Dec 22 Lowveld

Theatre by day,
theatre by night
The fine
art of LEGO
Win!
A hamper of sublime
indulgence is up
for grabs
Celebrating
life, love and
Christmas with
Bianca
Rennison
Lunching in
the Lowveld
The Glam Issue!
Festive vibes, spectacular spoils & lots of bubbly
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
december 2022 / january 2023

contents
GET IT Why don’t you ...
Editorial
Phone 013 754 1600
Lowveld Media
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Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/
Editor
Mellissa Bushby
mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084 319 2101
Photographers
Tanya Erasmus 083 778 7725
Belinda Erasmus 082 567 0596
Layout
Wessel Cöhrs
Subeditors
Jess Steyn • Wahl Lessing
Sales
Colletha Noppé Rattray
colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387
Charledene Kotze
charledene@lowvelder.co.za 079 403 8049
GET IT NATIONAL
National Group Editor and
National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za 082 785 9230
Facebook and Instagram:
Get It National Magazines
Distribution
Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge.
For a full list of where to find a copy,
phone Monya Burger on 083 555 4992
Published by CTP Limited
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 Get It
Lowveld within 10 days or they will be forfeited.
Prizewinners names are published on our
Facebook page monthly.
04 Get lost in a good book, give a foodie friend the perfect gift,
or celebrate the season of joy with Vin de Joie wine
WISH LIST
06 The excitement is real. From glam scent to scrummy bubbly and
everything in between, we are in a festive mood!
SOCIALS
08 Timelessly stylish with the Weylandts Summer Collection
09 Going walkies for charity
09 Prost! Having a blast at this year’s Oktoberfest
people
10 Bianca Rennison chats to us about Christmas, being
a mum, and spending time with yourself
14 Theatre lights by day, theatre lights by night with
Andries du Preez
16 Elizabeth Tristram explains why she believes
art is life
BEAUTY
18 Red lips and shimmering highlights and slides that switch
from plain to party ... it’s all frosting on the festive cake
FOOD
24 It’s the season to eat, drink and be very, very merry! Indulge
in delish local fare and celebrate friends and family
Win
06 A case of sublime L’Ormarins Brut Classique Rosé NV,
perfect for toasting the festive season
32 A marvellous celebration of all things sweet with a
hatbox hamper of Sally Williams treats
COVER LOOK
Bianca Rennison.
Make-up: Elsabé Steyn - Elsabé Steyn Styling Studio.
Photographer: Tanya Erasmus - Something Timeless Photography.
Venue: Bel Ombre Restaurant, Mbombela.
dec 2022 / jan 2023
Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 Get It Lowveld 03

Book club
Books for the hols, gifts for foodie friends, Vin de Joie wine ... it’s the season of joy.
La Motte’s
Vin de Joie 2022 Rosé
is a salmon pink wine ... all melon
and grapefruit, nectarine and hint
of sweet candyfloss. Drink it with
a simple salad, charcuterie,
salmon or crayfish. R99 from
your local wine boutique or
online from la-motte.com
Would you think of taking left over lemon rind, baking at high heat until dry and
charred, then grinding what are, to be completely honest here, the now shrivelled
pieces of burnt rind, and using as a condiment with sweet and savoury dishes?
Nope. Us neither. But we’re not Yotam (obvs). In Ottolenghi Test Kitchen – Extra
Good Things, it’s suggested Ottolenghify should be a verb (‘I Ottolenghified my
roasted aubergine with some feta’) … and this sensationally delicious book is just
full of twists, flavour surprises, and flair. We’re going to Ottolenghify our foodie
friends’ Christmas with copies of this, with best wishes for a year full of sauces,
sprinkles, pickles and flavour. Ebury Press, R595
Ottolenghi and Prue ... happy days
We’ve all got that one friend. The one who loves food, but is a disaster in the
kitchen. And Yotam Ottolenghi may say “There’s an art to making toast, and Prue
Leith knows it.’’ But ... it’s toast. And Prue says the recipes in Bliss On Toast are easy,
and most home cooks will be able to make them. The collection was compiled by
Prue to celebrate her 30-odd year habit of eating something on toast on Sunday
nights in front of the telly - like the rest of us, yes? But while we’re making avo and
tomato toast and pâté on crisp bread (both of which are in the book, Prue’s no
snob), she ups the game a little. Think duck egg with rainbow chard and Dijon
butter, or figs with blue cheese, thyme and honey. Her beans on toast may use a
can of white cannellini beans and store-bought white bread, but there’s chorizo
and smoked paprika and softened cherry tomatoes. For keen cooks, there’s also
a chapter with recipes to make sauces and breads from scratch. There are sweet
options ... like fried Christmas pudding, brandy cream and blackberries, and
because Christmas means leftovers ... we’ll be making her bubble and squeak with
hollandaise on Boxing Day. Bloomsbury Publishing, R362
04 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

A few of our holiday reads ...
Whatever your taste in holiday reads, there’s a wonderful selection this month.
We’ve put these aside to take with us these hols. Santa Montefiore’s Flappy
Investigates is light and rather silly, so perfect for a day on the lounger. All
snobbery and gossip, ardent admirers and parties and small village life. Simon and
Schuster • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas broke our hearts. And we’ve a feeling John
Boyne’s just released All The Broken Places is going to do it again. It’s the story
of Gretel, sister of Bruno (the protagonist in the first novel), who was 12 when her
brother disappeared, and is now 91, living in London and who has, when a young
family move into the apartment below hers, the chance to expiate her guilt, grief
and remorse and act to save a young boy. Certainly not an easy holiday read, but
quite possibly the one we’re looking forward to the most. Penguin, an Exclusive
Books Festive Favourites read • An Angel’s Demise is Sue Nyathi’s epic saga of love,
war, bloody massacre and betrayal, as well as the cruel caprice of politics, genderbased
violence and what happens when ordinary people get caught up in lies.
Pan Macmillan • It’s 1561 and when sixteen-year-old Lucrezia, Duchess of Ferrara,
is taken to a country villa by her husband, it occurs to her that he’s taken her there
to kill her. Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait shows the beauty and brutality
of Renaissance Italy, and of a young woman whose proximity to power places
her in mortal danger. Tinder Press • Jodi Picoult. A proper holiday read, since once
you start you struggle to put her books down. In Mad Honey, she co-authors
with Jennifer Finney Boylan, the two alternating chapters in this book that doesn’t
shy away from difficult subjects, exploring identity and self-acceptance, abuse
and toxic relationships, domestic violence and trust. Hodder and Stoughton,
an Exclusive Books Festive Favourites read • When Tanz discovers the voices she
hears in her head are not, actually, her imagination working overtime, but rather
messages from beyond the grave, a whole new way of life opens for her. And
not a moment too soon, since all has not gone according to plan on the career
side. Tracy Whitwell’s The Accidental Medium is perfect for beach or long plane
journey. Macmillan • And what, we ask, would a holiday be without a thriller?
Peter James’ Picture You Dead is a Detective Superintendent Roy Grace novel
... in which he’s plunged into the unfamiliar world of fine art - a world which
appears to be respectable, gentlemanly and above reproach, but which in fact is
all greed, deception and violence. Macmillan
Traditional
CHRISTMAS
BUFFET AT THE ARENA
with live entertainment
25 DEC 2022
12H00 TO 16H00
Enjoy a scrumptious
traditional Christmas
buffet with family
and friends
ONLY R350 PP
PP
PENSIONERS R250
CHILDREN U/12 R175 PP
Bookings and
pre-payments essential
Emnotweni.Arena@tsogosun.com
013 757 4455
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
www. emnotweni.co.za

Wish list
The excitement is real!
Designed in France, made in Brazil ...
these Cacatoès sandals are made
from recycled PVC, have a candy
scent and come in amazing designs
and shades. We, obviously, are
wearing the gold ones all season,
from beach to cocktail party to
dinner. R840 from stylista-brands.co.za
06 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023
There’s no debate about what we’re
(very gently) popping open this
December. We’re celebrating with this
L’Ormarins Brut Classique Rosé
NV ... coral pink, with a vigorous
stream of fine bubbles, it’s all
bold strawberry, red berry fruit
and cherry, with hints of fresh,
zesty lemon and citrus for a
zip of acidity. Exactly what
we want when we’re toasting
the festive season, best
friends, a new year. You’ll
find it for R180 a bottle on
shop.rupertwines.com.
And we’re about to make
someone’s festive season
jolly special indeed. Pop over
to @getitnationalmagazines
on Instagram or Facebook
where you’ll find out how to
win a case for Christmas.
Carolina Herrera’s CH ... elegant and
glamorous, R1 775 from Woolworths

These beautiful, large,
custom handmade wooden
Christmas plaques by
Anlea Custom Creations
are available in different
sizes and designs. Prices
on request - depending
on size. Contact
060 333 6406
Three-and-a-half metre long
gold foil star garland. R120
from mustloveparty.co.za
Pop under the tree, or use on the
table for a wonderfully luxurious
setting ... these Cape Island
Christmas crackers have a
choice of a mini scented candle,
a mini diffuser, a hand cream or
a sanitiser. All festively scented
with cinnamon and clove,
caramel and vanilla, they’re ecofriendly
and luxurious. From R200
from capeisland.co.za
N E W STO R E
Now open!!!
Shop LG 13, i’langa Mall,
Corner Betterbessie &
Flamboyant Street, Nelspruit.

Mapule Molehele and Alsi Modiga
Thando Moyo and Marnie Pieterse
Judith and Wes Mommsen
Timelessly stylish
The recent launch of the Weylandts New Summer Collection in
Mbombela was an extension of the elegance and avant-gard chic we
have come to know and love from this iconic brand.
Wanda Zonke
Johan and Markie Shultz
Nicholas Els and Ansje Serfontein
Marvelous Moyo
08 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

Going walkies
A pawsomely good time was recently had by all at the
Absolute Pets Walk for Paws fun walk at Friends Café in
Mbombela to raise funds for the SPCA.
Stolla Tocknell, Henri Gouws and Coco Monica Fourie and Rex Zante, Pierre and Lego Botes
Prost!
This year’s Oktoberfest, held at
Mbombela Stadium, was a roaring
success with amazing beer, great food
and an awesome atmosphere.
Natalie and Jurie Grobler Sousaphonics Oompah Band Naranda and Christo Leeuwner

Bianca Rennison

SPARKLE
& SHINE
The mum of two Bianca Rennison spent her formative
years in the picturesque little town of Sabie, revelling in
the idyllic laid-back lifestyle that comes from village life.
Nowadays Bianca calls Mbombela
home, and she is quick to say she
absolutely loves it. After having
worked in recruitment for a few years,
she currently works as an executive
assistant.
Keeping busy is clearly her thing;
she has just completed her NQF4
and has also recently completed a
microblading course, which she says is
something she has always wanted to
do. And if that’s not enough, keeping
fit and healthy are also high on Bianca’s
list of priorities, and she tries to fit in
three to four gym sessions a week.
Growing up, she always thought that
someday she would study law, get
her degree and specialise in family
law. “I am passionate about youth
empowerment, and I love working
with children,” she says. “Giving back my
time to make a difference is something
that is very important to me.” She adds
that she also enjoys being around
people, and being part of a team. With
the festive season upon us, Bianca is
looking forward to indulging her love
of family time, spending the holiday
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: TANYA ERASMUS
Bianca with her husband, Richard

Bianca, Melinda Cloete, Karen Marais, Savannah Nel and Keshia Nicole
at home with all the family members
together. “On Christmas Eve, we start
prepping the food, and at 12pm we
wake the kids up and start exchanging
gifts and giving thanks for another
year together. Then, on Christmas Day,
we do a big brunch. We also always
go for a festive drive around the town,
and then end the day with a good old
classic Christmas movie,” she smiles.
As a highly motivated and driven
individual, Bianca laughingly says that
she is constantly challenging herself to
be a better person, making a positive
change wherever she goes. “I strive
to laugh often and win the respect of
intelligent people and the affection of
children. I always look for the best in
others, and hope to leave the world
a little better for having been in it,
whether it’s by means of a healthy,
happy child or a thriving garden patch.
‘I strive to laugh
often and win the
respect of intelligent
people and the
affection of children’
To know that even one person has
breathed easier because of something
I have done, is what drives me the
most,” she says. Bianca is involved in
a charity organisation called Arms of
Hope, in collaboration with Pro Gratia
School, which she hopes will someday
be successful enough to be able to
branch out to other provinces as well
as Mpumalanga.
Bianca’s love for children is obvious in
the way she relates to her own 10-yearold
Charmonique and three-year-old
Levi. She lovingly describes their antics,
saying that Levi is a typical little boy
who loves playing outside. “He takes
after his grandfather, always trying to
help him fix his cars! Charmonique, on
the other hand, is a total girly girl. She
loves to dance, do gymnastics, and
when she thinks no one is around, is a
total drama queen!”
Charmonique has the perfect role
model when it comes to dressing
up. Bianca recently took part in the
Mrs Globe South Africa pageant, and
loved every single moment of it. She
explains that she never viewed it as a
competition, but rather as a learning
experience, one she will never forget.
“There are a million reasons why
you should enter a pageant like this,”
she says. “During my journey I have
built up self-confidence and forged
new friendships. I have found that
opportunities open up once you have
a platform, and you discover why
you have a voice and are given that
platform to make a difference.”
Bianca adds that there are so
many things you learn, not only
about yourself, but also about
communication and leadership skills,
and how to participate in interviews
Little Levi
12 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

Bianca with her daughter, Charmonique
and discussions with confidence. “And the all-important
poise! I see pageantry as a doorway for those who want
to give back, to learn more about themselves, but also to
be in the limelight.” She is quick to add that as women,
we so often unfairly put ourselves down, sometimes
without even realising it. “For example, when someone
says, ‘Wow, that’s a beautiful dress!’ how often do we
say, ‘What, this old thing?’ instead of graciously smiling
and accepting the compliment? We need to build one
another up and make ourselves and others feel good
about who we are.”
While staying on her toes is important for this young
mum, she admits that finding a balance between
home, work and herself can be tricky. Though she says
it is never easy, she tries to prioritise her days to ensure
that she can attend to everyone’s needs. “During the
day, work comes first,” she says, “but the evenings and
weekends are all about slowing down and spending
time with my family. They are the most important thing
in my life.” When at home, Bianca loves to do DIY, and
spending time on long nature walks in her home town
of Sabie with the kids and hubby Richard, reliving happy
memories, is a favourite pastime.
Bianca’s ideal family getaway is Langebaan, where she
loves to lounge on the beach with the kids, without any
distractions from technology. While she loves travelling
- and laughs that she would be packed and ready
within five minutes given the chance - she also loves
the Lowveld, adding that we stay in one of the most
beautiful provinces in South Africa. “I love the small city
vibes, the friendly community, the mountains, the nature
that surrounds us … The Lowveld is very close to my
heart,” she smiles.
Inspired by success stories, Bianca loves to watch
inspirational videos, especially those of Steve Jobs, and
she says that the best place to find peace is to travel
somewhere quiet. We have no doubt that with her
easy smile and gentle nature, she is well on her way to
creating a success story of her very own.

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
life
Star-studded
When it comes to festive (and other!) glam, medical
professional and patient liaison officer Andries du Preez
knows just how to sparkle.
Growing up on a farm in Kiepersol, life
was idyllic for Andries. His parents had
two trading posts, named Running
Waters and Nola, and Andries and his
little sister, Yolandi, spent their days
playing among the banana, litchi, avo,
macadamia and mango trees. “We
would freely help ourselves to fruits
and nuts, enjoying long, balmy days of
sunshine, swimming in the farm dam,
always cautious of the hippos and
crocodiles! Those were such carefree,
happy barefoot days, everything was
an adventure.”
Andries completed his primary school
years at Numbi Primary, moving on
to Rob Ferreira High School in White
River, where he took part in a number
of revue and school operettas, fuelling
a lifelong passion for the stage. “Ever
since I can remember, it has been
my dream to perform under bright
lights. Just the thought of performing
each night for a different audience
excites and thrills me,” says Andries, “the
costumes, rehearsals, make-up, the
props - now that is what dreams are
made of!”
Because singing, dancing and
modelling were not especially big in
the Lowveld, his mum would take him
to Witbank, Newcastle and Pretoria
for his training. Having a supportive
family and partner is tremendously
important to Andries. “My dad wasn’t
overly keen on my chosen sports
activity,” he says. “He was hoping for a
rugby or cricket player, and instead got
a son who enjoyed ballet, tap, acting
and modelling. He was, however, my
biggest supporter and critic when
14 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023
Andries du Preez
it came to the stage. Nothing was
ever too much for my parents; they
sacrificed so much for my training,
always making sure I got to auditions
and pageants on time and today I
proudly look back on a successful
career. My father sadly passed away a
few years ago due to lung cancer, but I
have a very understanding life partner
who does everything with me.”
His father would certainly have
been exceptionally proud. Andries
represented South Africa at this year’s
MMI/MWI (Magnificent Men Icon and
Magnificent Women Icon) pageant,
recently held in Cape Town, and
was crowned Mr MMI International.
“I was so disappointed when the
2020 pageant, meant to take place
in Las Vegas, was cancelled due to
Covid,” says Andries. “The MMI/MWI/
PHENOMENAL pageant is a little
different from the norm,” he explains.
“They do not look for the most
beautiful face or the most perfect
body - instead they look beyond the
outer facade. The pageant also has
a division for delegates with special
needs, defined as having a condition
that markedly restricts their ability
to function physically, mentally or
socially. So MMI gives everybody the
opportunity to compete. It’s all about
having confidence in yourself. I was
very fortunate to be awarded the
South African title, serving not only
my community, but my country.”
Having a theatre-by-day and
theatre-by-night persona is quite
a juggling act, but one at which
Andries is quite adept. As a medical
professional, he spends an average
of four to eight hours in a medical
theatre from Mondays to Fridays,
assisting specialists. At night he
loves nothing more than to attend
theatre productions. Being trained in
theatrical Broadway means Andries
has played leading roles in Burlesque,
High School Musical, Joseph and his
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and
The Song, to mention but a few. Apart
from performing locally, he also loves
supporting local talent, often making
himself available to present workshops,
teaching others the joy of performing.
Andries will soon be travelling overseas
to fulfil responsibilities associated
with his title, while still keeping
future plans firmly in mind. “Being a
healthcare worker means maintaining
a careful balance between career and
title-holder. Both have obligations
that need to be fulfilled and require
dedication,” he says, adding that there
is still the importance of remembering
to spend time with loved ones and
family. “But most of all it’s about
creating memories. This is a once-in-alifetime
opportunity.” The carefree child
running through the orchards has
found his bright lights.
Revelling in the glitz and glam of the
stage, Andries brings delight to all
who wants a little magic in their life.
He mentions there are a few stage
productions making their way to South
Africa, and he might just decide to do
an audition or two. Someday he’d also
love to have his own playhouse. But
for now, there’s no business like show
business.

Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 Get It Lowveld 15

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: MIA LOUW
Elizabeth grew up in a family of
creatives, and art was an inevitable
destination for her. She started using
oils as early as 12, and soon knew
that all she wanted to study was art.
However, it took a serious health scare
in her late 20s for her to realise that
pursuing art as a business was the only
option for her.
“Creating was a huge part of my
childhood,” Elizabeth says, “which
continued well after my graduation
from Rhodes University, where I
16 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023
Down to a
completed my master of arts degree.
However, I did not immediately start
painting as a career. I veered from
illustrator to instructional and graphic
designer, and in 2017, I realised, for
me, not painting was the equivalent of
being a starving artist - starving myself
of an extremely important part of my
life, that is. So in 2018, I made artist my
official job title.”
Elizabeth’s art style has always leant
towards realism, even when she
was painting in high school. During
A full-time painter and
printmaker, Elizabeth
Tristram, has a somewhat
extraordinary talent. She
creates hyperrealistic
artworks of objects that
are so lifelike, you feel as if
you can reach out and pick
them up.
lockdown, she started oil painting
again after almost six years of not
using the medium, and she had no
idea where to start. She eventually
decided that she would simply just
start. “I painted the first object I could
find - my paint tubes,” she says. “Then
I painted the next object I could
find - my shoes. It escalated from
there, even including used Nespresso
pods at one stage! I realised just how
significant these seemingly mundane
objects were, especially when
everyone was trapped in their own
homes. These objects gained a lot
more importance and meaning for
people during the pandemic - they
were the stage props in our isolation.”
Elizabeth’s realism soon morphed
into one of 3D illusions and a
recognisable Trompe-l’œil style. At
her exhibitions, she would often see
people trying to reconcile what their
eyes and brain were telling them.
“This style developed after years of
observation and study. It was a style
change that felt rather sudden, but
was a direct result of my background
in colour and form,” she says. Centred
predominantly around colour,
nostalgia and story-telling, Elizabeth’s
work evokes memory in a style that
draws from realism and pop art.
The past five years have seen
her grow, both as an artist and a
businesswoman. She started her
art career as a watercolourist who
painted miniatures and food-themed
artwork, and has explored many more
mediums since then. She gained an
invaluable network of fellow artists,
art supporters and collectors in those
years. Her work has evolved into a
place where she is able to express her

Elizabeth Tristram
sense of humour and her personality
through a painting. Her career has
slowly become sustainable through
the sale of original artwork, the sale
of prints as well as her teaching
workshops in different mediums.
It’s not all plain sailing, though. Some
of the challenges involved in creating
art for a living have been learning
to see it as a business. Elizabeth’s
entrepreneurial background meant
that she could apply a lot of what
she already knew about running a
business to an art career. It was a
challenge to be able to market herself
and be comfortable enough to have
a sales mindset about her own art. “I
did a lot of research into the different
ways I could achieve this, educating
myself about successful business
practices. I swear by - and am
addicted to - self-help books, both
general and art specific,” she smiles.
In 2021, while on the lookout for
everyday items to paint, Elizabeth
discovered one of her husband’s
childhood LEGO pieces, sparking
a (successful) love affair with these
iconic characters. “This was my firstever
LEGO painting, and it made me
realise the incredible storytelling
potential within a single piece of
LEGO,” she smiles. “I started sculpting
narratives in my paintings, through
the simple rearrangement of these
tiny colourful pieces of plastic. LEGO
was not a huge part of my childhood,
but it has definitely become an
intrinsic part of my life as an adult.
Most of my clients buy these works
for themselves. It’s reclaiming a sense
of play and wonder as an adult,
sometimes with an edge of dark
humour.”
It’s not only LEGO that excites this
talented artist; she finds inspiration
in many different places. Apart from
the typically overlooked mundane
objects all around us and their quiet
beauty - the colour of a coffee pod,
the texture of a BIC pen lid, the
lines of a pencil - there’s so much
splendour all around us that no one
bothers to see. She’s also inspired
by nostalgia and the idea of finding
safety and comfort in the previously
known. “Art is an incredibly important
aspect of life. It is everywhere you
look, and behind this art that fills our
world is an artist,” she says. “Without
artists, there would be less beauty
and magic. I believe that art is an
important career in today’s society,
and I feel there has never been a
better time to be an artist, despite
the bleak economic outlook. It is a lot
easier to get people’s attention on
your work, simply with a few clicks of
a button. Artists have the traditional
route of working with galleries as well
as newer technological strategies
available to them; it’s an amazing
time to explore art.”
Elizabeth said the best advice she
received when she was starting out
was to remember that it takes time,
and it will look different for everyone.
Persistence and the ability to market
yourself are crucial. No one else will
unless you do it first. “Remember,
no two art journeys are identical.
Everyone does this on their own
timeline. It will take as long as it takes,
and it will be worth it.”
Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 Get It Lowveld 17

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everyday chore into a treat for
face and body. R105 (small)
and R255 (large), from Aniska
Skin and Art, 013 753 3257
We always pack too many pairs of shoes. Far too many.
Different vibes for the beach, shopping, a party. Half our
suitcase ... no exaggeration! So massive joy when we
discovered The Switch. One pair of slides - black, tan or ivory
- and then more than a dozen straps to clip on ... so you kick
off with a classic plain slide, then a quick change to snow
leopard or mustard ostrich or Nguni. Silver. Pewter. Raspberry.
Be still our beating hearts. All leather and locally made. R1250
for a pair of slides with three straps, additional straps R100
each. From zaluki.co.za
Frosting
Red lips and shimmering highlights
and slides that switch from plain to
party ... it’s all frosting on the festive cake
A little festive frosting. Essence Make
Me Glow baked highlighter in It’s
glow Time (R89.90) and Extreme Care
hydrating glossy lip balm in Milky
Cocoa (R81.90) from Mopani.
18 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023
Party make up .... Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick in Metro
Red (R720), and Longwear Cream Shadow in Soft
Bronze (R520). And a gift for your wish list ... a Dolce
& Gabbana The One gift box, with a fragrance, body
lotion and travel spray. All from Edgars.

Bling bling ... sensational
range of costume
jewellery from R49.95
PROMOTION
Dazzling!
If ever there was a time to shine, it’s now.
Belle of the ball. Giver of most dazzling gifts.
If it’s golden and precious ... you want it.
And you’ll find it at Edgars this festive season.
The scent of luxury ...
Paco Rabanne Fame from R1950 and
Dior J’Adore Parfum d’eau from R 2195
Perspex
block heels, R299,95
Nite Out eveningwear
dresses from R799.99

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Lunch is a rather broad term
that could mean a long, lazy
affair that starts early and ends
late or a romantic tête-à-tête
at a little trattoria somewhere.
It’s the midway point between
breakfast and dinner and can
be as glam or as unpretentious
as you like. The most important
thing is that the snacks are
sublime and the drinks are
served ice-cold, and packing a
punch. A gin punch, that is.

Bella Italia!
In Italian culture, there is no
other way to celebrate than with
delectable food! This is exactly what
you’ll find at Lupa Osteria Nelspruit
Crossing. Whether you want a
fantastic year-end function or to
celebrate a special occasion, look no
further than Lupa. The Italian menu
paired with masterfully selected
wines and laid-back atmosphere are
the perfect combination.
Done just right
“Meat up” at Turn ‘n Tender in
Mbombela for the juiciest, most
tender steaks in town. Awaiting you
is a stylish setting and a warm and
welcoming atmosphere. The menu is
extensive and apart from serving only
the very best meat cuts, which include
Wagyu beef, along with a variety of
sides, there is also a range of burgers,
seafood specialities, and oxtail.
Lowveld lunches are the best. Long, scrumptious affairs spent enjoying
the balmy heat our area is so well known for. Fresh and crisp salads
such as feta and biltong, Caesar, Niçoise or pomegranate and avo grace
Lowveld menus alongside pesto pasta, delicious sushi and towering
burgers to satisfy the hungriest stomachs.

Appetisers
The Italian word for appetiser is stuzzichini (tapas in
Spanish), which comes from “stuzzicare”, to whet. It also
has another meaning, which is “to prod or poke at”, exactly
what you would do with a toothpick when picking up
your garlic and olive oil-infused mozzarella balls, reclining
on a sun lounger with an ice-cold G & T at your side.
Living the wonderful alfresco lifestyle that we do,
Lowvelders love to serve tasty bite-sized snacks while
watching the game or just before a braai. These light,
savoury appetisers are typically served with drinks in
the late afternoon (any leftovers make fab snacks for
lunchboxes or afterschool nibbles), and are also a
favourite at family gatherings and special occasions
such as Christmas.
Examples range from breads and cheese to marinated
veggies and cured meats. Think olives, artichokes, sundried
tomatoes, pickles, capers, crackers or bruschetta with
guacamole (a perennial favourite), or hummus, focaccia,
salami, prosciutto, ham, mozzarella, figs and a variety of
salads, and remember the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
for dipping or drizzling. Add a local splash to your array
of finger foods with biltong, samosas, mini bunny chows,
spinach and feta tartlets, chunks of grilled corn, finger-sized
slivers of avo wrapped in smoked salmon, and an array of
nuts or tortilla chips to nibble on.
Perfect for late lunches by the pool, cheering on the Bokke,
or watching the ellies amble down to the waterhole to
cool off, try our gauc recipe to get the party started.
The perfect slice
Did you know that a Panarottis pizza
is made from 100% Italian pizza
flour, slowly proofed for 24 hours
and hand-pressed for a lighter and
crunchier base? Panarottis uses an
authentic wood-fired pizza oven
to cook their pizzas and pastas to
perfection. Spice up the festive
season nicely with the new three
cheese, caramelised onions and
sticky BBQ rib pizza when visiting
Panarottis i’langa Mall again.
Best guacamole ever, with garlic
bruschetta
Ingredients:
• 3 ripe avocados, depitted and mashed • The
juice of a large lime • A handful of coriander,
diced, plus extra to scatter over the top
• A small red onion, finely diced • 1-2 small
chillies, deseed and finely diced (optional and
to taste) • 1 loaf of ciabatta
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Slice up a ciabatta
loaf and put the slices onto a baking tray and
toast till golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix all ingredients together and
season well with salt and pepper. Remove the
toast from the oven and rub a peeled garlic
clove over each one. You’ll find it melts into
the toast easily. Put the guacamole into a bowl
scatter the remaining coriander over the top.
Serve with the bruschetta, with cracked black
pepper and sea salt.

Easy-peasy pretty punch
Our festive punch recipe uses very few
basic ingredients, is delicious and oh-so
versatile. You can change or add fruit such
as pineapple, apple, or watermelon and
for kids and teetotallers, simply omit the
alcohol.
Ingredients
• 1½ cups gin • 2 litres of chilled fresh orange
or ruby grapefruit juice • 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1 cup strawberries, blueberries or both
• 2 limes, sliced • Sparkling wine and soda
water or lemonade • Ice
Method:
Add all ingredients to a punch bowl or large
jug and stir. Scoop up a cup of punch into
your tumbler, add ice, top up with bubbly,
lemonade or sparkling water and serve with
a few sprigs of fresh mint.
Festive fun!
Whoop whoop! It’s that time of the year again, when Christmas lights twinkle
and the stress of the year slowly starts to lift in anticipation of the festive season
and all its frivolities.
Of course, Christmas isn’t all about fun and games and raspberry-coloured
martinis. It can also mean a lot of hard work, especially if you are playing hostess,
big spending, and over-indulging. This year, why not take the heat off a bit and
outsource? The Lowveld is choc-a-block with fab eateries and pubs where you
can pop in for a sundowner or sit down to a long, leisurely meal.
While on home turf, take the edge off with a delish festive punch that mirrors
the colours and mood of the season. Have a few bottles of bubbly on hand and
voila! It’s the perfect thirst quencher to set the holiday mood and what can be
easier? You also get the added benefit of eating fresh, seasonal fruit.
Keep calm and drink a cocktail
Celebrate Summer at Salsa Mexican Grill with a delicious range
of cocktails, including margaritas, tequilas, gins and loads more,
amigos! The Pink Passion Fruit Piña Colada is a crowd favourite,
and we can understand why. With tequila, Malibu, Passoã,
coconut flakes, lime, granadilla and pineapple, this cocktail is a
fiesta in a glass.

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

free
roadside
assistance
ALONG THE MAPUTO CORRIDOR
This service is available 24-hours a day to assist with any emergency, accident or incident on
the TRAC N4 Route. Call us toll-free and one of our roadside assistance teams
will be dispatched immediately and come to your aid.
0800 87 22 64 (SA)
800 9022 (MOZ)
@TRACN4

The TRAC N4 Route was designed to world class
standards with a focus on safety, convenience, ease of
travel and peace of mind.
Safety is one of our priorities and for this reason we
put immense effort into ensuring a safe road for all N4
road users. We monitor our road closely and take
corrective action to improve road safety at prominent
accident spots, working hand-in-hand with law
enforcement authorities and Emergency Services
personnel.
We believe in being proactive, rather than reactive,
and therefore daily route patrols are conducted by
TRACAssist which, together with the TRAC Helpdesk
(Linha do Cliente in Mozambique), is available 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year to assist road users with
emergencies, incidents or queries.
The TRAC Helpdesk is a core element of our
operations as it is the link between the road users and
the different departments of the company. It also
facilitates communication between TRACAssist, state
and private emergency assistance stakeholders and
road users.
TRACAssist is our emergency roadside and accident
response unit.
trac
with you every
kilometre of the way
TRACAssist teams are stationed along the TRAC N4
Route and are on call 24/7 to assist with any road
related emergency, incident and situation (including
breakdowns).
The TRAC Helpdesk is the mediator between the road
users and TRACAssist meaning that assistance on the
TRAC N4 Route is simply a phone call away.
TRACAssists’ roadside assistance service is free of
charge, meaning that there is no call-out fee! Road
users will only have to pay for the additional
services/items that are required to solve their
emergency (e.g petrol, tow truck or a new tyre),
however our TRACAssist teams can facilitate the
acquisition of these for road users at no extra cost.
Furthermore, they offer road users the peace of mind,
and comfort, of ‘never being alone’ in any situation on
the TRAC N4 road as all TRACAssist officers are
trained to secure accident and incident scenes to
ensure the safety of all road users.
TRACAssist and the TRAC Helpdesk is available in
both South Africa and Mozambique and can be
reached on the following numbers:
0800 87 22 64 (SA)
800 9022 (MOZ)
@TRACN4

Festive
Luxurious Celebrate
Spoiltreats from Sally Williams
The Sally Williams Celebrate range is just that, a marvellous celebration of
all things sweet and delicious for the season. Forget the obvious crackers ...
each of our dinner guests will have a Celebrate Chocolate and Nougat Cracker
(with a dozen pieces of indulgent treats inside) or a Christmas Star (also filled
with choc and nougat treats). For gifts there’s a magnificent pack with two
nougat variations and a jar of pure honey, there are little boxes of dark and
milk chocolate treats, and boxes of pretty Turkish Delight. Perfect presents
... and if you’re struggling to find an unusual dessert for Christmas Day, pop
over to the website and have a look at the tempting (and jolly easy) recipes.
Details: sallywilliamsfinefoods.com
A DELICIOUS
WIN ...
We’ve a hatbox hamper of
Sally Williams Celebrate treats to give away
... just in time for Christmas Day. To enter,
pop over to Instagram or Facebook
@getitnationalmagazines and follow
the prompts. Competition ends
December 10.
32 Get It Lowveld Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

LODGE
12h00 | *Bookings Essential
Adult
395
kids
195
Complementary
wine bottle
per table
Kids under 5 @ R50 |
prices includes kiddies christmas party packs
+27 (0)82 898 9533 | bookings@ebundu.co.za | +27 (0)13 758 4023