Get It Pretoria May 2020

PRETORIA 

MARI-LOUISE 

IS SO MUCH MORE 

THAN JUST A 

MAMMA 

FUN INDOOR 

ACTIVITIES 

for the entire family 

WIN! 

LAVISH GIFTS 

FOR YOUR 

MOM 

Spoil Mom 

WITH MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS, A HOME DAY SPA 

AND YUMMY HOME-COOKED RECIPES 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

MAY 2020

GET IT 

Editorial 

Phone 012-842-0300 

32 Orpen Avenue, 

Lydiana, Pretoria 

Twitter @GetItPTA 

Facebook Get It Pretoria Magazine 

Instagram @getitptamagazine 

Website getitmagazine.co.za/pretoria 

Editor 

Sunette Visser 

getitmag@rekord.co.za 

Content manager 

Mariëtte van Niekerk 

mariettevn@rekord.co.za 

Designer 

Tamara Kirsch 

Head of Sales 

Adri Bouwer 

adrib@rekord.co.za 082-820-2713 

Sub Editors 

Sulet Linde 

James O’Ehley 

GET IT HEAD OFFICE 

National Group Editor 

and National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 

Facebook and Instagram: 

Get It National Magazines 

Distribution 

15 000 copies monthly 

Get It Pretoria is distributed free of charge. 

For a full list contact: 

distribution@rekord.co.za 

Published by Capital Media Ltd 

Competition rules: 

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be 

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions 

are not open to the sponsors or Capital Media/ 

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 Capital 

Media within 10 days or they will be forfeited. 

Prize winners names are published on our 

facebook monthly. 

CONTENTS 

WHY DON’T YOU ... 

4 Netflix and chill, play some fun indoor games or learn to cook online 

BOOK CLUB 

6 Read more about the hottest new releases 

WISH LIST 

8 Spoil mum (or yourself ) with these gorgeous buys 

PEOPLE 

10 Mari-Louise Candiotes is the creative behind 

justamamma.com and a mom of note 

BEAUTY 

14 Setting up your own home spa is easy as pie 

16 25 beauty hacks you can do at home 

FASHION 

18 Staying in never looked this good 

FOOD 

22 Delicious recipes to warm cold nights 

24 Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient’s Chantel Dartnall shares her 

favourite tomato lamb bredie recipe 

DÉCOR 

26 All out indigo 

GARDENING 

29 What to do in the garden this May 

30 DIY rock art fun for the entire family 

32 Recycling- why not start today? 

TRAVEL 

37 The Kruger travel app and more on the Knysna elephants 

39 An eco-chic getaway 

WIN 

21 Win a Mother’s Day hamper your mom will remember forever 

40 Win a case of Krone 

May 2020 

May 2020 Get It Pretoria 03

A hot date! 

You don’t have to go out to have fun 

Get digging 

Get your garden into tip-top shape 

before winter with the help of SA’s best 

known gardening guru. Gardening 

with Keith Kirsten is the latest edition 

of this super-helpful book and this one 

includes more indigenous species, 

locally bred hybrids and water wise 

plants. R350. 

Play the game 

We love a game that’s fun and After Dinner Amusements has a whole heap 

to choose from. In Family Time there are 50 thoughtful and playful questions 

about the past, present, and future, which should inspire great family 

conversations. Other games include Riddle Me This, Name That Word and 

Love Trivia. All under R200 each from Exclusive Books, where you’ll also find 

other fab choices... how about Dog Bingo (R385), Dungeons and Dragons 

Starter Box (R402), or the old favourite, 30 Seconds Junior (R584), which is 

always hugely enjoyable for the whole family. 

04 Get It Pretoria May 2020 

Pop the corn... a trio of box office thrillers 

The Informer is about an undercover special ops agent whose life takes a 

dramatic turn after he agrees to go to jail to protect his identity and save the lives 

of his wife and daughter. Except that things don’t exactly go to plan once he’s in 

jail… A solid, entertaining action-thriller.• Golden Globe and Emmy winner, Bruce 

Willis, and Chad Michael Murray star in Survive the Night. This film follows a 

disgraced doctor and his family who are held hostage at their home by criminals 

on the run when a robbery gone awry requires them to seek immediate medical 

attention.• Game of Thrones star, Emilia Clarke features in Above Suspicion, a 

crime thriller that’s based on the true story of a newly married FBI agent who 

starts an illicit affair with an impoverished local woman. She sees in him her 

means of escape – instead, it’s a ticket to disaster for both of them. This scandal 

shook the foundations of America’s top law enforcement agency, ending in the 

first-ever conviction of an FBI agent for murder. 

Netflix and chill 

‘On June 18, 2019, the Federal Government announced the creation of a 6th major 

division of the United States Armed Forces. The goal of the new branch is ‘to defend 

satellites from attack’ and ‘perform other space-related tasks’ or something. This is 

the story of the men and women who have to figure it out’. The big Netflix comedy 

series of 2020 is finally here with Steve Carrell returning for his first TV sitcom 

since The Office, in Space Force. Throughout the first 10 episodes, he’ll be joining 

up with Greg Daniels in creating another workplace comedy, this time aimed at 

the US Space Force regiment. This series receives our one-to-watch of the month 

with a huge line-up of stars. 

Get your poker face on 

Poker. Gin rummy. Cheat. Solitaire. We’ve found the 

chirpiest cards ever. These 52 playing cards feature illustrations 

of beautiful birds... from the cheerful red cardinal to the 

majestic white swan, the flamboyant great blue turaco to the 

imposing California condor, the cards are organised by colour. 

Buy them online for R215 from pezulainteriors.co.za. And for 

ideas, visit playingcarddecks.com, where you’ll find a list of 

more than 40 card games, with links to clear, easy instructions. 

A brilliant way to spend an evening.

Invite your friends 

over for a wine tasting 

May 21 is International Chardonnay 

Day... so why not have a Chardonnay 

tasting? Make it fun. Have a blind 

tasting (pour the wines into decanters 

and label by number, or wrap the 

bottles in foil or brown paper bags). 

Make sure there are palate cleansers 

– water crackers or some lovely fresh, 

unbuttered white bread is all you 

need. We know you’re meant to sip or 

spit... these are so lovely we’d suggest 

the sip route. After the tasting, make 

something delicious to enjoy with 

your favourite. Here are some to try. 

• The Christina Chardonnay is a 

full-bodied, oak matured, serious 

wine to accompany fine food – we’re 

talking good shellfish, rich chicken 

dishes and creamy pastas. R139.99.• 

All lime and nectarine, passion fruit 

and peach, Zandvliet Chardonnay 

is a rich wine that’s lovely with fish 

or pork dishes, soufflés and cheese 

platters. R125. • A lighter style of the 

cultivar can be experienced in the 

unwooded, medium-bodied Van 

Loveren Chardonnay. It’s delicate and 

refreshing, bursting with fruit flavours. 

Enjoy with sesame-crusted chicken 

strips served on a bed of crisp salad, 

cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a 

honey balsamic dressing. R69.99.• Also 

light is the Tangled Tree Chardonnay. 

Only lightly wooded it’s creamy and 

full and perfect with creamy pasta 

dishes, roast pork, grilled fish or 

chicken. R49.99. 

Learn to cook... online 

You don’t need to leave home to 

become a domestic goddess. Learn to 

make sweet treats with Sarah Graham. 

Or quick and easy dinners with Kamini 

Pather. How about mastering meat 

with Peter Goffe-Wood, or being 

shown how to whip up indulgent 

chocolate creations with Lindt master 

chocolatier Dimo Simatos. The 

YuppieChef Online Cooking School 

offers all these and many more. 

Through a series of video tutorials, 

you can learn to master the kitchen 

from the comfort of your own kitchen, 

and at your own pace. Costs vary, but 

some come in under R100, many are 

in the R285 ballpark, and a few are 

free. Details: yuppiechef.com 

Bake away 

the afternoon 

We’ve found a pud with 

health benefits. We kid you 

not! You’ll find the recipe for 

this Roodeberg Rosé Guava 

Pavlova on getitmagazine.co.za. 

It’s easy, loaded with healthy 

guavas and seriously delicious. 


Book club 

Mothers, murderers, and raising men this May 

Mensa wines are just 

perfect for book clubs. 

This novel range has been 

made to enjoy with a good 

read... just look at the label 

and you’ll know we’re right. 

This month we’re drinking 

the Sauvignon Blanc 2019 

– all citrus and tropical 

fruit, it’s just lovely. You can 

get it for round R80 from 

mensawines.com 

If you’re a fan of chick lit, you’re obviously a fan of Katie Fforde – so A Springtime 

Affair will be a perfect read for May. Revolving around Helena and Gilly, it’s all about 

a season of new beginnings... particularly in the love department! Gilly runs her 

own B&B business from her much-loved family home, which she doesn’t want to 

part with – at any price. But then she meets handsome estate agent Leo, who soon 

has her wondering whether it’s finally time to sell up and try something new in life. 

Her daughter, Helena, is also embarking on a budding romance. A talented weaver, 

she’s becoming very close to her new landlord, Jago, who’s offered to help her at an 

upcoming craft fair that could give her dream career a major boost. With spring in full 

bloom, Helena and Gilly begin to ask themselves the same question... could their new 

loves lead to their happily ever after? Light romance... just lovely. R290 • As the wife of 

retired ship’s doctor Dr Henry Parker, Evelyn is living out her twilight years aboard the 

Golden Sunset. Every night she dresses for dinner – gown, tiara – and regales her fellow 

passengers with stories of a glamorous life travelling the world in luxury, and shows 

off her superior knowledge of ships’ customs. When Henry goes missing, Evelyn sets 

off to search every part of the grand ocean liner... from the casino and nightclub to the 

off-limits areas. Misadventures are had, new friends are made, scandalous behaviour 

noted – all news to Evelyn. If only she could remember the events of the night before 

as clearly as she can recall the first time she met Henry on a passage from England 

to Australia in 1953, when she fell in love and abandoned her dreams of becoming a 

midwife to be a wife instead. Why, she wonders, is it so hard to forget some things and 

so hard to remember others? And where is Henry? Love, memories and a life well lived, 

The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker by Joanna Nell is marvellous. R330. 

06 Get It Pretoria May 2020

A lifetime of love. Six months of 

silence. One last chance. For six 

months, Maggie and her husband, 

Frank, have lived under the same roof, 

slept in the same bed and eaten at 

the same table. All without words. In 

all those months, he hasn’t spoken 

to her. She has plenty of ideas as 

to why her husband’s gone quiet, 

but it will take a heartbreaking turn 

of events before Frank finally starts 

to unravel the secrets that have 

silenced him. With lovable, believable 

characters, The Silent Treatment by 

Abbie Greaves is about the power of 

love and the importance of leaving 

nothing unsaid. A really wonderful 

weekend read. R299. 

As a specialist in palliative medicine, 

Dr Rachel Clarke chooses to inhabit 

a place many people would find too 

tragic to contemplate. Every day 

she tries to bring care and comfort 

to those reaching the end of their 

lives and to help make dying more 

bearable. Rachel’s training was put 

to the test in 2017 when her beloved 

GP father was diagnosed with 

terminal cancer. She learned that 

nothing – even the best palliative 

care – can sugar-coat the pain of 

losing someone you love. And yet, 

she argues, in a hospice there’s more 

of what matters in life – more love, 

more strength, more kindness, more 

joy, more tenderness, more grace, 

more compassion – than you could 

ever imagine. For if there’s a difference 

between people who know they are 

dying and the rest of us, it is simply 

this: the terminally ill know their 

time is running out, while we live as 

though we have all the time in the 

world. Dear Life is an amazing book 

about the vital importance of human 

connection, by the doctor we would 

all want by our sides in a time of crisis. 

It is a love letter – to a father, to a 

profession, to life itself. Around R333. 

For more than a decade, international 

specialist parent psychologist Megan 

de Beyer has held Strong Mothers 

– Strong Sons courses... courses 

designed to help those mums (read 

all of us!) who find parenting a teen 

boy stressful, challenging, confusing 

– and sometimes downright 

frightening. Now Megan has put her 

knowledge, advice and lessons into 

How to Raise A Man – the modern 

mother’s guide to parenting her 

teenage son. It’s crammed with 

everything from how to have better 

parenting conversations to mistakes 

we may be making to respecting 

the bro rules, along with handling 

anger (his and ours), things all boys 

must learn and how to change our 

parenting style. There’s info on all 

the issues we have to face – sex 

and alcohol, addiction and porn, 

sexting and defiance (and for all of 

those who’re thinking ‘not my boy’… 

you’re probably wrong!). If you’ve a 

teen, or an about-to-be-teen son, we 

guarantee this will be the one book 

you won’t regret buying. R230. 

Rose Gold Watts believed she was sick for 18 years. She thought she needed 

the feeding tube, the surgeries, the wheelchair. Turns out her mother is a 

really good liar. After five years in prison, Patty Watts is finally free. She’s keen 

to put old grievances behind her, reconcile with her daughter and care for 

her new infant grandson. When Rose Gold agrees to have her mum move in, 

all appears to go well. But in truth, Patty wants her daughter back under her 

thumb. Rose Gold want’s her mum gone. Forever. In Stephanie Wrobel’s The 

Recovery of Rose Gold, it’s mother against daughter. Who’ll win? R290. 


Wish list 

We’re wishing for... a magnificent Mothers’ Day 

Daisy plates and dahlia tart trays... floral works of art 

Whimsical. Joyful. Works of art. We’re besotted with these handcrafted 

ceramics from Bordallo Pinheiro, each produced using traditional artisanal 

techniques. Established in Portugal in 1884 by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, 

an iconoclastic artist and sculptor, the company has long been known for 

its irreverent and bold nature-inspired designs, and what started as a humble, 

family-owned business has since flourished into an internationally renowned 

cult brand. Now the first dedicated Bordallo Pinheiro store outside Europe has 

just opened in Cape Town, but... yay... we can order online! And we’re struggling 

to know when to stop! We’re obsessed with this Maria Flor Collection – inspired 

by the beauty of spring flowers it’s all daisy desert plates and dahlia tart trays, 

hollyhock bowls and cosmos cake stands – but there are others that are equally 

delightful. The Cineraria Collection features colourful birds perched on intricately 

detailed leaves, the Countryside Leaves Collection includes sweet little leaf-shaped 

plates adorned with ladybirds, bees and dragonflies. Visit bordallopinheiro.com... 

give yourself a while to browse... everything’s simply wonderful. Hint: Start your 

collection this Mothers’ Day and add to it each year. 

Compiled by KYM ARGO 


Pink quartz Megan 

Drops earrings, R350 

from della.co.za 

For the mum who shouts ‘I’m counting... One. Two. Three’... a Pastel 

hourglass, R295 from zarahome.com/za • We’re not always fans of faux 

plants, but there are some really realistic ones popping up... perfect 

for a dark corner where fresh just won’t thrive. This artificial ficus pot 

plant works well. R260 from Woolworths • Sitting pretty... we fancy 

this blush Tassels linen cushion cover, R479 from zarahome.com/za 

• Scent your room with this hand-poured frosted pillar candle, R75 

from Woolies • All in Good Taste is Kate Spade’s completely charming 

entertaining guide... with tips on how to throw chic, stylish gettogethers. 

From the drinks and the flowers to the music and the food, 

this book throws out stuffy rules and invites in unpretentious ideas 

that are easy and fun, but with deliberate polish. Filled with howto’s, 

anecdotes, menus, tips, recipes and a massive dash of style, the 

book covers all the essential lost arts, from how to shuck an oyster to 

curating a stellar guest list, from dinner-table topics to food photo 

etiquette (if there’s no IG, was there even a dinner party?). R474 from 

exclusivebooks.co.za • Fresh, whimsical, flirty... Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau 

So Fresh is a firm favourite. R1 300 from woolworths.co.za • When we’re 

housebound and can’t get fresh flowers, this artificial Isabella orchid 

keeps us happy. R250 from woolworths.co.za 


Just a Mamma 

She’s a mom of three, wife and blogger extraordinaire. We caught up with Faerie Glen’s 

Mari-Louise Candiotes to talk more about her family, blogging career and tips for 

moms struggling through the maze that is motherhood. 

Mari-Louise Candiotes’ smile exudes warmth. 

And in the sea of motherhood experts, this 

local blogger has a heart for helping fellowmommies 

juggling every day life. 

Being a mom can be very lonely and overwhelming. After 

I gave birth to my eldest daughter I felt like I was losing 

myself amidst the many challenges of being a first-time 

mom, and many days felt like a failure. I often doubted 

my parenting choices and didn’t know the right answers 

between the sea of baby books and expert opinions,” 

Mari-Louise, the local parenting blogger known as 

JustaMamma says. 

At the time she followed a few international parenting 

blogs who offered parents help and support, but she 

wanted to create something similar in South Africa. 

“I was privileged enough to be a stay-at-home mom at the 

time but my heart broke every time someone asked me 

what I did all day. They would say things like: ‘Do you only 

look after the kids?’ or ‘Are you just a mom for now?’ 

My decision was not a luxury, but rather a sacrifice with 

pros and cons. It’s a choice that should be praised by 

society rather than challenged,” she says. 

Mari-Louise decided to change the way she thought about 

herself. Yes, she was “just a mamma” and just like that, 

her blog was born. It was a space where all moms – old, 

young, experienced, stay-at-home or working – could get 

together and be proud of what they do. 

“Parenting is different for everyone, but we all deal with 

the same obstacles and challenges. With our family blog, 

we strive to help make parents’ lives a bit easier, share 

knowledge, inspiration and even a bit of humour. It’s not 

just our own personal display window. We see our platform 

as a port for all parents, not just our own family,” she adds. 

On the blog and social media platforms, Mari-Louise shares 

a wide variety of articles based on topical themes and 

daily struggles. Articles include tips on how to wean your 

toddler, the best busy-books for kids, things she wished 

she knew about miscarriage before she had one, to places 


to visit with the kids. When and if 

possible she also tries to share any 

free resources she comes across. 

Mari-Louise is firm on the notion 

that the blog is “their blog”. That 

includes her three daughters and 

husband, Alec. “I involve the entire 

family but also set certain boundaries. 

We will not share or be part of 

projects that does not form part of 

our daily lives. If the girls get asked to 

be a part of something the decision 

ultimately stays with them. I will also 

never share photos or stories that 

may embarrass my girls, especially 

now that our eldest is in school,” the 

blogger explains. 

All the long hours of hard work 

has paid off, as JustaMamma was 

awarded the title of Best Parenting 

Blog for 2019 in the SA Bloggers 

Awards recently, an award Mari- 

Louise is very proud of. But, don’t 

think the JustaMamma blog is just 

a hobby she likes to indulge in 

her spare time. “It’s a business and 

I try to handle the blog as such. 

I spend between six and eight hours 

per day working on it. Most of which 

happens after ten at night after I’ve 

spent time with my husband and 

after the girls went to bed. One of 

the benefits of blogging is that I 

can plan my days around my family, 

but you then need to have the 

discipline to finish the tasks you 

have set for yourself. I love creating 

content for fellow-moms and ever 

so often find myself only going to 

bed as our chickens (yes we have 

chickens) wake up for the day,” 

Mari-Louise says. 

The most difficult part about 

blogging, says Mari-Louise, is staying 

relevant. “Parenting keeps changing 

and is different for everyone,” she adds. 

The best part about blogging? 

“To chat to the most amazing 

community of moms and dads. Our 

readers, followers and fellow-bloggers 

are gifts in our lives and I see it as 

a privilege to, in our own little way, 

share our parenting journey,” she says. 

Mari-Louise only posts on weekdays 

and makes sure to spend quality 

time with the family on weekends. 

Sundays have also been dubbed 

“social-free Sundays”. 

A hot topic on the mommy front in 

the blogging world right now is selfcare. 

But no, says Mari-Louise. This 

isn’t doing your nails or going to the 

spa.“Moms usually have little time 

and even less money to spend on 

themselves. This is only temporary 

and dependent on the season of 

life you find yourself in. Self-care 

starts with caring for your soul. Take 

time every day to spend with God. 

Read your Bible, pray and keep a 

connection with God. Prioritise your 

own health by sleeping when you 

can, staying active if and when you 

can, and feeding your body as best 

you can. You have to know your 

worth. Set boundaries in terms of 

time and how you allow others to 

treat you. Protect your heart so it 

can continue to be loving. Learn 

to say no and don’t be ruled by 

expectations set upon you by others. 

You know what is in the best interest 

of your family so trust those instincts 

mama” she says. 

MARI-LOUISE’S MOTHER’S DAY WISH LIST: 

- Every mom needs an Instax printer for all the photos she has on her phone. 

Just also please remember the film. Details: www.instaxsa.co.za/printers/ 

- It’s almost winter and every mom deserves comfy sleepwear. 

I love BENA loungewear. Details: www.bena.co.za/ 

- Jewellery is beautiful but a precious one-of-a-kind necklace showcasing your 

child’s art from Miss H Jewellery is extra special. 

Details: misshjewellerydesign.com/products/custom-kiddies-drawing-pendant 

- Speaking about art. Bumble Box Artbook coffee table books allow you to 

proudly display your children’s art in book form. Details: bumblebox.co.za/ 

- And who can say no to a beautiful bag? Mari-Louise and her family recently 

collaborated with local brand Hansel & Gretel to create a beautiful “mommyand-me” 

range of travel bags. The bags are printed with you and your kids’ 

names and are available in a range of colours. Details: www.myhgshop.com/ 

collections/travel/products/personalized-weekender-combo 

Mari-Louise was a foundational phase 

teacher who specialised in early 

child development and art who also 

dabbled in the world of psychology. 

The Candiotes family try to exercise 

and eat as healthy as possible. “Your 

health is key to everything in life and 

without it, we cannot live life to the 

fullest, travel or enjoy our family. We 

eat healthy and exercise regularly 

both for ourselves and our kids.” It 

also helps that her husband Alec, 

or Mr. Perfect as she calls him, is the 

founder of Cactic Fitness, a local 

fitness equipment manufacturer. He 

designs practical home gyms to be 

used inside or outdoors, so the entire 

family can join in. 

Those who follow her and her family 

on her social media accounts will 

know that the Candiotes tackled their 

spare bedroom during lockdown 

which they now turned into a little 

art studio for Mari-Louise. Who knows, 

she might even finish that art degree 

she started years ago. 

“Being a mom has revealed my 

true self to me. It stripped away 

all the unimportant things in my 

life, softened my heart for things 

that matter, opened my eyes and 

extended my heart so I have the 

capacity to love others, our world, my 

unbelievable family and myself. I don’t 

have the urge to fight for my spot or 

prove myself to anyone,” she says. 

From her own mom, she learned 

that you don’t have to be the perfect 

mom to be a good mom. And to 

her daughters, she hopes to teach 

that “they are enough and can do 

anything with God by their side”. 

For more about 

Mari-Louise visit 

www.justamamma.com 

or follow her at 

@justamamma 

on Instagram 

Text: MARIËTTE VAN NIEKERK / Cover and profile photographer: ANJE VAN DALEN VAN MADISON & WEST LIFESTYLE DIVISION 


HOME SPA 

Can’t get to the spa? Take an afternoon for me-time and spoil yourself at home 

The best spoil, we think, is a great 

night’s sleep, which is essential for 

cellular regeneration and restoration. 

Give nature a helping hand with 

Filorga NCEF-Night Mask... an ultra 

regenerating night mask which will have 

you waking up with a visibly younger 

skin. R899 from Clicks and Edgars. 

Comfy clothes rule. Keep warm and cosy in this v-neck knit and casual 

pants ... perfect for lounging around. Both from zara.co.za 

Peach, orange, gardenia... fragrance your 

bathroom with this Pure Gardenia reed 

diffuser which, left open, lasts about a month. 

R399 from zarahome.com 


Gypsy Water is a glamorisation of the 

Romany way of life, and the scent of fresh 

soil, deep forests and camp fires 

illustrates the dream of a free, 

colourful lifestyle close to nature. 

Use on warm skin as you get 

out of the bath or shower. 

Massively desirable. R1 760 

from skins.co.za 

This Chamomile body soap has 

essential oils – mandarin, lemon 

and chamomile – to help you 

reach a state of deep relaxation. 

The olive and coconut oil are 

deeply nourishing. R229 from 

zarahome.com 

Laura Mercier 

Repair Creme firms 

and rejuvenates – 

and with argan oil to 

intensely moisturise, 

it’s a great option for 

an at-home spoil. 

R2 050 from 

skins.co.za 

Gorgeously honey scented NUXE Reve 

de Miel face & body ultra rich cleansing 

gel is perfect for dry and sensitive skin... an 

everyday pampering cleanser. R390 from 

woolworths.co.za 

All natural, Skin Creamery 

Facial Cleansing Powder 

is a magic dust you can 

use daily as an exfoliating 

cleanser or weekly as a 

restorative face mask by 

just adding raw honey. 

R341 from skincreamery. 

co.za • Can’t do a spoil 

without a scented candle. 

Luxurious Jo Malone 

London Red Roses 

home candle, R950 from 

woolworths.co.za 

After your bath, slip on a pair of faux 

fur criss-cross strap slippers. R599 

from zarahome.com 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 


Naturally beautiful 

You’re staying safely at home this May. But - horror - you’ve run out 

of beauty essentials. We’ve rounded up some help... straight out of 

the pantry. Here are 25 home-made recipes that actually work 

Body beautiful 

To soften bathwater, throw a cupful of milk powder beneath the 

running taps. If you like, add your favourite aromatherapy oils, but 

the milk in itself is beautifully skin-softening because of the lipids in 

the milk. 

Olive oil is a fantastic body moisturiser (add a few drops of a 

favourite essential oil if the scent’s a bit grassy for your taste). 

You can create a spa-like experience in your shower. Choose a 

relaxing essential oil (think lavender) or an uplifting oil (neroli’s a 

great choice) and add a few drops to a damp flannel or sponge. 

Place this on the floor in front of you as you shower to allow the 

steam to release the scents. 

To create a free body scrub, mix in leftover coffee grounds with your 

usual shower gel and use in the shower for a free pamper session. 


Kissable lips 

Exfoliate your lips gently – try a soft toothbrush or a damp washcloth. Apply 

a thin layer of raw honey on your lips before going to bed, then wake up to 

soft, smooth lips. 

Use cucumber to soothe chapped lips — mash a few slices and apply 

directly to your lips like a mask. You can also gently rub with slices of the 

cooled veggie. Leave the juice on your lips for 10 minutes before washing 

away with water. 

Replenish and hydrate your lips by mixing one teaspoon of honey with two 

teaspoons mashed avocado! Apply lavishly, leave on for a few minutes and 

rinse. Great to treat smoker’s lines. 

After steeping green tea, remove the bag and rub it over your lips to 

exfoliate them. Not only is green tea rich in antioxidants and minerals, but 

also reduces inflammation. 

Eyes bright 

Mix one tablespoon of turmeric and 

one tablespoon of buttermilk, apply 

the orange-coloured mixture to 

your dark circles with a brush – and 

expect to look infinitely better-slept 

after just 15 minutes. 

Caffeinated teabags have been 

shown to reduce under-eye 

puffiness. Steep two bags, squeeze 

out the excess liquid, allow them to 

cool, and you’re good to go. 

Bright smile 

Calling all coffee, red wine and 

fizzy drink lovers — if strawberries 

don’t quite do the job of whitening 

your teeth, then try rubbing apple 

cider vinegar on them and rinsing 

(thoroughly) with water. 

Get an A-list smile for less with a bit 

of lemon juice and bicarb of soda. 

Mix them together and rub over 

your teeth then rinse. If you do it 

every day you’ll see whiter teeth in 

as little as a week. 

Face fabulous 

Those of us who haven’t been blessed with tiny pores are always looking for 

ways to make them less noticeable. Combine two to four drops of lemon 

juice with one spoon of tomato juice, apply and leave on for 15 minutes. 

Say hello to papaya, your new BFF. This fruit acts as a natural exfoliator and 

reduces blemishes while hydrating the skin. Mash it up with a dollop of 

honey and yogurt and you’ll have one multitasking face pack. 

Apple cider vinegar can also double up as a pore-perfecting toner. It can 

regulate your skin’s natural pH, meaning your skin will fight breakouts and 

strike the perfect balance between dry and oily. Dilute the vinegar with two 

parts water and swipe over the skin with a cotton wool ball. 

Turmeric is great for helping to fade skin discoloration and post-acne 

scarring. Simply mix it with a few drops of lime juice and leave on the skin 

for 20 minutes. 

Do you suffer from blotchy, oily skin? Whip up an egg white until frothy, 

apply it to your face and let it dry. Repeat and add another layer and leave it 

on for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse with warm water. 

Show-off hands & nails 

Mash together an avocado and small 

banana (they’re mineral-rich and 

full of anti-oxidants) and pop inside 

plastic gloves (or sandwich bags) 

to minimise mess. Not only will it 

make your hands super-soft, but the 

mixture will nourish your nails and 

cuticles, too. 

A manicure wouldn’t be complete 

without showing your cuticles some 

TLC and there’s no better way to kick 

them into touch than with some 

cooking oil spray. Yep. Just make sure 

it’s garlic-free! 

Lemon’s a wonder product and a 

great nail strengthener — rest hands 

in a bowl containing lemon juice 

and warm water to strengthen nails 

and remove any leftover colour. 

Playing footsie 

Cracked heels? Warm a cup of honey 

and stir in two tablespoons of milk. 

Add juice from half an orange to 

form a paste. Apply on your heels 

and leave on overnight. Wear socks, 

obviously! 

For soft feet you’ll need a half cup 

of vinegar, pinch of salt, a half cup 

of Listerine mouth wash (yes, really), 

one cup of hot water and a few 

drops of peppermint oil. Soak your 

feet for 15 minutes. With a brush or 

pumice rub the dead skin right off. 

Help for your hair 

Put the life back into limp or damaged hair by combining one teaspoon apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons 

olive oil and three egg whites. Rub into your hair. Keep your hair covered for about 30 minutes, shampoo and rinse. 

Revitalise your hair with bananas. Simply blend together two ripe bananas and half a cup of coconut milk. Coat your 

hair in the mixture and let it sit for half an hour, then wash the mask out of your hair. 

You may think of tea as a sore throat remedy, but you can also use it to give hair a natural shine. Use a cup of warm, 

unsweetened tea (freshly brewed or instant) as a final rinse after your regular shampoo. 

Compiled by: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG 


Homewear 

Staying in has never looked this glam 

So sweet... fluffy 

pompom beanie, 

R150 from Woolies. 

Pretty open-work knit sweater, R699 from zara.com/za 

When you’re staying 

in but feel the need 

for glam... sweater 

with faux pearl 

bows, R699 from 

zara.com/za 

Lazy days with tea, a book and a comfy sofa. Bliss. Shop online at shop.mango.com/za 


Lovely baggy 

cowl neck 

sweater, perfect 

to wear with 

leggings. 

R949 from 

shop.mango. 

com/za 

Putting on the home-style glitz... black and gold 

beanie, R410 from elizabethsummer.com 

When Jack Frost arrives, this faux shearling coat is 

as warm as you can get... perfect wear at home, 

stylish enough to wear out, too. R999 from Zara 

• Checked scarf, R599 from shop.mango.com/za 

If we put this on, we may 

never take it off. Gorgeous 

crochet cardigan, R1 399 

from mango.com/za 


YOU ARE 

THEIR 

INSPIRATION 

Dinosaurs, flower gardens, 

amazon jungles, pirate ships 

and fairy palaces are just some 

of the amazingly creative and 

inspirational things that you’ll 

find on Creative Park. You can 

download pictures to colour in, 

mazes to figure out, iron-on t-shirt 

print designs, and all kinds of DIY 

crafts that you can imagine. 

Simply download the Canon 

Creative Park App and let your 

imagination inspire you. 

https://creativepark.canon/ 

canon.co.za 

Live for the story_

Treat mum 

Amazing gifts for mum... and she can 

win them all (hope she shares!) 

When you’ve a mum worth treating (oh, we do!), or if you’re 

a mum who deserves a spoil (yip... we’re up for that too), 

then you really should make the treat something especially 

worthwhile. And oh boy, have we got the treat to 

beat all others to give away this May. 

• For the glam mum, one of the gorgeous, 

limited edition pieces from Della Jewellery, 

designed by Pippa de Charmoy, is an 

exceptional gift... one she’ll love, and wear, for years. 

Eye-catching earrings, statement bracelets, loads of 

semi-precious stones... we adore them all! 

Details: della.co.za • Massively desirable are 

Heartstring beaded necklaces from the The Makery 

Collection... feminine accessories from South African 

designer team Heidi Gresty and Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly. 

They also have earrings and bracelets... a set of which 

would make mom very, very happy. Trust us! Details: 

themakerycollection.com • For mums who know natural is 

best and embrace all things organic, a bag of 

Lula Fox cosmetics would be a 

great gift. Certified organic, vegan 

and beautiful. Looking gorgeous 

never felt this good. Details: lulafox. 

life • Home-lovers would appreciate 

one of Volpes’ luxurious and cosy 

Shimmersoft throws... the perfect 

accessories for the back of a sofa or the 

end of the bed, just within reach to wrap 

round your shoulders on a chilly day. Details: 

volpes.co.za • If mum’s up for a party (yes, please!), 

offer her a Copper Head London Dry Gin. Juniper 

+ coriander seeds + angelica + cardamom + 

orange peel = the perfect gin for sundowners 

• Prefer the idea of locally forged fynbos 

and honeybush? Then Bloedlemoen 

(pronounced Blue’d Le Moon) is a superb 

choice... the first blood orange gin in 

the world and the fruit is locally sourced 

from growing partners in the Cape. And 

seriously, what would a gift be without 

bubbles? Not much of a gift at all. So add 

a bottle of premium, exceptionally-made, 

genuine Italian Mionetto Prosecco to 

your gift. Details: trumanandorange.com. 

We have a fantabulous hamper to give 

away this May... something special from 

each of these brilliant brands. To stand in 

line to win, simply visit our Get It National 

Magazines page on Facebook, find our 

Treat Mum post, tag a friend and you’ll be 

in the draw. Entries close 31 May. 


I believe food has this amazing ability to bond us. It’s also the perfect way to express love. 

The look of delight in someone’s eyes when they tuck into their favourite meal that you’ve 

concocted is, for me, magic. My dear mama is positively obsessed with chicken in any form 

– Southern fried chicken is very high up on her poultry priority list. It’s of utmost 

importance that I make this for her whenever we’re together – a task I happily 

undertake. Who else deserves food made with love more than your mum?’ 

Made with love 

Isla Rechner has been obsessed with cooking 

all her life. Born and raised here in SA, she’s 

the Group Pastry Chef for celebrity chef Bill 

Granger’s Granger & Co restaurants across 

London, but in her heart she still hankers for 

the special breakfast rituals she shared with her 

mum at home in South Africa. She lets us in on 

some of the memories and recipes inspired by 

her mum. 

‘I started dabbling in the kitchen when I was 

young, gaining more confidence with each 

passing year. In my teens and throughout my 

20s I hosted many a dinner party, testing out 

recipes on my friends and family.’ 

In 2013, with the itch to travel too strong 

to resist, Isla made the big move to London, 

working initially at one of acclaimed chef 

Yotam Ottolenghi’s eateries, before being 

hired as a pastry chef at the King’s Cross 

branch of Granger & Co. She has since become 

the Group Pastry Chef – a role she says she 

utterly relishes. 

‘Whenever my mother comes to visit me in 

London, I always try to recreate the morning 

breakfast rituals we had in South Africa. They 

were a magical time, sitting on the stoep and 

sipping tea while overlooking our big acacia 

tree with birds chirping in the background 

and the occasional monkey raiding the herb 

garden. Among my go-to breakfast staples 

were buttermilk pancakes, a dish my mum 

and I tucked into with relish. I’ve tried to bring 

in the warmth of those mornings by pairing 

my pancakes with an orange raspberry syrup 

and crème fraiche. When I have my mum here 

in my little London kitchen and we’re tucking 

into those pancakes, we’re transported back to 

that veranda and those warm African sunrises.’ 


Buttermilk pancakes 

Makes 7 pancakes 

You’ll need: 

For the pancakes – 125g plain flour; 15g castor 

sugar; 5g baking powder; 2.5g bicarbonate of soda; 

250ml buttermilk; 1 egg; 25g melted butter 

In a medium bowl place flour, castor sugar, 

baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Whisk in 

buttermilk, egg and melted butter until you have a 

smooth batter. Place a frying pan on medium heat 

and drop two tablespoons of batter into the pan, 

cooking until little bubbles form on top (around 3 

minutes). Flip over, cooking evenly. Place in oven 

on low heat to keep pancakes warm while cooking 

the rest. 

For the raspberry orange syrup – 150g fresh 

raspberries (1 punnet); zest and juice of 1 orange; 

50g syrup (honey, syrup... whatever you have on 

hand is perfectly fine, even agave) 

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook 

over medium heat until raspberries begin to break 

up. Leave to cool slightly. Serve stack of pancakes 

drenched with the raspberry syrup and a decent 

dollop of crème fraiche. 

Buttermilk chicken 

Serves 2 


For the chicken – 250ml buttermilk; 300g deboned chicken 

thighs; 120g plain flour; 5g cumin; 5g paprika; 5g oregano; 

pinch of salt; 300ml vegetable oil 

Sour cream mashed potato – 500g potatoes, peeled and 

quartered; ½ cup sour cream; 45g butter, cubed; salt 

Red cabbage slaw – 100g red cabbage, very finely sliced; 

juice of 2 limes; 1 carrot, peeled and grated; 1 Tblsp flat-leaf 

parsley, chopped; 15g olive oil; 5g Dijon mustard; 5g honey 

Method: 

Place chicken thighs in buttermilk and marinate for at least 

two hours. In a small container, mix the red cabbage and 

lime juice for the slaw. Leave it to macerate in the fridge for 

a few hours. The lime juice slightly pickles the red cabbage 

which results in the cabbage becoming a vibrant shade of 

pink. Preheat the oven to 170°C, then get cracking with the 

mash. Boil potatoes in salted water until cooked through, 

strain through a colander and place back into the pot. Mash 

until fluffy, add the sour cream and butter, mixing gently until 

smooth. Heat vegetable oil in a wok until the temperature is 

about 170°C 

Mix the flour with the spices. Dredge the buttermilk-soaked 

chicken in the flour. Place in the hot oil, frying for a few 

minutes each side to get a crispy exterior. Pop into a roasting 

tray, place in the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until the 

chicken is cooked through. 

In a small bowl, place olive oil, Dijon mustard and honey, 

whisking slightly to emulsify. Add the cabbage, carrot and 

parsley tossing it together. Over a low heat, slightly warm 

up the mashed potato. Spoon a hearty dollop of potato 

onto a plate, then pop fried chicken on top, finishing with a 

side of slaw. 


HUG ON A PLATE 

A rich tomato lamb bredie. A warm caramel pud. A hug on a plate... shared with us by 

the lovely Chantel Dartnall of Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient. You’re welcome. 

Caramel pudding 

Serves 6 

Prep time 15 min / baking time 35 min 


For the pudding – ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 ½ cups self raising flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ cup milk; 75g unsalted butter, 

chopped and melted; 2 tsps vanilla extract; 2 eggs; icing sugar; whipped cream or vanilla custard to serve 

For the caramel – 50g butter, chopped; 1 ½ of cups brown sugar and water each 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 160°C and lightly grease a 1.5-litre capacity ovenproof baking dish. Place the sugar, flour, cinnamon, milk, 

butter, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl and mix to combine. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish. Set aside. 

To make the caramel, place the butter, sugar and water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil, stirring 

constantly to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. 

Pour the caramel over the back of a spoon to drizzle over the pudding mixture. 

Cook for 35 minutes or until the pudding is cooked through. Dust with the icing sugar and serve with whipped cream, or 

vanilla custard. 

Chef’s note: Pour the caramel gradually over the batter to ensure it sits on top of it. As the pudding cooks, the caramel will 

start to sink, creating the sauce. 


Tomato Lamb Bredie 

Serves 4-5 

Prep time 30 min / cooking time 2 hours 

You will need: 

1 Tblsp vegetable oil (use more if needed); 1 ½ kg lamb 

stewing meat cut into cubes or lamb neck; 2 Tblsps 

cake flour; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 kg fresh tomatoes, 

chopped (can be de-seeded if you prefer); 1 tsp salt; 

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves; 1 sprig 

fresh rosemary; 1 tsp brown sugar; ½ cup Mrs Ball’s hot 

chutney; 1 dash Worcestershire sauce; 1 cube lamb or 

beef stock dissolved in 2 litres water (if you have fresh 

home-made stock you can substitute); baby potatoes, 

washed and cut in half (optional) 

Method: 

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavybottomed 

saucepan. Dredge meat in flour seasoned with 

salt and pepper and cook in hot oil until well browned. 

Stir in onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Mix 

in tomatoes. Season with the salt and black pepper 

then add bay leaves, rosemary, brown sugar, chutney, 

Worcestershire sauce and 1 litre of stock (add the rest of 

the stock throughout the cooking process as required). 

Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 ¼ hours. Stir 

occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom 

of the pot. Stir in the potatoes and cook for an additional 

25 minutes, until the potatoes are done and the meat is 

tender. Serving with pomme puree or white rice.

Indigo autumn 

Bring shades of blue and touches of metallic into your 

home for spaces that ooze a calm and collected air 

Imagine a table setting with 

out-of-this-world Moon crockery. 

Gorgeous. Individually priced from 

R95, available from weylandts.co.za 

Wall statements 

... beautiful 

imperfection 

wall art... all 

muted tones 

on linen, with a 

wooden frame. 

R10 999 from 

weylandts.co.za 

Cosy blankets 

for when the 

nights turn cool... 

ribbed navy knit 

blanket, R1 799 and 

geometric blanket, 

R799, both from 

zarahome.com/sa 

Contemporary brass 

tray table, originally 

designed for display 

of whisky decanters 

and cut crystal 

glasses. R10 000 from 

anatomydesign.co.za 

Whether you have a sea or land view, 

this restful all white room with touches of peaceful 

blue works beautifully in a bedroom. This space designed by 

the talented Private House team. Details: privatehouse.co.za 


Polka dot tapas bowls are not only 

lovely décor pieces but jolly useful, 

too. R69.95 from Woolies. 

Blue and white geometric zigzag cushion cover, 

R799 from zarahome.com/za 

For a 

bottle 

of wine 

that’s 

extra 

special, we 

love this 

Lapiz bottle 

stopper, R145 from 

weylandts.co.za 

Breakfast, dinner, or an 

afternoon tea in bed. 

Folding tray, R999 from 

zarahome.com/za Glass bud vase, R9.99 

from Mr Price Home 

Compiled by: KATE ARGO 


BLOEDLEMOEN. 

HANDCRAFTED 

BLOOD ORANGE GIN. 

Pronounced ‘Blue’d Le Moon’ 

for you non Afrikaans speaking 

folk, is a South African gin made 

from the luscious Tarocco Blood 

Orange and is the first of its 

kind in the World. 

@bloedlemoengin 

Enjoy Responsibly. Liquor not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

Mulch away 

Mulch. Water. Feed. Plant. 

There’s loads to do in the 

garden this month. 

Two pretty plants for May 

May is the month we celebrate mothers – and and we’ve found two rather 

special flowers worth planting for her. 

Dianthus Early Love is perfect for patio pots, as a fragrant border and even 

indoors (which is where we could all still be, this month). It’s neat 

and compact, with short stems that fan out gracefully like a 

bouquet. The large, double magenta-pink flowers, 

with deep purple-black centres, have a spicy 

sweet fragrance. As a garden plant it needs 

full sun and soil that drains very well. On 

patios it does best with morning sun or 

bright dappled light and bright indirect 

light for indoors. Cut off the dead flowers 

to encourage new blooms. 

Details: ballstraathof.co.za 

All Seasons Hydrangea is the first 

single-head, indoor hydrangea that can 

be popped into a gorgeous pot to show 

off its spectacular, extra large pink or 

white bloom. This indoor hydrangea 

is available all year round. It needs 

at least four hours of bright, 

indirect light a day. You’ll find the 

flower lasts longer if the plant is 

kept cool, with moist but not soggy soil. Ask 

at your local nursery. 

Get out the garden tools... 

The garden is slowing down but there’s still a lot to do 

before winter. 

• Rake up fallen leaves and use them as mulch or to make 

compost. 

• Plant winter flowers ... alyssum, snapdragons, calendula, 

Iceland poppies, pansies and violas in sunny beds; fairy 

primula and cineraria for shade. 

• Divide perennials if necessary. 

• Cut down summer flowering bulbs like cannas, dahlias 

and lilies. 

• Water most plants once a week. Spring flowering bulbs 

need deep watering every four days. 

• Feed winter flowering pot plants every two weeks but 

stop feeding the summer pot plants. 

• Sow broad beans, lettuce, kale, peas, radishes, Swiss chard 

and spinach. 

Dianthus Early Love 


Rock art 

What a great way to keep the kids busy, and create something memorable while 

jazzing up the garden all at the same time! 


We rather love bright and 

colourful pictures, and when 

combined with pretty stones, 

you’ll find you have something 

wonderful to use on your desk as 

a paperweight, give to a special 

friend, or simply put in the garden 

for people to delight in. Collecting 

and decorating stones is so much 

fun, and the smooth, cool surface 

is lovely to hold. This is a DIY task 

that everyone can enjoy, from 

preschoolers to adults (yes, really!). 

Depending on your level of 

drawing skill, you can do anything 

from stick men and simple flowers, 

to animals (like the famous rock 

art found in caves); or for the more 

advanced, you can write quotes or 

sayings, or even draw mandalas. 

The sky is the limit! 

What you need 

• Smooth, flat(ish) round pebbles 

or stones 

• Wax crayons - you can also use 

paint, coloured pencils or koko 

pens. 

What you do 

1. Wash your stones well, making 

sure to get rid of all dirt and sand. 

2. Leave to dry. 

3. If you are a bit hesitant about 

what you want to do, try doing a 

draft on a piece of paper first. If you 

like it, go ahead! 

4. When you are ready to draw, 

choose your colour and start. 

You can use stencils or just your 

imagination, but let the inner 

artist take over, and remember 

to have fun. 

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY 


New lease on life 

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY 

The Covid-19 coronavirus 

and its subsequent 

isolation regulations 

have meant that the 

things we usually take 

for granted, such as an 

evening meal at our 

favourite restaurant, 

walking the dog, or 

visits to the game 

reserve, have become 

somewhat limited. Being 

housebound for so long 

has definite drawbacks, 

the least of which is 

cabin fever. Since staying 

home is best, at least for 

the near future, we need 

a bit of greenery in our 

lives. And fresh air. This 

makes now the perfect 

time to start a little 

veggie or herb garden 

of your own. It will get 

you out into the sunshine 

and give you something 

rewarding to do - 

especially if you get the 

kids involved, and even 

more so if you combine 

this undertaking with a 

little crafty upcycling. 


We all have bits and bobs lying around the house, things we don’t use, things we 

would normally throw away. This includes old teacups, jugs, jars and bottles. Instead 

of filling up the landfills, we can all do our bit to turn these articles into seed starters. 

They can all serve another purpose, and that is to help you start an epic little herb 

or vegetable garden, or if you prefer, a flower garden. Starting off with your own 

seedlings gives you a head start and can save you quite a bit of cash. Not to mention 

the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you see that first tiny bud appear from the soil, 

from a small seed you planted yourself. And we promise, there is nothing quite like 

the feeling of pinching a few fresh basil leaves from your own home-grown plants and 

scattering them over pasta.

April to June is the ideal time to start planting 

perennials like lettuce, thyme, lavender, baby 

spinach, pak choi and rosemary. Firstly, pests 

are less of a problem and secondly the cooler 

temperatures mean you don’t have to water as 

much. Make sure you use fertile, well-drained soil, 

and be sure not to overwater. Your herb/veggie/ 

flower patch can be as big or small as you like. For 

the upcycling purpose you can use a windowsill 

or an old, repurposed bookshelf. 

What to use 

1. Glass jars and bottles 

Jam jars are so much fun and there are so many things you 

can do with them. The smaller ones are perfect for starting 

out with your seeds, and you can move them to bigger 

jars as they grow. You can either plant them in soil, or, if 

propagating, cut them off in the correct diagonal manner 

and place in water until roots start to grow, after which they 

can go into the ground or a bigger pot. 

And don’t forget the importance of companion 

planting. Some matches really were made in heaven, 

like marigolds and cucumbers, and lettuce and 

aubergines. Plant beetroot and carrots, beans and 

potatoes, or onion chives with dill. Companion plants 

do not steal nutrients, they act as “nursemaids” and help 

to deter pests. 

2. Plastic cooldrink bottles 

Take an empty two-litre plastic bottle and cut the bottom 

off, about ¼ of the way up. Turn it upside down and make 

a small hole on either side of the cut edge. Thread a loop of 

string through the holes, and hang it from a bracket or wall 

hook. Fill with potting soil and plant the seeds in the top. To 

make a vertical garden, repeat the process, using three to 

four bottles and attach them to one another. This way you 

will create a sustainable hanging garden, and each bottle 

will feed the water through to the one underneath it. 


3. Empty toilet rolls 

Using empty toilet paper rolls is an excellent way of nurturing plants that 

don’t like their roots disturbed, such as peas and beans. You simply make 

four short cuts at the bottom, fold the pieces in, fill with soil and plant your 

seed. Then you place the whole thing into the ground or a pot. The paper 

will rot away, keeping the seedling safe and sound inside. 

4. Paper cups 

These cups are made 

to withstand hot 

liquids so they are 

fairly robust and will 

keep your plants 

snug. Remember 

to poke a drainage 

hole at the base. If 

you have any coffee 

grounds left after your 

delicious brew, scatter 

them into some soil 

or over the garden. 

The nitrogen is an 

excellent promoter of 

healthy growth and 

strong stems. 

5. Plastic cups 

Plastic yogurt and juice containers work 

in much the same way as paper cups. 

Simply put a drainage hole or two at the 

bottom, add a few stones, fill with soil and 

plant your seeds. They can be placed into 

a wooden box and trained to hang over 

the side, or simply used as an intermediate 

option. 

6. Tin cans 

One of the prettiest sights in the Italian countryside is the 

geraniums, blooming on windowsills, front porches, balconies 

and verandas in all their glory. Often, they are planted in empty 

tomato tins, in all different sizes, sometimes with the label left 

on, declaring the tin a brightly coloured, cheerful holder for a 

pretty green and growing thing. Remember to rinse thoroughly, 

put stones in the bottom for drainage (or drill a few holes), then 

fill up with your soil and plant your seed. Tins are so versatile - 

you can paint them or wrap a rustic twine around the neck or 

body of the can. 

7. Veggie and mushroom punnets 

Don’t discard the plastic punnets your 

mushrooms, strawberries, grapes and so 

on, come in! They are perfect to use as seed 

trays. Some of them have lids which you 

can use to make a little mini-greenhouse, 

especially if you want to baby something 

along. 


8. Pallets 

Convert those old pallets into an upcycled outdoor 

plant holder. You can really go to town with these - 

you can put wheels on and make it mobile; put it 

up on the wall for creepers and hanging plants, or 

to shelter it from weather and sunlight; or use it as a 

window box, painted and/or mosaicked, or simply 

left plain for a rustic look. All you need are a few basic 

DIY skills and you have the perfect place for leafy 

herbs, salad items (think lettuce) or any other shallow 

rooted crops. 

9. Brown paper bags 

Kraft or brown paper breaks down over time, acting 

in the same way as toilet rolls. This makes them ideal 

holders for plants you grow from seed and want to 

transplant into a bigger pot. They can also be packed 

together in an old tomato box. 

10. Egg cartons and shells 

Just like empty toilet rolls, egg cartons make excellent receptacles for little 

plants and seedlings. Each cup can be filled with soil, the seeds sown in and 

the cup torn off and deposited directly into the soil. They will eventually 

disappear as they break down into harmless nothingness. The eggshells 

themselves are biodegradable and the perfect size for seedlings. They are 

also good fertilisers for the soil and add calcium as they break down. 


Mysterious sightings in Knysna. Exploring Kruger 

National Park. We do live in a marvellous country. 

Of Otangs 

and Apps 

It’s like having a game ranger in your pocket... 

amazing Kruger Explorer App 

Regular readers know how much we love a bush escape... and we’ve just 

discovered the ultimate App for visitors to the Kruger National Park. Kruger 

Explorer contains a massive amount of info... it’s like having your own, private, 

very knowledgeable guide (with all the insider secrets guides seem to know) in 

your pocket. 

This field guide has hundreds of details you need... from animal profiles (did 

you know the civet is semi-dependent on water, so if you want to see one you 

need to look near a reliable water source?) to self-drive routes (more than 70 

of them, so you won’t hit the same dirt road twice), new accurate and up-todate 

maps of the park and so much more. There’s info on mammals and birds, 

reptiles and invertebrates, on the flora and ecozones you’ll experience in the 

park. The routes include those 

for camps which are useful for 

overnight visitors, as well as routes 

more suitable for day visitors. 

With more than 400 high-res 

images, and 300 000 words of 

content, this App is perfect for 

using while in the reserve, as well as 

for planning before you leave home. 

It’s also marvellously educational... 

so great for kids. 

The App was created by Danny 

Broome and Charlotte Kirke, who 

are from the UK but have a love 

of Africa in general and Kruger in 

particular. ‘We’re very conscious that 

part of the wonderful experience 

of the Kruger is escaping the bustle 

and stresses of life – and for many 

people this means being offline. 

Ensuring the App works completely 

offline once downloaded adds a 

21st century polish to a Kruger 

visit, while not impacting the bush 

escape experience’, they say. 

The KrugerExplorer App is available 

for mobile and tablet devices and 

can be downloaded from the App 

Store and Google Play. 

Details: krugerexplorer.com 

‘Otangs’ in the 

Knysna forests 

Possibly best known for his work 

on African lions, environmentalist 

and independent wildlife researcher 

Gareth Patterson has spent more 

than a quarter of a century working 

on the protection of our wildlife. 

He’s author of more than 10 books 

... including The Secret Elephants, a 

culmination of many years of research 

into the secretive Knysna elephants. 

The recently released Beyond the 

Secret Elephants continues this 

story, but also reveals his startling 

discovery of a much more mysterious 

being than the elephants – a relict 

hominoid known to the indigenous 

forest people as the Otang. 

The possible existence of relict 

hominoids is gaining momentum 

worldwide with ongoing research 

into Bigfoot in North America, the 

Yeti in the Himalayas and the Orang 

Pendek in Sumatra, and eminent 

conservationists and scientists – 

Dr Jane Goodall, Dr George Schaller 

and Professor Jeff Meldrum – have 

said they’re open-minded about 

their possible existence. Gareth has 

heard many accounts, which he’s 

documented in this new book... most 

of them, he says, were spontaneous 

and unprompted. Fascinating – an 

exceptional natural history book 

(also available as an e-book). Tracey 

McDonald Publishers, R270 



Eco-chic at its finest... The Peech Hotel’s a gem 

If you’re heading to Joburg for business or to visit family and friends, we don’t think 

you’re going to find anywhere quite like The Peech Hotel. It’s slap-bang in the 

middle of cosmopolitan Melrose but, set in an acre of beautiful gardens, it really is 

surprisingly peaceful and quiet… all green lawns and lush shrubs and oversized 

elephant ears. 

And green is a theme that runs through the hotel… from the carbon-neutral 

environment, with water heating generated via solar energy to rain and grey 

water from the baths and showers used in the gardens. We adore the new rooms 

... clean, contemporary, modern… with grids which will become living walls once 

the jasmine that’s been planted grows a little more. It’s eco-chic at its finest... all 

gleaming oak floors, massive walk-in rain dance showers and spacious, peaceful, 

private patios… perfect for coffee before breakfast, a quiet afternoon tea or a glass 

of red before bed. For families, there’s a two bedroom villa… about as luxurious as 

you could wish for. 

You could, if you fancied (oh, we do), spend a few hours around one of the two 

pools before exploring the area (and owner James’ wife, Vicky, who’s the hotel sales 

and marketing spokesperson, has a list of unusual recommendations she shares 

with visitors… lesser-known tours and interesting hot spots). 

A recent addition to the hotel is the new Basalt Restaurant... already talked about 

as the place to dine. Head chef Freddie Dias (with kitchen time spent in some of 

the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as at Luke Dale Roberts’ The 

Pot Luck Club) has developed an incredible menu… you haven’t lived until you’ve 

had his Ten-A-Day Risotto. It’s open to the public (top tip… book well in advance), 

while the original hotel Garden Restaurant is reserved for staying guests only (and 

the menu here’s no less impressive… the side of bone marrow and parsley fries is 

worth booking in for the night!). 

There’s a good feel about The Peech. There are hidden nooks and crannies for 

those wanting a little alone time, a central communal table in the dining room 

for single guests wanting company and conversation over a meal, the hotel is Fair 

Trade Tourism Certified, the staff hugely proud ambassadors, and a percentage of 

your room bill is given to charity (the hotel supports Little Eden home for children 

with severe intellectual disabilities). Originally a family home, it’s retained that feel 

… really lovely and hugely recommended. 

Rates are from around R3 250 a room, a night, children are welcome. 61 North 

Road, Melrose, Joburg. Details: 011-537-9797 or reservations@thepeech.co.za 

GREEN 

in the city 



Spoil 

May 

Bubbles to celebrate mum 

We don’t really need an excuse to pop open a bottle of our favourite bubbly. 

But as it’s May, and Mothers’ Day, and autumn... we have three reasons to 

celebrate. This month we’re sipping Krone Rosé Cuvée Brut 2018 Cap 

Classique. A blend of 87 per cent Pinot Noir and 13 per cent Chardonnay, this 

salmon pink cap classique is all rose water and coastal sour figs, pomegranates 

and cranberries, candied orange and white-fleshed nectarine, with a lingering 

note of toasted hazelnuts. It’s just perfect with a simple picnic (think 

charcuterie, melted ripe Camembert and a crusty sourdough bread), or a 

more refined meal like salmon with crispy skin crackling, or duck with 

cherries. If you prefer something a little sweeter, try 

Krone Night Nectar Demi-Sec Rosé 2018... the closest 

in style to the first famous sparkling wines of France a 

century ago. With a touch of sweetness which renders 

the style demi-sec (or semi-sweet) it’s a blend of Pinot 

Noir and Chardonnay, is a lustrous pink-copper, and 

all cranberries, raspberries, strawberries and red 

cherries, maraschino cherries and toffee apples... 

beyond delish! Have it with prawns grilled on 

the hot coals, with a sticky pork belly, with 

a strawberry cream cake or a plate of rose 

water macarons. Swoon! You’ll find both 

these at your local wine store or grocer for 

around R150 a bottle. We’re giving away 

a case of Krone to one Get It reader... 

simply visit Get It Pretoria Magazine 

on Facebook, find our post and tag 

a friend in the comments section. 

The competition closes end May. Good luck. 


Let’s raise a glass to the Bannermen.They’re made 

of stronger stuff. Staring every challenge in the face. 

Walking boldly forwards into the unknown. 

Standards held high for all to see. And though 

the world keeps changing. They know what’s 

worth sticking to. Like time-honoured ideals. 

Or the craft of a well-made whisky. 

@johnbannermans 

Enjoy Responsibly. Liquor not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

NEW ! 

At last a low cal 

premium lager for 

those who demand 

healthier options 

LOW 

CARB 

Vegan 

0,9% 

Gluten Free 

Skinny Brands Premium Lager was 

born from an emerging trend by 

consumers who demand healthier 

options. In response we crafted a 

cutting-edge product for mindful, 

informed individuals who refuse 

to compromise. This unique lager 

has only 89 calories, a clean, crisp, 

refreshingly malty taste & is full 

flavour at 4% ABV. It is also Vegan 

Certified, Gluten Free & Kosher. 

Ask for a Skinny Lager at your local 

store, selected Spar Tops, Norman 

Goodfellows, Solly Kramers, Loco 

Liq, Liquor City & Makro. 

NEVER COMPROMISE 

WIN ! 

Stand a chance to win a case of Skinny Brands Premium Lager! 

Simply like our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram, tag 

your favourite watering hole on our ‘TAG YOUR LOCAL’ post and 

we will ensure we get it stocked there for you! 

TAG YOUR LOCAL 

SkinnyLagerSA 

skinnylager_sa

Get It Pretoria May 2020

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