Life in Balance issue 3

life in balance

your monthly green solution to natural & eco-friendly living your free copy

ISSUE 3 Fe br u a r y/ M a rc h 09

02

news & innovations gl a ss recycl i ng , bo t t l ed sunshi ne, a f r i ca bur n fest i va l

04

design & living eco a rchi tects, so l a r f r i dges, bi of i res, f i re l a nter ns

06

travel st a r ga zi ng i n Sut her l a nd, bi cycl e t ra i l s wi t h hea r t

08

food & drink GM fo o d l a bel l i ng , sa l t secrets, tequi l a fa nt a st i ca , tea

10

weddings speci a l fea t ure. sayi ng ‘I do ’ di f ferent l y

12

beauty & wellness l ovel y t rea ts, hem p bed-l i nen, vi si o n quest i ng

14

art, books, dvds glass art, Sonya Choquette revi ews a nd g i ve-away

This issue proudly sponsored by

02 news

welcome

The Life in Balance team made its daytime television debut on Lunch Box on SABC3 – with the launch of our ecodiary. That brought a certain amount of fire to my belly – the fire of nerves and fear, which got me thinking about the fire that inspires, ignites and once started can reduce old paradigms to ash. This is what we want to do through our paper – we want to question the old ways and create opportunities for a new way of living in the 21st Century. Read about interesting innovations in solar light design, carbon neutral heating and business opportunities for glass recycling. Take a journey to the stars without leaving the planet and enjoy the wedding special feature. ‘Live life presently’ is the new catch-phrase and it is a direct call to increase our awareness in a way never before considered. There is no past and no future, just NOW – and not in the colloquial South African sense – rather the now you occupy... make it count, do what you can and keep that fire of your spirit alive through whatever brings you joy – but harm none. Write to us and let us know your stories – your ideas and what you wish to see change in this new year. Enjoy. melissa@lifeinbalance.co.za

our contributors Judy Bekker, a facilitator for the last 25 years specialising in leadership development, personal mastery, communication, relationship building and rites-of-passage.

letters

The letters of appreciation and thanks keep on rolling in – see what our readers had to say about the last issue.

talking garbage

Christine Wessels of RSG radio will interview me about Soekershof. She discovered us in Life in Balance. THANK YOU! There were also follow up interviews; one in EcoForum and one in Bon Voyage.

Yvonne de Wit of Soekershof Private Maze and Gardens shared some good news after our editorial in the last issue.

After reading about the most fabulous succulent garden in the world we went there yesterday and it is! If you have not been you really should do yourself a favour.

Nan Hamilton, Cape Town I am looking forward to receiving your next issue... great stuff and keep it up... we all need to spread the news and make this world a better place!

Justine Barnes, Cape Town News from Robertson Soekershof Private Mazes & Gardens has opened a unique online shop. Visit www.soekershofshop.wordpress.com for a selection of cactus, succulent and tree seeds, custom furniture, wire-art, plant hangers, and a stylish butterfly or bird canvas and wire parasol you can paint yourself.

andy horn Out of a life-long concern for the rapidly degrading natural environment and widening social inequalities, he wrote a “Manifesto for Green Architecture - 6 broad based principles.”

His work has won a number of awards.

The business of glass recycling

by Michele Beatham

My first real awareness of recycling and the need to protect our earth’s resources was probably when the brightly coloured, domed glass banks started appearing at strategic points throughout the city.

We’ve come a long way since then. The Glass Recycling Company, a non-profit organisation established in 2006, is working tirelessly to distribute more and more banks throughout the country (currently numbering around 550) and establish entrepreneurs who will purchase waste glass from the collectors. There are 312 on the list so far, over 80% of whom are historically disadvantaged individuals.

Glass is decorative and functional and is

Genna Marie a fan of yoga and the arts delves into the succulent heart of the fiery spirit of tequila.

Linda Castle is a mother, farmer, writer, sustainability consultant, herbalist and on a mission to save the land she loves so much.

Laura Twiggs, our arts contributor, is an award-winning writer who is based in Cape Town’s city bowl.

Publisher: Michael Beatham 021 702 7640 michael@lifeinbalance.co.za Editor: Melissa Baird 021 702 7650 melissa@lifeinbalance.co.za

PRODUCTS EXHIBITION 2009

see you next year...

26 – 28 June 2009

For further information: visit www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za

The Coca Cola Dome Johannesburg

Assistant Editor and subscriptions: Michele Beatham 076 270 6658 michele@lifeinbalance.co.za Art director: Elinore de Lisle elinore@iafrica.com

big thought for the month...

Marketing, advertising and distribution: Nicky Barber 021 702 7650 nicky@lifeinbalance.co.za Production manager: Janine Weaver 021 702 7642 Printing: Paarl Print We believe that deciding to be actively involved in South Africa’s original green industry event is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself, for your business and for tomorrow.

Distribution partners: Osumo, Naartjie, Wellness Warehouse, Ethical Co-Op, Bryanston Organic Market, Peri Deli, Ubuntu Wellness centre

The Natural & Organic Products Exhibition provides the widest range of natural, organic products, services, information and practical advice for all your lifestyle, health and green business requirements! Dont miss it!

Be part of the green revolution, please call SE Shows & Events for more information: 021 671 0935

www.naturalandorganic.co.za

“We can discover meaning in life in three different ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering.”

Viktor Frankl – holocaust survivor, creator of Logotherapy and author of Man’s Search for Meaning

good for you, good for business, good for tomorrow

© Life in Balance is published 11 times a year by Green Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Miltons Way, 11 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, 7945 Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 702 7640 Fax: 021 702 7657 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publishers is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at time of going to press, but subject to change. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials. It is assumed that any images taken from sources which are widely distributed, such as on the Internet, are in the public domain.

However, since such images are passed freely between sources such as websites, the original source is not always possible to trace. It is possible that copyrighted material has ended up being treated as public domain as a result.

If you see a graphic or image in this publication which is not public domain please contact Green Publishing.

100% recyclable. Despite this, only 204 685 tons of all containers produced annually are retrieved for recycling, with more than 550 000 tons ending up in landfills. The recovery of glass has increased by 38% in the last two years so progress is being made.

Recycling glass is easy. It does not require washing or removal of corks, lids or labels.

Neither does different coloured glass need separating. Just collect your waste glass into a sturdy container and drop it off at your local glass bank. Make it a part of your routine by combining it with other trips in the same area.

Bear in mind that not all glass is able to be recycled. Light bulbs, crockery, cookware such as Pyrex, plate glass, laboratory glass and windshields should not be recycled.

Computer and television screens should be included in e-waste.

South Africa is geographically widespread and transporting glass to Gauteng and Cape Town is expensive. Even so, The Glass Recycling Company has big plans to increase its presence during 2009, including venturing into the more remote parts of the country, with a more aggressive awareness campaign.

Research shows that children’s value systems are formed between ages seven and ten and stays with them for life. With this in mind, capturing their hearts and minds is a priority. We owe it to our children to support these efforts, which will pay off in this generation, as well as those to come.

PRODUCTS EXHIBITION 2009

Subscribe, it’s free! email michele@lifeinbalance.co.za.

For distribution please contact nicky@lifeinbalance.co.za

global environment 03

innovations & news

Corporate heroes in training

We like to keep an eye on the big brands starting to do their bit for making the change towards business with ethical considerations firmly in place. These are a few that have taken our fancy.

Bottling the sun

Collecting sunshine is no longer outside the realms of possibility. The Sun Jar (right), based on an original design by Tobias Wong and made with a traditional Mason jar and high tech energy efficient lighting, does just that. Inside the jar you’ll find a highly efficient solar cell, rechargeable battery and low energy LED lamps. When placed in sunlight the solar cell creates an electrical current that charges the battery over a few hours. This energy powers the three LED lamps inside the jar at night. Each jar offers the equivalent brightness of a candle.

Available from www.thegreenshop.co.za

Kulula our tax avenger

Life in Balance is questioning our political parties environmental policies which we will report back on in the next issue. In the meantime we could not help but notice that Kulula is taking a stand for the way in which our tax money is spent.

See www.don’twastemytaxes.com and have your say before election day!

Green Washers beware

Planet-friendly phone

Motorola unveiled the world’s first mobile phone using recycled water bottle plastic at the 2009 International CES in Las Vegas. The MOTO W233 Renew delivers the quality you expect while empowering you to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only is the plastic housing made from recycled plastic bottles, it is 100% recyclable and is the world’s first carbon neutral phone.

Through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, Motorola offsets the carbon dioxide required to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone through investments in renewable energy sources and reforestation.

The phone has earned Carbonfund.org’s CarbonFree® Product Certification after

an extensive product life-cycle assessment.

Packaging was reduced by 22% while the box and inside materials are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

We look forward to seeing its South African release. www.motorola.com

can be moulded at a rate of about one every 45 seconds. A couple of brick makers and a little effort during summer could well take care of all one’s winter firewood needs! www.newdawnengineering.com

From paper to fire

New Dawn Engineering, based in Matswapa, Swaziland, has developed a fabulous way to re-use waste paper and cardboard.

Their Paper Brick maker uses recycled paper material to make combustible bricks for use in place of firewood. Paper alone is sufficient but it can be mixed with many combustible fuels like wood chips, grass or coal dust to increase efficiency. The bricks

afrikaburn A radical festival of self expression. By Monique Schiess

This unique festival embraces and aims to embody the principles that have guided Burning Man in the USA. The gathering grew out of the actions of a loose grouping of individuals and organisations who questioned, and continue to question, mainstream, highly commercialized consumerist society and what it does to the notion and workings of community.

The ten principles that guide the event are as follows: communal effort, participation, civic responsibility, immediacy, decommodification, gifting, radical inclusion, radical self-expression, radical self-reliance and to leave no trace.

The burning of the San Clan central effigy on the Saturday is a symbolic moment and operates on the ritualistic or experiential level. Burning is not a negative thing. The fire in this context is cathartic, not plainly destructive and reminds us of cycles and the potential to transform. By building a large scale sculpture and then burning it, represents a first move away from materialism. It also represents a symbolic deconstructing of the norm, reenforcing the transient nature of things. It is also beautiful, inspiring, exciting and fun, a total celebration and that is important.

AfrikaBurn happens from Wednesday 9 - Sunday 13 September 2009 in the Tankwa Karoo. Tickets will be available from 1 March 2009 though www.afrikaburns.com

We will be keeping an eye on the green bandwagon to note who is taking up the ‘green’ cause but duping the consumer. To begin with read your labels very carefully.

An example: a 5% organic cotton count in a t-shirt does not make it “organic”. Please keep us posted of any dodgy labels or products you come across.

landfill power

Most of us are aware of the bad and the ugly of landfills and while, hopefully, more and more are embracing the three Rs – reduce, re-use, recycle – to curtail the growth of these ever-increasing noxious hazards, it seems we may soon witness at least some good.

Durban (in 2007) and Johannesburg (in 2008) embarked on their first landfillgas-to-energy projects, which will eventually convert landfill gas to electricity and produce enough electricity for thousands of homes and generate carbon credits for trading.

What this ultimately means is that millions of cubic metres of highly toxic greenhouse gasses, will be converted into clean electricity. Gas can be harvested from operational landfills and for up to 50 years after they’re closed.

As South Africa is the 14th highest polluter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, and with our energy resources severely stretched, these developments are welcome news.

04 design

sunshine in a bucket solar cooling Emily Cummins is 21 years old and a budding entrepreneur, who has already won numerous awards for her designs and inventions. Her latest creation is a portable solar-powered refrigerator based on the principles of evaporation and uses a combination of conduction and convection. It requires no electricity and can be made from materials such as cardboard, sand and recycled metal.

After research showed that a refrigerator is the one appliance people did not want to do without, she decided to develop a sustainable prototype. She spent five months in Africa testing her refrigerator, which is ideal for developing nations and communities where energy and resources are limited. Emily is now in the process of designing a second generation refrigerator that will be more efficient and cool to constant temperatures lower than 6°C. www.emilycummins.co.uk

Recent load shedding forced most South Africans to focus on the need to save energy and consider alternative sources. Although new technology has driven the development of many products, sometimes the simplest ideas lead to innovative, low-cost solutions.

Inspired by the age-old tradition of collecting potable water at wells with buckets, Italian designer Stefano Merlo’s Energy Bucket collects sunshine. Photovoltaic panels collect energy during the day and to power LEDs encased in the bucket’s housing; perfect for providing light, atmosphere and a talking point at alfresco dining after dark.

Unfortunately, it is still a prototype, but Stefano invites anyone interested in developing it to contact him via his website www.stefanomerlo.com

BioFires BioFires are a revolutionary concept in home décor, elegantly designed to bring the element of fire into modern living. Place your BioFire in the bedroom or bathroom for a warm, romantic feel; on the dining table as a centrepiece or on the patio to take the chill out of cool evenings.

BioFires produces a clean burning and warm fire for your home using an environmentally-friendly liquid BioFuel made from sugarcane.

Life in Balance readers will get a 10% discount on any BioFires ordered by using the voucher code “balance” when ordering online. Visit www.biofires.co.za or call 021 852 8514

We have kits up f2 BioFires or grabs Questio n: What ! is Bio fr

Fuel ma om? Em de ail your answer, name & s urname nicky@li to feinbala ‘Biofires nce.co.z giveawa a with y’ in the subject line.

build green Interview with Andy Horn of ECO DESIGN ARCHITECTS What is a green building?

There are many shades of green, which depend on the client, architect and builder’s commitment to green as well as their budget and time constraints. Green building is not a style, trend or a vernacular and neither is it new. It is a climactically, geographically and culturally appropriate way of building, combining the best of old and new technology. At its core is respect and caring for the earth.

When renovating a home to include green features, would you start with a grey water system in your bathroom, and then move to solar panelling?

All depends on your particular context, budget and what you are seeking to achieve, so there is no easy answer.

Firstly do an energy, water and waste audit

so as to better understand what the biggest culprits are. Then look at what things are likely to need maintenance over the years and plan accordingly.

A great start to water and energy saving would be to change that rain showerhead for a good quality water efficient one (some actually give really good showers!). Retro-fit your toilet with a multi-flushing device or divert your rainwater to your swimming pool. Change things gradually as maintenance is needed in any case. For example, when repairing floors or repainting walls, switch to non-toxic paints and eco friendly finishes. When changing a light bulb, fit a low energy type, etc.

The main consumer of electricity in any house is typically the geyser. So start with a geyser blanket and a timer. Solar water heating panels are more costly and generally take about five to seven years to pay off.

So before making the leap to solar heating check what kind of geyser you have first. If it’s getting old, then rather wait until its time to replace it, when your household insurance will pay for a replacement. Many geysers are

through a glass less darkly The use of glass for architectural purposes such as keeping out the elements or allowing light into buildings dates to around 29BC and is now indispensable in various applications, including its original purpose.

Unfortunately, unlike glass jars and bottles, the chemical composition of architectural glass prohibits recycling by standard methods, viz. melting and reforming. Some is ground up to form aggregate for roads or pathways, but as this has not been widely embraced in South Africa, most is still destined for landfill sites. Stepping up to the mark, we find C. E. Designs and Westcoast Glass that have come up with another solution.

They save as much as possible by cutting and reworking glass off-cuts and waste into something smaller, decorative and most importantly useful. The result is a range of unique and attractive products including tile splash backs in kitchens, edge trimming for swimming pools, glass coasters and glass or mirror mosaic tiles.

For more information contact Geoff at 021 556 4934 or email geopol@telkomsa.net

mulberry stars

Sky lanterns originated during the Three Kingdoms Period (220AD-280AD). The Ancient Chinese released lit paper lanterns into the sky as military communication.

Today The Chinese and Taiwanese release them during the Sky-Lantern Festival to bestow wishes upon themselves, friends and relatives. Their wishes are written on the outside of the paper lanterns. These lanterns are taking the world by storm and Lanterns 4 Africa in Gauteng offer gorgeous ones made of bio-degradable mulberry paper. Standing 80cm tall, they take less than a minute to fill not compatible with solar heating panels as they only have two inlet points for the pipe work. A solar geyser needs four pipe work inlets. So if you are buying a new geyser be sure to get one that is compatible with solar water heating panels and that it is positioned in a configuration that will most suit a future installation.

Grey water is more complicated. The solutions are very specific to the size and layout of the house and garden as well as its

up with air before they can be released into the night sky. Reaching heights of up to 500m and taking between two and five minutes before they burn out and gently return to the earth, they’ll enchant guests at any event.

Visit www.skylanterns.co.za or call 012 207 1884

slope and soil type. If you are happy to simply water your garden with simple sub-surface soak pit systems, then that can be constructed very inexpensively. If you want to be able to use the grey water in a drip irrigation system or to flush your toilets and do your laundry with, you would probably end up spending a large amount on filters and pumps.

What are your biggest challenges as a green architect?

To get clients and builders to go all the way.

Andy’s vision for the future To work in multi-disciplinary design teams that help transform our existing and newly built environment into more integrated settlements and eco villages that reinforce the cohesion of community and combine all life support systems of clean energy, water, food, air and soil.

For full version of the green building manifesto visit www.ecodesignarchitects.co.za or email: info@ecodesignarchitects.co.za

advertorial 05

ProNature

Truly eco-friendly wall paints, wood and stone finishes In a world where synthetic- and petroleumbased lacquers, laminates, paints and thinners are everyday solutions to our ever-changing environment, ProNature provides a real

alternative - A range of entirely natural sealants and treatments for many interior and exterior paint applications. Paints and other decorative finishes made from natural raw

materials are aimed at the market as direct replacement for today‘s conventional paints manufactured from petrochemicals.

The specially formulated and researched ProNature products offer the purest, environ-mentally sound alternatives to treating, waterproofing and maintaining wood and mineral surfaces. ProNature has been producing the only locally manufactured range of 100% natural paints and finishes in South Africa for more than a decade now.

For reasons of environmental safeness and ease of restoration, surfaces like wooden floors should not be “sealed”. Even though the hardness of two component synthetic coatings can not be achieved with natural coatings, synthetic coatings are also not entirely safe from scratching and wear and can only be repaired by complete removal and recoating. This is never the case with ProNature’s natural coatings and treatments because they are absorbed by wood and stone, thereby nourishing and protecting from the inside out rather than by sealing off the surface. Maintenance or repairs are simply done by applying a fresh layer of ProNature natural coatings.

ProNature coatings and treatments have the added advantage not to contain any ingredients, which could cause harmful emissions, like formaldehyde or aromatic solvents.

Natural solvents, i.e. Orange peel oil and Gum turpentine; Essential oils, i.e.

Eucalyptus oil and Rosemary oil.

The main ingredients for ProNature products are: Plant oils, i.e. Linseed oil, Sunflower Oil, Tung oil, Beeswax and Carnauba wax;

For information on these or other ProNature products, call 0860 105 299, e-mail info@pronature.co.za or visit www.pronature.co.za.

ProNature strives for highest local content in sourcing raw materials, promotes their unique products by providing information and samples to the public and the professions and promotes involvement of urban communities in providing raw materials, i.e. the growing of linseed oil.

The ProNature range amongst many other products comprises of: • ProNature Wall, interior and exterior waterborne natural resin based wall finish • ProNature Floor, for the impregnation and treatment, protection and waterproofing of all wooden floors and staircases. It is also suitable for cork flooring, i.e. tiles etc.

• ProNature Table Top, for table and kitchen tops, bar counters and all other working surfaces to frequent use, contact with water or water-based materials.

• ProNature Outdoor, for all exterior and interior wood, outdoor furnishings, wooden decks and staircases, pergolas, etc.

• ProNature Rock, for the impregnation and sealing of terra cotta tiles, slate, masonry, concrete, face brick and clay and lime plaster.

06 living

in search of the good life – fire break Part 3: By Linda Castle

The last few weeks on the farm have been idyllic, with gorgeous weather, healthy livestock and the vegetable garden promising many yummy meals.

Unfortunately, it is not just us who had been watching the plums become juicy purple orbs, or the sweetcorn swelling into silken green ears. Our resident alpha male baboon who broke away from the main troop with a small following, loves juicy plums, ripening sweetcorn, and carrots that he can pull fresh from the ground, and he will even try a bite of butternut, even though it is still rock hard.

And for dessert, he heads for whatever is left in the poultry feeders, picking up the bowls to lick them clean. We know our vegetables are wonderful, because his coat is all glossy and his eyes shiny bright, giving him away when he tries to hide behind the leaves. He also thinks that if he turns his head away and can’t see you, then how FA can30/9/08 we possibly him?

OSUMO 126 x 182.5 10:28see Page 1

We have also been aided in our harvesting endeavours by our ducks – although they are really only looking for snails you know – and our chickens who love lettuce more than anything else in the world, and our horses who sneak in after the others and finish the rest off. I like to think they are self-medicating on the comfrey and dandelions and other herbs as I watch our crops diminishing in size. We are putting a picket fence around the garden in the next few days.

Besides these ‘vegetable-enemies’ that we fight off, we also have our biggest enemy to deal with at this time of year. Fire! The lands are very dry as we have had very little rain, and the winds are still strong. The slightest spark can become a huge conflagration of destruction as happened in January 2006 when many thousands of hectares were destroyed in a huge fire that swept through the Overberg fynbos, burning half of our farm and going C

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as far as Gansbaai where it destroyed half of the 5-star Grootbos Hotel. Three years on, the fynbos has recovered on most of the land, bar some of the higher areas where the heat of the fire was intense. It is amazing how the bleak and desolate landscape after a fire transforms itself so quickly with new growth.

Many fynbos seeds only germinate after a fire and so species that are seldom seen are suddenly in bloom, along with a myriad of others in a jewel-bright carpet that covers the land for an all too brief time. However fires in close succession are not good for the land as they destroy the newly developed plants before they have a chance to set seed, to say nothing of the crops, livestock and buildings that may have been replaced, and so we watch with eagle eyes for any puff of smoke on the horizon, and develop over-sensitized olfactory nerves to detect the faintest whiff of smoke.

From new growth comes new beginnings and our new year resolution this year is to PRECYCLE. Although we are all (I hope), into the groove of recycling, precycling is a way of making still more of a difference. Before placing that plastic bottle in the recycling bin, consider if it could be refilled – with milk from your local farm shop, or home made soap. Take a walk down your supermarket aisle and consider for a moment the items that you could make yourself, for a fraction of the cost, using wonderful ingredients with not an E-number or a preservative in sight, no extraneous packaging and no food miles to worry about. Think tomato-based pasta sauces, mayonnaise, butter, preserves, washing powder. The list is endless and the savings are huge. Join us in our new year resolution over the course of the next few issues as we look at recipes to use, and different ways to precycle.

For more information contact linda@stanfordvalley.co.za

glass garden Wilma and Rodney, residents of Riviersonderend in the Overberg region have stunned the gardening world with their remarkable creation. They have fashioned flower beds and walkways using glass bottles, and constructed a lapa out of plastic bottle caps and left over water piping. They grow most of their own food and the garden is a haven for many indigenous birds, as well as a pond full of fish. While Wilma was renovating the fish pond the fish had to live inside in their bath.

This was not a problem she laughs, “you just bath in between the fish..”

out it... tell us ab If you have champion stories to share of people making magic out of ‘rubbish’ then please write to us so we can share the stories with all our readers.

K

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travel 07

the cycle of rural life

a heavenly experience

By Michele Beatham

Most of us yearn, at least once, to hop into our car and just go wherever the road may lead. A few years ago, a friend and I had the opportunity to do just this and headed up the N1 from Cape Town.

At a crossroads some 250km later, we turned right towards Matjiesfontein. Having the town almost entirely to ourselves – it was mid-winter after all – was fun, the hospitality at the local pub a delight and the Victoriana collection at the Marie Rawdon museum fascinating, but only for a few hours. Back at the crossroads, thoughts turning inevitably to overnight accommodation, a road sign offered two choices: right to Laingsburg or straight ahead to a town neither of us had visited.

To the uninitiated, as we were, Sutherland has two claims to fame, viz. the coldest place in South Africa and the town closest to the Observatory. Our claim to fame would be that we arrived after dark, in the middle of a school holiday, without forethought and even less planning. Hardly surprising, then, that our first discovery was that there was no room at any of the inns!

Rescue came in the form of the famous Karoo hospitality. The owner of our final port of call graciously offered us her bedroom and moved into her daughter’s. Delicious boerekos, a personal tour of the Dutch Reformed Church, famous for its eightmonth occupation by English soldiers at the start of the Boer War, as well as arranging tickets for a fully-booked Observatory tour, the very reason for our impulsive journey, were all included.

There are breathtaking 360° vistas from

SO, WhEre TO next?

the hillside that is home to The SA Astronomical Observatory. We saw various wildlife, including a very curious Springbok, that wandered quite close to greet us. We enjoyed a fascinating movie, entertaining talk and a tour around the visitors’ centre followed, after which we set off for the domes.

Nothing can prepare one for the awe inspired by these structures, the enormity of the accomplishments and the tales of those who record and analyse data from distant galaxies. Every minute of the two-hour tour was interesting, informative and fun.

Of course, SALT (South African Large Telescope), the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere, with its hexagonal mirror array, is a big attraction. It is similar to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope in Texas, but has, according to the SALT website, a redesigned optical system using more of the mirror array with the ability to record distant stars, galaxies and quasars a billion times too faint to be seen with the unaided eye - as faint as a candle flame at the distance of the moon!

When planning a trip bear in mind that day visits include tours of selected research telescopes as well as SALT, whereas night tours include viewing of the sky through two dedicated visitor telescopes – the 16″ Meade and 14″ Celestron.

My only regret is that I didn’t do a night tour. Perhaps 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, is the year for me to return!

Pressures of modern living and a planet in crisis means more and more people are making the shift towards authentic and ethical lifestyles, including the way they travel. The Bokamoso Bicycle Project Cycle Tour, just outside Pretoria, offers two tours both of which employ local guides.

The first half-day tour starts with an overview of the project followed by a leisurely cycle around places of interest, where you taste traditional beer and learn about the brewing process and meet and chat with residents of the community.

The second tour, geared towards the fitter cyclist, offers a full days cycling to and from the nearby Tswaing Meteorite Crater, formed over 220 000 years ago when a 50m meteorite exploded and vapourised on impact, leaving a hole big enough to host four simultaneous football matches and half a million spectators.

Sample township culture, local attractions, a meal and stay overnight at Mapoch Ndebele Village. The village inhabitants still live in the traditional manner and practise their time-old customs, despite the influence of modernisation.

Voluntours, run by Marnie and Jeremy Stafford were recently recognised by the 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, as well as the 2008 Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism in Johannesburg.

For more information visit www.voluntours.co.za or call 011 315 4049.

For further info call 011 936 3444 or visit www.sowetobackpackers.com

Stellar action worldwide

The American Meteor Society received over two dozen reports of a brilliant fireball occurring over southern California on January 18th this year. Later the same month the southern tip of Sweden saw night turn into day as a huge fireball made residents call 911 for help. Likely cause... a meteor burning up on entry into the earth’s atmosphere.

Vote for Table Mountain

The New Seven Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.

Make sure you cast your vote for Table Mountain to be included. Other contenders in the next phase of the global competition are the Grand Canyon in the United States, Mount Everest in the Himalayas, and Loch Ness in Scotland www.new7wonders.com

Astronomical adventures

2009 is the year of Astronomy – visit astronomy2009.org to check out the latest news and sightings of heavenly bodies. Take a trip to your local planetarium to learn about the night sky. For show times visit www.planetarium.co.za or www.iziko.org.za/planetarium

Further information available at www.sutherlandinfo.co.za, www.saao.ac.za and www.salt.ac.za

Instead of resolutions, I make a new year wish list, and after chatting with Lebo and Maria, Lebo’s Backpackers – a winner in the 2007 Investment Awards – has moved to the top of my “Places to Stay in 2009”. History and current events, both a passion, are without a doubt intertwined, and what better way to experience the vibrancy that is Soweto than with a stay in a unique lodge and a walking tour of the local historic attractions?

Dance to the local beats of drums and kwaito music. Visit Nelson Mandela’s home in Vilakazi Street, play soccer with the locals or just be a spectator at the next big game.

Lebo’s offer private rooms or dorms at prices that won’t break the bank. They’ll even allow you to pitch a tent in their gardens!

travel snippets

sustaining eden Southern Cape local government leaders signed an historic declaration of intent to combat the effects of climate change through an integrated response strategy. The Eden District Municipality held a three-day summit in February where South African and international experts discussed a strategy aimed at adapting to climate change.

Executive Mayor Rudi Laws, a key campaigner for a coordinated response to the impact of climate change, said decisions to address a sustainable way forward to harmonise economic activities, development and the natural environment are required.

Alderlady Marie Ferreira, Mossel Bay

Mayor, said, “We need to look at recycling, at alternative power and, very importantly, we must see that we don’t develop along the sea-front any more.” Mossel Bay has seen the effects of climate change on its seafront, particularly in terms of the effects of flooding and high seas. We salute their commitment to ensuring Eden remains just that.

Further information and conference documents available at www.visitmosselbay.co.za

08 food

no to GMO’s

grow your own veggies

The Department of Trade and Industry handed down an historic ruling in September last year for mandatory labelling of genetically modified foods. The decision came after a clause removed from the draft Consumer Protection Bill last year was reinstated. Charmaine Treherne, National Co-ordinator of SAFeAGE, a consumer GMO watchdog that has been lobbying for its reinstatement for two years said, “The GMO Act does not protect consumers; it is rather a permitting system that welcomes untested, unlabelled and irresponsible genetic modification to run rife in our country. Consumers will finally have the right to choose once this Bill is implemented”.

Both the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health have opposed mandatory labelling saying it would confuse consumers. However, spokesperson for the Safe Food Coalition, Andrew Taynton said, “the Department of Trade and Industry should be congratulated for this bold move. Current GM labelling laws in South Africa are so flawed that they do not label any of the GM foods currently on the market.”

“We are very proud of the DTI”, said Treherne, “and we will closely monitor the remainder of the process until it actually gets signed.” Join the action group.

Visit www. safeage.org

Assorted vegetables and herbs are easy to grow in pots or any recycled container like plastic bottles cut in half, old coffee tins or even tin cans.

You don’t even need lots of space to start your own little vegetable patch either. Fill your container of choice with good quality organic compost, ensuring there are a few stones at the bottom of the container to enable sufficient drainage.

Put your seeds or seedlings into the pot and in a sunny spot. Water every day and within a few weeks you can eat from your own garden. Consider spinach, watercress, basil, rosemary and tomatoes to start with.

harmful appetite?

Buying local, choosing organic and reducing packaging are probably the three most important changes you can make when shopping for food. However, what is often over-looked is the impact on the environment of the production of the food itself. Currently one third of global greenhouse emissions is linked to food production as it is done on such a large scale. To keep a check on yourself and to enable you to start making the necessary steps to reduce the carbon footprint of your menu, log on to www.eatlowcarbon.org, drag and drop menu items, ingredients or sample meals into your virtual frying pan and calculate your meal’s carbon emissions to see if you can reduce your emissions by 25% as suggested. Bon Appétit!

Salt of the earth

Khoisan Natural Unrefined Sea Salt is a gift of the Cape west coast region. It’s unrefined, unprocessed and alive with the elemental energies of the sand veld. It has natural trace elements and minerals in it, requiring no additives like iodine and no refining agents so it is coarse and never completely dry. I thought I’d give it a try and prepared a dish using sun-ripened, fat, juicy tomatoes picked the same day from my garden. I used a liberal amount over thickly sliced tomatoes and within seconds the salt melted into the juices. To that I added lashings of apple cider vinegar, torn basil leaves, mint and origanum with a solid splash of virgin olive oil. Listen to the sounds your guests make after tasting that!

seeds to sow now

Why is salt so vital ?

Bush and climbing beans, brinjal, chilli, celery, cucumber, leaf mustard, marrows, mealies, melons, spinach, parsley, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, soya beans, Swiss chard spinach, squash, sunflowers, sweetcorn, tomato, turnip.

Natural unrefined sea salt possesses the power to rejuvenate the body’s bio-systems making it a powerful remedy for countless health problems. Clean, unrefined, hand-harvested, natural sea salt has complex beneficial minerals and balances alkalinity/ acidity levels, restores good digestion, relieves allergic symptoms and skin diseases. As part of your diet it gives your body higher resistance to infections and bacterial diseases. In the old days salt was a universal necessity, not only for preserving meat but also because it was an effective medicine, used either as an energiser and detoxifying agent, or in conjunction with healing plants. www.khoisantrading.co.za

Yummy ideas

Try a chilled pea and mint soup or make a hot potato salad with lashings of olive oil and fresh origanum instead of mayonnaise.

Info courtesy Soil For Life. To find out more about weekend gardening workshops go to www.soilforlife.co.za

all round great cook Braai. Grill. Smoke. Cook. Bake. Roast.

Approved by the South African Heart Foundation, the COBB’s unique design uses very little oil in the cooking process and the cooking system is virtually smokeless, since the fat and oil drain away from the fire. Only eight charcoal briquettes are needed for 3 hours of cooking! The flow of air through the holes in the grill into the dome ensures an even cooking area, so that meat comes out both moist and crispy – this feature also makes the grill great for smoking meat. Our resident food expert loves to cook fish in the Cobb because it does not dry the meat out.

Visit www.cobbglobal.com/about_cobb.asp

drink 09 Don Julio Blanco

Perhaps the most popular blanco in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio Blanco is tart and vibrant and just as crisp and clean as it appears. Its simple purity enables it to be drunk on its own or used in tequila based cocktails.

intoxicating giveaway

Don Julio Real

Aged in white oak casks for five years, the tequila family’s crème de la crème is oppulent and aromatic with a distinctive, earthy flavour and succulent aftertaste. The bottle is handcrafted with pewter agave leaves.

Gran Patrón Platinum

Triple-distilled, oaky and as rich and smooth as cake batter. The crystal bottle is encased with a silver bee pendant and the master distiller inspects each bottle.

Gran Patrón

tequila fantastica

By Genna Marie

More so than any other alcohol, tequila undoubtedly holds the power to make a person sigh with blissful memories – or shudder with horrid ones. But why? One highly developed theory to account for this well-known phenomenon is that most people are tragically uneducated about the joys of this unique Mexican beverage, and how to properly savour it.

The most crucial component to a quality bottle of tequila is that it boasts three essential words: ‘100% de agave’. Do not waste precious time, money or health if the bottle does not include this critical phrase. Otherwise, the tequila is cheap and likely mixed with inferior tonics such as grain alcohol: a certain recipe for disaster. Contrary to popular belief,

pure tequila is meant to be appreciated unaccompanied by salt and lime.

Tequila is made from the roasted hearts, or piñas, of the blue agave plant of Jalisco, Mexico. Harvesting these honeyed bulbs is unusually tedious and labour intensive.

Picture a giant pineapple crossbred with a cactus, weighing up to 200 pounds; they take six - 12 years to ripen and must be harvested by hand beneath the excruciating Mexican sun. Roasted agaves are distilled and aged in oak for varying lengths of time to make clear, golden, or dark tequilas (young Blancos, middle-aged Reposados, or older Añejos).

Luckily, the toils of these labourers yield some of the most fruitful and delicious spirits on earth.

As close to perfection as Tequila can get.

100% Agave nectar in a hand-crafted solid crystal bottle. The exquisite attention to detail, complete with its own handcrafted corkscrew, declares treasure has been found.

Herradura Selección Suprema Añejo

The 49 months that Suprema spends in an oak-barrel cocoon is what produces its eccentric, smooth-bodied flavour. Widely referred to as Mexican cognac this is a rich and unconventional sipping tequila.

Jose Cuervo 1800 Reposado

This is a delicious, mid-range spirit with loads of personality, not to be confused with its cousin known as Jose Cuervo Especial.

Great as a mixer for cocktails or on its own.

Congratulati our previous ons to winners!

Joanne Pars ons

won a 2009 ecodiary, Cra ig Sheard won the SafeAge Mon santo DVD an d Nicola Heim ann won the Crabtree & Ev elyn hamper.

taking tea

Raw agave hearts (piñas) are cut in half prior to being cooked.

Cooked agave piñas ready for shredding and processing.

Shredded agave pulp is placed on a conveyor belt to the juice extractor.

Mexico’s fire juice

The worm

“Tequila is Mexico. It’s the only product that identifies us as a culture,” said Carmelita Roman, widow of the late tequila producer Jesus Lopez Roman in an interview after her husband’s murder, but just where does it come from?

The history of this fiery beverage is as exotic as the drink itself, dating possibly to 1000BC. Locals made a fermented drink called octli or pulque from the Blue Agave plant, but it was the Spanish conquistadors who introduced distillation, apparently motivated by the fact that they were running out of their drink of choice, brandy. Mass production started as early as the 1800s but it was only in the early 20th Century that it spread north to the USA, and much later, in the late 1980s and 90s that it achieved worldwide appeal, including the lick, slam, suck (salt, tequila, lime/lemon) method so popular in bars everywhere.

There is a worm - called a gusano, in some types of Oaxacan mescal, although not in premium brands, but you will never find this, or any other caterpillar in tequila. www.ianchadwick.com/tequila/ myths.htm Did you know?

Outside of Mexico, the only place in the world that produced an Agave ‘tequilalike’ spirit was right here in South Africa, but unfortunately they are no longer in business.

4 Copas produces the world’s only certi-

fied organic tequila and is committed to doing their part to improve the well being of the earth, the farmers and those who love their tequila. At the time of going to press, we were unable to confirm its availability in South Africa, but watch this space! www.4copas.com

Nestled in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, lies Hacienda del Patrón, the spectacular home of Patrón Tequila, the number one exporter in the world of 100% Agave Tequila. Not only does their revolutionary waste process create compost for the Patrón vegetable gardens, each bottle is hand crafted from recycled glass.

Two of their products include Patrón Añejo, a delicate blend of uniquely aged tequilas, and Patrón XO Café, an extraordinary blend of ultra premium tequila and the pure, natural essence of the finest coffee.

Liquidity, importers of premium and super-premium wines and spirits, is giving away a bottle of each, as well as a Patrón ice bucket and glasses. To stand a chance to win this exclusive hamper, email nicky@ lifeinbalance.co.za with the words Patrón Giveaway in the subject line.

Drinking two to four cups of tea per day offers many preventative and curative health benefits. Fergus & Green, importers of Revolution Tea introduces Oolong Café, their new teahouse in Long Street, in the recently restored New Space Theatre building. The design is chic and fresh, offering ideal surroundings to relax and unwind while sipping delicious herbal tea or a variety of red, black, green, white and organic teas. Teas are available for purchase from the Café at 44 Long Street, Cape Town (021) 4241175, or online at www.revolutiontea.co.za

10 weddings • Seeds in a commemorative container.

• Natural soaps or a soya or beeswax candle.

• Gifts made from recycled materials. Kisma Kreative (www.kisma.co.za) has a unique and funky selection from which to choose.

Nothing is more important than the wedding dress. Vintage is in. A little research will uncover stunning gowns and incorporate the ‘something old’ tradition.

Hire the gown of your dreams. Many companies offer this service, such as Special Occasions. www.specialdresses.co.za Choose environmentally friendly fabrics like organic cotton or hemp, or natural fibres such as linen and silk, but remember to consider the ethics behind their production.

For a naturally stylish setting, try the following: • Ask the florist to source organically grown or indigenous flowers and recyclable packaging.

• Let bridesmaids carry matching bags made from natural fabrics instead of flowers.

• Use candelabra and soy or beeswax candles to reduce floral centrepieces, or decorate with grasses, greenery or potted flowers.

• Choose eco-friendly confetti, such as the gorgeous indigenous Heather Deliciosa from Scatterlings. www.scatterlings.co.za.

• Butterflies have become a popular alternative to confetti. www.butterflyweddings.co.za.

• Donate all floral arrangements to a hospital or retirement home.

Natural Beauty

Happily Ever After

Natural and organic products abound but shop wisely. A product labeled organic may contain only one organic ingredient.

If your hairstylist does not use natural and organic products ask them to get some, or use products of your choosing.

Be beautiful on the inside. Your local health food store has products and supplements to boost health and reduce wedding stress.

Travel lightly. Go somewhere local.

Visit Fair Tourism South Africa, www.fairtourismsa.org.za, for eco-friendly, fair trade accredited accommodation.

Take the train. The luxurious Rovos Rail is a honeymoon in itself. www.rovos.co.za.

Rent bikes or use public transportation.

Have fun!

Here Comes the Bride

‘I do’. naturally Traditionally, green makes its first appearance in a marriage with jade, to commemorate the 35th wedding anniversary. More and more couples, however, are choosing to incorporate green from the very beginning. Follow these easy tips to ensure your wedding day is celebrated with less waste and more spirit.

Less is More

Guest lists take on a life of their own and before you know it, include relatives you never knew existed, along with your best friend – from Grade 4! Every extra person means more kilometres travelled, food consumed, and waste, not to mention the cost. What better way to celebrate then, than at an intimate gathering with only those most special to you?

Location, Location, Location

Consider an outdoor wedding – a relaxed, intimate ceremony followed by a picnic amongst the trees or overlooking the ocean means nature provides the décor!

Have the ceremony and reception at the same venue, or provide a shuttle service between the two.

Ask questions. Do they recycle? What lighting is used and how much energy is required? Consider solar powered decorative lights. www.lightingupafrica.co.za Inspired Invitations

Metallic or plastic-coated papers are not easily recycled. Opt for recycled or tree-free papers made from hemp, bamboo or organic cotton.

A trendy alternative is plantable paper; a

By Michele Beatham

living reminder of your special day. Available via www.futureshock.co.za/seeds.htm With this Ring

According to NoDirtyGold (www.nodirtygold.org) mining is one of the most destructive industries per unit of output. One ring generates on average 20 tons of mine waste.

Go vintage with a family heirloom or unique antique shop find. Alternatively, have jewellery melted down and refashioned. If you like the unusual, try a wooden ring – very trendy in the USA. The Gift of Giving

Green gifts abound, from bamboo linens to energy-efficient appliances, from fine art pieces to functional art made by local craftspeople. Choose wisely; knowing you made a difference will add priceless value to every gift. Draw up a list of products, prices and retailers and ask a family member to liaise with guests.

Have all you need? Ask guests to donate to your favourite charities or causes in your name. Either way, include a charity on your gift list anyway.

Favourable Impressions

Wedding favours, given as a thank you to guests for sharing your special day, are ideal opportunities for choosing gifts with a difference. Try the following: • Gourmet organic chocolates • Bags of fresh or dried organic herbs.

Setting the Scene

Eat, drink, and be merry

Include seasonal foods and as many locally produced, organic ingredients as possible.

Find a caterer willing to source the best available. If your venue has a preferred caterer, discuss your needs and preferences. Ask a local organic restaurant whether they are prepared to do off-site catering. Consider vegetarian selections or keep meat to a minimum.

Make sure seafood is SASSI (the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) approved. www.panda.org.za/sassi/sa.html Serve South African organic wines and sparkling wines such as Avondale, Bon Cap, Org de Rac, La Motte or Reyneke.

Rent crockery, cutlery and linens or ensure that disposables are biodegradable. www.greenhome.co.za has an extensive range of attractive packaging and utensils.

weddings 11 representing one of the elements: earth, fire, water and air, and stands before an altar at the north end of the circle, where a celebrant presides over the ceremony. There are no wedding vows per sé, instead the bride and groom promise to lead a good life and take care of each other. The celebrant then binds the couple’s right hands signifying a lasting union. Thus the term ‘tying the knot’ was born! The ceremony concludes with the couple jumping over a sword or broomstick – representing the end of one life and the beginning of another.

I rather like this method; a sort of a low-cal ceremony free of pomp and circumstance, rings and expensive dress, and material things that often overshadow the primary reason for the union! Unfortunately, the handfasting ceremony is not legally binding. In fact, many are good for only one year, with promises made during the ceremony re-evaluated after one year and a day, after which the couple can choose to remain together or go separate ways; surely less painful than filing for divorce! So technically, ‘tying the knot’ is an ‘untying’ ceremony as well; after 12 months and 24 hours, that is!

tying the knot

By Gary Picariello

Long before organised religion wielded its power and intimidated almost as many individuals as it converted, Wiccans and Pagans conducted a ‘handfasting ceremony’.

Instead of a church, the couple meets in a circle divided into four quarters, each

Ancient wedding bands

Were made of hemp or braided grass – a wonderfully unique alternative to gold and diamonds.

Ah, the honeymoon…

The term originated in ancient Ireland where newlyweds were given enough mead to drink and be merry for one moon cycle. All going well they were promised a son within a year.

To read more http://www.classicsunveiled. com/romel/html/marrcustwom.html

gorgeous skin Esse have the perfect combination of products to help you get great looking skin in preparation for your big day. Try the Cocoa Exfoliator for its pure indulgence, and follow this with a clay mask to draw out impurities. The eye and lip cream hydrates the delicate skin in those areas and helps reduce inflammation. A basic regime of Gel Cleanser, Toner & Deep Moisturiser will keep it glowing in the days to come.

Available at Wellness Warehouse and various other selected retailers. For more info visit www.esse.co.za, email info@esse.co.za or call (033) 212 3506

We h av Esse e a pam pe g up foift hamp ring er r gra b T s o ! ente nick r y em @l with ifeinbala ail “Ess nce. co eG in th e su iveaway .za bjec t line ”

wedding snippets Sugar sweet

The Greek bride puts a sugar cube in her glove to “sweeten the union.” Consider doing the same in your garter belt or wrapped up in underwear for something a little more cheeky. rain on me

Hindus pray for rain to bring good luck.

Make a noise

In China it is customary for firecrackers, loud gongs, and drums to mark the start of the procession (and fend off evil spirits) from the groom’s home to the bride’s house. a tree for life

The Dutch plant trees outside the newlywed couples door to symbolise fertility. It is also an excellent symbol of longevity and growth.

bride scent REN Bio Active Skin Care presents Rosa Maya Eau de Parfum, a tribute to the multi-faceted queen of flowers, the rose. Opening with a burst of clean, crisp citrus, a beguiling bouquet of rose, jasmine and osmanthus then emerges, dovetailing into a warm, sensual base of woods, spices and musks. Exclusive to selected Woolworths stores.

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Romantic Honeymoon

The Flame of Romance

ON BOARD THE PRIDE OF AFRICA

Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations.

TEL: (+27-12) 315 8242 FAX: (+27-12) 323 0843 reservations@rovos.co.za www.rovos.com

Looking for interesting table centre pieces for your wedding reception?

Why have flowers when you can have a dancing flame!! BioFires add instant class and ambience to any venue, with a flickering flame creating a romantic atmosphere.

Our centerpieces are perfect for tables of up to 12 guests and there are a variety of bases to choose from to match any decor. You can have the bases sandblasted with names and dates for the ultimate memento.

BioFires also make a lovely thank you gift. BioFires offer significant discounts when 5 or more units are ordered, so why not contact us about BioFires for your Special Day.

Contact Biofires on 021 8528514 or view our range of BioFires at www.biofires.co.za

Composite

12 products

NEW hemp bed linen

stimulating treats

Hemp is a wonder plant and a great alternative source for paper. Although it is used for clothing and shoes it has not yet been crafted into bed linen – until now that is.

This is the first of its kind and a gorgeous way to slip into dreamland. For more information contact: tony@hemporium.com

Natraloe Face Mask Oily Skin

This mask is readily absorbed, leaving a fine film on the skin. This action seals in the active ingredients of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and black silt formed in ancient lakes oxygenated by natural springs.

These ingredients help to tone the skin cells and to balance the production of natural sebum. 200ml, R89 Hemptons Chocolate Massage Oil

This delicious massage oil offers an exotic and stimulating kind of relaxation and feeling of wellness. This aromatic oil contains real chocolate (cocoa) extract giving it a deep, rich colour and sensuous glide without the greasiness of some massage oils. 200ml, R44

Soil Organic Geranium & Marula Body Butter

A luxurious blend of African oils and butters with hydrating, antioxidant properties of marula oil, balancing geranium and healing lavender to nourish skin. 200g, R100

Recharge Boost

Recharge Boost is a natural enhancement cream for men which speeds arousal and dilates blood vessels immediately, increasing blood flow to the penis. Recharge Boost is not a penis enlargement cream, but an erection enhancer. 20ml, R95 Hemporium Stimulating Bath Milk

Rosa for Men is an excellent skin rejuvenator

Made with Geranium, Rosemary. Thyme and moisturising hemp seed oil, this creamy bath milk will revitalise your senses.

100ml, R57

aloe aloe

organic beauty

Made from Aloe Ferox leaves that have been used for centuries to nurture beauty, well-being and health this range of products is 100% natural and organic.

The products are not tested on animals and they are alcohol free and pH balanced.

SpaRitual believes “true beauty is achieved through balance and harmony” and use only the best ingredients: vegan, organic where possible and 100% DBP-free. We love their custom blended Nail Lacquers, available in over 80 stunning shades! Available at Wellness Warehouse or for more info contact Logica Supplies on (021) 552 6999

Rosa Organics Anti-Ageing Serum for Men

soil skin solutions

and if used daily after shaving, in the morning or at night, the benefits to be noted in the short to medium term will be remarkable.

Continued use will result in improved skin tone & colour ,fewer lines around the mouth and eyes, a healthy, vibrant looking skin.

30ml, R380

Soil Avocado Carrier Oil

Avocado oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A, D & E. It ca be used to soothe skin conditions such as nappy rash, eczema and psoriasis, and is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. 100ml, R35 Soil Relaxing Organic Massage Oil

Shea butter is a powerful natural moisturizer that protects and nourishes dry, damaged skin. High in Vitamin A and E, Shea butter improves skin conditions such as fading scars, eczema, psoriasis, burn, stretch marks and acne. 100ml, R80 Soil Rose Hip Carrier Oil

Rose Hip oil is extracted from the seeds of the intense, red coloured fruits of wild rose-bush, which is indigenous to parts of the Maluti & Drakensburg Highlands. Ideal for dry, damaged skin due to its high Vitamin A and essential fatty acid content. 100ml, R90

A warm blend with lavender, ylang-ylang and geranium to calm, de-stress and revive whilst also hydrating your skin. 100ml, R70 Soil Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Helpful in managing fluctuating hormones with it’s balancing effect on the skin and can be used on all skin types.

11ml, R55 Soil Grapefruit Essential Oil

Has a positive, uplifting effect on your mood.

Stimulates the lymphatic system and helps the body remove toxins and reduce water retention. 11ml, R55

Simply Aloe Bitter Aloe Gel 50ml, R45 Simply Aloe Regenerating Gel 50ml, R42 Simply Aloe Vitamin Shampoo 250ml, R36 Simply Aloe Hair Conditioner 250ml, R42

timeless skin Simply Rooibos Anti-Aging Repairing Night Cream

Reduces visible signs of premature ageing.

Rich in Anti-Oxidants & Vitamin E. Dermatologically approved, pH balanced and alcohol free.

50ml R81

Pics: Boniswa Isaacs

Soil Kenyan Shea Butter

wellness 13

vision questing Bringing your life back into balance. By Valerie Morris In these days of change and turmoil, what does a life in balance look like? Is it known by a person’s quality of calm, their apparent control, or their ratio of doing and being?

Does a balanced life have to do with the percentage of time spent at work as opposed to time at home? Do equal amounts of work and “play” or relaxation contribute to a sense of balance and well being, or does

an answer lie in ensuring enough time alone with self? It has been said that personal mastery can be defined as wholeheartedly wanting what is.

One way of reconnecting with self is by creating a personal retreat, preferably in nature where you can “drop down to slow” and experience a different rhythm, often mostly in silence.

pranic healing in SA Although extraordinary results are constantly being reported, Pranic Healers only claim to treat and bring relief.

Prana is a Sanskrit word that means ‘Life Force’. It is also sometimes referred to as Ki, Chi or Ruach.

Pranic Healing is a highly developed and scientifically tested system of energy medicine that utilises the body’s energy field (life force) to balance, harmonise and transform the body’s energy processes in order that it may heal itself on all levels.

It also has the ‘side effect’ of increasing intuition. Pranic Healing is being taught and used in hospitals, doctors’ rooms, homes and therapy practices in over 100 countries around the world and is growing in its efficacy in South Africa.

Basic Pranic Healing is taught locally on a monthly and on demand basis around Southern Africa. For the Advanced, Psychotherapy and the many other courses available, senior international teachers (from India or the Philippines) are brought out to teach.

For details of the training and training schedules contact Jenny Boulter in Johannesburg on info@pranichealing.co.za, 011 888 7002 or 083 603 0938. In Cape Town contact Ellaine Tilley on ellainetilley@mweb.co.za or 021 674 7425.

For further information visit www.pranichealing.com or http://pranichealing.com/testimonials.

Stepping out into wild places is not new.

For thousands of years, human beings have sought solace and solitude in the forests, deserts, mountains and sea.

The age old tradition, known as Vision Quest or Solo Fast, leads the willing pathfinder down unexplored tracks into wilderness areas where safety in retreat is assured.

The result – to review, re-dream, revision and remember.

In making this commitment to rediscover balance, three challenges are presented: To go without food: For four days and nights only water is consumed unless for medical reasons. to Create a shelter: The idea is to live as closely with the earth and the elements as possible. Create a shelter with a tarpaulin, or sit under a rock overhang, better yet let the night sky be your canopy.

Total solitude: Give yourself the gift of experiencing complete aloneness.

There are three stages to the traditional vision fast; the first is severance, the second threshold and the third, re-incorporation.

In choosing to go alone into nature you give yourself permission to step back from your life, the responsibilities, the activities, distractions and demands and surrender to what might emerge on the mountainside.

The threshold experience is to acknowledge transition: change is afoot and it requires courage and being able to take bold steps into the unknown.

The incorporation phase of the vision quest relates to the return to all that constitutes our lives.

For further information including dates of the next Quest, contact Judy Bekker or Valerie Morris on 021 782 1826 or at vmorris@rbanet.co.za Learn more about their work at www.rbanet.co.za

A change of heart changes everything A California institute demonstrates how people can actually make their heart beat in a healthier way.

HeartMath’s research shows that emotions work much faster, and are more powerful, than thoughts. The heart governs well being more than the brain does, for example briefly re-experiencing a cherished memory creates synchronization in your heart rhythm in mere seconds. By learning a simple technique and practicing it each day you can wage war on stress in the gentlest way. Feelings of compassion, love, care and appreciation produce a smoothly rolling heart rhythm, while feelings of anger, frustration, fear and danger emit a jagged image. Even more reason to cultivate happy thoughts wouldn’t you agree? Visit www.heartmath.org

Therapy rocks Fancy a little something to get you sizzling? Try a massage using volcanic rocks. The temperature and texture of the rocks melts the tension like a hot knife through butter. The result is you feel relaxed and not so ready to blow your top like an angry volcano.

Yoga Nidra The final chapter in the Yoga Nidra series is on hold as Jackie has just given birth to Jai Ivory Ali. We wish the little one a long and happy life in balance.

14 art & books

a glass act The appeal of glass lies in its ancient mystery, its liquid translucence and its elemental changeability, and what was once seen as simply a craft is increasingly being recognised as an art form in its own right. By Laura Twiggs “Among the many thousands of things that I have never been able to understand, one in particular stands out,” wrote Bill Bryson.

“That is the question of who was the first person who stood by a pile of sand and said, ‘You know, I bet if we took some of this and mixed it with a little potash and heated it, we could make a material that would be solid and yet transparent. We could call it glass.’

Call me obtuse, but you could stand me on a beach till the end of time and never would it occur to me to try to make it into windows.”* I share Bryson’s awe at the magical material that is glass, but its not simple windows that so intrigue me. It’s the works of glass art: from multi-coloured solid, functional pieces that still speak of malleable liquidity, to fantastically intricate and fragile light-filtering spirals and orbs, to abstract sculptures that seem to have been plucked from an abstract parallel reality that’s a hybrid of oceanic splendour and primordial celestial ooze.

Liz Lacey of Red Hot Glass, a Venetianstyle glass-blowing studio and gallery at Seidelberg wine estate just outside Paarl, calls glass “nature’s fourth dimension”, and looking at the work designed by her and made by glass-blower Henk Nel on the premises, it’s not hard to see why. (What is hard to fully comprehend, though, is that this ancient craft, one of the oldest on earth, dates back to the first century BC.) Liz explains that she began her career as a graphic artist, but when she came across a glass-blowing studio while

travelling through Canada, she was instantly drawn to the medium. It was not the hard, finished product, though, that interested her.

It was the hands-on aspect of holding molten glass on the end of a stick, plunging it in and out of a 1300 degree furnace, and tweezing, shaping and coaxing the alive, flowing redhot material - literally bending it to her will and imagination.

Liz’s work ranges from glass art sculptures to platters, bowls, ashtrays, perfume bottles and vases, and her pieces have been exhibited in galleries around the world. But, is it art or craft? Visit the gallery and decide for yourself. * This is not quite what happened. It is thought that the discovery of glass manufacture was far more serendipitous than that.

The story most often told is that a group of Phoenician traders transporting nitrum on their boat stopped at a beach, where they prepared a meal. Not having stones to prop up their cooking pots, they used lumps of the nitrum, which fused with the sand, became liquid and then set into glass.

Glass is a more healthy and ecoconscious choice than plastic. The manufacturing of glass generates 100 times less toxic emissions than plastic and using glass drastically reduces the chances of chemical contamination from the container. What’s more, the life-span of glass is far longer, because it can be recycled up to 30 times.

on the shelf

The Answer is Simple…

Love Yourself, Live Your Spirit!

Sonia Choquette, Hayhouse It is no secret that successful individuals who have found peace and joy, take pleasure in their experience and are freed of disabling fears. The Answer is Simple shares the ten steps for connecting to our authentic Spirit and living light and joyful lives. Each two-part step offers ideas, personal stories and practical exercises for doing so.

ISBN 978-1-4019-1737-1

Whole Food Almanac A shopping guide to healthy eating in the Cape Michele Matthews, Sunbird Publishers Hooray for this marvellous book – at last a comprehensive guide to all those lovely places cooking up a storm and doing it with good governance too. There are recipes and a useful recycling directory, and tips on environmentally friendly pets as well as a list of festivals.

ISBN 978-1-919938-87-5

The Intuitive Spark Sonia Choquette, Hayhouse We all want our children to thrive and prosper, to have the confidence and selfesteem to be the best they can be. The Intuitive Spark guides families to develop the intuition and trust vital for balanced, joyful, creative lives through practical and fun exercises, modern day parables and personal stories and spiritual principles.

ISBN 978-1-4019-1738-8

back in South Africa – Sonia Choquette!

Sonia Choquette, world-renowned intuitive, spiritual teacher with a PhD in Metaphysics and best-selling author, specialises in helping others recognise and strengthen their intuition in everday life. Every day we are faced with a myriad of unexpected challenge – traumas, confusion, drama, self-loathing, self-pity, anger, and fear – that can easily dislodge our Spirit.

Now, in her new lively and life-transforming workshop, The Answer is Simple… Love Yourself, Live Your Spirit!, Sonia teaches ... on e you how to reconnect with and embrace the treasures within The A of two co you, in order to experience your own personal truth. The perfect book nswer is pies of S a workshop to help you face your own challenges in 2009.

Orac nd accom imple le ca p anyin r WORKSHOP DATES: Durban: 18 March, 6-10pm, Suncoast ds deck g with – a 62-ca Conference Centre, North Beach. Cape Town: 20 March, guide r d 6-10pm, Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands. Johannesburg: nicky Simply em book. @l a 22 March, 9am - 1pm, Johannesburg Country Club, Woodmead. befo ifeinbala il r nce.c e 30 Visit www.hayhouse.co.za or www.soniachoquette.com o.z Ma Pleas e put rch 2009 a for further information. Bookings via Computicket.

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classifieds

To advertise here email: michele@lifeinbalance.co.za Tel: +27 21 788 1733 Fax: +27 21 702 7657

Biowashball® The intelligent alternative to laundry detergent.

Hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial. Suitable for handwashing and washing machines. www.biowashball.co.za info@htp.co.za 083 414 5566

life in balance 2009 ecodiary available now Call Nicky on 021 702 7641 or email nicky@ lifeinbalance.co.za

Mother Nature Products Save money and time - buy online!

Your natural & organic online store stocking: food, baby, body care, household, pets and more.

www.naturalorganiclife.co.za or call 076 11 20 547

Great products for green moms & babies!

See stockists or agents or download order sheet at www.mothernatureproducts.co.za Tel: 021 782 9117

life in balance

your monthly green solution to natural & eco-friendly living

what’s happening?

February & March Pick, de-stem, crush and press grapes in the traditional way. Fynbos Estate offers hands-on wine making events during harvest season. Weekend and one-day week-day events available.

Sample wines from current and past harvests, other local wineries and enjoy delicious food. Accommodation is in a large Victorian farmhouse. Enjoy plenty of time to swim, walk in the nature reserve or just relax. Children welcome.

Visit www.fynbosestate.co.za or call 022 487 1153 21 & 28 February & 7 March SynEdgy workshop (2 sessions) When Saying Sorry Is Not Enough. 9 – 11:30am, Synergy School, Noordhoek. Cost R250.

Visit www.robinbooth.co.za or call Annette on 021 785 5500 27 & 28 February Robertson Hands-on Wine Harvest: pick, sort, stomp, taste.

Harvest market, tractor trips, brandy blending and more. Visit www.handsonharvest.com or call 023 626 3167 27 Feb – 1 March Design Indaba Expo, CTICC, Cape Town Showcasing local design in all sectors, including advertising, architecture, craft, decor, film, fashion, graphic design, interior, jewellery, new media, publishing, product design and visual media. Visit www.designindabaexpo.com or call 021 465 9966 28 February Hout Bay Green Faire showcases a greener, cleaner, more energy efficient and organic way of life at the Community Cultural Centre.

Visit www.houtbaygreenfaire. ning.com or call 072 797 0904 28 February – 1 March Walk of Art Festival De Waal Park, Oranjezicht: exhibits, art supplies, workshops; kiddies play park, graffiti wall, chalk art, auctions, music, buskers, performers, food stalls, bar and more. Visit www.walkofart.co.za or call Amanda on 082 925 5701 28 February Antique & Collectibles Fair KZN Dogs Park, cnr Willowvale & Inanda Rds, Springfield Park KZN. Call Leanne 031 579 6500

5 – 8 March Hobby-X Johannesburg Learn a new craft or take up a new hobby – from DIY to creative crafts, adventure and outdoor to fine art and fashion. 10am – 6pm (week) and 9am – 6pm (weekend) The Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate.

Visit www.hobby-x.co.za or call 011 478 3686 7 March Pigeon Pregnancy Seminar, Westville, KZN area (exact venue advised on booking) 8:15am – 2:15pm – R350p/p: interactive seminar for women only, with lots of practical advice, reference material, gift bags, refreshments, lucky draws. Relevant whether 1st or 3rd pregnancy or just considering pregnancy; covers topics from early pregnancy to baby’s first six months. Booking essential. Call Mandy on 082 3499970, 031 2661278 or email theyogacompany@gmail.com 8 March Cape Argus Pick&Pay Cycle Tour www.cycletour.co.za 20 & 21 March Starlight Classics Concert on the Great Lawn at historic Vergelegen Wine Farm. Bring a picnic (no tables) and relax under the stars to the likes of Johnny Clegg, the FNB Twenty Tenors, Bronwyn Forbay, Zanne Stapelberg and James Grace, accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra under the energetic baton of Richard Cock.

Tickets from Computicket.

Visit www.vergelegen.co.za 28 & 29 March Tulbagh Cape Dutch Festival Activities, entertainment and traditional Dutch and Cape Dutch delicacies. Wine tasting and cheese, olive and chocolate sampling. Farmers’ Market.

Dutch Courage Party on Saturday evening. Visit www.tulbaghtourism.org.za or call 023 230 1348/75 18 April - 1 May Rim of Africa Inaugural Mountain Passage Hike Launch of the first stage (12 days) of this unique mountain wilderness hike with a focus on transformative experiences in nature.

Visit www.rimofafrica.co.za or call Galeo on 082 888 8181

Did you know? 22 February is World Thinking Day. Although a Girl Guides’ initiative with its own worthy theme, if you are unable to be involved why not take time instead to think of at least one thing you can do to help our planet, and then do it. www.worldthinkingday.org

days & weeks

earth hour 2009

22 February National Healthy Lifestyles Day 17 – 23 March National Water Week 21 March World Forestry Day 22 March World Day for Water 23 March World Meteorological Day 28 March Earth Hour

28th March 20:30pm-21:30pm Last year, 50 million people from 370 towns and cities in over 35 countries switched off their lights for Earth Hour. This year the target is one billion people in 1000 towns.

Learn more and sign up at www.earthhour.org, and encourage friends, family members and colleagues to do the same.