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Issue 28 | Johannesburg - East Rand | December 2019/January 2020
| In This Issue
From the Editor’s Desk... So we’ve almost made it through the year... The festive season is just about here, and I’m really feeling the need for a holiday! 2019 has been a year of many ups and downs and big changes, especially here at Mum’s Mail. But we’ve come through it in one piece, and I’m very proud of our team and what we’ve achieved!
mangy fake one that has seen better days)! And our son is eagerly awaiting the return of our Elf on the Shelf in December. I’m one of those eager Christmas decorators who would happily put up the tree in October, so I really have to restrain myself until December! I love getting into the Christmas spirit and having a 6-year-old makes it even more exciting!
Personally, my family is also in for some big changes next year as our son enters ‘big school’. It’s a bittersweet moment, as he leaves behind some of his innocence in pre-school but also looks forward to learning new things and maturing in Grade 1. Oh, and he looks SO cute in his new uniform! But for now, I’m looking forward to the holidays and spending some quality time with my family. This year we’ve decided to get a real Christmas tree for the first time (I won’t miss our
In this issue, you will find delicious Christmas recipes, tips to save money during the festive season, awesome giveaways, health advice, crafts and so much more! I hope you enjoy reading it! From the Mum’s Mail team – have a magical Christmas with your family and we look forward to seeing you in 2020!
Sarah xxx
Everyday Life
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Meet the Cover Star Action-Packed Marvel Universe Live! Heads to SA Tantalising Festive Recipes Prepare Your Pocket and Have a Rand-Wise Christmas Original Diamond Dotz® Protect Your Child’s Skin Now to Prevent Skin Cancer Later in Life
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Skin Cancer Awareness Month International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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Painted Minion Rocks DIY Teacher’s Appreciation Gift Book Reviews by Bargain Books December 2019 /January 2020 Events Diary
CONTENTS
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Healthy Life/Beautiful Life
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Kids’ Life/Educated Life
The Mum’s Mail Team
Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • Enquiries: 031 - 573 1731
Accounts: meghan@mumsmail.com • Designer: Wendy Offer
Advertising Sales: Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com | Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com Cover Photographer: Candice McDonald: www.candicemcdonaldphotography.co.za DISCLAIMER: Neither the Publisher, Printer or Editor can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any omissions or errors, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Mum’s Mail. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Mum’s Mail magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.
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Everyday Life |
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| Everyday Life
Meet the Cover Star Our adorable cover star is 8-month-old Zara Coope. Zara’s parents, Mark and Sam Coope own and manage an Industrial Packaging Company Called Bonus Bags (Pty) Ltd.
have to pinch myself! She really is the centre of our lives and the boys just adore her and she adores them.
all-consuming at times. After having a child you wonder what you ever used to do with your free time.
Zara has two older brothers – Evan (7) and Rhys (9).
Zara has a really bubbly personality and comes alive and squeals with delight when the boys play with her. Being the smallest in the family she makes sure she is heard and will often just make a noise in order to ensure she is not being left out of the conversation.”
For that reason alone it is important to make a little free time firstly for yourself as a mother (it took me three kids to learn this) and also time to be husband and wife as you started out. Add a lot of humour and heaps of patience and you hopefully have nailed this parenting thing, just in time to consider having the next child!” concludes Sam.
“It has been the most amazing journey deciding to have a third child. We were naturally apprehensive about committing to a third, especially having a big age gap from the first two,” explains Sam. “When we found out we were having a girl after two boys, I could not believe it, and I still
“Nothing prepares you for how much you will love and adore your children every hour of every day, to the point that it is
By Sarah Mackintosh.
Action-Packed Marvel Universe Live! Heads to SA
Calling all Marvel fans! Assemble for the live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this spectacular arena stunt show.
completely new, thrilling adventure. The floor show is enhanced with strobe lighting, lasers, fire and smoke along with substantial sound effects to set the location and heighten the excitement. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family…LIVE!
Marvel Universe LIVE! is a live performance unlike anything fans have ever seen before. Showing in South Africa only at the Sun Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, from Friday 24 January to Sunday 9 February 2020, this epic arena stunt show has become the adventure no one wants to miss. Tickets are on sale only at Computicket, the show’s exclusive authorised local ticketing agent.
Make a date! Book only at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre. WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has one set of four family tickets to give away, to see Marvel Universe LIVE! on 24 January at 8pm at Sun Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria (valued at R1460). Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.
Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial manoeuvres, pyrotechnics, martial arts, motorcycle stunts and vast 3D video projection in this www.mumsmail.com
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Everyday Life |
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| Everyday Life
Tantalising Festive Recipes I stumbled across these recipes late one night (on www.taste.com.au) while surfing the web in bed (as you do) and immediately thought – “I must try these for Christmas day!” They look absolutely delicious and I’m definitely going to give them a bash – I hope you enjoy them too! - Ed. of boiling, salted water following packet directions. Drain. Refresh under cold water. Drain well. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook bacon, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towel. To make the creamy mustard dressing: Layered Christmas Combine sour cream, Pasta Salad mayonnaise, parsley, lemon Add colour and spark to your juice and mustard in a bowl. Christmas feast with this layered Season with salt and pepper. pasta salad recipe. Place cabbage over the base of a 5-litre (20-cup-capacity) Ingredients glass serving bowl. Top with • 3 cups dried elbow pasta corn, then half of the pasta. • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil Spoon over 3/4 of the dressing. • 4 middle bacon rashers, Arrange lettuce over dressing chopped layer. Toss tomato, cucumber • 1/2 small red cabbage, and remaining pasta together. chopped Spoon over lettuce. Drizzle with • 420g can corn kernels, remaining dressing. Sprinkle drained with bacon, cheese and green • 2 baby gem lettuces, onion. Season with pepper. shredded Serve. • 2 large tomatoes, diced • 1 continental cucumber, diced • 3/4 cup grated tasty cheese • 2 green onions, thinly sliced Creamy mustard dressing • 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup traditional mayonnaise • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard Method Cook pasta in a large saucepan www.mumsmail.com
Maple mustard pork belly
Ingredients • 1kg pork belly, scored, patted dry • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 2 teaspoons wholegrain mustard, plus extra, to serve • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary • Fresh rosemary sprigs, to serve Method Preheat oven to 220C/200C fan forced. Place the pork, rind side up, on a wire rack set over a roasting pan. Pour enough water into the pan to reach just below the pork. Season pork rind well with salt, rubbing into the scores. Roast for 40 minutes or until the rind is starting to crackle. Meanwhile, combine the maple syrup, mustard, vinegar and rosemary in a bowl. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°C/180°C fan forced. Roast the pork, topping up water as necessary, for a further 1 1/4 hours or until the rind is well crackled and the flesh is tender. Drizzle with the maple syrup mixture. Cook for a further 5 minutes or until the rind is dark golden. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest. Cut into pieces and serve with rosemary sprigs and extra mustard, if you like.
Source: Impress your guests with this www.taste.com.au. crispy maple mustard pork belly. 6
Everyday Life |
Prepare Your Pocket and Have a Rand-Wise Christmas this Christmas. Make sure in the weeks prior Christmas that your pantry, fridge and freezer are stocked (not overstocked) with long-lasting ingredients to keep your budget under control and to avoid last-minute expensive buys.
In a few weeks’ time, Christmas will be on your doorstep. Are you financially prepared for it? These tips can help you to have yourself (and your pocket) a rand-wise Christmas this year: Food & groceries Groceries are very expensive, BUT there are a few things that you can do to not break the bank when it comes to meal planning
Fuel & travel If your friends or family members are also driving from the same area, consider carpooling. Be aware that your air-con uses more fuel when you drive at a lower speed. Gifts & ornaments Presents and decorations should not cost an arm and a leg. Remember – creativity goes a
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long way! When it comes to gifts, remember that it’s the thought that counts. Keep your gifts personal, yet frugal this year. Let the kids bake personalised cookies for your loved ones, or use available items and get going with your own arts and crafts skills to make ornaments, bookmarks, coasters, or jewellery items. If you pre-plan your 2019 Christmas while there is still time, you will not only ease your pocket and nerves but also pave the way many more rand-wise Christmases to come. Visit www.debtsafe.co.za for more information.
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| Everyday Life
original DIAMOND DOTZ®
When life gets tough, grab your stylus & create something beautiful!
This product is on the TOP 25 CHRISTMAS PRESENTS LIST 2019
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DIAMOND DOTZ® is more than just a craft, it has assisted people from all walks of life; from those who are just trying to escape everyday pressures to victims of PTSD and drugs. Those who think they don’t have a creative bone in their body can now complete a magnificent piece of art in a relatively short period of time. For children, DIAMOND DOTZ® instils a sense of confidence as it allows your little ones to express themselves in a constructive and fundamental way by honing in on their concentration and finemotor skills, and by constantly developing and maintaining their neuro pathways. There really
is no craft out there with such a broad spectrum of benefits for young and old. Use the exclusive MUMSMAIL discount code to start your DIAMOND DOTZ® journey today! BECOME A DIAMOND DOTZ® CONSULTANT We are looking for passionate and driven mums looking to re-enter the work force on flexihours. Think this is something that you would enjoy? Contact us today to find out how to bring in an additional income and spread the benefits of this dazzling product. www.diamonddotz.co.za info@diamonddotz.co.za 082 596 1308
Protect Your Child’s Skin Now to Prevent Skin Cancer Later in Life
The fact that just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life, is enough reason to acquire quality, high-protection sunscreen for your children.
auto glass blocks almost all UVB radiation, it only blocks 21% of UVA radiation (which contributes to skin ageing). Other sun protection measures include cool, loose-fitting clothes, and broad-brimmed hats.
Sun exposure among children Take care to plan daily activities is largely dependent on and ensure that children are well the discretion of adult care protected. Special care should providers. Protecting children be taken from 10am until 3pm from excessive sun exposure when ultraviolet (UV) radiation of and sunburn today, is future the sun is at its most intense. proofing them against skin cancers in years to come. With the summer holidays fast approaching, it’s important to Be sure to apply a sunscreen consider additional cover for bearing the CANSA Seal of clear car windows if you’re going Recognition, like NEW Island away on holiday. While clear Tribe Kids Light Lotion SPF 50,
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and NEW Kids Light Lotion Trigger Spray SPF 50, which are non-irritating and dermatologisttested. Both products are fragrance-free, and offer fourhour water resistance. Island Tribe products are available at pharmacies nationwide. Visit www. islandtribe.co.za for more information and join the conversations on Facebook and Instagram. WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has one Island Tribe hamper to give away, valued at R800. Visit www.mumsmail. com to enter.
Everyday Life/Healthy Life | Factory shop – open to the public
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| Healthy Life
Skin Cancer
Awareness Month
The holidays are around the corner, and CANSA reminds the public to take care and be SunSmart everywhere. Sunburn can occur within fifteen minutes, and the damage caused is permanent, irreversible and adds up with each exposure to the sun.
and light skin, freckles and green or blue eyes are more at risk for sunburn and skin damage than those with a darker skin, people with a darker skin tone should also protect themselves from UV rays.
People who think that indoor tanning or sunbeds are a safer South Africa has one of the option are mistaken. There is highest rates of skin cancer no such thing as a healthy tan, in the world, in part due to which in fact indicates skin high levels of Ultraviolet (UV) damage. First use of sunbeds radiation, which is a major cause before age 35, increases the of skin cancer. UV radiation is risk of developing melanoma just as dangerous for outdoor by 59%. In 2009 sunbeds and labourers, sports people, on the tanning booths were officially playground or when driving to classified as cancer causing work, as it is when at the beach agents by the International or pool. Rays can also reflect Agency for Research on Cancer off surfaces and cause sunburn (IARC). when it is overcast. Read more about skin cancer, tips to lower Julie George, melanoma cancer risk and screening on Survivor states: “I think in the CANSA website. the back of my mind I knew sunbeds were dangerous, but I Although people with fair hair never knew just how dangerous.
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I was completely ignorant of the nature of melanoma too. I wish I could have had a glimpse into the future back then, a real understanding of the dangers. I still find people today who don’t take it seriously. I think they have the ‘it won’t happen to me’ mindset, as did I. I am hoping my story will convince people that this is a very real, life threatening risk.” How CANSA Helps Make an appointment at a local CANSA Care Centre for a FotoFinder screening, which offers dermoscopic skin cancer screening and mole mapping. Also make use of CANSA’s Spot the Spot checklist to assist with monthly self-examinations. For more info visit www.cansa.org.za,or contact CANSA toll-free on 0800 22 66 22.
Healthy Life |
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to promote: • An understanding of disability issues • The rights of persons with disabilities • The benefits of the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities In South Africa, 3 December also marks the beginning of the Disability Awareness Month. The day provides an opportunity to put into action plans to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities. The estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to
inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, including areas of transportation, employment, and education, as well as social and political participation. The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequality in society. Persons with disabilities must be able to fulfil their role in society and participate on an equal basis with others. It is important to focus on the ability and not on the disability of an individual. Often, the societal image of people with disabilities is impacted by attitudes based on stigma and discrimination, as well as archaic ideas about disability and people with disabilities - these are often the greatest barrier to their full and 11
equal participation in society and development on an equal basis with others. It is important to note that disability is part of the human condition, and that all of us either are or will become disabled to one degree or another during the course of our lives. By promoting empowerment, real opportunities for people are created. This enhances their own capacities and supports them in setting their own priorities. Empowerment involves investing in people - in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and social protection. When people are empowered, they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities and so they become agents of change and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities. Source: www.gov.za. www.mumsmail.com
| Kids’ Life
Painted Minion Rocks
Are there any Minion fans in your family? Grab a bag of polished river rocks to paint them into minions. What you will need: Stones, blue, yellow and white acrylic paint and a black marker
Directions: Step 1: Choose your rocks. They don’t have to be perfectly rounded and have a smooth surface. Any rock will do as long as it is big enough for you to paint on. If you can’t find any, you can always buy a bag of polished rocks. Step 2: Paint the overalls. You will need three coats of paint.
using your yellow paint.
mouth and glasses frames.
Step 3: Paint the rest of the Minions
Step 4: Use a black marker for the
Source: www. thebestideasforkids.com.
DIY teacher’s appreciation gift
chosen plant to fit into. • Self-adhesive chalk board labels • Chalk or chalkboard pen • Craft glue • Tape measure • Creative craft embellishments • Newspaper The school year is nearly finished, and many kids will want • Potting soil to give their teacher a gift at the Here’s how to make it: end of the year. What could be more personal than a handmade Lay out newspapers over a gift they can use at home? Here table or surface where you’ll be working so you don’t get is an awesome gift idea that you can make for your favourite anything dirty. Put craft glue around the rim circumference teacher to show them your of your plastic pot and stick the appreciation. tape measure around the rim. Cut off excess tape. Next, stick What you will need: a self-adhesive chalk board • Plant of your choice label in the middle of one side • Plastic plant pot and saucer. Choose the correct size for your of the pot. Decorate the rest of www.mumsmail.com
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the pot with your chosen craft embellishments. Write your message on your chalk board label, using chalk or chalkboard pen. We chose to write “Thank you for helping me grow”, as a special message for a teacher. Plant your flower in your pot. Fill a quarter to half way with potting soil and place your plant into the pot. Top up with some more potting soil. Water well. Your gift is now ready to give to your teacher. For more gardening tips and information, visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on Facebook: @Lifeisagardensa.
Kids’ Life/Educated Life |
Safe reliable childrens shuttle service available on the East Rand. In the Boksburg & Benoni areas
DO YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS FOR FREE?
Calling all schools! Do you have an event you want to share with us? Information on your school? Or perhaps a star pupil you want us to know about? Send your stories and photos to editor@mumsmail.com and it may get published on our website for free!
Roy 082 779 4079 | Moira 082 852 3384 coetfam@telkomsa.net
081 013 7338 www.lime-light.co.za Stores in DBN/PMB/CT Nationwide home delivery as well
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• Every detail matters • Make your little one feel like a special Princess this Christmas • Individually handmade princess dresses • Perfect gift • Sizes from 1 to 9 years old • In business for 16 years • Contact for fitting advice and dress styles
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| Kids’ Life
Book Reviews by Bargain Books
For Children
Diary of A Wimpy Kid 14: Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney. In Wrecking Ball, an unexpected inheritance gives the Heffley family a chance to make major improvements to their home. But they soon find that construction isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. When things get rough, will the Heffleys be able to stay, or will they be forced to move? Great Christmas gift for children aged 9 to 12.
For Teens Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle. This Netflix film is touching, hilarious and filled with lots of festive cheer. The magic of the holiday season shines on three interconnected tales of love, romance and breathtaking kisses. Books are always better than the films and this book will definitely let you imagine the setting or events happening in the story… Enjoy!
For Adults The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. New York Times bestselling author of Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last, and Together is Better offers a bold new approach to business strategy by asking one question: are you playing the finite or infinite game? A great gift for anyone wanting to explore how great businesses achieve long-lasting success. Crystal Tips and Cures by Philip Permutt. Crystals have healing properties that help to balance the body, mind, and spirit. Filled with more than 100 crystals, arranged by colour and sectioned for easy identification, healing qualities, star sign, and chakra point for each one, this is a great gift for anyone who loves crystals or wants to learn how to use the crystals that are right for them. The Flexitarian Cookbook compiled by Julia Charles. Eat less meat with this collection of modern recipes and comfort food classics, all of which feature simple adaptations that can make them suitable for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians and meat-eaters. No longer will you have to juggle between multiple cookbooks or haphazardly hash together a meaty ending to a recipe depending on your appetite or cravings! Contact: Bianca Noel-Barham, Bargain Books: 021 706 1461, bianca@bargainbooks.co.za or visit www.bargainbooks.co.za. Facebook: @BargainBooksSA, Instagram: @bargainbookssa. WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has a R2000 Bargain Books voucher to give away! Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. www.mumsmail.com
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Diary Dates |
Exciting Events Coming Your Way Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights
When: 1 December 2019 – 5 January 2020, 7am – 10pm Where: Joburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave and Upper Park Drive, Parkview, Randburg Cost: R60 for children under 12 and R120 for adults Joburg Zoo, The City of Johannesburg and Joburg Theatre proudly present the Festival of Lights. All throughout the festive season the Joburg Zoo will be adorned in an array of enchanting, illuminated lifesize animal characters. The spectacular tree of lights will also be on display for your enjoyment. There will be classical live entertainment, food and craft stalls too. For tickets and more info visit www.joburgtheatre.com.
Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat
When: 2 - 22 December Where: The National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg Cost: R80 for floor cushions seats or R100 for chairs Everyone’s favourite cat in the hat comes to mischievous life in this theatrical adaptation of the Dr Seuss classic at the National Children’s Theatre this December! From the moment his tall, red-andwhite-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure, but what will mum find when she gets home? Bring the kids along to see this fun-tastic musical performance. To book contact the theatre Box Office on 011 484 1584/5 or bookings@nctt.org.za.
Peter Pan On Ice
When: 6 December 2019 - 11 January 2020 Where: Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways Cost: R150 – R450 per person. Follow the second star to the right and take a trip to the Teatro at Montecasino this December to see the Imperial Ice Stars perform their brand new show, Peter Pan on Ice! The world’s premier theatrical ice skating company has previously brought us Swan Lake on Ice and Cinderella on Ice. Their family-friendly ice-capades are the perfect way to have some fun and escape the stress of the festive season. Book your tickets online via Computicket.
If you would like your event featured in our February 2020 Events Diary send your event information along with an image to sarah@mumsmail.com before 15 January 2020. (Events will be published space permitting and at the editor’s discretion)
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