Mom's notes Dec/Jan Edition 2016 by TwoRedPens

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Wishing you the best holiday season!

Another day, another month, another year… Christmas time is already here Simple joys, little pleasures, laughter and smiles in big measures Friends, family, togetherness, love… The choicest from above Peace, prosperity and happiness too… All the good and more are our wish for you May the good times and treasures of the present, Become golden memories of time spent in the past. Mom’s Notes has had a wonderful year. We have increased our magazine and distribution with 125%. We would like to thank you for making this possible. We are very grateful to our readers and contributors. This year was truly a blessing and we would like to share our gratitude with you! We wish you the merriest Christmas and Happiest New Year with your family and loved ones. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

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Dear Mom

HOLIDAY

HUGS& MISSLETOE

KISSES mom’sNOTES

Editor's Letter

I can’t believe that it is Christmas time already. I absolutely love this time of the year. I had a very busy year and really look forward to spending quality time with friends, family and loved ones this holiday season. We must always remind ourselves that we are responsible for our own happiness and that every opportunity is a gift. We have to teach ourselves to stop and take a moment to see what lies within that opportunity. Have you ever taken a moment to make a list of the people that contribute positively to your life? Have you ever picked up the phone to call one of them, just to say thank you for being there when it mattered? My wish is a positive attitude, gratitude, self-love and happiness… Remember you can’t give what you don’t possess!! Let positivity radiate from your heart and fill the room with your attitude of gratitude. Remember that you are the best mom you can be to your children. Be true to yourself and your loved ones. Make sure you teach your children how to love, unconditionally. Be brave and always believe in yourself. You are great. You are a Mom! Mom’s Notes has really blossomed in 2015, and I am so blessed to be able to live out my passion with the love and support of my family, friends, associates and more specially you, reading this magazine. I am very proud of Mom’s Notes and the wonderful growth we have had over the last twelve months, and I am looking forward to 2016 (infact we are already busy with our first bumper packed edition for 2016). Have a blessed festive season! Love, protect and cherish one another.

e Lots of lovYulandi

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ARTICLES

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ARTICLES

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INDEX

ON THE COVER

HISTORY OF SANTA

ARE WE THERE YET?

Where did he come from, why does he do it, and how does he accomplish a seemingly impossible task?

The Nicholson Family A Christmas twinderland. pg 20 - 24

“Where’s the best place to take my family for a holiday?” How to choose the perfect family holiday.

LOWVELD‘S WATERFALLS

Nelspruit is the ideal starting point for countless scenic day trips.

42 12

34 78

Disclaimer: While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, neither Mom’s Notes nor TwoRedPens can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any errors or omisions. The publisher does not stand warranty for the performance of any article or service mentioned in this magazine whether in an advertisement or elsewhere. Redistribution of Mom’s Notes, alterations, unauthorised reproduction or use of any advertisers’ artwork in any way, is strictly prohibited and illegal. Mom’s Notes and the artwork contained inside is the property of TwoRedPens.

72 78 94 SAND OPTIONAL

Here’s all you need to make it a shell of a good time.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Here are great ideas for how to get everything they need and save a few bucks.

POACHING VERSES PASSION

Tamryn Baird is a passionate youngster that can inspire many of us in our daily lives.

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Christmas

around the world

More than two billion people celebrate Christmas globally every year, so we’ve put together a fun guide to some of the unusual ways in which other nationalities mark the occasion... CANADA

– Joyeux Noel

Chicken bones and barley candy are unique sweets eaten by Canadians during Christmas. Barley candy is a local treat on a stick symbolically shaped with Christmas images like Santa or a Christmas tree while chicken bones are pink candies that taste like cinnamon and with creamy milk chocolate inside.

ARGENTINA

– Feliz Navidad BRAZIL

– Feliz Natal

Christmas traditions among Brazilians are very similar to other cultures like that of Americans or the British. Their version of Santa Claus is called “Papai Noel” or “Bom Velhinho” which means “good, old man”. Christmas meals can mean a huge barbeque party with magnificent firework displays. 10

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Since the majority of Argentina are Catholics, Christmas celebration start early during “Advent” in the first weeks of December. Because of strong Catholic influence, houses are beautifully adorned with wreaths and the nativity scene is well-known display beside Christmas trees. During Christmas Eve, skies are filled with floating bright paper lanterns.

UNITED KINGDOM – Merry Christmas

Celebrating Christmas with family is important in the UK, with the entire family decorating the house and Christmas trees which the British popularized. Children write their requests to Santa but instead of mailing these letters, they are sometimes thrown into the fireplace where Santa can read the messages through the smoke from the chimney.

DENMARK - Glaedelig Jul

Many families enjoy a special rice pudding called “ris a la mande” during Christmas Eve dinner. In this unique delicacy of almonds, all but one almond are chopped into pieces and the person who finds this whole almond receives a prize. After dinner, many Danish families dance around the Christmas tree aside from opening presents.

JAPAN

– Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto

Since many Japanese aren’t Christians, Christmas is regarded more as a celebration of happiness than a religious one. For many people traditional Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It is so popular and well marketed you have to make a reservation to eat at a KFC on Christmas. Christmas Eve is also considered a romantic occasion for many couples.

SOUTH KOREA

– Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Christmas is widely celebrated in Korea due to its huge Christian population. Most of the Western traditions have already been infused, with Christmas lights brightly lit across churches, malls and throughout the city. Santa Claus may be seen wearing blue, aside from the traditional red and is also fondly known as “Santa Grandfather”.

CHINA

– Kung his Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan

It is ironic that although much of Christmas trees and décors are made in China, only few people celebrate Christmas there – mostly in urban cities like Shanghai and Beijing. One growing tradition is giving apples because the word “apple” in Chinese sounds similar to “silent or quiet night”.

EGYPT

- Colo Sana Wintom Tiebeen

VIETNAM

– Chuc Mung Giang Sinh

Interestingly, Christmas in Egypt is celebrated on January 7, not December 25. 40 days before this date, 15% of the population which are Coptic Orthodox Christians perform the Holy Nativity Fast in which they abstain from eating meat products except fish. On the eve of January 7, Christians attend a special liturgy across churches.

Most Vietnamese regard Christmas Eve as more important than Christmas day itself. Christmas Eve dinner is called “revellion” and an elongated chocolate cake, “buche de Noel”, is served for dessert. Because this dessert is already a Vietnamese tradition during Christmas Eve, it’s a more popular gift to give than other types of Christmas presents.

SOUTH AFRICA

AUSTRALIA

Like Australia, Christmas comes during the summer in South Africa and is a public holiday.Yet much of its celebration has British influence because of its history. Singing Christmas carols is popular and so is camping out. One unique food served is Christmas pudding or “Malva Pudding” which is a traditional South Africa dessert.

Because Australia is the “land down under”, Christmas comes during the summer holidays. It is often said that when Santa goes to Australia, he lets his reindeers take a break and uses kangaroos instead. Also, since the weather is extremely hot this time of year, Santa changes his usual clothes for less warmer ones.

– Geseënde Kersfees

– Merry Christmas

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the history of

Every December 24th millions of people are visited by a short, fat guy in a red suit.Where did he come from, why does he do it, and how does he accomplish this seemingly impossible task? 12

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anta Claus... Kris Kringle...Old Saint Nick... We see him on advertising posters, in parades, at departments stores...who is this guy and why does he have so many aliases? Well, the original St. Nicholas lived in southwestern Turkey in the 4th century. As the bishop of Myra he was credited with doing a number of miracles involving sailors and children. After his death this led him to become the patron saint of both groups as well as for unmarried girls. As a saint he was given his own â&#x20AC;&#x153;feast dayâ&#x20AC;? that was celebrated on December 6th. At about the same time Nicholas lived, Pope Julius I decided to establish a date for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. As the actual time of year for this event was unknown, the Pope decided to assign the holiday to December 25th. There had long been a pagan midwinter festival at this time of year and the Pope hoped to use the holiday to christianize the celebrations. Eventually, Saint Nicholasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feast day also became associated with December 25th and his connection with Christmas was established. A tradition developed that he would supposedly visit homes on Christmas Eve and children would place nuts, apples, sweets and other items around the house to welcome him. As the reformation took a hold

of much of Europe, however, the popularity of St. Nicholas dropped in most Protestant countries, with the exception of Holland where he was referred to as “Sinter Klaas.” After this tradition came to the United States, “Sinter Klass” would eventually be corrupted to “Santa Claus.”

THE MODERN SANTA

It’s been said that Dutch settlers brought the tradition of Saint Nicholas to the North American city of New Amsterdam (which the British would later rename “New York”). However, research shows there’s little evidence that Nicholas played much of a part in these early settlers’ celebrations. It seems more likely that Saint Nicholas became an American tradition during a wave of interest in Dutch customs following the Revolutionary War. Washington Irving (of Sleepy Hollow fame) included him a comic History of New York City written in 1809. John Pintard, founder of the New York Historical Society, took an especially keen interest in the legend and the Society hosted its first St. Nicholas anniversary dinner in 1810. Artist Alexander Anderson was commissioned to draw an image of the Saint for the dinner. He was still shown as a religious figure, but now he was also clearly depositing gifts in children’s stockings which were hung by the fireplace to dry.

legends. These stories held that a happy little elf-like man presided over midwinter pagan festivals. In the poem, Moore depicts the Saint as a tiny man with a sleigh drawn by eight miniature reindeer. They fly him from house to house and at each residence he comes down the chimney to fill stockings hung by the fireplace with gifts. Moore had written the poem for the enjoyment of his own family, but in 1823 it was published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel. It became very popular and has been reprinted countless times under the more familiar title, “The Night Before Christmas.”

Remember to write your Christmas letter

(but I can explain)

Perhaps nothing has fixed the image of Santa Claus so firmly in the American mind as a poem entitled “A Visit from St. Nicholas” written by Clement Moore in 1822. Moore, a professor of biblical languages at New York’s Episcopal Theological Seminary, drew upon Pintard’s thinking about the early New Amsterdam traditions and added some elements from German and Norse Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

“Iagain do”

What your child is experiencing when you remarry. “I’m getting remarried. I think my children are as excited about it as I am.”

aybe so. For a child, remarriage may have many positive aspects, although she may be looking forward to very different things from what her parent is. However, there are also some difficulties that can arise as members of two families begin living under the same roof. Here are some of the most common concerns for school-age youngsters:

DEALING WITH LOSS

As their parents date, develop serious relationships, and eventually decide to remarry, children may be reminded of their original family and of the life they once had with their mother and father. Now, however, with the prospect of this new marriage, they must confront the reality that their parents really are never going to reconcile and that they will never again have their original family back. This can be a source of great sadness. There are other losses to deal with as well. Children who have built a particularly close relationship with their own mother or father during a period of single parenthood must now learn to share that parent not only with a new spouse but perhaps with stepsiblings whom the youngster barely knows. As the middle-years child experiences this kind of loss and pain, she may show signs of increased attachment to the parent who is getting married. For instance, she might not want to leave the parent’s side in certain social situations; or she might express jealousy when her parent shows attention to the new spouse and his or her children. She might even verbalize some of her hurt and anger (“I don’t think he’s the right guy for you, Mom”). 14

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Some children wonder to themselves: “Where do I belong?” As they see their parent starting a new family, for example, they may feel more like an outsider than part of the new family structure.

wife at home now and I can take care of my child”). In the midst of an ongoing custody battle, the child will find it much harder to deal with her own loyalty conflicts.

DIVIDED LOYALTIES

DIFFICULTY WITH NEW RULES

Your child may still feel awkward for a while, having to get used to two fathers or two mothers. Particularly in the beginning, allow her to view your new spouse in the most comfortable way for her—perhaps as a second father but sometimes just as Mommy’s husband. You need to reassure her about these concerns, saying something like “Your stepfather is different from your daddy, and no one will ever replace your own daddy.”

In a sense, the entire household is in transition, and everyone—including the children—needs to participate in the reorganization and adapt to the way it runs. The majority of family members adapt, but it may take some time.

Many children feel that if they like and show affection toward their new stepparent, they will be demonstrating disloyalty or a lack of devotion to the natural parent whom this new stepparent, to some extent, is replacing in their home. They may worry that if their mother or father remarries, thus bringing a new father/mother figure into the household, they will lose the love and attention of their other parent.

Along the way, you can expect your child to make some comparisons between her real parent and stepparent, in both positive and negative ways. She might blurt out statements like “You’re not as nice as my daddy.” Comparisons are normal during this adjustment period. Eventually, your child will stop making them. If possible, father and stepfather, or mother and stepmother, should make contact with each other to begin working towards talking comfortably about your youngster. This can begin with a phone call just to say hello and to share observations of the child. Both parties might decide to have lunch or some other informal meeting. Although these two adults may run into each other at special events, such as birthdays and graduations, these occasions may not be opportune times to do much talking. The more comfortable these two individuals become with each other, the more reassured the youngster will feel that she does not have to choose between the love of her parent and the developing relationship with her stepparent. It will show the child that the adults are pulling together on her behalf, and that they all care and have her interests at heart. Do not expect your child to solve her loyalty conflicts if you have not resolved your own differences with your ex-spouse. For example, when remarriages occur, the issue of child custody often resurfaces; if a noncustodial father marries a woman with children, he may return to court, requesting that his own youngster now live with him (“I have a 16

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As children move from a household with a single parent into one that is occupied by a stepparent and perhaps stepsiblings, they will probably be confronted with changes in the way their family operates. Routines will be altered and new chores may be imposed. With more people in the home, privacy issues may become more important. It may be harder for children to carve out a personal space they can call their own.

UNREASONABLE EXPECTATIONS

Virtually all couples want their new marriages to be as perfect as possible. Hopefully, having learned from past experiences, they can achieve their expectations. However, within stepfamilies it is unrealistic to hope that the children will immediately respect and love their new stepparents. In the real world, relationships develop more slowly. Children need time to really get to know and feel comfortable with a stepmother or stepfather. In general, good relationships develop most quickly with younger children. Older youngsters, who are more set in their ways, may rightly feel that their established lifestyles are being disrupted by this new man or woman entering their life.

STEPFAMILIES I AM GETTING REMARRIED. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BLEND OUR FAMILIES?

When you and your new partner are ready for a more committed relationship, discuss these plans with your children to prepare them for the changes that are about to take place. If you are planning to get married, your youngsters will want to be part of any celebration. The wedding ceremony itself is generally a positive experience for children, one in which they should be given a special role. The more that children feel a part of the process of becoming a stepfamily, the better things will go for all concerned. Next, a new household will be established, and the blended family will learn to live together. This is a period of establishing who you are, what you

are willing to share and what each individual’s role in the new household will be. This process takes some time, conscious effort on the part of all family members, especially the parents, and occasionally some outside help. From the child’s perspective, the new stepparent is a “guest in the house.” The stepparent needs to develop his relationship with the child gradually and independently from his relationship with the mother.

NEW FAMILY ARRANGEMENTS

As the children themselves adapt to the new family arrangement, some will do better than others. Sometimes, the fit between stepchild and stepparent is a good one. However, there are many opportunities for problems to arise. Perhaps the child is jealous of the new man in his mother’s life. Or he may resent the intrusion of stepsiblings into his home. Sometimes members of the blended family have minimal tolerance for their differences, creating dissatisfaction and tension that can undermine the family’s equilibrium. In most blended families, children challenge their stepparents from time to time. Some youngsters may become openly aggressive; others may keep an emotional distance from their stepmother or stepfather. If this happens in your family, don’t take it personally; it is the child’s way of testing you and perhaps dealing with his own feelings over having a new adult in his life.

YOUR RESPONSES MATTER

If your stepchild criticizes you, don’t overreact; this will become less common as the months pass. In general, the older the child, the more critical and judgmental he is likely to be of you as a stepparent. While letting him express his feelings, you can be comforted by the fact that, if you are fair and making a sincere effort to get along, the negative feelings will eventually be outweighed by more positive ones. It is a sign of progress and a developing relationship that he feels comfortable enough with you to voice his feelings. To build some bridges, find some interests that you and your stepchildren share, and invite them to join you in these activities. You might hold regular family meetings to pull together on some issues and to iron out differences. Above all, treat your stepchildren with respect, and you will ultimately win their trust.

CHILDREN’S RESPONSES

Sometimes the difficulty children have within stepfamilies is really a continuation of their anguish over their parents’ divorce. Children’s responses to the divorce of their parents can take many forms and those feelings are not easily or quickly resolved. They may linger and then disappear, only to resurface in times of stress, especially the stress Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

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present when relationships, like stepfamilies, are formed or broken.

THE SUCCESS OF STEPFAMILIES

The success of stepfamilies depends on a number of factors, but especially the quality of the new marriage. If the new spouses begin having difficulties with their own relationship, that will affect nearly every aspect of family life, including how the children fare.

that same room was hers alone. Or when her stepfather’s children come to visit him on the weekend, they may move into her room for a couple of days, sometimes creating anger and jealousy. Privacy and personal space become important issues in blended families. Whenever possible, children should have their own rooms. Even if they share a room, however, each youngster should have her own toys and other possessions; she should not be forced to turn them all into community property.

If you are starting to have difficulties with your spouse, get some counseling to try to smooth out problems before they become serious ones. Also, in most communities, support groups are available to help remarried couples and their children deal with the various issues that can arise in stepfamilies.

HANDLING DISCIPLINE

STEPSIBLINGS

Too often, stepfathers attempt to assert authority and directly discipline their stepchildren, rather than letting their wives take the lead with their own youngsters. Particularly in the initial few months, stepparents should play a supportive role in discipline but allow their new spouse to continue being the primary disciplinarian. They should avoid sweeping statements like “From now on, we’re going to do things this way!” The new couple should gradually make a transition to shared authority. This transition can be accomplished by a delegation of authority from the biological parent to the stepparent, saying something like “While you’re with him, you need to mind what he says - or answer to me.’’

OUR CHILDREN NOW HAVE STEPSIBLINGS. HOW CAN WE HELP THEM ALL GET ALONG?

One of the most challenging aspects of a blended family is for the children of each parent to become comfortable living together as brothers and sisters. Children who are brought into the same household with minimal preparation and are expected to function as a congenial, loving family are unlikely to succeed. Storybook relationships may appear to be developing in those first few weeks of getting to know one another, but this is generally only a honeymoon period until the children feel comfortable enough to express their disagreements and conflicts with one another.

RIVALRY AMONG STEPSIBLINGS

As with any siblings, there will probably be some competition between the children in stepfamilies, much of it for their parents’ attention. Stepsiblings should not be expected to spend all of their time together, and in fact, each child will need some time spent just with his or her own parent. Stepfamilies may produce other situations that can create antagonism among children. The 12-yearold daughter of one spouse may feel real anger if she is frequently burdened with the responsibility of babysitting for the 3-year-old child of the other marriage partner. Also, when there are conflicts within the new family - for instance, disagreements over whom to visit during holidays - youngsters often band together with their own parent, forming camps and aggravating any rivalries that may already exist.

PRIVACY AND PERSONAL SPACE

Sometimes a child is asked to share a room with a stepbrother or stepsister when, in the past,

All children need discipline. But in stepfamilies, parents often are unsure of who should administer it. Should a stepfather, for example, discipline his wife’s children, or should she be the only one to handle it?

After years of single parenting, many mothers may welcome having a male authority figure in the house. However, his presence does not relieve her from the responsibility of being the primary caretaker of her own youngsters. If her new husband becomes too assertive in parenting his wife’s children, the children may resent him and complain to their mother about their mean stepfather. She may find herself caught in the middle between her husband and her children as conflicts escalate. And if she takes her spouse’s side, her youngsters may feel betrayed. It is a position that can and should be avoided. Also, if the new husband and wife disagree on disciplinary issues, the child may begin undermining and challenging the stepparent’s authority, which is not good either for the child or for the marital relationship. When parents disagree this way, they need to negotiate their differences or problems will escalate. Over time, stepfathers will develop a closer relationship with the children of their spouses, and they can eventually begin to assert more of their own influence. But at least initially, it is not appropriate for them to become the primary disciplinarian of someone else’s children. Source: www.healthychildren.org Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

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a christmas

TWINDERLAND “They say if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans! And I think He is certainly having a good giggle about me.” This is according to Solange Soares Nicholson, as she tells us about her life, love and bundles of joy.

mere five years ago I was a single mother to a five-year old son (Giancarlo), holding down four jobs to make ends meet and had pretty much laid down my own law – that I would not have any more children come what (or who) may! But then, life happened. I met my husband, Stephen Nicholson, a widower and father to a six-year old daughter (Skye) and a three-year old son (Damion). As both of us were entrenched in family values and engrossed in the responsibilities of single parenting, instead of a romantic candlelight dinner surrounded by the sounds of soft, love songs, our first date consisted of us sitting in front of the braai surrounded by the sounds of our giggling, playing flock. From that first night it just felt right, it felt like home, and we fell in love with each other and each other’s children. Soon we were engaged and planning a wedding, but only after being in agreement that under no circumstance would we have more kids! Again God had His own plans. A year into our marriage we received the best, most unexpected, Christmas and New Year’s Eve present ever – we were expecting a baby. Although the idea of a fourth child was a little daunting at first we were overjoyed at the idea. We knew that this new life was a gift and would complete our already perfect family.

As we became accustomed to the idea of a new little soul in our lives, God threw us another curve ball. At my 11 week check-up we were met with two little ‘blops’ on the sonar….. and despite my insistence that the second was my ovary the reality was that we were becoming the parents of twins! Twins? TWINS? Shock, horror, fear….. those are the only emotions I can remember feeling in the first hour after receiving the news. I felt sick to my stomach for a while and it had nothing to do with morning sickness. Stephen on the other hand seemed unexpectedly cool, calm and collected. While I lay crying in the doctor’s room, he laughed and smiled, saying that it was a blessing. And he was absolutely right. Today, as my identical baby boys, Ricardo and Reeve, celebrate their three months, we are grateful for all they, Skye, Giancarlo and Damion have brought into our lives. Despite the rollercoaster ride the two new ‘editions’ have taken us on – from being born premature at 30 weeks, to colic and reflux for weeks on end – they have helped us grow stronger as a family. They have also assisted us in strengthening and discovering friendships with amazing people and cement our already strong relationships with our own parents and siblings who have been a pillar of support through our ever-changing family dynamic. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

WE OFTEN GET ASKED HOW AS CAREER PEOPLE WE ARE ABLE TO HANDLE FIVE KIDS. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, WE DON’T REALLY KNOW. WE JUST DO IT. PERSONALLY I TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK IT AND JUST PUT MY MIND INTO AUTOMATIC AND GO WITH THE FLOW.

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Of course to be completely honest we don’t do it alone. We are one of those fortunate couples who are able to afford child-rearing assistance and also have a very strong, stable and loving support system around us. From grandparents, to aunts and uncles, to Godparents and close friends – they all offer (and get a turn) to ‘babysit’. And best of all, they do it with a smile, never making us, or the kids, feel like burdens. When I discovered that we were going to be pulling double duty, one of my biggest worries was how it would affect the family dynamics between us as parents and Skye, Giancarlo and Damion. All three are very attached to each of us in a unique way and I feared that two new babies would create havoc in their uncomplicated lives. But everything always has a way of working itself out and from the day Ricardo and Reeve came into this world our older three children have been absolutely amazing. They were shattered that they couldn’t see their brothers for the first six weeks of their lives as they were in Neonatal Care, so when the boys arrived home they made a point of loading them with love. I have affectionately nicknamed our older three ‘my warriors’ because I know without their support and help it wouldn’t be as easy as it is. They help with their brothers, they give me unrelenting support at home and are always on hand to give and show me love when the clouds of tiredness hang over my head and the dark circles under my eyes blind me. Yes, perhaps our life has done a 180 degree turn - from having to swop five-seater cars for mini vans (something I once swore to never drive), to major renovations in the house to accommodate our expanded family, to grocery shopping with three trolleys and five kids in tow, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. Every time I look at our ‘herd’ around the dinner table or chilling in the TV room I realise that there is nothing that I would change. Of course as with everything in life, there are positive and negatives to having such a big family. For me the most obvious ‘negatives’ would be the financial stress it puts on us as parents (we still get regular stares during our monthly shopping trips), the inability to sleep past 7am (something I will never get use to) and the exhaustion that comes with raising five busy, little souls. However the positives far outweigh the negatives and the simple fact that Stephen and I feel unconditionally loved every day of our lives makes every 4am feeding and extensive Medical Aid bill worth it. Yes, family dinners will never be the same again – one reason may be because we still need to invest in a bigger dinner table – neither will any other family affair be ‘normal’ – but in Stephen’s and my view ‘normal’ is boring and those who know both of us would know that we don’t ‘do boring’. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

This will be our first Christmas with a family the size of a soccer team (including reserves) - seven (us) + four (our parents) + four (siblings and kids) - and I am totally amped for it. Being Portuguese with staunch Christmas traditions, this time of year is all about family us. Neither of us has ever spent a Christmas away from our parents and have passed on that tradition to our children who every year are blessed to enjoy a Portuguese and British-style Christmas surrounded by the love of their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to introduce these very traditions to Ricardo and Reeve and entrench in them the importance of family and the unconditional love the very word evokes. They were our best Christmas present for 2014, and like their sister and brothers Skye, Giancarlo and Damion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are a lifelong treasure and priceless gifts.

Article by Solange Soares Nicholson

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e r a c g n taki n e r d l i h of our c Providing compassionate loving care and support for abandoned, HIV infected, dying children in a warm and homey residential environment.

his is the ultimate mission and vision of St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Care Centre, situated 9km out of Barberton on the R40. Established in 1998 when the HIV/AIDS pandemic hit Mpumalanga, the centre saw the light as a mission project between the Catholic Diocese of Witbank and the School Sisters of St Francis. Four sisters are in charge of the daily running of the centre: they are Sr Denise Olshausky (Director), Sr Anece Salay (Mission Guardian), Sr Frantiska Olexova (Financial Administrator) and Sr Seena Chittilappilly (Primary care-giver). All staff is committed to improve the quality of life for those in residence from birth to the age of 18. All efforts are made to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by educating the children, their family members and the community about positive living with HIV. Children are placed in the centre by the Department of Social Development in terms of the Child Care Act and are in one of the stages of HIV/ AIDS, and either destitute, rejected, abandoned or in need of care. The Centre can care for 50 children at any given time. At present there are 37 children at the Centre. In the years of its existence (originally it also took in adults), 745 persons have received compassionate care; 480 persons ranging in age between 1 month to 77 years have died with dignity at the Centre, surrounded by those who care for them. The Centre is also the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and every effort is being made to provide them with individualized care within a homelike atmosphere. Home schooling was originally done as many of the children were too sick and far behind academically to attend public schools. Today 22 children are attending public schools in the area while the remaining pre-school and special education children are taught at the Centre. The education division comprises of Sr Anece, Lynette Spencer and Pam von Badenleben. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

Two social workers, Belinda Sellers and Nyiko Mabunda are hired and comprise our social service department. Through their tireless and constant efforts, family members of most of our children have been found. As the “growing healthy years” passed for the children, parents often died, relatives moved, papers got lost and it appeared no one was there to receive the child back into family life. Once relatives are found counselling and encouragement are given to the child and family in preparation for reunification. This is often a lengthy process because of the pile up of applications at the Department’s offices. Sometimes papers get lost or the amount of cases is overwhelming. This results in frustration for the child and those willing to receive him/her. Often the waiting for processing the applications, panel hearings and release of court orders breed a feeling of helplessness and losing the hope of ever being reunited or experiencing life in a real family. St John’s Care Centre is registered as an NGO and receives a subsidy from the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development which meets most of the basic needs of the children. For other needs the Centre depends on donor funding to meet its mandate and achieve its objectives. Another dream of the sisters will soon become a reality. A new building is nearing completion where basic training in developing skills like sewing, arts and crafts, woodwork, cooking and computer could be developed. According to Sr Anece, it was with the permission, understanding, and financial support of Bishop Joseph Sandri that they are able to engage in this endeavour. Many of the children are now attending public schools and are doing fine. However, there is another group of special education needs children who are not able to attend regular school. Most of them, those attending school and those who are busy with a home school program, are able to learn a skill that will, hopefully, see them through life and provide them with a limited income. “It is for this reason we are putting up this building. It will be a life skills centre and a general education and study centre as well,” she said. Some of the older children are already attending sewing classes that are taught by Sandy Ferrar on a regular basis. Work on the building site finally started in February this year. It is progressing well, mostly because of the Bishop’s international help and other donations. The building itself should be completed by November. “We now face furnishing the rooms and providing a safe enclosure of this facility,” Sr Anece added. We are appealing to businesses, clubs and community members who feel they could assist in helping with this. “We need to furnish a small kitchen, computer-, art-, sewing-, craft and junior carpentry room. We also need chairs and tables for 26

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a large study area where the school children will do homework in the afternoons. An elevated playing area needs fenced and the building needs security doors and an alarm system. Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.”

“LIFE DOESN’T GIVE YOU LOVE, JOY AND PEACE, IT ONLY GIVES YOU TIME AND SPACE AND IT IS UP TO YOU TO FILL IT….” If you are able to assist please contact Sr Anece on 082 092 6444 or Lynette Spencer on 082 473 1570. Article: Lynette Spencer

St John’s Care Centre

t s i l h wis

GENERAL • Hand and kitchen towels • Solid coloured cotton t-shirts (ages 6-17) • Jeans, socks and shorts • Swim towels (for younger children) • Umbrellas • Sturdy school bags (primary and secondary learners) • Building blocks (ages 4-10)

NEW SKILLS CENTRE • Twelve large cushions with washable covers • White board (±1,5 x 1,9m) • Loose carpets (±3 x 4m) • CD player • DVD player • TV • Donations towards fans, fridge, microwave, small stove • Computers • Sewing machines • Over locker • Art paper • Donations towards wood for shelving • Donations towards window blinds, security gates, fencing.

Any donations are welcomes and all your support is appreciated!

If you are able to assist please contact Lynette Spencer on 082 473 1570.

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HOLIDAY EATING

e love the holidays, but we know they can be a nutritional minefield . This season try holiday cooking with the kids. Bringing the kids into the kitchen is a great way to create some special family togetherness time. You might be surprised to learn how fun cooking with the kids really can be. They are eager little helpers! Kids will also benefit from forming some solid skills that will help them in school. We are always looking for ideas to keep the kids busy during the long summer holidays. Incorporate healthy meal and snack ideas into the daily routine. For the children to prepare their own meals is lots of fun. Holiday foods can be healthy but also very delicious.

SOME TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY PREPARE HEALTHY MEALS TOGETHER.

Taking the time to cook during the summer holidays and involving the children in the cooking makes a meal more fun for them and helps you teach them about ingredients and how they help or hurt their bodies. And cooking healthy doesn’t necessarily have to take longer.

LET THE KIDS HELP WITH SHOPPING AND PLANNING.

Make sure the kids help decide on meals and snacks and let them help grocery shopping. That way they can suggest some meals that they would like (which they are more likely to eat happily) and also have the chance to explore the nutritional value of various ingredients.

CONSIDER FOODS THAT ATTRACT KIDS. Consider serving food like veggie chips, carving peanut butter sandwiches on whole wheat bread to look like a pirate or decorating the top of the morning breakfast cereal with a smiling face of bananas, blueberries and raisins.

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CLEAN OUT THE CUPBOARDS

Go through your cupboards AND get all the junk out. The easiest way to cut out the unhealthy and add in the healthy is to keep all the unhealthy out. You can even make it a game with the kids. The child with the most fat kicked out of the house can win a prize. When the kids are hungry and the fruit bowl just isn’t cutting it, you want some healthy snacks at your fingertips. Fill their tummies with this nutritional powerhouse:

COTTAGE CHEESE PANCAKES

These cottage cheese pancakes are super healthy and they taste good too. Make them just like regular pancakes and serve them with fresh fruit salad, nicely chopped by the kids. INGREDIENTS • 3 eggs • 1 cup cottage cheese • 1 1/2 tbsp butter, melted • 3 tbsp wholemeal self-raising flour • 2 tbsp wheatgerm • 1 tbsp butter (for frying) or use spray ‘n cook METHOD 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until almost smooth. 2. Heat a little butter in a frying pan and pour in small quantities. Cook each side until golden

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

e are exceptionally proud to announce that the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was recently the first Airport in Africa to implement virtual reality (VR) technology to give users a spectacular three dimensional Airport experience in a 360° interactive format. By using your mobile device with a VR headset such as Google cardboard, Oculus or Samsung VR Gear it will transport users to an immersive virtual world at the click of a button which showcases the Airport and our beautiful province. The Airport Business Development Manager Eugene van Jaarsveldt said “this technology will open up a new world for marketing South Africa, as well as give tourists a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences within our country. With the assistance of Google photographer Chris du Plessis we created a unique production with one of the virtual 360 scenes being on approach to land at KMI Airport within a cockpit of an aircraft.

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GOES VIRTUAL After finalizing the Airport airside & landside Google street view & VR 360 projects on the 12th of September 2015, we decided to showcase our product during the recent World Routes event held in Durban, which for the first time in its history spanning 21 years was hosted in Africa. In attendance there were over 230 airlines, almost 700 airports & 150 tourism authorities from 115 different countries. The response that we received from the major airlines across the world were overwhelming.

“Whether the user wants an immersive 360° virtual tour of our Airport or experience the splendor of the Blyde River Canyon, it’s a fantastic tool to view our top attractions, inspiring travel and promoting tourism. “From an Airport perspective, this is a first for Africa. We are delighted to use this industry leading technology, and what better way to demonstrate the impact this VR technology can have than by showcasing Mpumalanga, South Africa one of the world’s most iconic ‘must do’ tourism destinations.” said van Jaarsveldt

yea

October November December

s r a e y

Only Pay

R320 Terms and Conditions Apply

10:00

Nelspruit to OR Tambo

10:00

Nelspruit to Pretoria

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info@citybug.co.za | www.citybug.co.za | Fax: 086 616 3202 19 Rood Street, Nelspruit | OR Tambo Intl Airport Kiosk No3 Buss and Coach Terminal | 165 Haldonweg, Bloemfontein Phone: 0861 33 44 33 (08:00 - 17:00) | After hours: 082 420 0187 (17:00 - 20:00 & 05:00 - 08:00)

Are we there

yet?

How to choose the perfect family holiday.

s travel experts we are regularly faced with the question; “Where’s the best place to take my family for a holiday?”, and I do wish the answer was as simple as it might initially seem. The truth is that there is not only an endless amount of destinations, but added to that, there is an endless amount of things to experience at the destinations. The real question should be; “What holiday options can you offer that would best suit our family?”

VALUE FOR MONEY is the difference

between “it was a priceless experience”, or, “it was totally not worth it”. The perceived value of the holiday is all wrapped up in the detail! That skiing holiday your friends raved about when they went in March, with the snow at its highest, the temperatures were mild, the costs were low, and the slopes weren’t crowded, may seem like the biggest waste of money to you when you went at Christmas and the snow was late, the price was high and the resort was packed like a sardine can.

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ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL, because your family is unique. That means, just because your BFF’s loved the local Vietnamese food and casually somewhat unplanned itinerary, you might not be all that wild about eating something you can’t identify, or pronounce, and you might prefer a bit more structure on your itinerary. So before you go and spend your hard-earned money on a repeat of some other family’s dream holiday, consult with an impartial travel expert who will take the time to get to know you before simply regurgitating some mass-marketed holiday package. One family might want an active holiday peppered with some adrenaline activities, such as rafting, overnight hiking and biking. A different family might want to immerse themselves in the culture, and spend time in the cities, perhaps staying at local homes, and doing special interest tours. Some families may want to spend their days being busy and sightsee as much as possible, and other families may want to laze in the sun and take afternoon naps.

PRECIOUS INDIVIDUALS make up your

family unit. The ages of your children will certainly be a deciding factor in what choices are made. Perhaps you are travelling with a mixture of young children, teenagers, young adults and grandparents. You need to consider their individual interests and what they are capable of coping with. Dragging youngsters around Europe admiring the ancient architecture will leave them bored and crabby, whilst the older folks may just not be able to match the physical demands of a long day of sightseeing on their feet. The teenagers will mostly be interested in the shops, and the young adults will have their eyes and ears open for an all-night “jol”. Perhaps Dad is interested in Battlefields, and Mom wants to attend a local cooking class. The youngsters may have a keen interest in fast trains, or wild rollercoasters, and the older kids may want to experience caves, and dungeons. It’s not easy task to find a perfect balance.

TIME is the most crucial factor when considering your choice. I’m not only referring to the time of the year, but also to the amount of time you have at your disposal. Trying to see Disney World & New York in a week is a challenge, no matter what time of the year you go, whilst a week in Paris including a day or two in Disneyland Paris is easily doable! A week in Dubai is just too long! Consider that the large part of Northern Hemisphere are on threemonth summer holidays from around July, which means you will see queues, which are indescribably long, everywhere!! It’s not unheard of to queue for four hours at very many of the main sights. Not only does this mean you will spend hours on weary feet, all the while trying to explain to your sevenyear old that the Vatican City really is worth the wait (for you …maybe), you might need to pack a portable chair for Ouma, but at the end of the day you’ve maybe only managed to see two sights, and not the four you had on your list. In the end you’ve only managed to see half of what you wanted to, so you leave your destination feeling disappointed and wishing someone had told you in advance as you would probably have gone at another time of the year, or perhaps spent longer at your destination. TRANSPORT could mean the difference

between maximizing your holiday time, or, swallowing it up.You will often find that it’s cheaper to fly “via” somewhere, and spend very many more hours getting from here to your final destination, but have you considered how much time you will be missing out on at your destination because you spent it in an airport and on an airplane? It’s often better value to spend a little more, and get where you want to be as fast as possible. Take my word for it, aircraft and airports eventually are just not fun anymore – it’s not uncommon for folks to return saying “I should have paid that bit extra to just get there & back quicker”. On the flip side though,

your transport might just double-up as the actual holiday. A cruise ship gets you from A to B with lots of sightseeing en-route, entertainment for all, a safe environment, a flexible option to suite most ages and abilities, and you only unpack once! A train journey is quite similar to a cruise, giving the added bonus of seeing “land-locked” destinations. A barge also double-up as a transport-holiday, as does a motorhome.

THE RIGHT CHOICE for your family, can become quite clear when you consider your individual needs, don’t be tempted to go with someone else’s suggestion, do what feels right for you. Let’s go through the criteria you need to follow one more time, and I guarantee you will not make the wrong choice:

• Consult an impartial travel expert, be clear

from the beginning about your expectations (tip: a knowledgeable and skilled Travel Management Consultant will immediately tell you if your expectations are too high, or too low!) • Be sure to give them as much detail about the family as you can. • Ages of each traveler, and be clear about each travelers likes and dislikes, abilities and disabilities, interests and hobbies, fears & phobias. • Be realistic about the time you have available, and what is possible to properly experience in that time frame. • Carefully consider the time of the year you can travel, and how this may, or may not, support your expectations. • Be aware of falling into the “cheap flight” trap – remember, it’s not a cheap deal if it took you half your valuable time to get there & back! • Aim for value, in other words, for quality, not quantity. Some of the cheapest holidays can end up being the most expensive, and visa-versa. • Consider all the detail provided in the options given to you by your Travel Consultant, and chose what is best for your family. Our family and health are truly our most valued gifts, which we all too often take for granted. The same can be said for the gift of time, it does not stand still, it can never be recovered, and it can’t be bottled-up & kept or looked after or held onto. Each second we have with our families is never to be relived, so while your health still allows you too, suck-up these moments and do something amazing together! by... t to you Brough orld Travel W Harvey uto Centre eA Riversid 3 757 0883 a Tel: 01 rveyworld.co.z ha @ a .z .5 o lp .c n : rld Email rveywo www.ha Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

Family time

& RELATIONSHIPS

brought to you by

Nelspruit Ford

y wife, Cathy, and I stared at each other in disbelief as our oldest daughter, Christy, told us she was running away. When she started packing her suitcase, we knew she was serious. Cathy and I weren’t sure if we should laugh or cry — after all, Christy was only 6. Our daughter told us she was moving to Julia’s house across the street because her mommy and daddy were nicer. My wife called Julia’s mother to tell her what was taking place and that Christy was on her way over. Then, we stood on our sidewalk and watched our little girl carry her suitcase and favourite doll across the street where Julia’s mother waited outside the door to greet her. A few hours later, Julia’s mom reminded Christy it was Monday night and that our family always went to the Spur for ice cream after dinner. It was a tradition my three girls looked forward to — including Christy. To our delight, she called and asked if she could go. It was a joyous reunion! The weekly ice cream run was part of our family identity — part of what made us who we were. Even the neighbours knew our routine and sometimes shouted to-go orders as we pulled out of our driveway. Our three daughters are now grown, but when our family gets together, we still make trips to the Spur. It’s one of those simple traditions that have kept our family bonds strong. Not surprisingly, a strong family identity also helps children develop a strong and healthy self-identity. Knowing what makes their family unique — traditions, values, ways of relating to one another — gives children a clear starting point for discovering their own place in the world. Studies even show that kids

who identify with their family’s values tend to be less promiscuous and face less risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Perhaps you’re wondering, How can we build a strong family identity? Here are three principles to get you started. Your presence matters. Children regard your presence as a sign of care and connectedness. Families who eat meals together, play together and build traditions together thrive. Does your family eat together at least four times a week? If so, there is a greater chance your kids will perform better in school and be less likely to exhibit negative behaviour. Although it may seem trite, a family that plays together, stays together. I’m not talking about just cheering on your kids at rugby games or dance recitals but actually playing together. One family I know has a ping pong tournament each week. The winner doesn’t have to do the dishes for a day. Our family had a Fun Day once a month. One of the girls picked an activity, and the rest of the family participated. Celebrate everything. Don’t miss a single chance to celebrate your family. On birthdays, we go out to dinner then play a game called Affirmation Bombardment, in which each family member shares three words of encouragement for the birthday person. Talk about faith. Spiritual topics don’t always come naturally for families. Discussions about God, however, can help build family identity. They also help kids have strong convictions as they get older. Maybe you have some anxiety about starting a faith conversation with your children. Remember, your talk doesn’t have to be forced or lengthy; it can be simple, short and spontaneous. Let the discussion be as natural as possible. Getting preachy with your children can be just as unhelpful as avoiding the topic of faith. One way to create opportunities to share your faith with your kids is to pray with them every day and do a weekly family devotional, even if only for five minutes. When your children are exposed to God’s truth in small amounts, it can, as a friend of mine says, “help them develop a sweet tooth for Jesus.” This truth applies to families. At some point, storms will come to every family. But when you proactively build a strong family identity, your family can withstand whatever winds and rains come your way. A strong family identity will give your kids a solid foundation to cling to during those difficult times.

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“The time is now, visit Mpumalanga for an unforgettable experience.”

As the sun rises, you work hard for a living. It’s time your money works hard for you too. This festive season visit Mpumalanga to explore our beautiful scenery and much more...

For more information, visit www.mpumalanga.com for affordable packages. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

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Travel safe this festive season

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Malaria:

a holiday souvenir?

Summertime has arrived - this means warmth, sunshine and much needed rain... and the mosquitoes! Unfortunately, in some parts of our country and in many areas in other African countries, this also means an increased risk of malaria.

alaria has been recognised as a disease for thousands of years. Descriptions of the disease date from as far back as 1700 BC in China, and 1570 BC in Egypt. The association between malaria and marshes (where mosquitos breed) has also been long recognised. In fact, the name “malaria” (from “bad air” in the marshes) is based on this association. Malaria is an infection of red blood cells caused by a single-celled parasite. Malaria is almost always spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, but also potentially by a transfusion with contaminated blood, or an injection with a needle that was previously used by a person with the infection. Malaria occurs most commonly in tropical areas of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It was endemic in the United States and Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, but due to extensive programmes to eradicate it, is now usually only seen in the US in travellers from other parts of the world. Malaria occurs in the North Eastern parts of South Africa, particularly during rainy periods of the year.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF MALARIA?

The first symptoms are usually very similar to ‘flu – aches and pains, fever, headache and so on. After a few days, the typical paroxysms may occur – chills, followed firstly by a high fever for a few hours, and then by profuse sweating. Between these paroxysms, the patient may feel well, depending on the type of malaria that has been contracted. Some forms of malaria are more severe than others, and the time between the paroxysms differs, depending on the type of malaria. Malaria should be suspected in anybody with these sort of symptoms who has been to a malaria area.

PLASMODIUM VIVAX, OVALE AND MALARIA

The incubation period (the time between being bitten by the mosquito and developing symptoms) is variable – usually between 2 and 3 weeks. However, in some cases it may take months for the disease to manifest itself. The initial symptoms are often similar to those of influenza: • an intermittent mild fever • headache • muscle aches and chills • a general feeling of illness (malaise).

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After a few days (three to five) the typical malarial paroxysms start. These are usually characterised by chills, followed by fever (up to 40 degrees Celsius), and then sweating. The paroxysms normally last about 8 to 10 hours. In between paroxysms patients often feel remarkably well. In vivax and ovale malaria the paroxysms typically recur every 48 hours, while in malaria, the paroxysms recur every 72 hours. The paroxysms occur at about the same time that the red blood cells burst and release more parasites, and this explains the 48 or 72 hour cycle. Eventually, the body will eliminate the parasites from the blood, and the paroxysms will get less and less severe and disappear.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:

People who live in malaria-infested areas and people who travel to those areas must take precautions. It is especially important that South Africans recognise that large areas of our holiday terrain are still classified as malarious areas. The following are general preventative measures: • Use long-lasting insecticide sprays in homes and buildings • Place screens on doors and windows • Use mosquito netting over beds. Mosquito netting

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can be soaked in certain types of insecticide as well. • Apply mosquito repellents on the skin. • Wear sufficient clothing, particularly after sundown, to protect as much of the skin as possible against mosquito bites. It is a rule of thumb that mosquitoes are less likely to land on white areas of clothing. • Many people who live in malaria-infested areas sleep with strong fan currents in a room, which seems to discourage mosquitoes from feeding. The above precautions are necessary even when taking prophalaxis medication Source: www.health24.com

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the

ABC

of malaria

Here are some key points where you can make a difference:

A: Awareness and assessment of the risk of malaria in the designated area. B: Bites! Avoid and prevent wherever possible. C: Compliance with chemoprophylaxis. In other words, to take the preventative medication as instructed and to complete the course!

D: Detection of malaria, the earlier the better. E: Effective treatment.

There is always a role to play when it comes to your own health, and it is no different with malaria.

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Chemoprophylaxis: this refers to chemical or medicinal prevention of disease. When it comes to malaria there are three effective agents that can be used. Each of these will require a prescriptionwhich you can discuss with your doctor or at Mopani’s travel clinics. It is recommended that high risk patients avoid malaria areas as far as possible. High risk patients include pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and immunocompromised patients. There are a few thing to consider before deciding on which treatment to use: • Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy after the trip

• Breastfeeding • Age • Pre-existing medical conditions and other medications being taken (psoriasis, epilepsy, diabetes, renal impairment, cardiac or psychiatric problems). • Activities requiring fine co-ordination such as piloting and scuba-diving. • Length of visit (the longer the visit, the higher the risk of contracting malaria). • Convenience and expected compliance with each chemo-prophylactic option.

A SUMMARY OF THE MEDICATIONS USED TO PREVENT MALARIA: DRUG

MEFLOQUINE (e.g. Mefliam®)

DOXYCYCLINE (e.g. Doxycyl®)

ATOVAQUONEPROGUANIL (e.g. Malanil®, Mozitec®)

(Daily) Start at least one day before entering malaria area, take one a day while there and for FOUR weeks after exiting the malaria area.

(Daily) Start at least one to two days before entering malaria area, take one daily while there and for SEVEN DAYS after exiting the malaria area.

Best option for those requiring Effective against all four species of malaria parasites prophylaxis for more than 6 and has comparable efficacy to months. mefloquine. Take the tablet after a meal with plenty fluid.

Best safety profile. Compliance to this regimen is easier. Needs to be taken with ‘fatty’ food, e.g. full cream milk.

Insomnia, strange dreams, mood changes, headache, nausea. These usually occur in the first three weeks of treatment. Therefore it is suggested that it is started at least 3 weeks before the trip when used for the very first time, in order to test it.

Gastrointestinal problems: heartburn! Therefore take one capsule in the morning with water and avoid lying down for an hour after taking.

Mild adverse events reported, nausea and headache are the most common.

Not recommended for those requiring fine co-ordination e.g. pilots and scuba divers.

Negatively affects bones formation and is not recommended during pregnancy and breast feeding or children under 8 years of age.

(Weekly) Start at least one week before entering malaria area, take one tablet per week REGIMEN while there and for FOUR weeks after exiting the malaria area.

NOTES

SIDE EFFECTS

CAUTION

Avoid if a history of neuropsychiatric conditions e.g. depression and epilepsy.

Increased skin sensitivity to sunburn. Make sure enough sunscreen preparations are applied. Lack of safety data in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children under 11kg.

* Please keep in mind that malaria infection can occur despite prophylaxis and medical attention should be sought immediately should any signs and symptoms appear.

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Y A D I L O H

R E E H C o r pet s f

Tips for keeping your dogs, cats and other pets safe and happy during summer celebrations

n Christmas and New Year, so many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds of these celebrations that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the holiday. Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for pets, and possibly hazardous.

DECORATE WITH PETS IN MIND

Set up your Christmas tree in a room that can be closed off - cats and dogs don’t understand that they shouldn’t climb the tree or gnaw on its branches, says Sue Farinato, program assistant for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States. And keep ribbons, tinsel and garland away from pets. If your animal chews on them, it could choke or suffer an intestinal blockage. Don’t let your furry friend eat poinsettias, potpourri or holly - they can make it sick.

HIRE A SITTER IF YOU’RE TRAVELING Your pet will probably be happiest at home. Boarding at a kennel can be scary because it’s an unfamiliar place, so ask your vet’s office for sitter recommendations. If you must bring your pet on your car trip, secure it in a roomy carrier. Are you flying? Call the airline ahead of time and ask how it ensures pets’ safety.

FOOD HAZARDS

Festive events often mean edible treats — and lots of them. Unfortunately, some of the most popular holiday goodies, such as chocolate, bones and nuts, can be extremely toxic or fatal to pets. 50

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• Different types of chocolate contain various levels of fat, caffeine and the substances methylxanthines. In general, the darker and richer the chocolate (i.e., baker’s chocolate), the higher the risk of toxicity. Depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested, dogs might experience vomiting, diarrhea, urination, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias, tremors and seizures. • Fat trimmings and bones are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, may cause pancreatitis. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system. • Abundant in many cookies and candies, certain nuts should not be given to pets. Almonds, non-moldy walnuts and pistachios can cause an upset stomach or an obstruction of your dog’s throat and/or intestinal tract. Macadamia nuts and moldy walnuts can be toxic, causing seizures or neurological signs. Lethargy, vomiting and loss of muscle control are among the effects of nut ingestion. Keep your pet on her regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet special treats or table scraps.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING AND CANDLES

Twinkling, shiny and dangling holiday lights — such as the icicle, netting, garland, curtain, rope and candle varietal — may be another source of danger to your curious pets. Got a pet that likes to chew? Electrical shock may occur when a pet chomps down on an electrical

cord, causing tongue lacerations and possible death. Check your holiday lights for signs of fraying or chewing and use a grounded three-prong extension cord as a safety precaution. If you have candles on display, place them in a hardto-reach spot so that your pets can not access them. Not only can pets seriously burn themselves, but knocking over candles creates a fire hazard and may leave a trail of hot wax that will easily burn the pads of paws and more.

TOY JOY

Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. • Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. • Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer and tons of play sessions together.

KEEP YOUR PET SAFELY AWAY FROM FIREWORKS Our pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells, so on New Year’s Eve (and the days around it when people are likely to set off

fireworks), it’s best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to hide jarring noises.

PROTECT YOUR PET FROM HEAT STROKE

Another reason to keep your pets away from the often noisy celebrations of summer is heat. High temperatures put your pet at risk of heat stroke, which can become deadly very quickly. Keep an eye on your pets and act immediately if you see any signs of heatstroke. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even if the day doesn’t seem that warm. Even when the temperature outside is a balmy 22C, the temperature inside your car can rocket to a fatal 46 C in less than an hour’s time.

SAFEGUARD YOUR PET WITH A COLLAR AND I.D.TAG

All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through window or door screens. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped. If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters immediately. If you find a lost pet, either take her to the address on her tag or bring her to the local animal shelter so she can be reunited with her family.

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TOOLS

CONTRACTORS

DECOR

HARDWARE

PAINT

OUTDOOR

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever. - Karen Davison

â&#x20AC;?

Give the gift of life this christmas, adopt today.

The Wishlist

Dog Food Secondhand households items for the charity shop. Donations for outreach programme.

0794987971 prolifepetrescue1@gmail.com www.prolifepetrescue.co.za R40 towards Barberton, take Chimp Eden turn off, 1200 Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

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A concise synopsis by Donna James-Jansen of Freyja Pty LTD

GOING organic EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL INGREDIENTS TREAT YOUR SKIN WITH A DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE

rganic produce refers to all plants that are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Only naturally occurring fertilizer, like manure may be utilized to raise organic produce. Although any veggie is better than now veggie, consumers are beginning to see the value in organic products. The natural and organic skin care product sector has seen an increase of 39 % over the last year. The product preparations rely completely on natural or naturally derived ingredients. These products don’t utilize any artificial preservatives. The organic skin care tendency has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. But what is Organic Skin Care. What are the key benefits of using organic skin care products not only to you the user, but your environment, and the economy. If there’s one beauty trend that appears to be getting its fair share of attention and hype, it is organic skin care. A lot of individuals, especially celebrities, are switching over to organic skin care products and letting other people know about it.

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WHAT DOES ORGANIC SKIN CARE IMPLY?

Organic simply implies that no chemicals were utilized in the manufacturing of a product and in growing the elements that comprised it. Organic skin care products are made without utilizing any preservatives, chemicals, or other synthetic materials. They’re made of natural ingredients like blossoms, herbs, fruits, nuts, milk, and oils that are cultivated without the utilization of pesticides, commercial fertilizers, and possibly toxic substances.

ADVANTAGES OF MAKING USE OF ORGANIC SKIN CARE RANGES

Organic skin care products work as simply and as well if not better than conventional skin care products. There is of course an extensive choice of organic skin care products that may cater to your beauty needs, including facial range to cosmetics, bath soaps, body lotions and oils, Utilizing organic skin care products benefits not only you but others and the environment as well. Some of the key advantages of using organic skin care ranges:

• Enhanced health

Studies demonstrate that almost 60% of chemicals

found in conventional commercial skin care products and cosmetics find their way into the bloodstream. While trace amounts of these chemicals might not pose significant threat, an accumulation may be potentially toxic. By utilizing organic skin care products, you do away with the risk of chemicals oozing into your bloodstream.

• Lower pollution

Apart from contributing to your wellness, the use of organic skin care products decreases pollution. Conventional cosmetics and skin care products are mass-produced in big factories and labs making use of different preservatives and chemicals.

care products. Manufacturers of organic products are commonly small-scale businesses while their suppliers are proponents and practitioners of organic farming. By supporting organic skin care products, you support and step-up the demands for their business. Organic skin care utilizes Mother Nature’s natural beautifiers to keep your skin supple and healthy. At Freyja Holistic Wellness and Day Spa, we stock only organic, botanical products. We support as many local entrepreneurs as possible, not only South Africa but the home soil of the Lowveld.

Manufacturing by-products are disposed off as liquid waste or discharged as fumes. These waste materials may potentially harm the environment. On the other hand, organic products are cultivated and manufactured without using any chemical or preservative in cautiously controlled conditions designed to maintain the natural attributes of the ingredients.

• Bettered economic system

You help improve not only the country’s but our local economic system by supporting organic skin Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

moisturisers 62

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Knubbly tweed, snakeskin, cracked leather -- if you think these words describe the condition of your skin more than the composition of a favorite handbag, then you might need to start moisturizing.

ven if your skin type tends to be normal to oily, using a high-quality moisturizer on a regular basis can be the key to improving the way your skin looks and feels. Moisturizing products, which are made to hold water in the skin, often contain humectants and emollients as ingredients. Humectants, such as urea, glycerin and alpha hydroxy acids, work by absorbing water from the air around you. Emollients, such as lanolin, mineral oil or petrolatum, fill in spaces between skin cells to smooth the appearance of rough skin. Look for these ingredients in more than just lotions and creams - cleansing bars, body washes and even deodorants can contain ingredients that moisturize your skin. No matter whether your skin type is dry, oily or sensitive, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skip the moisturizing step in your skin care routine. Leaving it out might quickly cause redness or flaking, and in time it can allow wrinkles and other aging signs to show up on your skin earlier than they otherwise might. Also, if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, moisturizing regularly might help ease some of the irritation. To get the most out of your moisturizer, first prime your skin. While in the shower, use an exfoliating scrub a few times a week to exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells before adding a moisturizing lotion or cream may help your skin absorb the product and increase hydration. Then, within three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, apply lotion to trap the moisture on your skin. By adding this step to your regular routine, you can ditch dry, itchy skin for good. To ensure your facial skin stays blemish-free, look for moisturizers that are oil-free and noncomedogenic, or designed not to clog pores. Even if you struggle with breakouts, you should still use a moisturizer. In fact, applying a moisturizing lotion immediately after a topical acne medication can help to reduce dryness and irritation caused by the medicine. If the medicine is causing itching or stinging, however, then you might try applying the moisturizer first.

CLARINS

BB SKIN PERFECTING CREAM SPF 25 Part make-up. Part skin care. BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25 is the only product that evens, revitalizes and protects...in just one step. Delivers flawless make-up results, while protecting skin from harsh environmental influences.

ESTEE LAUDER

DAYWEAR - ADVANCED MULTI-PROTECTION ANTI-OXIDANT CREME OIL-FREE SPF 25 This high-performance, oil-free moisturizer defends against signs of premature aging and diminishes their appearance. DayWear includes the proven Super Anti-Oxidant Complex and Broad Spectrum sunscreen. It reduces the first signs of aging, like dullness and fine, dry lines. Refreshes skin with lasting hydration. This fresh, oil-free Creme SPF 25 helps control surface oil.

ELIZABETH ARDEN

FLAWLESS FUTURE MOISTURE CREAM BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 30 Reclaim your flawless skin. This lightweight daily moisture cream hydrates and immediately brightens skin, as it helps smooth the look of pores and minimize the appearance of discolorations like those caused by blemishes. Skin looks smooth and supple more even toned, revitalized and luminous.

CLINIQUE VICHY

IDEALIA BB CREAM SPF 25 The 6-in-1 Idealia BB Cream formula works to boost the skin’s natural luminosity both immediately and over time. It deeply hydrates for up to 24 hours, smoothes wrinkles, refines the skin’s texture, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and protects the skin with advanced UVA/UVB protection.

SMART SPF 15 - CUSTOM-REPAIR MOISTURISER Clinique science uses youth-extending agents to create a daily moisturiser with visible effects. Lines and wrinkles seem to evaporate, replaced by plump, vibrant skin alive with collagen and elastin. Skin gains strength over environmental agers. Looks younger, longer. Crossing Centre: +27 (013) 755 5500 I’Langa Mall: +27 (013) 742 2225 White River: +27 (013) 751 2267/8 Visit www.mopani.co.za or find us on Facebook

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luctuating hormone levels encourage skin to generate a lot of sebum – that’s the naturally produced oil which keeps our complexions soft and prevents dryness – and this in turn contributes to outbreaks of pimples, blackheads and a shiny complexion. Even if your teenage skin is fantastic for your age, it’s still a good idea to get into the habit of looking after yourself with a solid cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising regime. This will set you up with a good foundational routine on which to build later in life. To help you to manage your adolescent complexion, the following is a list of 7 tips to care for teenage skin.

By deﬁnition, adolescent skin is difﬁcult to deal with. 64

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GET THE PRODUCT RIGHT

Teenagers need to select their skincare products with care. Pick a range directed especially at adolescent skin. This kind of item should contain active, anti-bacterial ingredients to fight acne and infection, and some also include a gentle antiinflammatory to soothe redness and swelling associated with pimples. Go for something fairly mild, especially if your skin is a little sensitive; some acne treating washes can be quite brutal. Remember, you goal should be to keep your skin clean, and never to dry it out.

NO PICKING!

DON’T OVER WASH

ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR MAKE UP

SPEAK UP

SUNSCREEN

Adolescent skin is difficult to manage but it is possible to keep yours in great shape as long as you manage it correctly. This list of 7 tips for teenage skin is designed to give you just a few basic ideas and hints, however there are literally hundreds more good habits you might want to acquire.

Try to avoid touching or picking your pimples; this runs the risk of spreading infection and also of bruising and damaging your delicate facial skin. Instead, apply a good quality spot treatment and leave the zit well alone.

If you are wearing concealer or foundation during the day, you will absolutely need to take it off at night. Leaving it on will simply result in blocked pores which can, over a short period, develop into blackheads and full-blown pimples. Find yourself a good quality makeup remover and get into the habit of applying it every night; this will give your skin a chance to ‘breathe’ and so will help you to maintain clear, clean complexion.

As we’ve established, your teenage years are the time during which you want to be acquiring good skincare habits and sunscreen should absolutely be on your list of these. The earlier you begin to wear a sun-block, the better; less exposure to harmful UV rays means fewer wrinkles and healthier skin in the long run.

Cleansing your teenage skin is very important, but it is equally crucial that you take care not to overdo it. Your face should be washed twice daily; more than this and you’ll simply be stripping your skin of essential sebum, encouraging it to produce more.

If you find that your acne is getting a little out of hand, and you’re really beginning to suffer, it is always a good idea to have a chat to a professional dermatologist. There is a variety of extremely effective acne treatments available today, and the chances are good that your skincare specialist will be able to help you to manage your skin.

Source: www.skincare.allwomenstalk.com

MOISTURISE

Even though your skin might be oily, it is still important that you keep it well moisturised with a good-quality product directed especially at teenage skin. Go for something that is oil-free; this will help you to keep your pores clear and open, thus preventing pimples. Products with an SPF are preferable; this way, you’ll be protected from the sun all the time.

Crossing Centre: +27 (013) 755 5500 I’Langa Mall: +27 (013) 742 2225 White River: +27 (013) 751 2267/8 Visit www.mopani.co.za or find us on Facebook

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Benefits of Coconut T

he popularity of coconut doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end with hot-right-now coconut water. A variety of coconut-derived ingredients - from coconut oil to coconut flour and coconut milk - are increasingly being used in home kitchens, restaurants and packaged foods. But can a food so rich in calories and laden with saturated fat be healthy? Here are the health benefits.

countries apply coconut oil on their hair every day after bathing or showering. It is an excellent conditioner and helps the re-growth process of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing and healing damaged hair. Research studies indicate that coconut oil provides better protection of hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue.

SKIN CARE

By regularly massaging your head with coconut oil, you can ensure that your scalp is free of dandruff, even if your scalp is chronically dry. It also helps in keeping your hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs.

Coconut oil helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. For that exact reason, coconut oil forms the base ingredient of various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its wellknown antioxidant properties.

HAIR CARE:

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality. It is also highly effective in reducing protein loss which can lead to various unattractive or unhealthy qualities in your hair. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian subcontinent for hair care. Most of the people in those

HEART DISEASES

There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. In reality, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as you commonly find in vegetable oils. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and

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damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

WEIGHT LOSS

Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in the healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

IMMUNITY

Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes

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and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

DIGESTION

Internal functions of coconut oil occur primarily due to it being used as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

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staying

HYDRATED Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content.This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue and make exercise feel much more difﬁcult, both physically and mentally.

he human body is composed of up to 70% water. Therefore, as an athlete, staying hydrated is of great importance in order to maximize your performance. Water is involved in so many processes in the body that being just 2% dehydrated can start to hinder your body’s ability to perform. Being only slightly dehydrated can slow the activity of enzymes in the body, including ones responsible for the production of energy. This can even lead to a lower metabolism and reduce your ability to exercise efficiently. Every cell in your body needs water to function - your body uses water to maintain temperature, remove waste from the body, and even to help lubricate joints. Hydration is key to some of the main processes in the body. Stomach health, skin health, kidney and urinary health, and cholesterol regulation are all affected by hydration or the lack thereof.You lose water every day through breathing, sweating, and waste removal, so the need to replace the water lost through bodily functions is quite important.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE DEHYDRATED Symptoms of dehydration include: • Thirst

• Dry mouth • Headache • Constipation • Dizziness • Muscle cramps • Impaired memory and concentration • Fatigue

HOW MUCH YOU SHOULD BE DRINKING

There are all sorts of recommendations for exactly how much water you should consume on a daily basis. The general consensus is that you should drink around eight glasses of water a day. This is a pretty good goal to attempt to maintain. However, different people have different requirements and will need different amounts of water in order to stay properly hydrated. Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids when they feel thirsty. For some people less than eight glasses a day will be enough and in other people eight glasses a day won’t suffice and they will have to drink more. People who are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated are those who exercise and work out regularly, have certain medical conditions, are sick, and those who just can’t maintain adequate fluid

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consumption throughout the day. Older adults are also at a higher risk of dehydration, as when you age your brain may be unable to sense dehydration and not send the appropriate signal for thirst. People who will need to drink more water are: • People with kidney or bladder conditions. • People trying to lose weight. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women. • People who are exercising. • People who are in hot conditions. REHIDRAT®, which is an isotonic, is rich in essential electrolytes (sodium and • People who have been potassium) and carbohydrates (sucrose and dextrose), which are essential sick with either vomiting or for the body’s ability to absorb water. Being an isotonic drink, it assists in diarrhea. the movement of electrolytes and carbohydrates into the blood stream and speeds up the rate of water absorption, thereby taking care of dehydration. Source: www.breakingmuscle.com

REHIDRAT® has an optimal combination of electrolytes to replace what was lost during sweating and is an ideal Oral Electrolyte Solution to keep you hydrated before, during and after exercise, so that you are optimally hydrated to perform at your best.

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® REHIDRAT

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SAND optional Is any summer setting more iconic - or any place more perfect for a seafood feast than the beach? Whether your party goes down on the shore or in the yard, here’s all you need to make it a shell of a good time.

the drinks

CUCUMBER CAPE CODDER Cranberry and cucumber might sound like an odd couple, but the vegetable really mellows out the berry’s tartness.

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup water • 2 cups grated cucumber (about 1 cucumber), plus cucumber wedges, for garnish • 250 ml vodka, chilled • 350 ml cranberry juice (no sugar added) • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4 limes) • Ice, for serving DIRECTIONS 1. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. 2. Remove from heat, stir in grated cucumber, and let cool. Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl or large glass measuring cup, and discard solids (you should have 2 cups syrup). Cucumber syrup can be refrigerated up to 3 days. 3. Combine cucumber syrup, vodka, and cranberry and lime juices in a 2-quart pitcher. Cocktail can be refrigerated up to 8 hours. Serve over ice, and garnish with cucumber wedges.

BLUE HAWAII INGREDIENTS • 100 ml pineapple juice • 20 ml white rum • 20 ml vodka • 15 ml lemon juice • 15 ml citrus flavored liqueur • 5 ml simple syrup • Ice • Cherry and a pineapple wedge (for serving) DIRECTIONS In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple juice, rum, vodka, lemon juice, blue Curacao, and simple syrup. Shake and strain over ice. Serve with a cherry and a pineapple wedge.

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the snacks

FUDGE BARS INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons cornstarch • 1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth; whisk in remaining milk, cream, sugar, cocoa, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute. 2.Transfer to a large liquid-measuring cup and stir in vanilla. Pour into ten ice-pop molds and insert ice-pop sticks. Freeze until pops are solid, about 6 hours (or up to 1 week). Just before serving, briefly run molds under hot water to release pops.

BEACH CUPCAKES INGREDIENTS • 3 eggs • 170 g self raising flour • 170 g butter or margarine • 170 g caster sugar • few drops vanilla essence • dash of milk DIRECTIONS 1. Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl, using a mixer. Done! Spoon the mixture into cupcake cases, filling each one 2/3rds full, then bake in a muffin tin for 25 minutes at 180°C. 2. Topping: To make the topping, first we mixed half a cup of icing sugar with a few drops of warm water and stirred until we made the correct consistency for runny icing (frosting.) Generally you don’t need a lot of water at all. We added a few drops of blue colouring to make it look like the ocean, then spread it over each cake, once they were cooled. 3. Use some biscuits like “Eat Sum More” and bash them up using a pestle and mortar, until they resemble breadcrumbs. This makes our edible sand topping. Then sprinkled this all over the icing, covering it up. To finish them off by sticking a beach umbrella cocktail stick into the top of each one.

the craft

YARN OCTOPUS Ever see a yarn octopus and wonder how you’d ever make such a thing? Well, it’s actually quite simple. This makes a great toy for kids, as well as adults.

STEPS 1. Wrap the yarn around your arm about 50 times. Start by holding the beginning of the yarn with your palm, and then wrap it around your elbow. After that’s completed, wrap it back to your palm.Your arm should be in a right angled head by wrapping the yarn around your thumb. Hold it in place with your other four fingers. 2. Tie a piece of string around the head. 3. Separate the string ends on the other end into eight sections for the legs. 4. Braid or finger weave each section. Once the braid reaches the end, tie a piece of yarn in a bow or square knot around it. 5.Stick wobbly eyes on the octopus’s head or make some yarn eyes to attach. TIP: for a really cool octopus, why not try different colour combinations.

ANIMAL PLATES Why not cut out wings, claws and fins out of

cardboard, and stick them to paper plates. Watch out though, your food might just run away.

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Lebkuchen The German town of Nuremberg has been famous for its lebkuchen since the late 1300s; the soft, cakey cookies are traditionally made with several spices, candied citrus peel, hazelnuts, and almonds.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground mace • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/3 cup blanched whole almonds (about 50 grams), toasted, plus more untoasted for decorating. • 1/3 cup blanched hazelnuts (40 grams), toasted • 1/3 cup diced candied orange peel • 1/3 cup diced candied lemon peel • 4 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped • 90 ml almond paste, crumbled into small pieces • 1/3 cup apricot jam • 3 large eggs • 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar • 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar • 2 tablespoons whole milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Pulse almonds and hazelnuts in a food processor until very finely chopped. Add candied peels and dates, and pulse until finely chopped. Add almond paste, and pulse to combine. Add jam, and pulse. Add eggs and brown sugar, and pulse. Add flour mixture, and pulse. Transfer dough to an airtight container, and refrigerate overnight (or up to 3 days). 2. Preheat oven to 180°C. Using a ice cream scoop (1/4 cup), drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing cookies 7cm apart. Place 3 almonds close together on top of each cookie. Bake until golden brown, about 14 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. 3. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk, and brush over cooled cookies. Let stand until set. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

CHEF’S TIP

To toast almonds and hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake in an oven heated to 180°C for about 10 minutes. 74

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Gingerbread Trees with Lemon Icing Drizzles of lemony icing and sprinklings of sanding sugar give these simple gingerbread triangles their Christmas tree appearance and holiday flair.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE COOKIES:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon coarse salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 large egg • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

FOR THE ICING:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar • Sanding or coarse sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Make cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until creamy, 3 minutes. Add egg and beat to combine. Add molasses and beat to combine, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour (or up to 3 days). 2. Preheat oven to 180°C, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to a 0.5cm thickness. With a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut dough into small triangles. Arrange triangles, 2cm apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until cookies are firm and golden at edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. 3. Make icing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired.

CHEF’S TIP

Be creative and try other shapes like snowflakes, snowmen, gingerbread men and even christmas baubles. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

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BA SC C HO K

It’s time to say good-bye Our year has come to an end We’ve made a lot of memories And many more new friends Our moms always says We have a certain way To say something new And to grow bigger every day We learned our ABC’s and our 123’s We even know all our colours, and when to say please! We’ve laughed and we’ve cried We played in the sun and rain climbing the jungle gyms Again and again It’s time to move on, we’ve had lots of fun... Lookout 2016 here we come! Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

o your kids, shopping for new clothes, gear, and school supplies may be the only good thing about going back to school, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune every year. Here are great ideas for how to get everything they need and save a few bucks doing it.

bins might hold hidden treasures that can save you money.

STICK TO THE LIST

Start by rounding up all of the office and school supplies you already own. Put them in a central location, like a plastic bin or on the dining room table, so you can make a list of what you have. Keep this list in your purse, or in the car, so you don’t forget it when you shop for school supplies.

BUY BRIGHT

In addition, go through your kids’ closets and start sorting. Clothing that the kids have outgrown, and worn clothing, should be donated or tossed. Once you complete this “supply sweep,” you’ll have a clearer picture of what you actually need to buy. Ideally, the sweep will prevent you from buying something you already have on-hand.

The teacher’s supply list at the start of a new school year is daunting enough so don’t waste time and money on unlisted items. Extra supplies, while they may be cute, will probably never get used and just leave your pockets empty.

Lost school supplies may be a given, but gear that’s hard to miss can stave off the inevitable. Pack all their pencils, erasers, and other goodies into a bright backpack or pencil pouch to keep them from disappearing.

DO A SUPPLY SWEEP

Believe it or not, you might already have plenty of school supplies lying around your house. Closets, desk drawers, and basement

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SET LIMITS

As your kids grow older, they will insist on having the “latest and greatest.” They may request Justin Bieber binders and backpacks, and name-brand clothing from the mall. Although your kids crave

these items, these “character-focused” products will quickly destroy your back to school budget. In addition, these items often aren’t made to last; many trendy clothing items are very cheaply made. If you start teaching your kids about money management at a young age, they will grow up to understand and espouse these values. Let kids have two “specialty” items, like a Justin Bieber lunchbox and binder. Once they’ve chosen their two items, the rest of their supplies must be purchased at bargain prices.

What do your children need for the school year? PRE-SCHOOL

BUY IN BULK

• Glue stick • Crayons • Washable markers • HB pencils • Colored pencils • Pencil sharpener • Erasers • Plastic folders or binder • Blunt-tipped scissors • Assorted coured paper • Ruled notebook or pad • Supply box or pencil case • Tissues • Backpack

Check weekly newspapers for great deals on pens and loose-leaf paper, and get your weekly grocery shopping done at the same time. Bonus: buying everything in one place will save time and gas money!

GRADES 1-3

Buy in bulk to save money on back to school shopping. When pens, crayons, and glue go on sale in the late summer, buy enough to get you through the rest of the year.You might also want to check prices at wholesale stores like Makro.

If you don’t think you can use an entire 100-pack of pens, talk to your friends and neighbors; you can pool your money to buy supplies, and then divide them equally.

BACK TO SCHOOL STRESS

If back-to-school time has your child wound up, you can help him adjust. Slowly switching to an earlier bedtime and displaying a calm, positive attitude will help. Change may be good, but it’s not necessarily easy. Switching from the laid-back fun in the sun of summer to rules, homework, and routines can be a big jump for parents and children alike. But with a little preparation and the right attitude, it doesn’t have to be so hard. It’s normal for a child to have a little flutter of anxiety about going back to school, according to Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a clinical psychologist and coauthor of Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child’s True Potential. After all, they’re getting themselves ready for a lot of newness: a teacher, classmates, tasks, and challenges. Students may have trouble sleeping at the start of the school year, but that’s nothing to worry about, Kennedy-Moore says. More uncomfortable symptoms might include continued trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, or irritability. Severe cases can involve tears, tantrums, and even refusing to go to school.

• Plastic folders or binder • Notebook • HB pencils • Pencil sharpener • Eraser • Ruler • Blue/Black pens • Colored pencils • Washable markers • Assorted coloured paper • Pencil case • Tissues • Backpack • Lunchbox or bag • Book covers/sleeves and plastic for books

GRADES 4-7

• Three-ring binder • Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks • Subject dividers • Blue or black ball-point pens • Tipex • Highlighters • Pocket dictionary • HB pencils • Pencil sharpener • Eraser • Pencil case • Ruler • Colored pencils • Personal journal/diary • Book socks • Backpack • Lunch bag • Calculator • Book covers/sleeves and plastic for books Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

spar r e p u S g n i a C ro s s

BACK OL Or to the H SgiC ft hampe

0! 0 0 2 R f o e valu

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FIND THE 16 WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH AND YOU CAN STAND A CHANCE TO WIN. T'S & C'S APPLY.

013 752 7825 | Crossing Centre Cnr, N4 & Generaal Dan Pienaar Road, Nelspruit 80

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Finf these 16 words in the letters below: • PENS • PENCILS • RULERS • BACKPACK • PENCIL CASE • SCISSORS • NOTEBOOK • HIGHLIGHTERS

• GLUE • ERASER • LUNCHBOX • SHARPENER • BOOK COVERS • TISSUES • FOLDER • CALCULATOR

Terms & Conditions:

WhatsApp you complete picture to 083 462 8527, by the 31st of December. | Competition is only open for children up to the age of 13 years. | The draw will take place in January and winner will be contacted by the 13th of January. | There will only be one winner. The judge’s decision is final. | The price cannot be exchanged for cash. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

Back to school,

back to lice? Head lice and nit diagnoses tend to peak at back to school time mainly because all those kids are getting their heads together again and sharing the pesky critters.

ead louse is a tiny, wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hairs and feeds on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Lice are a very common problem, especially for kids. They’re contagious, annoying, and sometimes tough to get rid of. Many people believe that lice is associated with filth. In fact, dirt has nothing to do with lice, says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist at the Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center in California. “It’s really not an issue of cleanliness. It’s an infestation that’s related to close contact, which we have in schools.” Mirmirani’s three kids picked up lice at their school a couple of years ago. Kids are particularly easy targets for lice, thanks to the size of their hair shaft. “Lice are more easily able to cling to hair that’s finer and thinner in diameter,” Mirmirani says. Plus, children are big on sharing hats, towels, you name it. That’s probably why there are 6 million to 12 million cases of lice in children each year.

LICE SYMPTOMS

The telltale sign of lice is itching, especially behind the ears, on the scalp, and at the nape of the neck. Itching is a reaction to the lice’s saliva, which they

inject while feasting on blood from under the skin. When you look closely at your child’s head under a bright light, you’ll spot light brown, sesame seedsized bugs darting around. Those are the lice. Or, you may just see their eggs, called nits, clinging to the hair shaft close to the scalp. Most kids have only about 10 live lice on their head at any given time, but their scalp can be home to several hundred eggs. These look like tiny yellow, tan, or brown dots before they hatch. Lice lay eggs on hair shafts close to the scalp, where the temperature is perfect for keeping warm until they hatch. They look sort of like dandruff, only they can’t be removed by brushing or shaking them off. After hatching, the remaining shell looks white or clear and stays firmly attached to the hair shaft.

TREATING LICE

It’s best to treat head lice quickly once they’re found because they can spread easily from person to person. What’s a parent to do? Two things - treat your child and clean house. Controlice Head Rinse and Liquid Oil Spray contains active ingredients that can work effectively to eliminate head lice infestation. In addition, the Controlice Defence range contains active ingredients that can ensure

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that once the lice is out, they are out for good!* Controlice is a non-pesticide essential lice treatment, based on active ingredients such as coconut, aniseed, and ylang-ylang oils. These active ingredients have insecticidal, anti-septic, parasitical, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Given that Controlice is a plant oil product, it has the advantage that head lice cannot develop a resistance against it. Meanwhile, wash all the sheets, towels, clothing, combs, and brushes in hot water, and vacuum carpets and furniture. Check everyone else in the house.

With most lice treatments, you’ll also need to go through your child’s hair with a fine-toothed comb to get rid of nits, and reapply the treatment in about a week to kill any newly hatched eggs.

SMALL RED BUMPS OR SORES FROM SCRATCHING. For some kids, the irritation is mild; for others, a more bothersome rash may develop. Excessive scratching can lead to a bacterial infection (this can cause swollen lymph glands and red, tender skin that might have crusting and oozing). Call your doctor if your child is constantly scratching his or her head or complains of an itchy scalp that won’t go away. Also be sure to check with your child’s school or childcare center director to see if other kids have recently been treated for lice.

* Efﬁcacy may vary between users. Visit us at www.mopani.co.za or ﬁnd us on Facebook

SWIPE | EARN | SAVE Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

SAVF Cecilia van Wijk Kleuterskool

d u o jaar Ons bestaan al 55 jaar en is ‘n landmerk in die Nelspruit omgewing. Die kleuterskool is geopen in 1960 en is in ‘n sentrale residensiële gebied geleë. Die grondslag van die kleuterskool was en is nog altyd Christelik en die onderrigmedium is Afrikaans.

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‘n

Gevestigde kleuterskool, met tradisies en baie pret. ‘n Kleuterskool wat oop is gedurende skoolvakansies. ‘n Kleuterskool waar jou kleuter net ‘n kind kan wees en die lewe van ‘n kleuter ten volle kan geniet. Dit is natuurlik die Wijkie Bytjies. Vanjaar vier die Wijkie Bytjies ons 55ste bestaansjaar. Die kleuterskool het sy deure geopen op 1 Oktober 1960. Dit is met groot trots wat ons voortbou op ‘n goeie fondasie en jare se harde werk. Ons is ‘n Afrikaanse, Christelike kleuterskool en ons akkomodeer vanaf 18 maande tot Graad R kleuters. Die kleuterskool is geregistreer by die Departement van Onderwys. Die Graad R leerders volg die Caps Kurrikulum en die jonger kleuters die blitsige breintjies. SAVF Cecilia van Wijk kleuterskool spog met ‘n groot speelarea vir die kleuters, waar hulle kan klim en klouter na hartelus. Hier word ook verskeie buite aktiwiteite aangebied soos, Beau-Arts, Rugga Kids, Playball, Stimulus Maksima, Aqua-kids, Sporty girls, Monkeynastix en Dance Academy. Ons strewe daarna om kleuterskool so lekker moontlik te maak vir die kleuters. Maandelikse speelgoeddae, hoededag, fantasiedag en nog meer word gereeld gehou by die skool en word sommer gekombineer met ‘n lekker piekniek onder die bome. Ons oop deur verhouding met ons ouers is vir ons baie belangrik. Dis vir ons ‘n voorreg om met kleuters te werk en dis vir ons van groot belang om ons ouers van alle vordering op hoogte te hou. Ons missie is om ‘n veilige, liefdevolle, stimulerende omgewing te skep waar ons kinders respek, aanvaarding en liefde ervaar, sodat elke individuele kind sy volle potensiaal kan bereik.

Vir meer inligting kontak ons gerus: 013 752 4491 | 31 Murray Straat, Nelspruit | cecilia.vanwijk@telkomsa.net

Kinders met spel&leesprobleme “H

elp! My kind sukkel met spel, skryf en lees!” Dis ’n noodkreet waarmee opvoedkundige sielkundiges daagliks te doen kry. “Niemand het my ooit gesê dat daar enige probleem met my kind is nie!” Dis weer ’n baie algemene uitdrukking van ’n ouer se frustrasie met ’n kind wat probleme ervaar met spel, skryf en lees. Het jy al ooit aan die volgende gedink: Ten einde te leer spel, lees en skryf, moet jou kind die volgende weet: • wat die name van sy liggaamsdele is; • waar sy linker- en regterkant is (belangrik: om dit werklik te ken, moet hy ook weet waar links en regs is as hy byvoorbeeld na ’n ander kant toe kyk); • deeglik kennis dra van die grondbeginsels: voor/ agter; bo-op/onder; langs; tussen; voor/na; en so meer. Jou kind moet ook (onder meer) die volgende kan doen ten einde gereed te wees om skryf- en leesvaardighede aan te leer: • huppel en galop (ritmiese bewegings); • stap, draf, hardloop (ritmies en op die maat van musiek); • op ’n reguit lyn vorentoe en agtertoe kan loop (sonder om vir sy voete te kyk en sonder om langs die lyn te trap); • vloeiende en egalige skrifpatrone kan maak. Bogenoemde voorbeelde klink vir baie ouers na ’n spul twak, veral as hul kind ook die volgende moet kan doen: sterspronge, op een been staan, touspring, eenbeentjie of hinkspel (“hopscotch”) kan speel, ritmiese patrone kan “na-klap” (“copy”), krale kan inryg, netjies kan knip, ’n bal kan vang, skop, gooi, bons en so meer. Die rede waarom jou kind al bogenoemde aktiwiteite moet kan uitvoer, is omdat lees en skryf ritmiese bewegings behels. Bogenoemde aktiwiteite vorm met ander woorde deel van die boustene vir lees en skryf. ’n Kind wat byvoorbeeld nie weet waar die linker- en regterkant van sy lyf is nie, kan probleme ervaar om tussen b en d te onderskei. ’n Kind wat nie weet waar voor of na, of eerste/ middelste en laaste is nie, sal moontlik probleme

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met spelling en die volgorde van letters ervaar soos byvoorbeeld: mat – watter klank hoor jy eerste/ laaste/in die middel of voor/na. Baie ouers vra die vraag: Moet ek my kind formeel leer lees en skryf voor graad 1? Die antwoord is “nee” – gaan speel net met jou kind, want so berei jy hom voor om gereed te wees om te leer lees en skryf. En wees versigtig om nie te dink dat as jy jou kind ’n oulike werkboekie in die hand stop en saam met hom deurwerk, hy goed voorberei word vir lees en skryf nie. Wat jou kind nodig het, is (in hierdie volgorde):

Driedimensionele aktiwiteite:

• opdragte soos: “Staan agter/voor/langs die swaai”; • “Skop die grootste bal”; • “Raak met jou regterhand aan jou linkeroor”.

Tweedimensionele aktiwiteite:

• kaartspeletjies; • bordspeletjies; • penborde; • opdragte soos: “Sit die rooi sirkel aan die linkerkant van die blou sirkel” ; “Watter prent is die naaste aan jou?”.

Eendimensionele aktiwiteite: • papierwerk en werkkaarte.

Jou kind moet eers driedimensioneel kan speel en leer voordat hy gereed is om op tweedimensionele vlak te speel en te leer. Die eendimensionele vlak is die laaste in die ry. Waar kan ’n ouer wie se kind sukkel met spel en lees aanklop vir hulp? ’n Opvoedkundige sielkundige kan ’n assessering doen ten einde te bepaal wat jou kind se verstandelike vermoë is en indien wel, watter gapings jou kind toon. ’n Opvoedkundige sielkundige sal jou, indien nodig, na ’n arbeidsterapeut verwys, indien jou kind se vaardighede ter gereedmaking van lees en skryf nie vasgelê is nie. ’n Opvoedkundige sielkundige sal ook die nodige verwysings kan maak na ’n pediatriese oogkundige, oudioloog, spraakterapeut en so meer, as sy vermoed dat daar enige probleme in hierdie gebiede is.

Wil jy meer weet hoe om jou kind te ondersteun om gereed te wees vir lees en skryf? Gaan lees dan meer oor onder meer klim en klouter, middellynkruising, balans, luistervaardighede (ouditiewe persepsie) en sigvaardighede (visuele persepsie), sowel as growwe en fyn motoriese koördinasie.

LET WEL: Hierdie artikel geld nie slegs vir graad 1-leerders nie, maar is ook van toepassing op ander leerders in die grondslag- en selfs primêre fase (en soms ook sekondêre fase) wat lees- en skryfprobleme het – tensy ander probleme soos disleksie en/of ’n disfunksie in sy brein gediagnoseer is. Indien daar geen disfunksies by jou kind gediagnoseer kan word nie, kan die opvoedkundige sielkundige die nodige verwysings maak na relevante professionele kundiges wat jou kind kan ondersteun. Die deurslaggewende faktor vir sukses word uiteindelik grootliks bepaal deur die ouers se verbintenis (“commitment”) om hul kind tuis met die huiswerk, wat die terapeute gee, te help.

Artikel verskaf deur: Marisa van Niekerk

Maroela Media

www.maroelamedia.co.za

Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

isleksie is ’n leergestremdheid wat neurologies van aard is en volgens Sandra Stark beteken disleksie in leketaal: Die bedrading van ’n disleksielyer se brein verskil van die deursneemens se bedrading. Disleksie is die mees algemene maar terselfdertyd onbekendste leergestremdheid. Disleksie beïnvloed meer leerders as wat fetale alkoholsindroom doen en een uit elke tien mense in Suid-Afrika is disleksies.

Volgens Susan Du Plessis kan die volgende voorbeelde tekens van disleksie wees: • Omkerings van die letters b en d – jou kind skryf tor in plaas van rot of een in plaas van nee. • Weglatings – jou kind laat dikwels klanke uit woorde weg. Hy of sy skryf byvoorbeeld seel in plaas van steel of bak in plaas van balk. • Klank – jou kind klank ’n woord reg, maar spreek dit dan verkeerd uit, byvoorbeeld s-a-t en sê dan sout of h-e-k en sê dan hoek. • Jou kind lees woord vir woord (met ander woorde nie vloeiend nie). • Jou kind verloor dikwels die plek waar hy of sy lees. • Skriftelike werk is baie stadig en swak. 90

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WAT VEROORSAAK DISLEKSIE?

Probleme met konsentrasie, persepsuele vaardighede en logiese denke is bekend as die mees algemene oorsake van disleksie. Du Plessis beskryf disleksie nie as ’n leergestremdheid nie, maar as ’n onvermoë om spelling en lees te bemeester. Mense met disleksie kan baie vinnig dink, maar hulle sien prentjies in hulle koppe en verstaan dus nie klanksimbole nie. Disleksie is gewoonlik oorerflik en word geneties oorgedra in families.

HOE KAN ’N KIND MET DISLEKSIE GEHELP WORD?

Dit is belangrik om te weet dat disleksie nie “genees” kan word nie, maar dat dit wel behandel kan word en dat jou kind steeds sy of haar volle potensiaal kan bereik. In Suid-Afrika kan die diagnose van disleksie slegs deur kundiges wat by die Raad vir Gesondheidsberoepe geregistreer is, gemaak word. Hierdie geregistreerde kundiges sluit onder andere opvoedkundige sielkundiges en oogkundiges in. Dit is belangrik dat kinders met disleksie gehelp moet word, anders kan hulle gedragsprobleme, soos aggressie, ontwikkel.

Volgens Ronald Davis is van die volgende kwessies dikwels algemene kenmerke van disleksie: • Is skerpsinnig en intelligent, maar kan nie lees, skryf of spel nie. • Word bestempel as lui en agterlosig. • Is dikwels nie “ver genoeg” agter of “swak genoeg” om binne skoolverband ondersteun te word nie. • Verstandsvermoë is baie goed, maar akademiese prestasie weerspieël dit nie. Goed met mondelinge werk, maar nie goed met skriftelike werk nie. • Het ’n swak selfbeeld en probeer kompenseer daarvoor deur middel van geniale strategieë; raak maklik gefrustreerd en emosioneel wanneer hy of sy by die skool moet lees. • Is dikwels begaafd wat aspekte betref soos kuns, musiek, sport, storievertelling, sake of ingenieurswese. • Dagdroom dikwels; verdwaal maklik; het nie goeie begrip van tyd nie. • Probleme om te fokus. Kan dagdroom of hiperaktief voorkom. • Beste manier van leer is prakties van aard soos demonstrasies, waarneming en visuele apparaat.

KATEGORIEË VAN DISLEKSIE

Sandra Stark dui die volgende hoofgroepe van disleksie aan en dui ook daarop dat verdere

kategorieë van disleksie ontstaan wanneer hierdie kategorieë in kombinasie voorkom: • Motoriese disleksie: Byvoorbeeld die verwarring van b en d of die syfers 6 en 9. • Fonetiese (ouditiewe) disleksie: Dis wanneer iemand nie ’n klank met ’n simbool kan vereenselwig nie. Dié kind sukkel byvoorbeeld om die posisie van ’n letter te bepaal, want dis vir hom of haar moeilik om die volgorde van klanke te hoor. Hy of sy klank byvoorbeeld die word kat as k-a-t, maar hoor die woord as koud. • Visuele disleksie: Die kind sien ’n woord, maar kan dit nie dadelik verwerk nie. Hy verstaan nie die simbole van woorde nie omdat hy in prentjies dink. Alhoewel jy as ouer of jou kind se onderwyser nie die diagnose van disleksie kan maak nie, kan bogenoemde kennis van disleksie jou help om vroegtydig by die regte kundige aan te klop en hulp vir jou kind te kry. Artikel verskaf deur: Marisa van Niekerk

Maroela Media

www.maroelamedia.co.za

Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

verses

POACHING

PASSION

Tamryn Baird, a grade 4 student at Curro Nelspruit, is a passionate youngster that can inspire many of us in our daily lives.

his self confident little lady started public speaking at the age of only 7 years old. But did she choose to talk about how puppies make her smile, no! She chose to tackle the big issue in South Africa, Rhino poaching. With this magnificent speech, she touched many hearts and went through to Nationals and came 2nd. What an achievement for a 7 year old! At the age of 9 she had to prepare a piece on a female role model for school. Because she was so emotionally involved in the poaching of rhinos in South Africa she chose Adele van Zyl, the marketing manager of Panrottis at I’langa Mall. Adele, who is also very passionate about saving rhinos, and Panarottis recently adopted Gertjie, a rhino that lives in the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). Tamryn was very interested in this project and wanted to get involved! Gertjie is 2 years old in February and weighs an astonishing one and a half tons. The I’langa Mall Panarottis decided to help HESC in gathering Pronutro to feed the rhinos. All the Nelspruit kids brought their box of Pronutro to help save the rhinos one by one. Who and what is HESC? The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered

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animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of their core disciplines. THE CENTRE IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN: • The breeding of endangered, vulnerable or rare animal species. • The release and establishment of captive-bred cheetahs to the wild. • The treatment and rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals which are brought to the Centre. • The education of learners, students and the general public in conservation and conservation activities. • Eco-tourism. • A hands-on Student’s Programme to conservation and adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Tamryn built up the courage and presented a proposal to the Curro Nelspruit headmaster to get involved in raising any products needed to help HESC. The headmaster was so impressed by Tamryn’s speech and how driven she was to help with the conservation of rhinos that he accepted her proposal. Curro pupils now help HESC with collecting products on their ‘wishlist’ that they need around the centre. All the Curro pupils who donated something towards the cause were given a Panarottis voucher to acknowledge their

contribution. The class with the most donations also won a great prize! They will be able to go visit HESC for one whole day and spend time with the animals. Tamryn is not done making a difference yet. She chose the heart-warming subject of child kidnapping as her next public speaking subject. Watch this space for more of Tamryn Baird! Article and Photos: Monique Harris

If you want to contribute to this cause please contact: Adele van Zyl 084 208 6779 adele.vanzyl@vodamail.co.za

chocolate hazelnut

ORANGE WONTONS

Ingredients

• 16 wonton wrappers • 1/2 cup SQUILLOS chocolate-hazelnut spread • 1/4 cup water • 2 tablespoons unsalted SPAR butter • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one orange) • 1 orange, cut into segments, for serving • SPAR Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

Lay wonton wrappers out on a work surface. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread onto each wonton. Brush the edges with water using a pastry brush. Lay a wonton wrapper over top and seal, pressing together with fingers.

Wonton Wrappers Dough

Ingredients

Directions

Using a round 8 cm cookie cutter or a glass, cut the wontons into circles, discarding the excess dough.

Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add water and butter to melt. Add chocolate wontons. Cover and simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove cover and let the liquid evaporate. Zest orange over top of the wontons in the pan. Cook over medium heat until the bottoms of the wontons become crispy and release from the pan. (They will stick at first, and will release once they are ready.) Use a flat spatula to help release them. Remove to a plate.

4 96

Serve warm over ice cream with orange segments. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

• 1 SPAR egg • 1/3 cup water

• 2 cups all-purpose SPAR ﬂour • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Mix in the water. • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the mixture and slowly pour in the egg and water. Mix well. If the mixture is too dry, increase the amount of water one teaspoon at a time until a pliable dough has formed. • On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until elastic. Cut dough into two separate balls. Cover the balls with a damp cloth for a minimum of 10 minutes. • Cut the dough into nine 9 x 9 cm squares. Use in any recipe that calls for wonton wrappers.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN A SQUILLO'S GIFT HAMPER TO THE VALUE OF R500? ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COMPLETE THE COLOURING PAGE AND YOU CAN STAND A CHANCE TO WIN. T'S & C'S APPLY.

A H A S PA R TH MP O F E VA E R T R5 LU O 00 E *

*Simply WhatsApp a photo of your completed colouring page to 083 462 8527 to enter the draw to win the R500 Squillo's hamper. Competition ends 31 January 2016. Winners will be contacted telephonically and the judges decision is final. Published by TwoRedPens | www.tworedpens.co.za

Complete the

“COLOUR’IN”

FREE KIDS MEAL Simply hand-in the “COLOUR’IN” page and enjoy your free meal on or before Sunday 31 January 2016.

and stand a chance to

WIN A FREE FAMILY MEAL!* A lucky winner will be drawn at Arkansas Spur and Mountain Spring Spur respectively. Arkansas Spur, West End Centre: (013) 745 8043 Mountain Spring, I’langa Mall: (013) 742 2250 Laramie Spur, Lydenburg: (013) 235 1707 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

COLOURâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;IN N a m e : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A ge : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B i r t h d ay : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ C o n t a c t N u m b e r : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Terms & Conditions:

Children can enter more than once | Competition will be open to all kids aged up to 12 years | Qualification to draw subject to sit-down meal upon handing-in of original Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notes colour in page at either Arkansas-, Mountain Spring- or Laramie Spur. Competition closes 31 January 2016 | Every child receiving a FREE meal must be accompanied by an adult enjoying a sitdown meal. *Maximum of x6 people (maximum x2 adults only) | Bookings are essential.

Want to advertise here? please call Yulandi Jansma on 083 462 8527

THE MOST UNIQUE MOVEMENT EDUC ATION PROGRAMME IN THE WORLD! DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS, ENDORSED BY THERAPISTS & TEACHERS Rolandi (Nelspruit, Barberton, Ngodwana) - 082 827 8359 Hayley (White River) - 072 104 9431

Kiddies Parties and so much more! • Themed kiddies parties • Jumping castles • Waterslides • Hiring of tables, chairs, table cloths, and theme related nicolette@monkeymagic.co.za | www.monkeymagic.co.za Unit 11, central park, 12 suikerriet str, nelspruit Tel: 013 010 1245 | 082 388 0594

Dap Exclusive Carpentry Projects MARTIAL ARTS Celebrating 25 Years of Martial Arts Perfection Combat Tang Soo Do (Korean Karate) Haedong Kumdo (Korean Sword) Weapon Training Krav Maga Israeli Practical Self-Defence

22 De Kock Street, Sonheuwel Nelspruit Cell: 082 939 8615 info@wolvesacademy.co.za www.wolvesacademy.co.za

Ons bied stimuleering “mamma en peuter” klasse in ‘n privaat sprokies wereld vir ouderdoms groep 1 – 3 jaar. Ons gespesialiseerde toerusting fokus op groot spier oefening, balans, voelbare sintuie en soveel meer. Kom bou ‘n hegte band met jou peuter en boek jou eerste lessie GRATIS vandag! Klasse word in Afrikaans en Engels aangebied Olivia @ 072 802 6098 | nelspruit@clamberclub.com vir SPORTS navrae by speelgroepies en kleuterskole kontak Elzanne 084 900 0144

Home is where the heart is, and it has been said that the kitchen is the ‘heart of the home’.

Kitchens Bathrooms Bedrooms Bars Wall Units Wooden Finishes Free Standing Units Derek Pretorius 082 707 0235 | dapexclusive@gmail.com www.dapexclusive.co.za

We believe in an Holistic approach - the development of a child’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potential. WE PROVIDE A FUN, SAVE, CLEAN AND LOVING ENVIRONMENT WITH A LOVELY BIG PLAY AREA. Inclusive in our fees: Delicious wholesome healthy meals, Monkeynastix Movement Education Program, Palette and Paintbrush Sensory development program, as well as Music and Rhythm.

The most unique Movement Education Programme in the world! Designed by specialists, endorsed by therapists & teachers & loved by children. Monkeynastix concentrates on: General Fitness Gymnatics Basic Movement Skills Aerobics Speed and Agility Cardio Vascular Fitness Motor Imitation Skills

Half-day/Full day - Ages 1-4 years old

For more information contact Mar le: 0823049664 | Email: hullabaloonsp@gmail.com For more information please have a look at our website: www.monkeynastixonline.co.za Nelspruit/Barberton: Rolandi 082 827 8359 White River: Marle 082 304 9664

Jumping Mania Jumping Castles & Sliders FOR RENT!

We also do cupcakes, party packs and rent out tables, chairs & linen. Ideal for a perfect party or event NADIA vd Walt 082-771-7442 jumpingcastlesnst@gmail.com

Nelspruit Jumping Castles

Dance Mouse the beneﬁts are ENOR'MOUSE...

Dance Madness continue the dance madness...

DANCE MOUSE is a unique and diverse dance programme that is offered as an after school activity for both boysand girls from Grade 000 – Grade 7. The new DANCE MADNESS syllabus will be on offer from grade 8 – 12.

Professional tuition that builds the foundations for academic success.

Teaching children technique and rhythm, and increasing their overall self-conﬁdence. For more info please contact Maryke du Toit Cell: 082 818 0913 | nelspruit@dancemouse.co.za | www.dancemouse.co.za | Like us on Facebook

Facebook (www.facebook.com/KipMcgrathEducationCentreNelspruit)

Visit us at www.kipmcgrath.co.za or Call us on 013 741 5356. sms “Register” to 083 265 8641 to arrange a free assessment.

what’s your NEW YEAR’S

RESOLUTIONS? If it includes your family feeling safe within an environment of outdoor activities, exercise and ﬁtness or enjoying the splendour of nature next to a relaxing watering hole and bird watcher’s paradise, then The Rest Nature Estate could be part of your prosperous 2016.