Mum's Mail Johannesburg - February 2019

mum’s m@il Life’s Little Toolbox

Issue 18 • Johannesburg - East Rand • February 2019

Meet our cover star Jorge Zwennis

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In this issue...

Happy New Year!

Even though we are now in February…..

in a box! I had one friend whose mum used to buy her all sorts of choccies and cute things for Valentine’s Day and would spoil her rotten – although she was very kind and would share them with me when I visited. Of course, I loved going to her house….!

I’d like to wish all the best for 2019 to all our loyal readers, supporters and especially our advertisers!

I hope this year is amazing for you and your families.

February is the month of love for some – do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? We don’t really make a big deal of it in our home although I do love the idea of Valentine’s Day and the romance that comes with it – I’m a real softie for things like that.

We have some great articles in this month’s issue but make sure you keep up to date with all our competitions, local events and even more articles by visiting us at www.mumsmail.com, our Facebook page @Mum’s Mail – community for moms Valentine’s Day for me brings back many and dads or by signing up to our fortnightly memories from school where we would buy e-newsletter. huge cards for our secret Valentine’s and fill them with all sorts of poems, rhymes, silly Have a luurvely February. messages, drawings and LOTS of kisses and love hearts! If they were lucky, they might have even received an individual chocolate Victoria xxx Everyday Life

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Read our Editor’s letter, meet our handsome Cover Star, find out how Vuma Fibre can enhance your life, read about Greenstone Shopping Centre’s new green initiative and kids’ competition, plus find Valentine’s crafts and recipes.

Healthy Life/Beautiful Life

9 - 11

Find health and beauty services and advice, plus read about Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month and Pregnancy Awareness Week. We also have a yummy, healthy recipe.

Kids’ Life

WIN

12 - 15

Learn about teaching your child the art of listening, enter to win a Little Tikes toy hamper and read about Moms and Tots Benoni and what they can offer you and your child, and learn about how important reading is to your child’s self-esteem.

The Mum’s Mail Team

Editor: Victoria Arthur • editor@mumsmail.com • 031 - 573 1731 (ext 5) Sub-Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • 072 384 9553 • Enquiries: Natalie Wilcox • 031 - 573 1731 (ext 1) Advertising Sales: Melinda Bromley• melinda@mumsmail.com • 082 320 8223 • Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com • 071 276 0926 • Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com • 083 710 9485 • Designer: Wendy Offer Model: Jorge Zwennis • Photographer: Shoot the Moon, shootthemoonza@gmail.com, 078 099 4372 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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Cover Star

Meet the Cover Star

Our gorgeous cover star this month is Jorge When they are together as a family, they Zwennis who is eight years old. He lives in love swimming at home or going to a movie or out for dinner.

Pretoria with his parents, Bianca and Jarques, and his “We love being Jorge’s (and sister Ava (10).

Ava’s) parents because he has this amazing ability to just “Jorge is the sweetest, brighten your day and he is so kindness little boy. He is affectionate. He is our special always happy and extremely ray of sunshine,” says his proud loving. He is very good at mom. maths and he enjoys judo and chess at school,” says Bianca.

On parenting, Bianca and Jarques had this to say: “You “He has a real passion for can never say I love you enough. animals, especially bugs - he There is no such thing as too can basically tell you anything much love!” about bugs! He also enjoys Scouts a lot.”

We at Mum’s Mail agree, and we wish all According to his mom, he really, really does our readers a Happy Valentine’s Day – don’t not like vegetables and is a very fussy eater. forget to tell your kids how much you love He also daydreams a lot and he adores his them! big sister - they are very good friends!

By Sarah Mackintosh.

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Everyday Life

Vuma Fibre: Best for Everyone and Everything Vuma Fibre gives you a buffer-free online experience with less downtime. This highspeed connection supports a host of new services such as VoIP, which enables you to make calls over the Internet, and the use of home monitoring and CCTV security systems. The introduction of fibre into your home gives you the opportunity to keep your existing telephone number while getting rid of your home line saving you money by cutting your phone bills.

household happy. For all online gamers out there looking to play in real-time on a low latency connection, then a line speed of 100Mbps would be most ideal for you. If you are looking to launch your home into the future with tech-savvy smart devices that remind you to top up your milk and security systems that enable you to always stay in touch with those at home, then line speeds from 200Mbps to 1Gbps would be the best fit for your home.

If you enjoy online shopping, ordering your favourite UberEats meal from the comfort of your home or Skyping your loved ones abroad, then a line speed of 20Mbps would be the best fit for you. Should you be a family that enjoys streaming HD movies across multiple smart devices, with children focused on doing research and completing homework, then a line speed of 50Mbps would be most suitable for keeping your

With that being said, you could be connected to uncapped high-speed fibre broadband from as little as R443* on a month-to-month plan, giving you the flexibility of upgrading your line speed as your internet needs change. *Standard Terms & Conditions Apply For more information, contact 086 100 8862, info@vumatel.co.za or visit www.shop.vumatel.co.za.

Going Green with Greenstone Shopping Centre Greenstone Shopping Centre is putting out the call to little artists to not only save our planet but to also create beautiful designs from waste items. Collect, build and stand to WIN a R5000 voucher and a prize for your school in a schools recycling project.

holiday programme from 15 March to 2 April where you will be able to show your artsy side at their recycling workshops.

In a bid to join the worldwide call to reduce, reuse and recycle, Greenstone Shopping Centre will be highlighting and participating in green initiatives to bring attention to this very important campaign. This joint partnership with stores and the community will bring attention to sustainable living and wellness for healthy living, eco-friendly choices and financial wellness.

Create an art piece or reusable homemade item from any ‘trash’ item (milk bottles, toilet paper holders, cereal boxes etc.), label and drop off at the lower info kiosk on or before 15 March to be entered. Get your school and fellow class mates to join in and your school could also win a prize. These will be displayed in a schools art exhibition from They call on everyone to join in on the 15 March to 2 April where shoppers will be various themes throughout the year and asked to vote for the best item. beyond!

For more crafty fun, join in the craft making at Greenstone Shopping Centre’s school www.mumsmail.com

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For more information visit www.greenstoneshoppingcentre.co.za.

Everyday Life

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Everyday Life

Easy Love Treats and Crafts

Here are some easy Valentine’s treats and crafts to make this February – whether you are making for a party, your class, a special treat for your mom and dad, or a special someone.

Sweetie Pie for your darling

I Love You This Much Card

• 10 Sweetie Pies • Small piece of milk chocolate • Sugar roses and leaves • Sugar hearts, various sizes • Edible glitter (optional)

Trace your child’s hand, then cut out two copies. My paper was double sided so I made sure that when the thumbs match up – the yellow side would be inside, and the blue side would be outside. Cut out a strip of paper and fold it accordion style. Use letter Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring rub-ons or stickers to add the words “I Love often. Use melted chocolate to stick sugar You” on the outside, and “This Much” on the roses and hearts to the Sweetie Pies. strip of paper.

Leave them to stand while the chocolate sets Glue the ends of your accordion strip on the and then sprinkle over some edible glitter. A insides of the hands and your card is done. decorated Sweetie Pie in a lovely container makes a lovely gift for your darling!

Source: www.tiffkeetch.blogspot.com.

Tip: If you can’t get Sweetie Pies, use a chocolate-coated biscuit or small chocolate cupcake or muffin.

Source: Easy Party Treats for Children by Janette Mocke.

Valentine’s Day Fingerprint Frame

Chocolate Strawberries Melt milk chocolate in the microwave, stirring often. Dip whole strawberries in melted chocolate, and lay on some wax paper until the chocolate hardens. You could add red/pink/white sprinkles if desired.

Refrigerate and serve as a delicious treat!

Source: Easy Party Treats for Children by Janette Mocke. www.mumsmail.com

• Acrylic paints (various shades of red, white and pink) • Unfinished wooden frame • Your finger • Mod Podge to seal All you do to create this fun work of art is dip your finger in each colour of paint and dot it onto the frame. When all the wood is covered, let it dry. Then add a coat of Mod Podge to seal it. All that’s left is to add a photo of yourself or child!

Source: www.amylattacreations.com.

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Healthy Life/Beautiful Life DO YOU SUFFER FROM

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Healthy Life/Beautiful Life

Dr Des@Home: Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month

With the New Year comes New Year’s resolutions. We all have been there and done that, but not all of us fit the healthy t-shirt! It is very important to have a balanced approach – physically and mentally – to a healthy lifestyle that will last. Here are a few tips to help: An apple a day can keeps the doctor away!

• Choose foods that are low in cholesterol, salt and added sugars. • Children should eat three balanced meals a day, but adults trying to lose weight should cut their carbohydrate intake and try to push breakfast to 11am.

• Avoid rewarding children (and yourself) with sugary snacks.

than 8 units a week becomes risky.

• Acknowledge if you have a drinking problem and seek help! • Drink water until your urine is almost clear.

Fit for life • Physical activities can prevent and reverse heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and depression. • Encourage your children to get moving!

Don’t ignore your poor mental health; it is as bad as a cancer • There is no shame in taking medication for mental illness, do whatever works for you – suicidal thoughts are not normal. • Get enough sleep and make Smoking kills • Get a friend to stop smoking time for family fun. with you and set a date for quitting. • Ask your GP for the 12 week prescription plan to Be good to yourself and your family: Keep the balance and live a healthy life! help you and follow through.

Rethink alcohol

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BBQ Chicken with Peach and Feta Slaw This summery crunch-tastic slaw is guaranteed to find its way into your recipe rotation for the rest of the season.

Using ripe, juicy peaches, it’s the perfect sweet-salty side dish for any number of grilled or smoked proteins.

How to Make It Combine 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add peaches and slaw to vinegar mixture; toss gently to coat.

Ingredients • 5 Tbsp olive oil, divided • 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided • 3/8 tsp kosher salt, divided • 1 ½ cups sliced fresh peaches (about 2 medium) • 350ml broccoli or cabbage slaw • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut crosswise into strips • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled • 2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled www.mumsmail.com

Sprinkle chicken evenly with remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook for six minutes or until done. Place chicken in a large bowl. Add barbecue sauce to bowl and toss.

Divide slaw mixture evenly among 4 plates; top evenly with chicken strips. Sprinkle with chives, feta, and bacon.

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Source: www.myrecipes.com.

Healthy Life/Beautiful Life

Pregnancy Awareness Week

Pregnancy Awareness Week is from 12 to 16 February. The Department of Health uses Pregnancy Awareness Week to strengthen pregnancy education and stress important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. The government suggests that pregnant women should start receiving antenatal care as soon as they confirm they are pregnant – within the first trimester.

The reason antenatal care is important is because it provides the following benefits: • The opportunity to treat existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy like diabetes, hypertension, anaemia and infections.

• Free testing and voluntary counselling for HIV. • Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post-delivery.

• Preparation for birth and readiness for complications.

• Self-care which includes nutrition and high standard of hygiene.

• Information on the father’s role and the family’s as well.

Pregnancy Awareness Week also gives importance to the rights of pregnant women which include the following: • The right of a woman to choose her companion for providing support during pregnancy and childbirth. The companion will also accompany her to the antenatal care clinic as well as during labour.

• The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality.

• The right of the woman to ask questions and to get the right explanation regarding her condition.

The main goal of the event is to spread important information regarding pregnancy including tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy, how to prevent complications and more. Anyone can help raise awareness – even a simple post or tweet on social media can help.

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Kids’ Life

The Art of Listening If you had to ask your child to brainstorm ‘how to listen’ - what would he say? Or more importantly, what would YOU say? Listening is in fact not as simple as you think. It is a complex and intricate skill that needs to be taught to an individual and practised.

Four secrets to listening The sooner your child can master these skills the better.

1. Stop Whenever your child hears a voice directed at him, he needs to STOP. Stop talking. Stop picking his nose. Stop hitting his brother.

Stop playing. This is not as simple as it sounds, especially in our day where one is so technologically consumed. You will need to practice this seemingly simple action at home, over and over again, until it has been mastered.

Critical vs non-critical information You need to first pose the following question to your child; ‘Do you think everything you hear is important?’ If he says yes, then you need to explain to him that if he had to listen to everything his poor brain would explode.

It is important to explain to your child that only some information is critical. Many kids aged around 7 and 8 have no idea what 2. Look information is critical and what information Once he has mastered the art of freezing, is non-critical. he needs to LOOK. Look at the owner of the voice. A person who lip reads can ‘listen’ At home, you could play a game and present purely by studying lip movement. Looking your child with different sets of information will also help the individual gauge the and ask him if he thinks it is critical or nonemotion of the speaker. critical.

E.g. Mum went to the flower shop this 3. Think morning and brought a rose bush (this is Once having STOPPED, LOOKED and studied non-critical. It is kind to listen but it won’t the speaker’s lips, they must use their grey make a difference if he heard it or not). matter. They need to first process what has Your friend gives you directions to his house been uttered. Secondly they need to decide (this is obviously very critical. If you did not what words in the information are critical listen you would get lost). and thirdly they need to take action.

Dad has an itchy bum (kids love toilet 4. Doodle/note taking humour so the odd one like this would keep The definition of doodle is to ‘scribble a potentially boring game interesting). absent-mindedly’. If your child can learn to scribble ‘present-mindedly’ in the classroom You also need to ask yourself are you from an early age, it will result in genius. sifting through the critical and non-critical Your child will need a deep and thorough information that is thrown at you. If you are understanding of how to extract CRITICAL stressed and overwhelmed, then you are information only. Does your child know that probably not.

NOT all information is IMPORTANT? Does

By Kath Denholm, Little Genius, he know how to discern what information is kath@geniusseries.com. important and what information is not? www.mumsmail.com

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Kids’ Life

Little Tikes Toy Range Encourages Play and Movement

Little Tikes is a range of toys for indoor and outdoor play that will entertain your child while helping them to develop their mind and imagination. The toys encourage discovery and learning through active, creative and social play and provide hours of fun.

They’re fun, engaging and for the parent’s peace of mind, tough!” says Chiquita Patrizi of Prima Toys.

The products are available at toy stores countrywide.

The products are created for babies and toddlers, as well as older children, with a focus on interaction, movement and learning. From outdoor sets to role-playing toys, the products encourage children to play, push, pull, bounce and more. The toys have been designed especially for little hands and are tough enough to endure being chewed, hit and thrown about.

For more information visit www.primatoys.co.za.

“Toddlers and children have been enjoying Little Tikes toys for many years. The range includes musical instruments, pull along toys, stacking toys, bath toys and more.

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has a Little Tikes Hamper valued at R1200 to giveaway! Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

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Handy, practical size – that’s so it fits into Mom’s handbag and Dad’s cubbyhole for any emergency.

Rates start from less than R10 a day – that’s less than a cappuccino from your fave coffee shop.

Over 400 satisfied advertisers every month – wow, so many happy campers, don’t you want to join the club too?

Exceptional shelf life – our mag won’t end up at the bottom of the parrot’s cage unlike some other print media.

The most comprehensive and established free guide for the whole family (est. 2003) – the best things in life are freeeeeeeee!

• Extensive, targeted distribution to LSM 7 – 10 – yes we’re choosy as to who gets their hands on our fab mag.

• 72 000 magazines printed monthly (35 000 for Durban, 22 000 for PMB/Midlands & 15 000 for JHB East Rand) – that’s a huuuge print run, like really massive.

• Free design of your advert – so many free things, yay!

• Free full colour – but wait, there’s more…

• Opportunities to do competitions/give aways for extra exposure – at no extra cost!

• Printed and online advertising options, as well as a weekly e-mail newsletter – so many options…something for everyone.

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082 320 8223 • editor@mumsmail.com 13

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Kids’ Life

Moms and Tots Benoni

Are you looking for something to do with your toddler? Maybe you feel like you don’t want to send them to playgroup so young but do want them to do something with other young ones, for them to socialise.

welcome too. Moms and Tots is just one of the programmes offered by the Moms and Tots Group, which also offers a Moms and Babes programme and a playgroup franchise called Jungle Tots.

Why not join the fun and stimulate the love of learning in them with a weekly class at Moms and Tots Benoni? Over the past 20 years, Moms and Tots has developed a programme for toddlers to enhance coordination and perceptual skills and enrich the mother/toddler relationship. The programme includes songs, rhyme, music making, story time and crafts, as well as various gross motor activities and obstacle courses - not to mention messy play and development of life skills. They offer twohour morning, afternoon and Saturday classes for one to three-year olds. If mom is unable to bring them, dads or grans are

A local speech and hearing therapist who attended the programme with her toddler had the following to say: “This is the best thing I could ever have done. As a firsttime mother I learned SO much from the other moms. The class facilitators are great in helping us to feel comfortable as a mom and to put us to work if our little one was slightly behind. Moms and Babes and then Moms and Tots has been a great investment so far!”

Contact Anna today and book your free trial class at Moms and Tots Benoni: 071 603 6493 or anna@momsandtots.co.za.

Reading is a Critical Component of Creating Self-Esteem The development of a positive self-concept their minds more introspectively. or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and success of Give them many different selections - get kids. your kids to want to read. When a child has the ability to pick and choose what he Reading builds self-esteem because it fosters or she wants to read, this spurs an interest a more proficient reader, thus cultivating a in reading and gives the child motivation to more confident person. You can’t give a read. child self-confidence, they have to learn it.

A good way to gain self-esteem is through If you have a child who is struggling with reading. As your kids read, they become reading at school, make sure that you more proficient and learn valuable lessons give them stories they can be successful from the stories. in reading. This enhances both learning and attitude. If your child struggles with Nurturing your children to enjoy reading is reading, it can be mentally and emotionally an undertaking. One suggestion to help is exhausting. It can affect them in school, in to incorporate reading into their everyday their relationships and with their peers. This routine. After they get settled down for in turn can affect their feelings of self-worth. bed, have your kids read for a minimum of 30 minutes. This could be silent reading, Nurture your children to become successful parents or siblings reading aloud to one readers if you want to help them build selfanother, and/or listening to books on esteem. audio. Reading is a valuable time for your kids to wind down from the day and use Source: Kidsbookclub.co.za. www.mumsmail.com

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Kids’ Life Suitable for toddlers 1 to 3.5 years

Weekly Toddler Stimulation Classes

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How To Train Your Dragon

Alita, Battle Angel

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!

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The Lego Movie

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