July 2019 Jhb West

JOBURG WEST

MARELIZE KILIAN

Loving a white smile

FOR GOODNESS SAKE

A bistro with a buzz

Prizes up

3for grabs

WHAT’S

HOT NOW

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

July 2019

30th

Birthday

Promotion

Valid until 31 August 2019 while stocks last

R1295.00

R360.00

R510.00

R1280.00

R465.00

FLOOR UNITS

720h x 300w x 560d 1 Shelf R399.00

720h x 400w x 560d 1 Shelf R440.00

720h x 450w x 560d 1 Shelf R460.00

720h x 500w x 560d 1 Shelf R475.00

720h x 600w x 560d 1 Shelf R510.00

720h x 750w x 560d 1 Shelf R570.00

720h x 900w x 560d 1 Shelf R630.00

720h x 900w x 560d Corner R1405.00

720h x 1000w x 560d 1 Shelf R685.00

720h x 1200w x 560d 1 Shelf R745.00

720h x 450w x 560d 4 Drawer R1295.00

720h x 500w x 560d 4 Drawer R1395.00

720h x 600w x 560d 4 Drawer R1415.00

720h x 600w x 560d 2 Pot drawer R1030.00

720h x 750w x 560d 2 pot drawer R1135.00

720h x 900w x 560d 2 pot drawer R1250.00

720h x 300w x 560d Pull out spice R750.00

720h x 450w x 560d Pull out bin R845.00

720h x 500w x 560d Pull out bin R875.00

TALL FLOOR UNITS

1940h x 450w x 600d Broom unit R1180.00


1940h x 450w x 600d Grocery unit R1180.00





1940h x 900w x 600d Corner grocery R2940.00











WALL UNITS

360h x 600w x 300d Flap unit R345.00

360h x 750w x 300d Flap unit R380.00

360h x 900w x 300d Flap unit R415.00

600h x 600w x 300d 1 Shelf R380.00

600h x 750w x 300d 1 Shelf R420.00

600h x 900w x 300d 1 Shelf R460.00

600h x 1000w x 300d 1 Shelf R510.00

720h x 300w x 300d 1 Shelf R335.00

720h x 400w x 300d 1 Shelf R350.00

720h x 450w x 300d 1 Shelf R360.00

720h x 500w x 300d 1 Shelf R370.00

720h x 600w x 300d 1 Shelf R400.00

720h x 600w x 300d Corner unit R950.00

720h x 750w x 300d 1 Shelf R445.00

720h x 900w x 300d 1 Shelf R490.00

1080h x 300w x 300d 2 Shelves R399.00

1080h x 400w x 300d 2 Shelves R430.00

1080h x 450w x 300d 2 Shelves R450.00

1080h x 500w x 300d 2 Shelves R465.00

1080h x 600w x 300d 2 Shelves R510.00

1080h x 600w x 300d Corner unit R1050.00

1080h x 750w x 300d 2 Shelves R565.00

1080h x 900w x 300d 2 Shelves R625.00

10 Catharina Street, Krugersdorp 011 953 1766 bradley@westernboard.co.za www.westernboard.co.za Western Board & Timber sales @westernboardtimber

GET IT

Editorial 011 955 1130

Caxton Building

Corner General Pienaar Avenue

and Ham Street, Witpoortjie

getitjoburgwest@caxton.co.za

Twitter: @GetItJHBWest

Facebook: Get It Joburg West

Website: joburgwest.getitonline.co.za

Editor Rialien Furstenberg

rialienf@caxton.co.za

Journalist

Chemélle van der Merwe

Subeditor

Lorraine Brown & Beryl Kirsten

Design studio

Manager: Marita Janse van Vuuren

Layout: Mukundi Mavhina

Advertising

Marietjie van der Merwe 011 955 1130

marietjie@caxton.co.za

Sales

Debbie Pienaar 011 955 1130

debbiep@caxton.co.za

GET IT NATIONAL

National Group Editor

Kym Argo - kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram -

Get It National Magazines

National Sales Manager

Shirley Frattaroli 083 633 6100

shirleyf@caxton.co.za

Get It Joburg West is distributed free of

charge. For a full list of where it is available

phone 011 955 1130.

Published by CTP Limited

Branch Manager

Jeanette Peach 011 955 1130

jpeach@caxton.co.za

Distribution

Phillip Opperman

Tebogo Mogorosi

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be

forfeited. Prizewinners names are published on

our Facebook page monthly.

CONTENTS

WHY DON’T YOU ...

4 Shake off the winter chills and pencil in these events

7 Love. Laughs. And a little drama!

WISH LIST

8 Winter outings and cosy finds this July

SOCIAL

10 Applause for paws!

11 Groves & Vineyards

PEOPLE

12 The first thing Marelize Kilian notices about people is their teeth

16 We chat to sous chef Franco Buys

BEAUTY

14 Keep your face and body hydrated and moisturised

HEALTH

24 Winter-proof your health with these remedies, tips and DIYs

FOOD

18 For Goodness Sake – this eatery is a treat to be reckoned with!

DECOR & GARDENING

20 TV room DIY for under R1 000

22 We’ve put together our top garden tasks and tips

TRAVEL

31 A Game drive through the pages

32 Plett ... still the perfect destination for a mid-year coastal break

WIN

4 Win tickets to watch Die Sjokoladeshow

13 A teeth-whitening package worth R5 500

34 A R1 000 Volpes voucher to spend on linen

JULY 2019

[PAGENO] Get It Joburg West [MONTH] [YEAR]

July 2019 Get It Joburg West 03

If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least a month in advance to daniellap@caxton.co.za

A hot date!

Shake off the winter chills and pencil in these events

06

Francois and Die Gevaar will

perform many of Die Van Coke

show covers in this concert series at

the Barnyard Theatre, Silverstar from

8pm. He will also tell the story of

these song choices and explain the

thinking behind them. Tickets: R165

per person. Details: www.tsogosun.

com/silverstar-casino.

13

Be flamboyant in anything

pink at Reach for Recovery’s

annual fundraiser at Usambara Venue,

corner of Hendrik Potgieter and Steyn

Roads, Honingklip from 10.30am. The

performing artist is Mia Malherbe, The

Voice SA finalist, and Dr Jowie Mbengo

from Pink Ribbon Breast Screening

Centre will be the guest speaker.

Tickets: R200 per person. Details:

Maggie on 073 145 5822.

14

Visit Cedar Tree Craft Market

from 10am to 3pm at Khosa

Sports Club, Krugersdorp for their

monthly market. Secure parking, no

entrance fee and pets are welcome.

Details: Chanelle on 081 500 6884.

20

Join us at Boktown, Silverstar

to watch the Springboks take

on Australia from 3pm. Tickets: R30

per person, which includes a free local

beverage. Details: www.tsogosun.com/

silverstar-casino.

25

Christmas in July at the

Walter Sisulu National

Botanical Garden until 4 August. Come

and experience a magical garden

where you can walk along a 500m trail

lit up with thousands of lights. There

will be various Christmas statues, an

enchanted forest of magnificent lights,

artificial snowflakes, music and family

fun activities. Time: 6pm to 10pm

daily. Various packages available.

Tickets from R60 for children and R80

per adult. Details: www.howler.co.za or

info@thechristmasconcepts.com.

WIN:

Two readers can

each win a set of tickets

to watch the show. To enter,

visit Facebook (Get It Joburg

West), like the post, tag a

friend and you’ll be in the

draw. Entries close 9

July.

27

Koos Kombuis will be

performing some new

songs in between his favourite hits

such as Lisa se Klavier, Bicycle Sonder

‘n Slot, and Johnny is nie Dood nie at

Barnyard Theatre, Silverstar from 8pm.

Tickets: R150 per person. Details: www.

tsogosun.com/silverstar-casino.

28

Join the West Side Craft and

Food Market from 10am to

3pm at Ramkiki Country Restaurant &

Conference Centre in Ruimsig. There

is secure parking, no entrance fee and

pets are welcome. Details: Chanelle on

081 500 6884.

11

Don’t miss Lizz Meiring and Jak de

Priester in Die Sjokoladeshow

at The Hollywood Theatre (27

Rustenburg Road) from 6.30pm.

It promises to be a lip-smackingly

good show where chocolatecovered

seduction, love, revenge,

murder, comedy and addiction

will be presented. Bring your own

picnic basket and drinks. Tickets:

R150 per person. Details: 011 660

4250, 084 770 4697 or admin@

hollywoodsa.co.za.

4 Get It Joburg West July 2019

PROMOTION

THE FACE

Searching for

of the SPAR

WOMEN’S

CHALLENGE

Are you radiant, racy and ready for fun? Then

you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

SPAR and Get It are searching for The Face of the SPAR Women’s

Challenge 2019. Someone who’s an enthusiastic runner ... who’s keen

to enter the race in October ... and who wants to be queen for the day

(don’t we all?). Our winner will not only be featured in the local Get It

magazine (who knows ... you may just make cover girl) but will also

receive VIP treatment on the day of the race. This year, four runners-up

will also be in line for VIP treatment. Love it!

Pictured: Face of the Race 2018 winner,

Thulethu Ngqokwe

Rules

The winner and four runners-up will have to

participate in the SPAR Women’s Challenge at

the Marks Park Sports Club in Joburg on Sunday,

October 6 and must complete the 5km race,

although they’re welcome to enter the 10km race if

preferred. They must be available to attend a media

launch on August 22 in Fourways and be prepared

to be photographed by Get It, and featured in print

and online in Get It and Caxton publications. They

must also be available for a photo shoot at Get It

magazine at a time that suits both parties.

How to enter

Simply email two photos of yourself – one headand-shoulders,

one full length – to faceofspar@

caxton.co.za. Include your name, age, the area in

which you live, and a 100-word motivational letter

about why you deserve to be our Face of SPAR

Women’s Challenge 2019. Entries close August 1.

What’s up for grabs

The winner:

• A R5 000 SPAR shopping voucher

• A pair of running shoes by Asics

• SPAR Women’s Challenge T-shirts to wear in the race for her

and her partner

• A Get It tog bag, with a race towel, SPAR toiletries and a

selection of cosmetics

• The winner will be styled by a Get It stylist and will receive a

photo-shoot by a professional photographer with hair by a

professional team and make-up done by Gosh

• She’ll win a VIP package, with free race entry for herself

and a partner or friend

• She’ll appear in her local Get It magazine

and newspaper

The runners-up:

• A R1 000 SPAR shopping voucher each

• A pair of running shoes by Asics

• SPAR Women’s Challenge T-shirts to wear in the race for

them and their race partners

• A Get It tog bag, with a race towel, SPAR toiletries and a

selection of cosmetics

• The runners-up will be styled by a Get It stylist and will l

receive a photo-shoot by a professional photographer r

with hair and make-up done by a professional team

• They will win a VIP package, with free race entry for

themselves and a partner or friend

The SPAR Women’s Challenge is on Sunday, October 6 at Marks Park Sports Club.

Visit www.sparjoburgrace.co.za for details.

Book club

Love. Laughs. And a little drama!

Book club

Every year, Sarah writes a love-filled

birthday letter to Izzy, her now sevenyear-old

daughter. And when she falls

pregnant with her second child, she

promises Izzy that when the new baby

arrives, life will not change, only get

better. But then, when five months

pregnant, Sarah collapses and her

future, and that of her pregnancy, is in

the hands of her husband and sister,

who don’t agree about what treatment

options the doctors offer, and the

family fights begin. Sinead Moriarty’s

tales are always heart-warming (and

sometimes heartbreaking) ... Seven

Letters is both – and thoughtprovoking,

too. Penguin, R290.

Also look out for...

When Lucy’s affair with her married

boss turns sour and she’s retrenched,

she moves to a quiet village where

no-one knows her history. She’s the

incomer, as the locals call newbies,

until another arrives. Alice, also young

and single, moves into the house next

door. She’s a little strange and Lucy

doesn’t trust, or even like, her much.

Even less so when Alice suggests

starting a book club, her way of

getting in with Lucy’s friends. And

Lucy’s right not to trust her. Alice has

moved into the village for just one

reason. Revenge! Once you’ve started

CJ Cooper’s The Book Club, you won’t

put it down! Little Brown, R325.

Good friends. True love. And all the signs of the zodiac. Those of you who enjoy

David Nicholls, Marian Keyes and Jojo Moyes are going to love Minnie Darke and

her brilliant, feel-good romantic comedy. In Star Crossed, Justine Carmichael

(Sagittarius, aspiring journo and sceptic), bumps into her teenage crush Nick

Jordan (Aquarius, struggling actor and true believer) by chance. Or is it? Could it be

written in the stars? She discovers Nick relies on the astrology column published

in the magazine where she works, and makes a few adjustments to the Aquarius

horoscope, thinking it may help her love life. After all, it’s just the stars. What could

possibly go wrong? Funny, romantic ... chick-lit at its best. Penguin, R290.

When new mother of twins Lauren is

woken in the middle of the night, she

hears unusual noises from the bed

alongside hers in the maternity ward.

In that half-awake, half-asleep state

new mums find themselves in, she

thinks there’s a new arrival in the ward

... another mother, apparently also

with a set of twins. Drifting in and out

of sleep she’s not sure what’s a dream

and what’s not but she’s convinced

someone is trying to steal her children,

and she locks herself and her babies in

the bathroom until the police arrive.

The next morning, DS Joanna Harper

picks up the list of overnight incidents

that have been reported, and sees the

report of an attempted abduction,

but it’s been flagged as a false alarm.

She’s told there’s no case, but Harper

feels something’s not right, so visits the

hospital anyway. She discovers no-one

believes Lauren ... but Lauren, and

soon Harper, are convinced the twins

are in real danger. Little Darlings

by Melanie Golding is a haunting,

unputdownable read. Scary stuff!

HarperCollins, R305.


Wish list

Winter outings and cosy finds ...

Folli Follie introduced a brandnew

bag collection that winks to

one of our favourite trends, the

Style Layers. This origami-like

design opens to a roomy interior

that has plenty of space for your

daily essentials - think a wallet,

compact and cellphone. We’re

loving it so much because you

can style your bag in an array of

different ways! Shop online at

www.follifolliesa.co.za.

BOUTIQUE BLISS

Mustard Seed & Moonshine Boutique, situated at the For Goodness Sake Bar and

Venue, Drift Boulevard in Muldersdrift was such a great discovery this month! We can

almost guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed! Despite the incredibly ‘shopperfriendly’

layout of the store, the offers are endless! Stunning clothing pieces, shoes,

jewels, accessories … and their prices are very affordable. Pay them a visit – you

won’t be disappointed! If you spend R500 or more at the boutique on Wednesdays,

you can enjoy a free lunch to the value of R100! Details: Contact them on 066 270 6827.


WILD, WILD WEST

Looking for something

to do on a Sunday? We

found an interesting popup

market in West Village

at Cowboy Town taking

place on Sundays from 8am

to 2pm. With interesting

stalls like the Cowboy Café,

the Outlaw Gallery, Billy

the Bread, mechanical bull

rides, live entertainment,

arts and crafts, antiques,

clothes, a barber, an auction,

handmade items, clothes,

delectable treats and sweets

… there really some is

something for everyone! Pull

in at 1 McLean Street, West

Village, Krugersdorp or visit

www.westvillagemarket.co.za.

LOVING THESE LUAH’S

The Luah boot by Zellie Footwear is

perfect in every way! Besides being

proudly manufactured in South Africa,

the sophisticated (waterproof ) boot

doubles as your secret weapon on

a day out on the town (thanks

to its elastic side panels,

insole lining and

hand-stitched

comfort

inners), all

while being

timelessly

trendy. Available in

three colours – mink, marble grey and black, in sizes 4 to 8 at R450

at Buttons & Lace Urban Chic Boutique, Kenmare. Details: Contact

them on 076 456 6147 or visit them at 46 Shannon Road.

Give yourself the ultimate glow up with these ultra-versatile

contour blush palettes – Captivate, Sparkle and Mesmerize …

MUD’s Illuminate collection is a set of pigment-rich contour

and blush palettes that appeal to any skin tone ranging

from light to dark. Each palette contains a light reflecting

shade to enhance the cheeks along with two additional

complementary shades. The

slim shape fits perfectly into

any make-up kit or travel

case. R645 from EA Academy

in Krugersdorp. Details:

Contact Elaine on 082

885 3577 or

Antoinette on

073 681 9516.

Seriously

though …

Is there anything

the noble scarf cannot

make better? We don’t

think so. We saw this

gorgeous fringed check

blanket scarf at

Woolworths for

R250.

A DAY AT THE RACES

6 July, 11am to 5pm – make sure to clear

your diary! The annual July Derby charity

event: A day at the Races is taking place at

the sublime Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa and

we talk from experience – it’s an event you

don’t want to miss! Dress up like you’re

actually attending the Durban July and get

ready for some great food, fab drinks, Derby

games and lovely prizes – all in the name of

charity! R500 per person. Tickets available at

www.ticketpros.co.za.


Jacky De Neve and Moira Luyckx

Dean and Izabella Emin

Nadine Snyman and Elsabe Ridley

Applause

for paws!

Kristen Butler and Marlene Burrell

Global Paws – specialists in arranging

pet travel worldwide and locally

– recently celebrated their 30th

birthday. The ecstatic owners beamed

with pride and gratitude towards their

staff, and those attending the party for

making Global Paws’ success possible.

After devouring the yummy birthday

cake we went to say ‘hi’ to the pets in

the kennels, and had a peek at how

the pet’s courier crates are created.

Chantal Mckillop

and Andrie Alberts

Claire Rubly and Jo-Anne Mansfield

Marinda Kruger, Hayley van Rooyen and Natasha Human


Teboho Selele and Tish Magongwa

Saskia Weideman and

Anushka van Jaarsveld

Tarryn and Aria Allie

Ami Kotze and Tarryn Smith

Groves &

Vineyards

Casalinga has found the perfect

festival formula ... great food, amazing

wines, top local musical talent

and a relaxed vibe all add up to an

unmissable celebration of flavour and

rhythm. This year’s annual Groves &

Vineyards Festival offered us plenty of

delight while we strolled among fab

pop-up boutiques and visited a craft

gin bar, all while snacking on some lipsmackingly

good eats from the various

artisanal food stalls.

Tansey and Peyton Sodeinde

Rori, Simon and Tegan Meanwell

Semoné van der Westhuizen

and Larisha van Wyk

Rachelle van den Berg


Tooth be told

Text: CHEMÈLLE VAN DER MERWE. Photographer: JACO BOTHMA. Hair and make-up: ELAINE BOSHOFF. Venue: BEGINNINGS COFFEE SHOP.

Marelize Kilian has a huge responsibility – she looks after every person’s greatest asset –

their smile. She answers all our questions about the ins and outs of teeth whitening.

Featherbrook’s Marelize says

the first thing she notices

about people is their teeth

– but no worries, not in a

judgemental way. It’s just

the way she’s always been.

By profession she’s an oral

hygienist – and no, this is

not the woman sitting beside you at your

dental appointment and handing tools to

the dentist. Oral hygienists primarily focus

on prevention of diseases and poor oral care

leading to more serious issues.

A visit to the orthodontist with my

friend, who wore braces, sparked off my

passion. I went with her to her orthodontic

appointment one day and was extremely

fascinated by these girls working on

everyone’s teeth. I just knew this was what I

wanted to do!

I was 23 years old when I decided that

I wanted to study to become an oral

hygienist. During my first year at Tukkies, I

stayed in the hostel. At first I thought it would

be very awkward, being older than most of

the other students, but I soon learnt there

were quite a few other women that weren’t

as young either. After completing a two year

diploma, I graduated at the age of 26.

I opened my practice in January 2019. It is

situated on the same premises as those of

aesthetic doctor, Dr LJ Kilian. My practice

specialises in teeth-whitening procedures.

Teeth-whitening is a huge confidence booster

– making me very proud to offer this service

to anyone who feels they could benefit.

In my free time I enjoy cycling – this year

will be the 12th time I participate in the 947

cycle challenge. Running and cycling are a

great release of stress for me. I find that feeling

after a long ride so rewarding. I also love

spending time with my family. My husband,

Julyan, and I often visit my parents, where we

load our dogs, Fondsi and Rusty into the car

and enjoy a day out with the whole family

(who also bring their dogs! At any given time

there are about seven dogs running around –

it’s pure bliss!)


REALLY WANT A WHITER SMILE? THIS IS

WHAT MARELIZE WANTS YOU TO KNOW

1. What should you do before going for a teethwhitening

treatment?

Oral health always comes first. It is essential to have a checkup

and a cleaning to make sure your teeth and gums are

healthy and disease-free.

2. What is the difference between a whitening treatment

at a dentist and a home treatment?

Legally only dentists and oral hygienists are allowed to

whiten your teeth. This was gazetted in 2009. They are

the specialists in oral health and anatomy, and will only

use material that is registered with the Medicine Control

Council and won’t cause damage to your teeth and gums.

3. Will the treatment hurt?

If you have sensitive teeth you may

experience a little more sensitivity

than the next person, but it’s easy

to work around this. The in-chair

procedure makes it easy for the

clinician to cover all these areas

during the bleaching process, and

the take-home whitening wear

time can be significantly reduced.

Sensitivity varies from person to

person but is very short-lived.

4. Does a person’s tooth enamel get affected by

the treatment?

Over-the-counter products will most definitely

damage the enamel, especially with repeated use. They

are usually very acidic, and in the case of toothpastes,

very abrasive too. Professional bleaching brands such as

Philips, actually remineralise the teeth during the bleaching

process, and don’t affect the enamel micro-hardness at all.

5. Can all people whiten their teeth? Please elaborate …

NO – it’s essential that each person wanting to whiten their

teeth understand that those with gum disease, primary

teeth, braces, large fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures,

implants and bridges, for example, can’t whiten their teeth.

In some cases, when fillings or crowns can be changed after

bleaching to match the rest of the newly whitened teeth,

then bleaching needs to be done first. All bleaching should

be followed up with take-home whitening in professionally

made trays, so patients that find it difficult to follow

instructions would also not be ideal candidates.

6. How long does a teeth-whitening treatment last?

All bleaching can be maintained at home with

professionally made trays. Philips has a FREE Whitening for

Life programme whereby you receive free maintenance

ampoules for LIFE. Maintenance can be as little as 30

minutes at home once a month. A good oral hygiene care

programme will also help to keep the colour looking

good for longer.

7. Please could you share other ways to keep teeth whiter?

Once the desired whiteness has been achieved,

professional whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes can

help to reduce build-up and staining. Diet of course plays a

large role in preventing staining, but good oral hygiene and

regular professional cleanings are the most important.

8. What can people eat to maintain white teeth?

I would rather say it’s more important to watch what you

should limit. Foods and drinks that can stain a white top can

stain the teeth. Sugary foods may make it easier for foods

with colour to stick to the tooth surface and stain it. A good

healthy diet always helps.

9. Are there any side effects?

Sensitivity is the most common side effect, but it really does

vary from person to person, and most of it can be reduced

or controlled by the clinician and the type of gel used,

especially at home.

10. When choosing a home treatment – what are a few

ingredients or things to look out for when purchasing?

All professional products are only available at dental

practices and are not over-the-counter products. Whitening

and bleaching are very different. Whitening is any product

that can remove surface stains and enhance the natural

tooth colour without changing it. The tooth looks better

but is actually just cleaner. Many of the over-the-counter

products are very abrasive and acidic. Bleaching is an

oxidation process whereby hydrogen or carbamide

WIN:

One very

lucky reader can

win a teeth-whitening

package worth R5 500. To

enter, visit our Facebook

page (Get It Joburg West),

like the post, tag a friend

and you’ll be in the

draw. Entries close:

25 July.

peroxide is used to change the internal

colour of the teeth. Dental practices

advertise whitening as it just

sounds so much better than

bleaching, but they are in fact

very different.

11. What is the minimum age

at which teeth whitening

should be considered?

I prefer to work on patients

that are not younger than 18

years of age. Remember that teeth

whitening is a privilege, not a right.


SoyLites has just re-launched its

innovative moisturising product,

now called Aroma Butter

Bar. This solid, dry lotion

bar, with unrefined coco

butter, shea butter and

soy wax, blended with

aromatherapy oils for a

fragrant experience, is

perfect to keep in your

bag. Choose from five ....

our fave is the coffee and

vanilla Good Morning. R90

from soylites.co.za.

This new Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 does

more than just protect. The multi-tasking moisturiser also

defends your skin against UV rays, free radical damage

and pollution. It provides all day hydration for visibly

smooth skin and boosts your natural luminosity. R1 099 (or

R449 for a nifty travel size) in Dermalogica stores or online

from dermalogica.co.za

Winter hydration

When the colder weather arrives, it’s time to make sure

you keep your face and body hydrated and moisturised

Dr Hauschka Hydrating

Cream Mask intensely

moisturises, comforting

and protecting your skin

and preventing it from

drying out. It’s excellent

for dry, sensitive or tired

skin, as well as skin

that’s been stressed

by environmental

influences. R895 from

faithful-to-nature.co.za.

Skin Creamery’s earth-friendly Everyday

Cream is light enough to use on your face

and rich enough to use all over your body.

It’s suitable for all skin types, absorbs easily, is

hypoallergenic and is organic. Everything you

want from a cream, really. R350. Shop online, or

visit skincreamery.co.za.

Moroccanoil Hydration Shampoo

and Conditioner is perfect for normal

to dry hair . . . deeply hydrates your hair,

while maintaining its natural moisture

balance. It’s rich in argan oil, vitamins A

and E and red algae ... and what’s best,

it’s sulfate-free. Available at selected

hair salons nationwide. Details:

moroccanoil.com.


Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream is our new addiction. The ultra-hydrating

fluid moisturiser is enriched with white camellia active ingredients. It evens out skin

complexion, smooths out fine lines and leaves your skin looking and feeling soft and radiant.

R1 000 from Chanel stores. Details: 011 685 7000.

La Roche-Posay’s

new Effaclar H

Cleanser is a dermasoothing,

hydrating

cleansing cream,

perfect for sensitive

skin. Developed for

problematic skin

undergoing

overdrying medical

treatments, it’s

fragrance- and soapfree.

R200 from Dis-

Chem or online from

dermastore.co.za.

NUXE Multi-Purpose Dry

Oil – which nourishes, repairs

and beautifies, and can be

used on your face, body and

hair – is a top seller in French

pharmacies, and for good

reason. Made with botanical

oils, it’s an effective shield

against pollution, reduces

the appearance of stretch

marks and has a gorgeous

scent. You’ll find it in selected

Woolies, Truworths and

Edgars stores for R330.

NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating

Cream 15 PHA is a highstrength

emollient cream

which visibly reduces the

signs of ageing, while also

repairing the barrier function

of the skin, providing longlasting

moisture. It helps

preserve your skin’s elasticity

and suppleness, exfoliates

and restores youthful skin

texture without irritating even

the most sensitive skin, and

is fragrance-free. R531 from

dermastore.co.za.

July 2019 Get It Joburg gWest 15

&

HOT

ON THE

SPOT!

Weltevreden Park’s Franco

Buys is a sous chef at the

prestigious Four Seasons

Hotel, The Westcliff in

Joburg. We caught up

with him to ask a few

foodie questions.

Text: CHEMÈLLE VAN DER MERWE. Photo: GRANT BUSHBY

Just after landing his

dream job in Qatar, Franco

mysteriously lost the

use of one of his legs and

thought his culinary career

might be over, but it turns

out this was only

the beginning …

You lost the use of your leg while in

Qatar – how did that happen and

did you think that your food dream

was over?

I learnt that your life can change in

one moment. I woke up one morning

and couldn't move my leg due to

excruciating pain. I had numerous

tests over the months that followed.

It was only later that an MRI scan

found I had necrosis in my hip. By

then the damage was done and I

needed surgery, which I underwent

back home in South Africa. My

rehabilitation took two years. I had

a lot of time lying flat on my back

to think about what to do next. The

answer remained the same – I wanted

to be a chef. Dreams only end if you

give up on them.


Why did you want to become a chef?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always

loved eating. Also, people will always need

to eat, so you will always have a job. My

childhood on my grandparents’ farm in

Polokwane also moulded a lot of my journey.

What is your best food memory?

When I was asked to create a menu for the

South African ambassador and 200 of his

guests in Qatar for National Day. That was the

day I knew that I was on the right path.

How do you believe SA chefs and restaurants

compare to those internationally?

We can hold our own and we've proved it.

South Africa has such an awesome mix of

culinary deliciousness; that’s why people

always come back for more.

What do you do to stay current on

new trends?

I do what every normal chef does. After a

long shift in the kitchen, I go home and sit

on YouTube and Instagram, following, reading,

questioning and soaking up all the culinary

knowledge and information. All it takes is one

moment, one idea to ignite the fire in your

food soul.

What are your favourite current food trends?

I love the current ‘farm to table’ and ‘head to

tail’ trends because that’s how I was raised.

Spending every summer holiday on my

grandparents’ farm, I learnt where food came

from and how to harvest it. If we want future

generations to enjoy what we have, we must

sustain it – I believe it’s vitally important that

people know where their food comes from.

What is your favourite dish to cook and why?

Prawns in lemon butter sauce. Why? Because

it's prawns in lemon butter sauce!

What advice would you give to aspiring

chefs out there?

Find a chef who is passionate, works hard and

is a great teacher. Learn from those who have

mastered their craft. The world is your oyster,

so shuck that bad boy, deep fry it, and serve

it with a lemon butter sauce … yum. For me,

my time studying at Capsicum Culinary Studio

was invaluable. It was a stepping stone to my

future. It showed me exactly what to expect

in the real restaurant world and how to

prepare for it.

Which chef (national and international) do

you find inspiration from?

Nationally, Keith Frisely from the Monarch

Hotel, Jacques Swart from De Hoek Country

Hotel and Private Chef Neill Anthony.

Internationally it has to be Gordon Ramsey,

Michel Roux Jnr and, if anyone remembers,

the late Keith Floyd (he is the one who made

food fun).

Do you ever get tired of cooking?

I’ll get tired of cooking when Gordon Ramsay

stops making television shows!

If you could invite anyone for dinner, who

would you invite and what would you

prepare for her?

It would be Japanese-born South African

television host, actress, dancer and model

Lalla Hirayama. I would serve her salmon

prepared three ways – sashimi, seared and

enpapillote (in a parcel).

What is your go-to meal when you're low

on time?

Three fried eggs served with white toast and

butter. Also known as my happy place!

What would your last meal be and why?

I love this question! A platter of deep-fried

calamari, lobster thermidor, rib eye steak

(medium rare) and onion rings served with

a lemon butter sauce fountain (yes, I said

fountain) finished off with a chocolate fondant.

And no, I won’t worry about the calories and

cholesterol – it’s my last meal!

What is a good simple piece of advice for

pairing wine and food?

It’s time to upset some people. I feel you like

what you like. If you enjoy your Merlot with

your salmon or your fillet with a Chardonnay,

then by all means enjoy. When pairing food

with wine, do as every chef worth their salt

does – taste, taste, taste. You want flavours to

complement each other and not overpower.

Funniest kitchen incident?

Note to all future interns – when blending hot

green pea stock in a white chef’s uniform, make

sure the blender is closed.

CHEF! WE’D LIKE TO KNOW ...

If not a chef I’d be a … fisherman!

The kitchen gadget I cannot go without

… a cast-iron pan.

For fun I … spend time with friends, MC

events, fish and eat.

I would spend R5 000 on … hosting a

fine dining dinner experience for my

family and friends, because they are my

biggest supporters.

On any menu, you won’t catch me

ordering … asparagus!

What tricks do you use for perfect fried/

scrambled/ poached eggs?

Fried: Lower the temperature of the pan.

Scrambled: Butter, butter, butter. And if

you think eggs should feel like rubber,

please unfriend me now.

Poached: The only way a poached egg

yolk should be served is soft and oozing.


g

Goodness

racious!

For Goodness Sake – this eatery is

a treat to be reckoned with!

The waffle breakfast stack may be our favourite breakfast of all time! Fresh waffles topped with bacon, avo,

poached egg, rocket (or asparagus), mushrooms, roasted baby tomatoes and a hollandaise sauce that’s so good it

will derail your train of thought.


THE BISTRO WITH A BUZZ ...

The For Goodness Sake Local Bistro and Bar Venue, situated in

Muldersdrift, is not only a feast for your senses, but also for your

taste buds! The country surroundings make the elegantly rustic

bistro something quite extraordinary. The interior is cosy, stylish

and uber trendy, thanks to raw wood elements complemented

with accents of black and the most exquisite wooden bead

chandeliers. But the restaurant’s full glory is only revealed when the

gorgeously plated dishes arrive at the table! The upmarket food

styling and unmatched flavours are in a league of their own! And

while you wait for your food to be prepared, you can stroll around

the Mustard Seed & Moonshine Boutique, situated adjacent to the

eatery, or you can plan ahead and enjoy a fun-filled ceramic pottery

class, art class or cooking class on request. They also specialise in

functions and do divine gin tastings. Details: Contact them on 066

270 6827 or pay them a visit at 72 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift.

PANAENG THAI CURRY WITH CHICKEN

A slightly sweeter, milder curry that is packed with

wonderful flavours. It is quick to make and utterly

delicious! Serves one generous bowl.

Ingredients:

5ml garlic; 150g chicken; 100ml coconut milk; 15ml

vegetable oil; 15ml red curry paste (according to

taste); 15ml fish sauce; 15ml sugar; 1 makrut lime

leaf*; half a red chilli (depending on taste); 15ml

peanut butter; 15ml ginger syrup**; a handful of

coriander leaves; veggies of your choice (optional)

Method:

In a pot on low heat, mix the oil and red curry paste

well. Add the chicken and veggies and stir until

cooked.

Add coconut milk, ginger syrup, garlic, peanut

butter, fish sauce and sugar. Mix well.

Bring to a boil and once chicken is thoroughly

cooked, immediately pour into a bowl and garnish

with makrut lime leaves, the chopped red chilli and

coriander leaves.

* A makrut lime is a dark green lime with a knobbly

peel, native to tropical Southeast Asia and southern

China, and often used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Beautifully served in a mini mason jar, the frosty lemon

meringue is a show stopper dessert!

**Ginger syrup

Ingredients:

225g fresh ginger, unpeeled; 1 litre water; 500ml

sugar; a pinch of salt

Method:

Cut the ginger into thin slices. Run a knife over it

to chop it into rough, smaller pieces.

Place the ginger, water, sugar, and salt in a

saucepan. Heat to a boil, then reduce the heat

to a steady simmer, and cook for 45 minutes to

one hour.

Let cool, then strain the syrup through a finemeshed

strainer. Store the strained syrup in

the refrigerator, covered, until ready to use. The

syrup should keep for at least two weeks under

refrigeration.


TV room DIY

A DIY project that takes less than a day, costs under R1 000 and transforms

your entire living space? – yes please! Krugersdorp’s interior designer,

Sanjo Kelbrick of SanDuvianté Interiors tells us how ...

Compiled by: CHEMÈLLE VAN DER MERWE.

Three popular TV cabinet

styles at the moment:

The wide, low cabinet. ‘As in the

picture, these cabinets are a great

way to make a major impact in your

space. Despite being so wide, they

can actually make a space look bigger.

My recommendation is to have the

cabinet stretch further than the size of

your television – and as in this case –

also past your TV unit wall panel.’

The floating shelf. ‘These are also

very popular. Everyone is aiming

for cleaner living spaces and these

provide the perfect solution. To

prevent TV cables showing behind

the shelf, opt for a thick wooden shelf

that can disguise the cables.’

No cabinet at all. ‘Many newly built

homes are taking this approach (as

the cable trunks are built inside the

walls), allowing the gadgets and

decoders to be displayed on side

shelves instead of underneath the

television.’ Creating a TV unit wall

panel can also be a great way to hide

the cables running to the side shelves

– it will just mean that the shelves s will

need to be situated in front of the

panel, allowing the cables to run in

from the back.


HOW TO MAKE THE TV UNIT BACKDROP PANEL:

Wave those messy television cables goodbye! By using laminated flooring (yes,

you read that right), you can create an upmarket and modern TV unit that looks

like you spent a fortune.

What you will need:

Four pine wood strips (about 2,5cm thick and 2,5cm wide, and as long as the

wall is high); two boxes of laminated flooring boards of your choice (or if you

have left-over flooring from a previous project – even better!); a drill; nails; jigsaw

or hand-saw; TV mounting bracket.

The low-down:

Depending on the width of the TV unit wall panel

you decide on, the measurements can be adjusted

accordingly.

The pine wood strips will be used to support the

laminated floor board structure and create a ‘frame’

onto which the boards will be mounted against

the wall. Using strips that have a width no thicker

than 2,5cm will work best, as you only want to leave

enough space between the panel and the wall for

the television cables to run between them. (Image

for illustrative purposes only.)

The laminated flooring boards ‘clip’ into one another with ease, so you can secure

them to the mounted pine wood strips using a drill and nails. It is not necessary

to nail every strip of flooring – every third strip should do the trick.

The jigsaw/ hand-saw will be used to cut the flooring boards to the desired

width of the ‘backdrop panel’. Be sure to cut these straight and exactly to size.

The TV mounting bracket should be mounted against the wall, so once the

flooring boards have all been mounted against the pine wood strips, decide

where your television will be hung and cut a rectangle out of the floor boards

allowing space to put the TV mounting against the wall.

Taking the panel right up to the ceiling will create the illusion of a bigger space

and help hide any cables coming through the roof to the television. Details:

Contact Sanjo on 083 651 0981.

Sanjo Kelbrick.

THESE DECOR ACCESSORIES WILL COMPLEMENT YOUR TV CABINET PERFECTLY:

Brass glass

lantern, R999,

Woolworths

Scratch

bud vase,

R79,99, Mr

Price Home

Metallic base

tealight holder,

R99,95, Woolworths

Calla vase, R190,

Woolworths

Starburst cut-out

hurricane, R259,99,

Mr Price Home

Delicious Monster leaf filler,

R29,99, Mr Price Home

Round max mirror tray, R599,

Woolworths


GARDEN GUIDE

We’ve put together our top garden tasks and tips for this month.

WE’RE PLANTING ...

Petunia ‘Lightning Sky’, the

latest in novelty petunias

that is very hard to ignore.

The speckled and starred

yellow and red-velvet petals

sparkle like a fireworks

display. Each bloom is

different, and the cooler

days and nights bring out

the markings. Like the

other novelty petunias,

the flowers are single, with

compact, neat growth that

suits smaller gardens, and

spill out of containers and

hanging baskets. Plants can

double-up as an indoor

flower arrangement for a day

or two before being planted

outdoors. They like full winter

sun, well-drained soil, regular

watering and fertiliser once a

month to ensure an endless

supply of flowers. The other

showy petunias in the

novelty range are the blueshaded

‘Night Sky’, and ‘Ink

Splash’ with ‘Baby Doll’ being

pink and white.

This mini planter gives a new meaning to the term

‘pimp my ride’ … About 40x80cm, it is big enough to

plant your favourite herbs, flowers or succulents. Choose

between different car planters (VW Combi or a VW Beetle, etle,

to mention a few). It comes in any colour you can think of.

R995 from Antique Shack in Muldersdrift. Details: Chene e on 082

824 6960 or visit them at Farm 118, Beyers Naudé Drive.


Wild Flowers

of Kenya & Northern

Tanzania by Anne Powys

is a compact guide featuring

nearly 400 wildflowers of

Kenya and northern Tanzania,

grouped for ease of use

according to colour. R200,

Penguin Random

House.

Lavender ‘ Avignon

Early Blue’ is small

and bushy with deep

blue blooms and the

strong fragrance of

English lavender. Keep

flowering plants in a warm,

sheltered spot on the

patio during winter and it

will continue flowering into

spring. Use the edible flowers

in cooking or baking, and to

flavour sugar. Cut off the dead

blooms to encourage new flowers.

In summer it can be planted out

into the garden or into outdoor

containers. It is suitable for our hot,

dry summers, being able to tolerate

heat better than the stoechas varieties.

GARDEN TASKS:

• Water spring flowering shrubs, bulbs and flowers regularly

• Fertilise winter flowers with a liquid fertiliser once or twice

a month

• Water lawns once a month in warmer areas

• Protect tender plants with frost-guard cloth

• Water flowers in containers every second day

• Protect conifers from conifer aphid by spraying the stems

and foliage with an organic insecticide, or sprinkle insecticide

granules around the base of the conifer

ADVICE FROM

THE PRO:

Garden World’s JJ Jansen

van Rensburg offers the

following advice:

Check lawns for winter grass, a

weed that actively grows when

the rest of the lawn is weak.

Pull out or spray with Lawntyl.

Prune roses and fruit trees. Seal

all cuts with Steriseal and spray

with lime sulphur. It is a good

idea to sterilise your pruners

between pruning each tree

and bush. This prevents

the spread of bacteria and

PERFECT FOR

THE PATIO

viruses from plant to plant.

A weak solution of Jeyes

Fluid or Jik and water can be

used for this.

PENCIL IN YOUR DIARY!

GARDEN WORLD SPRING FESTIVAL

See My Garden Grow is the theme for

this year’s Spring Festival at Garden

World from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 1

September. Both the new and make-over

designer gardens will showcase the latest

garden trends and find clever solutions

for small outdoor spaces, using a diversity

of plants and natural hard landscaping

products. The emphasis in the makeover

designer gardens section is on

re-invent, re-decorate and re-vamp, and

this section will offer plenty of inspiration

for gardeners with a limited budget. To

accommodate the increased gardens, the

display area has again been expanded

to allow for this permanent display –

Outdoor Rooms on view all year round.

Details: Visit Garden World on Beyers Naudé

Drive, Muldersdrift or contact them on 011

957 2545/ 011 956 3003 or 083 997 6142 or

visit www.gardenworld.co.za.


Winter WELLNESS

Winter-proof your health this season with these remedies, tips and DIYs …

DIY SHOWER STEAMERS

Shower melts or shower steamers are made to sit in a

corner of your shower away from the main flow of

water. The shower disk will slowly dissolve from the

small amount of shower water it gets. As the shower

disk melts it releases whatever essential oil you have

added to it.

YOU WILL NEED: (about six pods)

250ml bicarbonate of soda; 20 drops of essential oil

of your choice; 45ml to 90ml water; silicone moulds

or a muffin tin; glass bowl; metal spoon

Method:

Put the bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Now add the essential oils followed by

enough water to get a paste-like consistency.

Measure the mixture out into the moulds or muffin tins. Allow the pods to dry

and harden. If you’re in a big hurry you could opt to put them in the oven on

very low heat – about 20 minutes in a 120°C oven. But beware, the smell when

taking them out will be intense!

These can also be stored in an airtight container for a month or two.

TRY THESE OILS FOR DIFFERENT EFFECTS:

For wellness – try equal parts of peppermint and lavender

For relaxation – lavender

For an energising boost – equal parts of citrus and peppermint

OTHER GREAT OILS TO TRY ARE: Eucalyptus, wintergreen, camphor and lemon.

All these essential oils are known for helping to invigorate your senses and

support the respiratory system.


LIQUID GOLD ...

Bone broth has gained a reputation as a nutritional

powerhouse. (Bone broth is made from grain-fed, free-roaming

animal bones and connective tissue, typically from cattle,

that have been roasted and then slowly simmered into a

broth for 48 hours with organic herbs, vegetables, and

auyrvedic spices.)

HERE ARE JUST A FEW BENEFITS YOU CAN GET FROM

DRINKING IT:

• Heals a leaky gut

• Helps your liver detox

• Reduces

inflammation

• Helps joint and

muscle pain

• Fights infections

• Increases mineral

consumption

• Helps digestion

• Smooths skin

• Helps repair and

grow bones

• Promotes good sleep

No time to

make your own?

Then get in contact with

Roodepoort’s Wanita Marinovic

from Everything Healthy and

order yours online. It is sold in

300ml bottles, in batches of 15

and 30 at a time for about R45 a

bottle. Details: Contact Wanita

on 081 307 1442 or visit www.

everythinghealthy.co.za.

BOILED RICE FACE PACK

A facial mask that gently exfoliates your

skin, add moisture and brighten your

skin tone.

YOU WILL NEED: 45ml rice flour;

water; 10ml milk; 5ml honey

Method:

Add the rice flour and a small quantity

of water to a pan. Mix it well (it should

be runny).

Bring to a boil while stirring

continuously. After 10 minutes turn

off the heat, and pour into a clean

bowl and let it cool. Add the milk

and honey and mix well. Apply it

to a clean face and leave on for 15

minutes. Rinse off.

DIY EYELASH

GROWTH SERUM:

Use a 10ml bottle for this

serum and fill it with two drops

of lemon essential oil and two

drops of lavender essential oil

– the rest of the bottle can be

filled with coconut oil. Before

using it, remove your make-up,

wash your face and gently coat

your eyelashes with the serum.

FIRE CIDER

Fire cider is an immune-boosting health tonic that’s been used

for decades to naturally protect against colds and flu, and ease

sinus congestion. There are a few brands on the market but we

reckon it’s easy enough to make at home.

The basic recipe includes horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions,

cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar. But don’t worry,

the last step before drinking is to add honey and any other

flavouring to sweeten/ balance it to your liking.

Packed with plenty of health benefits:

Apple cider vinegar – digestive aid among many others.

Horseradish – helps alleviate sinus congestion and

headaches.

Ginger – helps with digestion, infections and nausea.

Garlic – a secret superpower with antimicrobial and

antibacterial properties.

Onion – has similar properties to garlic but is also great for

preventing (or recovering from!) colds and the flu.

Cayenne pepper – helps move blood through your

cardiovascular system. Blood circulation = healing.

Honey – soothes inflamed

tissues and organs. Using

local honey can

also help with

allergies.

HOW TO DRINK IT?

Take a shot (about 15ml to 30ml) straight up.

Dilute the fire cider tonic with warm water, juice

or apple cider. Swap vinegar in a salad dressing

for fire cider. Add to fried rice or cauliflower fried

rice. Use in Bloody Marys — alcoholic or not! Drizzle

over steamed veggies. Use as a marinade for meat, etc. Add

to soup. Use as a hangover cure.

Ingredients:

125ml freshly peeled and grated ginger root; 125ml freshly

grated horseradish root; 1 medium onion, chopped; 10

cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped; 2 jalapeño peppers,

chopped; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 30ml dried rosemary

leaves; 15ml turmeric powder or 30ml freshly grated

turmeric root; 1,25ml cayenne powder; organic unfiltered

apple cider vinegar; 60ml raw honey, or to taste.

Method:

Combine ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, peppers, lemon

zest and juice, rosemary, turmeric and cayenne powder in

a large glass jar.

Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar until all the

ingredients are fully covered and the vinegar reaches the

top of the jar. You want to be sure all the ingredients are

covered to prevent spoilage.

Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to

keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic

lid if you have one.

Shake the jar to combine all the ingredients and store in

a dark, cool place for four to six weeks, remembering to

shake the jar a few seconds every day.

WELLNESS DIRECTORY

To advertise here call 011 955 1130

CANNAMED

“ Life happens ....

cannabis helps”

Cannabis oil infused health and beauty

products (CBD and THC capsules,

vape oils, oil), imported under medical

licence from Canada.

SAFE and effective

for children!

WELLNESS DIRECTORY


Winter Promotion

www.woodlandsspa.co.za

Join us for our

Winter Promotion

Book 2 half-day or 2 full-day

experiences and receive a

25% discount. Our Winter

Promotion is valid Monday

to Friday, from June to

August 2019.

Visit us at woodlandsspa.co.za

for a list of our experiences.

*Terms and conditions apply. Valid for bookings in June, July and August 2019 only, not valid on Saturdays, Sundays or Public holidays.

GET IT DIRECTORY


129 90

Choose from 6

delicous flavours

DOWNLOAD APP

Rangeview Krugersdorp

011 954 3920

T&Cs apply. *Free delivery conditions apply.

GET IT DIRECTORY


GET IT DIRECTORY


A GAME DRIVE

through the pages

A leisurely read through this new

coffee table book is (almost) as good

as being on an actual game drive.

What’s more, you’re guaranteed to

experience The Big Seven.

‘We ran on wobbly legs back to our vehicle about 100 metres

away ... we collapsed into our seats laughing and giddy with

the after-effects of the adrenalin rush that being charged by

the biggest predator in Africa brings on.’

Gerald Hinde and Will Taylor are both hugely experienced

in big African game ... spending more than three decades

photographing and working with the five that have always

been considered the hunters’ most dangerous wild animals.

But the pair felt that two more special species deserved

to be included on the list, two animals that visitors to our

big reserves are keen on seeking out. Welcome wild dog

and cheetah ... these two extraordinary animals, along with

the original lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, are

featured in this astonishingly beautiful, recently released

book, The Big Seven.

Shot over more than 15 years, the photos are, as expected, sublime. But this is

more than just a photo-filled coffee table book. Will, who started off as a ranger

at Mala Mala, has written about their experiences in the bush ... and it makes for

an intimate, evocative read. So there’s the tale of the lioness charge when he and

Gerald were a little too close to her cubs for comfort. He tells us about an enormous

group of elephant ... ‘water splashed, trunks gurgled and there was a high level

of excitement as this huge gathering of 300 or more of the world’s largest animal

saw out the spectacular end to an African day’. He writes about them filming a

cheetah chase ... ‘amazed at how we could hear the paddle-shaped tail of the

cheetah cracking like a whip as it jinked by our vehicle at top speed in pursuit of

a steenbok’. He talks of hanging on for dear life while a chase is on, attempting to

stop expensive camera equipment from crashing onto the floor, of being chased

at high speed by black rhino, of the privilege of being around young leopard cubs,

and of slowly following a pack of wild dogs home in the sunset. With truly glorious

photos to study and fascinating facts about these animals, this book is an absolute

joy to those of us who love and appreciate our wild animals and the South African

big game areas. HPH Publishing. Available from hphpublishing.co.za, R650.


Coastal escape

Plett ... still (and always will be) the perfect

destination for a mid-year coastal break

With its plush boutiques and

smart complexes, Plettenberg

Bay is hardly a sleepy seaside

village getaway. But, in spite of the

dramatic development that has

taken place in recent decades, the

town remains a shrine to nature’s

bounty. And there’s nowhere

better to enjoy the view than

at the Sky Villa Boutique Hotel,

part of the Cape Summer Villas

Collection.

‘Plettenberg Bay always has the

most wonderful sunrises,’ my

mother tells me, reminding me

of how we used to sit, hands

wrapped round mugs of steaming

coffee, watching a small red ball

slowly climbing the horizon. That

was back in the nineties, when

Plett was our family holiday spot.

And, although much has changed

since then, the grandeur of the

sunrise certainly hasn’t. That’s

what I’m thinking as I watch that

same red ball from my balcony, its

rays refracted in a golden splash

on the surface of the lagoon. Just

beyond this gilded spectacle, the

beach beckons…

It’s no wonder that Plett’s

legendary scenery draws legions

of holidaymakers, local and

international alike. But the same

craggy beauty which makes it a

joy for the eyes also makes for

outstanding exploring. While it’s

tempting to sit and take in that

balcony view, I know there are

even greater splendours beyond

the hotel.

There’s the famed Robberg hike,

for instance – a favourite way for

locals to spend the weekend. The

walk takes you from rocky dunes

(watch out for the views of seals

at play) to wave-splattered beach.

Then there’s cruising down the

Keurbooms River, where shadow

plays on fynbos-festooned

mountains and amber-coloured

water laps at private beaches. If

ever there was a place that called

you to spread out your towel and

Text: LISA WITEPSKI


turn off your phone, this would be

it – but, then again, that would be

a wasted opportunity. The smooth,

calm waters also make this an ideal

spot for trying out your stand-up

paddling skills. But if that idea

doesn’t grab you, perhaps the

thought of cruising slowly down

the river, bubbles in hand, will.

Plett’s beaches are also a favourite

party spot for whales and dolphins.

We played tag with them out in the

ocean, and although the dolphins

proved somewhat shy and elusive,

nothing could beat the exhilarating

sensation of streaming over azure

blue waves.

Then there are those boutiques and

bakeries. Those who love browsing

through interesting

stores will find time

flies as they meander

down Plett’s high

street, refuelling

occasionally with a

flat white and slice

of buttery cake.

As much as all

these activities

are food for

the soul, there’s just as much

fulfilment to be found at the hotel

itself. It’s as though every angle

and corner of Sky Villa has been

carefully designed to make you

stop and stare – inside the hotel,

a luxe palette of metallics is offset

by moody wallpapers and floral

fabrics. Clearly, this establishment

hasn’t been created merely as a

place to relax; it’s also intended as

a treat for the senses.

The hotel’s gardens are even more

pleasing. Flurries of fynbos make

for a smudgy pastel landscape,

while the vista rolls all the way

down to that sapphire sea. You

can’t blame a girl for wanting

to take it all in – which is

why I spend much of my

stay at the heated pool

on the rooftop bar. The

espresso martini I’m sipping

certainly doesn’t hurt, either.

The panorama from the

restaurant is similarly

spectacular. That might be the

reason the hotel is fast gaining

a reputation as a favourite

breakfast destination, although

it’s the dinners that really get my

mouth watering. The menu draws

on Mediterranean influences,

so expect plenty of fresh, bold

flavours that pair perfectly with

your coastal location. My all-time

hero dish is Live By Chocolate, a

chocolate experience so densely

delicious it will take care of all

cravings for the next week: think

a duo of mousse, lashed with

butterscotch sauce and finished

off with a dollop of home-made

ice cream. Of course, life isn’t

just about dessert (would that

it could be). I also loved the

avocado and salmon tartare,

with a liberal drizzle of sesame

oil complementing the Asian

complexity of the dish, while the

pork belly received lavish praise

from my companions. A word of

advice – go hungry! Sky Villa’s

portions are generous, to say the

least, and you’ll definitely want to

do them justice.

After just one weekend here, I feel

cosseted and cocooned – and more

than ready to tackle life below

the clouds.

Info ...

Rates (per room on a bed and breakfast basis) range from

R2200 for a standard mountain-facing room in low season up

to R9900 for the presidential suite in high season.

Details: Sky Villa: Capesummervillas.co.za; Ocean Blue

Adventures (whale and dolphin watching): oceanblueadventures.

co.za; SUP Keurbooms (stand-up paddling and champagne

cruises): standuppaddling.co.za.


Spoil

July

Fine bedding for

winter cocooning

OUR JULY SPOIL

Fancy a new set of linen or a warm

knitted throw? We’re giving a reader a

R1 000 Volpes voucher to spend on linen

of their choice. Simply visit Facebook

(Get It Joburg West), like our VOLPES WIN

post and you’ll be

in the draw. Comp ends July 23.

Good luck (and stay warm).

There’s nothing like the colder months to make your bed a cosy haven. Add loads of layers ... think throws

in faux fur or velvet, blankets in flannel or knit or (oh ... winter bliss) the ever-popular Sherpa. You can add

a quilt too ... no longer just for granny’s room, they’re making a huge comeback – and the reversible quilts

with coordinating prints are fab – ring the changes, depending on your mood. Slipping between crisp cotton

sheets is always wonderful, but if you really suffer from the cold, consider brushed cotton sheets – the fabric is

brushed to create a nap that traps in air to hold in the heat, making them wonderfully soft and warm. Volpes,

our local linen specialist, has an exceptional (and jolly well-priced) range ... well worth visiting before Jack

Frost arrives with a vengeance. Details: volpes.co.za.


July 2019 Jhb West

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