JHB West - Feb 2021

JOBURG WEST 

LANA 

JOUBERT 

Making magic 

with makeovers 

Big Five & 

posh vibes 

at Kapama 

Game Reserve 

FALLING IN 

LOVE 

WE’RE HEAD OVER HEALS WITH BLUSHING 

FASHION, BEAUTY (QUEEN) FINDS, AND THE 

PERFECT HOME PICNIC 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

FEBRUARY 21 

February ry 2021 Get 

It 

Joburg gW 

West 1

CONTENTS 

GET IT 

Editorial 

Instagram: @getitjoburgwest 

Facebook: Get It Joburg West 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-west 

National Group Editor and National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 

Facebook and Instagram: 

Get It National Magazines 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za 

Layout & design Megan Brett 

Subeditor Rose Chinery, Lorraine Brown 

Contributors Rialien Furstenberg 

Head of sales 

Debbie Pienaar 

debbiep@caxton.co.za 

Distribution 

15 000 copies monthly 

Get It Joburg West is distributed 

free of charge. For a full list contact 

011 955 1130. 

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 

Western branch within 10 days or they will be 

forfeited. Prizewinners names are published on 

our Facebook page monthly. 

WHY DON’T YOU... 

4 Explore the Magalies Meander with your valentine 

6 Books. Wine. Food. The perfect love affair. 

WISH LIST 

8 Pink party valentine vibes … even if we’re staying home! 

PEOPLE 

10 We chat to real-life fairy godmother, Lana Joubert about the magic 

she creates with her hair scissors and make-up brushes 

BEAUTY & FASHION 

12 Reshuffle your cosmetic bags and make space for these beauties 

14 Looks that would give even the Queen of Hearts rosy cheeks 

FOOD 

18 Picnicky delights for a romantic date 

20 We’ve got a few food tips to keep your ticker in tip-top condition 

HOME & GARDEN 

24 Lockdown’s not easing up … so here’s to spending many more 

hours in our kitchens 

26 Our top garden tasks and tips for the month 

TRAVEL 

32 Wildlife is wonderfully abundant at Kapama Private Game 

Reserve’s River Lodge 

WIN 

10 Win a full makeover, Beauty Box and an in-dept image consultation 

34 We’re giving away a case of Jean Roi Cap Provincial Rosé 2018 

COVER LOOK 

Personality: Lana Joubert 

Photographer: Renske de Klerk-Engelbrecht 

FEBRUARY 21 

February 2021 Get It Magazine 03

A hot date! 

Explore the Magalies Meander with your valentine 

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a day in the country … the marvellous 

Magalies Meander is less than an hour’s drive away. Wherever you travel along this route, 

expect to see spectacular, sweeping views of the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains. 

There are so many things to do and see … we’ve highlighted five of our favourite stops. 

A haven of relaxation 

If the outdoors and adventure don’t quite tickle your fancy, then 

a day at the spa is one of the best ways to achieve inner peace, 

apart from meditating or eating an olive branch. And we’ve got 

just the perfect spa in mind. The award-winning, luxurious Mount 

Grace Spa is located on a hilltop offering gorgeous views of the 

Magaliesberg mountains. Think serene gardens, a hydrotherapy 

spa, a jacuzzi, rock pool, reflexology walkway and top-notch treatments. 

Bliss. Details: tsogosun.com/mount-grace-hotel-and-spa 

04 Get It Magazine February 2021

Up, up and away 

Looking for a larger-than-life, unforgettable experience? Tucked away in the heart 

of Magalies and nestled within the gorgeous scenic landscape, the thrill of adventure 

awaits at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. It's sunrise … the silence of 

the flight is punctuated only by the occasional blast of the powerful burners and 

the faint call of a bird or animal far beneath. The thrill is indescribable. You’re hovering 

gently above the treetops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley or drifting 

majestically high above the Magaliesberg mountain range as the sun creeps over 

the horizon. Peaceful. Something you have to experience at least once in your 

life. After landing, savour a scrumptious breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion and 

Restaurant. Details: balloon.co.za 

An aerial adventure 

There’s something exciting about 

cable car rides that’s hard to beat, especially 

if it’s a trip on the longest mono-cableway 

in Africa. Harties Aerial 

Cableway offers uninterrupted 360° 

panoramic views of the Magaliesberg 

mountain range, Hartbeespoort Dam 

and surrounding areas. But, the fun 

doesn’t end when your ride stops. 

There are restaurants, express food 

stalls and stunning seating areas and 

bomas, a Dassie Loop Walkway and 

Kidzone, making it the ultimate family 

excursion. The Adventure Centre at 

the base station is the perfect way 

to end off the day, offering opportunities 

to paraglide, abseil, hike and 

more. Details: hartiescableway.co.za 

For the love of cheese… 

This may sound cheesy (see what we 

did here!), but a trip to Van Gaalen 

Kaasmakerij is something quite exquisite. 

You can do a tour around the 

cheese farm, which combines a demo 

of the cheese-making process with 

a special Dutch cheese tasting (and 

a slice of the most marvellous Dutch 

apple cake!). Or relax under the trees 

at Terrace Restaurant with beautiful 

views of the Magaliesberg mountains 

while you tuck into a cheese platter. 

They have lovely picnic hampers available 

as well, but you need to book at 

least a day in advance. And just before 

you hit the road, you really should 

pop into their Farm Shop for a variety 

of delicious cheeses, preserves, souvenirs 

and a wide selection of Dutch 

favourites. Details: vangaalen.co.za 

Hearty country dining 

Whether a family breakfast, lingering 

lunch or romantic dinner is right up 

your alley, pull in at The Fat Olive 

Restaurant. Situated on the banks of 

a natural irrigation dam with expansive 

views of the distant Magaliesberg 

mountains (once again!), expect to be 

treated to delectable dishes that fuse 

a Mediterranean flavour into your dining 

experience. Keep an eye out for 

the birds and wildlife. It’s common to 

see a zebra family wandering to drink 

water or a blesbok herd thunder past. 

Details: thefatolive.co.za 


Book club 

Books. Wine. Food. The perfect love affair. 

‘More than just a mantra, “cook, eat, repeat” is the story of my life’. Nigella’s new book is 

an utterly delicious combination of recipes, essays, and ideas. It’s so much more than 

just a recipe book … it’s Nigella’s love affair with food and family. There’s fancy(ish) 

… beetroot, rhubarb and ginger soup, and pasta with clams and bottarga; comfort 

… marrowbone mince, and lasagne of love; simple … a fish finger sandwich with 

old-school bread, a squirt of Japanese mayo and hot sauce and iceberg lettuce is her 

go-to meal when she’s harried, hungry and has no time to cook. And after a busy day, 

or to kick off a cocktail party – a mean, green, dirty martini. Cook, Eat, Repeat … a 

foodie joy! • Not only is pork one of the most versatile meats, it’s one of the leanest, 

healthiest meat proteins and – hugely important in our current economic climate – 

offers the best value for money. Oink! by Billy Forssman, with contributions from local 

food celebs, is a celebration of pork’s wide range of flavours and textures. It’s all about 

the smell of bacon sizzling (best wake-up call ever), about Sunday roasts with perfect 

crackling and weekend braais. The Perfect Pork Cookbook … scrumptious. 

06 Get It Magazine February 2021 

Welgegund Heritage Wines only bottles premium high-end wines in 

great years – and 2019 proved to be great indeed. So the trio of justreleased, 

award-winning, limited-edition, numbered bottles are highly 

rated. There’s a Welgegund Heritage Wines Chenin Blanc 2019, a 

Cinsault 2019, and this bright Grenache Noir 2019 – soft, smooth 

and refined, which you should serve cooler than your usual red, and is 

lovely with a charcuterie board, salmon or a smoked mussel pot, or after 

dinner with chocolate fondant. Details: welgegund.co.za

Oh … we do love a pie. Comfort food at its best. And let’s face it, we’re all needing a little comfort these days. 

The Pie Room boasts as being the definitive pie bible from self-confessed pastry deviant, chef and London’s King of Pies, 

Calum Franklin, who guides you through the techniques and tools you need to perfect pastry, then presents a whole host 

of delicious recipes … sweet and savoury. There are light options for us to make now in Summer (the Moroccan chickpea 

and feta pie are delish); child-friendly family meal options (mac ‘n’ cheese pie, anyone?); and showstoppers (the venison and 

bone marrow suet pie is a proper show-off meal). Also loads of old faves … think the ultimate sausage roll, hot pork pies, 

vol-au-vents, lamb hotpot and more. Great puds – the fig, honey and pistachio clafoutis is a winner, as well as side dishes 

and sauces. Yum, yum, yum. • What with the lockdown, then the festive holidays, some of us have a little extra weight we’d 

like to lose. And if you’re a banting fan, and one of the many who bought the popular Banting 7 Day Meal Plans but wanted 

more vegetarian options … here we go. Banting 7 Day Meal Plans Vegetarian, has 100 great recipes, and the authors, Rita 

Venter, Natalie Lawson and Kim Blom, show you it is possible to follow a low-carb, banting or keto lifestyle while observing 

the choice to not eat meat. • We’d eat Italian every night if we could … and it would be jolly easy with The Vegetarian Silver 

Spoon cookbook, crammed with classic and contemporary Italian recipes. From snacks and small plate ideas to pizzas and 

soups, pastas and crêpes, veggie tarts and grains to sweet, sweet desserts, this book is just page after page after glorious 

page of heavenly Italian dishes – all of which are vegetarian, some dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan, too. 

A Table for Friends is the most delightful book. It celebrates 

the joy of eating with friends and family, with loads of simple 

but wonderfully inviting recipes. Skye McAlpine says her table is 

always filled with family, friends and whoever she can persuade to 

join her for lunch or dinner – squeezing more of them than really 

comfortable around the table in their kitchen … which is exactly 

how she likes it. She shares her secrets to her stylish but relaxed 

way of hosting .… writing about low-effort starters, laying the 

table, washing up (don’t do it until the next morning) … and all 

her recipes include her suggestions on what to serve with each 

dish. Lovely no-fuss, unpretentious food (she has ‘a really good 

green salad’, and ‘a really good tomato salad’ ) … and there’s 

everything from last-minute late-night dinners to large and 

festive celebratory gatherings. If we had to select just one, this 

would be our top cookbook choice. Brilliant. 


Wish list 

Pink party valentine vibes … even if we’re staying home! 

Fashion to make you blush 

An arty collection that screams sexual 

and romantic freedom couldn’t be 

more appropriate than on Valentine’s 

Day … and that’s just what you’ll 

find in the Desigual Miranda 

Makaroff Range. It’s said to be 

the ‘freest capsule yet’ by this 

brand from Barcelona … and, 

trust us, it’s bound to make you 

blush. Think, women entangled 

with nature. Images of orgies. 

And deconstructed sexual 

symbols. It’s all so very seventies 

… just take a look at this 

bag, R1949. The inspiration for 

the collection is said to have 

come to Miranda during a 

vacay in Ibiza … her imagination 

ran wild with the message, 

‘Let’s be free’. There are 

items for him and her. You’ll 

find Desigual in Sandton 

City, if you don’t mind the 

drive, or check out this 

range, and others, online. 

Details: desi-sa.co.za 

Compiled by DANIELLA GRAHAM 

Bold. Comfy. And oh-so-trendy. We 

love kicking back in Converse sneakers 

… and these Chuck Taylor All 

Star Move Diamond Metal Platform 

ones are so fashion-forward, we just 

have to have a pair! R1399. Details: 

converse.co.za 


‘A good upbringing means not that you won’t spill sauce on the tablecloth, but that you 

won’t notice it when someone else does,’ so the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov said. 

But we don’t mind spilling the beans on the table linen from Not So Naked Tables. This 

new boutique brand has a small but impressive collection of tablecloths and napkins in 

limited edition prints imported from Europe. With only a few items of each textile, the 

table linen is quite exclusive – so your friends probably won’t have the same design as 

you! You can choose from various sizes, or have your table linen custom made to fit your 

dining set-up. We love that you can mix and match designs to express your own style. 

The brand’s founder, Stephanie Mayne has some fab table decor tips … in fact, she inspired 

this pretty table set-up pictured – perfect for a pink party while isolating at home. From R1400 

a tablecloth, from R50 a napkin. Details: Call Stephanie on 083-779-0005. A hint for setting ting up a 

table … if you don’t want to use fresh flowers as we have, you’ll find that Biggie Best has a really 

lovely selection of faux plants. We’re particularly fond of the cute soft pink allium faux plant 

(pictured right), R149. Details: volpes.co.za 

Fab food made simple 

Healthy, homestyle and hearty 

meals that won’t break a sweat 

(or the bank). This is what you’ll 

learn from Jan Kohler’s new 

recipe book Pink Gin and Fairy 

Cakes. We think the cover’s so 

pretty! There are more than 

200 pages of simple recipes 

from snacks through to desserts 

(blueberry ice cream, 

anyone?). Brush up on some 

cocktail recipes and ideas 

for hosting so you can really 

wow your friends when the 

lockdown restrictions ease. 

For now, it’ll show you how 

to make cooking a family affair. 

R410. Details: Order a copy from 

burbleonline.co.za 

Do you feel loved when 

your partner shows they’re thinking 

of you and remembers special occasions? 

Pandora’s recent study found around 50 per cent 

of participants do. If you’re going to spoil – or be 

spoilt – you simply must check out Pandora’s new 

valentine’s pieces. You’ll find hand-finished designs 

made with 71 per cent recycled silver. This Pandora 

Rose Snake Bracelet (R2999) with the Pandora 

Rose Sparkling Entwined Hearts Charm 

(R1199) is on our lust list. Details: 

pandorashop.co.za 


Love your look 

Imagine if you could borrow the fairy godmother’s magic wand from time 

to time … With a quick twinkle and flick and voilà!, a revamped look. 

We chat to real-life fairy godmother, makeover specialist Lana 

Joubert about the magic she creates with her hair scissors and make-up brushes. 

As a little girl, nothing made her 

happier than to cut and style her dolls’ 

hair. So, no one was surprised when 

she followed a career in hairdressing. 

A course in make-up artistry soon 

followed and Lana combined these 

two passions and started to transform 

women. After 12 years in the beauty 

industry and always on the lookout to 

broaden her skills, she is now also an 

image consultant, which fits her like 

a glove. 

From educating clients on their 

body shape, colour palette, all things 

clothing-related to their silhouette, 

wearing the right jewellery, and styles 

you should hmm … rather avoid. 

The latest edition to 

her ever-growing list 

of expertise is a full 

wardrobe one-on-one 

service. Yes … we all 

have our tried-and-true 

beauty and clothing 

staples, but sometimes 

the old standbys can 

grow a little stale. That’s why in Lana’s 

own words ‘every woman should go 

for a makeover at least once in her life. 

It is extremely powerful in the sense 

of what it can do for your self-esteem. 

‘I’ve had women coming in for 

makeovers to secure a certain job 

with success. Image is extremely 

important in the work environment. 

Your look tells a story! Highly 

successful and qualified women have 

been turned away from the perfect 

job opportunity, for which they are 

more than qualified, sadly based on 

the first impressions they created. 

‘And don’t think for one moment 


you don’t have the potential to 

look your best. When certain 

features are enhanced correctly or 

softened subtly, any woman can 

look absolutely astounding. Little 

changes can make a huge difference, 

whether it be the correct hair colour 

to balance an eye colour or skin tone, 

a hairstyle that can alter and change 

the shape of the face, or make-up 

that can softly and naturally add that 

sparkle to the eye. 

‘I’ve done a makeover once where I 

decided to cut the hair of a woman 

in her late 40s that was all the way 

down to her bum to a modern-day 

pixie cut. Her original hair colour was 

I’ve accepted myself and the 

unique flaws we all have. It’s 

okay to be imperfectly perfect 

a harsh dark brown which aged her 

tremendously. I lightened her hair 

to a beautiful ice blond and gave it 

texture and movement. She loved 

the look as she is sporty, active and 

very spontaneous. And she looked 20 

years younger. People assumed her 

18-year-old daughter was her sister … 

I’m sure anyone will agree, there is just 

something so exciting about seeing 

how different someone can look.’ 

During lockdown last year, Lana, who 

admits to being quite the introvert, 

stepped out of her comfort zone and 

started with live make-up tutorials on 

her Facebook page to interact with 

her followers. These videos became so 

popular that a local television channel 

started to follow her. 

‘MYtv asked me if I could do live 

makeovers and before I knew it, 

I had my first makeover TV show 

called EKSIE PERFEKSIE (www.mytv. 

co.za)! Nothing was scripted, the 

entire show was real, unplanned 

and the clients who featured on it 

were already pre-booked on the 

specific dates filming was done. The 

makeovers were spontaneous as I 

saw the clients for the first time when 

they arrived on set.’ 

In between everything else, Lana 

also launched Beauty Boxes – a 

marvellous personalised 

box filled with make-up 

goodies, very valuable 

notes like a quick colour 

analysis, best colours 

for your eyes, lips and 

blusher, contouring, 

a facial chart guiding 

you with your specific 

products, step-by-step personalised 

application and so much more. 

And, it seems there is no stopping 

Lana just yet. She would love to 

branch out with her own make-up 

line shortly. 

‘I would also love to add an exclusive 

boutique line clothing to my 

makeovers. But who knows what 

could happen next? My line of 

work surprises me every year … I love 

to grow!’ 

Already so talented, you might not 

have known she’s got a few hidden 

talents up her sleeve – she can

deadlift 110kg, loves photography 

and art, and definitely believes she 

can become a psychologist! 

Oh, and then there are a few quirky 

habits she doesn’t mind sharing … 

‘I always look for things that are 

out of place and put them where 

they belong, I analyse people while 

watching movies, I smell everything 

and my wardrobe needs to be 

organised and colour-coordinated 

from light to dark in all tones 

and shades.’ 

Although she always looks like she 

has just stepped out of the latest 

fashion magazine, there is nothing 

she loves more than to tie her hair in 

a ponytail, remove all jewellery, slip 

into something comfy and embrace 

the beautiful view of the dam at 

Pecanwood after a long day. 

Surprisingly, Lana is also not one 

bit uncomfortable when she is not 

wearing make-up. 

‘Before I started with my make-up 

tutorials, you wouldn’t have seen me 

without make-up. But, I’ve accepted 

myself and the unique flaws we 

all have. It’s okay to be imperfectly 

perfect. In any case, beauty is not 

what mainstream media promotes. 

It is something that shines from 

within a person … it is confidence, 

acceptance, happiness and 

embracing your true self.’ 

Details: lanajoubert.co.za or follow 

her on Facebook, Lana Joubert – 

Makeover Specialist. 

HAIR COLOUR & HAIR 

CUT TRENDS FOR 2021: 

Colour – Money Piece Balayage (a faceframing 

effect offering a pop of light and 

dimension), chunky highlights, St Tropez, 

Rouge, Alpine Ice, Mushroom Blonde, 

Pastel Balayage, Golden Black and the 

return of natural hair colour. 

Cuts – Pixie, side-swept bangs, curtain 

bangs, shag haircuts, classic bob, and the 

hair cuts inspired by The Queen’s Gambit. 

WIN! 

You’ve read what a 

makeover can do for you ... So we’re 

giving away a marvellous full makeover 

to one very, very lucky reader. The makeover 

will include a consultation, full head tint/ foils, 

cut and styling, Goldwell in-salon treatment, 

transformation makeup, a Beauty Box plus an 

in-dept image consultation! Head over to 

getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-west to 

enter. Entries close February 15. 

Go, go, go! 

Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Photographer: NICOLE MOORE. 


Clarins Joli Rouge 

Velvet matte, 

luxuriously hydrating 

and long-wearing 

lipstick (for valentine 

smooching). R400 • 

Wink, wink. Clarins 

Mono Eye 

Shadow Velvet 

long-hold cream 

eyeshadow, with a 

fabulous smoothing 

effect, in White Shadow 

and Women In Black. 

R390 each. 

We love a 

primer, and 

Filorga Pore 

Express is one of our 

faves. A double-action, 

anti-ageing primer designed 

for combination to oily skin, 

it instantly blurs and mattifies 

the complexion – bye-bye enlarged pores, shine 

and other skin imperfections. R500 • Filorga 

Global Repair Intensive Serum is a gorgeous, 

rich, restorative, anti-ageing serum designed 

specifically for more mature skin. R1395. 

Royal flush 

We’ve been dealt a love(ly) deck of cards this 

month … so reshuffle your cosmetic bags 

and make space for these beauties. 

It’s been called ‘your Botoxalternative 

anti-ageing 

moisturiser’ … Claire 

Hill S8-28 Anti-Ageing 

Moisturiser is a lightweight 

nourishing lotion 

that smooths away fine 

lines by naturally relaxing 

your facial muscles. Happy 

Valentine’s Day indeed! R1475 

• Claire Hill WPC Eye Complex 

is an advanced anti-ageing 

eye gel, with ingredients that 

naturally tighten blood vessels, relax 

muscles, reduce visible wrinkles and 

pigmentation, and is ideal for mature, 

sensitive skin. Top tip: If your skin’s 

irritated by Vit A (Retinols), this is a great 

alternative. R1865. Details clairehill.co.za 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO. Photos: MEGAN BRETT. 


Nothing 

lovely 

about brown 

spots. This 

SVR Clairial 

Creme 10 helps 

extended brown 

spots disappear 

… lightening your 

complexion. It’s 

hypo-allergenic 

and you’ll see 

results in around six 

weeks. R567 from 

absoluteskin.co.za 

Optiphi Adagio has the 

perfect balance between 

wood, spice and sweet … it’s a 

lovely, feminine fragrance and just 

perfect for the heat of Summer 

and the month of love. R835 

from optiphi.com 

Placecol Excellence Gravity Lift 

Solution promises to give your face 

a visible lift and strengthens sagging 

skin. It tightens, firms and plumps the 

skin, erasing fine lines and wrinkles, 

and increasing radiance and vitality. 

R750 from placecol.com 

The easiest way 

to exfoliate 

is with these 

Skinderm Pure 

Exfoliating 

Glo Pads, 

which have 

AHA and BHA 

and remove 

dry, dull, tired 

skin, leaving 

your skin 

glowing, 

smooth and radiant. R395 

from Takealot. 

For those 

who love the 

vibe of the city, is there 

anywhere more romantic than NYC? We think 

not. Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue NYC Red is 

all sweet red apple and strawberry and jasmine 

sambac … luscious and intense and passionate. 

R515. Details: elizabetharden.co.za 


Looks 

Valentine’s Day is all about keepsakes, and top 

of our lust list is this elegant Forever Close To My 

Heart Diamond Locket crafted by La Kaiser for 

Jimnojean. The 14kt solid gold pendant with a 

natural 1.2mm white diamond is on a 45cm 14kt 

solid gold chain, and you can place a pic of a 

loved one inside the locket. R5000. 

Details: jimnojean.com 

to make 

’em blush 

Charming coral. Stunning salmon. And pink 

in every shade. We’re looking at the world 

through rose-tinted glasses … and we’ve 

found looks that would give even the 

bad-tempered Queen of Hearts rosy cheeks! 

Nothing shady about these Miu-Miu 

pink gradient violet sunglasses. R4350 

from Sunglass Hut. Details: za.sunglasshut.com 


Kicks to foster love 

If these love(ly) sneakers 

will do anything, they’ll 

remind you to love yourself, 

love others and love the 

world … all of which is 

precisely the ethos behind 

the Desigual el Love 

Spring Summer 2020 

collection. Quite fitting for 

Valentine’s Month! They’re 

also helluva stylish … love! 

R1949 from Desigual. 

Details: desi-sa.co.za 


Ooh, this lilac bucket bag with beaded fringing 

gives us all the feels of the roaring twenties. It has a 

shoulder strap and a magnetic clasp closure. R699 

from Zara. Details: zara.com/za 

Lacy and racy swimwear to turn heads 

Have you ever felt more comfortable in your intimates 

than in your swimwear? Well, this is just how the Swim 

Intimates brand came about … and the range of 

bikinis – which could easily pass off as lingerie – is really 

gorgeous and oh-so-flattering. We’re gushing over the 

pretty field of flowers bikini. R499 for the top. R399 for 

the bottoms. Details: swimintimates.co.za 

From a picnic date 

to a trip to the 

bush, this pith 

helmet will 

give you 

some 

stylish 

safari 

vibes 

wherever 

you wear it. 

R595 from 

Elizabeth 

Summer. Details: 

elizabethsummer.com 

Wear your heart… 

On your sleeve? No, never 

mind that … we’re going 

to pop these Wilma heart 

baguette stone studs in our 

ears. Bling bling. R149. They pair 

perfectly with the cute and casual 

Ulla Babydoll Cami. R699. And voila! Your 

daytime date outfit is sorted. Both from 

Forever New. Details: forevernew.co.za 


Love burns bright 

Oranges and lemons. Reds and pinks. And striking designs. Inspired by the feisty 

Queen of Hearts, we’ve fallen for all things bold and beautiful. 

WIN, 

WIN, WIN 

To win 

a bottle tl of Roku Gin, 

pop 

p 

over to our Facebook 

ok page 

(GetItJobu 

burgWest), find our Roku 

Gin post, and enter. 

You 

’ve 

got un 

til February 10 and 

yo 

u ca 

n coll 

ect your prize 

af 

ter the alcohol 

ban lifts. 

Turn heads 

with this 

pineapple-pleshaped 

cartoon 

cushion. 

R120 from 

Takealot. 

Details: 

takealot.comt.com 

Create the perfect 

atmosphere with 

this pink hyacinth 

fragrance diffuser 

from Woolies. 

R229. Details: 

woolworths.co.za 

A toast to your valentine (when the alcohol ban lifts) 

When there’s no longer a restriction on the sale of alcohol, here’s one of the 

first gins to pop into your shopping basket. The flavourful Japanese spirit, 

Roku Gin pairs perfectly with an arrangement of sweet delights, and 

the hexagonal shape of the bottle means it’ll look really trendy on your 

drinks trolley. For a real taste sensation, try the Roku Surimu gin and tonic 

cocktail. Just add 35ml Roku Gin to 15ml lemongrass syrup, stir and then 

top up with half soda and tonic. To make the lemongrass syrup, just blend 

200ml sugar syrup with a bag of lemongrass – leave four sticks for garnish 

– and strain. You’ll find Roku Gin for R299 at Makro, Pick n Pay, Checkers and 

selected TOPS at SPAR. Details: suntory.co.jp/wnb/rokugin 

Discover your 

fortune with one 

of these heartshaped 

fortune 

cookies dipped 

in milk or white 

chocolate from 

Woolies. R14.99. 


If you’re anything like us, you can’t miss out on a sweet treat come Valentine’s Day … but perhaps you’re still focusing on your health 

goals after the festive season indulgences. Look no further than GD Chocolate Loaded Logs. They’re blended with raw honey 

and GD’s dark chocolate – so they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth – and you don’t need to feel guilty for indulging as they’re loaded with 

healthy goodness! There are four flavours … there’s the chewy and malty Collagen Loaded Log, citrus and tangy Vitamin C Loaded 

Log, an energy-boosting and malted-nutty tasting Maca Moringa Loaded Log and the coco-nutty and chocolatey Turmeric Loaded Log 

with anti-inflammatory benefits. Around R24.75 at health stores. Details: gdchocolate.com 

Is there anything quite as romantic as candlelight? We think 

not. And when the wax is designed in sensual moulds like 

these male and female bust candles by Okra Candles 

for Jimnojean, we’re quite certain they’ll set the mood for 

your valentine. You’ll find them in burnt orange, taupe, pale 

blue and pale gold – all with wonderful scents. R250 each. 

Details: jimnojean.com 

Step out in style 

wearing these gorgeous 

Chloe ballerina flats from 

House of Cinnamon. They 

have a leather trim and a 

bow, with a wonderfully 60s 

feel about them. We’ve got 

our eyes set on a red pair, 

but you’ll find them in black, 

navy and tan too. R1275. 

Details: house-ofcinnamon.co.za 



We know we can’t 

venture too far from 

our own garden for 

an al fresco snack 

given the lockdown 

restrictions, so roll out 

this large picnic rug 

with snazzy leather 

handle on your lawn. 

R495 on Dial-a-Picnic 

SA’s online shop. Details: 

picnicsouthafrica.co.za 

Create a delicious charcuterie-and-cheese 

platter on this Joie de Vivre heart board, 

R369 on Dial-a-Picnic SA’s online shop. 

Picnic perfect 

Be it a romantic date 

or a Mad Hatter’s tea 

party, try these picnicky 

delights … but if the 

Queen of Hearts has 

taught us anything, it’s 

for heaven’s sake, don’t 

steal any tarts! 

If you’re looking for something 100 per cent delicious to sip with 

zero per cent alcohol – perfect during the restrictions on the sale of 

alcohol, try Bavaria non-alcoholic beer. You may notice the bottles 

in the 0.0 per cent malt beverage range have a trendy new look … it’s 

in celebration of the brewery’s 300th anniversary. The fruity flavours are 

super-tasty … we enjoy the ginger-lime and apple. Around R79.99 for a 

six-pack which you’ll find at Pick n Pay, SPAR, Checkers and Makro. 

Details: Follow @bavaria_za on Instagram. 

So you want to set the 

mood… Try the JBL Clip 

3. This Bluetooth speaker 

is small enough to 

attach to your belt 

or backpack but is 

rugged enough 

with a loud 

sound to use 

outside. It’s 

waterproof 

with a battery 

that’ll last up 

to 10 hours. We 

fancy this one 

in the colour sand. 

R999. 99. Details: istore.co.za 


The perks of picnics at home during lockdown … home-cooked meals! 

AN EASY-TO-EAT STRAWBERRY 

CHEESECAKE IN A JAR 

Makes eight small jars 

You’ll need: 200g shortbread biscuits 

(crumbed); 200g cream cheese; 

200ml double cream; 90ml icing 

sugar; 10ml vanilla extract; 500g 

strawberries, halved or quartered. 

How to: Crush the biscuits with a 

rolling pin, divide between the jars. 

Whisk the cream cheese, cream, 

75ml icing sugar and the vanilla 

extract until softly whipped. 

Add half of the strawberries and 

the remaining sugar into another 

bowl and crush with a fork to form a 

purée. Ripple the purée through the 

cream and divide between the jars. 

Top each cheesecake with remaining 

strawberries, secure the lids and chill 

until ready to pack up. 

JUICY CAJUN CHICKEN AND MANGO SKEWERS 

It’s still mango season … hooray! This tasty fruit is ideal for 

picnics at home, and it’s high in vitamins A and C as well 

as biotin, and the mineral potassium. Mangoes are also a 

source of vitamins B1 and B6 and free from fat, sodium and 

cholesterol. For a sweet summer treat, the South African 

Mango Growers’ Association shared this recipe for a batch 

of sticky Cajun chicken and mango skewers… 

How to: Toss raw chicken wings in Cajun spice with honey 

and mango juice. Grill on the braai or under an oven grill 

until crispy and slightly blackened. Serve on skewers with 

mango slices and lime wedges. It’s like summer on a stick! 

Details: @SAMangoes on Facebook or @MangoesSA on Insta. 

PORTABELLO AND LEMONY RICOTTA PUFF PASTRY TART 

Krone RD shares this tasty recipe – fitting for Valentine’s Day. 

You’ll need: 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry; 250g smooth 

ricotta cheese; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 1 handful fresh 

oregano leaves (chopped); 6 large portabello mushrooms; 

olive oil; salt and pepper; baby greens or rocket for serving. 

How to: Place the sheet of puff pastry on a tray lined with 

baking paper and score a border 2cm in from the edge all 

the way around. Prick the pastry centre using a fork. Leave 

to rest in the fridge for about an hour. Meanwhile, preheat 

the oven to 220˚C with an empty baking sheet in it to get 

hot. When the oven reaches temperature, carefully lift the 

puff pastry using the baking paper and place it onto the 

hot tray. Blind bake (baking without the filling) the puff 

pastry sheet until golden brown all over. This should take 

about 20 minutes. Remove the pastry from the oven and 

allow to cool. Press down the centre of the pastry so you 

are left with a puffy border. 

Whisk the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and oregano 

together. Season well with salt and pepper. Spread the 

mixture into the centre of the tart. Top with portabello 

mushrooms and season them well. Toss the baby greens in 

a little olive oil and lemon juice, and scatter it over the tart 

before serving. 

When lockdown restrictions lift, be sure to order Krone RD 

MCC and pair it with this dish. 

Compiled by DANIELLA GRAHAM and RIALIEN FURSTENBERG 


GOOD for your HEART 

When you care for your heart, your entire body benefits. We’ve got a 

few healthful food tips to keep your ticker in tip-top condition. 

Compiled by RIALIEN FURSTENBERG 

With so 

much talk about 

our hearts (broken 

or not), there is no 

time like Valentine’s 

Month to show your 

heart some love. After 

all, this muscular organ 

works hard, without breaks, 

to keep you alive. So, you need 

to do your part. 

Herbalife Nutrition’s Florencia 

Braga shares a few easy pointers to 

strengthen your heart. 

CHEW THE FAT 

For long-term heart health, some fats 

are better than others. There are two 

types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. 

Saturated: This ‘bad’ fat is found in 

red meat, full-cream dairy products, 

cheese and many commercially 

prepared baked goods. Major sources 

of saturated fat are fast, snack and 

processed foods such as pizza, 

dairy desserts, bacon, hamburgers, 

and cookies. 

Unsaturated: This is a healthy 

fat, and there are two kinds 

– monounsaturated and 

polyunsaturated, also known as 

Omega-9, -6 and -3. Omega-9 fats are 

mostly present in olive oil, almonds 

and avocados, while you can get 

Omega-6 fats from sunflower oil and 

seeds, corn and soy oil, pine nuts, 


pecan nuts 

and Brazil nuts. 

Fish-sourced Omega-3 

fats are also useful for 

our heart health. They can be found 

in fatty fish like herring, salmon and 

sardines, and can contribute to the 

maintenance of normal blood pressure, 

blood triglycerides concentration and 

heart functions. 

(DON’T) SPILL THE SALT 

Excessive sodium intake is linked to 

high blood pressure, which can put 

strain on your heart. Healthcare experts 

advise that you limit your sodium 

intake up to 2g per day (or up to 5g = 

5ml of salt per day). Tip: Keep a 2.5ml 

measuring spoon in your salt container 

to know how much you are adding, 

rather than grabbing the salt shaker. 

BE 

MODERATELY 

MERRY 

You can still enjoy a 

drink with a kick, but 

don’t go overboard 

– no more than one 

drink a day for women 

and two a day for men. 

One drink is a small glass of wine 

(120ml), a can of beer (340ml) or a tot 

of any spirit (25ml). 

GET ACTIVE 

Getting your heart rate up through 

exercise not only reduces the risk 

of cardiovascular disease, but it also 

improves your bones and muscle 

tone. Aim for at least 150 minutes 

of moderate-intensity physical 

activity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity 

physical activity throughout 

the week. 

PORTION WITH CAUTION 

Try to portion your plate according 

to the ‘plate model’ where half of 

your plate consists of non-starchy 

vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, 

tomatoes, cucumber and carrots), a 

quarter of your plate consists of high 

fibre starches (brown rice, wholewheat 

pasta, sweet potato, butternut) 

and a quarter of your plate consists of 

lean protein (grilled skinless chicken, 

fish, lean mince, ostrich meat, soya.)

Heart-happy foods 

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, 

raspberries and blackberries can 

significantly reduce the build-up of 

bad cholesterol, a culprit contributing 

to heart disease and strokes. 

Black beans: They are packed with 

heart-healthy nutrients. Folate, 

antioxidants and magnesium can help 

lower blood pressure. Their fibre helps 

control both cholesterol and blood 

sugar levels. 

Swiss chard: This dark green, leafy 

vegetable is rich in potassium and 

magnesium. These minerals help 

control blood pressure. Swiss chard 

also has heart-healthy fibre, vitamin A 

and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. 

Oats: The antioxidants present in oats 

are beneficial for heart disease, and 

the dietary fiber helps lower the bad 

cholesterol without affecting the 

good cholesterol. 

Tomatoes: A high-potassium food, 

tomatoes also contain the antioxidant 

lycopene. They may assist in lowering 

cholesterol while also keeping blood 

vessels open. This in turn lowers your 

risk for heart attacks. 

Dark chocolate (at least 60–70 per 

cent cocoa): Contains flavonoids 

called polyphenols, which may 

help blood pressure, clotting and 

inflammation. 

A healthy treat – date and chocolate balls 

You’ll need: 

40g dark chocolate (broken into 

pieces); 15ml cocoa; 45ml low-fat milk; 

5ml vanilla essence; 250g pitted dates 

(finely chopped); 100ml desiccated 

coconut; extra coconut and cocoa to 

decorate with. 

How to: 

Place chocolate in a glass bowl and 

melt over gently simmering water. 

Mix cocoa with some of the milk to 

form a paste and mix with remaining 

milk and vanilla. Stir some of the 

melted chocolate into the milk 

mixture until smooth. Mix into the 

warm chocolate. Stir in dates and 

coconut. Place spoonfuls of the 

mixture onto baking paper and 

sprinkle with coconut or cocoa and 

allow to set. 

Alternatively, allow to cool slightly and 

then roll into balls. Roll balls into extra 

coconut or cocoa, if preferred. Cool in 

the fridge. 

Head over to cookingfromtheheart.co.za 

for more heart-healthy recipes. 

More than ‘just water’ for 

the health-conscious 

Health is the new wealth, so they say, 

but we know the feeling when the 

healthy option doesn’t seem quite so 

appealing … especially when it comes 

to social drinks. That’s why we’re raving 

about A1 Fruit Water. It’s natural 

sparkling water infused with citrus 

fruit … think grapefruit, lemon and 

mandarin – our fave. You’d honestly 

never guess these tasty thirst quenchers 

are zero calories, and free of sugar, 

sweeteners, preservatives and gluten. 

They’re vegan and diabetic friendly 

too. After all, the aim of A1 Fruit Water 

is ‘hydration by nature’. R399 a case, 

and you’ll find it on Takealot. 

Details: a1fruitwater.com or follow 

@a1sparklingwater on Facebook 

and Instagram. 


The birds and 

Don’t panic ... we’re not about to give you ‘the talk’. We’re sharing apps, books, 

facts and treats that have to do with these marvellous creatures. 

Have you ever spotted a bird and wished you had your bird 

book nearby? We know we have. We may not carry our bird book 

around but if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to be in our 

back pocket wherever we go, it’s our phone. That’s why the new 

app, BirdPro, is so handy. It’ll help you to identify and find out 

more about birds and their calls, and it’s not just for amateurs, 

we’re sure birding enthusiasts will find something to learn too … 

like the names of birds in 16 languages. It’s said to be a groundbreaking 

app and it won the Most Innovative Solution for 2020 in 

the MTN Business App of the Year Awards. Even better, it proves 

local really is lekker as it was developed by Linden resident, Herman 

van den Berg. Details: Download BirdPro on the App Store. 


The 2020 lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic 

was bound to make many of us feel a little grumpy 

at some point, but wildlife photographer Lynne 

Wilde didn’t quite expect to find a grumpy-looking 

crested barbet in her Bryanston garden. When 

she could no longer ignore his ‘insistent calls’, she 

decided to feed and photograph him, and she 

named him Grumpy Crestie. She let her imagination 

run wild with what he would say if he could 

speak a language like English, and so she began to 

capture his daily antics and post them on a local 

Facebook group. Her posts made many smile, and it 

wasn’t long before Grumpy Crestie had built such a 

strong fan base that Lynne decided he needed his 

own Facebook and Instagram pages. She continued 

to document photographs and a daily diary of the 

bird and his bride, Lady Chatterly, and fans lapped 

up the posts. To end off last year, Grumpy Crestie’s 

photos and antics were compiled into a colourful, 

witty and downright amusing 120-page book – 

terrific for your coffee table and to take your mind 

off even more lockdown restrictions in 2021. Order 

the book online and have it delivered to your door. 

R299. Details: You’ll find the link to order the book on 

the Grumpy Crestie Facebook page, and you can follow 

@grumpycrestie on Instagram too. 


the bees 

There’s a reason we say ‘as busy as a bee’… 

Bees are awfully busy creatures, especially in the summertime. The gardening 

app Candide started the #PolliNationSA movement to encourage South 

Africans to grow bee-friendly plants. 

Here are 10 things you can do to help the busy bees… 

1. Plant a veggie and fruit garden … even in a small patch. 

2. Place pebbles and rocks in a shallow plate of water outside in the shade. 

3. Plant a variety of flowers that last from early Spring to late Autumn in clumps 

so bees can find them easily. 

4. Use bee-friendly pesticides and natural remedies like vinegar, Epsom salt and 

essential oils. 

5. Support organic farmers rather than farming methods that use pesticides. 

6. Buy raw honey from local beekeepers … it’s more nutritious than some of 

the types of honey bought in stores which can be processed, pasteurised and 

loaded with added sugars. 

7. Help solitary bees by setting up a Candide Solitary Bee Hotel in your garden. 

It’s a rectangular piece of wood with a few holes of different sizes bored into it to 

mimic the natural breeding nests to attract solitary bees. R240 from candide.co.za 

8. Square off a section of your lawn that can grow wild and free as bees don’t like 

lawn without flowers. 

9. Don’t weed your garden as some – like dandelions – can be a great source of 

food for bees. 

10. Stay still if a bee is around or lands on you – it’s probably just trying to see if 

you have any nectar and will most likely fly away. Learn to love these creatures. 

Check out the #PolliNationSA campaign by downloading the free Candide App 

on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Details: candide.co.za 

‘Sweets for my sweet, 

sugar for my honey,’ 

so The Searchers 

sang, and the Darling 

Sweet Raw Veld 

Flower Honey has 

us singing all sorts 

of sweet nothings. 

R140 for 500g. Details: 

darlingsweet. 

co.za 

If you’re looking for a way to moisturise 

and strengthen your hair 

while getting the frizz and tangles 

under control (hands up those who 

holidayed in humid KZN), try Crème 

of Nature’s Moisture Replenish & 

Strength Hair Mask. It uses natural 

ingredients of pure honey, coconut 

oil and shea butter. R199.95 from 

Clicks and Dis-Chem. Details: 

@cremeofnature_sa on Instagram 

‘A slice of pecan pie in a glass of Jack’ 

… this is how the master distiller 

describes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee 

Honey. It has a light sweet-honeyed 

aroma with that Jack Daniels classic 

sugary charcoal fragrance. When 

the ban on alcohol lifts, try it with 

lemonade, dry lemon or on the rocks. 

Around R279 for 750ml. 

Details: jackdaniels.com/en-za 


Is there anything worse than 

chopping under a dim light? 

We think not. That’s why we’re 

after one of these indoor pendants 

from The Lighting Warehouse 

that’ll make our kitchen 

not only bright but super stylish 

too. Choose Dormer (left), 

R799, or Jozi (right), R499. 

Details: lightingwarehouse.co.za 

The heart of a home 

Lockdown’s not easing up … so here’s to spending many more hours in our kitchens. 

NEED HIGH RES IMAGE 

If you’re a wine aficionado, you probably 

don’t only have an eye out for 

new bottles to add to your collection 

but how to store them too. Miele has 

a fantastic range of wine conditioning 

units to provide the best storage conditions, 

no matter how long you plan 

to keep a bottle. The company advises 

it’s best to store wine in a constant 

and steady climate… Heat is one of 

wine’s biggest enemies. UV rays can 

cause chemical reactions in wine. Vibrations 

can damage wine in the long 

term. And an odourless environment 

is essential. The wine conditioning 

units are pricey but worth it. From R39 

999. Details: miele.co.za 


If binge-watching reality TV cooking shows have taught us anything, 

it’s just how important presentation is when it comes to plating a meal. 

And when you start off with unique and stylish crockery, we feel half the 

battle’s already won. Cue Setamono Japanese Homeware which has a 

range of gorgeous handcrafted Japanese artisan ceramics. We’re pretty ty 

sure you’ll find your friends drooling even before the meal is served! The 

tableware has wonderful textures, colours and glazes, and you’ll also find 

some lovely kitchenware, like a huge selection of Hibachi table grills. For our 

Valentine’s Day spread, we’ve got our eyes set on this Makoto plate … 

this one’s a medium size for R330. Details: setamono.co.za 


Everything but 

the kitchen sink... 

Now there’s a saying we know pretty 

well but, trust us, if your kitchen sink 

had the Hansgrohe Talis M54, you’d 

be finding a way to protect it with all 

your might. With a smooth, high arc 

design and subtle temperature indicators, 

this slender tap is a perfect fit for 

a modern, open-plan and sociable 

kitchen. It uses technology to reduce 

water consumption, and there’s a 

pull-out spout to wash your veggies 

or dishes – so convenient! It’s easy to 

clean too … just rub off the limescale 

build-up with your finger. You’ll find 

it in matt black and chrome. From 

R4480.20. Details: hansgrohe.co.za 

Spruce up the most important 

room in your home with this 

super-handy Jasper 

five-hook kitchen plaque 

from Mr Price Home. R129.99. 

Details: mrphome.com 

It’s all in the details … and we’re 

sure your guests will enjoy tucking 

into their meals with this 16-piece 

stainless steel cutlery set in 

rose 

gold from Mr Price Home. R349.99. 

New year, new look 

If we perfected anything in 2020, it was the art of nesting … and for most of us 

during lockdown, our kitchens were the room in our homes that brought us the 

most joy. (Remember all the loaves of banana bread and sourdough we baked?) 

If the heart of your home needs a bit of spit ’n polish, you’re probably looking 

for a trendy new paint colour. Try Plascon Golden Syrup … it’s a warm, sunny 

yellow that’s thought to be a positive and uplifting colour, which is why it’s the 

company’s favourite hue for 2021. Go on, give your kitchen that warm fuzzy glow 

and feel inspired to continue cooking up a storm this year. If you’re really not sure 

how to use this colour, just ask the colour advice team. 

Details: colouradvice@kansaiplascon.co.za 


LOVE 

gardening 


Heart and soul 

It may be a bit cheesy but we don’t 

care … after all, who can resist 

hearts during Valentine’s Month? 

Look carefully at the new ‘Heart and 

Soul’ petunia and you will see the 

pretty hearts on the petals. Clever! 

This novelty petunia produces lots 

of large single flowers on a nicely 

compact and bushy plant. To bring 

out the hearts, plant it in full sun, in 

soil that drains well and give it the 

tender loving care of fertiliser once 

a month. It’s also a great option for 

hanging baskets and containers. 

Details: ballstraathof.co.za

Indoor plant of the month 

Roses are always a winner during Valentine’s Month, and for 

long-lasting blooms, pot roses are the best. Choose one with a good 

selection of buds in addition to the open flowers. There are so many 

colours that it is easy to give your loved one their favourite. And let’s 

face it, there is nothing more appealing than a perfect rose bloom 

in miniature. Pot roses can be displayed in any position that receives 

bright light, indoors or on the patio. Remember roses love water, so 

keep the soil moist. After flowering, take the pot outdoors and cut 

back the stems to 5cm above the ground. As soon as it shoots, fertilise 

with a liquid feed and after two months it will flower again. It can 

then be taken back indoors, kept as an outdoor pot rose, or planted 

in the soil where it will receive at least six hours of sun a day. Details: 

lvgplant.co.za 

Veggie of the month 

For those who like it hot, the range of table-top 

dwarf pot peppers grows happily indoors, producing 

mild to hot chillies. The compact plants (15 to 35cm 

tall) bear fruit in the pot and can be harvested when 

needed. Grown indoors they need bright light and 

medium watering; let the soil almost dry out before 

watering again. For good fruit production, apply a liquid 

fertiliser at half strength every two weeks. Plants 

can remain in the pot (both indoors or outdoors) 

or transplanted into the garden, where they need 

morning sun and afternoon shade. The names say 

it all: hot burrito (Red), hot carrot (yellow), hot fajita 

(red), macho (red), cosmo (purple) and the ever-popular 

jalapeño. Details: ballstraathof.co.za 

Garden tasks for February 

Help plants to survive the heat by watering regularly and 

mulching beds to keep the soil cool. • Summer annuals looking 

tired? Replace them with heat-hardy marigolds, zinnia, salvia, 

and portulaca. • Cut back pelargoniums and trim ivy leaf 

varieties that have become untidy. • Water the lawn regularly 

and in very hot weather set the mower so that the grass is 

higher to shade the roots. • Delay fertilising until the end of 

February or early March when it is cooler. • Vegetables that 

get midday and afternoon sun can be protected with a 20 or 

40 per cent shade cloth. This also helps to save water because 

they do not need watering as much. • Keep pests under control 

with an organic insecticide like Ludwig’s Insect Spray or 

Margaret Roberts Organic Insect Spray. • Keep your birdbaths 

filled with fresh water for the birds and butterflies. 

February 2021 Get It Magazine 27 

Text: ALICE COTZEE

18 Months - Grade 12 

011 100 5377 

admissions@tkswr.co.za 

www.kingsedgrp.co.za

ENROL NOW 

WEST RAND 

DISCOVERY 

VINEYARD 

18 Months - Gr 12 

011 100 5377 

admin@tkswr.co.za 

Grade R - Grade 7 

011 763 7012 

discovery@tkswr.co.za 

Grade R - Grade 12 

087 022 0345 

admin@vineyardschool.co.za 

MULDERSDRIFT 

DAYSPRING 

Grade RR - Gr 4 

068 202 5378 

muldersdrift@tkswr.co.za 

Gr RR - Grade 12 

011 100 5377 

admin@tkswr.co.za

GET IT DIRECTORY 

To advertise here call 011 955 1130

GET IT DIRECTORY 

To advertise here call 011 955 1130

Text: DANIELLA GRAHAM. Photographs: KAPAMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & DANIELLA GRAHAM. 

Can you smell that?’ 

asks the ranger 

during a drizzly 

early morning 

game drive. 

‘It smells like 

popcorn. A male 

leopard has 

been marking his 

territory here.’ 

We couldn’t spot the leopard. But that 

didn’t matter. It’s colourful moments 

just like this that really made our twonight 

stay at River Lodge in Kapama 

Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit 

so memorable. 

Wildlife is abundant in the reserve 

and, quite simply, the game drives and 

bushwalks are a highlight. 

During our short stay, we saw four of 

the Big Five and many other thrilling 

creatures – like a python, three-odd 

metres in length, slithering across a 

road in the dark. In fact, on our short 

drive from the reserve’s gate to River 

Lodge after landing at Hoedspruit’s 

Eastgate Airport, we’d already spotted 

two buffaloes wallowing in a dam, 

zebras, giraffes and more impalas than 

we could count. On both evening 

drives, we came across a pride of lazy 

lions – and on each occasion, one cat 

was lying on her back with four paws 

hanging limply in the air. These special 

moments don’t stop in the reserve. 

Back at River Lodge, as we tucked 

into wood oven-baked baby chicken 

with garlic crushed potatoes and 

chimichurri on our first night, terrapins 

splashed in the water near our table. 

The next day, as we relaxed with a 

soothing, lavender-infused neck, 

shoulder and back massage at the 

peaceful wellness centre (a must-visit), 

hippos grunted and groaned nearby. 

We’re bragging … we know – but this 

is the essence of a stay at River Lodge. 

Nature surrounds you. It’s wonderfully 

inescapable. You’ll see, hear and smell 

all sorts of bush activities … whether 

you’re on a game drive or lounging by 

the crystal blue pool. Whether you’re 

on a bushwalk in the reserve (you 

won’t believe what you’ll learn from 

the rangers) or when you’re cutting 

into your breakfast omelette. Even 

the lodge is decorated with earthy 

tones, thatch and textures that scream 

African bushveld. 

Dining is a special experience. Most 

meals were served on the wooden 

Savour tasty meals on the wooden deck under a cool thatch roof. 

Unwind at the wellness centre. We enjoyed a massage to the sound of hippos. 

deck under a thatch roof or trees. 

Usually, there’s a buffet, but due to 

regulations imposed by Covid-19, 

we enjoyed a plated, set menu. For 

breakfast, the omelettes are something 

to rave about, and the caramelised 

onion quiche and salad is tasty and 

light enough for lunch on a hot, humid 

afternoon. Our final evening’s meal 

was an experience we won’t easily 

forget. Lanterns lit the way to tables set 

up in a dry riverbed where we dined 

under the stars to the persistent – and 

lovely – Piet-my-vrou call of a redchested 

cuckoo. The tender braised 

beef short rib, potato croquettes and 

butternut puree was our standout 

meal of the trip, and the Cape brandy 

pudding with butterscotch sauce and 

ice cream was delicious. If you have a 

real sweet tooth, then be sure to order 

the lemon cheesecake … the reserve’s 

brand manager Nicole Walker tells us 

it’s irresistible! 

You won’t go hungry between meals. 

Not even on game drives. As we 

climbed down from the Land Cruiser 

for our first sundowners of the trip, 

we found a magnificent snack buffet 

and drinks stand set up in the middle 

of the reserve surrounded by glowing 

lanterns. A giraffe browsed nearby and, 

as the sky turned from orangey shades 

to darkness, we chatted, sipped – there 

were even pink G&Ts – and snacked 

on pastries, cheese, biltong and other 

savoury delights. 

As you can imagine, we didn’t spend 

too much time in our room … there 

was simply too much else to explore! 


Inescapable wildlife 

From the persistent Piet-my-vrou call of the red-chested cuckoo as you tuck 

into your dinner to the groan of hippos while you enjoy a massage, wildlife is 

wonderfully abundant at Kapama Private Game Reserve’s River Lodge. 

Capture splendid sightings … we came across this special moment of a giraffe drinking just before we left the reserve. 

River Lodge is the biggest of Kapama’s 

four camps on the reserve with 64 

rooms. We stayed in one of the spa 

suites which was spacious and hotellike. 

On cooler days, we imagine 

bathing in the tub in front of the huge 

window looking out at the greenery 

would be magnificent. This lodge is 

perfect for big groups or families. 

With a bit of work to do, we were 

grateful for the cool and simply-styled 

conference room as well as the lounge 

spots dotted near the reception area 

which were great for small meetings. 

Of course, you can drive to the reserve, 

but what made our trip special is 

that we flew to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate 

Airport … it’s so close to the reserve 

and there are complimentary transfers 

to the lodge. We took a return flight 

with CemAir, and can highly, highly 

recommend! 

Kapama also offers a private fly-in 

experience on a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft 

– and, in fact, we visited the airstrip 

where guests would land as we were 

fortunate enough to be staying at 

the lodge along with pilot Jan Roode 

and his aerial photographer wife, Jay, 

for the launch of their book, Aerial 

Art. One morning, Jan showed us 

the reserve from the sky … all the 

treetops, roads, dams and even one of 

the Big Five from a bird’s-eye view. It 

was exhilarating! 

We also found we’re not the only ones 

raving about River Lodge. Jan says, 

‘Because of our work, we’ve stayed at 

many lodges in southern Africa and 

all over the world, and this is really an 

exceptional one.’ 

Details: Kapama Private Game Reserve: 

kapama.com or 012-368-0600. 

CemAir: flycemair.co.za or 011-395-4473. 

Make a booking 

Kapama’s luxury flights for 2021 from R50 000 for a return trip. 

River Lodge’s spa suite on-peak rates – until May 31 – from R3950 a person 

sharing. The spa family suite on-peak rates from R11850 a suite. Rates include 

daily morning and afternoon game drives, all meals, high tea, local and selected 

premium drinks but exclude conservation levy of R150 a person a night. 


Spoil 

February 

The rosé we love the most 

We’re playing Queen of Hearts this Valentine’s 

Day, and trust us when we tell you a bottle of the 

extraordinary Jean Roi Cap Provincial Rosé 

2018 will capture your true love’s heart. What’s 

more, this premium rosé from Anthonij Rupert 

Wyne is guaranteed to take your love for this 

style of wine up a notch too. A blend of Cinsault, 

Grenache and Shiraz, the pale copper pink wine 

takes its cue from the international Summer drinking 

styles, and is a fusion of fresh fruit flavours – think 

melon, peach and nectarine with a little lemon zest 

twist. Its regal bottle is embossed with JR (paying 

homage to Jean Roi, the French Huguenot from 

Provence who pioneered the L’Ormarins Wine Estate’s 

300-year-old viticultural history), and the wine 

is lovely for a valentine toast at sunset, but is also 

perfect with delicious nectarine caprese salad, with 

grilled prawns and crayfish, or seared duck breast 

served with a raspberry jus (just a few ideas for your 

valentine dinner date). Oh … and just to set the 

record straight … it’s not only for the girls. Real men 

do most certainly drink pink. This wine costs around 

R240 a bottle, and you can get it from specialist 

wine stores as well as directly from Anthonij Rupert 

Wyne at rupertwines.com. Since we really, really love 

our readers, we’re giving away a case of this wine for 

you to share with your valentine (or not, as the case 

may be … nothing wrong with a little self-love). 

To enter, all you need do is visit our Facebook or 

Instagram page (GetItJoburgWest), and tag a roséloving 

friend in the comments section. Entries close 

February 26. Prizes will only be delivered once the 

alcohol ban is lifted.

JHB West - Feb 2021

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