JHB North

JOBURG NORTHERN SUBURBS

A dream decor

move for

Georgie Dekker

STEP BACK IN

TIME ... EXPLORING

GRAAFF-REINET

DIG IT!

Collagen banking

.... the latest

beauty buzz phrase

IT’S GARDEN DAY

Throw a garden party. Wear a

flower crown. Sow shades of colour.

Own your piece of green this October!

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

OCTOBER 25

Ladies

Dresses

FROM

R 95

Mens

Printed Tees

R

70

Mens

Boardshorts

TAKE TWO

R

185

FAMOUS FOR LESS

www.jamclothing.co.za

CONTENTS

GET IT

Editorial

Caxton House • 368 Jan Smuts Avenue

Craighall, Joburg

Instagram: @get_it_joburg_north

Facebook: Get It Joburg North Magazine

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/

joburg-north

National Group Editor & National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

@getitnationalmagazines

Website: getitmagazine.co.za

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Contributor: Lisa Witepski

Sales: Karen Hardman

karenha@caxton.co.za

010-971-3640

Distribution

Get It Joburg Northern Suburbs is

distributed free of charge. For a full list of

where it is available phone 010-971-3605

Published by CTP Limited

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be

forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on

our social media pages.

THIS MONTH

04 Time to wind down and enjoy October

06 Book Club ... flip through pages with a glass of Syrah on the side

08 Wish List ... celebrate garden day in style

PEOPLE

10 Georgie Dekker’s bold moves into the world of entrepreneurship

14 Mom May Bradshaw’s story about sunshine, hats and happiness

BEAUTY

16 Collagen banking: saving youth for later use

FOOD & DRINKS

20 Three places that leave a lasting taste

22 A trio of easy-to-prepare dishes

24 A handful of cookbooks that have you covered ... starter, main, pud

GARDENING

26 Sow shades of colour

TRAVEL

29 Graaff-Reinet ... small town, endless Karoo charm

WIN

08 A case of De Krans Moscato Perlé

32 The latest fragrance masterpiece from Roberto Cavalli

22

COVER PHOTO CREDIT

MEGAN BRETT

OCTOBER 25

October 25 Get It Magazine 03

A hot date!

October is flirty and flashy. Time to wine down and enjoy!

02

Paint the cutest spooky

kitten you’ve ever seen

— perched on a pumpkin with

her witch hat sitting just right.

Messy Masterpieces Paint Night

is all about art, the vibes and a

creative night out in town. Brushes,

easels, and all art equipment

are provided to use during the

event, and you take your spooky

canvas masterpiece home. 6pm

on Thursday, 2 October at Del

Forno Sunninghill. R385 per person

includes a welcome drink. Contact

Sonette on 083-784-7712 for more

info. Bookings through quicket.co.za

03

Noises Off is a classic

play written by Michael

Frayn that offers a hilarious

glimpse behind the scenes of a

theatrical production. Expect a

series of comedic mishaps and

misunderstandings as a cast

attempts to stage a farce with a

mix of acting talent, two weeks

of rehearsals and all that can go

wrong, going wrong... and for

some reason a plate of sardines

that never knows where to be!

Featuring some bawdy humour

and slapstick physical comedy so

recommended for ages 12 and

over. Pieter Toerien Montecasino

Main Theatre from October 3 to

October 12. Tickets cost from R150

through webtickets.co.za

03

Sexy is back! You guessed it. Chicago - The Musical. A nightclub singer, a double

murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer, and a cell block of sin - all set against the razzle-dazzle

of one sizzling musical bringing the roaring 1920s to life with its thrilling tale of fame,

fortune, and all that jazz. Featuring iconic hits like All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Razzle

Dazzle. Suitable for 10 years and older. Montecasino’s Teatro on October 3 to November 9.

Tickets cost from R280 through ticketmaster.co.za

011 463 1598

11

05

Actress and author

Gaynor Young presents

a powerful and deeply personal

story with a one-woman show,

Beauty in the Broken. Gaynor’s

life changed forever in 1989

when her life took a dramatic

turn after a tragic 18-storey

fall during a performance.

Through sheer determination

and the unwavering love of

her mother, Gaynor slowly and

courageously rebuilt her life. A

story celebrating survival, love,

and the indomitable human

spirit. Theatre on the Square until

October 5. Tickets cost from R180


Ace Period Poverty Padel

Social 2025 will raise

awareness and funds on International

Girl Child Day. Join for a social

session of padel where light is shed

on menstruators’ education and

menstrual health and funds are raised

to support three schools and one

orphanage with a year’s supply of

sanitary pads and menstrual dignity

kits. 2pm to 4pm at Indoor Padel

Revolution on October 11. Tickets cost

from R350 through quicket.co.za

26

WeAreSilentVibe … immerse

yourself in the excitement

of a silent disco, where you control

the vibe by choosing from different

curated music channels. Dance

freely, connect with friends, and lose

yourself in the rhythm. Three DJs.

Three choices to tune into. Three

hours of moving to your own beat.

Food and drinks will be sold at the

venue. 3pm to 6pm at Radisson Red

Rosebank on October 26. Tickets cost

R150 through quicket.co.za

04

11

29

It’s wine o’clock

Taste your way through

some of SA’s top wines

and sumptuous food at the Pick

n Pay Wine & Food Festival. Each

ticketholder receives 20 wine tasting

tokens that can be used based

on rand value of the wine, and a

tasting glass to take home. There

are add-on activities to explore at an

additional cost, including Pick n Pay

tasting room sessions and mixology

theatre sessions. 1pm to 6pm at

The Wanderers Club (Top Oval), 21

North Street, Illovo on October 4 and

5. Tickets cost from R300 through

webtickets.co.za

Get ready to social, sip and

soak up fine art at Klink Art

Wine Experience. Indulge in wine

tastings from more than ten boutique

South African wineries, exclusive

gallery tours, candle pouring and

tufting workshops, interactive artist

activations, live music and more.

Noon to 8pm at 223 Jan Smuts Ave,

Rosebank on October 11. Tickets cost

R280 which includes a complimentary

tasting glass through quicket.co.za

Celebrate wine! Standard

Bank WineX is where you

explore, discover and go to taste the

limitless variety from the Cape and

wines of the world, under one roof.

Appealing to those still learning their

way around wine as well as dedicated

aficionados tracking their favourite

cellars or seeking out new treasures.

It’s your chance to sip, swirl, savour

(and spit) and simply be social. Over

18s only. Sandton Convention Centre

on October 29 to 31. Tickets cost R295


JUICY SECRETS OF THE SEASON

Uncovered daily at

Jackson’s Real Food Market

Book club

New on the shelves ... books to enjoy with a glass of wine on the side!

Dinner plans were cancelled (and it was promising to be a great dinner). Steve

Cavanagh’s Two Kinds of Stranger is an edge-of-your-seat read, and there was

no chance of putting it down for a dinner date. The story of a woman who has

it all ... dreamy husband, perfect apartment, the ultimate job. She’s an internet

celeb, known for her random acts of kindness. #RAK. But when she’s betrayed, live

on social media, millions of people are watching. She’s already lost everything

... then an apparently chance encounter with a stranger and one of her #RAK

plunges her into a nightmare. Featuring Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn, it’s a nail-biting

thriller. Headline • In Last Chance, Stephen Leather has Spider Shepherd infiltrate

a group of professional killers, known as The Office, who’re carrying out hits for

the Iranian government across the European continent. The targets are wealthy

and privileged, and after a slew of murders in London, MI5 has had enough. The

Office must be destroyed. And obvs Spider - the secret services’ most dangerous

weapon - is the man to do it. Hodder & Stoughton

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

Syrah is one of the most compatible wines to enjoy with food and one of the

most generous wines to enjoy with friends. Launching this month, the 2022 La

Motte Syrah was matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 15 months ... the

violet red-hued wine has aromas of ripe mulberries, black olive and a subtle hint

of aniseed, while the palate has a fresh and juicy profile with a smooth, mellow

texture, brimming with vibrant cherry fruit. The medium-bodied wine character is

wonderful with rich, flavourful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables),

game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic

spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky,

sweet marinade. The wine’s abundant fruit also latches on to the sweetness in

jelly, chutneys and berry sauces. Details: la-motte.com

06 Get It Magazine October 25

Adore Shari Lapena’s books. In She

Didn’t See It Coming, Bryden and

Sam have it all. Thriving careers. A

smart apartment in a luxury condo.

A cherished daughter. The perfect

life for the perfect couple. Until Sam

receives a call at his office. Bryden –

working from home that day - has

failed to collect their daughter from

daycare. After collecting her, he

races home, where he finds Bryden’s

car in the underground garage, her

laptop open on the table in the

apartment, her cell phone nearby, her

keys in their usual place in the hall.

Everything’s normal ... except Bryden

is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just

walked out. But how can she have

disappeared from her own home?

And did she even leave the building

at all? Twists and thrills from start to

finish. Penguin Random House

Also ...

Let The Bad Times Roll by

Alice Slater. When her brother

goes missing, his worried sister

Caroline hosts a dinner, hoping

to gain some insight from

those who knew him best.

There’s just one stranger at the

table, a psychic who claims

to have met the missing man

some time before. Before the

dinner’s over, doubt blooms,

tempers fray and secrets spill.

Hodder & Stoughton • Never

Flinch by Stephen King.

The police receive a letter

from someone threatening

to ‘kill 13 innocents and 1

guilty’. A women’s rights

activist’s events are being

disrupted. Two unrelated

events converge in a chilling

and spectacular conclusion.

Hodder & Stoughton

For these and more brilliant reads,

visit exclusivebooks.co.za

Starting at the end, and ending at the

beginning, Kill Your Darlings is the

story of Wendy and Thom Graves. He’s

become a bit of a disappointment

to her - what with his drinking,

flirting, and knowing too many of the

couple’s deadly secrets. So Wendy

thinks it best she get rid of him. That

way she’ll also bury the secrets that

bind them. Peter Swanson’s mystery

will have you speed reading ... anxious

to find out what the secrets are that

make Wendy so desperate to kill

Thom off. Faber

The Woman in Ward 9 is Laura. One who has no idea why she’s lost her

memory, or why she was found covered in someone else’s blood. And Emma

is a psychologist - the only person Laura will talk to. Emma has six days to help

unlock Laura’s memories - and to find out what she’s hiding! Headline • Nightmare

stuff. A bus driver and ten pupils - ranging from first to sixth grade - are hijacked

and kidnapped, then put into a shipping container buried underground. Not

a great day for driver, Jessa, who’s trying to stay under the radar since she

lied on her job application about her past, or for 12-year-old Sage, exhausted

after looking out for her younger sister all afternoon. The kidnappers promise

everyone will be let out once a ransom has been paid. But it’s dark. It’s cramped.

And it’s getting more and more difficult to breathe. Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W

Ihli ... a massively suspenseful read. Pan Books


Wish list

Celebrate Garden Day ... and all

things blooming!

Floral tablecloth, R379, and porcelain

cup, R149, from H&M at superbalist.com


At our garden party we’ll be enjoying

the De Krans Premium Moscato Perlé

range. With delicious fruit flavours of

muscat, litchi, apricots and hints of

honey and exotic spice, as well the

slight fizz and balanced acidity, the De

Krans Premium White Moscato Perlé

is the perfect light white. The De Krans

Premium Red Moscato Perlé has 15

per cent Pinotage added to give it the

red shade, and changes the fruit profile

considerably to flavours of berries,

litchi, soft prunes and muscat, with

strawberries, blackcurrants and exotic

spice on the palate. And the De Krans

Premium Rosé Moscato Perlé dazzles

with a beautiful, pink blush colour – a

result of a touch of Pinotage added

to the Muscadel and Hanepoot. This

natural sweet wine is packed with fresh

tropical fruit, strawberry and candy floss

flavours, with exotic spice and muscat

aromas and a balanced, fresh acidity.

With the fresh new labels launched last

year, this trio is a delightful choice for

your garden party, date night, brunch

with the girls. So well-priced - R89 from

dekrans.co.za - and you’ll also find

them at your local wine stockist. And if

you fancy winning a case, pop over to

@get_it_joburg_north on Facebook

or Instagram, find the post and follow

the prompts.


This sheer floral applique dress stunner comes

with a nude slip dress ... it’s the perfect dress

for a Summer wedding, a sundowner

cocktail event, a garden party. Glorious!

R1449.50 from meandb.shop

October 12 is Garden Day ... the annual movement

for green fingered folk to take a break from the

planting, watering and weeding and instead

celebrate the fruits of their labour with family and

friends. Whether you have a rolling lawn, volunteer

at a community garden or have a few plant boxes

on your balcony, everyone is invited to participate

... throw a lavish lunch, have a picnic on the lawn,

hide in a green corner with a great book. For

fabulous ideas, step-by-step guides for creating

a flower crown, invite templates visit gardenday.

co.za. And share your Garden Day photos on social

media, using #GardenDaySA or send them via

WhatsApp to 074 288 1487.


Moving into Mova

As co-founder of online furniture and décor store Mova, Georgie Dekker is

making the bold move of swapping the corporate world for entrepreneurship.

Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Photo: MEGAN BRETT

Many audacious career moves start with a dream –

but in the case of Georgie and her partner in Mova,

Meg Cardwell, that dream was literal. “Meg phoned

me to say that she’d had a dream about me – we’d

started a business in kids’ homeware,” Georgie says.

It wasn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Although Georgie

had been working in sales at a major corporation for

11 years, she’d studied entrepreneurship at university

and had always dreamed of owning a business. As

for the décor ... she’d inherited an eye, as well as

an ability to make a room feel like home, from her

mother, who was always experimenting with spaces.

Meg, too, was no stranger to dimensions, colours and

shapes, having worked for a major fashion retailer

before moving into interiors.

Nor could Meg’s timing have been better. “For a long

time, I’d been talking about how I’d love to resign

from corporate and start my own thing. It’s not that

I hated the corporate life. It was incredibly fun, and

I’ve made some great friends through work and

established a strong network. I think corporate gives

you a valuable grounding in business and helps

to build your confidence. But the desire to build

something of my own kept growing, especially after

I had my children, three-year-old Olivia and Grace,

who’s one,” Georgie says.

So what stopped her? “Fear,” she admits. On the one

hand, she is very passionate about entrepreneurship:

her husband is a business owner, so she has a very

realistic view of what it takes to succeed, and even

this didn’t put her off. “I love the idea of doing

something for yourself and owning your time. It

really is a case of what you put in is what you get out.”

Nonetheless, the thought of being set free in a world

of opportunity was daunting. “I literally didn’t know

what to do and where to start. But having a partner

has changed all that.”

It helps that she and Meg share similar interests

– which lie, primarily, in creating beautiful spaces.

More than that, though, beautiful spaces that are

comfortable for the whole family. This is the Mova

difference ... while most kids’ décor looks just fine in a

nursery or children’s room, it doesn’t integrate all that

well with the rest of the home’s décor. “There are a lot

of people who don’t mind their children’s lumo pink

plastic table in the dining room, but Mova’s ethos

is that kids should feel part of their home and their

space. Our tagline, ‘Homes shaped by life’, speaks to

this. Your home is where memories are created.”

To bring this philosophy to life, Georgie and Meg

have spent hours poring over Pinterest inspo boards,

finding exquisite décor pieces that are long-lasting,

sustainable and, most importantly, fit in with

people’s lives. “We’ve both been fortunate to travel,

and while there are the most beautiful kids’ décor

boutiques overseas, there’s a definite gap in South

Africa.” Come its launch, Mova will be filling that

gap, offering pieces that may be used from baby

days to the teenage years, and which look as good

in common areas as they do in your child’s private

space. “That interchangeability is vital to us – we

want our customers to feel that these pieces are so

beautiful that they can be shown off along with the

rest of their furniture.” Speaking of furniture - Mova

offers a full range of locally manufactured tables,

chairs and beds, too. “It’s really about timelessness.

We’re hoping that the pieces you buy now will be

passed down to your children when they start their

own homes,” Georgie says, adding that the company

also helps customers design spaces. “A lot of my

friends agree that it’s quite easy to put together a

nursery, because once you have the basics (like a

cot, rocker and compactum) in place, the design

doesn’t really matter. But it’s more difficult when your

child is older and you want to create a space where

they feel moved to create, and where they can really

be themselves.”

She’s especially excited that Mova has been named

the sole distributor of Modu blocks, a versatile range

of building blocks that kids can use to put together

everything from a bike to a wheelbarrow. There’s no

similar product in South Africa, Georgie enthuses

- although the items created are sturdy enough to

be fully functional, they offer real developmental

benefits, like building motor skills and imagination.

Launching a company hasn’t been easy, Georgie

admits – and being the mother of small children

adds another dimension to the challenges usually

associated with entrepreneurship. It’s not easy to run

a meeting while you can hear your daughter crying,

for example – but, then again, benefits like being able

to attend every swimming lesson and sit with them

at lunch more than make up for the hard times. “I call

it happy chaos – and I love it,” she says.

And she’s grateful to Mova for giving her the chance

to live this happy chaos.

Details: Keep an eye out for the movaliving.co.za website,

which will be launching soon


“It’s wonderful to have the

opportunity to find the

balance between being a mum

and working – and to have fun

while I’m at it. I hope that our

customers find the same joy in

our brand, and that it becomes

something they love as

much as we do.”


Georgie’s tips for styling your big kid’s bedroom

• Pick timeless furniture pieces that can grow with your child

and are interchangeable.

• Have a balance of accessories and toys that stimulate play

and imagination, and those which encourage quiet time

and rest.

• Include heirloom pieces.

Nobodinoz

growing green

evolving 3-in-1

chair with

natural honey

sweet dots

cushion,

from R5799.

• Levo baby

rocker in fur

milk, from

R5099.

Build more than 25 unique lifesized

toys and creations with the

Modu Dreamer Set — all of which

you can ride, rock, roll, jump,

climb, and balance! From R5699.

Lorena Canals Peggy the Pig basket and a set of mini basket trucks.

Prices range from R1099. For pre-orders prior to the launch of the website

movaliving.co.za, email info@movaliving.co.za

Hyde

Park Stroller

- Leonie Latte.

Fits all prams

thanks to its

adjustable

velcro straps,

from R1299.


Always Iconic.

Now Even More.

Now open later

All stores

Monday to Friday:

09h00 – 18h00

and longer hours. The destination you know, now transformed.

Woolworths Food

Monday to Saturday:

08h00 – 19h00

Saturday:

09h00 – 17h00

Sunday & Public Holidays:

09h00 – 15h00

Sunday & Public Holidays:

08h00 – 18h00

204 Oxford Road,

Illovo, Sandton, 2196

NEW HOME TO THESE ICONIC FACES

Clay Café | FemRoar Pilates

Michelle Owens Beauty House | Moon Beauty Bar

Oxford Pain Clinic | Scapegoat Gallery | The Crazy Store

@204oxford

www.204oxford.co.za

NEWLY REFURBISHED

Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Photo: SUPPLIED

ummer means lazy days at the pool, taking

in nature’s wonder during a hike, and long

afternoons at the park. But it also means fumbling

in an overstuffed bag for sunscreen and fighting

with your child to put their hat back on.

May accepted all of this as part of mom-life

while she was working as a consultant, helping

companies respond to tenders, but when the Covid

pandemic put the brakes on her business, she started giving

issues like this more thought.

“I was so bothered by my kids being cooped up inside,” she

says, “but going outdoors came with the additional stress

of finding appropriate sun protection.” May realised that the

sunhats she had always relied on were far from ideal – their

itchy, uncomfortable chin straps meant that her boys (now

aged 12, 9 and 4) constantly tried to pull them off. Which led

to another realisation: “I saw that there was a real gap in the

market for comfy, cute hats.”

May admits that she’s never had much of an interest in

fashion or fabric (“My sister often tells me my combinations

just don’t work”), but she does have a strong entrepreneurial

streak, inherited from her father. She also had a valuable

contact in the form of a hat factory, which she had worked

with some years previously. As it turned out, the work she’d

done back then, which had been necessary to help her learn

the business, proved invaluable, as she already knew the

business side of things. That left her free to experiment with

cuts, styles and fabrics – and with the factory agreeing to run

small batches, the venture was pretty low risk.

“It all kind of came together,” May recalls. “I’ve always

believed that if you’re an entrepreneur, you should be

focusing on what people need. And everyone needs a

sunhat.” South Africa’s moms agreed. Once May had set up

an account on Takealot, orders came in thick and fast – and

May realised she loved the hustle. So much so that, two

years later, when her consulting business had recovered

from its Covid-inflicted blow, she decided that she was

happy to leave corporate life behind.

Turning Moosel Hats into a full-time enterprise wasn’t

easy but, says May, “I have a thick skin and I’ll try anything.”

‘Trying anything’ often meant packing “everything but the

kitchen sink – including my pot plants!” into her car boot

as she traipsed off to yet another market to sell her hats

– sometimes, with mixed success. “It always stings when

something doesn’t sell, but it’s a valuable lesson, too. The

markets where I didn’t do well helped me realise what

works and what doesn’t.”

May took that feedback to heart, revising designs and

working on the product range so that it incorporates

swimwear, too. The most important evolution of the range,

however, was obtaining endorsement from the Cancer

Association of South Africa (CANSA), providing assurance

that her hats and costumes provide protection against the

sun and, by extension, against skin cancer.

Having been diagnosed with a basal cell melanoma on

her head last year (a legacy of years of running marathons

with nothing but a peak for protection), this is something

that May feels especially strongly about. “At first I found

it a bit embarrassing – here I am, the owner of a brand

that’s all about skin cancer protection, with a skin cancer

diagnosis myself. But it made me realise that we need a lot

more education about this in South Africa. This is not just

a marketing line – it’s something I live by.” And something

she makes her children live by, too. Just as they know

she won’t start driving until they have their seatbelts on,

they understand they can’t go outside until they are fully

protected against the sun.

May is hoping that Moosel Hats will spark a similar awareness

amongst her customers, who are increasing in number. In

fact, the business has exploded by 200 per cent every year,

growing to the point where May now hires staff to help her.

This upward trajectory is set to continue, with the Outdoor

Warehouse recently contacting her with a request to stock

her products.

It’s incredibly exciting, says May, but she doesn’t take this

as a sign that she’s made it. “Of course I’m hoping that this

creates momentum, but I’ll continue ploughing all profits

back into the company. I’ve spent this year concentrating on

becoming more strategic – I’ve taken part in mentorships

so that I can sharpen the business end of things, and where

once I tried to introduce new styles, I now just focus on the

bestsellers – just doing what we do well, even better. If you’d

told me five years ago that I’d be selling hats for a living, I’d

never have believed you. I had no idea what I was getting

into when it all started, but I really love it.”

Details: mooselhats.com, @mooselhats

,

Long-sleeve unisex kids’ swim onesies in penguin, crocodile

and lobster designs (R645 each) with matching bucket hats

(R399 each). The onesies are also available in two-piece swim

sets. Order through mooselhats.com


Sunshine, hats

and happiness

Because she’s a mom herself, May Bradshaw

knows exactly what moms want and need. That’s

convenience and peace of mind – which she has

wrapped up in one neat, hat-shaped package.

Get them outside!

May admits that, while she’s all about making life easier for moms,

there’s one part of modern motherhood that doesn’t gel with her -

using screens as a sitter. “People always ask me how I manage to make

my kids go outside, but the truth is I don’t force them – they love it.”

That’s because she’s created an outdoor-oriented lifestyle by spending

as much time outdoors as possible. “If it’s 4.30 and everyone is feral,

we’ll calm down by taking a nature walk or spreading out a blanket and

looking at the clouds. You don’t need a beach house or a big garden

– you just need a little space where you can talk about the plants and

insects you see. Do it often enough and you’ll create an emotional

connection that makes them yearn to get outdoors.”


QMS Precision Care

Collagen3D Cream

restores skin density,

counteracts skin aging and

intensively strengthens

mature skin in multidimensional

skin layers,

R5500. • QMS Precision

Care Collagen3D Gel

Line Corrector fills deep

wrinkles and visibly smooths

expression lines. R3500.

Both available through

qmsmedicosmetics.co.za

Strive for a firm

and lifted look.

Diego dalla Palma

Professional FilLift

Remodelling

Lifting Effect

Cream. R1985 from

cosmetology.co.za

Say hello to glowing skin, longer hair, stronger nails

and a happier gut. Motherkind Paris Glow From

Within Collagen. R560 from motherkindco.co.za

Collagen o’clock

Collagen banking - saving youth for later use

If you have ever wished you could ‘pause’

your skin’s ageing clock, collagen banking

might be the closest thing you’ll find to

an aesthetic time machine. Think of it

as saving for your skin’s future, building

and preserving your collagen reserves

now so that your complexion remains

firm, smooth, and luminous – combating

natural decline.

‘Collagen banking’ is the latest buzz

term that focuses less on chasing a

quick fix and more on building your

skin’s long-term health and, with it,

developing forward-thinking, positive

skin behavioural traits. It’s a proactive

prevention and skin protection, and

the dividends can’t be ignored. For

those juggling everyday aggressors that

accelerate collagen loss like high UV

exposure, stress, lifestyle choices, and

environmental aggressors, the thinking

behind this concept is simple – the earlier

you start, the better the payoff.

The science behind collagen banking

Collagen is the protein made by

fibroblasts that gives skin its structure

and bounce. In our twenties, collagen

production starts slowing down by about

1% per year, a rate that accelerates in

our thirties and forties. By the time we

notice fine lines, sagging, or dullness, a

significant portion of our collagen stores

are already depleted.

“Collagen banking means taking a

proactive approach, stimulating the

production of the protein before it

declines early. The more collagen you

produce and preserve now, the better

your skin will look later,” explains Dr Alek

Nikolic, renowned aesthetic medicine

specialist and founder of the Dr Alek

Nikolic practice.

“There are nearly 30 different types of

collagens in our skin, but the two types

we should be focusing on are type I and

III, as these two types spearhead tissue

regeneration and are responsible for the

skin looking tighter,” he says.

These are some of the most effective options for collagen banking

1. MICRONEEDLING

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses ultra-fine

needles, which includes Dermapen, to create tiny micro-injuries in the

skin. This triggers your body’s wound-healing response, flooding the

area with growth factors that help produce fresh collagen and elastin.

Over time, this leads to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more

youthful glow.

• Best for: Early signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, and acne scars.

• Frequency: Every 4 - 6 weeks for best results.

2. LED LIGHT THERAPY

LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate

cellular repair. Red light penetrates deep into the skin to boost collagen

production and reduce inflammation, all without pain or downtime.

• Best for: Sensitive skin, post-treatment recovery, and ongoing

collagen maintenance.

• How often: Weekly sessions or as a post-treatment booster.

3. CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical peels remove the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing a

smoother, more even complexion beneath. This controlled exfoliation also

signals the skin to produce new collagen, especially when done regularly.

• Best for: Pigmentation, sun damage, dullness, and textural concerns.

• How often: Every 4 - 8 weeks, depending on peel strength.

4. PRP THERAPY

Popularly referred to as the ‘vampire facial’, this uses your own plasma,

which is rich in growth factors, to speed up regeneration. This is then

reintroduced into the skin via microneedling or injection, accelerating

collagen production and skin regeneration.

• Best for: Significant collagen boost, post-acne scarring, and early sagging.

• How often: 2 - 3 sessions a year.

5. BIOSTIMULATOR FILLERS

Injectables like Sculptra, Profhilo, Skinvive, gradually stimulate collagen

formation over months due to the time needed for the body to stimulate

collagen production. This injectable renews the skin by improving the

appearance of wrinkles for up to 25 months after the last treatment.

• Best for: Gradual, reliable volume and firmness boost

• How often: 2-3 sessions a year for maintenance.

When to start

The best time to start collagen banking is before deep wrinkles and sagging

set in, ideally in your mid-to-late twenties or early thirties. But it’s never too

late to begin; even mature skin can benefit from treatments that encourage

collagen renewal.

Collagen banking isn’t about looking ten years younger overnight; it’s about

building a strong and healthy foundation so your skin looks healthy, resilient,

and radiant for the next decade and beyond.

Details: www.dralek.co.za


Institut Esthederm Intensive

Pro-Collagen+ Cream is ideal

for people aged 30 and over

combating loss of firmness

and definition of facial

contours. R1535 online at

Skinmiles, Ederma, Lasermed,

SkinSmart or Cosmetology.

Restore youthful skin, hair and nail health.

One heaped teaspoon of The Laser

Beautique Skin Food Collagen Amino

Acids mixed into your coffee, smoothies,

yoghurt, or water daily stimulates

fibroblasts and boosts collagen.

R495 from thelaserbeautique.co.za

Like a daily vitamin

dose for your skin,

Sh’zen Collagen

Boosting Serum is

a silky, nourishing

serum which

supports and

enhances collagen

production to

visibly restructure,

firm and plump

up the skin.

R589 from

shzen.co.za

Nuxe Merveillance Lift

Oil Serum is infused with

an ultra-corrective Micro-

Algae Oil. Just 3 drops

and you’ll see smootherlooking,

more supple and

toned skin helping firm your

skin every day by stimulating

collagen production. R1055

from woolworths.co.za

Revive tired-looking eyes with a

lightweight Gatineau Collagene

Expert Eye Cream. Visibly reduces

under-eye bags, puffiness and dark

circles. R1195 from Dis-Chem.

New Leaf Marine Collagen

Tablets with a blend of Type

1 collagen peptides, enriched

with Vitamin C and hyaluronic

acid, designed to support

your body’s natural beauty

and strength R380 through

faithful-to-nature.co.za


RICHFIELD BRYANSTON CAMPUS

DISCOVER WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN THE HEART

OF JOHANNESBURG’S NORTHERN SUBURBS.

Situated on Bryanston Drive, our state-of-the-art campus offers IT and Business

degrees, diplomas and higher certificates designed for today's digital economy.

With free Wi-Fi, modern facilities, and the perfect blend of academic excellence

and lifestyle convenience, Richfield Bryanston provides an inviting oasis for

students to learn and thrive.

Ready to shape your future?

Contact Richfield Bryanston today.

011 029 8371 | richfieldbryanston@richfield.ac.za

A learning experience of a lifetime

Get started Today

A LASTING TASTE

Three places that will have you lingering a little longer than planned

Compiled by: MEGAN BRETT

SETTLE IN FOR COCKTAILS, SUNSETS AND SPICY DISHES

The cocktails are flowing. The sun is setting.

There is a rich rhythm to the music in the

background. You are about to experience

Ocaso … a new Mexican-inspired dining and

cocktail destination.

Mix us up a tasty cocktail in a relaxed yet vibrant

setting and we will be lingering long into the

evening. Hand us the cocktail in a Tiki man glass

and let us experience the waiter whip us up

tableside guacamole from scratch just to our

liking… now you have us impressed.

A cocktail that matches the vibe while visiting

Ocaso is their The For Del Sol … a mix of

Tanqueray Gin, passionfruit, coconut, lime and

ginger beer. Their tableside guacamole is a

popular hit, and if you are a fan of sending your

tastebuds on an adventure, the mini taco tasting

board has four different options to indulge in…

all boldly delicious. When ordering a main, bring

your appetite as they fill your plate. They have

all the Mexican faves… quesadillas, enchiladas,

empanadas and nachos. And locals love the

Pescado A La Parrilla - the flamed-grilled fish.

The décor is stunning, with soft earthy shades,

gold tones and natural elements capturing the

essence of the space, allowing for both intimacy

and connection ... think low-slung leather

banquettes and round communal tables where

you can easily ease into the night. Oversized

bohemian beaded lanterns, macramé pillows

and an ocean-blue floor all add to the relaxed

vibe. The design was conceptualised with the

Corona brand in mind from the outset as it is

Corona’s first dedicated flagship venue, created

to embody the brand’s love of golden hour

moments. The corona sunset corners are a nice

touch - especially for taking a break to pose for

a selfie.

From Monday to Wednesday, this spot is perfect

for long lunches and from Thursday to Sunday,

the mood shifts into a lounge atmosphere,

with DJs playing R’n’B, Hip-Hop, Afrohouse and

Amapiano beats.

1 Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, open for lunch

and dinner from Mondays to Sundays from

12pm to 12am. To view menus and to book a

table, visit www.ocaso.co.za


SOAK UP THE FUN WITH SHOTS AND SOCIALISING

Where every corner holds a fun activity for your innerchild.

Where shots and socialising are welcomed. And

where laughter is echoed and competing is made fun.

Transforming how people socialise is the new spot

Shooters at Fourways Mall.

Think crazy golf reimagined as putt-putt with wild loops,

rogue catapults, and hidden surprises. Interactive darts

transforms a pub classic into a high-energy multiplayer

showdown, and then there’s beer pong – or its fancy

cousin bubble pong, using champagne. There is also

American pool and the fast-paced frenzy of table football.

For us, we loved every minute of the virtual clay shooting

- testing your aim and reflexes, and the shuffleboard

offering two takes on the game – the slick modern tech

version and a bank-shot spin where precision and strategy

beat sheer force.

The fun flows through to the drinks, where the barmen

will happily smile and put on a show and serve you up

Summer in a glass named the Snooker Cooler cocktail.

Watermelon and basil break the ice, gin adds game, and

elderflower brings the finesse. Finished with tonic for a

cool, botanical finish.

To fuel the fun, Shooters serves a menu that’s playful and

shareable. There are truffle parmesan fries, crispy cauliflower

bites and really great golden mini mozzarella sticks. Wings

arrive smoky or coated in a fiery mango-habanero glaze,

making them as bold as the games, and desserts keep the

energy sweet and fun.

You can book packages for a fun night out. The hot

shot deal is one game of crazy golf, one hour of gaming

(your choice) and one meal with a house drink per

person for R410. For more info and packages, visit their

website shooters.co.za

LUXURY CULINARY

TRANSFORMATION

Embarking on a significant culinary transformation is The

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Known for their pretty

panoramic views of the city, they will now be showing off

their gastronomic offerings.

At the centre of this change is the appointment of Chef

Rudi Liebenberg as Executive Chef. This move marks a

homecoming for Liebenberg, who returns to Joburg to

oversee all food and beverage operations at the hotel,

including Flames, banqueting and events.

He brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Cape

Town’s Belmond Mount Nelson, as well as various hotels

and resorts globally. His approach, which artfully combines

African ingredients with international culinary techniques,

bringing a fresh perspective to the hotel’s kitchens.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Flames, now has advanced

kitchen equipment that has been installed, providing a

fitting stage for Chef de Cuisine Avuyile Fumba’s innovative

creations. Fumba’s cooking style pays homage to Africa’s

flame-grilling traditions and the elevation of traditionally

local ingredients while elevating them to new heights

of refinement.

Adding to this culinary ensemble is Nathan Jacobs, who

has joined the team as the Executive Pastry Chef. He has

returned to South Africa after four years in the UK, previously

he served as Head Pastry Chef at The Twelve Apostles

in Cape Town and Executive Pastry Chef at The Saxon

Hotel Villas and Spa. His artistic confections are expected

to complement the savoury offerings, rounding out a

formidable culinary team.

All these changes can elevate your dining experience while

soaking up the stunning scenery this Summer at The Four

Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Details: www.fourseasons.com


YUM

Delicious. And

healthy. A win

win for lunch

this Summer,

with a trio of

easy-to-prepare

dishes from

Rediscover

Dairy. Tuck in!

Recipes: Rediscover Dairy • rediscoverdairy.co.za

POTATO FRITTERS WITH SMOKED SALMON, WHIPPED FETA CREAM CHEESE, FRIED EGG & PICKLED RED ONIONS

This scrumptious dish is so healthy. The whipped feta cream

cheese spread is high in protein, and the salmon helps you

achieve your omega-3 fatty acid needs.

You’ll need: 3 medium-sized potatoes, 1 small onion finely

chopped, 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 large clove garlic

minced, 2 whole eggs, 1/4 cup plain flour, 1/2 Tbsp baking

powder, 1 Tbsp fine sea salt, freshly ground pepper, 3 Tbsp

vegetable oil

For the whipped feta cream cheese: 125 g cream cheese at

room temperature, 100 g soft feta, finely grated zest of 1

lemon, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp finely chopped dill

Toppings: 120 g smoked salmon, dill sprigs to garnish, red

pickled onion slices, and a fried or poached egg.

To make: Place the cream cheese, feta, lemon zest, lemon

juice and dill in a small food processor and blitz until

smooth. Pop into a bowl, cover with cling wrap, and then

into the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 80ºC. Using the coarse side of a cheese

grater, grate potatoes into a colander over a large bowl. Peel

and finely slice the onion, then add it to the potatoes. Add 1

teaspoon of salt and mix well. Let this sit for 10 minutes for

excess moisture to come out, then rinse well with running

water before transferring the mixture to a tea towel, then

squeeze out as much liquid as you can.

Place the potato and onions into a clean, dry mixing bowl.

Add the cheese, garlic, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and

pepper. Mix well.

Heat about half the oil in a medium-sized frying pan over

medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before you

begin to cook the fritters - drop a small amount of the

batter into the pan and wait for it to sizzle before you start

to fry them up. Pack three to four tablespoons of batter into

a potato cake, then pop it into the pan, gently pressing it

down to flatten it slightly. Cook for about four minutes until

golden brown, then flip and cook on the other side. You

can cook a few at a time, depending on the size of your

frying pan.

Once done, place the cooked fritters on an ovenproof plate

on a piece of kitchen paper (to soak up any excess oil) and

pop them into the warm oven while you make the rest.

To serve, stack a few fritters on top of one another, add a big

dollop of lemon feta cream cheese, then garnish with dill

and a generous helping of pickled red onion. Add a healthy

helping of fresh smoked salmon to the side. For that extra hit

of protein and goodness, top with a fried or poached egg.

Tip: This whipped lemon feta cream cheese can be used as a

delicious high-protein dip or a spread, and when combined

with yoghurt, it makes a great salad dressing. Nutritional tip:

Cooking the potato and allowing it to cool down before use

will improve the GI load of the potato fritters. Serving the

potato fritters and whipped cream cheese with salmon or

any other lean protein, e.g. chicken breast pieces, lean or fine

biltong, or chopped nuts, will increase the protein content of

the meal, keeping you fuller for longer.


COTTAGE CHEESE WAFFLES

A wonderful lunch dish created by Sam

Linsell for Rediscover Dairy.

You’ll need: 1 cup low-fat cottage

cheese (you can use full- fat or fat-free

smooth cottage cheese too), 4 large

free-range eggs, 10 Tbsp oat flour, 4

Tbsp ground flaxseed/flaxseed flour, 4

Tbsp chopped chives (optional), ¼ tsp

salt, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp ground

black pepper, 80 g grated mozzarella or

Cheddar (optional) - approximately 10 g

per waffle

To serve: Cream cheese, sliced avo,

smoked salmon, fried eggs

To make: Place all the ingredients

except the cheese into a bowl and

whisk until well combined. Allow to sit

for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly

and for the moisture to be absorbed by

the oat flour.

Heat a non-stick waffle iron until ready

to cook. Lightly spray with cooking spray

or oil if necessary. If the iron is non-stick,

it shouldn’t require any oil.

If you’re using cheese, lightly sprinkle

a pinch of it on the base of the waffle

iron, and then scoop about ¼ cup worth

of batter onto the iron. The quantity

will vary depending on the size of your

waffle maker. Sprinkle another pinch of

cheese over the batter, close and cook

until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and top with a fried egg, cream

cheese, avo and salmon.

AVO HALLOUMI RITZ

A new twist on a classic.

You’ll need: 300 g peeled and pre-cooked prawns, 300 g halloumi

(more or less an average-sized block), 4 limes, 3 ripe avos, micro herbs,

paprika, a little butter for frying

For the sauce: 2 Tbsp tomato sauce, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 Tbsp

mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp finely chopped chives, a squeeze of lime

To make: Heat some butter in a pan, and once hot, add your seasoned

prawns. Cook for a few minutes until browned. Squeeze the juice of a

lime onto the prawns and remove from the heat. Set aside to cool.

Thinly slice the halloumi. In a clean pan, add some butter, once hot

pop it in and fry it on both sides until nice and golden. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, sour cream, mayonnaise,

chives, and a small squeeze of lime. Give it a good mix and set aside

until ready to use.

Halve the avos, take the stone out and remove the skin. Thinly and

carefully slice them so that they form pretty fans.

On a wooden or marble board, fan out your avos, then arrange

the prawns and halloumi slices on top. Dollop the avo ritz mayo

on top, and garnish with micro herbs, a sprinkling of paprika and

lime wedges.


Dinner is served

Sarah Graham’s blog, TV series

and previous books have put

her firmly in the ‘my favourite’

category when it comes to easy

but inspiring dishes. Her seventh

book, Simple Suppers - A Year

of Easy and Delicious Family

Dinners, will rapidly be your

new best friend in the kitchen.

With suggestions for every day of the week, through the

seasons, the dishes are perfect for family suppers - Summer

sausage traybake, easy fish traybake, or friends invited for a

casual dinner - Greek lamb meatballs with whipped feta and

flatbreads, salmon and potato bake. And for pud - her pear

and pecan Biscoff crumble takes the cake! Penguin

From easy

15 minute

family meals

to show-off

dinner party

dishes, these

five cookbooks

have you

covered ...

starter, main,

pud and eat!


Celebrate with Paul Hollywood - of

the gorgeous blue eyes and host of

GBBO. Mini chocolate logs, strawberry

heart shaped scones, elderflower

cupcakes, panforte keep things

sweet, while for those who prefer

savoury, there are glorious recipes like

savoury Autumn roulade, hand-held

beef pies, garlic and onion focaccia.

You really should make Paul’s iconic

chocolate cake - which may be the

most famous cake in the world! - and

our must-have ... his ultimate rocky

road - crammed with honeycomb

and almonds, pistachios and apricots.

Baking is like a hug, he says. It’s a joy.

It’s a little bit indulgent. “I think we

should all be looking for an excuse

to celebrate as often as we can.” We

agree. Bloomsbury Publishing


Lightly curried West Coast

black mussels. Durban bean

curry. Bunny chow. Oepsies.

Cape Malay bollas. Local flavour

on every page in Timeless

South African, Ilse van der

Merwe’s celebration of 101

iconic dishes. With lavish

images, there’s everything

from slap pap with butter

and sugar to soetpatats to

jaffles, from Cremora tart, to

chutney chicken (if you were

cooking in the 80s, you’ll

remember this chutney and

mayonnaise chicken dish).

Filled with memories as well as

recipes. Penguin

From the lemon curd to the

beets with walnut dukkah to

the eggplant and zucchini

soup, all 100 of the delish

recipes in 7-Ingredient

Mediterranean have just

that, a handful or less of

easy-to-find ingredients.

There’s a delish spicy

chocolate halvah we can’t

wait to make, a simple but

impressive cucumber, mint

and sumac salad, and lamb

kebabs that’ll work well as

the next braai. Cider Mill Press

Karl Tessendorf’s The Good

Stuff is just that ... a book with 80

kick-ass (as he describes them)

recipes for every occasion.

‘Stick-to-your-ribs food that

makes you weak at the knees,’

he boasts. And he’s not wrong.

Short rib gnocchi al forno.

Vindaloo sweet potato curry.

Braaied chicken, sausage and

leek pie. Tiramisu-ish brownies.

Even the salads are substantial

... there are two potato salads

we’ll make on repeat. The

South African-style French-dip

sarmies are a thing of beauty,

as are the Boxing Day gammon

braaibroodjies. Heaven! Penguin


Text: ALICE COETZEE

We’re planting ... roses. Because after

all, October is rose month! Here is our

pick of three new deliciously fragrant

roses in shades of lavender, soft pink

and lilac. Lavender Lane is a lush

shrub rose with sumptuous blooms

that exude a sweet, captivating

perfume. The old-fashioned charm

of Fortune Teller combines huge,

quartered blooms with a strong

fragrance and Twice in a Blue Moon

is an updated version of the classic

Blue Moon’ with a perfume that is just

as strong as the original.

QUICK TIPS:

• Plant your rose bush in well-dug,

generously composted soil that

drains well.

• Water deeply once a week, and more

often in the heat of Summer.

• Fertilise once a month with a rose

fertiliser in Spring and Summer.

• Cut off dead flowers to encourage

new buds.

Details: ludwigsroses.co.za

Patio plant of the month

Did you know that hibiscus is one of the most popular commercially grown

plants - along with roses, azaleas, carnations and orchids? Compact pot varieties

are perfect for patios and small gardens. These tropical summer beauties come

in a range of brilliant colours - the firm favourite being the sunny golden-yellow

bloomer with a deep red throat. Their glossy green leaves add to the lush effect,

and as patio plants they like plenty of sun with some afternoon shade. Hibiscus

needs regular watering in summer and monthly fertilising as they are hungry

plants. To keep plants neat and bushy, trim after flowering. Once they have done

duty on the patio or balcony they can be planted out in a sunny position in

fertile soil that drains well. Details: lvgplant.co.za


SOW

SHADES

of

COLOUR

Brighten up your garden with

deliciously fragrant roses,

sweet and tangy tomatoes and

gorgeous hibiscus

Vegetable of the month

Don’t just think red when you think tomato. Heirloom Rainbow Mix from

RAW seeds includes purple, green, red, pink, yellow, black, orange and

white varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. All in one seed packet! The flavours

range from mild to sweet to tangy.

Sow a few seeds at a time in seed trays or directly into well dug-over and

composted soil. Space plants 60cm apart and keep soil moist during

germination, which takes seven to 14 days. Water regularly and control

whitefly and other pests with an environmentally friendly insecticide like

Ludwig’s Insect Spray Plus. Stake and support plants, especially those

with large fruit. Let fruit ripen on the plant for maximum flavour and

use as soon as possible after picking because the fruit bruises easily.

Details: rawliving.co.za

Garden tasks for October

• Add colour with Summer bedding

plants like dahlias, gazanias, marigolds,

salvia and for sunny beds and begonias,

impatiens, and coleus for partial shade.

• Annuals that grow quickly and easily

from seed are alyssum, cosmos, lavatera,

portulaca, California poppy, and

nasturtium. They all do best in full sun.

• It is also a good time to plant Summerflowering

perennials like coreopsis,

gaillardia, rudbeckia, gaura, pelargoniums,

penstemon, Echinacea, Shasta daisies and

perennial verbena.

• Water regularly and spread a layer of

mulch over beds to conserve water and

keep the roots cool.

• Mow lawns at least once a week, but if it

is very hot and dry, mow less frequently

and set blades higher.

• The following Summer vegetables can

be sown: carrots, beetroot, green beans,

butternut, baby marrows, cucumber,

eggfruit, radishes, Swiss chard, sweet

peppers and chilli peppers, tomatoes,

pumpkin, sweet corn and sweet melons.


GET IT DIRECTORY

: 011 783 0270

: 071 860 6973

: 114, 11th Street

Parkmore

Over 30 years of

Skincare

Experience.

Age well with us!

THE ART OF CREATING SMILES!!

Welcome to Designer Smiles Inc, we are one of the leading practices in

Johannesburg doing beautiful Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Our focus is on

the latest technology in Smile Design using sophisticated scanning and design

software from Europe, yes you can actually “TEST DRIVE” your new Smile

before you buy it. Whether you need a single implant or a full mouth restoration.

We offer STATE OF ART Guided Surgery for your peace of mind. All of this

is handled by highly skilled and master clinicians at the clinic. Our staff are

trained to make you feel welcome and your best interest is their core focus. Our

technology gets RID of the old “gagging” impressions, which everyone hates!

General/Family and Specialized Dental work is undertaken at our practice

including Periodontal surgery, Crowns, Veneers, Metal Free Dentistry, Zirconia/

Ceramic Implants & Invisalign. Other services including conscious Sedation

undertaken by qualified Anesthetists.

177 Jan Smuts Avenue Lumley House, Rosebank

20A Kloof Road Sarlan Park Cnr The Parade, Bedfordview

011 615 9352 | 011 326 0938

Designersmilesinc @designersmilesinc

www.designersmilesinc.co.za

Step back in time

Graaff-Reinet. Fossils from millions of years ago. The Valley of Desolation.

And the Drostdy Hotel. This historical town is worth exploring.

The fourth oldest town in South Africa

deserves more than a stopover on the drive

down to the Cape.

Established by the Dutch East India Company

in 1786, Graaff-Reinet was originally

established as a trading post, expanding

trading inland from the Cape. This Eastern

Cape Province town was the starting point

for Great Trek groups, and here you’ll find

more national monuments than in any other

town in the country. So there’s history. And

it’s everywhere. And it makes for a fascinating

- and massively enjoyable - destination.

Base yourselves at the grand, gorgeous

Drostdy Hotel, which was built in the early

1800s and turned into a hotel in 1878. A

century or so later, it was bought by Anton

Rupert (who grew up in the town) in

conjunction with Historical Homes of South

Africa. After Rupert’s death 20 years ago, it

was refurbished and donated by the Rupert

family to the SA College of Tourism.



The hotel is glorious ... with firm nods to the historical Cape Dutch

influence and traditional Karoo aesthetics. It’s all plush armchairs and

sofas and acres of botanical and bird prints, walls of antelope skulls and

antique writing tables, and carefully curated ornaments. The gardens are

magnificent, landscaped to perfection, with sculptures in the grounds, and

many rooms - once old workers’ cottages - grouped around central, private

pools, with loungers to relax in and quiet little nooks to hide with a book

and a bottle of wine.

Talking wine, there’s an elegant cellar, The Vinoteque, lined with bottle after

bottle of exceptional wine ... this is Rupert country, after all! A lovely option

is a private wine tasting with the resident sommelier ... a tasting of four or

five wines takes about an hour; the charcuterie board served with this gives

added appeal.

Graaff-Reinet appears to have a good restaurant on

every corner, but we wouldn’t bother leaving the hotel.

Breakfasts (don’t hesitate to order the eggs Bennie with

salmon on a potato rosti), lunches (if you finish the

Wagyu beef burger, you’re a hungry bugger) and dinners

(the lamb curry and pearl barley risotto vie for top spot,

while the three-course set menu is fine, fine dining) are

served in De Camdeboo - a proper old-school restaurant

- or out on the pretty verandah if the weather plays nice.

If you’re feeling sociable and festive, there’s a cozy bar (if

it’s chilly, be sure to explore the warm cocktail options ...

hot chocolate with Baileys went down a treat); if you’re

after a little quiet time, there’s a library and lounge, or

head to the hotel’s Africology spa, the inviting Wijnkamer

wine shop, and the Imibala Art Gallery, which showcases

local artists and has regularly updated exhibitions

featuring diverse collections for viewing and for sale.

A private

wine tasting.

A Wagyu

burger. And

an Africology

spa treatment.

Happy days.


After all that, you’re

exhausted ... and the

bedrooms and suites

hold massive appeal.

Decorated in typical Karoo

style, they’re fabulously

luxurious ... vast comfy

beds, enormous baths

that take forever to fill

(blissfully indulgent), some

smaller bachelor-size

rooms ideal for business

travellers, others more

generously sized with

dedicated relaxing areas ...

all with every amenity you

could wish for, and then

some! And there are a few

pet-friendly rooms, for

those travelling with their

best friends.

Rooms from R2400 per room (low season, two

people sharing) per night, which includes breakfast.

Details: drostdy.co.za, or 049 892 2161

Don’t leave town without ...

A visit to the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo

National Park - one of the town’s main tourist attractions

- more than 100 000 people visit annually. All majestic

dolerite cliffs and columns - believed to be a product of

volcanic forces that have taken 200 million years to form

there are breathtaking views over the Karoo, and it’s far

more beautiful than its name suggests. There are a few

hikes - one an easy hour-or-so walk, the road to the top

is tarred, and here are a few viewpoints and a picnic spot

... Ask The Drostdy team to pack you up a picnic basket

and spend a few hours there. Spectacular sunsets! Also

look out for the wildlife ... gemsbok and kudu, buffalo and

Cape Mountain Zebra, and birds for Africa.

Another must to add to your itinerary is a visit to Karoo

Origins - The Fossil Centre. In 1934, Dr Sidney Rubidge, a

Merino farmer in the area, was asked by his 10-year-old

daughter, Peggy, what fossils were and where they were

found. The two went off searching and found a collection

of ‘bony-stones’, one of which revealed recognisable

features ... three parallel bones, which eventually proved

to be the three front teeth of a large carnivorous reptile.


This discovery was the start of Rubidge’s fossil collection, one

that bought him worldwide recognition. Five months ago his

grandson, Bruce Rubidge, opened The Fossil Centre - just across

the road from The Drostdy, a no-expense-spared research and

exhibition centre with hundreds of fossils - discoveries from

rocks in the area that go back up to 300 million years ago. You

can see fossils that give evidence of a mass extinction that

happened 252 million years ago, with 90 percent of the species

at that time being obliterated within a relatively short space

of time. It’s a mind-boggling experience ... a journey into the

world a million years ago, one filled with incredible creatures

that lived long before the dinosaurs, including the ancestors of

tortoises, lizards, mammals and humans. There’s an animated

video, and visitors can watch a technician exposing fossils from

the surrounding rock. The centre is an NPO, which plans to

provide education outreach, and a walk-around or guided tour

will fascinate visitors of all ages. So worthwhile!

Not much of a weekend away without a little shopping... and

credit cards will burn at the boutiques in the town. Decor, leather

goods, delis, sensational mohair knits and throws - this is prime

a Angora goat farming area and is known for mohair and delis.

Hello You is highly recommended for lunch or a snack, and pop

into the Afrikanis Rum Tasting Room for a bottle to take home.

Details:

Karoo Origins The Fossil

Centre - fossilcentre.co.za

Valley of Desolation -

sanparks.org


TOYOTA

STARLET

MODEL SHOWN: STARLET 1.5 XR AUTOMATIC

THERE’S SPACE FOR EVERY FUN

Meet the future of fun – the Toyota Starlet.

Step inside the Toyota Starlet and enjoy a spacious interior and comfort-boosting features like an infotainment

system with navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes enhanced safety features, as

well as an auto lock system and a reverse camera, to make every trip feel more secure. Add fuel efficiency to the

mix, and the fun never stops. Book your test drive today at toyota.co.za

* Illustrative AI-enhanced images. Visit the Toyota website for actual vehicle features.

Spoil

October

The latest fragrance masterpiece

from Roberto Cavalli

Inspired by the fashion house’s

most iconic symbol, Roberto Cavalli

introduces its latest fragrance

masterpiece - Roberto Cavalli

Serpentine. A luxurious scent, made

to be ‘opulent yet sensual as it wraps

around the body’, it’s a mesmerizing

Floral Woody Ambery composition

- all Bergamot and Black Currant,

Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia, Rose

Petals and Lavender, Golden Saffron

and Vanilla Madagascar and Tonka

Bean. The bottle’s adorned with a gold

snake wrapping exquisitely around

the white bottle - and on the 100ml

bottles, the snake jewel detaches

into a wearable bracelet, seamlessly

blending high fashion with fragrance

allowing you to carry the symbol of

strength and seduction wherever you

go. Available in 100, 50 and 30ml,

priced from R1299 to R2399, you’ll

find it at Edgars or bash.com

To win a bottle, pop over to

@get_it_joburg_north on Instagram

or Facebook, find the Spoil post and

follow the prompts.


Enjoy South

Africa’s best *

*

*

WINNER WINNER FRUIT FRUIT JUICE JUICE CATEGORY.*

SURVEY WINNER SURVEY WINNER OF FRUIT WINNER 2,000 OF 2,000 FRUIT JUICE FRUIT JUICE PEOPLE JUICE BY CATEGORY.* BY KANTAR.

SURVEY WINNER SURVEY WINNER OF SURVEY 2,000 FRUIT OF FRUIT 2,000 PEOPLE OF JUICE 2,000 JUICE PEOPLE BY PEOPLE CATEGORY.*

KANTAR. BY KANTAR. BY KANTAR.

SURVEY SURVEY OF 2,000 OF 2,000 PEOPLE PEOPLE BY BY KANTAR.

discover discover

discover better better

better every

every

every day

day

day

JHB North - Oct 25

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