Mar 23 - Pretoria

PRETORIA 

TREND ALERT 

How to nail an 

earthy theme 

So, Sow easy! 

Prep your garden 

for Autumn 

WIN 

A Thule Voucher 

(worth R10k) 

JOHANNI 

STEENKAMP 

Living & loving a 

meaningful life 

A NEW LEAF 

Fresh plant-based recipes. Essentials for nature activities with the 

fam. And nutrition tips for first-time mums. 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

MARCH 23

CONTENTS 

WHAT’S ON... 

04 A line up for creatives, music lovers and wine enthusiasts 

05 Networking amoung like-minded business owners 

BOOK CLUB 

06 March brings brilliant book club reads and a glass of Bright 2021 

WISH LIST 

08 Offbeat and fun finds to alleviate stress 

GET IT 

Editorial 

Instagram: @getitptamagazine 

Facebook: Get It Pretoria Magazine 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/pretoria 

National Group Editor and National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 

Facebook and Instagram: 

@getitnationalmagazines 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za 

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett 

Journalists Alanicka Lotriet 

Head of sales 

Bianca Pretorius 

biancap@rekord.co.za 

079 487 0759 

Distribution 

15 000 copies monthly 

Get It Pretoria is distributed free 

of charge. For a full list contact 

distribution@rekord.co.za 

PEOPLE 

10 Johanni Steenkamp shares her journey towards positive change 

20 Farmer and florist Stefan Smuts uses his green fingers to 

create the most gorgeous flower arrangements 

FOOD & DRINK 

12 Good food, health and planet choices 

14 Whip up quick, easy and seriously good food 

DECOR & GARDENING 

18 Dominating home décor trends and a touch of texture 

22 How to prep your garden for Autumn 

FOCUS ON TOTS & TEENS 

24 Delicately gentle beauty buys perfect for young skin 

26 Nutritional health during pregnancy 

28 Help for first-time mums 

32 The right gear for your next family outing 

WIN 

28 Gadget to help you and babe 

34 A R10 000 voucher to spend at Thulestore 

COVER PHOTO 

Photographer: The Kaalvoet Photographer 

Make-up and hair: Antoinette de Beer 

Competition rules 

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be 

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions 

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton 

employees or their families. Get It Magazine 

reserves the right to publish the names of 

winners, who will be contacted telephonically 

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton 

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be 

forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on 

our Facebook page monthly. 

MARCH 23 

26 

March 23 Get It Magazine 03

A hot date! 

Attention all big thinkers, creatives, music lovers and wine enthusiasts 

– we’ve got something just for you! 

05 

Catch internationally acclaimed Irish singer and songwriter Ronan 

Keating for a show-stopping performance. It’s nearly 30 years after his 

claim to fame, and – can you believe it – he’s still going strong! 5pm at the Sun 

Bet Arena at Time Square Casino. Tickets from R495 from webtickets.co.za 

05 

Learn more about the fascinating honey bee through a creative painting 

workshop in the park. In ancient mythology the bee was believed to be 

the sacred insect that bridged the natural world to the spiritual. Dive into this 

powerful symbol at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. 9am to 2pm. Tickets 

are R360 per person. No under 13s. Details: 079 496 5407 

12 

This is the perfect opportunity to let your creative juices flow. If you are 

a beginner and want to learn more about the art of mixed media, you’ll 

want to join this fun-filled mixed media class. You will be taught about some 

fun backgrounds, decoupage, stencilling, shadowing, embossing and blending 

on an A3 canvas in a studio in Erasmuspark. Tickets are R350 per person. 9am to 

1pm. Details: 083 645 5408 

The Theuns Jordaan 

Tribute Concert will 

bring the cream of the crop 

among local artists together 

to pay tribute to the iconic 

Theuns Jordaan. Afrikaans 

music fans can look forward 

to performances by Steve 

Hofmeyr, Juanita du Plessis, 

Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, 

Dozi, Bobby van Jaarsveld 

and Karlien van Jaarsveld 

among many others. 

6.30pm at Loftus Versfeld 

on March 25. Tickets from 

R290 from itickets.co.za 

25 

Future Females Pretoria is hosting 

a business growth networking 

session to elevate your influence 

through personal branding. This 

event is for dynamic and amazing 

women, entrepreneurs, side 

hustlers and anyone with big ideas. 

So, if you tick these boxes, you 

might want to diarise this event. 

9.30am to 12.30pm at the Inoar 

Lifestyle Centre. 

Tickets from R150 per person from 

quicket.co.za 

• Take note all wine lovers! Get 

ready to experience a day of 

indulgence and luxury at the 

upcoming Corks & Forks, 

Great Food & Wine Festival. 

Whether you’re a seasoned wine 

connoisseur or a curious beginner, 

there will be something for 

everyone to enjoy. 10am at the Idle 

Wild Country Estate in Irene. Tickets 

are R250 from webtickets.co.za 

• You won’t want to miss the gifted 

Rocco de Villiers’ new show, My 

Hande is my Rande. Fans can look 

forward to an instrumental show 

which is based on a true event with 

brand-new music from the pen of 

the artist himself. 7pm to 8.30pm 

at the Atterbury Theatre. R260 per 

person. Tickets from seatme.co.za 

04 Get It Magazine March 23

Monica Jansen van Vuuren, Sandra 

Rodrigues, Melissa Jansen van Vuuren 

Ashlynn Vermeulen, Shanté 

Benji Fouché, Renette Wessels 

Zita De Abreu, Tina Lotter, Kyle Pagotto 

The hottest date... 

KK Marketing recently hosted their first Social Media and Networking 

Workshop of the year at the charming Moonshine Menlyn. The 

glamourous event was hosted by public figure and influencer Kiki 

Lacoco, marketing specialist Kyli Brown and guest motivational speaker 

Rhona Erasmus. The workshop presented guests with the perfect 

opportunity to learn, get inspired and network with like-minded 

business owners and influencers. An afternoon well spent! 

Louise van Rensburg 

Christel Marais, Monique Taylor, Alicia Swart 

Kiki Lacoco, Kyli Brown 

Compiled by: ALANICKA LOTRIET 


Book club 

March (already!) and the bookshelves are groaning with 

March (already!) and the bookshelves are groaning with 

the weight of brilliant book club reads 

Judge Julia Cummins had no obvious 

enemies. There was no forced entry 

to her apartment, where the bodies 

of her and her bodyguard are found 

brutally murdered. Her ex and her 

teenage son both have strong alibies, 

the neighbours heard nothing, and 

the killer left behind a strange calling 

card. It’s up to FBI agent Amos Decker 

to investigate ... kicking off with the 

question as to why the judge felt she 

needed a bodyguard in the first place. 

And while he investigates, he’s also 

dealing with personal baggage ... the 

suicide of a close friend, the receipt 

of a letter concerning a personal, 

and possibly life-changing, issue, 

and a new partner. Long Shadows is 

another superb American detective 

tale from David Baldacci. Macmillan, 

available at Exclusive Books 

Paserene is a small Franschhoek estate with an impressive portfolio of awardwinning 

wines in three high-end luxury ranges – The Elements, The Paserene 

and The Shiner – each with their own unique features. At this March Book Club 

we’re serving Bright 2021 from the Elements range - the drawing of a swing 

on the label perfectly representing Paserene’s playful side. The ideal mid-week, 

easy-drinking wine, it’s made from 100 per cent Chardonnay grapes, with fresh 

citrus-centric aromas, which carry through to the palate, this lighter styled 

Chardonnay is lovely on its own or with a light seasonal salad, any type of 

poultry dish or with fresh tuna and salmon. Available directly from the Tasting 

Lounge at R190 per bottle. Details: paserene.com 


Kyla Zhao wrote The Fraud Squad at the height of the 

pandemic, while studying in California. Set in Singapore, it’s the story 

of Samantha, a working-class girl who dreams of having her own 

byline in a high-society magazine. Instead, she works at a drab PR 

firm and lives vicariously through her socialite co-worker Anya, and 

her new friend, Timothy, the disillusioned son of one of Singapore’s 

elite families. With the help of both, she infiltrates high society and 

her dreams all start to come true. Until the arrival of a reporter on 

the prowl for high-society gossip, which could see her exposed! Kyla 

started writing in secret, not confident she’d finish the book ... then it 

was snapped up in a six-figure deal. Love it! Headline 

Susan Lewis’ No Once Saw It Coming starts 

off a little slowly ... and with a cast of lessthan-lovable 

characters. But around a third 

of the way through, it picks up the pace 

dramatically ... and if you’re anything like us, 

you’ll race through it (mostly to find out if 

we were correct about the killer ... which 

we have to admit we did see coming!). 

Clever twist. HarperCollins • Ex-Special forces 

veteran turned vigilante knows he has a 

tendancy to seek out, and enjoy, trouble. 

And in Ant Middleton’s Red Mist he finds 

more than he bargained for as he is drawn 

into a turf war when helping out an elderly 

man he meets in the bar of a small French 

village. Sphere • Salma and Bilal Khatan are 

hopeful about their new home in a new 

neighbourhood ... just wanting to fit in 

and help their son get away from a bad 

crowd. But a neighbourly spat turns into a 

racial fallout and things rapidly get out of 

control. Kia Abdullah’s Those People Next 

Door is a really tremendous read with a 

great twist. HQ • In Someone Else’s Shoes 

by Jojo Moyes we meet Sam, who has 

nothing, and Nisha, who has everything. 

A mix up of their gym bags see their lives 

intertwined, just as they both spiral out 

of contol. Female friendship. It’s powerful! 

Michael Joseph • The SAS are used to death 

during combat. It goes with the turf. But 

when one of their own is said to have 

committed suicide in Thailand, red flags are 

raised. Matt Standing investigates, and ends 

up having to use all his SAS jungle skills to 

survive what turns out to be his toughest 

assignment to date. It’s all fast action and 

high tension in Stephen Leather’s Still 

Standing. Hodder & Stoughton. All these 

titles available at Exclusive Books. 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 


Wish list 

Drink bubbly, walk the dog and kiss a frog! 

(and other fun things to do this March) 

If your taste is a little offbeat, you’re going to love Shnook ... who describe 

themselves as the site which is a safe space to allow your weird tastes to 

run wild. Fabulously fun cushions, totes and quirky vinyl stickers ... like 

this Queen Frog (for those looking for a fairy tale, there’s a 

King Frog too, worth kissing). The I’m a Pansy tote bag is 

made from slightly stretchy fabric, to fit everything you 

could imagine! Bags R180, stickers from R10 each from 

shnookthebrand.com 

Compiled by : KYM ARGO 

Our dogs are all wagging tails and 

strutting their stuff on their daily walks 

since they’ve been boasting these 

Clifton 1st beaded collars and leads from 

Chommies. Delicately beaded, but not 

delicate, they’re brightly coloured, hand 

beaded by Zulu beaders (each collar 

takes more than a day to make, with leads 

taking two) and for those of you who 

like to play matchy-matchy with your 

pooch, there are key rings and bracelet 

cuffs to complete the walkies ensemble! 

Find them on chommies.com, follow on 

Instagram @chommiescom 


The little big solution 

to your water needs 

Besides being climate friendly and helping 

cut costs, water tanks are becoming almost 

as important as inverters, with water outages 

striking hard. Harvesting and storing may, in 

our future, be essential ... there’s already an 

increasing demand from buyers and renters 

for off-the-grid and back-up solutions. 

But generally it’s only larger homes that 

have space for big tanks, with smaller 

properties and townhouses losing out. So 

... a small solution for a big problem. The 

new Slimline tanks from JoJo are ideal for 

limited spaces. Smallest of the range is the 

1000-litre SuperSlim tank ... perfect for city 

living, where limited space requires a snug 

fit into corners and down narrow walkways. 

It attaches to a wall to keep it secure and 

is supplied with the basics required for 

installation. Designed for ease of use, it 

has various connection options to ensure 

seamless installation into your setup, can be 

installed with some simple DIY, and if you’re 

a renter or selling up, you can remove it and 

take it with you. Jolly nifty ... and available in 

a couple of colours, too. Details: jojo.co.za 

Brilliant bubbles at the Fijnwyn Wine Festival 

When we celebrate (which we do often!) our favourite bubbly to open is a bottle from 

Perdeberg Cellar. Depending on our mood, it could be a bottle of The Vineyard Collection 

Cap Classique Chenin Blanc (old vine) - it’s a lovely green in colour with fresh aromas of 

green pear, Granny Smith apples, lime and grapefruit, and a fresh flavour with a biscuit 

finish. And if we’re looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses, then it’s The 

Vineyard Collection Cap Classique Pinot Noir Rosé 2019. This really is Summer in a glass 

... all strawberries, watermelon, cherries and sweets. Around R140 a bottle, which you 

can get from perdeberg.co.za. Or ... you could a pop over to the The Fijnwyn Wine 

Festival, which really is one of Pretoria’s favourite calendar events for any wine lover, 

and where these Perdeberg bubbles will be available for you to taste. The event kicks 

off on March 20 with an evening of Fancy Fijnwyn. Tickets are R450, which includes a 

glass, wine tastings, as well as a delectable spread on a harvest table for you to enjoy 

while listening to live music. On March 21 there will be a traditional event with the 

focus on bubbles, as well as some white & red wines. Tickets are R195 and includes 

a tasting glass with unlimited wine tastings. It’s a lovely day out to spend with family 

and friends while listening to amazing local musicians and supporting top street food 

vendors. The venue is at Shokran - a tranquil farm setting near pecan nut and almond 

plantations, 12km from Woodlands Boulevard in Pretoria East. Tickets available on 

www.fijnwyntickets.co.za. Detais: fijnwyn.co.za or 067 004 2343 for more info. 


A STUNNING 

SECOND ACT 

Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET • Image: THE KAALVOET PHOTOGRAPHER • Make-up and hair: ANTOINETTE DE BEER. 

She did everything she set out 

to do. Got multiple degrees. 

Climbed the corporate ladder. 

Nailed the promotions. But 

despite having it all, Johanni 

Steenkamp longed to wake 

up feeling like her 

work was making a 

positive change in 

the lives of others. 

Visit our website 

for Johanni’s insider’s 

view of the secrets of an 

image consultant - 

getitmagazine.co.za/ 

pretoria/ 


She has always been a go-getter. Even when she’d given birth 

to her now 20-something-year-old daughter, Milla, three weeks 

before her LLB final year exam, Johanni Steenkamp remained focused on 

her goals, determined to achieve big things. 

“I always knew I wanted to fight for justice. And so, I got the 

qualification, kicked off my career in law, and studied some more. 

I was just so persistent in wanting to prove that I belong, I didn’t 

allow anything to stand in my way. There was a time in my life 

when I did my articles during the day and attended law school 

in the evening, all while raising a baby. And let me tell you, it’s 

not for the faint-hearted.” 

Later on, Johanni would try her hand at financial management, 

business consulting, representing a telecommunications industry and running 

various TV ad campaigns. And, needless to say, she thrived in each and every field. 

Talk about a powerhouse woman! Although the fruits of her labour were sweet, it 

all came crashing down about two decades in. 

“I experienced severe burnout. And it’s as if something just clicked. When 

you reach a certain point in your life, you don’t want to chase that next big 

achievement, promotion or money. You just want to make a difference. So, I 

decided that I would use the second half of my life to give back, and pursue some 

of my other passions. It was a huge turning point for me. 

“Since then, my view on life changed drastically, in a good way. I became involved 

with various charities, as well as Girls’ School Pretoria. Got qualified in image 

consulting and started my own business, YouHoney Image, and even opened 

Pageant Closet, in an attempt to make styling, pageant wardrobe planning and 

outfit hire affordable and accessible for all girls and women.” 

Today she finds fulfilment in inspiring and motivating young girls, pre-teens, tweens 

and teens to become the best version of themselves. Teaching them everything a 

young girl should know. How to walk, talk, take care, love and embrace themselves 

just as they are. Johanni also has a special place in her heart for underprivileged 

girls, and will always try to make Girls’ School accessible for them too. 

“A woman should always leave beauty behind, and that’s what we hope to teach 

our girls. Our aim is to invest in these girls for them to grow into the strong, 

powerful and confident women they are destined to become. In the same breath I 

want to empower women through Pageant Closet and my coaching services.” 

Since Johanni has always been interested in beautifying others, she now devotes 

herself to doing just that, but from the inside out. Apart from renting out exquisite 

gowns and outfits, this passionate image consultant takes pride in getting to know 

her clients, listening to their stories and perhaps even reigniting that flame from 

within. She’s all about empowering women, and reminding them of everything 

they’re capable of. 

She also continues to spread her motto, ‘Now that I know better, I do better’, across 

various platforms in hopes of reminding women to go easy on themselves for the 

bad choices they may have made in the past. Johanni firmly believes in learning 

from your mistakes and making better choices for a better future. 

When this determined entrepreneur isn’t encouraging young girls, conducting 

colour and style personality tests, or helping you pick the outfit for your next big 

function, she can be found, instrument in hand, on the church stage. 

“I have always loved singing and playing the transverse flute, piano and some basic 

drums. These are my God-given talents for which I am very grateful for. With that 

being said, I am so very thankful for being able to live out so many of my passions 

and having the opportunity to touch so many lives.” 

One thing’s for sure – it’s never too late to follow your dreams. If you stay true to 

yourself, believe in your capabilities and give it your all, you are bound to achieve 

great things. 

Details: Follow johanni_steenkamp, girlschool_pretoria and pageant_closet_za 

on Insta. 

SIX Closet essentials 

this Winter 

Johanni shares her top wardrobe 

staples that will help you get 

dressed easily, make your closet 

versatile, and can be easily mixedand-matched 

for that perfect 

winter outfit. 

• You can never go wrong with a 

classy blazer or two. If you want to 

make a statement, you’ll want to 

choose something bright and bold. 

• Black pants. Whether they’re highwaisted, 

skinny or flared – it’s the 

perfect foundation for any look. • Red 

lipstick. It’s a makeup bag staple all 

year round and the ultimate sign of 

confidence when proudly swiped 

on by its wearer. • Nude heels. This 

timeless closet staple not only 

gives the illusion of slimmer, longer 

legs, but also pairs brilliantly with 

everything in your closet. • Neutral 

knits with a modern twist. Camel, grey, 

and navy knitwear are great for tying 

together any outfit. Small but mighty 

details will also elevate these everyday 

sweaters to a new level. • Let the LBD 

be your go-to look for those special 

occasions this winter. Remember to 

switch up your accessories to make 

each wear a little more unique. 

FIVE Things to teach 

your daughter 

Having raised a daughter herself, 

Johanni shares what she believes 

any mother should instil in a 

young woman. 

• Tell and show your daughter that 

she’s unconditionally loved and that 

she shouldn’t accept anything less. 

• If you are religious, instil in them 

the discipline of going to church or 

your place of worship. This provides a 

kind of structure to help guide them 

through their adult life. • Always leave 

beauty behind. Teach them how to 

love, be friendly and show empathy 

wherever they go. • Teach them to 

keep their word. In a world where it’s 

so easy to break a promise, be the 

one to keep it. • Constantly remind 

them of their identity. Teach them 

that they don’t need acceptance 

from their peers. And teach them 

through your actions – not just words 

– as it always speaks louder. 


Matthew Evans takes food seriously, saying what you 

buy, how you cook and what you eat impacts way 

beyond your front door. The Real Food Companion 

is a heafty book - more than 550 pages with 200-plus 

recipes-the result of Matthew’s four decades as a chef, 

food writer, and farmer, and multiple years’ research. 

The information is extensive and enlightening - it’s like 

having the farmer, butcher, and baker in your kitchen; 

the produce-driven recipes are simple, delicious and 

unpretentious. And its core mission is teaching readers 

how to ethically source, cook and eat real food. And, 

says this food activist, if this book’s recipes, insights 

and observations influence your choices in even the 

smallest way, and if it brings joy to your table at the 

same time, his work is done! Murdoch Books, R800 

Eating well(ness) 

Plant based. It’s the new buzz word, and 

it’s not going away. Nor should it. More 

and more of us are choosing plant-based 

diets and whole foods. Plant-based. 

Vegetarian. Vegan. And even those who 

are not going all the way, most of us 

are cutting down on sugar, embracing 

Meat Free Mondays, trying dairy-free 

options, and cutting back on alcohol. 

And since lowering stress is also high up 

on our agenda, we’re all about taking the 

easy-healthy way out. No time to cook or 

prepare ... no excuse. The new Woolies 

Wellness range does it all for you. We’re 

talking healthy but delish breakfasts like 

Goji Berry and Beetroot Granola, quick 

no-cook lunches like Roasted Butternut 

and Beetroot Salad, and fast, air-fryerfriendly 

dinners like PlantLove crumbed 

soya ocean portions. We’re loving the 

black quinoa (crunchier and sweeter 

than the red and white quinoa, it’s a 

high protein-based grain with loads of 

fiber and less fat), and the gluten-free 

Yellow Lentil Pasta, which we tried with 

Creamy Cheese Style Sauce, made with 

vegan cheese. There are also you-won’ttaste-it’s-de-alcoholised 

wines, and some 

fabulous sugar free flavoured sparkling 

drinks ... we’re a little obsessed with 

the coconut and pineapple one. All at 

Woolies stores and online. 


March on a plate 

We’re trying a plant-based diet. We’re pairing red wine 

with chicken. And we’re making good food, health and 

planet choices. And we’re finding it all jolly tasty! 

Spier Good Natured Organic Shiraz 

with Greek-style roast chicken salad 

If you were under the impression that 

red wine can’t play nice with poultry, 

the juicy Good Natured Organic 

Shiraz 2021 will make you reconsider. 

With intense mulberry and sweet 

spice leading to a soft, smooth finish, 

this certified organic Shiraz is the 

perfect partner to this Greek-inspired 

chicken salad ... crammed with 

roasted vegetables, feta and olives. 

The recipe serves four. 

You’ll need: 4 medium size chicken 

breasts, skin on (bones removed), 

olive oil for drizzling (plus extra), 

salt and pepper, 250g small mixed 

tomatoes (halved), 1 large red 

pepper (roughly chopped), about 

300g courgettes (sliced into bite-size 

chunks), 2 red onions (peeled and 

cut into wedges), 2 rounds of feta, 

sliced or kept whole, about half a cup 

of kalamata olives,a handful of fresh 

origanum leaves (or basil or mint), 1 

teaspoon dried origanum, some red 

wine vinegar, for drizzling (or fresh 

lemon juice), a handful of baby salad 

leaves (optional). 

To make: Preheat the oven to 200°C. 

On a large baking tray lined with 

baking paper, arrange the chicken 

skin side up next to the tomatoes, 

peppers, courgettes and red onions. 

Drizzle all over with olive oil, then 

season generously with salt and 

pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes 

until the chicken is just cooked 

through and the vegetables are 

slightly charred, then remove from 

the oven and leave to rest. Slice the 

chicken and get ready to plate. 

On a large platter, arrange the 

baby leaves, then top with the 

sliced chicken breast, the roasted 

vegetables, feta, olives and fresh 

origanum. Sprinkle with dried 

origanum, drizzle with more olive oil 

all over and add a touch of red wine 

vinegar, then serve at once (with 

some crusty bread on the side). 

Serve with Spier Good Natured 

Organic Shiraz which you can buy 

online from shop.spier.co.za 

March 23 Get It Magazine 13 

Compiled by : KYM ARGO

Oh joy. Who doesn’t love a pancake. 

And if it’s you ... well, we simply can’t 

be friends. Move swiftly along. In Sue 

Quinn’s Seriously Good Pancakes 

you’ll find them for breakfast, brunch, 

lunch, dinner and dessert, with 

recipes for everything from Chinese 

Pancakes with Duck and Hoisin Sauce 

to Buckwheat Galettes and Italian 

Farinata, from Spicy Mexican Hotcakes 

with Smoky Corn Salad to Chocolate 

and Berry-stuffed Pikelets. More than 

70 recipes, with delicious photos, plus 

a guide to basic pancake types, this 

really is the ultimate cookbook for 

pancake addicts, students and foodies 

alike. It’s pancakes. And it’s seriously 

good. Hardie Grant, R270 

Let’s 

cook 


Those recipe videos you can’t stop 

watching? Caught Creating Ltd made 

those. And now, they’re blessing you 

with the Caught Snackin’ cookbook. 

They’ve covered all bases .. from 

boujee brunches to quick lunches, 

Friday-night fakeaways to desserts 

that will make you TikTok famous. 

They say their dishes are created 

firstly for deliciousness and secondly 

for ease. Whether you’re going all-in 

cooking for a crowd or cotching on 

the sofa with a bowl full of comfort 

food, there are more than 100 recipes 

with big flavours and zero stress. 

And you don’t need mad chefileeni 

equipment or Gordon Ramsay 

tekz, just this book and good vibes. 

Octopus, R475 

A cookbook that makes recipes faster, 

easier, tastier and simpler through 

cooking in one pot, pan or tray. The 

second title in Rosie Reynold’s The 

Shortcut Cook series, All in One 

shows you how to cook the food and 

flavours that you love, but without 

being tied to the oven or sink for 

hours longer than you want to be. 

Think dishes like Spiced Potatoes with 

Cracked Eggs, No-fuss Chicken Kiev 

with Crunchy Roast Potatoes, Beef 

Stew with Cheesy Dumplings, Easy 

Peasy Spaghetti Bolognese, Gooey 

Lemon Bars, Big Batch Chocolate Chip 

Cookies, and more, all made in one 

pan. Hardie Grant, R355 

Eating well should be one of life’s 

pleasures but, for many people, this is 

not the case. Struggles with weight, 

nutrition-related health issues and 

low self-esteem can result in food 

being condemned as an enemy’ 

to be conquered at all cost. Nicci 

Robertson understands, and she 

uses her personal experience to 

guide you towards improved health 

and well-being by taking a different 

approach to nutrition. In Thrive - 

Healthy recipes that Break the Diet 

Rules, she explains how to exchange 

bad habits for better ones, recognise 

and eliminate stress factors that can 

contribute to lifestyle diseases, and 

understand the role that proteins, 

carbs, fats, fibre and water play in 

keeping us healthy. There are more 

than 80 mouth-watering familyfriendly 

recipes that are packed with 

flavour and nutritionally balanced. 

Whether your goal is weight-loss or 

improved health, Nicci’s recipes will 

have you rethinking the concept of 

diet food and heading for the kitchen 

with enthusiasm! Penguin, R380 


ADVERTORIAL 

Let’s toast to 

AVOS 

A celebration of the trendy and healthy avo 

Over the years, foodies and consumers have been ‘adding an avo’ to 

their meals. This year avos tick many of the boxes on the Everyday 

Health Top 10 Healthy Food Trends list for 2023 as well! 

One of the listed trends, ‘plants in more places’, encourages new 

ways to eat fruits and vegetables. It cites an ‘upswing in the 

creative use of vegetables and fruits as people strive to hit that 

five-a-day recommendation. For example - using avocado in the 

place of butter’. 

Other trends in the report, where the avo is right at home, include: 

‘more plant-based options’, ‘mood-boosting foods’ and ‘food 

for your gut’. ‘More plant-based options’ speaks to the growing 

trend of people consciously choosing to eat less meat. As a result, 

interest in meat alternatives and interesting fruit and veg options 

is increasing across the globe. This is where avos come into their 

own as an incredibly versatile fruit. 

‘Mood-boosting foods’ refers to feel-good foods that help ward 

against depression and support brain health. Foods higher in good 

fats may lower the risk of depression and anxiety and considering 

one avocado contains 13g of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, 

there’s definitely a spot for them in that category! 

New research has also shown that eating avos may benefit healthy 

gut flora. This puts avos on the list as one of the good guys when it 

comes to the ‘food for your gut’ trend as well. As you can see, there 

are plenty reasons to ‘add an avo’ to your meals this year! 

Avocado Halves, 

White Bean and 

Sundried Tomato Salad 

Serves 4, preparation time: 20 minutes 

Ingredients: 

2 large ripe avocados, 30 ml (2 tbsp) 

avocado or olive oil, 125 ml (½ cup) spring 

onions (chopped), 30 ml (2 tbsp) salted 

capers (rinsed), Fresh basil leaves, to taste, 

120 g / 250 ml (1 cup) pitted green olives 

(finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (grated), 

60 ml (¼ cup) red wine vinegar, 1 chilli, 

diced (optional), 410 g can white beans 

(drained), 120 g / 250 ml (1 cup) marinated 

sundried tomato (chopped), 200 g cherry 

tomatoes (rinsed), Microgreens to garnish 

Method: 

1. Cut the avocados in half and 

remove the stones. 

2. Place the oil, spring onions, 

capers, basil, olives, garlic, 

vinegar and chilli into a 

bowl and mix to combine. 

3. Mix the remaining 

ingredients in a separate 

bowl, and spoon into 

the avocado halves, 

drizzle with the 

olive mixture. 

4. Serve with 

crusty bread. 

For more info and recipes, visit avocado.co.za , like us on Facebook @iloveavocadoSA and follow us on Instagram @iloveavossa

#TRENDING 

Last year we eased back into normalcy. And these trends dominated 

when it came to home décor ... ones that will continue to grow throughout 2023 

Before we get wrapped up in the 

go, go, go of living, we should take 

some time to pause and reflect on 

some of the design and décor trends 

that shaped last year, trends that will 

strongly influence our décor decisions 

this year. After two and a half years of 

being masked up and locked down, 

2022 was the year of easing back into 

normalcy. We unmasked, and started 

to venture back to the office, shops 

and schools and even gathered again 

with family and friends. Despite things 

being business as usual, we are only 

now beginning to properly understand 

the real impact that the pandemic 

has had on our psyche and in turn, 

our design and décor choices. Interior 

designer, behaviour specialist, and 

owner of a design studio, Kim Williams 

explains how many of the design and 

décor trends have been influenced by 

our most recent experiences. 

Health and healing 

There has been a huge emphasis on mental health and wellness, with our 

homes acting as a tranquil sanctuary to escape from the chaos and confusion 

of the outside world. Our living space can have a dramatic impact on our wellbeing 

and energy, promoting a desire for not just peace and privacy but also 

grounding, healing, and spirituality. There has been a strong move towards warm 

and natural palettes that are soothing but also mystical and engaging, with the 

addition of comforting fabrics and textures to add layers of interest. We have also 

seen a lot of deepened healing – which focuses on balancing masculine and 

feminine tones to ensure that the interior space is meditatively balanced and 

promotes healing for all. 

Less is more 

After having had to wear masks for so long, it made sense that we had a greater 

desire to be heard and seen during 2022. And although we saw a greater emphasis 

on the embracing of different voices, cultures, and individual interests when it 

comes to décor choices, it is important to note that the minimalist movement is 

still very much in vogue. Less is always more, as is the yearning to shop for locally 

sourced materials, such as rattan, wood, stone, and weaves. Glass objects and 

translucent furniture also help reflect light and engage the eye. 

Looking ahead 

This is going to be the year for exploring depth, especially when it comes to 

deepened healing. These trends will continue, but with greater consideration of 

the impact they have on us and our surroundings. And after being cocooned 

in a grey world for so long, we should also look forward to the return of bright 

colours as the world bursts back to life. 

Details: kimwilliams.co.za or Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design. 

18 Get It Magazine March 23 

The value of zoning 

Lots of us are still working from home this year, which has crafted a new 

appreciation for space, the privilege of having it and a deeper desire to connect 

better with it. Larger families especially require separate living areas to work and 

recharge, as well as a communal place to energise and socialise, and a dedicated 

corner to play. This dilemma has forced designers to look at zoning areas off 

to create better fluidity, energy, and balance. Both commercial and residential 

property owners are investing in ways to make their spaces flow and work better, 

not just because it creates a better user experience but because it is likely to 

increase property values. 

The return of the dining room 

A separate dining room that flows off either the living or kitchen area has made 

a huge comeback. During the pandemic, the dinner table was the centre of 

the home ... doubling up as a classroom, office desk and even a place for family 

entertainment. Now, it is a vehicle to bring loved ones together, especially during 

the summer entertaining season - a space that facilitates easy conversation and 

connection around a delicious meal. Well-designed dining rooms can create an 

ambiance and atmosphere that are both casual and formal depending on the 

occasion. The most engaging tables are rectangular or round with comfortable, 

simple-to-clean seating and enough space for easy movement. Lighting is 

functional, with elevated table scaping used to ramp up the mood and feel. 

Reconnecting 

with nature 

Our desire for sustainability and 

eco-conscious design has been 

huge and will probably continue 

well into 2023. It has been amazing 

to witness the massive move 

towards recycling and repurposing. 

A lot of the younger generation, 

especially, have been bringing old 

memories from past generations to 

life by adding their own stamp and 

aesthetic to create beautiful quilts 

and wall hangings, for example. 

Being conscious of our planet is 

not just about opting for greener 

materials in our décor choices but 

also bringing mindfulness into 

the entire design process. In these 

warmer summer months, the trend 

of opening the indoor and outdoor 

space is more apparent. Not only 

does this provide a wonderful 

connection to nature but it also 

extends our living space, adds more 

natural light, and allows for fresh air 

and the sounds of flowing water to 

breeze through the entire home.

TOUCHY 

FEELY 

It’s all about texture ... 

Natural, 

authentic and 

breathtakingly 

unique, this organic teak 

cheeseboard is part of range of 

really standout options to add to 

your kitchenware collection. Crafted 

out of natural hand-finished teak, 

there are also round plates and 

bowls. R495 from 

weylandts.co.za 

Made using 

porcelain with a 

matte finish, this snow 

cylindrical vase has a 

modern corrugated texture 

that adds a sculptural element 

to home décor. R899 from 

Country Road at Woolworths. 

Add texture to the dining room 

table with this exceptionally 

stylish range of artisanal glassware, 

mouth-blown in Thailand so 

each piece is one-of-a-kind. The 

Crestone tumblers are R795 for a 

set of six from weylandts.co.za 

A quiet nook 

for relaxing and 

reflection, with 

textured décor and 

homeware pieces 

from Woolworths 



FLOWER FUNDI 

FLOURISHES 

At first glance he looks like a typical farmer’s boy. But this farmer is 

actually a florist. Don’t let his appearance fool you ... Stefan Smuts whips 

up some of the most gorgeous flower arrangements you’ve ever seen! 

Photo: kykNET • Flowers: BLACK TULIP FLORAL & DECOR STYLING 

Stefan Smuts’ lifelong fascination with anything green 

and growing was sparked at a very young age in his 

gran’s garden. She used to compose floral arrangements 

for various functions, and quickly picked up on her 

grandson’s curiosity when it came to selecting the 

flowers and foliage. She taught him countless tips and 

tricks around the garden, how to fold and bend leaves 

in interesting ways, and how to combine textures and 

colours for the most exquisite floral arrangements. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and at just 16, Stefan did 

his first wedding flowers. After school, he was eager to 

pursue his dreams and became a fully qualified wedding 

planner and flower and décor specialist. And so Black 

Tulip Floral & Décor Styling was born, a business which 

specialises in flower arranging, décor rentals, candles and, 

of course, styling. 

After having seen the first season of kykNET’s 

The Greenest Fingers - a competition 

show where amateur gardeners, 

flower arrangers and enthusiasts 

compete against each other to 

be crowned as The Greenest 

Fingers winner - Stefan’s 

friends and family knew it 

was something right up his 

alley. With some motivation 

and encouragement, the 

humble flower fundi was 

persuaded to take a leap 

of faith and enter the 

second season. 

After surprising the judges 

week after week with his wellplanned 

arrangements and 

creativity, Stefan was eventually 

crowned the winner. Giving credit 

where credit is due, he dedicated 

his well-deserved win to no one else 

but his beloved gran. 

Passionate about showcasing the magic of 

flowers, Stefan tells us more about what it entails… 

20 Get It Magazine March 23 

Your floral arrangement style? I would simply describe it as 

fine art. Sophisticated, with the finest detail in simplicity, and 

a touch of drama. I also love accents of black, which I believe 

is one of my most evident trademarks. 

Fave part of the job? Weddings! Just because I have such 

a big love for the beauty and creative side of it. I really 

enjoy working on bridal bouquets… and with that, the 

table decorations. 

Most important elements of a good bouquet? A good 

balance of different colour combinations, textures, sizes 

and shapes. While the bouquet has to be loose and 

flowing, it’s still important for the focal point to pop. If it’s 

a bridal bouquet, it has to compliment the bride’s look 

and dress. One also has to be very careful for it not to 

overwhelm her overall look. 

Your secret to the perfect flower 

arrangement? I usually start off 

with some good music. Then, I 

identify my focal point, and 

work my way around. I 

make sure to spread 

everything in a way that 

creates the perfect 

balance and rhythm. I 

then work in different 

levels and layers 

for some depth, 

and finish off by 

cutting the stems 

at a 45 deg angle. 

I frequently stand 

back and look at my 

arrangement through 

a mirror, to make sure I 

didn’t miss anything. 

One of Stefan’s floral 

arrangements styled with 

great attention to detail and a 

touch of drama.

In a field of flowers, which one would you pick? I have not 

just one favourite flower, but four. I absolutely love a dahlia, 

old fashioned garden roses, ranunculus (the buttercup) and 

agrostemma (better known as the ocean pearl). These are by 

far my top four flowers. I think each one is very strong in its 

simplicity, offering such a beautiful focal and texture. 

Which flower will always be in fashion? For me, an oldfashioned 

garden rose is the definition of timeless. For so 

long it’s been a favourite for many, and probably the most 

used and best-known flower at weddings. 

If not in the garden, where can you be found? I really 

like spending time in the bushveld with my camera, 

photographing African wildlife. There is no better way for 

me to just relax. Even just visiting the farm in the heart of 

the bushveld and smelling the boma fire does it for me. 

Sometimes I might just sketch the African wildlife scenery 

and do artwork with dry, natural materials – hence my side 

business, Stofpad Fine Arts. Lastly, I really like to play piano 

when I get the opportunity. 

My floral arrangement style is fine art. 

Sophisticated, with the finest detail in 

simplicity, and a touch of drama. 

What’s your gran like? My grandmother, Esme Claassens, is 

an ordinary, humble ‘boere tannie’ who doesn’t stand back 

for anything. She is an incredibly artistic person and can 

make anything creative with just her hands. She is obsessed 

with flowers and plants and so it goes without saying that 

she’s had a beautiful garden all these years. It was always so 

impressive to me as a little boy, always thinking ‘how can she 

be so good at what she does?’. It was magic to me! In my 

eyes, no one could ever compete with my gran – she’s just 

the very best. 

What inspires you? I am certainly inspired by our exquisite 

African bushveld, and incredibly fond of our continent’s 

landscapes, shapes, colours and textures. 

Competition highlights? My favourite part was the team 

challenge, which was actually something I was not looking 

forward to. I am not a person who likes to work in teams. I 

prefer to work alone because I have a very strong personality 

in the sense that I know exactly what I want something to 

look like. It can be difficult for me to make someone else’s 

visions a part of mine. Ironically enough, I can say with 100 

per cent certainty that the team challenge was the most 

enjoyable one. It definitely changed my misperception of 

team work. 

What did you learn from The Greenest Fingers? The 

biggest lesson I took home is the fact that I should not 

underestimate myself and my work. I need to believe in 

myself and my talents. I also shouldn’t be afraid to work under 

pressure because that’s exactly where, I realised, I excel. It’s 

important to hold on, push through, give your best and never 

give up. Oh, and have fun! The rest will take care of itself. 

Details: Follow Black Tulip Floral & Décor Styling on Facebook and 

black_tulip_styling on Insta. 

Must-know floral arranging tips: 

• Always cut your solid, woody flower stems - such as roses 

at a 45 deg angle. • Cut your pipe shaped stems (such as 

daffodils) with a straight angle. • Choose flower colours 

that harmonise and complement each other. • Put flowers 

in fresh cold tap water. No ice. • Make use of repetition, 

rhythm, shapes and textures to keep it interesting. • Do not 

shift flowers too much from cool to hot areas, as they will 

start getting droopy and damaged. • If your hydrangeas 

gets droopy, cut the stems at a 45 deg angle and 

submerge them completely in water for two to three hours. 

They will be as good as new. 

How to make your bouquet last longer: 

• Remove any excess leaves. • Refill with fresh water every 

two to three days. • Cut stem at a 45 deg angle every two to 

three days. • Woody stemmed flowers such as roses prefer 

a deep drink. Fill the vase with up to two thirds of water. • 

Softer stems such as tulips and Ranunculus are happier with 

a shallow drink, so fill the vase just under halfway. • Always 

put flowers in a cool area. No direct sunlight! 

How to choose flowers for your next occasion: 

• Once you know the type of occasion it will be, determine 

the colour pallet and style of the event. • Choose flowers in 

different sizes and textures within your colour pallet. 

• Local seasonal flowers are much cheaper than imported 

flowers. • Choose the correct colour flowers with the 

correct meanings for the occasion (red = love, yellow = 

happiness, pink = romantic, white = purity, etc.) 


Colourful 

&calm 

We’re making sure our gardens look lovely and lively 

while prepping for seasonal change 

&calm 

Text: ALICE COETZEE 

We’re planting … Calibrachoa 

‘Midnight Kiss’ for its vivid trumpet-shaped blooms that live up to its 

name: Glowing deep purple diffusing into a dark centre overlaid by 

a bright yellow star. This neat, round plant grows 25 to 30cm high 

and wide and looks gorgeous in hanging baskets and containers as 

well as a garden groundcover. Plants are self-cleaning so they stay 

neat and tidy. Plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade is 

recommended. Plant in fertile well-composted soil that drains well, yet 

remains moist. Feed once a month. The flowers attract nectar-seeking 

birds, bees and butterflies. Details: ballstraathof.co.za 


Herb of the month 

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a calming herb that’s 

also a delicious dessert herb, used for flavouring icecreams 

and sorbet or added to fruit dishes and drinks. It 

has a gentle lemon-mint fragrance and flavour that makes 

a delicious tea, for sipping after dinner as a digestive or for 

winding down after a busy day. 

Lemon balm can be sown in summer through to autumn 

and grows in sun or partial shade. The compact plants 

(30 to 40cm high) are also suitable for window boxes 

and pots. It grows in ordinary garden soil, enriched with 

spadefuls of compost or in good quality potting soil. 

Feed pots monthly with a liquid fertiliser like Margaret 

Roberts Organic Supercharger. Space plants 30cm apart 

and pick the leaves in the afternoon when its essential 

oils are the strongest. Regular picking will produce a 

bushier, leafier plant. It flowers in summer, 

producing small white blossoms 

with sweet nectar that attracts 

the bees, hence its scientific 

name. Melissa is Greek for 

honeybee. Water it well 

during hot, dry weather. 

Details: kirchhoffs.co.za 

Did you know that 

Melissa officinalis is a dog-friendly 

herb? A mild infusion in their drinking 

water helps dogs with digestive problems 

and helps to calm those with separation 

anxiety. It even reduces flatulence. Note: If 

used for medicinal purposes check with 

a reputable source for recipes 

and dosage. 

Garden tasks for March 

• Start sowing autumn and winter veggies. 

• This is the ideal month to sow sweet peas in well-prepared 

trenches 50cm deep. Those sown now will flower in June. 

• Other winter flowers that grow easily from seed are alyssum, 

African daisies (aka Namaqualand daisies), Bokbaaivygies 

(mesembryanthemums), Linaria, poppies, snapdragons, 

Virginian stocks, and indigenous winter colour mixes. 

• Fertilise shrubs with 5:1:5 or 8:1:5 to strengthen them for 

winter. Water camellias and azaleas regularly to encourage 

the development of spring buds. 

• Keep your lawn green during winter by fertilising now with 

Ludwig’s Vigorosa and water regularly. 

Indoor plant of the month 

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a beautiful multicoloured 

hybrid from South America. The new leaves 

emerge as golden orange, mature to copper and finally turn 

green, with the three colours always present on the plant. 

It is relatively slow growing and compact (up to 60cm 

high) which makes it perfect for smaller spaces. To make 

the most of its colours, position it to receive plenty 

of bright, indirect light. It can also take some filtered 

morning sun. Like all philodendron, ‘Prince of Orange’ 

likes moist but not wet soil. Water only after the top 

3cm of soil has dried. Feed once a month with a liquid 

fertiliser to encourage large leaves. Rotate every now 

for a balanced plant. Details: lvgplant.co.za 

March 23 Get It Magazine 23


Clean. Kind. Ethical. We’re all over 

Eco Diva, a local, brand that’s 

all 100% natural plant-based 

ingredients. If you’re prone to 

breakouts, try the Acne Mini 

Solution Set - a 30-day starter 

kit that targets acne, breakouts 

and scarring through plant-based 

skin superfood formulations 

designed to balance skin pH and 

hormones. The set includes a 

natural face wash, an exfoliant skin 

polish, an hydrating masque, their 

Liquid Vitamin Hydra Mist, and 

The Ultimate Face Cream. R895 

from ecodiva.co.za 

Gentle on your skin and kind to the environment. 

Win win. This Earthsap Tea Tree Face Wash is gentle 

and has pure natural tea tree which kills bacteria and 

helps to control breakouts, so a great choice for acneprone 

or oily skin. Follow with Earthsap Tea Tree Face 

Toner, which has real tea tree and aloe oils to nourish 

and protect, without drying out your skin, plus it’s been 

enriched with vitamin E to combat free radical damage 

and slow the signs of ageing. R94 each from Wellness 

Warehouse, health shops, faithful-to-nature.co.za, and 

selected Spars and Pick n Pays. 

The Sh’zen Natural Essence range 

is perfect for teen skins. Try the 

Purifying Cleansing Wash foaming 

cleanser with a natural antibacterial 

action (R349), the Skin Life Oil, 

with 100 per cent natural plant and 

essentials oils works to purify, repair, 

restore and rebalance skin - use 

whenever skin needs extra comfort 

(R465), and Natural Essence Clearing 

Lotion spot-control treatment which 

works fast and is exceptional for acneprone 

teenagers, drying up spots and 

helping prevent further eruptions. 

(R249). For stockists visit shzen.co.za 


Teen beauty 

Apply a 

small tab 

of RITES 

Sweet 

Sidekick 

sugar lip 

scrub for 

smooth lips. 

R80 from 

rites.co.za 

Happi Eau De Parfum 

- a clean sparkling 

fragrance, delicately 

fragranced with the 

floral notes of lilies, 

peonies, violet leaves 

and patchouli. 

R539. For stockists 

visit shzen.co.za 

Keep one of these Gatineau 

Clear & Perfect SOS 

Spot Sticks in your bag. 

A self-sterilising rollerball 

applicator, it’s soothing antiinflammatory 

formula can be 

applied throughout the day 

to reduce redness, tighten 

pores and limit shine. R470 

from orleanscosmetics.co.za 

For Insta selfies and party confidence, 

try applying your foundation with this 

Bubble Makeup Sponge. Used wet, 

it’s mega soft and mimics skin pores to 

give you a natural, airbrushed look ... no 

special skills or IG filters required. 

R370 from Woolworths.co.za 

Girls just wanna have fun. 

Missguided Babe Heat 

fragrance has just launched ... 

and you’re going to love it! 

R699, only from Foschini 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 


Nutrition for mums-to-be 

Tips on meeting babe’s - and your - nutritional health 

Does what you eat in pregnancy 

really matter? 

There’s nothing quite like pregnancy 

to focus your attention on your 

health and well-being. Most momsto-be 

naturally have questions and 

concerns about their nutrition so that 

they meet the needs of their growing 

baby. Of course, you also want to 

maintain a strong and healthy body 

that is well-prepared for birth and the 

rigours of new motherhood. 

Healthy eating during your pregnancy 

helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy 

weight and helps your baby develop 

normally and have a birth weight 

of at least 2.5kg. Pregnancy is not 

the time to be experimenting with 

diet fads or taking nutrition advice 

from non-experts. Rediscover Dairy 

dietitian Maretha Vermaak says: “For 

your baby to be born healthy, growth 

and development need to happen 

on quite a strict schedule during 

each of the trimesters and therefore 

these timeframes are called critical 

periods. If certain nutrients are in 

short supply during these critical 

periods, development or growth 

may be disrupted. Having a healthy, 

nutrient-dense diet even before you 

fall pregnant will give you and your 

baby a good start.” 

No, you don’t need to eat for two! This 

adage is often interpreted as eating 

double, but your energy needs during 

pregnancy actually increase very 

little. In the first trimester you have no 

increased energy needs. In the second 

trimester, you need approximately 

1470 extra kilojoules, and in the third 

trimester, that increases to only 1890 

extra kilojoules. However, kilojoule 

counting is not an exact science, and 

it’s too hard to accurately maintain 

on a daily basis. Maretha says it 

can be helpful instead to monitor 

your weight gain and increase or 

decrease your energy intake relative 

to that. “However, the best approach 

is to focus on your nutrient intake, 

understanding the role of nutrients in 

Text: REDISCOVER DAIRY 

a healthy pregnancy and making sure 

that the nutritional quality of your 

food is good.” 

From conception to birth, your baby’s 

cells will divide rapidly, highlighting 

the importance of having the right 

fuel to support these processes. Here 

are six star-nutrients to focus on: 

• Protein - During pregnancy your 

protein needs to increase by 50 per 

cent to support the development of 

your growing baby’s body. However, 

most people exceed the daily 

recommendation for protein (0.8g/kg/ 

day) and so increasing your protein 

intake is not likely to be necessary. 

What you can do is focus on the 

quality of the protein you consume. 

Choose a variety of animal and plantbased 

proteins and opt for minimallyprocessed 

foods. Some examples of 

good protein choices include milk 

and other dairy products such as 

maas, yoghurt and cheese, fatty fish 

such as sardines, pilchards or cooked 

seafood, as well as meat and poultry, 

eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds. 

• Folate - This is a B-vitamin that is 

critical for DNA synthesis and cell 

division. Not having enough folate 

can lead to neural tube defects in 

your growing baby. This nutrient 

is so important that all women of 

childbearing age are advised to 

consume it in adequate amounts. 

Foods rich in folate include dark-green 

leafy vegetables, fruits and grains as 

well as nuts, legumes, seafood, eggs, 

dairy products, meat and poultry. 

• Iron - Additional iron is important 

for mum, because during pregnancy 

blood volume increases, which means 

that there are more red blood cells 

with each needing iron to function. 

Additional iron is also stored by your 

baby, especially in the final weeks of 

gestation. Many women enter their 

pregnancies with low iron stores 



and so the risk for iron deficiency 

anaemia increases as the pregnancy 

progresses. Good sources of iron are 

red meat and eggs. Eating vegetables 

and fruit high in vitamin C together 

with iron-rich foods will improve the 

absorption of iron. 

Tip: As milk and dairy inhibit the 

absorption of iron, it is best to have 

iron-rich foods - or a supplement 

- during the day rather than with 

breakfast, which usually contains milk 

or dairy products. 

• Zinc – This is an important mineral 

for cell division and immune function, 

but women generally do not get 

enough of this nutrient every day. 

Animal foods such as meat, seafood 

and dairy products, and also plantbased 

foods such as legumes, nuts 

and seeds are good sources of zinc. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids - Brain and eye 

development rely on adequate levels 

of omega-3 fatty acids. Protein-rich 

foods such as fatty fish, nuts and 

seeds are good sources of omega 3 

fats too. 

• Calcium – Pregnancy boosts your 

body’s ability to absorb and store 

calcium. Consuming about 1200mg 

of calcium a day during pregnancy is 

important not only for forming your 

baby’s bones and teeth but also for 

maintaining your own bone health. 

Milk and dairy products such as maas, 

yoghurt and cheese are great sources 

of calcium that is easily absorbed 

by the body. Three to four servings 

of dairy a day are recommended to 

help you reach your required calcium 

intake. Fish usually eaten with their 

bones, such as tinned sardines, can 

also be a valuable source of calcium. 

One extra micronutrient ... one 

nutrient that we have not touched 

on is iodine which plays a role in the 

production of thyroid hormones. 

Thyroid hormones impact on 

maternal energy, metabolism and 

support the growth and development 

of the baby in the first trimester. 

In addition, it is a vital nutrient 

for proper brain development, 

potentially affecting neurocognitive 

outcomes of children later in their 

lives. During pregnancy, thyroid 

hormone production increases by 50 

per cent, which means you need to 

make iodine-rich foods part of your 

diet. In South Africa, many people 

meet their iodine needs by using 

iodised salt. However, as eating a lot 

of salt is generally not recommended, 

especially for those with high blood 

pressure, it is best not to rely on 

iodised salt as your only source of 

iodine. Milk and dairy products can 

contribute greatly to iodine intake. 

What else may be missing? Fibre! 

A high-fibre diet not only offers 

many health benefits, but it can also 

help to reduce constipation during 

pregnancy. Many women experience 

constipation during pregnancy 

because higher progesterone levels 

cause the muscles of the digestive 

system to relax. However, if you focus 

on including legumes, nuts and seeds 

Nutrient-dense smoothie bowl 

in your protein arsenal, you will get 

good sources of both insoluble and 

soluble fibre. You should also choose 

whole grains such as whole wheat 

bread, high-fibre cereals and oats, 

and eat a variety of vegetables and 

fruit every day to add enough fibre to 

your diet. 

A small change that makes a big 

nutritional difference. Maretha says: 

“Changing your diet can be difficult, 

so it is best to aim for small changes 

that make a big nutritional difference. 

Improving the quality of your protein 

intake during pregnancy can have 

a dramatic impact on your nutrient 

intake, especially when it comes to 

nutrients that are critical for proper 

growth and development.” 

Here’s a quick and easy, nutrient-dense smoothie bowl recipe that helps you 

meet many of the optimal nutrition requirements during your pregnancy. 

You’ll need: 2 handfuls baby spinach, 3/4 of an apple, 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, 

1/2 frozen mango, 200ml plain full cream yoghurt, toasted nuts, seeds, raisins, 

small dollops of full cream yoghurt and cinnamon for toppings. 

To make: In a high-powered blender add the spinach, apple, ginger, frozen 

mango and full cream yoghurt. Blend until nice and smooth. You can add a 

small amount of water just to get it going. Pour into a bowl and garnish the top 

with anything that takes your fancy, like toasted nuts, seeds, and raisins as well 

as a couple of small dollops of full cream yoghurt. Then add a small dusting 

of cinnamon. 

Good to note: This 350ml smoothie bowl achieves 35 per cent of the daily 

recommended protein intake, 61.5 per cent of the daily recommended iodine 

intake and almost 40 per cent daily recommended calcium intake, for pregnant 

women. For more recipes and inspiration, visit rediscoverdairy.co.za. 



Help for new mums 

A new babe. Congrats. Such an exciting time. But for firsttime 

mums, often a little daunting. It’s a personal journey 

... to breastfeed or to share the feeding process with a 

partner, or a combination of the two. To offer a soother or 

not. So many decisions as you figure out the best way of 

doing things for you and your baby. Whichever you decide, 

there’s a gadget to help ... here are some of the best on the 

baby shelves. 

This Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump mimics a baby’s 

natural feeding movement for pumping that is simple, fast 

and gentle. Research shows that babies use a peristaltic 

movement, which is a special, wave-like tongue motion, 

to help release milk quickly when breastfeeding, a motion 

replicated by this pump, which uses a combination of 

suction and unique nipple stimulation to mimic a suckling 

motion, initiating milk let down for a comfortable and 

quicker milk flow. Loads of great features, 

including a personalised experience 

and memory function, one size 

soft and adaptive silicone 

cushion and 

express 

without 

leaning 

forward. 

R3900. 

When it’s 

time for 

baby’s next 

feed, the 

Phillips 

Avent Bottle 

Warmer 

gently warms 

their milk 

or food in three minutes, gradually and continuously to 

prevent hotspots. The easy to operate warmer also has a 

handy defrost setting (safer than defrosting in a microwave 

and more convenient than using water). R1580.50 

Sterilising. Bottles. Dummies. Toys. New mums are obsessed. 

So say hello to the Philips Avent Advanced Electric 

Sterilizer, with which you can sterilise up to six feeding 

bottles with accessories in just 10 minutes. It’s slim but 

roomy, fast and efficient, and kills 99.9 per cent of germs 

(phew .... sigh of relief from mum). It’s also easy to clean, is 

designed to reduce the chance of unpleasant odours and 

stays sterile for 24 hours. R3020.20 

Each to his own, but we’re firm believers in soothes. The 

Philips Avent Ultra Air collection has extra-large holes 

to keep skin dry. Its lightweight shield is designed for 

maximum airflow. It’s easy to find in the dark, respects the 

shape of palate, teeth, and gums, comes in fashionable 

colours and you can sterilse and store it in one handy 

case. For babes up to 18 months, R180.95 to R232.60 for a 

two-pack. 

Fancy winning your fave gadget on the page? Pop over to 

@getitptamagazine on Instagram, find the post and follow 

the prompts! 


Hey babe ... 

Where’s Octi? These little 100 per cent cotton 

crochet Octis offer reassurance and security 

to babes. The Octi head resembles the 

placenta and their curly tentacles mimic 

the umbilical cord, and apparently 

babies that cuddle an Octi 

have an improvement in 

breathing, as well as more 

regulated heartbeats and 

an increase in oxygen 

levels. Either way ... 

they’re just so cute. 

Made locally by a mum 

and daughter duo, Octis 

cost R249 from qscollection. 

co.za or order directly on 

Instagram @wheresocti 

We’re big fans of Epi-max ... so yay yay for new products 

in the Baby and Junior range. The new Baby & Junior 

pH Balanced Unscented Wipes have 80 in the pack ... 

great for your nappy bag, car, and pram, to clean, refresh 

and moisturise whenever you need. (R40.63). Also new, 

Baby & Junior Glycerine Bar, gentle and perfect if your 

babe’s sensitive skin in prone to dryness. (R29.90). Not new 

... but never-be-without-it .. Baby Bum Barrier Cream ... 

protects, conditions, and restores sensitive skin and forms 

a protective barrier between nappy and baby which repels 

the wetness that leads to nappy rash. R89.63. 

The Giggle and 

Beans baby and 

maternity range is so 

gorgeous. This Forest 

Shadows’ baby 

swaddle blanket 

and top knot beanie 

set, made from soft 

stretch cotton, 

is a perfect baby 

blanket for swaddling 

your newborn, 

keeping them 

snug. R499 from 

giggleandbeans.co.za 



FAMILY FUN 

If you love all things nature-inspired, Summer is the best time to get your family involved 

in your downtime activities – from hikes, to cycling adventures and running trails. 

When planning your next outdoor 

activity with the family, the most 

important thing is to be organised 

and prepared, plus have the right gear 

to make things efficient and easy on 

the day. It won’t be long before you 

realise that bringing your kids along is 

one of the best ways to enjoy quality 

time together and explore the beauty 

of the outdoors. 

Thule has a range of premium 

products that allow you and your 

family to fully immerse yourselves in 

your favourite outdoor activity. 

Here’s a roundup of must-have gear 

for your next adventure: 

For the cyclists… 

Exploring the great outdoors on two 

wheels is fast becoming a popular 

choice among families, and whether 

you’re planning on taking in a coastline 

or cycling along the Garden Route, 

bike trailers and bike seats open up 

the possibilities for pedal powered 

adventures with the family. 

The smart, intuitive and award-winning 

designs of the Thule rear child bike 

seats and front-mounted baby bike 

seats include features like quick and 

secure mounting and dismounting – 

and will give you and your precious 

passenger a safe, easy, and enjoyable 

ride. As your child grows, you can also 

conveniently adjust the foot straps and 

foot rests. 

Thule bike trailers are perfect for family 

commutes or fun weekend bike trips, 

the Thule Courier even switches from a 

child bike trailer to a bike cargo trailer, or 

a dog bike trailer with an optional kit. 

Top Tip: Before you start cycling with 

your little one in a bike seat or trailer 

practise without them. Make sure you 

are confident on your bike, and get 

some miles under your belt. 

Details: thulestore.co.za 

For the hikers… 

If you prefer hiking, an innovative child carrier backpack that at once gives your 

little one a great view and a comfortable and secure ride is a must. 

The adjustable Thule Sapling Child Carrier features an ergonomic seat and 

distributes the child’s weight, while the back panel and hip belt are quick and easy 

to adjust and effortlessly transitions between parents – a lifesaver on longer hikes. 

Top Tip: For added peace of mind, you might want to consider a child carrier that 

comes with a mirror and allows you to keep an eye on your precious cargo, as well 

as a rain cover to ensure that your little one stays dry. 

For the trail runners… 

Running with your kids can be rewarding and challenging all in one. From 

adjusting to the new routine of changing your stride to figuring out how to hold 

the handlebar efficiently, to adding some weight as you push the pace uphill, 

there are lots of things to consider when beginning to jog with your child. 

Thule’s Urban Glide is high performance all-terrain jogging stroller with a sleek, 

lightweight design that is all about comfort for you and your little one. The front 

wheel swivels for easy manoeuverability, plus locks into place for jogging for 

increased stability, when moving at a fast pace. 

Top Tips: When it comes to buying your jogging stroller, safety is first. Don’t settle 

for anything less than the highest standards when it comes to design, flexibility, 

safety and quality. Look for features such as a 5-point safety harness and an 

integrated hand brake. 

Pack lots of water and snacks! A water bottle is a must for any bike ride. Even if 

riding in a bike trailer isn’t physically active, kids still need plenty of fluids to stay 

cool and to replace the water they lose through sweating. 


GET IT DIRECTORY 

Cover make-up & hair by 

Antoinette de Beer 

We specialise in professional mobile make-up, 

hairstyling, microblading, airbrush make up, 

eyelash extensions, nails, facials, waxing, 

massages, laser treatments, etc. 

We also do one-on-one make-up teaching 

classes, MUD make-up distribution & 

make-up short courses. Special bridal 

packages available. 

@EAMakeupandHairstylists 

@eaacademymudwestrand 

Elaine Boshoff @ 082 885 3577, 

elaine@mudsa.co.za 

Antoinette de Beer @ 073 681 9516, 

antoinette@mudsa.co.za 

EA.indd 1 2023/02/15 13:46:35

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

When babe needs the very best (and let’s be honest, when doesn’t she!) it’s best 

you give it! From city-slicker strollers to high-performance jogging options, 

child carrier backpacks to baby bike seats, along with everything-you-need 

accessories (rain covers and seat liners and, we kid you not, snack trays for 

babes with an appetite) head over to thulestore.co.za where the range is 

mind-boggling. Exceptional quality, Swedish designs, the latest technology. 

Bonus ... so many buys for travelling, outdoors-y mums and dads, too. 

WIN ... 

a R10 000 voucher 

to spend at Thulestore.co.za ... 

pop over to 

@getitptamagazine 

on Instagram before 

March 25 to enter 

Spoil 

March

Mar 23 - Pretoria

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