Pretoria - October 24
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PRETORIA<br />
Whimsy up<br />
your home<br />
Rosy beauty<br />
& fashion<br />
THANDA SAFARI<br />
A serene<br />
Zululand retreat<br />
LET THE<br />
SUNSHINE IN<br />
This month we’re in the garden.<br />
To plant. Party. And eat some cake!<br />
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />
OCTOBER <strong>24</strong>
GET IT<br />
Editorial<br />
Instagram: @getitptamagazine<br />
Facebook: Get It <strong>Pretoria</strong> Magazine<br />
Website: getitmagazine.co.za/pretoria<br />
National Group Editor and National Sales<br />
Kym Argo<br />
kyma@caxton.co.za<br />
getitmagazine.co.za<br />
Facebook and Instagram:<br />
@getitnationalmagazines<br />
Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett<br />
Journalist Alanicka Lotriet<br />
Sales Manager<br />
Sajedah Ameer<br />
067 658 4933<br />
Distribution<br />
12 000 copies monthly<br />
Get It <strong>Pretoria</strong> is distributed free<br />
of charge. For a full list contact<br />
distribution@rekord.co.za<br />
Competition rules<br />
The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />
transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions<br />
are not open to the sponsors or Caxton<br />
employees or their families. Get It Magazine<br />
reserves the right to publish the names of<br />
winners, who will be contacted telephonically<br />
and need to collect their prizes from Caxton<br />
Northern branch within 10 days or they will be<br />
forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on<br />
our Facebook page monthly.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
THIS MONTH<br />
05 Time to soak up <strong>October</strong> vibes<br />
06 Book Club ... a handful of the very best books for <strong>October</strong><br />
08 Wish List ... celebrate life organically<br />
11 Social ... Savvy sisterhood networking<br />
PEOPLE<br />
12 Young start to storytelling for Bontle Ndhlovu<br />
18 A bite out of Chef Lakie’s culinary journey<br />
BEAUTY & FASHION<br />
14 Jolly pretty beauty and fashion finds<br />
16 Choosing the right eyewear for your face shape<br />
FOOD<br />
20 The sweetest cakes to make for a Garden Day party<br />
DECOR & GARDENING<br />
<strong>24</strong> Joyous alternative to minimalist decor trends<br />
26 Sunny days in your garden<br />
TRAVEL<br />
32 Thanda Safari ... an authentic South African wildlife experience<br />
WIN<br />
27 R8000 worth of Prominent Paint<br />
34 A rosy fragrance from L.12.12 For Women range<br />
COVER PHOTO CREDIT<br />
ADEL FERREIRA and OLIVIA KENSLEY<br />
OCTOBER <strong>24</strong><br />
<strong>24</strong><br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 03
WESTOWN SQUARE<br />
Tap into the growing market<br />
of Durban’s Outer West<br />
with Westown Square, a<br />
new shopping and lifestyle<br />
destination at the heart of<br />
Westown, Shongweni.<br />
A high-street shopping and<br />
lifestyle experience Westown<br />
Square is opening on 27 March<br />
2025 and is set to redefine<br />
retail in KZN.<br />
The first development in The<br />
new City of The West, this<br />
destination in the making is<br />
perfectly positioned off the N3<br />
between Pietermaritzburg and<br />
Durban, in the magnificent<br />
greenbelt and country<br />
surrounds of Shongweni.<br />
Westown is a mixed-use<br />
destination with retail,<br />
commercial, residential and<br />
logistics offerings, bringing<br />
exciting opportunities to live,<br />
work and thrive.<br />
Leasing at Westown Square<br />
is in full swing. Don’t miss out!<br />
Lana.Pattison@fundamentum.co.za<br />
Visit www.westown.co.za
If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least a month in advance to lanie@caxton.co.za<br />
A hot date!<br />
Here’s how we’re soaking up the <strong>October</strong> vibe...<br />
05<br />
Gentlemen, clear your<br />
schedules. We’ve got<br />
something sizzling just for you. A<br />
laid-back Spitbraai with the chaps.<br />
We’re talking about a feast of epic<br />
proportions … two meats, sides<br />
galore, and a cash bar. With tunes<br />
setting the perfect backdrop, it’s the<br />
kind of event where you can kick<br />
back with your buddies and<br />
maybe even make some new ones.<br />
From 4pm at the Fort Schanskop<br />
Amphitheater at the Voortrekker<br />
Monument. R300 per person from<br />
quicket.co.za. No under 18s.<br />
12<br />
Get ready for a night of pure<br />
musical magic. The UP Youth<br />
Choir is rolling out the red carpet for<br />
their gala concert, and you’re invited.<br />
This isn’t just any concert … it’s an<br />
unforgettable evening where voices<br />
blend in perfect harmony, creating<br />
a lovely choral experience you won’t<br />
soon forget. Don’t miss your chance<br />
to be part of this enchanting night<br />
filled with marvellous melodies and<br />
unforgettable moments. R100 per<br />
person from quicket.co.za and R120<br />
at the door. Starts at 6.30pm at the UP<br />
Musaion Theater.<br />
19<br />
Get ready for a night of laughs<br />
you won’t forget. The incredibly<br />
talented Marco du Plessis, Sami Hall,<br />
and Shenay O’Brien are hitting the<br />
stage with their exciting new show,<br />
Jou Stories. This isn’t your typical<br />
improv comedy … this time, you’re<br />
in the driver’s seat. The audience<br />
gets to steer the story, making each<br />
performance a unique adventure. So,<br />
you might want to prepare to laugh<br />
until your sides hurt. It’s going to be a<br />
night of pure, unpredictable fun. No<br />
under 13s. From R180 per person from<br />
quicket.co.za. 7pm to 8pm at the Wilge<br />
Theatre (inside Hoërskool Die Wilgers).<br />
Step into Moo Moo at Menlyn Park Shopping<br />
Centre, and you're not just stepping into a<br />
restaurant … you're entering a whole vibe. Think<br />
bright red floors that wrap you up in a cocoon of<br />
cozy warmth and lighting that gives everything a<br />
lazy, romantic glow.<br />
Glancing further along, you won’t help but notice<br />
the real showstopper. The wall of wine. A massive<br />
face-bricked wall showcasing some seriously good vintages, just begging to be<br />
explored. Fancy a glass of something special? Get up, browse, and maybe even<br />
find a hidden gem that’s not on the menu.<br />
To say they are passionate about their meat is an understatement. They don’t<br />
believe in blurring the lines … meat is not their main focus, it’s their only focus.<br />
The menu boasting a variety of meals for all occasions … their steaks, ribs and<br />
burgers being fa-moos for a reason.<br />
Plus, you get to mix and match your sides, and if you're a wine lover, you're in for<br />
a treat … every single bottle on the menu is available by the glass. Which is a first<br />
in SA, and it's brilliant!<br />
While this steakhouse is serious about flavour, they try not to take themselves too<br />
seriously, and they want you to have just as much fun as they do.<br />
They’ve become known for whipping up dishes that are both fast and absolutely<br />
delish, while the rest of the herd make the whole atmosphere super relaxed and<br />
inviting. They’ve created the perfect spot to just sit back, unwind, and eat to your<br />
heart’s content.<br />
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a fun evening out with the<br />
kiddos, or even a business meeting with a side of great food, Moo Moo has got<br />
you covered. Highly recommended!<br />
Open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays 10am to<br />
10pm. And 9am to 9pm on Sundays.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 05
Book club<br />
A handful of the best books on the shelves this <strong>October</strong><br />
Set in the 1970s in a summer camp<br />
in the Adirondack mountains, The<br />
God of the Woods is part mystery,<br />
part family drama. When a girl goes<br />
missing from the camp, it’s tragic. But<br />
the fact that she’s gone missing in the<br />
same woods as her young brother<br />
did 14 years ago makes it somewhat<br />
suspicious. The boy was never found,<br />
the locals didn’t all agree with the<br />
person finally found guilty, stories are<br />
murky and characters not all terribly<br />
likeable. Liz Moore’s book is brilliantly<br />
thrilling, couldn’t put it down! The<br />
Borough Press • An all-female boarding<br />
house. A new glam and mysterious<br />
arrival. Unlikely friendships. Add one<br />
deadly secret and an unexpected<br />
shocking act of violence and you’ve<br />
a thrilling read ... The Brair Club by<br />
Kate Quinn - queen of historical<br />
fiction. Harper Collins<br />
06 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong><br />
‘The exact number of German women raped during the dying days of<br />
world war two is unknown, but it is possibly as high as 2 million (and<br />
many were raped multiple times).’ So writes Josie Ferguson, whose<br />
incredible debut novel The Silence In Between is dedicated to ‘those<br />
whose stories deserved to be heard’. A heart-breaking historical fiction<br />
story of family, fear, hope and the atrocities of war. The story opens on<br />
August 12, 1961. Lisette’s baby is ill, and she’s left him overnight in a<br />
hospital in the West, going home to her home in the East to get clean<br />
clothes and some rest. When she wakes, early on August 13, everything’s<br />
changed. Overnight, the border between East and West Berlin has been<br />
closed. And there’s no way she can get to her child. From this shattering<br />
start, the tale jumps to and from 1961, with Lisette’s teenage daughter,<br />
Elly, desperately trying to find a way to get her baby brother back and<br />
hopefully receive the love she longs for from her mother, and 1938, and<br />
what Lisette and her family endured through the war. It’s fiction based on<br />
fact … and the most far-fetched events which are seemingly unrealistic<br />
are all horribly true. As the author points out, the East West border was<br />
closed overnight. Rape victims offered themselves to a single officer so<br />
as to escape multiple rapes. Hitler Youth members really did hand out<br />
cyanide pills, and husbands were separated from wives, mothers from<br />
babies. It’s not an easy read, but it’s beautifully written, compelling, and<br />
will stay with you long, long after you turn the last page. Penguin
Home interiors influencer Elle’s<br />
life is the envy of thousands. And<br />
when her producers tell her about<br />
a dilapidated chateau in the French<br />
countryside, she’s delighted. Social<br />
media content of sprawling vineyards<br />
and tasteful interiors will surely take<br />
attention away from the cracks that<br />
are beginning to show in her life,<br />
and the risk of past secrets being<br />
revealed. After all, it’s what’s in front of<br />
the cameras that’s important. As she<br />
well knows, dark and dirty behindthe-scenes<br />
flaws can be filtered out.<br />
Amanda Cassidy’s The Perfect Place ...<br />
a first-class thriller. Canelo<br />
From John Boyne - author of The Boy<br />
in the Striped Pyjamas, , the second in<br />
his four interlinked novels named<br />
after the elements. The first, Water,<br />
looked at a wife’s complicity in her<br />
husband’s sexual abuse of minors.<br />
This second book, Earth, , is about two<br />
football players on trial. One accused<br />
of rape. The other an accessory ... who,<br />
as the trial unfolds, reflects on the<br />
events in his life that have led him to<br />
this moment. A beautifully written,<br />
haunting read. Penguin<br />
The Paris Muse is the story of Dora<br />
Maar and Pablo Picasso’s love affair<br />
... dubbed the greatest love affair in<br />
art history. It’s the story about Dora<br />
- artist, creative genius and muse<br />
- who inspired some of Picasso’s<br />
greatest work. And their love affair<br />
that destroyed her. Author Louisa<br />
Treger says the book is based on the<br />
biographical facts of Dora’s life, but is a<br />
work of fiction ... she’s taken liberty with<br />
facts, characterisations an particularly<br />
chronologies. Bloomsbury Publishing<br />
All books available at<br />
Exclusive Books<br />
The recently released 2023 La Motte<br />
Chardonnay’s nectarine and citrus<br />
fruit flavours are complemented<br />
by hints of cashew nut and freshly<br />
baked bread. A polished, medium-full<br />
wine with exceptional freshness and<br />
a lively length. Really food-friendly<br />
... superb with creamy cheese and<br />
egg dishes (think quiche and soufflé),<br />
subtle spice and curry dishes and<br />
for those splashing out, with caviar,<br />
snails, crayfish and mussels. R170<br />
from la-motte.com.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 07<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
Wish list<br />
Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>October</strong><br />
Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>October</strong><br />
Great recipes and a good cause. It’s<br />
all win win with the launch of Love<br />
Lives Here - Vegan Food from a Farm<br />
Sanctuary. . Compiled by Rima Geffen, it’s<br />
a collection of recipes from volunteers at<br />
Greyton Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit<br />
farm animal rescue centre, which provides<br />
a home for more than 250 animals.<br />
Volunteers from around the world - from<br />
Azerbaijan to Zambia - spend time at the<br />
sanctuary to help with the animals’ care.<br />
Every evening, the visiting and resident<br />
caregivers take turns to cook a shared meal<br />
... and so this carefully curated selection of<br />
volunteers’ favourite recipes was born. R350,<br />
with a percentage of the profits going to<br />
the sanctuary. Rockhopper Books<br />
From seed to celebration!<br />
Garden Day is an annual day of<br />
celebration by South Africans in<br />
honour of our gardens and green<br />
spaces. It’s a day to show off our<br />
hard work and relish the joy gardens<br />
bring to our communities and lives.<br />
On Sunday <strong>October</strong> 20 join in the<br />
green fun. Plant something. Wear a<br />
flower crown. Throw a garden party.<br />
It could be a lavish lunch on the lawn,<br />
platters on the patio, or tea for two<br />
under your fave tree. The Garden<br />
Day crew have plenty of materials to<br />
help you prepare for the day ... from<br />
posters to customisable invitations<br />
and guidelines to make your own<br />
flower crown ... visit the Toolkit tab<br />
on gardenday.co.za. On the day, share<br />
your garden party pics with us on<br />
social media #GardenDaySA.<br />
Key lime and Tuberose<br />
and Gardenia. A gorgeous<br />
floral collection from<br />
Sh’Zen. Cleansing gel with<br />
vanilla and ginger (R259),<br />
luxury soy massage candle<br />
(R349) and Sparkling Mist<br />
with neroli and Mandarin<br />
(R239), from shzen.co.za<br />
08 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
Famer Angus organic wine<br />
Farmer Angus is Spier Wine<br />
Farm’s new flagship organic<br />
wine range ... a collection<br />
which is the fruit of a shared<br />
journey between the farm’s<br />
award winning winemaking<br />
team and Angus McIntosh,<br />
a passionate champion of<br />
regenerative agriculture who not only calls Spier his home<br />
but is also renowned for his commitment to ethically farmed<br />
meat, chicken, and pork. At the heart of these wines lies a<br />
profound respect for the soil and its role in nurturing healthy<br />
vines and exceptional grapes. Regenerative agriculture is his<br />
life’s work, Angus says, adding he believes all health stems from<br />
the soil. The range, made with grapes grown without synthetic<br />
herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilisers, has three limitedrelease<br />
wines. Farmer Angus Chenin Blanc - all butterscotch<br />
and apricots, followed by a palate of citrus and caramel, it<br />
pairs perfectly with prosciutto (R595); a vibrant, freshing rosé<br />
showcasing strawberry and vanilla on the nose, with strawberry<br />
and coriander on the palate (R495), and Farmer Angus Red<br />
Blend - a classic Stellenbosch Red Blend boasting a nose of<br />
blackberry and chocolate, complemented by a palate of vanilla<br />
and blackcurrant, brilliant with a grass-fed beef steak (R695). Love<br />
the labels, too ... Angus used the vine leaves he collected from<br />
the very vines that make these wines in the label design. His<br />
mother taught him this leaf-rubbing art form as a boy, he shares,<br />
saying it connects the wines right back to their origins among<br />
the vines. Buy online from spier.co.za<br />
Let’s keep things real. Sustainable sandals for<br />
Summer. Made from recycled materials, these<br />
sandals are vegan, colourfast, and designed<br />
to last. As they would be, since at the heart of<br />
Nomadic State of Mind is a commitment to<br />
preserving both the planet and the people who<br />
call it home. The company’s journey began in<br />
a 1969 VW van, which embodied the nomadic<br />
state of mind, a concept that still resonates today<br />
– whether you’re walking, driving, exploring<br />
the web, or venturing into new territories. Get<br />
these original six strap light weight, adjustable,<br />
super comfortable JC rope sandals for R1865 on<br />
nomadicstateofmind.za.com<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 09
Jackie Skeen, Talita Wiegand, Marilda Wiegand<br />
Savvy sisterhood<br />
Loads of entrepreneurs flocked to Centurion for the Inspirational<br />
Women in Business Networking Event, hosted by the Basadi Ba Moshito<br />
(BBM) Foundation. The get-together was all about lifting up and cheering<br />
on the amazing women entrepreneurs in our community. Antoinette<br />
Maluleke, a survivor of domestic violence, founded the foundation after<br />
nearly losing her life to her abuser. Facing a bleak future as a single,<br />
unemployed mother, she found strength and built a stable life for herself<br />
and her daughters, and fellow co-founders, Harmony and Karabo. Inspired<br />
by the love and support that helped her rise, she’s made it her mission to<br />
empower other women who might be walking a similar road. And did<br />
the foundation deliver at this event! Absolutely. They brought together<br />
the perfect lineup of inspirational speakers, including the Ambassador<br />
of Sweden in South Africa, Håkan Juholt. Think a lively panel discussion,<br />
followed by lunch, and a bustling exhibition space where these savvy<br />
women flaunted their businesses. It was the ultimate day for networking,<br />
learning, and levelling up their business games.<br />
Abigail Mudau<br />
Lerato Motsoeneg, Elaien Klaasen<br />
Jalané and Gert van Wyk<br />
Åsa Juholt, Antoinette Maluleke<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 11
LITTLE GIRL.<br />
BIG DREAMS.<br />
When Bontle Ndhlovu, aka<br />
Queen B, found out that<br />
grown-ups are behind the<br />
magical world of children’s<br />
books, this spunky young<br />
lady decided to give it a<br />
whirl herself. Fast forward<br />
a bit, and she already<br />
has two published books<br />
under her creative belt.<br />
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photo: SUBMITTED.<br />
And when we say young, we mean<br />
young. Bontle Ndhlovu is just 11 years<br />
old. She penned her first adventure,<br />
The Oceanic Oxy Rescue Mission, at the<br />
age of only eight, and followed up<br />
with Nyla and the Magician when she<br />
was 10. Talk about being ahead of<br />
the curve!<br />
Her passion for reading and<br />
storytelling has captured many,<br />
including some pretty big names.<br />
When H&M South Africa spotted<br />
Bontle’s talent, they chose her to<br />
feature in their latest Role Models<br />
campaign which shines a spotlight<br />
on the country’s literacy crisis.<br />
This campaign isn’t just about<br />
highlighting amazing kids though,<br />
it’s about empowering them to<br />
keep making waves in the world<br />
and giving them the tools they need<br />
to create lasting change. Which, as<br />
a matter of fact, fits perfectly into<br />
young Bontle’s vision. ‘I’m all about<br />
making sure kids’ voices are heard.<br />
It’s super important because if we’re<br />
12 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
too scared to speak up, we’ll never be<br />
able to achieve what we want. Oh,<br />
and remember … always remember<br />
… readers are leaders!’<br />
The cherry on top of the cake?<br />
H&M is backing Bontle’s mission<br />
by funding a reprint of her latest<br />
book and translating it into isiXhosa,<br />
isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Sesotho. This<br />
means more kids across the country<br />
can dive into Bontle’s world in their<br />
own languages.<br />
Needless to say, this Queen B’s love<br />
affair with books started super early.<br />
Even before she could read, her mom<br />
Refilwe would read to her. Starting<br />
from when Bontle was still in her<br />
mom’s belly. By the age of six, she<br />
was reading on her own, and the rest,<br />
as they say, is history.<br />
Her love for reading is so deep<br />
that last year alone, she devoured<br />
a whopping 15 books … her fave<br />
genre being adventure. Her favourite<br />
books? The World’s Worst Children<br />
series and The World’s Worst Teachers<br />
by David Walliams.<br />
‘I adore adventure stories. That’s what<br />
inspired me to create my own. My<br />
stories are packed with creativity,<br />
sparked by my wild imagination and<br />
a sprinkle of everyday life.’<br />
Writing, though, isn’t always a walk<br />
in the park. “You’ve got to plan your<br />
characters well,” she admits. ‘Or<br />
else, one minute they’re a school<br />
cleaner, and the next, they’re hunting<br />
crocodiles … yhoooo!’<br />
Speaking of yhoooo. That’s Bontle’s<br />
ultimate favourite word. ‘It’s just<br />
so versatile. I can use it when<br />
I’m embarrassed, surprised, or<br />
even happy.’<br />
And, like all writers, this young<br />
author faces her own version of<br />
writer’s block … though she calls<br />
it writersptosis. But what pulls her<br />
through every time is the pure joy of<br />
being able to bring her imagination<br />
to life on a page.<br />
Ever since she started writing, she’s<br />
been crafting stories for kids aged<br />
one to 10. But next year, she’s got<br />
big plans to publish something<br />
for readers aged nine and up. Her<br />
biggest dream being for every school<br />
in South Africa to have a library<br />
because she believes that’s how kids<br />
will learn to love reading.<br />
Who’s her biggest inspiration? Well,<br />
it’s Bontle herself. Because she<br />
believes that with determination, she<br />
can achieve anything she sets her<br />
mind to. In fact, of all the characters<br />
she’s created, Nyla is her favourite<br />
because, in many ways, Nyla is a<br />
reflection of Bontle herself. Brave,<br />
funny, and wildly imaginative.<br />
At school, she enjoys English and<br />
history. While English feeds her<br />
love for writing, history just fuels<br />
her love of learning. At home, she’s<br />
a bundle of fun who loves playing<br />
games, dancing, and binge-watching<br />
cartoons and cool documentaries.<br />
Her friends say she’s hilarious, and<br />
her parents will tell you she’s a<br />
chatterbox. And so it comes as no<br />
surprise that she’s even got her own<br />
YouTube channel where she not only<br />
shares her literary journey, but all<br />
kinds of super fun content.<br />
Bontle’s journey has already<br />
racked up some impressive<br />
achievements, too. She’s been<br />
nominated in the Arts and Culture<br />
and Personal Development &<br />
Motivation categories for the Stacey<br />
Fru Foundation’s annual African<br />
Children’s Awards, and she’s even<br />
bagged an AfriCAN Honoree Author’s<br />
Award. Plus, she’s recorded even<br />
more stories on her mom’s phone,<br />
just waiting to be published.<br />
For the big question … what does<br />
Bontle want to be when she grows<br />
up? “I want to be a doctor and a<br />
soccer player. Maybe I will continue<br />
writing as well,” she says with a grin.<br />
One thing’s certain ... dynamite sure<br />
does come in small packages. We’re<br />
rooting for Bontle, and know that<br />
she’s on her way to achieving some<br />
pretty big things. Watch out world.<br />
Queen B is just getting started!<br />
You’ll find The Oceanic<br />
Oxy Rescue Mission<br />
and Nyla and the<br />
Magician on her website,<br />
adventureswithbontle.com<br />
for around R140.<br />
Details: Follow<br />
@ Adventures with<br />
Bontle on Insta, Facebook<br />
and Youtube<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 13
Rosy hues<br />
Summer’s looking<br />
jolly pretty!<br />
Bramley Pink<br />
Blossom Tissue Oil,<br />
R29.99 from Clicks,<br />
Dis-Chem, Checkers,<br />
SPAR and PEP.<br />
Morlage and Yorke<br />
Apothecary Wild<br />
Rose & Sandalwood<br />
nourishing hand and<br />
nail cream - R69.95 from<br />
morlageandyorke.co.za<br />
Diego dalla Palma Professional Body Cracker,<br />
R495 from orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />
New Summer<br />
Birkenstocks ... Arizona<br />
Birko-Flor Embossed<br />
Purple Fog. R2399,<br />
available from<br />
early November.<br />
Details: bashafrica.com<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
Ruched midi dress with slim<br />
silhouette, fully lined with<br />
internal corset detailing, - R2999<br />
from Witchery at Woolworths.<br />
14 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
Sh’zen White Jasmin<br />
Facial Essence, R539<br />
from shzen.co.za<br />
EarthSap Wild Rose & Lavender Bath<br />
Salts, R68 from Wellness Warehouse,<br />
selected SPAR stores & health shops<br />
nationwide and faithful-to-nature.co.za<br />
Bye bye packaging waste. Just launched ... Woolworth<br />
WBeauty refillable make-up range, in eyeshadows,<br />
bronzers, powdered blushers, pressed powders and<br />
shimmer bricks, packaged recyclable in card boxes<br />
and paper sleeves. In store or from woolworths.co.za<br />
SOiL Citrus Scented Certified Organic Shea Butter<br />
(in elegant new packaging), R135 from soil.co.za<br />
M&Y Apothecary Wild Rose<br />
and Sandalwood hand<br />
wash - R99.95 from<br />
morlageandyorke.co.za<br />
NUXE Very Rose<br />
Soothing Shower<br />
Gel, R750 from select<br />
Woolworths, Truworths<br />
& Foschini stores and<br />
orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />
Pink Adriana heel slingbacks with twist details, R2299,<br />
and soft Romy Hobo bag with twisted handle, R1299,<br />
both from Witchery at Woolworths.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 15
FRAME RIGHT!<br />
Choosing the right eyewear for your face shape<br />
Choosing the right eyewear, spectacles, or sunglasses can do more than<br />
correct your vision or shield your eyes from the sun. They can enhance your<br />
overall look and complement your features. However, with so many styles<br />
available, how do you find the perfect pair for your face shape? Wesley<br />
Language from Execuspecs shares some tips and considerations to help you<br />
make the right choice when it comes to selecting eyewear.<br />
Face shapes<br />
Most importantly, you need to<br />
understand and identify the different<br />
face shapes. Each face shape has<br />
unique characteristics that can guide<br />
your eyewear selection. These are the<br />
most common categories, and the<br />
frames that suit them (or not!).<br />
Diamond<br />
Characteristics ... Narrow forehead and<br />
jawline with broad cheekbones.<br />
Best frames ... Oval or cat-eye frames<br />
balance the narrow chin and forehead<br />
while accentuating the cheekbones.<br />
Avoid ... Narrow frames that highlight<br />
the widest part of the face.<br />
Sunglasses ... Rimless, oval,<br />
and cat-eye.<br />
Round<br />
Characteristics ... Full cheeks, rounded<br />
chin, and equal width and length.<br />
Best frames ... Angular frames, such<br />
as rectangular or square, define and<br />
contrast the roundness.<br />
Avoid ... Round frames, as they can<br />
make your face appear fuller.<br />
Sunglasses ... Wayfarers<br />
16 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
Square<br />
Characteristics ... Strong<br />
jawline, broad forehead,<br />
and square chin.<br />
Best frames ... Round or oval<br />
frames soften the angularity<br />
and provide a nice contrast.<br />
Avoid ... Angular and boxy<br />
frames that emphasise<br />
the squareness.<br />
Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />
Oval<br />
Characteristics ... Balanced proportions<br />
with slightly wider cheekbones and<br />
a gently curving chin.<br />
Best frames ... Most frame shapes<br />
work well, but rectangular or<br />
walnut-shaped frames (not too deep<br />
or narrow) are particularly flattering.<br />
Avoid ... Frames that are too large as<br />
they can disrupt the natural balance<br />
of an oval face.<br />
Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />
Heart<br />
Characteristics ...<br />
Wider forehead,<br />
high cheekbones,<br />
and a narrow chin.<br />
Best frames ..<br />
Bottom-heavy<br />
frames add width<br />
to the lower face.<br />
Rimless and lightcoloured<br />
frames can<br />
also be flattering.<br />
Avoid ...<br />
Top-heavy frames<br />
that emphasise<br />
the upper part of<br />
the face.<br />
Sunglasses ...<br />
Cat-eye, round,<br />
and Aviators.<br />
More tips ...<br />
Consider proportion Ensure the frames are proportionate<br />
to your face size. Oversized frames can overwhelm a small<br />
face, while small frames can look lost on a larger face.<br />
Bridge fit The bridge of the spectacles should fit<br />
comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding.<br />
Colour and material Choose colours and materials that<br />
complement your skin tone and personal style. Tortoiseshell,<br />
black, and metallic frames are versatile choices.<br />
Lifestyle and functionality Consider your lifestyle<br />
needs. For active wear, durable and lightweight materials<br />
are essential.<br />
Execuspecs - instore and online, have a great range of<br />
on-trend frames. Look out for their exclusive Baker range.<br />
Keeping eye health top of mind, they also have the latest<br />
optometric equipment, so have your eyes checked, too.<br />
Details: execuspecs.co.za<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 17
LAKIE’S BITES<br />
It was love at first bite for Laken Charmaine Chinyande whose passion for cooking<br />
started at a young age. Today she is the proud owner of Lakie’s Bites, delivering<br />
delicious, health-conscious meals from her catering company.<br />
Laken Charmaine Chinyande’s love for<br />
cooking began at a very young age<br />
and, as early as she can remember,<br />
she has been fascinated and intrigued<br />
by the process of creating something<br />
delicious from simple ingredients.<br />
“Watching family members cook,<br />
experimenting in the kitchen, and<br />
the joy of sharing food with loved<br />
ones have all fuelled my passion for<br />
cooking,” she says.<br />
Now, 27 years old, and living in<br />
Midrand, Chinyande is the proud<br />
owner of Lakie’s Bites, a healthy meal<br />
prep and private catering company<br />
that she started after the lockdown to<br />
help people stay on track with their<br />
health goals.<br />
Chinyande or, as she prefers to be<br />
known, Chef Lakie, graduated from<br />
Capsicum Culinary Studio’s <strong>Pretoria</strong><br />
campus in 2020 with a Professional<br />
Chef Qualification. She says she<br />
chose to study at Capsicum Culinary<br />
Studio because of its reputation as<br />
one of the leading culinary schools<br />
in the country and because it “offers<br />
a dynamic learning environment that<br />
combines theoretical knowledge with<br />
practical skills, ensuring that students<br />
are well-prepared for the demands of<br />
the culinary industry.<br />
“Additionally, the school’s emphasis on<br />
creativity, innovation, and excellence<br />
resonated with my own aspirations as<br />
a budding chef,” she says.<br />
So how did Lakie’s Bites come about?<br />
“The idea came to life when I noticed<br />
a gap in the market for healthy<br />
and convenient meal preps. This<br />
realisation hit home when my brother<br />
and his colleagues began asking me<br />
to prepare healthy lunches they could<br />
take to work, avoiding the need to<br />
order unhealthy options.”<br />
Since then, Lakie’s Bites has grown<br />
into a top healthy meal prepping<br />
18 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong><br />
company, offering customised meal<br />
plans to suit any dietary needs.<br />
“We collaborate with dietitians to<br />
ensure our clients receive the right<br />
nutrition tailored to their specific<br />
requirements. Our primary goal is to<br />
bring convenience to our clients’ lives<br />
with ready-made meals, which has<br />
been a lifesaver for busy professionals,<br />
gym enthusiasts, moms and families.<br />
In addition to meal prepping,<br />
our private catering services are<br />
designed to not only be delicious,<br />
but to also to add a touch of class<br />
and elegance to any event. We take<br />
pride in presenting aesthetically<br />
pleasing dishes that enhance the<br />
overall experience of any occasion.”<br />
Lakie’s Bites also offers cooking classes<br />
for individuals, groups, and corporate<br />
team-building events, helping<br />
participants hone their cooking skills<br />
or learn new techniques.<br />
“Our team-building classes are<br />
especially popular, as they are not only<br />
fun but also promote camaraderie<br />
among friends and colleagues,” says<br />
this dynamic young woman.<br />
One look at the Lakie’s Bites website<br />
and it’s staggering to see the range of<br />
options on offer. So where does she<br />
get her inspiration?<br />
“I draw inspiration for the meals we<br />
sell at Lakie’s Bites from a variety of<br />
sources. Firstly, my passion for cooking<br />
and my desire to create healthy,
delicious, and convenient meals<br />
drive my creativity. I am constantly<br />
exploring new recipes and culinary<br />
techniques to ensure our offerings<br />
are both nutritious and flavourful.<br />
I also keep a close eye on current<br />
food trends and innovations in<br />
the culinary world. This helps me<br />
incorporate modern twists into our<br />
meal preps and catering services,<br />
keeping them exciting and relevant<br />
for our clients.<br />
Feedback from our clients plays a<br />
crucial role as well. Understanding<br />
their preferences, dietary needs,<br />
and favourite flavors allows me to<br />
tailor our offerings to meet their<br />
expectations and beyond.<br />
Collaborating with dietitians also<br />
provides insights into creating<br />
balanced and health-focused<br />
meals that cater to specific<br />
nutritional requirements. This<br />
blend of personal passion, client<br />
feedback, and collaborating with<br />
dietitians ensures that Lakie’s Bites<br />
consistently delivers delicious,<br />
health-conscious meals that<br />
delight and satisfy our clients.”<br />
Chef Lakie says her most popular<br />
meals include the Chicken & Beef<br />
Taco Bowls from the High Protein<br />
menu, which are a hit among those<br />
looking to boost their protein<br />
intake, the Vegan Curries are also a<br />
favourite, offering a flavourful and<br />
satisfying option for plant-based<br />
clients, and from her regular menu,<br />
the hearty and homey stews are a<br />
crowd pleaser, as is the spiced caulirice,<br />
which is particularly popular<br />
among clients following no-carb or<br />
Keto diets.<br />
So where does she see Lakie’s Bites<br />
in five years’ time?<br />
“I envision Lakie’s Bites expanding<br />
its reach internationally, beyond<br />
the borders of South Africa and<br />
Zimbabwe. My goal is to offer our<br />
healthy meal preps, private catering<br />
services, and cooking classes to a<br />
global audience, providing healthy<br />
convenience to even more people.<br />
Additionally, I’d like to establish a<br />
cooking academy dedicated to<br />
enriching others with cooking<br />
skills and knowledge, highlighting<br />
the importance and value of the<br />
culinary profession, which I believe<br />
is often overlooked. By creating a<br />
space for learning and growth, I<br />
hope to inspire and equip the next<br />
generation of chefs and culinary<br />
enthusiasts.”<br />
Details: www.lakiesbites.com;<br />
@lakies_bites on Instagram<br />
DELICIOUS HEALTHY MEXICAN<br />
PULLED CHICKEN BOWL<br />
Ingredients for the pulled chicken:<br />
3 skinned chicken breasts, ¼ cup oil, 3 tsp<br />
smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp<br />
cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt chicken spice<br />
(optional), black pepper, zest of 1 lime, 1<br />
cup chicken stock, oil for frying, lime zest<br />
for garnish, coriander for garnish<br />
Method: In a bowl, mix oil, spices and lime<br />
zest. Add the chicken breasts and coat fully.<br />
Cover the chicken and refrigerate for 20<br />
to 30 mins. Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Fry<br />
the chicken breasts on low heat for 3 to 5<br />
mins on both sides. Add the chicken stock,<br />
then cover and cook for 10 to 12 mins till<br />
the stock is reduced and the chicken is fully<br />
cooked. Avoid overcooking the chicken<br />
as it will get tough. Once cooked, transfer<br />
the chicken breasts to a bowl and let them<br />
rest for 5 to 8 mins. Get two forks and shred<br />
the chicken breasts then add lime zest and<br />
chopped coriander.<br />
Ingredients for the Mexican Rice:<br />
1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup canned kidney<br />
beans or black beans, ½ red pepper,<br />
chopped, ½ red onion, chopped, 1<br />
tsp paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, chilli<br />
(optional), 1 tsp lime zest, handful<br />
coriander, salt and pepper, oil for cooking,<br />
½ cup cooked sweetcorn, 6 rosa tomatoes,<br />
halved 1 avocado, chopped into bite-size<br />
pieces, ½ cucumber, diced, rocket leaves<br />
Method: Fry onion, red pepper, paprika,<br />
cumin and chilli if using. Add the beans.<br />
Add rice, coriander, lime zest and season<br />
well. Cook for 3 to 5 mins. To assemble, lay<br />
the rocket leaves in a bowl. Add the rice<br />
then add sweet corn, halved rosa tomatoes,<br />
avocado, and cucumber. Top with the<br />
pulled chicken. Serve and enjoy!<br />
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS<br />
WITH CHEF LAKIE<br />
What is your favourite snack when you<br />
are feeling peckish?<br />
Butter-flavoured microwave popcorn<br />
(convenience is key!)<br />
What five items are always in<br />
your fridge?<br />
Crushed garlic & ginger, unsalted butter,<br />
fresh milk, sauces (usually soy and sweet<br />
chilli sauce), and water.<br />
What would you make to<br />
impress someone?<br />
I’m big on hearty meals, so it would<br />
probably be red wine braised lamb<br />
shank on creamy mash and sautéed<br />
garlicy broccolini.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 19
Sweetest cakes!<br />
Poppy Seed Cake<br />
20 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
No garden party is complete without a sweet treat.<br />
To celebrate Garden Day on Sunday <strong>October</strong> 20,<br />
Chef Mynhardt Joubert shares three of the cakes<br />
recipes closest to his heart.<br />
Poppy seed cake<br />
‘We fell in love with this cake recipe from a very early age and it has featured<br />
at all kinds of festive occasions over the years in our family - my sister and I<br />
have adapted the recipe from the original, doubling all the ingredients to<br />
make for a sizable and deliciously moist cake. It is rich and filling and the<br />
ideal cake to present at birthdays or any occasion where the crowds have<br />
to be fed. Allow for at least a day to stand as the flavour and density of the<br />
cake only improves and gets so much better - if you can resist you will not<br />
regret it.’ Serves: 8 to 10<br />
Cake ingredients: 6 extra large eggs; 630g castor sugar; 250ml canola oil;<br />
500g double cream plain yogurt; 150g poppy seeds; 160g desiccated<br />
coconut; 350g self raising flour<br />
Icing: 100g butter, softened; 400g creme fraiche; 130g icing sugar; 10ml<br />
vanilla paste or extract; 400g good quality white chocolate, melted<br />
Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream the eggs and sugar<br />
together until light and fluffy. Add the oil and yogurt and mix through. Add<br />
the poppy seeds, coconut and flour and mix thoroughly. Divide the batter<br />
in 2 x 28cm loose bottom cake pans.<br />
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Spread the frosting in between each layer and stack the cakes spreading<br />
the last frosting on top. Garnish with fresh roses.<br />
The ultimate Carrot Cake<br />
Carrot, coconut, date and pineapple<br />
cake with beetroot frosting<br />
‘I have been infatuated by carrot cake all my<br />
life and it has been like the search for the<br />
holy grail for me - one birthday a cake was<br />
delivered to my home - no card or message<br />
attached - the most beautiful, moist,<br />
luxurious and delicious carrot cake that<br />
you have ever tasted. It haunted me up to<br />
the point where I set myself onto a course<br />
to perfect the carrot cake of my dreams -<br />
and here it is - laden with fruit, dates, nuts,<br />
pineapple and to boot a quirky beetroot<br />
flavoured icing - I love everything about<br />
this cake ... enjoy!’ Serves 8 to 10 people<br />
Cake ingredients: 400g brown sugar; 5<br />
extra large eggs; 10ml vanilla extract or<br />
paste; 375ml canola oil; 3 ripe bananas;<br />
500ml cake flour; 5ml baking powder;<br />
10ml bicarbonate of soda; 10ml ground<br />
cinnamon; 5ml salt; 750ml grated carrot;<br />
65g desiccated coconut; 100g almonds,<br />
chopped; 170g dates, chopped; 1 tin<br />
crushed pineapple, drained<br />
Frosting ingredients: 125g butter, softened;<br />
250g cream cheese; 500g icing sugar; 15ml<br />
beetroot powder or 5ml pink colouring;<br />
10ml vanilla extract or paste; 200g white<br />
chocolate, melted; 5ml rosewater<br />
Method: Preheat oven to 160 degrees<br />
Celsius. Place the sugar, eggs, vanilla, oil<br />
and bananas in a bowl and whisk with an<br />
electric beater until the banana is mashed<br />
and the sugar has dissolved.<br />
Sieve the flour, baking powder, bicarb, salt<br />
and cinnamon together and add to the<br />
wet ingredients. Whisk until combined and<br />
add the carrots, coconut, almonds, dates<br />
and pineapple and mix through. Divide the<br />
batter into 2 x 25cm prepared cake tins and<br />
bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick<br />
comes out clean. Remove from the cake<br />
tins and let cool properly before frosting.<br />
Frosting: Whip the butter and cream<br />
cheese together until pale and fluffy. Add<br />
the icing sugar, beetroot powder, vanilla<br />
and rosewater and whip. While the frosting<br />
is whipping, pour in the melted chocolate<br />
and let the machine run until the frosting<br />
has doubled in size. Divide the frosting<br />
onto the 2 cakes and spread evenly. Stack<br />
on top of each other and place in the<br />
fridge to set.<br />
Tips: You can garnish the cake with some<br />
crushed pistachio nuts and fresh purple<br />
Parisian figs if in season. The cake keeps<br />
a good week when stored in an airtight<br />
container and improves on standing.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 21
Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />
This one requires a little effort ... but<br />
it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.<br />
Basic vanilla sponge ingredients: 225g<br />
butter; 180g caster sugar; 4 large eggs;<br />
1 Tbsp vanilla paste or vanilla essence;<br />
250g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking<br />
powder optional; 1/2 tsp of salt; 100ml<br />
of full cream milk<br />
Method: Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees<br />
celsius. Grease three 18cm tins with<br />
butter and line with baking paper.<br />
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl<br />
with a hand or stand mixer.<br />
Start adding the eggs one by one and<br />
whip until light and fluffy and add the<br />
vanilla. Sift the flour, baking powder<br />
and salt and fold gently into the batter<br />
with a wooden spoon or spatula<br />
making sure to keep the airiness of<br />
the batter. Pour in the milk and gently<br />
fold in until well combined.<br />
Bake for about 25 to 30 min until<br />
lightly golden brown and a tester<br />
skewer comes out clean. Let it cool.<br />
Butter cream icing ingredients: ½ cup<br />
unsalted butter, at room temperature;<br />
2 cups icing sugar, sifted; 2 tsp pure<br />
vanilla extract or paste; 2 Tbsp milk; 3<br />
drops food colouring<br />
Method: Whip the butter for at least 6<br />
to 8 minutes until it becomes a pale<br />
white colour - essential. Whip in the<br />
sugar for another 4 to 5 minutes then<br />
add the vanilla. While whipping slowly<br />
start adding the milk. Divide the<br />
frosting into three. Leaving one white<br />
and colouring the other two thirds<br />
with a few drops of peach colouring<br />
the attain the desired colour for the<br />
ombre effect.<br />
White chocolate cream cheese frosting<br />
ingredients: 250g of cream cheese;<br />
100g of crème fraîche; 200g of good<br />
quality white chocolate<br />
Method: Melt the chocolate in a<br />
double boiler until just soft taking<br />
care not to overheat. Whip the cream<br />
cheese and crème fraîche together<br />
and slowly start adding the melted<br />
chocolate. Spoon into a piping bag.<br />
Peach Compote Ingredients: 500g of<br />
fresh peaches sliced and chopped;<br />
100g of brown sugar; 1 tsp of<br />
corn starch<br />
Method: Place 250 g of the peaches<br />
Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />
and the sugar into a medium sized<br />
pot and bring to the boil. Let it<br />
simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and<br />
puree in a food processor or with a<br />
stick blender. Return the puree to the<br />
pot and add the remaining 250g of<br />
peaches to the pot gently warm the<br />
peaches then add the corn starch<br />
mixed with a little bit of water. Let<br />
it thicken, remove and let it cool<br />
down completely.<br />
Assembling the cake: Start by placing<br />
the first sponge onto your cake stand,<br />
pipe a third of the cream cheese<br />
frosting onto the sponge starting in<br />
the middle and working your way out<br />
making a ridge on the outer rim to<br />
contain the peach compote.<br />
Spoon a generous amount of the<br />
peach compote into the centre and<br />
repeat the first step with the second<br />
sponge. Place the third sponge on<br />
top and press down onto the cake to<br />
make sure that it is sturdy and in its<br />
correct place.<br />
Cover the cake with the white<br />
buttercream frosting with a pallet<br />
knife. Start with the darker cream<br />
cheese frosting and decorate the first<br />
bottom third of the cake, repeat with<br />
the second lighter coloured frosting<br />
for the second third of the cake.<br />
Using your pallet knife dipped into<br />
hot water start turning the cake and<br />
smoothing the layers into each other<br />
to create the ombre effect.<br />
22 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
Whimsical decor<br />
This playful style offers a refreshing, joyous alternative to minimalist decor trends<br />
Text: Yael Geffen, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty<br />
In a post-pandemic world, now<br />
facing increasing global instability<br />
and turmoil, people are yearning for<br />
more lightness and fun in their lives.<br />
The constant barrage of troubling<br />
news and a sense of uncertainty<br />
have created a collective need for<br />
moments of joy and escapism. Yael<br />
Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s<br />
International Realty, says that after a<br />
period of conformity and restraint,<br />
people are eager to express their<br />
individuality and creativity, and<br />
this desire for light-heartedness is<br />
reflected in various aspects of daily<br />
life, including home decor trends.<br />
One clear manifestation of this shift,<br />
she adds, is the growing popularity<br />
of whimsical decor. In stark contrast<br />
to the minimalist and often sombre<br />
designs that have dominated in<br />
recent years, whimsical decor offers<br />
a burst of colour, creativity, and<br />
playfulness. “People are turning to<br />
vibrant hues, eclectic patterns, and<br />
quirky accessories to infuse their living<br />
spaces with a sense of cheer and<br />
individuality. This trend isn’t just about<br />
aesthetics ... it’s a deliberate effort<br />
to create environments that foster<br />
happiness and relaxation.”<br />
This trend stands out for its<br />
playful and imaginative elements,<br />
providing a sense of escape and<br />
comfort. It’s all eclectic, imaginative,<br />
quirky ... bold colours, unexpected<br />
patterns, and a mix of vintage and<br />
contemporary elements.<br />
Yael shares her tips for implementing<br />
whimsical decor effectively.<br />
Choose a focal point Start with a<br />
piece that sets the tone. This could<br />
be a statement piece of furniture, a<br />
bold piece of artwork, a vibrant rug.<br />
It should be eye-catching and reflect<br />
the spirit you want to achieve.<br />
Be bold with colours Whimsical<br />
decor thrives on bold, vibrant colours,<br />
so don’t be afraid to mix and match<br />
hues. Consider using a bright palette,<br />
balanced with neutral tones to avoid<br />
overwhelming the space.<br />
<strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
Mix patterns and textures A<br />
variety of patterns and textures<br />
add depth and interest. Mix<br />
polka dots, stripes, florals and<br />
geometric designs, and like plush<br />
fabrics with metallic finishes and<br />
wooden accents.<br />
Incorporate quirky accessories<br />
Look for accessories that tell a<br />
story or evoke a sense of fun. Think<br />
vintage toys, eclectic art pieces,<br />
fairy lights, and unusual planters.<br />
Furniture with character Select<br />
pieces that stand out for their<br />
design and personality ... a<br />
brightly coloured sofa, an antique<br />
armchair, or a coffee table with an<br />
interesting shape.<br />
Embrace nature Nature-inspired<br />
elements are often a key component of<br />
this look, and indoor plants, floral<br />
motifs, and nature-themed decorations<br />
can bring a fresh, organic feel to the<br />
space. Consider hanging planters, flower<br />
vases, or even a nature-themed mural.<br />
Create cosy nooks Designate small areas<br />
for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming. Fill<br />
these spaces with comfy seating, soft<br />
pillows, and elements like fairy lights or a<br />
dreamy canopy.<br />
Innovative lighting Think chandeliers<br />
with a twist, string lights, or lamps with<br />
fun shapes and colours. Lighting can<br />
create magical ambiances that transform<br />
and elevate the mood of a space.<br />
Whimsical<br />
decor.<br />
The antidote<br />
to austerity!<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 25
SUNNY DAYS<br />
Colourful blooms, fiery capsicums and a fresh lick of paint<br />
Text: ALICE COETZEE and KYM ARGO<br />
We’re planting …<br />
Zinnia Zesty because it<br />
displays huge, vibrantly coloured<br />
flowers throughout Summer into<br />
Autumn. The fully double blooms are<br />
reminiscent of traditional zinnias. These sunloving<br />
plants are neat and upright, growing<br />
up to 60cm tall, and will brighten borders<br />
and mixed plantings as well as looking good<br />
in containers. Pollinators love their flowers.<br />
Plant in soil that drains well, water regularly<br />
but don’t over-water and fertilise<br />
once a month during Summer.<br />
Details: ballstraathof.co.za<br />
<strong>October</strong> garden tasks<br />
• Plant new roses, Summer annuals<br />
and perennials this month. Annuals<br />
that grow quickly from seed are<br />
alyssum, cosmos, lavatera, portulaca,<br />
California poppy, and nasturtium.<br />
They all do best in full sun. • Fertilise<br />
perennials with a granular fertiliser<br />
like Vigorosa 5:1:5 or 3:1:5, and<br />
annuals with a liquid fertiliser. Use<br />
either pink or blue hydrangea food<br />
for hydrangeas. • Mow lawns at least<br />
once a week, but if it is very hot and<br />
dry mow less frequently and set<br />
blades higher • Water regularly and<br />
spread a layer of mulch over beds to<br />
conserve water and keep the roots<br />
cool. • Keep flowering roses neat<br />
by cutting off dead blooms, fertilise<br />
with a rose fertiliser by the middle<br />
of <strong>October</strong> and water deeply during<br />
hot, dry weather. Control pests with<br />
an organic insecticide like Ludwig’s<br />
Insect Spray or Margaret Roberts<br />
Organic Insecticide.<br />
There is something so summery<br />
about Peperomia Watermelon . Its<br />
rounded leaves look as crisp and<br />
cool as mini-watermelons and plants<br />
stay rounded and compact, perfect<br />
for table tops, counters and office<br />
desks. Bright, indirect light is perfect<br />
for these plants. Water when the<br />
surface of the soil feels dry but don’t<br />
let the pots stand in water. Feed with<br />
a liquid fertiliser once a month in<br />
Summer to encourage new leaves.<br />
Details: lvgplant.co.za<br />
This is the month for chilli-heads<br />
to sow some heat. Capsicums<br />
germinate best in warm soil<br />
(minimum temperature 20C) and the<br />
varieties available from seed are mind<br />
boggling. For newbies in the chilli<br />
stakes, a good variety to start with<br />
is Hungarian Hot Wax - they won’t<br />
burn your mouth to smithereens, or<br />
the mild to hot Cubanelle, Chinese 5<br />
Colour or Shishito green chilli pepper.<br />
Only the very daring should opt for<br />
Trinidad Scorpion or Carolina Reaper.<br />
The names are a warning!<br />
To grow: Sow seed into small 10cm<br />
pots to allow seedlings to grow<br />
into sturdy plants before being<br />
transplanted into a bigger pot or<br />
into the ground. Sow two to three<br />
plants per pot. Seeds will germinate<br />
within seven to 20 days (depending<br />
on variety) and the soil must be kept<br />
moist during germination. When the<br />
first true leaves appear and are big<br />
enough to handle transplant the<br />
seedlings into bigger pots or into the<br />
soil spaced 40cm apart.<br />
Chillies need full sun, well-drained soil<br />
and regular watering, especially when<br />
flowering so that they don’t drop<br />
their flowers (which means no fruit).<br />
Most chillies grow 50 to 60cm tall and<br />
the fruit should be ready for harvest<br />
within 120 to 160 days.<br />
Details: kirchoffs.co.za or rawliving.co.za<br />
26 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
WIN<br />
Give your home a paint-over!<br />
This month we’re getting ready for Summer. And since<br />
Summer in South Africa is all about being outdoors,<br />
we’re going to get our home’s exterior in ship shape. We’ve<br />
discovered the new and incredible Neuklad Range from<br />
Prominent Paints ... specifically crafted to endure our harsh<br />
climate, this professional-grade paint offers exceptional quality and<br />
durability, making it the perfect choice for everyone from seasoned contractors to<br />
meticulous homeowners. Available in white, pastel tint base and clear tint base,<br />
this weather-resistant range includes Neuklad Alkali-Resistant Sealer, Cool Roof,<br />
Ultra Shield, and Earth. Details: prominentpaints.co.za<br />
To celebrate the launch, we’re giving one reader a fab<br />
prize, worth R8 000 ... a chance to choose their favourite<br />
paint colours from any of the Prominent Paint ranges.<br />
Imagine the possibilities for your home! Entering is a<br />
breeze. Just head over to @getitptamagazine on Instagram<br />
or Facebook, find our <strong>October</strong> Spoil post, and follow the<br />
prompts. Entries close <strong>October</strong> 25, and winner will be<br />
selected from entries across all Get It platforms.<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 27
GET IT DIRECTORY
GET IT DIRECTORY
GET IT DIRECTORY
GET IT DIRECTORY
Thanda Safari<br />
Luxury safaris. Big Five.<br />
Brilliant birding.<br />
With the added attraction<br />
of supporting a lodge<br />
with exceptional<br />
conservation practices.<br />
32 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong><br />
Out in the middle of nowhere, where there’s nothing as<br />
far as the eye can see bar bushes, trees, gently rolling<br />
hills and watering holes ... this is where you’ll find<br />
Thanda Safari. A private game reserve in the northern<br />
reaches of Zululand, where the Great Rift Valley meets<br />
the Lebombo Mountains, it’s home to an abundance<br />
of wildlife including Africa’s Big 5 and more than 400<br />
different bird species.<br />
It’s a destination which offers an authentic South African<br />
wildlife experience. There’s exceptional game-viewing<br />
all year, it’s a brilliant option for families, honeymooners,<br />
groups of friends, and perfect for those who’re wanting<br />
something extra over and above the game drives ...<br />
think specialised bush walks, photographic safaris, and<br />
Zulu cultural tours in the rural community.<br />
The term room with a view is particularly apt here ...<br />
it’s been said that there are no bad rooms at Thanda –<br />
and we couldn’t agree more. Guests are offered a few<br />
options ... each as magnificent as the other.<br />
The Thanda Safari Lodge is a circular structure<br />
reminiscent of a traditional Zulu rondavel, with nine<br />
suites, each with a spacious lounge area, a plunge pool,<br />
a private boma and a game-viewing deck offering<br />
panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.<br />
There’s also a spa, open for all Thanda guests, housed in<br />
the heart of the Lodge.<br />
Or, for those who want to go for the ultimate in bush<br />
opulence, there’s the splendid Villa iZulu – a stunning<br />
safari hide-away for families, groups, even wedding<br />
parties, wanting privacy with their luxury. With five<br />
gloriously appointed suites and its own heli-pad, this<br />
extravagantly-sized villa, which has fenced garden and<br />
lush green lawns, is available on an exclusive-use basis.<br />
A third, super luxurious hospitality option, is The Royal<br />
Thanda Club by Thanda Safari ... where you’ll find the<br />
exclusive-use Royal Residences. Enclosed within a high<br />
security, access-controlled, estate in the central part of<br />
the reserve, these massively spacious Royal Residences<br />
sleep between eight and ten guests.
Since opening Thanda Safari some 20 years ago, it has embraced various<br />
aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Everything the<br />
team does is centred around responsible environmental development<br />
and management.<br />
The many conservation programmes have included protection programmes<br />
for the endangered Cheetah and, most importantly, the endangered Black<br />
Rhino protection programme and Elephant Breeding programmes. Other<br />
conservation initiatives include ...<br />
The identification and tracking of elephants at Thanda Safari, and the tracking<br />
and monitoring of cheetah using telemetry equipment.<br />
The identification of hyena and leopard via the use of camera traps, as well as<br />
rhino monitoring - due to rampant poaching in South Africa it is imperative<br />
that a close watch be kept on Thanda’s rhinos.<br />
Bird Atlasing - a hotspot of birdlife diversity Thanda Safari, as a member of<br />
Birdlife South Africa and an acknowledged landowner within the Zululand<br />
Important Bird and Biodiversity area, keeps detailed records of all bird species<br />
using Bird Atlasing.<br />
Rehabilitation - Thanda Safari has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation<br />
in KwaZulu Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game<br />
viewing land and re-introducing species that used to freely roam the area,<br />
including the Big Five.<br />
Vegetation monitoring - a thorough assessment is conducted annually as<br />
to the carrying capacity of the reserve, taking into account the rainfall, veld<br />
condition, grass cover and herbaceous biomass. Also habitat management -<br />
which includes a controlled burning programme, road maintenance, erosion<br />
control and alien plant control.<br />
Under the auspices of Thanda Foundation Trust, established to focus attention<br />
on the socio-economic needs of the three tribal communities surrounding<br />
affected by Thanda, there’s also a flagship Star for Life Educational programme<br />
that functions under its own NGO, the Inkanyiso and Masisambisane crèche<br />
projects, and Football for Life through the amateur football club, Thanda Lions,<br />
that uplifts local unemployed youth in sport and empowers young girls to<br />
play football.<br />
Thanda Safari has its own dedicated anti-poaching unit, wildlife team and<br />
rhino monitors and it is a founding member of Project Rhino KZN - an antipoaching<br />
collaboration with local conservation agencies and game reserves.<br />
Details: www.thanda.com<br />
<strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong> Get It Magazine 33
Spoil<br />
<strong>October</strong><br />
A rosy fragrance from Lacoste<br />
Unbound. Radiant. Confident. The Lacoste woman is<br />
all three. In her world, every detail is intentional, and<br />
this includes the fragrance she selects. This month<br />
we’re celebrating the L.12.12 For Women range ...<br />
inspired by the iconic Lacoste polo shirt, and boasting,<br />
obviously, that crocodile! Three timeless classics,<br />
each with French finesse and within in the framework<br />
of Fashion Sport aesthetic. The range includes an<br />
ambery fruity Rose Sparkling, a floral woody<br />
Rose eau Intense, and Rose eau de Parfum ...<br />
an elegant, fruity floral fragrance - all green mandarin<br />
and mint, musk and rose, cedarwood and ambrox.<br />
Delicate but empowering ... like the woman who<br />
wears it! From R999. To stand in line to win our lovely<br />
<strong>October</strong> Spoil, pop over to @getitptamagazine on<br />
Instagram and Facebook, look for the Spoil post<br />
and follow the prompts.<br />
34 Get It Magazine <strong>October</strong> <strong>24</strong>
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