeasty aromas; limey fresh fruit on the nose and tropical flavours of pineapple, pear and guava on the palate, while its fine mousse imparts freshness and finesse. Simply exquisite served on its own or as the

ideal partner to delicate seafood dishes. https://grahambeck.com/ Steenburg’s Black Swan 2017 showcases a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Brut. The lovely dry wine shows notes of lime zest, lemongrass, white grapefruit and nettle on the nose, while the palate complements the aromas with white peach, spicy green peppercorn, tart granadilla, candied lemon and fresh fig leaves. This is a great foodie wine and can be cellared for between 10 – 20 years. www.steenbergfarm.com All available from Rooikat Liquors.

eat

debunking

the myths 26 LOWVELDLIVING #73

eat

It always draws a strong reaction. Every time someone finds out that I am a vegan – a term, by the way, I really dislike because it sounds alien, like ‘Vulcan’, you know that Wan dude from Star Trek with the Steven Segal fringe and pixie ears… I digress… Words Adam Cruise

the reactions vary

from incredulity to downright hostility. This prevailing derision always leaves me mildly bemused. Surely such a lifestyle is one to be applauded, not derided, for its non-violence and moral consideration to species other than our own, not to mention the fact it’s so much healthier? I suppose the disdain is mainly due to ignorance – wilful and otherwise. For example, the most common question, one that is usually spat out in indignant annoyance, is: “Where do you get your protein from?”

This is a really stupid question. I’m not sure where the common idea that only animal products contain protein originated, but we plant-eaters get our protein from the same source cows get theirs. Most plant foods are rich in protein, as well as minerals, fats and other nutrients.

In fact, many common vegetables have a far higher concentration and better-quality protein and other nutrients than meat and dairy products. Broccoli, for example, is one of the best protein sources, as are many nuts, beans, grains and seeds. You just need to take a quick glance at the famous athletes who shun animals for plants – tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams; F1 great, Lewis Hamilton; sprinter and long-jump Olympian, Carl Lewis; US body-building champ, Kenneth G. Williams and world-champion ultra-marathoner, Scott Jurek – to realise that the idea that vegans don’t get enough protein is a complete myth.

A more enlightened question is that of getting enough omegas in an exclusively vegetable diet. Omegas are those fatty acids essential for heart and eye health and optimal brain function. It is true that eating fish provides an excellent source of these fatty acids but, just like cows, many fish get their omegas from the algae they consume. Nutrient-rich seaweed products (the stuff they wrap maki and california rolls in at the sushi bar), kelp and spirulina are even better sources of omegas because they lack the pollutants, plastics, mercury and toxins found in most fish flesh. And it’s not only ocean products; land-based plants such as flax seed are excellent sources of omegas. Hey, if Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci did what they did by not eating any meat, then go 100% plant if you want to really train the brain.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

27

eat

HEY, IF ALBERT EINSTEIN AND LEONARDO DA VINCI DID WHAT THEY DID

BY NOT EATING ANY MEAT, THEN GO 100% PLANT IF YOU WANT TO REALLY TRAIN THE BRAIN.

In fact, plants provide every nutrient and mineral to sustain a healthy body. Fruits, seeds, most grains and almost all green-leafy and cruciferous vegetables provide the necessary vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium. Calcium is in high concentrate in almonds, quinoa and sesame seeds, ginger is a great digestive agent as is mint and pickled foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, that provide those essential probiotics in the gut. Even vitamin B12, not often found in plants but essential for red blood cell production and the central nervous system functionality, can be obtained from fortified non-animal products like marmite and nutritional (non-active) yeast. The latter is great as an alternative to parmesan cheese for those pasta dishes and can be found in most supermarkets.

In meat-loving South Africa, there are vast swathes of the population that are obese, suffer from heart disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes. These health problems are perpetuated by a diet that contains predominantly animal products that contain all sorts of artificial growth hormones and other dangerous antigens to maximise meat and dairy production output.

Research has found that eating a well-rounded plant-based diet is the best way to combat the above-mentioned health concerns – but keep it fresh and stay away from processed and fried foods. Actors Natalie Portman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Alicia Silverstone, Liam Hemsworth; singers Madonna, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding; and super-model Gisele Bündchen all put their good looks, clear skin, increased energy and overall well-being to their exclusively plant-based diets.

Back to training the brain, perhaps the dumbest reaction – and I am always surprised how often I get it – is the statement: “Ja, but plants have feelings too.” Seriously!? People who say this are clearly deficient in their omegas. For those ignoramuses, plants are not sentient beings. They don’t have a nervous system, so they cannot feel pain or experience suffering

28 LOWVELDLIVING #73

eat

PLANTS PROVIDE EVERY NUTRIENT AND MINERAL TO SUSTAIN A HEALTHY BODY.

like humans, cows, pigs, chickens, and even fish do… why am I even explaining this? D’uh!

One of the other common myths is that we plant-eaters are a bit fixated with soya and its end-product, tofu. That may be true in some cases, although many of us never eat soy-based products in large quantities. Like gluten, too much soya is unhealthy. However, soya crop production is one of the great environmental evils of the world. The mono-crop is responsible for massive deforestation in the Amazon and other fast-dwindling forested areas of the globe, so much that soya farming has been fingered as one of the main causes of climate change.

Before I decided to drop meat and dairy from my diet, this was the argument I liked to foist on the few unsuspecting vegans I came into contact with. That is until someone pointed out to me that soya is not produced for vegans, but for feeding livestock. More than 80% of soya grown goes into feeding the cows that humans feed on. Therefore, it is the meat- and dairy-consumers, not the plant-eaters, that are contributing to massive deforestation and climate change.

Following on with this, a recent study has revealed that if Europe reduces the production of animal-based food by 40%, the region would still produce enough food to feed the 530-million people who will live there by 2050. As with soya, most crop production goes to feed the animals humans eat. Cut out or reduce animals in our diet and we have more than enough food to go around for decades to come, even as the global human population reaches and surpasses 8-billion.

So, despite provoking strong reactions, becoming vegan is the right way to go. It’s better for your health, prevents cruelty and suffering to animals and, most importantly, secures the future well-being of the planet. To me, and a growing number of people, eating animal-free is a no-brainer.

eat

Your Go-To Vegan Shopping Experience ‘VEGANUARY’ is a worldwide initiative to educate people about veganism and help them transition - they have a free digital book available as well: https://veganuary.com/howto-go-vegan-book.

• Marula Pub and Grill are very accommodating.

• Oliver’s Restaurant in White River “They served me a

delicious Mauritian vegetable curry and it was one of the best curries I’ve ever had,” Ron Olivier.

• “I take my own Woolies coconut cheese with me to Loose Food Mongoose, Debonaires and Bundu Lodge and the chefs are all • Fruitful Living in Hoedspruit is a health shop that stocks a happy to replace their pizza cheeses with mine,” Catherine De fantastic range of vegan products from frozen meals, sweets Villiers-Burgers. and savoury goodies and ‘rare’ ingredients for the more adventurous foodie.

Beauty & Wellness Most supermarkets and small health shops include dairy• • Earth & Soul in the PnP Centre (next to The Food Fundi), free cheeses, burger patties by The Fry Family Food, Linda stocks A Tree Named Herb beauty and wellness products McCartney Foods and Quorn Foods (along with their other that are all vegan. meat substitutes like schnitzels, hot dogs, mince, samoosas • Earthwise in I’langa stock a few items and owner Hester and more) – find them in the freezer sections. van Zyl is happy to bring in items on request.

Pick ’n Pay have a number of items if you know what you • • Many beauty salons in Nelspruit and White River have are looking for and their monthly magazine features vegan Vegan LCN nail products. products quite regularly.

• The Body Shop have a wonderful range of skin care Woolworths have a fantastic range that is forever products that are vegan and all cruelty-free.

• expanding. Their labelling also makes for easy shopping not only for food but make-up and toiletries too. “I love their Online Stores Vegan Jalapeno Pasta Salad,” Ron Olivier.

• The Seedling, managed by Marian Cottle of Old Joe’s Kaia • The Super Spars have a great range of speciality goodies. in the Schoemanskloof specialises in dehydrated goods for Sometimes you can find Vegemite on the shelves. The convenience. marian@oldjoes.co.za Crossing Spar has a dedicated vegan ‘dairy’ shelf that has a • www.faithful-to-nature.co.za wide variety of cheese, coconut yogurt and cold ‘meats’.

• www.woolworths.co.za • Most veggie box suppliers in the area will provide • www.dischem.co.za delicious fresh produce. Make sure to enquire what • www.takealot.com fertilisers they use as some are not vegan friendly.

• www.vfoods.co.za Halls Sunday Market has a stand run by Phillip and • • www.unicorncafe.co.za he stocks all sorts of goodies from dried fruit chutney, marinated tofu, lentil curries and avocado desserts.

More Info Ambassador Foods • • Gaz Oakly as the Avante Garde Vegan on YouTube.

Mopani pharmacies • • Yummly – an app that allows you to select a dietary preference and type in the ingredients you have and it will • Spice Emporium Lebamba provide limitless recipes based on the preset parameters and • ingredients. www.yummly.com Restaurants • The blog, www.lovingitvegan.com has great recipes for Most restaurants in the area can accommodate vegan things like vegan butter, cakes and pretty much anything dining options. you can think of. Easy to follow recipes and covers all the categories.

• Mugg & Bean has some tasty options.

Zannas has vegan meals on the menu and you can stock • • Beginner’s Guide To Veganism – www.youtu.be up on some vegan goodies in the deli like vegan mayo.

OJxMsypwnqg • Turn & Tender in Nelspruit – “I managed to get Turn & • www.taste.co.za – Woolworth’s online mag has great Tender to veganise their coconut veg curry which is absolutely recipes. divine,“ Catherine De Villiers-Burgers.

• Check out The South African Vegan Cookbook by Leozette Roode, available from Loot.com.

• Picassos in White River Zest • Compiled with the help of Marian Cottle, Catherine De Villiers• Summerfields River Cafe, Sabie Blue Door Tea Garden also happily caters on request.

Burgers and Ron Olivier.

•

30 LOWVELDLIVING #73

style

Keep it cool With the cost of BLDC (Brushless DC) motors coming down significantly in recent times, ceiling fan manufacturer’s like Timber Fans are now able to easily offer these within their ranges. The BDLC motor can reduce electricity consumption by up to a staggering 70% with some motors running at less than 20w vs 65w plus on the older AC induction motors. Another benefit of these motors is that they are generally quieter and will last longer as they operate at lower temperatures than the old generation motors. Another trend is that people are moving away from the infra-red remote control and converting more toward the easier-to-use radio frequency remote.

Keep cool in the Lowveld with Timber Fans. INFO 044 382 2369, https://timberfans.com

want it Say happy 2019

Comfort & style Under Armour launches Be Seen, its new limited sport style and performance-inspired capsule collection. Embracing the trends of our youth, expect bold design, big graphics and bright colours. Buy online at www.underarmour.com

Design Bar, the Nelspruit graphic design studio, celebrates the art of gifting with The Gifting Bar. They make bespoke gifts for your clients, sourcing luxury gifts and creating a beautifully presented, unique box. We love the coffee gift box – a bamboo coffee plunger, chocolate ganache French roast and a fresh sprig to round it off. From R400.

INFO 013 013 0317, www.designbar.co.za

Put it on the table

32 LOWVELDLIVING #73

These woven table-top side tables from Coricraft add a touch of comfortable glam to any outdoor living space. Available in three sizes, the Sadie Patio Table showcases a woven table top and black metal legs. From R1299, available from Coricraft.

Glam it up International expert hair care brand CHI is now in SA and has launched its Royal Treatment range of premium styling and care products. The range is suitable for all hair types of our rainbow nation and is free from sulphates, parabens, chemicals and silicone. With its unique ingredients of white truffle, silk and pearl extracts, hair is provided with the nutrients it needs to leave each strand looking and feeling healthy and strong, whilst minimising split ends and protecting against breakage. Try the different shampoo and conditioner combos, the moisture mask, rapid shine and other products in the collection.

Available from Foschini, Glamit.co.za and Takealot.com.

V&R for dreamy Valentine’s Day gifts.

Just move The Trigenic shoe optimises natural movement with technical craftsmanship and advanced engineering. Trigenic’s materials and its engineering are key to free movement, with insoles memorising the foot’s natural impression, in and out of motion while keeping the foot cool and lightweight. R2390, available from Clarks. www.clarkssa.co.za

stockists of:

Shop 69UG I’langa Mall Shop 73A Crossing Centre 013 742 2267 sales@violetrose.co.za

style

&

meet

nick nichol’s Nick and Nicole Nyalungu are a gorgeous young married couple who have brought their talent and creative streak to this new brand – Nick & Nichol’s – a combination of their names with a twist, to a new space at Casterbridge Photos Hilton Kotze,

Africa Photographic Services

34 LOWVELDLIVING #73

nick and nicole

are both 32 and met at university in 2008. “We’ve been married eight years and have two kids, Leago, 8, (calls himself Africa) and our daughter Kenya, 6, “ says Nick. “We both dropped out of our second year of studies. I was doing marketing management with IMM and Nicole was doing PR with the University of Johannesburg. She is a Pretoria girl from Girls High, and I’m a local lad from Kabokweni. Before 2016, we spent five years living and working in Witbank until we got into the arts world. Lowveld Living chats to the dynamic duo.

Tell us about your business. We are artists who create functional art out of upcycled inner tubes. We make bags and accessories. We call our products Vegan Fashion because of how much they look like leather but no animal was killed to make it. Most say they look better than leather with their smoke grey look. Nicky makes the patterns, I machine sew and she hand stitches the final finishings. We are both self-taught and now have our own studio shop at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. We also have a new partner – Xolile, a 21-year- old poet, who will be representing Mpumalanga at the Slam Poetry Jam SA and in Australia.

Tell us about your company ethos and why you chose vegan friendly products? After a few personal events, we got talking about what we can do to change ourselves. We soon realised this internal problem is common amongst individuals and spreads outward into society. And to truly fix society, we have to fix ourselves. If we fix ourselves, we will release a different energy into the world, a healing energy. The best way to do that is through love. Love is the magic formula, which fixes everything wrong about anything. And love was the force behind our product. We wanted this dirty unwanted tube to be loved and appreciated all-over again. The tube is born again. It gets a second chance. So love is our ethos, and God is love.

It wasn’t intentional that we found ourselves making vegan friendly products, it just so happened that the tube looks a lot like leather when it’s made into a bag. But now we are dabbling with the vegan lifestyle and Nicky has been trying out some recipes for the family.

What got you into using recycling products? It was honestly divine intervention. Inspiration from a Place of All Knowing. I was in a negative space and prayed for the first time since I was a teenager. A couple of days

PRINGLE LOGO new 9/14/07 12:07 PM Page 1 C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY CMY

K

style

WE SPRINKLE OUR MAGIC OVER THEM, AND BOOM, WE HAVE A TUBE YOU CAN LOVE. later the tube idea turned my whole world around. I told a few people about the idea. Some thought I was crazy but others, many others, have helped with information, money and equipment to get us where we are today. Angels really; far too many to name here. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.

What products do you make? We make bags and accessories from upcycling inner tubing from car and truck tyres.

How do you make your products? We collect tubes from the places where they dump them; a very dirty process. We don’t have a bakkie of our own, so we have one of our many Angels offer to transport us. In our shop we have a little granny zink tub, which we fill up with water and washing liquid, cut up the tubes, wash and dry them. Thereafter, we sprinkle our magic over them, and boom, we have a tube you can love.

What is your favourite item in your range?

Nicole: Messenger Bag Nick: Definitely the tote bag.

Are you planning on extending your range? Most definitely. We have a shoe range coming soon, a range of hemp clothing for kiddies and grown-ups, laptop bags and backpacks. Just to name a few.

Where do you source fabrics that work with the rubber?

We currently source most of our fabrics from Valencia Wholesalers.

How can we buy your stuff? The best place to get our stuff is from the shop and of course, you’ll get to meet us.

You will also find our bags at South Tribe at the Lift Co. in Graskop.

36 LOWVELDLIVING #73

Do you collaborate with anyone? We have just begun talks with a Pretoria shoe making company, successfully run by two young people in our age group. We would love to work with absolutely anyone with the right energy and synergy. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

What do you see in your future? We hope, after we have perfected our system, to one day take it and duplicate it across Africa, creating jobs and allowing ordinary people like us, to show the world what they have to offer. Imagine the whole world just sending all their tubes to Africa and Africa sending back magic. If we can work together we can do little things which can make a big difference for all living things. This world needs a break, so do a lot of us. So many people are walking around broken. Love is the only thing which can fix us, and the world.

Love & Light Nick & Nicole INFO Shop G7, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River.

Nicole: 060 377 1265, Nick: 072 805 0017, Facebook/Nick & Nichol’s. Instagram: @nickandnichols, info@nickandnichols. co.za Website coming – www.nickandnichols.co.za

live your best life

walking for

wellness

When you live in the Kruger National Park, facilities and exercise groups are somewhat limited. No fancy gyms or personal trainers here. So, what else to do, than make a plan? And so it was that the Skukuza Walking for Wellness group began Words Jenny Chaplin Photographs Ielyzaveta Tyshchenko

armed with lots

of enthusiasm, an aerobics qualification and a few halfmarathons and shorter races under the belt, I cobbled together some posters and the call went out to join a walking group. The hope and goal was to try and improve the health of at least five people.

On registration day, we got a whole lot more than five people joining!

With the help of the Skukuza Doctors – we weighed everyone, took waist measurements and blood pressure readings, to make sure that people weren’t at risk. A week later, our first walk started.

People from all walks of life in our little village joined – scientists, general workers, cleaners, senior managers. They all had one thing in common; a desire to improve their health and fitness.

Before long, we had around 50 members in the club. It’s free of charge and walks take place twice a week for an hour. We always start off with a

44 LOWVELDLIVING #73

coach on

live

the couch

by Melody Tomlinson (Business Coach, Qualified Consciousness Coach (2008), COMENSA Member)

What is coaching? Coaching is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and originates from the concept of a sports coach.

How should one select a coach?

• Ask the coach for a chemistry session. Chemistry between a coach and client is vital. • Ask about the coach’s credentials and experience. Belonging to an organisation such as COMENSA or ICF illustrates their commitment. • Ask about the coaching cycle, the demand on time and duration and the costs involved. • Enquire about additional support and access to the coach, between sessions.

The most important aspect of the coaching relationship is that of commitment to the process. Attending sessions, completing assignments and working through resistance is paramount to success.

Do all coaches use assessments? Not all coaches use personality or behavioural assessments. This is dependent on the coaching model used. It is not necessary but could be helpful to the coaching process. Enneagram, DISC and Insights are a few popular assessments.

What are the benefits of coaching? The benefits are many and vary significantly from client to client. The client determines the benefits they wish to experience from the outset. • Improved balance in life • Faster and smoother achievement of goals • Increased turnover • Improved ability to delegate • Better relationships at work or home • Better sleeping patterns • Improved health due to decreased stress • Improved EQ • Better time management • Increased sense of happiness and wellbeing • Increased self-confidence The list is endless.

warmup and end with a cool down and always walk well within the confines of the staff village. Sometimes, we have fun relays on the cricket field or add in some arm or leg exercises. We do speed work, hill training and distance training. There’s lots of huffing and puffing, but a lot of laughter and camaraderie too. We’ve also had a dietician come to chat to us about healthy eating.

The results have been heart-warming. Members have lost weight, improved their sleep and energy levels and stabilised blood sugar levels.

Many have made new friends. Walking shoes and outfits have been donated by those that can afford them to those that can’t.

Most incredible has been the number of people that have ‘graduated’ to running. It’s taken dedication and getting up at 3am to get to race venues, but members have entered several 10km races and a few have already have a completed a couple of half marathons – including the Skukuza race – which definitely isn’t for sissies. On Mandela Day we invited the rest of the village to join us to walk to raise funds for a nursery school on the border of Kruger and raised close on R3 000.

It’s been a rewarding and remarkable experience. And all it took was taking that first step. Here’s to many more!

RUN/WALK FOR LIFE At Run Walk for Life, walkers are taught the correct walking technique from the word go. Each walker has a different goal and is helped to reach it. Beginners are also given a training plan that is monitored to minimise the risk of injury. The group meets at the Nelspruit Primary School sports field just off Le Roux Street on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 07h15 or 17h00. To join, contact Sue-Ellen Gower on 083 743 8593 or email Nelspruit@runwalkforlife.co.za. There’s a joining fee of R110 and then it costs just R170 per month or R120 per month for pensioners.

LOWVELD RAMBLING CLUB The Lowveld Rambling Club – which has been in existence for 47 years – hikes almost every Saturday. The group visits the likes of Kaapschehoop, Bourke’s Luck, Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton to name but a few of the scenic trails. Becoming a member costs R30 for an individual or R50 for a family. Hikes vary from easy, medium to moderate and usually cover distances of around 10 – 14km. To see the programme, visit www.facebook.com/groups/321986584496294/ or contact Gerhard van Niekerk on 083 251 8239.

Cell: 082-888-9676 Office: Regus. Nelspruit LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019 45 mel@performancebooster.co.za www.performancebooster.co.za

live

ECO DIVA’S RELAXING BATH & FOOT SOAK: This mineral rich combo of healing salts and calming essential oils relaxes while restoring the natural balance to the body. It is known for its healing properties for inflammation, muscle cramps and pain. And it is vegan friendly. It also smells absolutely amazing. Treat yourself at the end of a long day. R235, www.ecodiva.co.za

live your best

Our favourite products, places, treatments & more... to get you on track for 2019

life

Whether it’s helping others, exercising, exploring, adventuring, looking your best, being mindful, achieving, accepting challenges, committing to your wellbeing – make 2019 the year to live your best life RESTORE, REVITALIZE, REVIVE

We love the gorgeously scented creams from

AFRICA MARRAKECH ARGAN BODY LOTION. Creamy, heavenly

scented – it is the ideal body cream to have next to your bed and to pamper yourself with.

R74.95, available from Dis-Chem.

NIRVANA NATURAL BLISS 100% PURE COLD PRESSED JOJOBA. Traditionally used for treating sores, bruises and burns, it can also be used as a moisturiser, hair care, treat sunburn and makeup removal. R149 (50ml), available from www.nirvananaturalbliss.com and www.takealot.com.

46 LOWVELDLIVING #73

This is the Vit-C shower – it dechlorinates and neutralises up to 99.8% of free chlorine and chloromines in water. Using Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid enclosed ceramic balls, it dechlorinates and provides supplementary benefits like helping in the growth and repair of body tissue, formation of collagen, absorption of iron and more. This is bolstered by a rigorous 12-stage filtration process. R1995. We also love the Vit C bath effervescent tablets, R485. Chuck one in the bath and it will dechlorinate your bath water. Of course they are environmentally safe and 100% organic. Available from www. takealot.co.za. www.vitcshower.co.za

live

BODYCURE Bodycure is a beauty spa that offers exceptional spa services which pamper, rejuvenate and renew. The attention to detail makes it unique, while the elegant design of the spa ensures a tranquil, five-star experience. Enjoy a range of traditional treatments, as well as specialised nail treatments, slimming, aesthetics, micro-needling, hair removal and tinting, lash extensions, Tancan and spray tan and more, with the professional and dynamic Bodycure team. Shop top local and international brands like DNA & Dermaplex, Regima and vegan-friendly LCN. Ask about the new treatment: The Lash Lift – a low-maintenance lash perm that lifts and enhances a client’s natural lashes for up to 6-8 weeks. Using silicone shields and a series of cream solutions, the Lash Lift curls, sets, and conditions natural lashes.

INFO Group bookings and parties welcome. Monday to Friday 9am6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, closed Sundays.

013 752 3739, sonette@bodycure.co.za

eBUNDU The tranquility and splendour of the newly rebranded eBundu Lodge, wrapped in the lush bushveld landscape, is beyond a doubt a revitalising experience. The lodge features two outdoor pools, a boma, team-building options, conferencing for up to 350 guests, a quaint wedding chapel and a selection of wedding reception areas. The variant standard, luxury and executive accommodation cater for all. Guests wake up to early sunrises and the unique sounds of the Lowveld. Nestled between lush gardens, eBundu Restaurant – a Nelspruit favourite – offers mouth-watering South African cuisine on a sundowner deck or inside with an African Chic atmosphere. eBundu Lodge is child friendly with an interactive animal farm, making it ideal for a family getaway.

The eBundu team transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Conveniently situated in the heart of Mpumalanga between White River and Mbombela in a secure environment.

INFO 013 758 1222, www.bundulodge.co.za

WELLNESS & BEAUTY @ OLIVER’S Wellness means living in a state of optimal wellbeing, health and vitality. At Oliver’s they embrace this sentiment by offering a wide variety of services to appeal to all the senses – from relaxing beauty treatments to fine dining and exceptional accommodation.

At the Wellness & Beauty Centre, discover a range of massages, facial and body treatments as well as luxury manicures and pedicures with nail art available. Their professionally trained beauty and skincare therapists work with specialised products including Essel, Morgan Taylor, Gelish and Lilian Terry. The facilities include a dedicated waxing room, two couple’s massage rooms, three rooms for face and body treatments, and an indoor manicure station with both an indoor and outdoor pedicure area. They can cater for small groups on the pedicure veranda, which offers spectacular views over the garden and the fairways of the White River Country Club.

In addition they host pamper parties, bridal showers, birthday celebrations or a get together with tailored packages to meet your needs. The Wellness lounge provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a selection of teas, coffees, juices and a choice of delectable snacks.

INFO 013 750 0479, 013 751 5533, www.olivers.co.za

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

47

live

THE CANNABIS QUESTION What is all the hype surrounding the new cannabis legislation? We chat to Stefan Bezuidenhout who is currently serving articles in Nelspruit at Swanepoel & Partners Inc. On September 18th 2018, judgment was passed down that certain sections of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act are inconsistent with section 14 of the Constitution, which is a person’s right to privacy. These sections are constitutionally invalid “only to the extent that they prohibit the use of cannabis by an adult in private, where the possession or cultivation of cannabis is for personal consumption by an adult”.

CAN ONE GROWN ONE’S OWN MARIJUANA? In theory yes: It is important to differentiate between “Legalization” and “Decriminalization”. South Africa has decriminalized cannabis in so far as you can now cultivate and consume cannabis in private. This does not mean that the SAPS (South African Police Services) can’t come and knock on your door but, rather, should they decide to prosecute you, you now have a valid defence. Another important aspect to consider is what it is you plan on growing? Seeds to grow cannabis for CBD (Cannabidiol) purposes are considered a schedule 4 substance, while seeds for the intention of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) producing plants are a schedule 7 substance. In essence the seed is still illegal, but planting and growing it isn’t. It’s a bit confusing, and that is why the Constitutional Court gave parliament two years to amend the necessary legislation.

CAN YOU SMOKE MARIJUANA? Yes, but definitely not everywhere. Most importantly you cannot consume cannabis in front of minors, non-consenting adults, and only in private.

You cannot consume cannabis and drive a motor vehicle or smoke at your place of employment.

Are there limits to the amount you can grow? Yes, you’re only allowed to grow enough for your personal consumption.

No limits have been specified and will it be up to an arresting officer to decide if the amount is reasonable. CAN YOU BUY MARIJUANA? No. Any commercial trade in the field is still strictly illegal and will you face prosecution if you get busted. No selling seeds, bud or oils. If you want to stay on the legal side you can obtain certain permits, but there are strict requirements and the type of permits available are very restricted. WILL SHOPS SELL IT? No. Until such time that legislation allows commercial trade, don’t expect any dispensaries opening soon. ONLY HOME USE? Private spaces are not clearly defined in South African Law but the Judgment specifically mentioned that a private space is not restricted to your residence. This potentially opens the door for commercial opportunities like coffee shops but developing legislation will clarify on this. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS NEW LAW? Pro-cannabis activists fighting for the decriminalization of marijuana aim to “extinguish” the illegal market, break links between gangsterism and prevent further congestion of our already overloaded criminal court rolls.

48 LOWVELDLIVING #73

WHAT ABOUT MEDICINAL MARIJUANA? In November 2017 the MCC released the formal “License Application to Cultivate, Manufacture or Import cannabis for Medicinal Purposes” form for obtaining a permit. These Applications are directed to the Director General of Health and the permit is valid for five years subjected to renewal. Before obtaining a section 22C license, applicants must accurately consider and implement the requirements. Section 22A is silent on how or where to source marijuana but it is apparent that permit-bearing medical practitioners must be able to provide marijuana to their patients.

NOTE: Stefan is currently completing an LLM in Constitutional and International Law through the University of South Africa, the subject of which is: “Cannabis cultivation: A Comparative Study of South Africa, USA and Canadian Law”.

GET ON THE WATER Thule’s canoe and surfboard roof solutions offer safe and easy transport to ensure your New Year’s resolution to get fit and back on the water is seamless. The rack for cars or 4x4’s is designed to let you load up, head off and get out on the water as quickly and easily as possible. Sturdy and protective features and resilient materials make for a safe jorney and a long and active life. Available from www.thulestore.co.za

live

LIVESHANTI As a yoga teacher and Mindfulness Coach, Denise is passionate about allowing her students to reach their full potential and find more substance and meaning in their lives. Whether contemplating relationships, career or life in general, she uses her skills as a life coach and timeline therapist along with hypnosis, yoga, meditation and mindfulness to create a personalised programme for each client. Denise offers yoga, workshops and retreats across the country as well as abroad. Find out more about the yoga & cultural tour of North India in October.

INFO 083 387 3866, denise@liveshanti.co.za, www.liveshanti.co.za

WIN a one-on-one 1,5 hour coaching session valued at R750 OR a one-month unlimited access to all scheduled studio classes valued at R550 from Liveshanti Studios. To win send your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Coaching session” OR “Unlimited access” in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2019 – prize is valid for three months from date of draw. Ts & Cs apply.

have an

oshee day

AN VEGTIFIED CER

CAP Trading (Pty) Ltd have brought the popular OSHEE brand to South Africa You may have noticed the OSHEE brand in your local store.

Aimed at athletes, sportsman and busy people, the isotonics are great for rehydration. OSHEE offers the OSHEE Isotonics 750ml, OSHEE Sports Zero 750ml and Vitamin Waters. We love the OSHEE Isotonic Multifruit and the Vitamin Water Magnesium. Plus the Vitamin Energy Formula is an energy drink, which supplys your daily vitamin requirement, like a multivitamin in a can.

OSHEE Isotonics have a low sugar content, on or below the sugar tax threshold. Being an isotonic, it provides an equal injection of salt and sugar in water, as the water stored in the human body. The Sports Zero range is a true sugar-free sports drink in a 750ml offering. What we also love is that the Vitamin Waters are preservative and colourant free with no artificial flavours. They are also vegan certified, while the Sugar Free Sports Zero’s and the Zero Vitamin Water are good options for diabetics.

OSHEE is nationally available from Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, Mopani pharmacies and Spar.

INFO Please contact CAP Trading (Pty) Ltd, info@captrading.co.za, 013 762 3022, Instagram/OSHEE_SA, Facebook/OSHEE_SA.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

49

WIN a hamper from All Moringa containing 270 Moringa capsules and 200g powder for human or dog health. To enter email your contact details to info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Moringa” in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2019. Ts & Cs apply

DO YOU KNOW THE BENEFITS OF MORINGA? The plant Moringa contains 92 different vitamins and minerals, 46 anti-oxidants, and 70 microbial/biocidal. The balance of nutrients and high levels of anti-oxidants assist in correcting the functioning of the digestive system and cleaning of the blood. Due to Moringa being a natural product, the body easily absorbs what it needs while ridding the blood of toxins on a daily basis. Most multi-vitamins available today are chemically based and this makes it difficult for the body to absorb. The research into Moringa continues to highlight the positive effects of the product not only in humans but in animals and insects as well.

The Moringa tree is called the Miracle Tree due to the fact that

every part of the tree can be utilised. The leaves once dried and milled can be packaged either as powder or capsules for consumption on a daily basis. The powder can be ingested by humans, used for bees, as a health supplement in dogs, chickens, and horses, or as a growth hormone for other agricultural crops like citrus, macadamia, vegetables and roses.

The seed pods can be eaten when they are still young, in curries and stews, or once seeds are fully grown, can be used to extract oil for the beauty industry due to its high anti-ageing properties. The flowers are used for water purification and the roots are used as medicine once ground into a paste.

The product All Moringa is grown locally at Leopard Tree Retreat outside Nelspruit. The company has a strong ethos regarding organic production and do not use any chemicals or GMO products. All directors are committed to the environmental aspects of farming. Get in touch with Zain Halle for more information 084 418 0676.

transformational

dentistry Dr Cobus Verster is well known in the dentistry circles of the Lowveld.

He is the man who transforms smiles

50 LOWVELDLIVING #73

Based at his private practice in White River, Dr Verster is responsible for saving teeth; replacing missing teeth; the alignment of teeth; implants; orthodontics; smile design and veneers. All dentistry work is done under microscope scrutiny with enhanced quality microscopic control. Dr Verster has been in a dentistry profession for over 30 years and as such has acquired the knowledge to help all patients aged four to 94.

INFO 013 751 3800, admin@drcobusverster.co.za, 12 Peter Graham Street, White River.

promotion

exclusive

wellbeing

Elan Healthstyle is the Lowveld’s new exclusive health facility which encompasses aesthetic and antiaging medicine, women’s and sexual health, functional medicine as well as physiotherapy and beauty services

W

Working together in the past, the team dreamt of creating and facilitating a brand that was completely different to the conventional approach to aesthetics, aging and disease by focusing on root causes and managing primarily with lifestyle modifications. Established in 2018, Elan HealthStyle boasts the services of Dr Allison Blair and Dr Carike Camphor together with Dirkie Coomans Physiotherapy and Byou Beauty Studio.

Dr Allison Blair and Dr Carike Camphor discovered their common interest in these unique areas of medicine while working together in 2016. They share a true passion for women’s health including aesthetic and antiaging medicine.

Emphasis is placed on improving your wellbeing and wellness together with restoring your confidence naturally.

The medical doctors provide aesthetic cosmetic procedures such as antiwrinkle injections with Botulinum Toxin, dermal fillers, thread-lifting and lipolysis injections amongst others.

Skincare is a priority in all cosmetic treatments and these are augmented with platelet rich plasma (PRP) procedures, chemical peeling and medical microneedling to name a few. Dr Allison Blair is also trained in the infamous O Shot®– a registered trademarked procedure which uses your own growth factors to rejuvenate the intimate areas for help with stress incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

The team believes in personalised lifestyle medicine as the key to optimise health and wellness with the choice of evidence

based natural alternatives to manage problems as opposed to the conventional pharmaceutical approach. To augment medical aesthetic treatments, beauty services by Vivette Phillips from Byou Beauty Studio include eyelash extensions (Luscious and Novella individual), lash lifts and treatments, brow treatments, waxing, relaxing facials, manicures and pedicures with gel or acrylic nails, reflexology and massage as well as the Green Peel by Dr Schrammek.

Additionally, at Elan HealthStyle, Dirkie Coomans leads a team of three fulltime physiotherapists. Their main goal is to provide quality care and evaluate the root cause instead of managing the presenting symptom, thereby restoring you to ideal function. Being up to date with the latest research and techniques in the field, their areas of interest include headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, sports injuries, lung and sinus conditions, postural support and pre and post operative rehabilitation as well as mapping.

Elan Healthstyle prides themselves in providing exclusive medical and beauty services under one roof with fully qualified and experienced practitioners.

INFO 013 590 7345, hello@elanhealth.co.za

live

SERENITE Serenite Health & Beauty will awaken your awareness with scientifically based advice about the importance of caring for your body and skin. Introducing their new facial – the Advanced Powered Up Dermalogica Facial. Enjoy rapid, visible results with this action packed treatment. The facial combines thermal activity and the latest in treatment-room technology to optimise product penetration for dramatically improved skin. Great for premature skin aging, acne and dehydration. Serenite also offers a host of other face, body and nail treatments so get in touch.

INFO 082 684 7181, Facebook/Serenitewr

WIN An Advanced Powered Up Dermalogica Facial valued at R600. To win send your contact details to info@ lowveldlivingmagazine.com and put “Facial” in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2019. Ts & Cs apply.

MY SMILE We all know the saying ‘you are what you eat’. Well, it is true. Furthermore, your body cannot be healthy without a healthy mouth. From the ability to chew, to looking after your gum health, these will have a profound impact on your general health. Gum disease is associated with cardiovascular problems, and not chewing properly negatively affects your digestion. A regular visit to the oral hygienist and the dentist will ensure that your oral cavity is in tip-top shape.

Contact My Smile for an appointment.

INFO 013 751 3144, www.mysmile.co.za

STUDIO ON CORE

SAY NO TO SINGLE USE PLASTIC VCL 100% Biodegradable is a distributor situated in Hoedspruit for one of the largest and oldest biodegradable food packaging companies in South Africa.

Louise Rambert became a distributor to try and curb the amount of polystyrene and plastic products that are being consumed daily by all the lodges, restaurants and supermarkets in her small conservation town.

Their products are mainly for food packaging and are all made from plant based materials like sugarcane, plant starch, wood fibre and wood. Plant materials are natural and non-toxic to humans, animals and the environment. If lodges deal with their own waste by burning, the products do not give off any toxic fumes when burnt.

All VCL products are classified as green waste and are compostable together with other food waste so in a composting environment, it will biodegrade into its natural components of water, CO2 and plant matter.

INFO Orders can be made by contacting Louise on 072 915 4486, villagecrazyladies@gmail.com, Facebook/ BiodegradablePackaging-Hoedspruit-653369154999801

52 LOWVELDLIVING #73

Do you suffer from back or neck pain? Are you feeling stiff and immobile? Pilates is just the way to correct poor posture and skeletal alignment and return mobility. At Studio On Core they are passionate about precision training and their internationally qualified instructors teach classic Pilates with modern techniques. With special focus on the fascia and pain free movement, Studio On Core is the best choice in Pilates training.

INFO Located in the Country Square Lifestyle Centre in White River. 083 504 3286, 082 453 7804.

WIN a Duke Gin & Duchess Spa Package. Email info@lowveldlivingmagazine.com, put “Duke” in the subject box and name the welcome drink. Closing date is March 31, 2019. Ts & Cs apply.

indulge at summerfields

The Duke Gin & Duchess Spa Package starts with a tantalising Duke Cocktail welcome drink, after which you will experience a 20-minute Rose Geranium Infused Steam Session. Receive a rejuvenating Litchi Peel and Macadamia Oil Body Exfoliation, followed by a Litchi Pip and Macadamia Milk Mud Wrap with Rose Geranium leaves to hydrate and nourish your skin. Thereafter, enjoy a warm Vichy Shower and end your treatment with a relaxing Full-body Macadamia Oil Massage to regenerate and moisturise your skin. On your departure, stop at the tranquil Gin Bar to enjoy a Duke Gin Sundowner before heading home.

Litchi has a high content of the antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin

B-complex and phytonutrient flavonoids, which protect the body from oxidative stress cause by pollution and UV rays. Litchis are a great source of skin-friendly nutrients like thiamin, niacin and copper. Thiamin assists the body with metabolising fats and proteins for healthy skin; niacin boosts hydration levels; while copper, in small quantities, helps to speed up the healing of damaged skin. Enjoy a couple’s experience or with friends. The treatment is 2.5 hours, R1500 p/p. Non-alcoholic Duchess Gin available.

INFO 013 737 6500, 082 611 6956, reservations@summerfields.co.za, www.summerfields.co.za

NELSPRUIT

WE BELIEVE YOU BECOME A PARENT LONG BEFORE THE BIRTH OF YOUR CHILD That is why Mediclinic Nelspruit offers a dedicated team of medical and nursing professionals, experienced in Obstetrics, Neonatology and Neonatal Critical Care — providing you with world-class infant care on your doorstep.

Mediclinic Nelspruit 013 759 0500 Mediclinic Baby 24-Hour Helpline 0860 233 333

SOUTH AFRICA • SWITZERLAND • UAE • NAMIBIA www.mediclinic.co.za

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

53

live HAPPY HOUND Happy Hound caters for day visitors, allowing you to bring your dogs for safe walks on cleared trails and then enjoying a scenic breakfast or lunch at the Happy Hound Restaurant whilst your dogs can socialise with other furry friends. There are also fully fenced-in cottages for guests from further away, where you can leave your dogs for a few hours or for the day, to do shopping or enjoy an outing in the scenic Lowveld, under the watchful eyes of the HH team. Owned by Erika and Dylan, Happy Hound was the perfect solution for a couple who love animals and nature.

They are an offlead facility, and kindly ask that you ensure your dog is well socialised (used to other dogs) before you let them play with other visiting dogs. There is a minimal entrance fee for Day Visitors, part of which is donated to the SPCA and Pro Life.

INFO www.happyhound.org.za, Facebook/happyhound

ONLINE FITNESS Meet Sinden Fitness, the Online Fitness coach, from Nelspruit, that provides a personalised workout programme and meal plan according to your goals. They also offer their own exclusive Sinden Fitness workout range, which you can win.

INFO 071 435 0350, sindenfitness85@gmail.com, Facebook and Instagram/@sindenfitness.

WIN a pair of gym tights, a ladies workout vest and a unisex hoody to the value of R800. To enter, email your contact details and size to info@lowveldlivingmagzine.com and put “Gym gear” in the subject box. Closing date is March 31, 2019. Ts & Cs apply.

nelmed

medicross

Nelmed Forum is a convenient one-stop medical services centre located in one building in Nelspruit.

Here you will find a team of general medical practitioners, as well as service providers for Radiology, Physiotherapy, Audiology, Optometry, Dentistry, Renal Care, and a full-service laboratory Nelmed Medicross is a General Medical Practitioner’s facility with a total of 11 doctors. The practice is 21 years old and offers general medical care services including procedures like the suturing of lacerations; the excision and suturing of skin lesions; electrocardiograms; lung function tests; Vitality Health checks; small emergency services; insurance medicals; splints; and consultation of patients with minor injuries caused while on duty – Workmen’s Compensation. The practice is open to the general public and offers a convenient online booking system.

INFO Standard Trading Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm. Saturday, 8am-1pm. After Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am-8am & 5pm-8pm. Saturday, 1pm-8pm. Sundays & public holidays, 8am-8pm. Tel: 013 755 5000. Fax: 013 752 5305, 755 2772. Corner of Nel & Rothery Streets, Nelspruit. www.nelmed. co.za. Facebook/Nelmed Medicross. GPS 25’ 28’ 35’ S / 30’ 58’ 41’ E

54 LOWVELDLIVING #73

live

Alternative Wellness Hubs

For many of us ensuring our medicine cupboards are stocked with pain killers or the essential sinus medication is crucial. We just wouldn’t be able to cope with the daily aches and pains or post nasal drip without them. Or would we?

Words Penny Goodwin

Living in

the Lowveld means we have access to a hub of alternative wellness solutions. We caught up with some of our local practitioners to get insight into what they have to offer and why, perhaps, we should look at treating the cause of our ailments and not just the symptoms. Although each approach is varied, one thing they all agree on is the need to get a diagnosis for any chronic illnesses, with each confirming that there is a need for alternative and traditional medicine to work together to get the best possible result. Interest piqued? Read on…

ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is based on a complete medical system in which the entire human organism is taken into account. Treatments are often relaxing and results can be experienced quickly. Much like any medical science, acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief. However, it is a comprehensive medical system and can be used to address a wide range of conditions. During an acupuncture treatment, thin needles are inserted into points in the body through the skin. The typical length of a treatment worldwide is 30 minutes, but at Shen Centre each treatment lasts around 50 minutes to ensure lasting results. Most patients experience the treatment as deeply relaxing and fall asleep.

Sanna Atherton of Shen Centre who has been practicing acupuncture for almost 15 years, says that patients typically seek treatment for musculoskeletal problems (back, neck, knee, shoulder) and chronic pain conditions, as well as hormonal balancing, infertility, stress and anxiety, depression, digestive problems and much more. INFO Sanna Atherton, Shen Centre, Bahati Centre, White River. 076 695 5261, sanna.shencentre.one@gmail.com

BODY STRESS RELEASE There is a disruption of natural healing when normal stresses and strains reach the point of overload and tension may become locked into the body’s physical structure. Over time, this accumulative body stress exerts pressure on the spinal nerves and may result in pain, numbness, stiffness, and impaired function – it may even contribute to anxiety and hyperactivity in children.

Body Stress Release is a complementary health technique which was researched and developed in South Africa in the 1980’s and is now practised worldwide. It works with your body’s natural desire to be stress-free by offering a gentle and effective way to help your body release stored tension from muscles, relieving any aches and pains which may be undermining the efficiency of the nervous system, ultimately allowing the body to perform at its full potential.

As the practise is not invasive in any way, it is safe for everyone, including infants, the elderly and preggies. We all need to take responsibility for our health. Being assessed for body stress and having it released from time to time may enhance everyone’s quality of life.

INFO White River: Melissa Appel, Macadamia Health and Medical Centre, Impala Street, White River. 082 337 3893, melis.joubs@vodamail.co.za. Nelspruit: Kaylas Hansraj, 083 288 7467 Sabie: Janine Knox, 082 922 5512. www.bodystressrelease.com

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

55

live COLONIC IRRIGATION Dating back to ancient Egypt, Colonic Irrigation has been made popular by film stars who use it as an overall anti-ageing tool. Colonics assist the body to detox and eliminate colon parasites, mucous and fermenting old food, which is crucial as the bowel contains 90% of the body’s immune system. Homeopath, Dr Anthony de Pontes and Colon Hydrotherapist, Susan Rabe, both of Dynamic Wellness Natural Aesthetics, work with patients to deal with bowel health related issues such as IBS, constipation, bloating, headaches, weight-loss and acne, as well as other issues such as depression, emotional exhaustion and low energy.

Contrary to popular belief, colonics are not painful and usually take about 45 minutes to clean the bowel out from the bottom end. Through the entire procedure your modesty is protected and there are no foul odours as the latest medical colonic equipment is used to coax the colon to release its contents.

Included in the colonic treatment is an ozone implant to kill parasites and oxygenate the colon, and with it about 60 litres of purified water. A coffee implant is also used to speed up detoxification from the liver. A course of four colonics to clean and regenerate the colon and its musculature is normally recommended. INFO Dr Anthony des Pontes, Dynamic Wellness Natural Aesthetics Clinic, shop 74, Sonpark Centre, 4 Faurie Str, Nelspruit. 013 741 1209, reception@drdepontes.co.za, www.drdepontes.co.za

STEM CELL Dr HS van Wyk is a General Practitioner and runs a Stemcure Clinic in White River.

Together with his son Dr Louis van Wyk, they use stem cell therapy and stem cell manipulation therapy to treat various conditions. These conditions range from pain relief, muscular and degenerative disorders, auto-immune conditions and neurological conditions including neuro trauma. As part of this therapy they do intracellular detoxification and thus accelerate the body’s ability to self heal. This technology is also used in the aesthetic department of their practice to rejuvenate and enhance one’s skin in combination with their advanced new skin products. INFO 013 751 2700, 30 Allie Van Bergen Street, White River. www.stemcureclinic.co.za

TRE Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises, better known as TRE, is a relatively new alternative therapy method, which works to evoke a self-induced therapeutic tremor to discharge tension and stress build up in the body. Patients are taught how to develop this.

According to Dr Erika Coertzen, who has been a TRE practitioner since 2010, the stress response is activated in split seconds without us even realising and is stored in the body as muscular tension that becomes chronic. It becomes so usual that we often do not notice the effect that it has on our posture, health and daily wellbeing. This in turn leads to chronic health problems such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, emotional problems and many more.

Hlokomela – a 13-year- old, award-winning HIV and AIDS educational and treatment programme targeting workers in the agriculture, nature conservation and tourism sectors in Hoedspruit, Limpopo and in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga – has been using TRE since 2011 to support their staff in coping with stress and compassion fatigue. Ongoing training with field workers from Hlokomela is being done to empower them to take TRE into their schools and communities. INFO Dr Erika Coertzen works across Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 083 276 4646, erikacoertzen@yahoo.com

56 LOWVELDLIVING #73

live KINESIOLOGY Kinesiology is a gentle non-invasive treatment used to detect and rectify imbalances in the body before they develop into disease. Using the art of muscle testing as a bio-feedback tool, a kinesiologist can identify the specific underlying cause of an issue, whether it be physical, emotional or mental. Whilst lying comfortably on a bed, light pressure is applied to a particular muscle used for testing. According to practitioner, Julie Mostert, clients generally try and resist but should the muscle weaken it shows an energy imbalance and corrections are then done to strengthen it. The practitioner is able to access the subconscious mind and gain accurate information about what is needed to help the body restore harmony and balance. Using a combination of different techniques the body’s natural self-healing system is activated. It is safe and effective for people of all ages treating mental, emotional or physical stress, nutritional imbalances, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, neck and back pain, relationship difficulties, self-esteem or confidence issues, learning difficulties, food sensitivities and trauma. The client remains fully clothed during the one-hour treatment and afterwards experiences a sense of calmness, lightness, clarity and overall wellbeing. INFO White River, Julie Mostert, 082 223 4762, mostertjulie3@gmail.com

REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology is an alternative therapy whereby pressure is applied to the feet, hands and ears. It dates back more than 5000 years and has its roots in China, Egypt, Japan and the North American Indians. It is more than just a foot massage; it’s a natural healing therapy, which is highly effective in dealing with many complaints. It’s based on the principle that the feet are a microcosm of the human body and that there are energy zones than run throughout the body and the reflex areas in the feet, hands and ears, correspond to all the major organs, glands and body parts.

There are some important and biological reasons for working the feet. They are farthest from the heart, where circulation seems to stagnate. It is good to stimulate and encourage blood flow to these extremities as inorganic waste materials such as uric acid and calcium crystals can build up in the soles of the feet. An experienced reflexologist can feel these deposits with their hands. A tender spot on the feet, hands or ears indicates congestion in the corresponding body part. Using specific manipulative hand and finger massage techniques, these crystals can be eliminated and bring about relief in the corresponding body part. It’s suitable for any age group, from babies to senior citizens and can be used for a wide variety of ailments including reducing stress and inducing deep relaxation, relieving neck, shoulder and back pain, improving circulation, cleansing your body of toxins and impurities.

INFO White River and Nelspruit, Zelda Theron, 082 808 9477.

DR RAV JAMES Dr James asks the question, ‘why?’ Why is my body out of balance, where is the imbalance and what journey do I need to take to bring that balance back? As an integrative doctor, she is after healthspan, not just life span. She believes in digging deep to establish the root cause/s of diseases and imbalances, then to work with the individual and their innate ability to heal. As a Stellenbosch University graduate, Dr James is conventionally trained, but she has always had a deep interest in the body beyond the reductionistic systems-based biology they are taught at medical school.

She now runs her own functional medical practice rather than working as a GP. The understanding of both worlds, leaning into either or both, has helped her to find a holistic approach to healing, where she and her patients move from a place of reactiveness and fear, to proactiveness and ownership. Dr James is currently completing a Fellowship in Nutritional, Metabolic and Functional Medicine through the American Academy of AntiAging Medicine, a partner of George Washington University School of Medicine and Health sciences. INFO 066 487 8441, DrRavJames@gmail.com, www.DrRavJames.com

58 LOWVELDLIVING #73

live

spaces

to fab

from farm

It is hard to imagine that this house once stood neglected for almost a decade.

According to new owners Desire-Lee and Zander Ernst, when they first visited it, the carpets were rotten and the house smelled like mould and honey from the bees that had infested the roof Words Nicky Manson Photos Louise Meyer “It was an impractical space,” says Desire. ”The rooms were small. There was no direct access from the garage to the house, which is a security risk on a farm, and one of the bedrooms had the laundry basin in it. The amazing views could not be appreciated as the windows were too small.”

Today, the house is a far cry from its previous self. Airy, spacious, elegant and chic, Desire’s dream to have a modern farmhouse has been realised. “We wanted an open and inviting space where we could entertain from,” explains the happy owner. “I love traditional, transitional and French country design styles and with the neutral palette, eclectic furniture, wood floors and industrial style windows – I would say we achieved the perfect combination of these styles.”

The house’s structure was completely overhauled. The entire layout of the house ended up changing by removing and moving interior walls. These included detaching the whole roof to accommodate the expansion, adding stairways, replacing floors and more. After the mammoth

62 LOWVELDLIVING #73

physical reconstruction, Desire got to work.

“I am inspired by anything relating to beautiful architecture and interior design. One of my favourite things is to visit different architecture when we travel. I am in love with French and Spanish design styles. Most of the furniture is sourced from antique shops. I love repurposing and reupholstering old pieces. My husband is also a very talented amateur-carpenter.”

There is much contrast in the home – white airy spaces and dark indulgent spaces. “I love the airiness and brightness that the crisp off-white walls create. Both black and white are my favourite colours. I wanted to create a sophisticated space that was still cosy,” says Desire. Husband Zander agrees, “The light makes me cheerful.”

One of the stand out features in the living room is the large industrial black steel framed windows with the large window blocks. “We had to slightly modify them to make sure we do not compromise our security,“ says Desire.

spaces

The bathrooms have been given the same amount of attention as the rest of the home. One is in muted greys and offers a quiet, serene space to relax.

The other is black and white, stylish and industrial. “The inspiration for the shower door and windows was a modern industrial bathroom design that was very trendy when we were building. I felt that it would match the modern farmhouse theme and would be a fitting contrast to the other classic design features in the bathroom like the claw foot tub and crystal chandelier, which are traditionally English,“ explains Desire.

“In the main bathroom we had the floorspace for a large shower and standard shower doors were not available in this size. The alternatives proved to be very expensive. We did a few calculations and realised that by building a steel frame, we could save quite a bit of money on the type of glass we used. I designed the doors and they were made by a local welder under my supervision,” says Zander.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

63

spaces

64 LOWVELDLIVING #73

“We could not find standard windows available to fit the window openings and so I designed some to fit to the dimensions to get as much floor-to-ceiling space to appreciate the view and get in as much natural light as possible,” explains Zander.

The kitchen is a beautiful space for a couple who love cooking. Vast and glossy, it looks magazine ready. It was created on a budget because as Zander explains, “we had so many expenses with the structural renovations, plumbing and electricity – all the things you need but are not nice to look at.“ The old kitchen cabinets were repainted. The quartz countertops were purchased from a local supplier and backsplash tiles were bought on a sale. “The open plan is wonderful, because I can still entertain and be part of the conversation while I am cooking,“ smiles Desire.

It is hard for the Ernsts to choose their favourite room, after lovingly rebuilding this home from scratch but what came to mind were the kitchen, living area, and patio. The kitchen for its design, practicality and openness; the living room for its integration and functionality, and the patio for the view and its ambience. “But most of all,” says the couple, “It is falling asleep and waking up to a panoramic view of Tzaneen and the surrounding areas – it is very humbling and makes us extremely grateful to be able to live in our home.“

Another talking point of the home is the couple’s walk-in closet.

Designed by a local carpenter and complete with a ladder to access the top shelves, it is reminiscent of a Sex And The City scene, and Desire keeps it strictly organised by category and colour. Practically speaking, Zander wanted to enjoy the view from both the bedroom and bathroom, which is a rectangular shape, and so the closet had to be a walk through.

66 LOWVELDLIVING #73

spaces

spaces

natural

inspiration 68 LOWVELDLIVING #73

spaces

Jenny Chaplin visits Dulini River Lodge on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand. Here she finds more than the magnificence of the surrounding landscape and the animals that inhabit it; she discovers a lodge that echoes and amplifies nature’s beauty Words Jenny Chaplin Photos David Rogers Photography

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE | 2019

69

spaces

70 LOWVELDLIVING #73

Dating back to the early pioneering days, Dulini (previously known as Exeter), nestled on the banks of the Sand River, was once a place of great adventure. It was here that the old Lowveld families came to enjoy all the bush had to offer. With beautiful river frontage and under the shade of massive trees, retreats were built and memories were made.

While the adventure and views remain, what has changed are the buildings that once dotted this pristine area. In their place is a lodge so at one with its surrounds, that from the moment you alight from your car to be met with a beautiful river view, a warm smile and refreshing towel, you feel the tension melting away.

Here nothing is expected, everything feels fluid, nothing is traditional or ostentatious, yet there is a sense of quiet luxury, of comfort and of innate care.

“Dulini’s River Lodge is and isn’t new,” explains Sue Garratt – Managing Partner of Dulini. “Its main lodge, suites and other buildings had been around for years, but they really didn’t make the most of the incredible setting. We wanted to give the river its due and to usher nature in, so we knew we’d have to demolish some buildings, extend and make structural changes to others”.

To achieve this, the Dulini team worked with Rob Marneweck and Paul Swart Architects. “Rob is an incredibly creative man with a passion for all things African. It comes through in everything he designs,” enthuses Sue. His brief was to use what was there, to not change the setting or the footprint, but to let the bush speak instead of the building. Together with the eye of his architectural partner who did an incredible job of managing the project, Rob achieved this and more.

They started by heightening the roof of each suite, extending the decks and adding a bathroom. Sliding doors were replaced with massive glass panes to accentuate the grandeur of the setting and to truly create a sense of indoor/outdoor living.

Wooden pathways meander like the river does to each suite and landscaped gardens with a natural, wild feel add to the effect. With dark exteriors, the buildings don’t stand out. Instead they mimic the shade created by the many trees on the banks.

The interior however is quite the opposite. On entering, one feels a sense of space and light. It’s a breath of fresh air after the heat outside.

Sue worked closely with interior designers Almi Prinsloo of Amalia Interiors and Brechtje Putter of Front Door Interiors to create this effect and started with a concise, but descriptive brief. “As with the building, we wanted the setting to speak for itself, so the interiors brief was very simply ‘A river runs through it.’” It’s why you’ll see lots of wavy edges instead of straight lines. Edges are rounded, while materials like granite, basketwork, stone and shell echo the natural inspiration. The palette also pays homage to the river, with sandy, natural tones and shades of aqua as accent colours.

Of utmost importance was comfort. To this end, slipcovered armchairs with plush ottomans are an irresistible spot for reading or watching river life pass by. Instead of screed floors (which feature elsewhere), underneath the massive 4-poster beds, wooden floors soften the appearance. If you have to work, the desk is spacious, but a

WELLNESS | 2019

71

spaces

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK Architect: Rob Marneweck and Paul Swart Architects Interior Design: Almi Prinsloo of Amalia Interiors, 082 779 5698 and Brech Putter of Front Door Interiors, 082 457 4691 Decking: Thys Pretorius of Berryhill Trading, 082 369 9693 Landscaping: Jill and Renee de Villiers of Creative Landscaping, 083 632 7134 Vanities and Woodwork: Andrew Chapman of Sleeperwoods, 082 900 8040 Cabinetry: Leon van der Nest, 082 410 0676 Bathrooms: Paula Mathey of Flow Taps, 013 492 0499 Cast bronze door handles: Bronze Africa, 072 215 5536 Wooden floors: Gina de Lange of Top Carpets, 013 752 6536 Mosquito netting: Justin van Zyl of Kiwinet, 072 768 5180

72 LOWVELDLIVING #73

picture window of the bush beyond makes one wonder just how much would get done. It truly is a place of refuge, a place that invites one to cocoon and relax.

The bathroom is no exception. A wooden divider made from interwoven branches creates a division and privacy between the room and the shower. Vanities made from reclaimed trees make a beautiful statement, as do gorgeous woven and mother-of-pearl baskets containing toiletries and a hairdryer. There’s not a thing that hasn’t been carefully considered. Mirrors are framed in wood, basins are made from stone. Textures such as beaded and sandy wallpapers add depth and beauty and beautifully presented bath salts add a personal touch.

The main lodge area, where the dining deck, lounge, extensive wine cellar and gift gallery are housed, are no less considered. An open plan space set deeply under thatch, there are no walls, doors or windows.

Instead one feels part of the river and the dĂŠcor echoes this. Organic and elemental every step of the way, baskets are cleverly grouped on a wall to make a statement, while wooden chandeliers above the dining area remind one of driftwood. An old tree stump has been repurposed as a table, while interesting artefacts, statement pieces and fresh flowers add simple, yet effective layers of interest and an inviting, livedin feel.

spaces

Just below the lounge, in the shade of a massive sausage tree is the outdoor dining area. It’s a feast for the senses, but then so too is the beautiful boma where architect Rob was given carte blanche. “It’s a very special place and the form and function are wonderful,” says Sue. Exquisite architecture and décor make Dulini an absolute triumph. Add elements like handmade nougat in the rooms, personalised hand-written welcome and farewell notes, unparalleled gameviewing, and exquisite meals presented with flair by Altus du Toit, Dulini’s chef extraordinaire, and you know for sure: the river may be at the epicentre of Dulini, but care and personal touches are at its heart.

INFO www.dulini.com/river-lodge

74 LOWVELDLIVING #73

SIMPLY ICONIC At We y la n d t s , w e be l i e v e t hat e v e r y per so n c r e a te s his o r he r o w n p e r so na l a e sthe tic . O ur si x dif f e r en t L if e s ty l e s pro v i de a s t ar t i ng po i nt fr o m w hic h to e x p lo r e o ur w id e r a ng e o f fur nitur e . Th e Icon L if e s t y le i s al l abo u t t he bo l d and au the ntic p ie c e s We y la nd ts ha s b e c o m e kno w n fo r. R a w bu t ref in e d lea t h er s o f as , o ne -a-k i nd dé c o r o bje c ts, c ha r a c te r ful c r a c ke d so lid w o o d a nd ste e l b e nch es an d t a b le s — thi s i s w hat t he be au t i f u l pi e c e s in this c o lle c tio n is a b o ut. But p o p into o ur sto r e an d e x p lor e t h e r ic hne s s o f t e x t u r e f o r y o u rse lf.

NELSPRUIT

|

010 900 4551

|

N.DEBRUIN@WEYLANDTSHOME.CO.ZA

BEAUTIFUL LIVING IS EASY

restaurant & venue guide

THE COWSHED

WEDDING VENUE ANN: +27 (82) 453 5998 | ANN@THECOWSHED.CO.ZA DIANA: +27 (72) 243 2429 | DI@THECOWSHED.CO.ZA WWW.THECOWSHED.CO.ZA COWSHEDVENUE

THECOWSHED2

IMAGE BY PAGE & HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY

restaurant & venue guide

BAR

G

S

BISTRO & BAR

AWESOME STEAKS

MOBILE

HIER IS DIT LEKKER

restaurant & venue guide

CRAFT gin

BANTING

LEKKA PIZZA

ebiv rekkel 0763961046 gsbistro@telkomsa.net gsbistro.co.za Cnr Portia Shabangu & Albatros Street, Hazyview

décor & living

ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR

CATERING

décor & living

Stockist of top Quality Equestrian Products.

Riding gear, Saddlery, Supplements and Feed

36 WATERFALL AVENUE, RIVERSIDE IND. PARK, NELSPRUIT

013 752 7432 │nelspruit@midfeeds.co.za

Stylish

LIVING

the last word

and above all...stretch Words Alex Gitlin

stretched lately?

If you can answer ‘Yes’, and this event was not an accident or a fleeting moment, stand up, take a bow and move on. If, however, you have yet to test your elasticity in anything beyond bedroom aerobics, then read below.

It’s not that I had anything personal against stretching; stretching is good. I was born ready – muscles included. I played competitive sport, had done so without complaint for over 20 years. I ran every day, hit the weights, had little illness and still managed not to embarrass a T-shirt.

But then things went a tad pear shaped. A prolonged lack of stretching caused my back to become self-aware.

Warming up had comprised jogging onto the field; warming down a change of the match shirt. Now I was in for payback. For many years a selfless companion, my spine suddenly decided to fight for self-determination. The cheek.

The tipping point arrived when my vertebrae sought solace in a communal strike. The facets in my upper neck (the muscle cushioning between vertebrae) particularly put up a fuss, forcing my daydreams to be replaced by crippling, needle sharp headaches. Getting out of bed became somewhat problematic; pain free running a distant memory. Life was not a celebration.

And all this from the improper care of my muscles – some

décor & living

had contracted, others had moved. My shoulders were rounding and my back resembled a Mogadishu high street.

Of course, it was not all doom and gloom. Being devoid of mobility meant the husband-to-do-list was off the menu.

No painting the bedroom or mowing the lawn. My new decrepit self did garner some sympathy amongst the ladies.

Wife excluded, more so when learning the situation was self-afflicted.

Nevertheless, life was quite rosy on the vertical planes. My salvation lay in stretching, the lack of which had forced my rapid evolution to geriatric slug.

So out came the Pilates ball and a religious commitment to stretching the hams, lower back and shoulder area. I worked on posture. I hit the gym, this time favouring exercises, which developed all muscle groups. I listened to the medical science. I played sport hard but now gave my body the support it needed to take the associated stress.

Within the space of a couple of weeks I was once again Play-Doh man. I could bend it like Beckham, all pain disappeared, and I felt good.

Stretching had gotten me back on track. Its importance and benefits driven home; those stretch mats, previously believed to be the territory of ladies – albeit very nice ones, had become my pre and post session haven.

Try it, you might like it.