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Issue 156 | Pietermaritzburg & Midlands | 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! 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 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! In this issue, you will find a yummy Christmas recipe, holiday activities, health advice, a craft idea and science experiment and 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
CONTENTS
Everyday Life 4 5 6 7
Meet the Cover Stars Tantalising Festive Recipe Original Diamond Dotz® Fun Holiday Activities for Families
Healthy Life/Beautiful Life 10
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Kids’ Life 11 12 13 14 15
Painted Minion Rocks DIY Teacher’s Appreciation Gift Glowing Magic Milk Science Experiment How to Make a Rainbow in a Glass Diary Dates
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The Mum’s Mail Team
Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • Enquiries: 031 - 714 4700
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 from Pietermaritzburg. 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.
Cascades Lifestyle Centre
Festive Fun
Events Calendar
4 - 5 Dec 7 - 11 Dec 29 Nov - 3 Dec
HOM H HO OME OM ALO AL LON L ONe ON
More info: cascadeslifestylecentre.com
6 Dec
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Everyday Life |
Tantalising Festive Recipe Layered Christmas Pasta Salad
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Creamy mustard dressing Add colour and spark to your Christmas feast with this layered • 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup traditional mayonnaise pasta salad recipe. • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped Ingredients • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 3 cups dried elbow pasta • 1 tablespoon wholegrain • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive mustard oil • 4 middle bacon rashers, chopped • 1/2 small red cabbage, chopped • 420g can corn kernels, drained • 2 baby gem lettuces, shredded • 2 large tomatoes, diced • 1 continental cucumber, diced • 3/4 cup grated tasty cheese
To make the creamy mustard dressing: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice and mustard in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Place cabbage over the base of a 5-litre (20-cup-capacity) glass serving bowl. Top with corn, then half of the pasta. Spoon over 3/4 of the dressing. Arrange lettuce over dressing layer. Toss tomato, cucumber and remaining pasta together. Spoon over lettuce. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with bacon, cheese and green onion. Season with pepper. Serve.
Method Cook pasta in a large saucepan 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. Source: www.taste.com.au
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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
USE DISCOUNT CODE MUMSMAIL FOR 15% OFF
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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
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Everyday Life |
Fun Holiday Activities for Families
of it al l T S E B e Enjoy t hheart of Zululand in t he
Here’s a list of our favourite places to visit in the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands areas. Get the kids outdoors and keep them active and entertained!
MUM’S MAIL READERS ONLY
These places are also cool for mom and dad too… The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary in Pietermaritzburg is a safe-haven to the widest selection of indigenous raptors in southern Africa. Aerial predators can be seen in action during interactive, free-flying shows which are conducted daily from an open-air amphitheatre. Shows are at 10.30am from Tuesday to Sunday. Adults: R70, children: R40. Contact: 031 – 785 4382, www.africanraptor.co.za.
vember val id from end No onl y to end December y T & C’s appl
Piggly Wiggly Country Village in the heart of the KZN Midlands offers a wide range of activities for families. The kids can enjoy a steam train ride or a round of putt-putt. There is a Candle Dipping Shop where children of all ages can decorate their candles and a restaurant to feed the hungry tummies. Contact: 033 - 2342 911, www.pigglywiggly.co.za.
Book a 2 night stay on Bed & Breakfast and receive the 3rd night ABSOLUTELY FREE. Also receive one complimentary Cat tour Total value of special: R1050 per person
Emdoneni Lodge offer a balance of sophistication and comfort in stylish en-suite rooms with air-conditioners, ceiling fans, fresh coffee and outside patios. Rejuvenate your senses and relax at the Emdoneni Spa.
The Mandela Capture Site along the Midlands Meander offers an educational experience. You can learn how Mandela was captured and then have a bite to eat at Truth Café. Cost: R20 for adults and R15 for children. Visit www.thecapturesite.co.za. Make the most of the holidays and take the kids to the exciting KwaZulu-Natal Museum - where there is ALWAYS something new to see! KZN Museum ranks among the top National Museums in South Africa, a cultural and natural history museum renowned for its unique collections. Visit www.nmsa.org.za.
Global Winner/Lodge Category/Luxury Awards 2016 - 2019 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame 2014 – 2019 Africa & Middle East Awards 2015 - 2019 Tel: 035 562 7000/7001 • 082 713 3686 Fax: 035 562 7001/086 503 0739 info@emdonenilodge.com • www.emdonenilodge.com
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| Healthy Life/Beautiful Life
“Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live in.” - Jim Rohn Les Femmes Lingerie of Park Lane
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Healthy Life/Beautiful Life |
Shop 115, Liberty Mall Entrance 1 (Game Entrance) Tel: 033 342 2114 Head Office: 033 387 2411 Mobile/WhatsApp: 064 786 7868 / 082 619 0007 Web: www.blingcreations.co.za
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| Healthy Life/Beautiful 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.
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
Step 4: Use a black marker for the mouth and glasses frames.
Source: Directions: www.thebestideasforkids.com. 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 Teaching Music, Understanding Children buy a bag of polished rocks. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR YOUR CHILD? FACT: • Language • Self expression One of the • Listening • Memory skills • Fine motor only activities skills • Concentration • Social interaction that activates, • Emotional development • Confidence stimulates & uses • Co-ordination • Music playing the entire brain is • Family involvement MUSIC!
Step 2: Paint the overalls. You will need three coats of paint. Step 3: Paint the rest of the Minions using your yellow paint.
18 MONTHS - 9 YEARS Jane Terblanche 082 788 8231 • HILTON janeT@L2B.co.za • www.musikgarten.co.za
GO far wiTH KiP mCGraTH
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| Kids’ Life
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
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A digitally enabled learning environment that is academically focused, with over 30 sporting and cultural activities, and which offers boarding facilities. Applications for Grade 8 in 2021 open in January 2020. 186 Alexandra Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 Tel: 033 386 9271 or Fax: 033 386 9273 Email: admissions@ghspmb.co.za Web: www.ghspmb.co.za
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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 |
Glowing Magic Milk Science Experiment
Supplies: • Milk • Fluorescent paint or fluorescent watercolours • Squeezy bottles (eye droppers or pipettes may be substituted) • Dish soap • Cotton bud, toothpick or craft stick • Black light
then they slowly creep back to the centre of the container. It is so cool to watch! You can also do this with food colouring instead of fluorescent paint, and then you don’t need the black light.
Directions: Source: www.learnplayimagine.com. Fill a container/bowl with just enough milk to cover the bottom. Fill the squeezy bottles with Akeso Pietermaritzburg fluorescent watercolours or with watered-down florescent paint. The traditional experiment is done offers inpatient treatment for: with food colouring, so you want that consistency. • Depression Instruct kids to squirt paint around the perimeter of • Bipolar Mood Disorder • Dual Diagnoses the container. Dab a cotton bud in dish soap and • Adolescence Disorders touch the centre of the container with the cotton • Anxiety Disorders • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders bud. • Post Natal Depression • Mental Health Issues Related to Ageing
The colours immediately jump away from the cotton bud.
033 346 0065 www.akeso.co.za
For a short while the colours almost disappear,
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| Kids’ Life/Educated Life
How to Make a Rainbow in a Glass
What You Need: • Sugar • Water • Tablespoon slowly over the back of the spoon. If you do this • Food colouring • 5 Glasses or clear plastic cups right, you won’t disturb the blue solution much at all. Add green solution until the glass is about half The Process: Line up five glasses. Add full. Now layer the yellow solution above the green 1 tablespoon of sugar to the first glass, 2 liquid, using the back of the spoon. Fill the glass tablespoons of sugar to the second glass, 3 to three-quarters full. Finally, layer the red solution tablespoons of sugar to the third glass, and 4 above the yellow liquid. Fill the glass the rest of tablespoons of sugar to the fourth glass. The the way. fifth glass remains empty. Add 3 tablespoons Source: www.thoughtco.com. of water to each of the first 4 glasses. Stir each solution. If the sugar does not dissolve in any of Book & Pay the four glasses, then add one more tablespoon ONLINE! of water to each of the four glasses. Add 2-3 drops of red food colouring to the first glass, yellow food colouring to the second glass, green food colouring to the third glass, and blue food LEARN TO SWIM colouring to the fourth glass. Stir each solution. LESSONS Now let’s make a rainbow using the different For all ages & abilities • Heated pools density solutions. Fill the last glass about oneWidest range of jumping castles • Showers/change rooms for hire in the KZN, greater fourth full of the blue sugar solution. Carefully layer • Enclosed parking Durban & Midlands areas! • Tuck shop some green sugar solution above the blue liquid. • Safe, park-like surroundings us on: 072 065 2749 Do this by putting a spoon in the glass, just above WhatsApp ODETTE 082 466 8577 bookings@jollyjumpers.co.za www.sealsswimmingclub.com the blue layer, and pouring the green solution www.jollyjumpers.co.za
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Happy Spring!
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Diary Dates |
Exciting Events Coming Your Way Christmas Spectacular
When: 13 December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Where: Urban Light Church, 3 Wiganthorpe Road, Willowton, Pietermaritzburg Cost: FREE A Christmas extravaganza for the whole family! Urban Light Church hosts a festive and fabulous Christmas Spectacular show. It’s something special for the whole family, for friends and for the city! This highly entertaining audio visual experience is produced and directed by Urban Light Church with scripting from Hillsong Church. Space is limited and prior booking is required at www.quicket.co.za.
Jesse Clegg at Caversham Mill
When: 6 – 7 December @ 8pm Where: Caversham Mill, C5 Caversham Mill, Caversham Road, Lidgetton, KZN Cost: R150pp To book tickets call 033 234 4524.
Artisan Cafe Ladies Night Christmas
When: 11 December @ 6.30pm Where: Artisan Café, Hilton Enjoy a Ladies Night Christmas at Artisan Café. There will be prizes for the best dressed mad bottles of bubbly for every table of 4 ladies, plus 10% off your bill. To book call 033 343 109.
Christmas Lunch at ANEW Hotel Hilton
When: 25 December @ 12.30pm – 3pm Where: ANEW Hotel Hilton, 1 Hilton Ave, Hilton Cost: R450pp Join in for an all you can eat Christmas buffet at ANEW Hotel Hilton. With a dedicated play area and big screen movies, you can enjoy the day with the whole family while the kids are entertained. For bookings contact 033 343 3311 or hiltonban@anewhotels.co.za.
80’s themed New Year’s
When: 31 December from 6pm Where: ANEW Hotel Hilton, 1 Hilton Ave, Hilton Cost: R350pp Celebrate like it’s 1980 with a delicious dinner, followed by an evening filled with the Macarena, the sprinkler and of course the robot. Bring the whole family and allow the professional child minders to look after the kids while you boogie down memory lane. To book contact 033 343 3311 or hiltonban@anewhotels.co.za. 15
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