Survival Guide - Garden Route Spring 10

SPRING 2010 • GARDEN ROUTE

Fresh Beginnings!

FOR THE GOOD OF OUR CHILDREN & OUR WORLD

F R E E

TO ADVERTISE info@survivalguide.co.za or call 074 103 8761 www.survivalguide.co.za Survival Guide Team Publisher: Mia Blom Editor: Jacqueline Baldwin Area Managers

Dear SG Reader, Spring has arrived! As your senses are awakened by this magical season, take a deep breath and consider the important role you play in your world.

T

he truth is that every single thing you do every day has an impact-- good or bad. The good news is that you have the power to control most of your choices. From where you live to what you buy, eat, and use to build your home to where and how you spend your leisure time… your choices do make a difference to your children and the world.

Garden Route: Angela van Vuuren

In this edition of Survival Guide we celebrate the Green Family.

Embracing a greener lifestyle isn’t only about helping to preserve the environment, it is about improving your health and, ultimately, improving your overall quality of life.

Gauteng: Esmarie Cilliers Haley-Ann Rodgers Toni Arnold

Here’s to making a difference!

Mia, Jacqui & the SG team

Administrator: Janet Nielson Design

Subscribe & Win

Layout: Sandra Matthee

This Fly Brother Electric Bike Worth R5 000 Could Be Yours

Printing Paarl Media Paarl

Subscribe To Survival Guide For Families & Win! Email: admin@survivalguide.co.za with SUBSCRIBE in the subject of your email and we will email you a subscription form.

R60 for a one year’s subscription (4 editions).

Fly Brother SA Simplifying Travelling...

We have a Flybrother Electric Bike worth R5 000 to giveaway to one lucky subscriber!

The lucky WINNER will be selected on 2 November 2010!

Fly Brother Electric Bikes are leading the way in eco-friendly electric bike transportation, comfort, style, quality and technology. For more info visit www.flybrother.co.za

COPYRIGHT: Copyright of all original published material is vested in ‘Survival Guide’ and may be reproduced only with the permission of ‘Survival Guide.’

All opinions expressed in the articles appearing in ‘Survival Guide’ are those of the authors. Authors of articles are compelled to acknowledge all sources of information (if any) used in the compiling of articles and are therefore liable for copyright transgressions. ‘Survival Guide’ accepts no responsibility for claims made in the advertisements and will not be held liable for any damage resulting from the use of any of the information published in ‘Survival Guide.’ Survival Guide takes no responsibility for artwork supplied by our advertisers.

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BABY DAYS

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BABY DAYS

BABY DAYS PAGE 6

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Features: Built-in stroller straps Easy reach no carrying!

Special offer

from

R649

Special offer is only Redeemable from Momi Head.

Contact Tracy-Lee on Tel: 083 230 3446 or e-mail: twinkletwins@mweb.co.za for orders or more information

Available in stores nation wide. For a full list of stockists view our website.

Usual retail price R975’ underneath the sale info as well.

By Christelle Vorster

of being the only the third baby product in 40 years to win an SABS Design Excellence Award and became the first baby support pillows to receive full endorsement from the Chiropractic Association of SA as well as being approved by the World Federation of Chiropractic in Canada.

I invested my whole pension fund into starting the business and committed myself to developing new products in accordance with my kids needs. Since the inception of Cadakids in 2006, my Easy Sleepers™ received the honour

I have also started a linen & décor company called Bedroom Buddies CC that is currently catering to the mid to high income groups with Printed Cotton Percale linen and beautiful wood accessories.

This all sounds so idyllic, but it has not been without its ups and downs! Starting your own business is difficult and trying at times, but if you persevere and have passion for what you do, you will be successful. Although my pocket is still not reflecting the successes achieved over the past four years, my self-worth and self-gratification definitely does!

The biggest contributor to my success is the guidance I have received from my Almighty God and the loving support of my husband and children. I believe Cadakids and Bedroom Buddies CC still have so much to offer the retail sector and my vision is still to make my products available to all South Africans Nationally.

My motto: Success is going from failure to failure, without losing enthusiasm – Winston Churchill.

www.survivalguide.co.za

During that year, I was pregnant with Daniel when our company decided to move offices - I remember praying to God to help me find a way to get out of the move as I could not see myself sitting in traffic for three hours daily while my little angels were waiting on me at day-care! I handed in my resignation, took a leap of faith… and started my own business, Cadakids (for my children - Ca for Carla and Da for Daniel.

During 2009 I won the Baba Indaba Most Innovative Product award for my Booster Buddy (a nappy bag that converts into booster seat) and the Neatseat won the Baba Indaba Most Green Award (a disposable cover for use on trolley infant seats). The highlight in the past four years was end of last year when I won the Standard Bank/Living & Loving Mompreneur of the year award: Best Product Provider. Only 6 winners were chosen out of the whole of South Africa! 2010 saw Cadakids growing even bigger and selected products are now being stocked by 25 baby boutiques and we have three regional agents. We are also in talks with a national distributor to finally get the Easy Sleepers™ into Baby City! Listen up readers: You can help!

Go to your nearest Baby City, Baby Boom or Reggies/Toys R Us and ask for the Easy Sleepers™ by name! This will ensure they understand the demand for the product

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A

bout 5 years ago I was stuck in a corporate environment and although my work was satisfying in a sense, the average 14hr work each day quickly became too much to digest when I fell pregnant with Carla.

On maternity leave, I realised that there is much more to life than work - but I still had no idea that I might someday start my own business. When Carla was about 8 months old, we took a midweek break to Amanzimtoti. All the way there and back her little head kept toppling over and side-to-side - extremely frustrated by this, I would fold her burp nappies and fasten them to her seat with safety pins. When the seat fabric started tearing, I cut one of her burp nappies into a shape and stuffed it with one of my own pillows and named it Easy Sleepers™. Carla used the pillow for over a year and it was PERFECT! It supported her head while it comforted her and also resulted in longer napping times.

BABY DAYS

Inspired by the needs of Carla and Daniel

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BABY DAYS

Baby on the way?

Here are some essentials you’ll be very glad you discovered!

From six weeks or 4,5kg’s your baby can start sleeping in a sleeping bag. The Dream Bag ensures safe and sound sleep time for your baby. Unlike blankets, the Dream Bag cannot be kicked off during the night so your baby does not wake up from the cold. It is safe & substantially reduces the risk of cot death by eliminating loose blankets.

Prevents little feet from getting stuck in the bars and provides a sense of security so your baby is able to settle easier when away from home.

Essential for every baby. Available in various seasons, sizes and a wide range of fresh and fun designs.

BABY DAYS

Preparing For Baby

For more information please go to www.thedreambag.co.za email liza@thedreambag.co.za

To view these and other wonderful, natural products for you & your baby visit www..enchantrix.co.za Enchantrix’ range of baby toiletries is fully organic and contains no petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, colourants or fragrances, or animal ingredients.

Enchantrix Baby Bum Balm - only the best for your baby. Rich in cold pressed oils to help protect and soothe baby’s delicate skin. Store in the fridge if it’s hot. It is also ideal as a healing balm for dry skin or problem skin (eg. eczema) as well as for massage.

Enchantrix Baby Lotion is a light, moisturising lotion perfect for dry patches and for cleaning baby’s bum. It’s not necessary to use this all over baby—rather encourage the skin to produce its own oil. Infused with lavender and chamomile.

Tel: +27 (0)21 709 0393/4 Fax: +27 (0)21 709 0392 Email: info@enchantrix.co.za

Our clothes have been designed for ultimate fit and comfort throughout all stages of your pregnancy... and beyond.

We have also designed our clothes with sexy v and scoop necklines that will enhance your new found cleavage (and slim and elongate your body too)!

Shop online at: www.meoli.co.za - we deliver to you anywhere in South Africa.

www.survivalguide.co.za

This is why we at Meoli believe that you must celebrate it with stunning clothing that will enhance your form.

Through a combination of soft stretch fabrics and wrap styling, our clothing will ensure you look stylish and radiant.

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You cannot get a more feminine and gorgeous state than a pregnant woman!

BABY DAYS

We’ve gone online!

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www.jellybeanzbabydeli.co.za

083 625 3945 | 082 926 9408 info@jellybeanzbabydeli.co.za

BABY DAYS

Bush Baby offers a world class formula to assist in the well being and skin care of babies.

Bringing the secrets and traditions of African motherhood to parents across the world!

African mothers have known these gentle care recipes for generations - now you can share in the secret, and protect your baby with the loving care of Africa.

Give your baby the gentle care his or her delicate skin deserves with Bush Baby.

Bush Baby’s range of baby care essentials with over 95% natural ingredients offers the timetested benefits of African plant extracts and remedies long used by African mothers to naturally soothe and protect their babies’ skins.

Each formulation contains a unique blend of Organic Green Rooibos, Sutherlandia leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract and soybean oil, which works to safely soothe, moisturise, nourish, and protect sensitive skin. Other active ingredients in our pH-balanced products include Shea Butter and Baobab oil.

www.bush-baby.co.za

Win

ONE OF 3 HAMPERS VALUED AT R500 EACH! Visit www.survivalguide.co.za for details

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Available from leading health shops, pharmacies and New Clicks Mega Stores

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BABY DAYS

Baby on the way?

Here are some essentials you’ll be very glad you discovered!

BABY DAYS

Preparing For Baby

Take good care of yourself... for Pregnancy and during Breastfeeding

To prevent stretch marks – Dr.Hauschka Blackthorn Body Oil – use of the bust, tummy, hips, thighs .

To assist BONDING between mother and baby – Dr.Hauschka Rose Body Oil – massage on your breasts and baby’s chest. Rose is the most nurturing Oil in the world!

Using the benefits of modern materials the African Baby Carrier assists you in going about your business while creating a healthy supportive environment for your child.

Handmade in Africa from the finest and most durable cottons, it provides strong support for the correct development of the child’s spine and hips and the specially designed hood provides 100% support for the child’s head while sleeping.

Contact: Julia@africanbabycarrier.co.za 021 783 0431 / 082 346 8140 www.africanbabycarrier.co.za Available at: Jelly Beanz - Knysna: Kids Emporium - Gauteng

Dr.Hauschka Certified Natural and Organic Skin Care For Stockists: www.drhauschka.co.za Call Caro: 083 265 2442

2 Sets of Washable Nursing Pads for Breast-feeding Mom • Super absorbent • Feel-Dry Effect • Breathable waterproofing • Un-bleached, natural cotton against your skin • Economical and eco-friendly Directions for use: Cold wash or warm wash by hand.

Lightly iron to reshape.

Do not tumble dry. www.mothernatureproducts.co.za

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For the majority of human history mothers have carried their babies close to their bodies, not only to leave their hands free for the multi tasking all mothers perform but, as research has shown, because babies are always happiest when in close proximity to the bodies of their mothers.

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BABY DAYS

NOW is the time to get prepared for protecting those young skins!

- By Cam Shackleton

I

dyllic beaches, wonderful, relaxed afternoons by the pool and lots of summer adventures are just around the corner. I can’t wait! But, I also know that the summer sunshine brings additional parental responsibilities

play” rule I enforce strictly in summer. Babies as little as 10 months can be taught this rule- as soon as the baby pulls off the sunhat- take baby back inside, saying “no hat, no outside play”. Put hat back on and let little one out again.

After a few repetitions of this, they will get the message and accept the hat.

The statistics are frightening.

• South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world (we are second only to Australia).

• Excess sun exposure at a young age significantly increases the risk of skin cancers developing later in life.

• 80% of a person’s sun damage is done in the first 18 years of life.

Arms and shoulders are best protected by long-sleeved swimwear, or “rash tops”. These UV protective tops can be found at surf shops, and will also be available on our website by November. Don’t forget to pack another long sleeve cotton shirt, or T-shirt, to pop on once the child has been in the water, and is now cold and wet. Board shorts provide excellent sun protection for legs (also available from surf shops, or from MooMoo Kids from November), and the “little surfer” look is very cute!

Very scary stuff. To keep the right balance between being a complete kill-joy, protecting the children from even a single ray, and on the other hand, making sure they are adequately protected is a real challenge. One of my problems turned out to be relying too heavily on sunscreen. All too often I was the desperate mother brandishing sunscreen, chasing protesting little ones down the beach! For more peaceful summers, I have learnt to rely more on physical barriers (i.e. sunhats and clothing).

This way the protection is visible.

Hats that are comfortable and shade face, neck and ears are essential. MooMoo sunhats adjust to fit, provide excellent sun protection and stay on in windy conditions.

To add to their appeal, they are available in a range of fun prints and plains. Please visit www.moomookids.co.za to view the range.

Keeping even the nicest hat on the head of a toddler can still admittedly be challenging. Rather than getting into a rather unproductive game of “put sunhat on, toddler takes sunhat off”, try this strategy. It’s the “no sunhat, no outside

YOUR GROWING CHILD

SUMMER is on its way!

Sunscreen is still a very important weapon, of coursesunlight reflected off water and sand can also burn, so in summer add putting sunscreen on faces and hands/arms into the family’s morning routine. On the outing, use it for the tops of hands, feet, and any bits of skin you see are exposed. The CANSA association recommends using sunscreens with a minimum of SPF20. Ditch last season’s sunscreens, as sunscreen loses efficacy over time. Sprayon varieties are easier to apply.

So get your beach bag ready now for your first summer adventure!

The Ideal Summer outing bag lives at the front door and contains: 1. A good sunhat for each one in the family 2. Long-sleeved rash tops and swimwear 3. Long sleeve cotton/linen shirts- for playing in the garden, or after swimwear is wet 4. Towels 5. Some spray-on sunscreen-for any skin that you can see is catching the sun

MooMoo sunhats

www.moomookids.co.za please visit www.moomookids.co.za to view range, and place your order.

Contact Cam on 073 612 2719 with any queries.

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fully adjustable hats that fit!

YOUR GROWING CHILD

George

School SWIMRITE is a nationwide swimming programme for children & adults, introducing and teaching skills needed for confident and competent participation in all water activities.

Beginners are taught in small classes of 1/2hr each, where they get the maximum amount of attention to ensure fast progression.

SWIMRITE is for all children, regardless of existing ability, with classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced swimmers.

SWIMRITE forms part of SWIMMING SOUTH AFRICA’S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAMME. Coaches are trained, affiliated and registered by SSA. Lessons take place in a private, heated pool and children can be collected and returned to school for lessons Contact: Natasha 0845691832 | Zelda 0846458752

This method of intensive auditory stimulation was shown to be helpful for many people with auditory or listening-related difficulties, including • Concentration problems • Painful hearing • Reading and spelling (phonology) problems • Speech problems • Social skills

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These are problems experienced by people of any age, and are also found in children with • Dyslexia • ADD / H • Autism Speech and language disorders

Contact details: Anna-Marie de Bruin 084 500 1351 annamdeb@gmail.com www.filteredsoundtraining.net

Three year old tantrums. Yet again, I get up from a presentation to calmly yet firmly place the kicking, pouting, resistant individual on the ‘thinking chair’, and hover nearby to replace the defiant person five or six times. I am watched by nineteen pairs of hawk eyes to see who emerges as the ‘Alpha’ of this pack.

In the back of my mind, the maxim repeats itself’: ‘A patient man captures a city’, a necessary chant, knowing the propensity of a three year old to extricate himself from the chair in order to test the boundaries. I have sufficient time to meditate on the wonder of this ‘thinking chair’.

Never is the dignity of the child infringed by harsh words or frustrated adult ‘attitudes’. He knows that there are boundaries to his behaviour (our class rule: Don’t damage people or equipment). He is free to come out of the chair once he is ready to conform to these norms. And so I wait, only returning to the presentation when I am sure that the child is in a state of ‘thinking’ rather than ‘passion’. I am always rewarded with a big hug, smile and a very compliant toddler, who immediately seems to work with great concentration and joy. Another triumph for a ‘normalized’ classroom.

“Ring Ring” Our bell calls them to immediately become ‘statues’.

The silence is not always immediate, this one has to finish snipping her volcano booklet and that three year

old fellow just has to run to imitate the position of his ‘hilarious’ five year old hero.

Dramatic closing of eyes, shuffling, ”shhh, shhh”. “How would you like to go for a walk?” In unison, perfectly echoing my tone, they sing out: Oh Yes! “Now remember how to stand and walk in line.” We particularly pride ourselves (totally false of course) on having the straightest, quietest most compliant line in the school.

We head off past the boom gate and into a world whose secrets only young eyes can teach. Two workmen paving the road become our instructors; pouring out cement and explaining to a mesmerized group how it holds the bricks in place. Thorn trees are discovered. A little self-appointed guard waits to warn all and sundry of this danger. The ever popular sticks are discovered. Little folk dash around picking up leaves, filling bags with pine cones and little insects are displayed in grubby palms. Little girls pirouette, boys run up the leafy incline, little faces are alive and radiant.

And then we all lie on our backs, listening - cars, dogs, birds, and yes, we even hear the grass blowing in the wind.The nature bags are full. “Oooh Hannah, we nearly forgot, some have Playball soon.” And so this joyous little group winds its way back to lay out their treasure on the classroom floor.

As I watch them later at break time with the other classes, I observe a group with some of their leaves doing leaf rubbings with the other children at the outside art table. One child comes up to me with a fallen leaf and asks if she can match it to the botany cabinet inside, she is sure it is triangulate…

This is the magic I watch unfolding each day. I am like a mother who is overjoyed to watch her child take a first step. Only I have this delight each day. The joy is always overwhelming and I give thanks for the privilege.

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eometric solids, colour tablets, botany cabinet, lifeskills area, nomenclature cards, binomial cubes - Montessori three-year-olds respond to this terminology day in day out. Small fingers tentatively feel outlines of geometric planes, clumsy unskilled fingers drop material. Water spills and is wiped day in day out by overzealous ‘scientists’. Time after time tenacious children repeat these tasks in order to master the skills.

Hopefully this strictness will have its desired effect of introducing an isolated ‘sensorial’ concept (weight) to these young ones so hungry to classify and make sense of their world. Given to them at the ‘sensitive period’, they will forever hold these experiences in the ‘muscular memory’ as they become foundations to ‘open a door’ into the vast world of knowledge.

YOUR GROWING CHILD

By: Antoinette Wood

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Do your Barbies and Bratz dolls need a home?

Come visit us for exclusive, hand-made, sturdy indoor dollhouses and furniture sets All our houses have been made with that “personal attention to detail�

Gorgeous hand made evening and bridal wear and quilted duvets for Barbies Furniture sets and clothing posted nationwide Deliveries along the Garden Route by arrangement

Made to order Showroom viewing by arrangement

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59A Long Street, Great Brak River Tel. 0769715082 www.dollhouse.co.za

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Recycle

CHAMPIONS AFTER SCHOOL CARE-CENTRE

Champions After School Care-Centre

DON‛T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT 2010 HOLIDAYS?

WHAT: Exciting HOLIDAY PROGRAM WHERE: 74 Cradock Street WHO: Grades R – Grade 7 A fun, safe, exciting TIME: 7h30—17h30 2010 Our aim is holiday to provideprogramme! a FUN, SAFE programme PLEASE CALL TO SECURE YOUR CHILD‛S SPACE R175 per week—Includes LUNCH AND 2X SNACKS

Where: 74 Cradock Street Enquiries please call: Maryna DeVries 072 4556505 Who: Grades R – Grade 7 /Sally Versfeld 072 2415442 Time: 7h30—17h30

MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHERS

R550 per Month Includes Lunch and 2x Snacks

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Maryna Devries: 072 455 6505 Sally Versfeld: 072 241 5442

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Reuse

PREPRIMĂŠRE SKOOL

GEORGE

PREPRIMARY SCHOOL Founded in Faith Foccused on the future

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melissa page school of dance

91 Mitchell Street Tel: 044 874 3082 Fax: 044 873 4559 E-mail: gppadmin@xsinet.co.za P.O. Box 961, George, 6530

Tel: 044-8733429 E-mail: office@holycrossgeorge.org.za Website: www.holycrossgeorge.org.za

Association of International Dance Teachers (A.I.D.T)

Full & 1/2day, CCTV cameras, finger-print scanned entrance, baby clinic on premises 16 Mann Str. George-East (044) 871 0078 mountaintop@mweb.co.za

Open till 15h00 Monday to Thursday

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Reinvent

VIVIERS BALLET STUDIO

Classes are offered in the International Royal Academy of Dance method.

EXAMS • BADGE TESTS • CONCERTS

MARIKI VIVIERS

Experienced RAD registered teacher BA HOD. PrePrim • RAD dip • RAD reg

044 620 3165 • 084 508 2919

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The safe and friendly studio, where every individual is important.

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YOUR GROWING CHILD

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YOUR GROWING CHILD

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Masada Lees - en Studiesentrum Kom lees beter en leer beter Leesvaardighede en studiemetodes Graad 1 - 13 Nico Fourie : 083 6535 770 masadaleessentrum@live.co.za

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MOSAIC is a non-profit community sewing project, designing and producing fairy dresses, princess dresses and a unique range of everyday designer clothing for kids.

You can order online at www.mosaickids.co.za or call 083 604 0817

Top quality toys with educational benefits - the perfect gift for any child!

With Uberstix, children are inspired to think, experiment and stretch their imagination to create buildings and structures that are taller than themselves, bridges that support working trains, boats that float and sail, planes that fly, and UberFo’s that hover.

Uberstix inspires creativity while teaching children basic to advanced concepts in geometry, math, engineering and basic physics.

Contact details www.uberstix.co.za Chris Charnock - chris@ uberstix.co.za or 0825625693

Wow! These micro scooters really make the most fantastic gift for a child! We love the way the lean steering uses children’s bodyweight to turn and how quickly kids grasp the concept. Even the under 2s can have great fun on them as the big front wheels and low deck make it a stable and safe ride, and the bigger kids quickly become experts at surfing on dry land! So practical and light yet sturdy enough to pass on to the next sibling. Most of all we can’t believe kids can have so much fun and exercise virtually anywhere. A definite hit! www.micro.co.za Tel: 076 373 4796 sg@micro.co.za

Educational Waiting Room Table.

After sitting in waiting rooms with a bored child, I thought of how great it would be if there was something educational to keep her busy. I designed this table using 4 of our best selling wooden toys. All the toys have no loose pieces and are fixed onto the table.

The Latches board and the Farm Maze puzzle are both part of the world renowned Melissa & Doug brand.

The products develop: Colours, numbers & shapes Midline crossing Fine motor skills Planning & problem solving These tables are great for playrooms, medical practices, waiting rooms, Size: L80cm x W54cm x H43cm nail & beauty salons, coffee shops, restaurants, churches, schools, party venues, gyms etc Price R1350.00 excl. delivery. www.toddlerswarehouse.co.za | 011 979 1676 | 082 385 2227

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Uberstix Award Winning construction kits are engineered to work independently and/or integrate with recyclable materials and with all other major build systems including Lego, Zoobs, Zomes, and K’nex. We tell children to think outside the box. Finally, a toy that invites it!

YOUR GROWING CHILD

Award Winning Toys

Summer

Book Your Spot

074 103 8761

CELEBRATE

2010

SABS 1288457 CCA Treated

22 Market Street • George • E-mail: gladiatorza@absamail.co.za • www.gladiatorjunglegyms.co.za

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Tel: (044) 884 1361 • Cell: 082 453 6284

Combo packages now available Now: Garden Route Listings!

The first place that people planning parties look! Affordable monthly debit orders. Be seen in print and online all year. Stretch your adspend with KIDSPARTYVENUES & SURVIVAL GUIDE!

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CELEBRATE

CELEBRATE

Le-Landi’s Baking Art, Catering & kids party planner Party venue available Yolandé: 082 747 9629 shalom@isat.co.za www.llbakingart.co.za

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All sorts of Birthday cakes, cupcakes, Platters, Catering, Wedding cakes, Hiring of kids tables, chairs, etc.

• Forest Treasure Hunts • River Rock Pool • River Lapa • Obstacle Course & River Games • Labyrinth/Maze • Kloofing Parties • Paintball Games • Weekend Camping Parties • 2010 School Holiday Camps

• Jungle Gym • Red Roof Lapa • Fairy Garden • Myrtle Forest & Obstacle Path • Pony Rides • Arts & Craft Parties • Bead Crafting Parties • Pirates • Treasure Hunts • 2010 School Holiday Art Courses

The company was established in SA in 2007

by Sandile Zwane and Desmond Radebe.

Fly Brother SA specializes in producing ‘Flybrother’ famous China brand electric bikes, power wheelchairs, and electric mobility scooters etc.

An electric bicycle simply defined is a standard bicycle with a motor attached (usually in the front or rear hub) and powered by a battery. In this economy, many people are considering alternate forms of transportation due to stress on finances and concerns regarding the environment.

Bicycles are now outselling automobiles in the U.S. In Europe where high gas prices and eco-friendly attitude among consumers became prevalent about 5 years ago, 10% of all adult bikes sold in 2008 were electric. As South Africans continue their quest toward becoming more ecofriendly and gas prices continue to rise, electric bikes are becoming more prevalent

Simplifying Travelling...

FAQ

What is a Fly Brother electric bicycle?

Fly Brother electric bicycle is like any conventional bicycle, but is fitted with a state of the art electric motor, battery and controller system.

Should the battery power seize the conventional cycling functionality can then be used Why a Fly Brother SA? Fly Brother SA brings you CE approved bikes which passed all safety measures with regards to the biking rules. It is engineered, fitted and tested by our top engineers from our housing factory abroad and local and offers you a life warranty on the frame 12months on electronics and the battery.

Do I need a license or registration?

No - SANS 311 an SABS regulation published in 2007 states that “Cycles that are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor that has a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner”.

How far can I go on one charge?

You can get up to 50 to 60 km’s on a single charge depending on the model, the cyclist’s weight and terrain. The rider can pedal as well.

Fly Brother Electric Bikes are leading the way in eco-friendly electric bike transportation, comfort, style, quality and technology As you discover all the advantages of riding an electric bicycle, you will be simultaneously saving money and helping to improve the air quality of the world. As a bonus, you will have fun and get in better shape!

What is the life span of the battery?

The battery has a lifetime of about1 500 charges, which is about 5 years worth of full charges and discharges for a person using the bike every working day for a 50km trip.

Sandile Zwane (Sales) • 0847775105 • Sandile@flybrothersa.co.za Desmond Radebe (Technical) • 084 7775020 • Dez@flybrothersa.co.za

www.flybrothersa.co.za

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F

lybrother was established in 1996 in China and is now taking the South African market by storm as a perfect way to ease the burden on our roads. The average commuter will save time and money by commuting to work, avoiding traffic jams and still arrive to work without needing a shower.

Fly Brother SA

FAMILY LIFE

Eco Friendly Fly Brother

FAMILY LIFE PAGE 30 www.survivalguide.co.za

Our world has enough for each person’s need, but not for his greed.

- Mahatma Gandhi

reflection@mweb.co.za www.reflectionsreserve.com Tim and Angelique Carr 044 883 1013 / 1013

Reflections Eco Reserve is the perfect getaway for anyone wanting a environmentally friendly, sustainable and comfortable holiday!

The whole property is powered by wind and sun, which creates the ultimate green holiday.

PAGE 31 www.survivalguide.co.za

FAMILY LIFE

PAGE 32 www.survivalguide.co.za

HAPPY HOMES

choose green products for your home!

Waste – How Can I Make A Difference?

Many homes in South Africa do not have the luxury of dry waste collection services – paper, glass, plastic. We want to make a difference and don’t know how. Over 30% of our household waste can be recycled and put back into our gardens. Grass cuttings, veggie scraps, egg shells, tea bags and paper are all forms of wet waste… and the solution is the Green Genie Home Composter!

HAPPY HOMES

Green Products

With a lock alignment lid, slide cover to remove compost and 150ltr capacity, doing your bit to eliminate wet waste from landfill is now possible. Let’s clean up South Africa!

See www.greengenie.co.za for stockists countrywide.

How clean is your rainwater going into your tanks Over time your roof and gutters can collect a host of unwanted pollutants which are washed into your tank when it first starts to rain. These include: Insects, birds, droppings, leaves, pesticides, dust and salt.

You can avoid this by installing a SUPERHEAD Rainwater tank filter.

Made out of recycled wood flour and recycled plastic, EFP decking is a high quality alternative to traditional decking. It offers the natural beauty of wood, but without splinters, warping, rotting or ritualistic maintenance.

Our Bamboo flooring is an environmentally sensible alternative to hardwood floors or carpets. It has the clean look of hardwood floors, but contains a finer grain pattern. Bamboo is harder than most other floor coverings – ideal for people with pets and small children.

EFP cladding is a wood composite product that has the stylish finish of wood cladding – but is quick and easy to install and requires low maintenance!

For more information please email brett@bfpublish.com call 083 561 0981 or visit www.envirofriendly.co.za

The Superhead combines an adjustable first-flush diverter which automatically filters the polluted rain, keeping your tank water clean and safe. This will extend the life your water filter systems, tap washers, pumps and prevent blocked sprinklers, etc.

For further information or your nearest retailer, contact Water Conservation Systems South Africa (SA) on 044 382 4887, info@watercon.co.za or visit our website on www.watercon.co.za

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EFP building materials save time, money and the environment…

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HAPPY HOMES

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ecoming eco-conscious is really simple. Even the smallest changes will make a difference to the quality of the earth on which we all depend. Believe in the power of one and become a role model to those around you.

Here are some simple ways to make a difference…

• Squash your waste as much as possible so that it takes up less space in the landfill.

• Rinse cans and glass before you recycle them.

• Remove any lids, corks or metal foil from bottles.

• Donate old clothes or household items to charities or others in need.

• Don’t throw away old textiles – rather cut them and use them for cleaning purposes.

• Repair things rather than throw them away.

• Used motor oil can be handed in for recycling at your local garage.

• Start a compost heap for your garden refuse.

• Always try and buy products that are re-useable

• • •

• •

• • • • •

• •

• • •

• •

•

or have refills so you don’t have to discard the old packaging and start again.

Buy cleaning and household products that are labelled organic, non-toxic, or bio-degradable.

Use your own shopping bag or reuse plastic bags when you go shopping.

When buying loose veggies or fruit, weigh them separately but put them all in the same bags, or stick the labels directly onto those that have harder skins.

Buy products made from recycled materials, or packaged in them.

Use rechargeable batteries where possible, cloth dishtowels and napkins instead of paper ones, and refillable ink pens.

Buy in bulk where possible to reduce the amount of packaging required.

Glass is 100% recyclable so try and buy glass packaging rather than plastic whenever you can.

A small lamp will use much less wattage than the giant bulbs on an overhead light fixture.

Using energy saving life bulbs will save the atmosphere about 0.8 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Switching off your TV, video, DVD or stereo at the set stops the extra 10-60 percent electricity used by being on standby.

Use full loads in your washing machine to save electricity, water and time Buy plants for your home! Not only are they aesthetically pleasing to the eye but they also remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.

Only fill kettle with as much water as you’ll need.

When you boil water, put a lid on the pot. The water boils faster, using less energy.

Make sure your fridge and freezer run efficiently by defrosting regularly and setting to the right temperature. When there’s too much ice in a freezer it uses more electricity try to stay at the correct temperature.

Don’t leave the tap running while you are washing your face or teeth.

Try and use organic or natural products where possible so that you are not flushing more toxins down the drain every time you take a shower or wash your hands.

Think twice before your print and when you do print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts.

PAGE 35 www.survivalguide.co.za

to Lighten your Load on the Earth

HAPPY HOMES

TOP Green Tips

HAPPY HOMES PAGE 36 www.survivalguide.co.za

No one person has to do it all but if each one of us follow our heart and our own inclinations. We will find the small things that we can do to create a sustainable future and a healthy environment.

- John Denver

GreenKids

www.greenkids.co.za

Its your world

Craft Project

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sk your little one what spring is all about – the answers are very cute. Children get very excited about spring time and raising green kids gives you an opportunity to get out into the garden.Are you thinking about starting a vegetable patch? Or are you just planting tomato seeds in a pot?

• A Wooden spoon • A branch from a tree (lollipop stick/old tooth brushes) • Scraps of fabric/coloured paper • String/old shoe laces • Glue • Koki Pen • Button/Beads What to do:

Step 1 Step 2

Glue the tree branch onto the wooden spoon, just below the spoon part.This is going to be for the arms - lots of string or wool will help secure this.

Cut out material or paper to resemble a pair of pants and a shirt, and glue these onto the wooden spoon to cover the join of the

branches.

Whilst the glue is drying cut a cardboard hat out of an old cereal box, and some short lengths of string for the hair, and hands.

Once everything is dry, glue the button for the nose, and add the hair to the spoon.

Glue on the hat over the hair and also the short pieces of string for the hands.

Step 3 Step 4

Draw eyes, and a mouth scary enough to keep the birds away from the seeds.

An elastic band around the lower end of the spoon can also be used to poke straw into making a skirt for a lady scarecrow.

At GreenKids we use fun projects to bring about awareness of the small steps that we can take towards a greener lifestyle. By reusing and recycling we can teach children to be creative in their play (Yes! Life beyond Buzz and Spongebob) By looking at different ways we can use every day items, we talk about how much it takes to manufacture, package and ship toys around the world. Teaching about fuel costs and pollution in everyday situations makes our programme relevant and valuable.

Good habits will help us save the earth.

From the soil to the sun – and the eco system in between.

From vegetables and flowers, to compost and recycling.

GreenKids is an extra-mural programme designed to introduce children to environmental awareness.

Learn more by visiting our website or call us Sara Mortimer: 072 556 3706 GreenKids ~ Its your world

PAGE 37 www.survivalguide.co.za

Here is a mini scarecrow you can make to protect your seedlings.

First of all, explain to your children that a scarecrow is a kind of doll that stands in a farmers field – their aim is to make it scary as they can so that it keeps the birds away from the farmers crop. Remembering to be green we are going to reuse materials we already have available around the house – from old clothes, to empty sweet wrappers, let your child run around free range collecting items.

HEALTHY LIVING

MAKE A MINI SCARECROW

BUY A TREE…… and HEALTHY LIVING

• Restore a local ecosystem • Reduce your Carbon Footprint • Plant a tree and leave a legacy • Become a “Points Partner” • Enjoy many benefits, using your Carbonworx card where you see our logo For more info, contact: Amanda Prinsloo 082 825 3698 amanda@virtualbusinesscentre.co.za

M POWER CUP Eco-friendly Economical Effective Empowering

• The MPower menstrual cup is an innovative menstruation product made in SA. • It is eco-friendly, economical, effective and empowering.

• By using an MPower cup you save money and save the environment.

• No tampons. No pads. No ‘period pains’.

079 667 3038 | Psusman2@gmail.com

Tel: 044 873 0674 l Cell: 083 309 2631 www.pure-skin.co.za

PAGE 38 www.survivalguide.co.za

Why should you choose Organic Skincare?

1. NO parabens/preservatives 2. NO pore-blocking petrochemicals 3. NO skin-irritating sulphates 4. NO artificial fragrances 5. Certified Organic ingredients 6. Safe for mom’s & babes!

At Pure Skin we are passionate about Safe, skin-friendly products!

HEALTHY LIVING WIN a hamper worth R1 000!

FRUITICALS™

visit www.survivalguide.co.za

• Goji Berry – a potent antioxidant assists the body by enhancing the immune system and providing resistance again diseases, viral infections and may also help to balance blood sugar levels and with weight control.

• Açai – helps with lowering of cholesterol, improving digestion and build up cartilage levels and helps alleviate joint pain.

It also assists with balancing blood sugar levels.

• Camu Camu – is used to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy gums, teeth, eyes and skin. It can also help assist with mood swings and mental clarity.

• Mangosteen – helps to maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, sustain a healthy respiratory system and improve cartilage and joint function.

• Noni – helps the body to strengthen the immune system, maintain a youthful appearance, stimulate cellular health, clear up infections and assist with chronic fatigue.

Available from Dis-Chem & select pharmacies for around R179 per pack Or order online: www.nutrifruitlabs.co.za | Enquiries: 087 802 7641

PAGE 39 www.survivalguide.co.za

Super fruits are fruits or berries which have powerful antioxidant properties and contain intense nutrient properties which are able to supply our bodies with extraordinary health benefits.

PAGE 40 www.survivalguide.co.za

HEALTHY LIVING

an introduction

Frequently asked questions about chiropractic:

The first thing to know is that there are different types of chiropractors. There are limited scope chiropractors (mainly treating back and neck pain) and there are wellness chiropractors (have a look at your entire health and lifestyle and look to get you as healthy as you can be, through chiropractic).

So at In Touch Chiropractic, we focus on Wellness chiropractic, and it is based upon the following premise:: • Your brain and nerves control EVERYTHING in your body - your body is a self healing, self regulating organism. (For example, if you cut yourself your body will heal it, if you break your arm, your body heals it) • If there is INTEREFERENCE in this nervous system (called a subluxation), you are no longer 100% self healing and self regulating. (This affects your health and well-being; your body can not work efficiently if it is not getting proper information to and from the brain.)

• Chiropractors locate and remove this INTERFERENCE (by adjusting the spine), allowing the body to work properly and heal itself!

Is it safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government’s inquiry, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.” Chiropractors have a more thorough training in spinal mechanics and spinal manual therapy than any other health profession.

(New Zealand Commission of Inquiry) Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even common asprin.

Can children benefit from chiropractic?

Children have a spine and nervous system too and since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for the subluxations or interference. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine. There are also several studies on the effect of chiropractic on repeated ear infections and other common childhood health issues.

So if you rely on your brain and nerves to control and regulate EVERYTHING in your body, wouldn’t it make sense then to find out how well the nerves are working and get them to be at their best? That is if you wanted to be healthy! That is what we aim to do: Get you healthy, keep you healthy and teach you to stop re-creating problems that make you unhealthy

How it is done?

There are many different ways to establish if there are subluxations or interference. At In Touch we use thermal imaging to assess the nervous system (a non invasive and painless scan of your spine and the nerves), postural analysis and mobility tests, as well as other tests to establish any risks and specifically what needs to be performed to enhance healthy function. Once it is established if there is interference, a gentle adjustment is performed to restore greater function of the spine and nerves. Several adjustments may need to be repeated as years of wear and tear do not get undone instantly.

Chiropractic is seen as a lifestyle choice and many people see chiropractors regularly for the rest of their lives.

Health is about how you are functioning, not how you are feeling. Drugs make you FEEL good, but they are not making you healthy. A headache is not from a lack of PANADO in your blood.

If you are interested in getting yourself assessed, bring this article in and you will get half price for your initial visit.

For other questions or to book an appointment, please feel free to call or mail us.

Dr. Victoria Deverneuil & Dr. Brett Lederie 41 fichat st | Knysna | 6570 | South Africa intouch@telkomsa.net 044 382 3888

PAGE 41 www.survivalguide.co.za

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any people are not sure of what chiropractors do, what they treat or even how they differ from physios. People are even afraid of chiropractors from what they have heard before. So here is what chiropractors do:

Does it hurt?

Generally a chiropractic adjustment feels a bit odd because it is releasing tension and wear and tear, but is not supposed to hurt. There may be some tenderness, depending on the condition of the body. If you are in pain already, gentle techniques are utilised

HEALTHY LIVING

CHIROPRACTIC,

HEALTHY LIVING

Fixing tummy problems for your family is as easy as adding a simple supplement to their diet every day. Diarrhoea, constipation, tummy aches and even allergies can be controlled and completely eliminated by adding probiotics to the diet. Although probiotics have been around for many years, it is quite astonishing how few people are aware of their benefits.

What are probiotics?

Quite simply, probiotics are good bacteria which are vital for good health by preserving and replenishing the healthy bacteria in the body which in turn helps to maintain a healthy digestive and urinary system.

Probiotics are bacteria that occur naturally in the intestines and have many beneficial qualities.They are frequently referred to as the “friendly” bacteria. There are two main groups of these bacteria: Lactobacillus, which lives in the small intestine and Bifidobacterium, which lives in the large intestine (the colon). The term ‘probiotic’ originates from the Greek expression pro bios, meaning “for life”.

Usually when we think about bacteria we associate them with having harmful effects on our health, causing numerous problems or diseases.

However, only a relatively small group of bacteria actually cause diseases, while the remaining ones are either neutral (saprophytic) and can even be beneficial to our health. Probiotic bacteria belong to the latter group.

Bioflora has developed a range of probiotic products to treat the whole family: • Infantiforte for babies and infants • Kiddieforte for toddlers and older children • Combiforte and Combi 15 for adults • Vagiforte Plus to treat bacterial infections and thrush By adding Infantiforte to baby’s formula or milk, or giving children delicious Kiddie-forte tablets, tummy ailments can be eliminated. Adults and older children can be given Combiforte and if anyone in the family has been on antibiotics, Combi 15 is the answer as it is a concentrated dosage of probiotics.

It has been estimated that every year one billion women around the world suffer from urogenital infections which include bacterial vaginosis, yeast vaginitis (vaginal thrush) and lower urinary tract infections. Although the initial response of most patients to antibiotic treatment or anti-fungal therapies for these infections is positive, the recurrence rate is generally high. Vagiforte Plus taken as directed, has been shown to help with bacterial infections and thrush.

Probiotics have also been shown to play a positive role in the regulation of the immune system and assist in the absorption of good nutrients.

Probiotic supplementation added to the diet of babies and children has also been found to reduce the incidence of allergies, asthma and eczema. So keep your family healthy with the range of Bioflora probiotic supplement which treat : • Diarrhoea • Constipation • Irritable bowel syndrome • Intestinal, oral and vaginal thrush • Lactose intolerance • Spastic colon • Inflammatory bowel disease • Excessive gas and bloating.

The colon plays an important part in general health and apart from its role in digestion, if it does not function properly, symptoms such as flatulence, fatigue and bloating can occur. Colon Food is a prebiotic that enhances the growth of friendly flora in the gut. Colon Food should be used in conjunction with probiotics.

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All Bioflora products help to boost the immune system and are 100% safe as they are made under strictly controlled laboratory conditions.

Bioflora products are available from pharmacies.

PAGE 43 www.survivalguide.co.za

HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY LIVING

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Including

• Benefits worth more than R500 per month • VISA Cash back Card • Amadwala family life benefits plan • Prepaid airtime cash backs • Business optimizer software • Business opportunitys AND automatically support charity on a monthly basis through your subscription!

Pick your own charity to benefit!

All for only R289p/m For more details email info@survivalguide.co.za

Experience Ocean Paddling – Learn to surfski’ When you sign up at the Surf Ski School your goal is to graduate as an Ocean Expert. Once you’ve been dubbed an Ocean Expert, you’ll know that you can mix it up with the best of them. The paddling sessions can be done in Cape Town, Durban or PE.

PAGE 44 www.survivalguide.co.za

You’ll be cruising on your ski with style!

WIN! 4 x Ocean ABC Courses Visit www.survivalguide.co.za for details

Wilderness North Street 746 Tel: +27(0)44 877 1097 • Cell: +(0)84 383 7766 info@lodgeonthelake.co.za www.lodgeonthelake.co.za

For more information on this social, personal upliftment and adrenalin inducing sport, please contact Dawid Mocke on 021 782 4311 or visit www.surfskischool.com

Spring has sprung and it is that time of year again to air our homes and fill it with sunlight. As we pack away our winter clothes and open our windows wide, we can also let go of past hurts and open our souls to new possibilities, new ways of looking at life and a renewed appreciation for life.

Spring cleaning our homes – spring cleaning our souls: Karen Kingston writes in her book “Clear your clutter” (2006) that clutter is in fact stagnated energy.

Clutter causes a feeling of stuckness. Depression is often referred to as a psychological stuckness. Hence, as clutter in our homes hinders a healthy flow of energy, emotional clutter causes psychological stuckness or imbalance.

In life, we all gather hurts, disappointments, regrets.

This is especially true in the winter of our lives… after a divorce, the loss of a beloved, moving, changing job, retrenchments. Even beautiful experiences like getting married or the birth of a child has its own challenges and can leave our soul in need of rejuvenation and refueling.

What happens if we gather these experiences, and leave it be? If we don’t look at it, handle it, deal with it? Like water without movement, it becomes contaminated.We might not notice it immediately, but little incidents will start to seep through, making us aware that something is not right. If we ignore this, our souls, our relationships with loved ones, our way of being will become cluttered, hindering the positive free flow of energy and showing signs of stuckness.

Clearing yourself of emotional clutter: • Allow yourself the time to declutter: As your house takes time and energy to spring clean, so much more will your soul.You won’t feel guilty about spring cleaning your house, so why the guilt about taking time to clear you soul?

• Identify clutter: Make a list of situations, people, objects and unfinished business causing emotional discomfort.

Rate it from causing the most to causing the least discomfort.

• Assess: Once you have identified these, evaluate each.

Can you change it? Look at fresh ideas on how to do this. Remember that we cannot change other people; we can only change our perceptions, attitude or ways of dealing with them. Plan how you are going to bring about this change. If you cannot change it, can you get rid of it / distance yourself from it? If you are able to, but can’t, assess why you can’t let go.What keeps you in this situation? If you get stuck with the above, ask for help.

Talk to a trusted friend or seek professional guidance. If you can neither change it, nor distance yourself from it, work on looking at it from a new perspective. How can I accept it? What is the sense in this? What can I take from this on my journey through life?

Spring cleaning relationships with nearest and dearest: Also take the time to sit with your partner, your children, your parents and talk about the relationship.

What is positive and working in this relationship? What are the factors causing conflict, sadness, and feelings of rejection or unfairness? What can we do to improve this relationship? Even when things are seemingly going well, you might be surprised how your son feels that you are critical of him or your husband feels neglected.

Happy spring cleaning!

Jeanne Fourie-Hattingh is a psychologist in private practice in George and mother to Hema.

Contact 044 874 1241.

PAGE 45 www.survivalguide.co.za

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s I walked up the stairs to my house late one afternoon, the lingering scent of jasmine followed me. I felt a deep nostalgia as I realized that another season has passed us by. Another chapter of another year is completed. But with the nostalgia, I also experienced a stirring of excitement from deep within.

Soon the primulas will dance with their fairy dresses all over my garden. Everywhere around me there are signs of new life, new beginnings.

HEALTHY LIVING

SPRING cleaning:

SURVIVNG PARENTHOOD

What is a balanced lifestyle?

By Zane Green (Life and Business Coach)

Each day you will “thirst and hunger”, or feel the need for different areas to be nurtured or fulfilled. It’s all about staying connected with how each area and identified goal feeds you and what is it you need on a specific day.

This level of awareness may take time and practise to get to; it requires an ongoing commitment to maintaining your awareness of your whole self and all your needs. Often we make the mistake of trying to get all our needs fulfilled out of one specific activity or one person. This simply doesn’t work!

I recommend seeing each area as a kind of food or source of sustenance, and we need a balanced meal and eating routine to stay healthy and have the right energy.

Becoming conscious of how each activity and area of sustenance fulfils you allows you to adapt your priorities each day and week as you move through the flow of life.

Like any learning process it is first becoming conscious of this and consciously applying it. Then over time you can simply find flow and balance. Reaffirm your goals and re-evaluate all life areas every 6 months or so and track your progress, re-evaluate your goals and priorities and consciously renew your commitment and intent.

Balance is about: • Identifying the priority areas in your life • Having clear goals for each area • Being in regular action of achieving your goals and maintaining balance.

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When we give one area too much attention at the expense of other areas we start feeling like everything is wrong in our lives. Just because apples are good for you, just living on apples means you don’t get all you need!

The kinds of life areas a person typically addresses are: • Health & Wellness – I feel well, healthy, supple and energetic.

• Personal Relationship – I feel supported and loved and I experience intimacy and passion in my relationship.

• Wealth & Finances – My finances are stable, under control and I stick to my financial plans.

• Self Character & Personal Growth – I feel like I am growing and learning new things as a way of life.

• Family and home – My home environment is orderly (even if it is organized chaos), homely and a safe place for me.

• Business & Career – My work fulfils me, I get meaning from it and feel valued in doing it.

• Friends & Leisure Time – I take time to simply play, laugh and socialize.

• Spiritual & Community – I spend time connecting with my inner self, and helping others.

• Admin – My tax, legal, doctor, bills, admin stuff is orderly and under control.

The real art in this process is having clear goals for each, then engaging in the flow of life while staying aware of all your areas and goals. The goals need to be aligned to your values and needs. Each day opportunities present themselves to progress your goals.

Remember to maintain a balance of your energy through giving and receiving. Many of us are so good at giving and forget to create space to receive and then feel depleted or neglected. Maintain a positive energy inflow by spending your energy on activities and people that give energize you too.

Make some positive changes this week!

Give yourself and gift and put aside ten minutes now to complete this self nourishing exercise in 4 easy steps: 1. List the key areas of your life (you can make your own or use the ones given in this article).

2. Give each area a score between 1 and 10, with how satisfied you right now with that area of your life.

3.Tick the 3 areas that you most wish to address.

4. Next to each of the 3 priority areas, decide on one action you commit and promise to complete this week that will be one small step towards making an improvement.

Remember, the moment we commit to action and make one small step we already get positive energy flowing into us!!

For more information and a free online goal assessment, visit www.happivate.com