Aug 22 Pretoria

PRETORIA 

WIN 

A R5000 

voucher to 

spoil your pooch 

CHOOSE 

#IRise 

SPARVirtualChallenge 

ambasssador 

VANES-MARI DU TOIT 

Add saving the 

rhinos to your 

travel bucket list 

KINDNESS 

Opt for natural beauty. Make the 

best food choices. Live a healthier 

life. The planet will thank you! 

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD 

AUGUST 22

PROMOTION 

INFERTILITY 

Despite the increasing number of people impacted 

by infertility, the subject is still not a topic openly 

discussed. Let’s change that! 

Research shows infertility in women was ranked as the fifth highest and most 

serious global disability, while in this country, as many as one in six couples are 

impacted. It occurs in both men and women with a number of risk factors ... 

occupational and environmental risks, age, smoking and alcohol use. 

One of the most common risk factor for infertility in women is Polycystic Ovary 

Syndrome (PCOS). Eight to 13 per cent of women suffer from this condition - a 

hormonal disorder that involves reproductive, cosmetic and metabolic problems. 

Symptoms commonly associated with PCOS that women should be aware 

of include: • If you are under 35 and have been having regular unprotected 

intercourse for six to twelve months without falling pregnant • Experiencing 

painful periods • Having irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles • Elevated levels 

of the male hormone androgen which results in excess body hair and acne 

The symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause a lot 

of distress and the disorder affects women in so many different ways and to 

different degrees. That’s why it’s best not to assume that you actually have PCOS 

until you’ve been diagnosed by a gynaecologist. 

According to 3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO Boitumelo Sebambo, in cases where 

infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, 

patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain 

Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, have seen an increase in their ovulation, a 

reduction in their hyperandrogenism and the oxidative stress in follicular fluid. 

The efficacy of the Salome Fertility product lies in it containing the correct ratio 

of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol, extracted from the pod of the Carob Bean 

Tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in 

helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. 

All Salome Fertility products are manufactured locally, and 

are based on herbal extracts which have limited side effects. 

And because they are nappi coded, they are recognized and 

reimbursed by certain medical aids. 

The full Salome range of products that helps to manage menstrual 

pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, 

infertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and 

menopause are available from pharmacies nationwide or online 

at Takealot.com and Salome’s website. 

The Salome team is determined to do their bit in creating 

awareness around the topic of infertility. They believe 

#YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social 

media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to 

educating and normalizing conversations about PCOS and other 

common women’s reproductive health conditions. 

Win 

Stand a chance to win a 

Salome Self-Care Hamper ... an 

exclusive custom-designed Lou Harvey 

cosmetic bag and a discounted voucher 

to purchase a pack of Salome Polycos 

or Salome Infertility. Pop over to 

GetItNationalMagazines on Facebook or 

Instagram, find the Salome post 

and follow the prompts. 

Details: Join the conversation on 3sixtybiomedicine.co.za and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: SalomeRange

CONTENTS 

BOOK CLUB 

04 On the pages this month ... murder, mysteries and mayhem 

GET IT 

Editorial 

Instagram: @getitptamagazine 

Facebook: Get It Pretoria Magazine 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/pretoria 

National Group Editor and National Sales 

Kym Argo 

kyma@caxton.co.za 

Facebook and Instagram: 

@getitnationalmagazines 

Website: getitmagazine.co.za 

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett 

Journalist Rialien Furstenberg 

Head of sales 

Bianca Pretorius 

biancap@rekord.co.za 

079 487 0759 

Distribution 

15 000 copies monthly 

Get It Pretoria is distributed free 

of charge. For a full list contact 

distribution@rekord.co.za 

Competition rules 

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be 

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions 

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton 

employees or their families. Get It Magazine 

reserves the right to publish the names of 

winners, who will be contacted telephonically 

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton 

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be 

forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on 

our Facebook page monthly. 

WISH LIST 

06 A round up of desirables to get us through the last month of Winter 

PEOPLE 

08 Elegant, sophisticated and luxurious: The House of David Tlale’s fashion show 

10 An ambassador of the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, Vanes-Mari du Toit 

is a role model many look up to. She chats about rising above challenges 

24 From a television and drama editor to the founder of a unique shelter, 

animal lover Tracy McQuarrie is truely living her dream 

BEAUTY & HEALTH 

12 Beauty favouring natural ingredients 

14 Living your healthiest life in fine form 

FOOD & DRINK 

18 Choose kindness in your kitchen and serve up mindful meals 

20 Make a wholesome, hearty homemade pie ... real soul food 

GARDENING 

22 Grow and nurture more houseplants to brighten your home 

SHOPPING 

26 Editor’s Choice ... woof woof ... it’s all abut puppy love 

TRAVEL 

32 Travel for a cause and help save the rhino 

WIN 

07 A pack of Port-style wines 

34 R5000 to treat your pooch to something snazzy 

COVER LOOK 

Personality: Vanes-Mari du Toit 

Photographer: Willem Botha 

AUGUST 2022 

18 

August 22 Get It Magazine 03

Book club 

Murder, mysteries and mayhem ... and more than One Good Thing! 

A small town. A shocking crime. Our kind of novel. In Robert Gold’s Twelve 

Secrets, two boys murdered their classmate, Nick, an event that changed 

Ben’s life in an instant. It was a crime that shocked the nation, and threw Ben 

and his family into the spotlight. Fast forward 20 years, and Ben is a successful 

investigative journalist, living back in his home town and part of its close-knit 

community. But a fresh murder case brings Nick’s murder back into the spotlight, 

and throws suspicion on those closest to him. And it appears that many, in this 

small town, have something to hide. Sphere, available at Exclusive Books 

It’s the club you’d kill to join, and billed 

to be the celebrity event of the decade. 

The opening of Island Home, a forgotten 

island tranformed into the height of 

luxury. But, as is reported in the Vanity 

Fair exclusive, no-one expected how 

tragically things were to go wrong. From 

the tense opening chapter, The Club 

by Ellery Lloyd (pseudonym for Londonbased 

husband and wife team Collette 

Lyons and Paul Vlitos) is taunt, exhilarating, 

and completely unputdownable. Mantle, 

available at Exclusive Books 

We think this new Roodeberg 

gift pack is perfect for Book 

Club. The art of storytelling is 

synonymous with Roodeberg, 

the legendary red blend with a story in every 

bottle. Roodeberg’s own story is the stuff of 

legends. Evolving from the master’s original 

blend first created in 1949, a special panel of 

winemakers has steered the secret blend since 

the 1960s. This beautifully nuanced Roodeberg 

Classic Red Blend has aromatic layers of fresh 

red and dark fruit, cassis and hints of spice and 

dark chocolate. Just the thing to enjoy alongside 

a great book. The gift pack costs R109.99 and 

you’ll find it at leading bottle stores. 

04 Get It Magazine August 22

It sounds a little daunting. Images of brain scans and explanations of 

brain types and neuroscience. Grief! But Dr Daniel Amen (who’s fab ... 

we follow him on IG @doc_amen) walks the reader clearly and simply 

through You, Happier, his latest book which promises to make you 30 

per cent happier in 30 days ... regardless of your age, upbringing, genetics 

or current situation. He shows you how to protect your happiness by 

distancing yourself from the noise in your head, and how seven decisions 

and seven daily questions will enhance your happiness. Yes, there are 

scans and tables and science-based strategies. But there’s also ‘finding 

happiness in your spice cabinet’. Hint: Saffron’s up there, so’s cinnamon. 

Tyndale Refresh, R257 from Exclusive Books 

For a warm, feel-good, uplifting read, we 

loved One Good Thing by Alexandra 

Potter, who writes about a woman 

who, when her husband leaves her for a 

younger model, moves out to the country 

to make a new start ... and with the help 

of an elderly rescue dog, a lonely old 

man, a scared little boy and an angry 

teenager, finds unexpected happiness. A 

joy of a weekend read. Macmillan 

Could there be anything more exciting for a thriller-lover than this stack of new 

releases? We think not! An armful of adrenalin rush for August. A magician’s box. 

A sword. And a woman trapped inside. No magic here ... it’s murder. Trapped 

by Camilla Lackberg and Henrik Fexeus (translated from Swedish by Ian Giles) is 

chilling, thrilling and unexpected. You’ll never watch a magician show again 

without holding your breath! HarperCollinsPublishers • Six friends on a Greek 

island for a hen weekend. All sun-drenched beaches and cocktails and giggles 

and fun. Until it wasn’t. In One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke, one of the friends is 

a liar. One’s a stranger. One’s a killer. HarperCollinsPublishers • A stack of thrillers 

wouldn’t be complete without a Karin Slaughter. Girl Forgotten kicks off with 

a young girl dressing for her prom night ... a night that ends (obvs .. it’s Karen 

Slaughter) with murder. Forty years later, a newly graduated deputy in the United 

States Marshall Service, is in town - supposedly to protect a judge receiving 

death threats, in reality to find justice for the murdered teen. HarperCollinsUK • 

There’s a game. It’s very simple. There are five strangers. Someone they love is 

in danger. Each needs to play the game to save their loved one. Oh. And there’s 

only one winner. Good grief but The Game by Scott Kershaw’s a twisted thriller. 

HarperCollinsPublishers • Back to Greece - this time with four families on a threeweek 

trip to a luxurious resort. But it’s not all beach fun and games. Sly and 

suspenseful ... Julie Mayhew’s Little Nothings is about female bonds turned 

toxic. Bloomsbury • And for the most tension filled of them all ... Do No Harm. 

Jack Jordan’s novel is chilling and terrifying. A surgeon has a patient on the table. 

And a decision to make. Her child’s been taken. Kill the patient, and her son will 

be returned. First do no harm. But is there really a choice? Simon and Schuster. 

All available at Exclusive Books 

Compiled by: KYM ARGO 


Wish list 

Desirables to get us through the last of Winter 

Pack up a picnic 

Winter’s not only about sitting around the fire on 

the sofa, with chocolate cake and a hot toddy 

(not, we rush to point out, that there’s anything 

wrong with that at all!). But when the sun shines, 

and it’s warm outdoors, pack up a picnic blanket 

and a flask of coffee and enjoy an al fresco lunch. 

In Foolproof Picnic, Marina Filippelli has given five 

dozen delicious recipes, many of which are perfect 

for a winter picnic. Let’s be honest, not much beats 

a perfect ploughman’s with a classic scotch egg 

on the side (she’s included those suggestions), but 

there are also options, like Leek and stilton quiche 

with walnut pastry, a blueberry and raspberry loaf 

cake, lovely cheesy courgette scones, and a giant 

couscous salad with saffron-toasted tomatoes and 

beetroot. All very easy, completely delish and loads 

of tips - what to pack, games to play, and so on. 

Hardie Grant Books, R270 

06 Get It Magazine August 22 

A stroll through a small market led to us 

discovering the brilliant Earthmade - and 

these wonderful hand-crafted Coco Bowls, 

repurposed from wasted coconut shells. Each 

shell is reclaimed, cut, cleaned, polished and 

packed by hand ... use for smoothies, snacks, or 

decor. And since they’re all about doing good, a 

percentage of the profits is donated to carefully 

selected programmes in SA, from planting 

trees to saving the rhinos to protecting the 

oceans. R150 from earthmade.co.za, and watch 

out for new products in the pipeline ... think 

coco candles, bamboo straws, coconut cups, 

wooden cutlery. Local and unique ... made by 

earth, repurposed by you. Brilliant!

Mattifying and hydrating in one 

step. This new Clarins Skin Illusion 

Velvet foundation is a mattifying 

liquid foundation that gives a bare 

skin effect! It instantly enhances your 

complexion, controls shine and blurs 

imperfections, is lightweight, silky and 

leaves an invisible veil with a barelythere 

feel. What’s more, it’s bursting 

with skincare ingredients and is truly 

a nourishing beauty cocktail for the 

skin. R585 from clarins.co.za 

Embrace the versatility of Port-style wines ... and win! 

We tend to think Port, and Port-style wines, of a drink for mature drinkers, to 

enjoy with a cheese board or dessert. But it really is one of the most versatile 

drinks ... working well with cocktails and with main dish pairings - think soups, 

curries, and read meat dishes like steak. Try these this winter ... 

The De Krans Premium Cape Ruby ... Go ahead and add it generously to your 

potjie or any meat dish in a slow cooker – guaranteed to take your meat dish 

to that next level. The Cape Ruby also pairs well with traditional Cape bobotie, 

waterblommetjie –bredie, rustic pastas and hearty soups. R99. 

The De Krans Cape Vintage pairs beautifully with a baked dessert like 

chocolate fondant or a piece of dark chocolate, and is sublime with well 

matured cheese. You can also serve this excellent value-for-money port-style 

wine with Karoo lamb potjie, venison pie or roasted vegetable lasagna. R129. 

Of all the different options, the De Krans Cape Tawny Limited Release, which 

spends an average of eight years ageing in an oak barrel, is probably the most 

unique and different. It’s an excellent alternative to sherry and best enjoyed 

slightly chilled. It not only pairs well with baked winter puddings like malva 

pudding and Crème Brûlée, as well as baked cheese with drizzled honey, nuts 

and rosemary, but will also elevate dishes like brown onion soup, loin of pork 

stuffed with dried fruit, or prawns prepared in a light Malaysian style. R240. 

The De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, the flagship at De Krans, is truly 

something special. And to truly experience and appreciate the quality of 

this exceptional wine, it is best enjoyed on its own. Alternatively, it pairs well 

with matured cheese. And if you’re looking for an excellent gift ... it makes 

a jolly thoughtful one as it can be stored and matured for up to 40 years (in 

favourable cool conditions, with the bottles lying down). R375. 

You can order all online on dekrans.co.za. And you can win a pack or Port-style 

wines, too. We’re giving one reader a three-bottle carry pack. Head over to our 

IG page @getitptamagazine before August 25. Cheers! 

If you’re an art connoisseur, be sure not 

to miss the opening of Bongi Bengu’s 

solo exhibition. The World/ Umhlaba 

will feature artworks that reaffirm her 

love for rich textured surfaces and 

some of her new work that’s inspired 

by her fascination with the magic of 

tarot alchemy. August 11, 6:30pm. 

The Alliance Francaise du Pretoria, 99 

River Street, Sunnyside. Free entry, but 

booking is essential with Hugo on 012- 

343-6563, culture@pta_alliance.org.za 

The exhibition will run until September 

1. Monday to Thursday from 8:30am 

to 5:30pm; Friday and Saturday from 

8:30am to 12pm. 



Nyeleti Mthetwa, Thandi Shabangu-Mabunda 

On the fashion 

forefront 

Luxury fashion designer David Tlale never ceases 

to amaze, capturing the attention of those around 

him. That’s why fashionistas were in for a treat as he 

showcased The House of David Tlale’s Autumn/ Winter 

2022/23, bridal and high-end ready-to-wear collections 

at Menlyn Shopping Centre. Picture vibrant orange, 

white, ivory and a touch of black with prints splashed on 

different fabrics such as chiffon, satin and lycra. Elegant 

and stylish, this fashion show was nothing short of 

spectacular. Details: davidtlale.com 

Rio Anastacia de Freitas, Natasha Jooste 

David Tlale 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Modile Shikoane, Kabelo Selatole 

Rati Selwane, Khanyisile Mnauni 


Nkaiseng Makhetha, Kagiso Seitisho 

Khanyisile Siwela 

GI-PTA-Heron Bridge-1-2.pdf 1 2022/07/21 09:34:35 AM 

Ntlantla Mbatha, Khanyisa Ngwana 

Fundiswa Ruboswe

Sassy, sporty 

& successful 

Vanes-Mari du Toit has experienced a fair share of bullying. But she turned her biggest 

insecurities into her greatest strength. Becoming not only a brilliant professional netball player 

but TV presenter, sports commentator, motivational speaker and a current SPAR Women’s 

Virtual Challenge ambassador, she’s a role model many look up to. Literally. She’s 1.9 m tall! 

Since school, and then as an avid 

sports athlete and coach, Vanes- 

Mari du Toit got exposed to a lot 

of types of bullying, on and off the 

sports field. She has been made fun 

of and humiliated for being very 

tall, speaking her mind, being loud, 

having a lazy eye, standing up for 

what is right and wearing a size 10 

shoe. So she made it her mission to 

rise above her circumstances and 

embrace being different to others. 

“Being different is your best attribute 

in this crazy world of ours. Why do 

we want to fit in so badly if we were 

born to stand out? God created us so 

perfectly and has an amazing plan for 

our lives, every single one of us has a 

purpose to fulfill on earth. Let’s love 

each other for our differences and 

respect each other’s purpose on earth.” 

A former international netball player, 

Vanes-Mari is still giving back to 

the sport. But this time sharing 

her knowledge with netball clinics 

and coaching. You’ll also catch her 

on SuperSport as a presenter and 

commentating netball matches. That’s 

not all. You’ve most probably seen this 

bubbly and quirky gal on kykNET’s 

Kwêla, where she’s a continuity 

presenter. And early next year she’ll 

grace the TV screen again on a brand 

new show on the lifestyle channel, 

VIA TV. And a little birdie told us, two 

more shows are coming she’ll be 

involved in … 

As if she is not busy enough already, 

Vanes-Mari does a lot of events 

MCing, motivational speaking and 

hosting events. She is also the 

founder of Fitpocket, a range that will 

consist of bras with pockets, training 

pants with pockets, some cool socks, 

netball equipment as well as other 

activewear options. Talk about making 

the most of every opportunity! 

“I believe that the more you do, the 

more you get done. Yes, I’m well aware 

that because I want to do a lot, there’s 

a chance of failing. So accepting that 

the experience is enough without 

pre-empting the outcome, I take on 

challenges without worrying about 

failing. Somehow I accept and almost 

welcome failure. It is an opportunity 

to reassess, get out of your comfort 

zone and try to be better.” 

A huge outdoor lover who loves 

to keep fit and in shape by hiking, 

walking and doing trial runs, Vanes- 

Mari is super excited for this year’s 

SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. And 

a huge fan of this years’ theme #IRise. 

“Every single person is facing some 

or other challenge, struggle or 

obstacle. I’m inspired by people who 

face adversity and setbacks and had 

to step out of their comfort zone to 

adapt and rise above the challenge. 

Although Vanes-Mari has done a 

few of the 10km SPAR Women’s 

Challenges, this year will be her first 

virtual race. 

“I think it is really cool that women can 

do their distance on their own time 

and route. I’ve already invited a couple 

of women to join me and we’re 

planning to paint the Magalies area 

blue. Having loads of fun in nature … 

all for a good cause.” 

Vanes-Mari is living life to the fullest. A 

great example that we only live once 

and might as well give it everything 

we’ve got. Go Vanes-Mari! 

Did you know ... 

Vanes-Mari has a degree in BCom in Human Resource Management and honours 

in Industrial Psychology. 

She doesn’t have pets due to her busy schedule, but has three plants, Bennie, 

Anna and Piet ... and she has meaningful convos with them. 

She made it into the semi-final round of Dancing with the Stars. 

She could ride rollercoasters from a young age as she met the height 

requirements. 

She doesn’t need a lazy Susan on the dinner table as her long arms can reach 

both ends. 

She’s tried many times, but simply cannot watch scary movies. You’ll find her 

hiding under the duvet. 

She will always have a lip balm with her. 


Ten songs on her playlist 

while exercising: 

ACDC - Back in Black 

Def Leppard - Pour Some 

Sugar On Me 

Avicii - Without You 

Early B - Potte ft. Jack Parow, 

Justin Vega 

Florence + The Machine - Free 

Freddy Kalas - Jovial 

Shaun Jacobs - Love Can 

Sam Hunt - Body Like A 

Back Road 

P!NK - All I Know So Far 

Henry Ate – Just 

Vanes-Mari’s five tips to rise above your disappointments: 

• Accept and welcome failure as part of the journey. It is an opportunity to learn 

and grow. 

• Know that this too shall pass. 

• Keep on looking for the bigger picture. 

• Focus on the outcome, good or bad, there’s still a lesson to be learned. 

• Give praise to God in the good and the bad times. 

#SPARVirtualChallenge 

The 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual 

Challenge has chosen the theme #IRise 

... reborn, re-energised, refreshed and 

refilled. They’re challenging you to rise 

above your challenges, struggles and 

obstacles that block your path. A virtual 

challenge is a fitness goal that tasks you 

to run, jog, or walk your own race, at your 

own pace. Anyone can participate and 

it can be completed at any location. Join 

in on Saturday, September 3, anytime 

between 6am and 6pm. You’ll need to 

enter (don’t waste time ... entries are 

limited to 60 000), and your entry fee 

of R120 includes your Virtual Challenge 

pack, and for every entry, SPAR will 

donate a pack of sanitary pads to help 

keep a girl in school. The Virtual Challenge 

pack includes a beautiful T-shirt (T-shirt 

sizes are limited to specific regions and 

to inventory availability), a gorgeous 

matching buff, a drawstring bag, a printed 

copy of the My Virtual Challenge Magazine 

and your medal. Details and entries: 

sparvirtualchallenge.co.za 

Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. • Photographer: WILLEM BOTHA. 


Natural beauty 

With kindness being our guide this month, we’ve 

focused on brands who don’t test on animals, are 

locally made and favour natural ingredients. 

Litchi & Titch is an all-natural brand focused on plant, seed, fruit and flower oils 

to create potent skin-boosting formulations, with essential oils playing a vital role 

in the beautiful fragrances found throughout the range. They are anti-cruelty, 

have absolutely no nasties, and are locally manufactured in Franschhoek in 

small batches to ensure the goodness of nature is maintained. There are three 

skin ranges - concentrating on hydration, healing and ridding the skin of free 

radical stress. We’ve tried, tested, and love the 

Serum Botanical Infusion, which 

hydrates, nourishes, calms, soothes, balances and brings a natural glow to the 

skin ... it really is the ultimate botanical complex for rejuvenated skin. R950. A 

handbag essential is the little Beauty Balm - a pot of healing and nourishing balm 

that comforts and hydrates dry and sensitive 

skin areas. Perfect for dry/chapped skin concerns 

on lips, cuticles, elbows, and heels. R175. The 

Rose Face Mist is a nourishing mist to hydrate, 

refresh and replenish tired and dehydrated skin. 

With hero ingredients of rose geranium, paw 

paw and marigold, this beautiful spray will 

lift your spirits as well as your skin. R255. And 

the Rose Geranium Luxurious Wash for 

hands, body and face nourishes as it cleans 

and smells sublime. R250. All available online 

at litchiandtitchnaturals.com 

Aaaand ... breath. Loving these new 

SOiL TrioBox combos ... there’s this 

Clarity option (with their Peppermint, 

Rosemary and Lemon essential oils) 

but also Inhale, First Aid and Exhale. 

From R140 a set from Dis-Chem and 

online at soil.co.za. 


We are massive fans of the Earthsap 

range - natural, biodegradable, 

locally made products ranging from 

kitchen and laundry essentials (think 

dishwashing liquids, all-purpose 

cleaners and laundry liquid) to 

shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste 

and this lovely Calendula Hand & 

Body Lotion (soothing and healing, 

calendula is known for its uses by 

12th century herbalists). R79,99 

from faithful-to-nature.co.za and 

wellnesswarehouse.com 

This Sh’zen Fijn Bos Cape Cactus Jelly 

is rich in wild-harvested Cape Aloe 

Ferox leaf gel, which is filled 

with natural bio-protective properties. 

Deeply soothing, it offers a cellenergising 

and skin-hydrating boost. 

It’ s combined with six Fynbos oils, 

steam-distilled from the indigenous 

Cape Floral Kingdom. These herbaceous 

oils have unique medicinal properties 

that heal skin irritations, minimise signs 

of fatigue and restore radiance and luminosity to all skin types. 

R355. Use it alongside the Fijn Bos Cape Floral Facial Essence, 

a 100 per cent natural facial essence which include African 

Superfruit oils – the age-old beauty secrets of African women. 

Marula, Mongongo, Baobab and Passion fruit oils are 

rich in linoleic and oleic fatty acids, plus Vitamin C 

and E, to smooth fine lines and add luminosity 

and radiance to skin. When you apply in the 

morning and evening, be sure to inhale the 

intense herbaceous aromas. R419. 

Buy online from shzen.co.za 

With 100 per cent natural oils, Africology 

products boast being kind to the plant, 

kind to you. And they’re not tested on 

animals. For a boost of hydration, try 

Africology Intense Hydration Night 

Treatment - you’ll see a radiant glow 

almost instantly (from R225) • And for 

your body ... the Africology Body Balm 

offers an intense hydration treatment - 

exactly what we need right now. R250. 

All from africologyspa.com 



Get back that healthy glow ... four tips to live by 

If, like us, your skin has become 

incredibly dry during these cooler 

months, you’ll have noticed it’s lost its 

natural glow. It’s a common problem 

in Winter ... the drop in temperature 

can be pretty harsh on your skin, as 

can the lack of humidity in the air. The 

result. Tight, dull, flaky skin. No thanks! 

We chatted to Herbalife Nutrition’s 

NAB Dr Sivu, who shared tips and 

tricks for getting back that glow. 

Drink enough water Staying 

hydrated is something we should all 

be doing throughout the year. But 

when it comes to the colder months, 

it can be easy to forget. Thanks to 

the dry air, water evaporates from 

our bodies quickly during this time 

– leaving your skin and hair feeling 

dry. Aim to drink six to eight glasses 

of water a day. If you don’t enjoy the 

taste of water on its own, experiment 

with herbal tea powders, aloe 

concentrate or infused water. This is 

an exciting way to stay hydrated. 

Use a good moisturiser When your 

skin starts producing excess oil, it 

often causes more harm than good. 

Avoid this by ensuring that your 

skin is properly moisturised to begin 

with. A good moisturiser containing 

potent ingredients such as vitamin E 

or shea butter, which will also combat 

the dryness and flakiness of winter. 

Just remember to choose the right 

moisturiser for your skin type. For 

oily to normal skin, opt for waterbased 

moisturisers and avoid heavier 

products; for dry skin, try petroleumbased 

products; for sensitive skin, 

look for products that also contain 

soothing ingredients such as aloe vera 

or chamomile; and for ageing skin opt 

for an oil-based moisturiser. Another 

way to ensure your skin is properly 

hydrated is to use a humidifier. 

Humidifiers are great at introducing 

moisture into your home. More 

moisture in the air means happy skin. 

Take care of your lips A winter 

skincare routine would be incomplete 

without a focus on lip care. Lips lack 

oil-producing glands and the outer 

layer of skin responsible for holding 

in water is much thinner than it is in 

the rest of the body. This means that 

your lips are especially vulnerable 

during the colder seasons. Using a lip 

balm is a great way to keep your lips 

moisturised. You should also avoid 

licking your lips at all costs as saliva 

is alkaline, while our skin is naturally 

acidic. Licking your lips will act as an 

irritant to the skin and will remove the 

natural oil layer on the lips. 

Eat right Tweaking your diet to 

include antioxidant-rich foods can 

greatly impact the state of your skin. 

As Dr Sivuyile Madikana, an expert in 

the field of healthcare and a member 

of the South African Herbalife 

Nutrition Advisory Board, explains, 

“the right kinds of nutrients can help 

alleviate some harmful effects from 

the environment when it comes to 

your skin”. Be sure to include lots of 

fruits and vegetables in your winter 

diet to pack your body full of vitamins 

and antioxidants that’ll keep your skin 

(and your body as a whole) glowing. 

Foods like soups, salads, and juices are 

great for this. 

Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t 

mean you should let yourself become 

lazy when it comes to self-care. Be 

sure to keep your skin happy and 

healthy this winter. 

How clever is Our Earth. It’s all about 

eliminating single use plastic in our 

households. Kick off with the starter 

kit, with three 500ml shatter-proof 

forever bottles and three effervescent 

tablets (R300), after that you simply 

order the tablets you need, pop 

into the bottle and fill with water. A 

pack of two handwash tablets - with 

grapefruit or vanilla coconut scents, 

costs R50, the kitchen and bathroom 

effervescent tablets cost R75 for a 

two-pack. Buy at ourearth.co.za 

Slow down. Play. 

Unlock your creative 

potential. The Joy 

Journal for Grown-ups 

is a collection of simple 

crafts that can bring a 

little more calm into 

your everyday life. Using 

everyday ingredients and 

easily foraged supplies, 

Laura Brand’s beautifully 

illustrated journal has 

ideas for beginners as 

well as more confident 

crafters ... from flowerpressed 

candles to 

scented body butter. 

Imaginative, engaging 

and easy to follow, this 

gorgeous, step-by-step 

guide features all the 

encouragement you 

need to find inspiration, 

awaken your creativity 

and brighten your 

mood. Bluebird Books 

For Life, R310. 


IN FINE FORM 

Living our healthiest lifestyle 

Living our healthiest lifestyle 

Good for us. Good for the planet. BeauRaze eco-friendly, bio-gradable, 

disposable. The razor has three blades, and the handle and blade holder 

is made from wheat straw. R25 each, or R300 for a pack of 12 from 

the-laser-beautique.myshopify.com and therefillery.co.za. 

If there was a product that would 

reduce PMS symptoms, offer a better 

quality of sleep, improve your energy 

and mood, promise clearer skin 

and less bloating, would you take 

it? Damn right we would. And do. 

We’ve tried Hormone Balance, part 

of the Kiko Vitals range, and really 

can recommend. Created to ease the 

effects of female cycle issues such as 

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 

menopause, premenstrual syndrome 

(PMS), endometriosis, weight gain and 

acne, and more, they’re also made in 

SA, are 100 per cent vegan, gluten and 

GMO-free, and contain only natural 

ingredients. R490 from kikovitals.com 

Thick, strong, healthy hair. It doesn’t 

always come naturally. For a hefty dose 

of help, try VitaminMe Hair Growth 

+ Strength. With Zinc, Biotin and Kelp, 

one capsule a day boosts hair growth, 

restores volume, strength and shine, and 

helps maintain normal healthy hair. Plus 

it’s not tested on animals, and is vegan 

friendly. R269 from VitaminMe.co.za 

A good night’s sleep 

For a healthy body and mind, not much beats a 

really good night’s sleep. We know it. You know 

it. And Dominic Day and George Kruis know it. 

These two professional rugby players are behind 

the fourfive range of CBD oils, muscle rubs, 

and capsules, specifically designed with not just 

sportsmen but all active people in mind. And it’s 

their latest product that has everyone ... fast asleep! 

Rest CBD Oil is brand new on the shelves. The 

pair say this new product was designed with the 

intention to assist with calming, combined with 

natural, non-addictive products to help with a restful 

deep sleep. So if you’re looking for zzzzzz’s, well 

worth a trying a spritz under your tongue before 

bedtime. You’ll find the spearmint flavoured oil for 

R429.99 at fourfivecbd.co.za. 



ADVERTORIAL 

Breathing new life 

into Lynnwood 

A new development that ticks all the boxes for investors in terms of position, 

facilities and convenience … welcome to Circa Lynnwood. 

Established real estate fund manager, IHS, have recently focused their attention and efforts on repurposing existing 

commercial buildings to create affordable residential housing - with Circa Lynnwood being the ultimate blueprint. 

Situated in Pretoria East’s established suburb of Lynnwood, this soon-to-be-launched development ticks all the boxes for 

investors: not only being ideally situated and subscribing to the 15-minute neighbourhood trend, but also offering unrivalled 

facilities designed for the ultimate live, work and play lifestyle. 

Circa Lynnwood is in close proximity to Menlyn Main, multiple business parks, schools, shopping centres and the Faerie Glen 

Nature Reserve, for those wanting to still be close to nature while enjoying the convenience of city living. 

However, if the off-site facilities and neighbourhood offerings aren’t already prompting young families, students and 

professionals to call Circa Lynnwood ‘home’, then the various on-site facilities will no doubt have them rushing to own an 

address at this new development.

Conveniently located within 5kms of 

The University of Pretoria and other 

prominent schools such as St Alban’s 

College and The IIE’s Varsity College, 

Circa Lynnwood is in a prime school 

district and is ideal for families. 

“Our core focus is providing 

affordable, safe, clean and secure 

living environments and we are 

confident that Circa Lynnwood offers 

just that and more. We believe this 

development will be well received 

with investors and end users once it’s 

launched in August 2022, and it has 

already received much public interest,” 

says, Joel Rosen, from IHS. 

Also catering for residents’ health and wellness, the impressive Circa Lynnwood 

development will include a squash court, yoga studio and weight studios onsite. 

The brand-new studios, as well as 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments have sales 

prices starting from only R700 000, offering buyers the opportunity to enter the 

established Lynnwood market for below the million Rand mark. 

With only a R20 000 deposit required, and bond and transfer costs included, this 

is a dream opportunity for professionals, families and investors. Buyers with preapproved 

mortgages will qualify to have the deposit reduced to just R10 000! 

Investors can expect an estimated monthly rental income between R6 400 

to R14 000. Circa Lynnwood provides not only a reliable long-term return on 

investment, but it’s also perfectly situated for a balanced and dynamic lifestyle for all. 

Register your interest at www.circalynnwood.co.za 

With its variety of lifestyle and 

entertainment facilities, Circa Lynnwood 

has been designed to cater for 

everyone. An impressive entertainment 

area with a back-up generator will 

include an active fun zone for kids 

with arcade games, ping pong tables, 

foozeball and a cinema room. 

Various on-site facilities that cater 

for adult leisure time will also be 

available, further meeting the 

growing demand for a ‘work-fromhome’ 

lifestyle. A co-work space with 

practical work pods, relaxing lounge 

areas and a café will also be provided 

right on residents’ doorstep. 

Disclaimer: These depictions are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

& and loving life! 

WINING DINING 

Choosing kindness in your kitchen, selecting vegan options, ensuring you buy 

free-range & organic animal protein ... it’s all about making the best choices in life. 

Should we be snacking between meals. Absolutely! 

Particularly if the choice is from the new RAW 

range from Woolies. You can enjoy mindful treating 

with this range of vegan treats ... our faves are the 

Cocoa Dusted Almonds and the Cacao Dusted 

Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Mix, but also 

look out for the equally delish Cacao Dusted 

Cranberries. Dusted with responsibly sourced 

cocoa and sweetened with coconut sugar - it’s the 

perfect guilt-free treat. You’ll find them for R24.99 on 

the Woolies counters or online. 

Choose organic. This 

Spier First Stone 

Organic Red 2015 is 

a blend of 60 per cent 

Merlot and 40 per cent 

Cabernet Sauvignon, 

and was made 

with grapes grown 

organically at Spier. It’s 

rich and complex 

flavours include cherry, 

cassis, fennel and 

allspice. It spent 24 

months maturing in 

French oak, and you’ll 

love it now, but you’ll be 

rewarded with patience 

... leave on your wine 

rack for three to five 

years and then bring it 

out for a special dinner 

of grass-fed ribeye and 

truffled mash on a cold 

winter’s night. R320 

from shop.spier.co.za 

Hot chocolate with absolutely no guilt! This NOMU Vegan Hot 

Chocolate is rich and creamy, using a plant-based creamer, 

sustainably-sourced cocoa powder and real, organic dark 

chocolate pieces. So all the warm, indulgent chocolatey taste, 

with absolutely no dairy. Not just for Vegans! R70 nomu.co.za 


The Kind Kitchen is nor just the title 

of a cookbook. No is it the name of a 

restaurant. Rather, it embodies a way 

of living for Jay Mac. As he says, ‘‘We 

don’t have a Planet B to call home! 

This one is all we have, and we have 

the power to change the way we treat 

mother earth through the foods we 

choose to eat.” Being vegan doesn’t 

have to mean a lifetime of lentils and 

lettuce leaves. Jay’s innovative and 

imaginative recipes reimagine all your 

favourite dishes, from mac ‘n cheese, 

chicken wings, burritos, bao 

buns and maki rolls, to burgers and 

bunny chow. When it comes to 

sweet treats, he has adapted family 

favourites, such as milk tart, pumpkin 

fritters and cheesecake, to be dairy 

free, while his smoothies and plantbased 

milks mean less reliance on 

store-bought products. Jay Mac 

has mastered the art of turning 

mushrooms into chicken, carrots into 

lox, celeriac into fish and beetroot into 

burgers, as well as the even darker art 

of making meat from wheat. In this 

book, he shares his secrets for how to 

make tasty, tempting and affordable 

vegan food at home. Penguin, R320 

Pork belly skewers with sticky bitter orange dipping marinade 

Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin from Steenberg Farm has shared her up-until-nowsecret 

signature recipe for pork belly skewers with sticky bitter orange dipping 

marinade. They take less than an hour to prep and prepare, and this serves six. 

You’ll need: 500g pork belly – no bone, and rind removed; olive oil; Togarashi 

spice; salt and pepper 

To make: Halve the pork belly pieces, place on a skewer and drizzle with olive 

oil. Season with salt and togarashi spice. Togarashi has a nice chilli bite so use as 

much as you need to suit your taste buds. 

In a preheated pan, pan-fry the pork on medium heat until golden on both sides. 

Turn down to a low heat and continue cooking until cooked through. 

For the sticky bitter orange dipping marinade, you’ll need: 125g sugar; 30ml red wine 

vinegar; 500ml chicken stock; 10ml soy sauce; 35 drops Angostura Bitters; 

1 orange; 15g corn flour; 20ml water; 30g butter; 

To make: Place the sugar in a pot on a medium heat, allow the sugar to melt and 

start to caramelise. Once the sugar reaches a light brown colour; deglaze with 

red wine vinegar and stock. Bring the sauce to the boil and reduce by half, add 

the juice of one orange, Angostura Bitters, soy sauce, and butter. Dissolve the 

corn flour in the water, thicken the sauce with the corn flour and water solution 

and season with salt. 

Serve the pork skewers warm with the sticky sauce in a bowl on the side for 

dipping or drizzled liberally over them. Serve, obviously, with a glass of your 

favourite Steenberg wine. 

Keeping up with family and friends when organising dinner has become 

a little tricky. There’s keto and low-carb. Carb liberal and vegan. And 

occasionally ... all of the above. Hello Plant-Forward Keto, which gives 

you an array of options and flexible meal plans to go beyond the diet 

and embrace your love of food! In this new book Liz MacDowell shows 

you how to keep healthy plant foods at the centre of your plate while 

allowing a little meat on the side when you want to, while still reaping 

all the benefits of a keto diet. The fun and delicious plant-based recipes 

focus on using whole-food ingredients while allowing for mixing and 

matching of smaller amounts of animal protein. Penguin, R540 



Compiled by: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Recipes and images: THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSHROOM FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION. 

TO PIE FOR 

Buttery, flaky pastry and a delicious 

mushroom filling. We’re talking about the 

not-so-humble pie. There’s honestly nothing 

like tucking in to bring you comfort on a 

chilly day, especially if it is homemade! 


Mushroom and mixed veg spiral pie 

If you want to serve something impressive, then this pie 

sure tops the list. Yes, you need some patience, but it 

tastes just as good as it looks. 

Serves 8 

You’ll need: Crust - 350g flour; 8g salt; 150g butter; 2 large 

free-range eggs; 20-30ml ice cold water 

Filling - 250g smooth ricotta cheese; 2 large free-range 

eggs; 40g Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tsp dried herbs 

Veggies - 8 baby marrows; 3 carrots; 2 eggplants; 4 large 

portabello steaks (or the largest brown mushrooms you 

can find) 

Olive oil; salt and pepper, to taste; 28cm loose bottomed, 

fluted tart tin 

How to: 

The crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix 

the butter into the flour using your finger tips to make a 

wet sand. 

Add the eggs and mix with a fork until the dough is just 

coming together. 

Gradually add water, a spoonful at a time, just until the 

mixture holds together. 

Don’t overwork the dough. Shape into a large disc and 

cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 

minutes, or make in advance the night before. 

On a well floured work surface, roll the dough out into a ± 

4mm thick circle. Roll up the dough onto your rolling pin. 

Unroll the dough over the 28cm tart tin. 

Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the tart tin. 

Trim off most of the excess leaving a few mm above the 

rim of the tart tin. 

Prick the base of the dough all over with a fork. Place in 

the fridge to rest for 15 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 200˚C. 

Fill the dough lined tart tin with scrunched up baking 

paper and baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 20 minutes. 

Remove the beans and baking paper and return to the 

oven for another 7 minutes. Set the crust aside. 

The filling: Whisk all the ingredients together and season 

well. Set aside. 

For the vegetables: Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, 

slice the courgettes into thin ribbons. 

Toss in a bowl with a good pinch of salt and place in a 

sieve to degorge. Slice the carrots and eggplants into 

thin ribbons. 

Using a very sharp knife, remove the core and slice the 

portobello mushrooms into thin strips. 

Trim all the vegetables so that the ribbons and slices are all 

as close as possible in size so they layer well together. 

To assemble: 

Spread the filling evenly over the blind baked crust. 

Starting from the outside next to the crust, line the walls 

of the tart with the veg ribbons, alternating each veg, until 

the entire tin is filled. 

Brush the vegetables with a little olive oil and sprinkle over 

some salt and pepper. 

Bake at 200˚C for 35-40 minutes until the vegetables are 

just tender and cooked through and the tart base is crisp. 

Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice into wedges and 

serve with a fresh green salad.

We are drooling over this Mushroom 

Spanakopita pie. Find the recipe on our 

website getitmagazine.co.za 

Open party pies 

Puff pastry squares are topped with a delicious mixture of 

asparagus spears, pancettta and mushrooms. Great as a 

starter or perfect for a light lunch or dinner. 

Makes 8 open pies 

You’ll need: Béchamel - 250ml full cream milk; 30g butter; 

20g flour; large pinch of salt; 1 tsp mustard powder; sprinkle 

of ground nutmeg; 2 x 250g puff pastry sheets; 100g 

pancetta, sliced in half; 150g asparagus spears, 16 spears; 

250g baby portabellini or baby button mushrooms, sliced 

in half; 40g Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 large egg, beaten, 

for egg wash; olive oil; salt and pepper, to taste 

How to: 

The béchamel: 

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk. (Do not 

let any evaporate) 

In a second slightly larger saucepan, melt the butter. When 

melted, add the flour. 

Whisking constantly, cook for about 2 minutes. The mixture 

should not darken but turn a very light golden and smell 

like biscuits. 

Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to keep 

the sauce smooth. 

Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. 

Season generously with salt and add the mustard powder 

and nutmeg to taste. 

Pour into a bowl and cover with cling film on the surface to 

avoid creating a skin. 

Set aside in the fridge. 

Preheat oven to 200˚C. Line a baking tray with 

baking paper. 

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the 

mushrooms on high heat until golden brown. 

Season lightly and remove from the heat. Thaw the 

puff pastry and cut each sheet into quarters so you 

have 8 squares. 

Place them diagonally so they look diamond shaped on 

the lined tray. Spread a good dollop of béchamel on each 

piece of pastry, spreading it from the bottom corner to 

the top corner. 

Follow with a few pieces of pancetta and two spears of 

asparagus. Dot the cooked mushrooms over each piece. 

Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Fold up the two 

side corners and seal them using a little bit of water on 

your finger tips. 

Egg wash the open pies and bake for 25 minutes until 

golden brown and cooked through. 

Serve with some lightly dressed micro greens. 


PLANT PARENT 

Grow and nurture more houseplants to brighten your home 

Text: ALICE COETZEE 

We’re planting …the early spring flowering 

Verbena ‘Cadet’ that doesn’t spread like most 

verbena but grows upright, neat and compact. 

It has a good range of colours, pink, purple, red, 

violet and white. It grows 25cm high and 30cm 

wide to form a round, mounded plant that grows 

in sun or partial shade and is a good filler for small 

gardens or containers. It reblooms so quickly that 

the plant never seems to be without flowers. Being 

heat tolerant and highly mildew resistant, it stays healthy 

and vigorous throughout a long, hot summer. 

Details: ballstraathof.co.za 

Garden 

tasks for August 

• Water more often as is gets warmer and 

feed spring flowering annuals with a liquid 

fertiliser every two weeks. • Fertilise perennial 

flowers and shrubs with 3:1:5 fertiliser and water 

well afterwards • Towards the end of August, start 

sowing summer annuals like alyssum, dianthus, 

California poppies, marigolds, verbena and zinnias. 

• Add compost to the flower beds and top dress 

lawns that need to be levelled. • Trim and tidy up 

groundcovers, cutting them back to get rid of any 

stalky growth. • Keep on watering and feeding 

winter veggies. • Be on the lookout for snails 

and use an organic snail bait if possible. 

Control aphids with organic 

insecticides. 

22 Get It Magazine August 22

Veggie of the month 

A pink tomato, that’s sweet, yet 

tangy? ‘Clear Pink’ (RAW seed) is an 

heirloom variety that grows into 

compact plant 1,2m high, that 

produces long trusses of round, 

smooth pink tomatoes. It can be 

started early by germinating the 

seed indoors in August and planting 

out into the garden, or in a pot, 

towards the end of September after 

the last frost. Fill the seed tray with a 

fine seedling mix, sow the seed and 

water gently. Cover the seed tray 

with plastic cling wrap and place it 

on a heating pad (from a vet shop 

for reptiles or a hot tray set on low). 

Once the tomatoes have germinated, 

remove the cling wrap. To water, 

take the seed tray off the heat and 

let it drain before putting it back 

on the heat. A weekly application 

of Margaret Roberts Organic 

Supercharger, which contains both 

macro and micronutrients will 

encourage strong growth. Harden 

the young seedlings by putting the 

seed tray outside in the sun during 

the day but bring it indoors at night. 

Details: rawliving.co.za 

You’ve just bought a new house 

plant. And you have no idea how 

to care for it. Bright light or shade. 

Dry out or always moist. Pet and 

child friendly or keep out of reach. 

The Unkillables is Jo Lambell’s 

jolly handy book featuring her top 

40 resilient houseplants for new 

plant parents. From finding your 

plant soulmate to really clever tips 

for each of the plants featured, it’s 

a great addition to a gardener’s 

library. Wellbeck Publishing, R270 

Indoor plant of the month 

String of bananas (Curio radicans) is a trailing succulent with green bananashaped 

leaves. Like other string plants (string of pearls, string of dolphins, string 

of turtles) its high on novelty value, requires minimal care and is indigenous 

with small white flowers that appear in spring. It grows best in a hanging 

basket that receives plenty of bright, indirect light, for instance near a sunny 

window indoors. Only water when the soil is dry. For a fuller plant and to 

encourage new strings, snips off an existing string half-way down and new 

stems will emerge from the cut. Details: lvgplant.co.za 


TO THE RESCUE 

In between the rush of deadlines, television and drama editor Tracy McQuarrie 

started an animal welfare website, one to help shelters rehome their animals. 

A couple of years later she went one step further, founding a unique shelter. 

Near Tracy McQuarrie’s edit suite, a stray dog would pop 

around each day, looking for leftovers at the fire station 

across the road. After a lot of running and biltong bribes, 

she managed to catch her, and took her to a nearby vet. 

Tracy hung posters around the area, to see if someone was 

missing their dog. 

“At the time, I realised there was no platform where I could 

post this kind of info. At the time I was also volunteering 

at various shelters and there was nowhere for them to 

promote the animals looking for forever homes. So myself 

and the web developing team jumped in ... and the 

BarkingMad website was created. It’s a platform to help 

shelters with rehoming, to advertise lost and found animals, 

and to raise food for shelters and low-income families 

around the country.” 

But Tracy’s passion to help animals didn’t stop there. 

While watching Dogtown, a show on telly about the Best 

Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, her mind started to 

work overtime. Before she knew it, she and her hubby 

Gregg found themselves on a plane on their way to 

Utah, attending a workshop on how to start and run an 

animal sanctuary. 

“I intended to gather as much information as possible and 

bring it back to our local shelters ... which is what I did. But 

I quickly realised that the shelters were already working 

to capacity. It became clear ...if I wanted to create this 

sanctuary, I needed to do it myself. Best. Decision. Ever.” 

Within a few months, Tracy sold her editing studio, took 

the money and started Dogtown SA ... initially in a friend’s 

garden, later moving to boarding kennels, and finally to its 

home today, a 50-acre farm. Based on the USA concept, 

Dogtown SA cares for around 100 misunderstood and 

abandoned dogs, and a couple of cats. The pooches 

have spacious gardens and pre-made houses in a layout 

called Octagons, with Shady Pines Retirement Village 

for the pensioner dogs and Thunderville for dogs with 

noise phobias or who are scared of thunder. There’s a 

dedicated rehabilitation area where accredited trainers and 

behaviourists work with misunderstood dogs daily, helping 

them to work through their fears and issues. 

“Most of our dogs come from other shelters, some we 

rescue ourselves. We don’t take in dogs from the public, 

except if the animal comes in via our behaviourist. When a 

new furry friend joins us, we do an assessment. Then they 

go through daily training and an enrichment programme 

so they can go on to be happy well-adjusted pets.” 

Tracy, who can now add internationally qualified dog 


trainer and animal behaviourist to her skill set, admits that is 

it very easy to get attached to the dogs and the tears flow 

freely when they find a forever home. 

“But those are happy tears. Many people tend to think 

that shelter dogs are problem dogs. Actually, most dogs 

have been great pets their whole life, until their families 

fell on hard times and couldn’t keep them anymore. I can 

honestly say that the majority of dogs in the shelter are 

happy-go-lucky and well-behaved. Gosh, and we learn 

so much from them. They live in the moment, don’t have 

preconceived ideas about anyone in front of them and 

that peanut butter is the best!” 

Mom of five dogs, all rescues, Tracy is not missing her nine 

to five one bit. Just the money, she laughs. 

“Now that money would really come in handy at the 

sanctuary. As a non-profit we’ve come a long way, 13 years 

to be exact, since starting what was originally just going to 

be a hobby. And I wouldn’t change a thing. We save and 

enrich the lives of dogs every day, how rewarding is that? 

There’s nothing like that first sloppy kiss from a terrified 

abused dog to know your purpose in life.”

Adopting a rescue dog – 10 steps to success: 

1Can you afford a dog? Apart from good quality food, there are other 

expenses like baskets and bedding, equipment such as a lead and 

harness and collar, toys and treats as well as grooming. Veterinarian costs 

also need to be kept in mind - vaccinations, deworming, microchipping 

(highly recommended). And there are the general and emergency medical 

expenses. Having a dog sterilised is also expensive but fortunately, most shelters 

will have this done before homing them. 

2 

Do you have time for your dog? Dogs need both physical and mental 

stimulation daily to avoid boredom, which is one of the most common 

reasons behind unwanted behaviours. Destructive chewing and 

excessive digging in the garden are two of the more frequent of these 

behaviours and are also a primary reason why many dogs are surrendered 

to shelters. 

3 

Do your homework. Before adopting a dog you need to research what 

breed of dog you would like and even more importantly what breed 

would suit your lifestyle and environment. If you want a dog that 

will curl up on your lap while you watch TV, then a 75kg St Bernard 

might not be the wisest choice. Likewise, you need to consider the physical 

environment – a high-energy working dog may find it difficult to cope in a 

small confined garden setting. 

4 

5 

Foster before adopting. If you are a first-time dog owner, consider 

fostering a dog before you commit to adopting. It’s a great way for 

you to determine if you are ready and able to make that permanent 

commitment to adopting a dog. 

At the shelter, gather as much information as you can about the dog you 

may be interested in. Questions regarding the animal’s general health, 

where he came from, his personality, asking if he is fearful or anxious, how 

he reacts around unfamiliar people and in particular children and how 

he reacts to other dogs or cats will give you a better understanding of the dog’s 

background and needs. 

6 

7 

Dog-proofing your home is essential. Gates, walls and fences need to be 

jump-proof. Special care needs to be taken regarding storing toxic or 

poisonous items like garden fertilisers and pool chemicals. 

Introducing your new family member. If you’re adopting a dog into 

a family where there are existing dogs then a proper introduction is 

essential. Take the resident dog to the shelter to meet the prospective 

new addition before bringing it home. Doing this will give a good 

indication of whether the match is suitable. 

8 

9 

Mealtimes can be mayhem. If you have more than one dog ensure they 

are fed a suitable distance apart to avoid any potential resource guarding 

issues. Twice daily feeding is recommended and do not leave food down 

all day for the dogs to eat. 

Daily enrichment. Taking your dog for a walk or playing games like fetch 

or hide and seek will help release energy and provide exercise. There are 

numerous brain toys available on the market designed to give the dog 

mental stimulation, combined with scent work-type games, which will 

keep the dog happy and contented. 

10 

Make your dog part of your family. If you lavish him with love and 

affection he will respond in a like manner and give you years of fun 

and enjoyment. 

How to get involved: 

Pop over to dogtownsa.org and 

barkingmad.co.za – adopt one of 

the adorable animals looking for a 

forever home. 

Can’t adopt? No problem, sponsor a 

pet instead. 

Click to feed - Each one of your clicks 

contributes 10 per cent of a bowl of 

food. You can click up to five times 

per day. Go, go, go! 

Volunteer – Either at Dogtown SA or 

a shelter near you. Because all the 

animal needs are love, affection and 

some exercise. 

Buy some merch - From T-shirts, 

gifts to toys - you’ll be making 

a difference. 

Support fundraising events - Follow 

@dogtownsa on Facebook and Insta 

or visit dogtownsa.org to keep up to 

date with what’s happening. 

Dogtown wishlist: 

• Montego Adult Classic • Tinned food 

• Peanut butter 

• Vienna’s • Hosepipes • Rakes • 

Spades • Grass for the dog’s gardens • 

Lavender plants • Harnesses • Blankets 

Trick: Training your dog 

not to jump up on you 

If your dog already has a solid sit or 

similar behaviour command, then 

use that cue when he approaches 

you or a visitor. So before the dog 

has the chance to jump up cue him 

“sit” and immediately reward him 

when he sits. Rewarding him for 

obeying will make him more likely to 

sit next time round when cued to do 

so. The “sit” has now become more 

rewarding to him than jumping up. 

Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. • Image: SUPPLIED. 


Editor’s Choice ... 

Walkies! Which really does 

need to be said firmly in 

Barbara Woodhouse style! 

Anyhoo ... get your steps in 

alongside your hounds. These were 

obvious top of the must-have list, 

since our editor’s dog’s name is ... 

we kid you not ... Alfie. So she’d 

have been barking mad not to buy 

the Alfie Pet Lead (R899) and 

the Alfie Pet Collar (R699) from 

Country Road at Woolworths. 

WOOF 

Whether your dog’s a ruff-and-ready hound dog or a 

spoilt bitch, our ed’s all puppy-love this August. 

Designed for posh dogs 

Design is going to the dogs. Literally, in the case of Petite French & Co, a 

company devoted to giving dogs the very best in lifestyle products. As Gill 

Taylor, founder of the online shopping company, says, trending globally is the 

humanisation of dogs. They are not just pets, they’re part of the family. They are 

friends and companions and style-conscious consumers are looking for high-end 

accessories for them ... bowls, beds and blankets. Petite French is aimed at those 

who want the very best for their dogs. The millennials, empty nesters and city 

dwellers who take their dogs everywhere with them. And we’re not talking just 

for walks. They take them to the beach, restaurants and coffee shops and they 

want their dogs to look cool and stylish in keeping with their lifestyle. On our 

pups wish list is this rubber, on-the-go collapsible bowl (R149) and, for our 

next seaside holiday, a sleek, secure 

life jacket with velcro straps, sturdy 

buckles and buoyancy foam. To ensure 

your pooch isn’t embarrassed by 

shabby accessories on the next outing, 

pop over to petitefrench.com ... and 

turn to our Spoil page, where you’ll 

find a dozzie of a giveaway. 


Vet ready 

A visit to the vet isn’t always a walk in the park. 

Plenty of dogs get anxious, which stresses 

us, too. Marltons pet care brand shared some 

useful stress-free-vet-visit tips ... 

Get extra touchy-feely When your pet is 

being examined by a vet, they’re going to get 

touched all over. From under their feet to the 

inside of their ears, to having to open wide 

and even down to the tip of their tails, no fur 

will be left unturned. In the days leading up 

to the vet visit, get a little extra affectionate 

with your pet. Tickle their tummies and gently 

stroke and touch some of the places that may 

be unexpected for them. You can even give 

them some treats while doing this – and take 

some along for the visit. This will ease their 

anxiety when they’re being touched during 

their checkup. 

Tire them out beforehand Take your dog on 

a brisk walk before your visit so that they aren’t 

full of pent up energy. They’ll handle the drive 

and the examination a bit better if they’re 

feeling tired. 

Make sure they travel in style It’s important 

to remember that the vet visit actually begins 

from the moment you put your pet in the car. 

If they’re not used to pet carriers then let them 

play inside one for a bit in the days leading up 

to the vet visit so that they get used to it. Speak 

to them reassuringly throughout the journey 

and avoid playing loud music, driving too fast 

or hooting too much. A calm journey sets the 

scene for a calm vet visit. 

Plan ahead when it comes to treats and toys 

Make sure your pet hasn’t had a big meal right 

before the vet visit. One method to provide a 

stress-free visit is to give your pet treats during 

the exam – this works especially well if they’re 

a little bit hungry. If your pet has a favourite 

blanket or toy, bring that along as well to 

reduce their anxiety. 

Calmness is contagious and timing is 

everything You know how your pet knows 

exactly when you need a cuddle or when you 

want to play? Well they also know when you’re 

feeling stressed. And this stress can make 

them feel very anxious. Try to project a calm 

demeanor before the vet visit. Avoid excess 

reassurances, or behaving as if something 

unusual is going to happen because fur kids 

are very perceptive. Also, make sure that you’re 

on time for your appointment, and if you 

can’t make an appointment make sure you 

can chill with them outside in a comfortable 

space instead of a waiting room full of 

anxious animals. 

Details: marltons.co.za 

Keep a big bowl of 

fresh water available 

at all times ... This Alfie 

Bowl in soft pink will 

look pretty on the 

verandah. R499 from 

Country Road at 

woolworths.co.za 

Here’s a feel-good treat. A simple, easy-tomake 

biscuit recipe for you to bake for your 

dogs. There’s a lovely back-story too. The recipe 

was created by Megan Weitzman, daughter of 

Afrivet’s Company Controller; she made these 

to sell to raise funds for a trip to Spain, where 

she participated in the Dance World Cup Finals. 

How great is that! 

To make these Afrivet Dog Treats, you’ll need 

2,5 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 large eggs, 

1/2 cup steamed sweet potato or pumpkin, 

50ml unsalted butter, 50ml coconut oil, 2 tbsp 

peanut butter (optional), half a tsp ground 

cinnamon (optional), 1 tsp water - or a little 

more if needed. To make, pre-heat the oven to 

180°C. Mix all the ingredients together, roll out 

and cut to preferred shape. Place on a baking 

tray and bake at 180°C for 45min, then turn 

down the oven to 100°C and leave them to dry 

out for a further one hour. Cool on a cooling 

tray and place in an airtight container. 

Details: afrivet.co.za 



PROMOTION 

HERE COMES THE BRIDE... 

All dressed in fine couture, and ready to dance the night away 

House of Agrie Couture is a 

fashion label that specializes in 

handcrafted garments made 

with the finest fabrics and 

craftsmanship. The luxurious 

brand tailors services to 

discerning clients wanting 

personalized service and clothing 

made to couture standards. The 

label has expanded into product 

design and has successfully 

launched interior objects and 

successfully conceptualized 

events offerings, such as 

weddings, by giving clients an 

experience of a lifetime. Feel the 

excitement yet? Visit their website 

to see more of their designs. 

Whether you're on the hunt for a 

wedding dress, tuxedo, traditional 

wedding gown, or evening dress, 

contact Agrippa, who’ll make 

sure your wedding day is the 

most memorable day of your life. 

Details: houseofagriecouture.com; 

078-091-8209. 

With Spring just around the corner, many brides are starting to plan their dream 

wedding. The Wedding Party in Lynnwood was established in 2000 by owner 

Renette Hamman-Nel. The idea behind this company was to give brides a one-stop 

comprehensive service that would alleviate any stress ... and offer the best possible 

prices. The Wedding Party offers everything from floral arrangements to decor and 

rentals. Glass tents and dance floors can be supplied to clients wanting a more 

glamorous event. They also offer laser cutting and printing services. No event is too 

big or too small. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information, or 

contact them on 082-685-8885 or graphics@weddingparty.co.za 

WEDDING PLAYLIST 

What’s a wedding without a 

romantic playlist. From the oldies 

to the classics to the first dance 

... and then the options to get 

the wedding party started, it’s 

passion all the way! 

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing 

Aerosmith 

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You 

Frankie Valli 

Crazy Little Thing Called Love 

Queen 

Summer Of ‘69 

Bryan Adams 

I Wanna Dance With Somebody 

Whitney Houston 

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 

Wham! 

Crazy In Love 

Beyoncé 

Let’s Get It On 

Marvin Gaye 

Make You Feel My Love 

Adele 

Can’t Keep Falling In Love 

Elvis Presley 

Use Somebody 

Kings of Leon 

Baby I’m Yours 

Arctic Monkeys 

If I Ain’t Got You 

Alicia Keys and John Mayer 

Don’t Stop Believing 

Journey 

Celebrate 

Kool & The Gang 

The Time Of My Life 

Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes 

How Sweet It Is 

James Taylor 

Single Ladies 

Beyoncé 

I Got a Feeling 

The Black Eyes Peas 

I Feel Good 

James Brown

Eendracht is a village hotel with the ambiance of a 

Stellenbosch house. This gem is within walking distance 

of all the main attractions, central to the Stellenbosch 

Wine Route, and less than half an hour’s drive from 

more than 10 golf courses, almost 1 000km 

ride-from-the door MTB routes and an easy 30 min 

drive from the Cape Town International Airport. 

We do not do business for short term profits, but for 

long term gains – therefore we have embraced the green 

philosophy with solar geysers, a PV system and now 

an Electric Vehicle charging point. 

H O T E L & A P A R T M E N T S 

Scan for 

website 

Dorpstr 161, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 7600 | T: 27 (0)21 883 8843 

: 27 (0) 83 448 1154 | info@eendracht-hotel.com | www.eendracht-hotel.com 

Scan for 

booking

GET IT DIRECTORY

GET IT DIRECTORY

Travel for a cause 

If you’re got an adventurous streak and the funds to help, 

add ‘save the rhino’ to your travel bucket list. 

Saving the rhinos ... a conservation experience for those committed to help 

Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, has 

just introduced an incredible conservation experience for 

guests who are committed to help save the rhino. 

Focusing on generic data collection of endangered rhino 

populations of the Southern Kalahari ecosystem, you 

can, until the end of September, join the rhino notching 

initiative, which analyzes and supports the genetic integrity 

of the protected rhino populations across South Africa 

- populations that we all know have, over recent years, 

suffered a tragic decline. 

During this intimate wildlife experience, trained trackers 

and veterinarians set out across the Kalahari to dart young 

rhinos - those ideally between two and three years old. 

After marking and associating the rhino with a recorded 

number, the team plants a small microchip under the skin 

and horns for future identity and security purposes. DNA 

samples are then collected and later added into a global 

DNA database that helps track and prevent illegally traded 

rhino horns. 

During this encounter, as a guest you’ll form part of 

the ground crew, and will be invited to take part in this 

microchipping experience ... including helping to monitor 

the rhinos body temperature and breathing. 

Tswalu Kalahari, set in the green Kalahari, has a low-impact, 

high-value approach to ecotourism, and ensures that 

revenue flows directly back into conservation work. 

With only two camps - The Motse and Tarkuni - Tswalu 

accommodates just 30 people and has the lowest guest 

footprint in South Africa. The luxurious property has a 

foundation dedicated to research, and this research affects 

every conservation decision taken and is a vital part of what 

Tswalu is all about. 

And when you stay at Tswalu, you know you’ll be 

contributing to the sustainability of their commitment 

to preserving the southern Kalahari’s biodiversity for 

future generations. 

For this special experience, a stay of a minimum of three 

or four nights is recommended, and the rhino activities 

depend on the research cycles of the reserve, so make 

sure you enquire before booking. It’s a top-end lodge, 

with rates set accordingly, but they do need to be seen in 

context of helping to fund the scientific research. The cost 

of this private rhino notching experience covers the costs 

of a wildlife veterinarian, the specialized drugs in the darts, 

and flying expenses. If you’d like to take it even further, 

you can also donate direct to the reserve, with all funds 

directly contributing to a credible and imperative rhino 

conservation project to re-establish populations where 

they can be protected. 

Details: For rates and dates of rhino conservation and 

research activities, contact Tswalu Reservations on 

res@tswalukalahari.com, or visit tswalu.com 



Wild options for young travellers ... 

This Wild Warrior Kids’ Rhino Canvas Bag is perfect 

for children to keep their goodies while on safari. 

It’s got a waterproof lining, a magnetic clip closure 

and - most importantly - is made locally by 

Whimsical Collection, who make donations to The 

Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo Province, which rears 

babies that have lost their mothers to poaching. 

R495 from whimsicalcollection.co.za 

Fighting the rhino war ... & building up an exceptional anti-poaching unit 

In 2012, retired South African general Johan Jooste was parachuted into the 

seemingly unwinnable war against rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park. 

With poaching spiralling out of control, Jooste was given the mandate to ‘go 

military’, to convert Kruger’s ranger corps into a paramilitary force capable of 

taking the fight to the poachers. Aged 60, white, and a veteran with 35 years’ 

military service, Jooste’s controversial appointment was immediately met with 

resentment and outright hostility by elements of South African National Parks, 

the police, and even the military with which he had served. With the media, 

government, conservationists, human-rights activists and the people of South 

Africa looking over his shoulder, Jooste had to battle opponents within and 

without to carry out his strategy for turning the tide on rhino poaching. Rhino 

War by Jooste with Tony Park (bestselling author of thriller novels set in Africa) 

tells how Jooste, facing an unprecedented assault on a national park and a single 

species, turned a force of demoralised men and women into arguably the finest 

anti-poaching unit on the African continent. Told through his eyes, these stories 

of the courage and grit of rangers who risked their lives to protect wildlife in 

the face of a wily and determined foe are an account of heroism, sacrifice and 

determination. Humbly, honestly and decisively, Jooste tells of the successes and 

failures of his bold strategy, and shares his vision for the future. Macmillan, R340 

What colour is a black rhino? And how 

did the white rhino get it’s name? 

How does a gemsbok stay cool in the 

desert? Why should you never pick 

up a bullfrog? Which predators have 

the cleverest hunting techniques? 

The World of African Wildlife by 

Owen Hendry is a safari guide for 

young explorers. Besides being 

jam-packed with fascinating facts 

and photographs of wild animals, 

birds and insects, it also has loads of 

additional activities like puzzles and 

word games. With a fun layout and 

plenty of images, it’s the perfect book 

to keep young wildlife fans busy for 

ages, and we’d definitely recommend 

you pack up a copy if you’re off for 

a safari with the kids anytime soon. 

Struik Nature, R170 


Spoil 

August 

Man’s best friend ... woof! 

It’s take your pet to work day. Kidding. But if it 

were, he’d need a snazzy office chair. Or at the 

very least, this luxurious dog car-seat-bed-travelcarrier 

combo which allows your pooch to travel, 

sit and snooze in style and comfort. Its features 

include fully removable cushions for cleaning 

(no smelly dogs allowed), memory foam for 

extra comfort, a removable internal mat, plush 

high-end upholstery grade washable soft fabric 

and high-end Italian metal trims. There’s also a 

secure seatbelt clip to secure your dog to the seat 

to prevent jumping around, and attachments 

that work in the back seat and the front. It’s one 

of the sensational products we found on the 

petitefrench.com website ... designed locally, 

there are on-the-go collapsable bowls, dog life 

jackets for boating trips and tug toys. We’ve got a 

R5000 voucher to give away for one spoilt pooch 

... walkies over to @getitptamagazine on 

IG before August 25 to win.

Aug 22 Pretoria

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