Dec 23 / Jan 24 Lowveld

Naranda
Leeuwner
Embracing the present
The gentle
art of being
a mother
Christmas cocktails
& choc chip cookies!
CHEERS TO
EASY LIVING
Win!
An enchanting
oriental floral scent
is up for grabs
Celebrating
the season in style
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
december 2023 / january 2024

contents
GET IT
Why don’t you ...
Editorial
Phone 013 754 1600
Lowveld Media
12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela
Facebook Get It Lowveld
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Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/
Editor
Mellissa Bushby
mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084 319 2101
Photographers
Tanya Erasmus 083 778 7725
Belinda Erasmus 082 567 0596
Layout
Wessel Cöhrs 074 801 4477
Subeditors
Wahl Lessing
Sales
Colletha Noppé Rattray
colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387
GET IT NATIONAL
National Group Editor and
National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za 082 785 9230
Facebook and Instagram:
Get It National Magazines
Distribution
Get It Lowveld is distributed free of charge.
For a full list of where to find a copy,
phone Monya Burger on 083 555 4992
Published by CTP Limited
Competition rules
The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be
transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions
are not open to the sponsors or Caxton
employees or their families. Get It Magazine
reserves the right to publish the names of
winners, who will be contacted telephonically
and need to collect their prizes from Get It
Lowveld within 10 days or they will be forfeited.
Prizewinners names are published on our
Facebook page monthly.
02 Go big this festive season with our fab book club
choices, plus a crisp Summer white
WISH LIST
04 Time to shimmer and shine ... we’re all about the bling
people
06 We chat to Naranda Leeuwner about the joys of travelling,
living life to its fullest and the importance of creativity
10 Being a mum isn’t always easy, but Mathilda
Ubisi does it with grace
BEAUTY
12 Presents. Bubbles. Glitz and glam! Your
Christmas list starts right here
FOOD
18 Celebrate the season in style with festive cookies,
cocktails and the yummiest mince pies
21 Cherry season - short but gloriously delish
COMMUNITY
22 Back to school is as easy as ABC!
28 A pet is not just for Christmas
Win
29 A stocking full of personalised pet treats
32 A mysterious and magical floral scent
COVER LOOK
Naranda Leeuwner.
Photographer: Tanya Erasmus - Something Timeless Photography.
Make-up: Elsabé Steyn - Elsabé Steyn Styling Studio.
Venue: Zest Restaurant at Lowveld Living Guest House, Mbombela.
DEC 2023 / JAN 2024
Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 Get It Lowveld 01

Book club
Great Summer reads. Plus a JILLY COOPER! Swoon.
Thousands of 50-plus women around the world are feeling flushed.
Nope ... not menopause. It’s the rakish Rupert Campbell-Black - the
handsomest man in England. We fell for him way back in 1985 in Riders
... and he’s back. This time he’s off his (high) horse and buying a football
club to appease his daughter Bianca, who wants him to sign up her
superstar striker boyfriend. There are explosive fights and ravishing girls
and glamorous WAGS (all of whom lust after Rupe, obvs). All scandals,
sabotage and seductions ... Tackle! is pure Jilly Cooper hedonistic bliss.
All our bookclub Christmas dreams wrapped up in one glorious beach
read. Penguin • Is it even Christmas if you don’t buy your dad the latest
Wilbur Smith? Although he died in 2021, the historical stories continue,
written by Mark Chandobourn. Testament is the epic new novel of
Ancient Egypt ... all fragile power and divided kingdoms, a millennia-old
riddle and dark evil. Zaffre
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
If you’re going big for your festive book club bash ...
maybe grilled or braaied prawns, teriyaki salmon, creamy
mussels, then you should stock up on Franschhoek
Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc 2023. With
flavours of attractive Cape gooseberry, passionate fruit
and green fig, it’s the perfect Summer wine. Any leftovers
(as if!) can be happily served on Christmas Day. R539.99
for a case from franschhoekcellar.co.za
02 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

In The Secret, Jack Reacher,
recently demoted from Major,
is assigned to investigate the
death of a hospital patient
who, after being asked some
questions by two strangers, falls
to his death from this hospital
room window. Office politics, a
cold-blooded killer, a long kept
secret. We know Reacher will
bring the bad guys to justice.
But as always with Lee Child
and Andrew Child’s hero, the
question is will he do it the
official way, or his way? Bantam
A city in turmoil. A deadly
conspiracy. And a race against
time. Jeffery Deaver’s The
Watchmaker’s Hand sees Lincoln
Rhyme and Amelia Sachs
investigate the crane that crashed
down in Manhattan, sending
panic across New York, and,
according to the NYPD, sabotage
arranged by a political group. And
watching the investigation from
the shadows is the elusive assassin
The Watchmaker. Loads of twists
to keep you guessing. Harper
Collins Publishers
All books available at Exclusive Books or online at exclusivebooks.co.za
TS AND CS APPLY. 3 NOV - 31 MAR ‘24
emnotweni.co.za
In Just Between Us, by Adele
Parks, a woman is missing ... a
woman who has been living
a secret life, married to two
men, one of whom is the
main suspect. In a small village
some distance away, another
woman lives with her father,
who’s caring for her while she
recovers from illness. These
two stories collide in a way you
just don’t see coming. Only on
finishing this terrific read did
we discover it’s the sequel to
Both of You ... you don’t need
to have read that first to enjoy
this, but we wish we had.
Double the enjoyment! HQ

Wish list
Time to shimmer and shine ...
we’re all about the bling!
Gold doughnuts. How
boujee glam can you
get! R137 for a pack from
harckandheart.co.za
Such a classic ...
a floral bouquet
of velvety
white jasmine,
tuberose, neroli,
and ylangylang,
followed
by sandalwood
and cedarwood.
Madame Rochas,
R1799 from
DisChem.
04 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and
all through the house we were serving
Burnt Toasted Almond cocktails.
Smooth, harmonious Absolut vodka,
cream and Kalua coffee liqueur, with
a sprinkling of ground cinnamon,
make up this luxurious, rich, indulgent
cocktail. It’s just one of the collection
of 80 cocktails in Absolut Cocktails -
page after celebratory Absolut vodka
drinks for every occasion ... from a
Fancy Nancy to Doris Royale to a Dirty
Shirley. There’s a Holiday Mule (just
like a classic Moscow Mule, but with
a snuggly scarf and rosy cheeks), a
C.R.E.A.M (a crowd-friendly, delicious
and creamy dessert shot with Absolut
and condensed milk that’ll keep
everyone sweet), and a Monday In
Marrakech (vodka, lemon juice,
ice-cream ... it’s a frozen banger!).
Hardie Grant, R659 from takealot.com

A girl can dream! Yves
Saint Laurent: Gold by
Yvane Jacob & Elsa Janssen
shows off the couture,
jewellery, and accessories
inspired by the golds
of Yves Saint Laurent,
from the 1960s to the
2000s. From the very first
buttons adorning his
pea coats to dresses that
appear entirely fashioned
from gold, this metal
has featured heavily
throughout the entirety
of the designer’s work.
Crammed with illustrations
and photographs, this
would undoubtedly be the
most glittering gift under
the tree. Abrams, R1210.
Metallic festive
underplate, R49.99
from Mr Price Home.
The latest Chanel collection is
all a recollection of Paris,1920s,
Art Deco style. Exuberance,
avant-garde, daring, with sequins
leading the way. Honouring
Gabrielle Chanel, eyes are
dazzling and flamboyant in
diamond white and shimmering
black and pink gold, the powders
are radiant, the lips hypnotic in
metallic reds and roaring purples
and deep, iridescent crimson. All
dressed up for the festive hols.
Available in Chanel boutiques
and online from Woolworths.
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 Get It Lowveld 05

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: TANYA ERASMUS
Conceptual
creativity
With a ready laugh that comes from way down
deep, Naranda Leeuwner brings new meaning to
the words ‘full of life’.
Describing herself as a true Lowvelder,
Naranda says she has deep-seated
roots in this beautiful part of the
world, especially when it comes to
her home town, Mbombela. While
pursuing her honours degree in visual
communication at the University of
Pretoria, Naranda did a holiday stint
at Lowvelder. She enjoyed it so much
that she jumped at the chance to
return when she found out they were
looking for journalists. “Destiny steered
me in the right direction, because
that’s when I met my husband!” she
laughs. After her time at the paper,
Naranda dabbled in a few mediarelated
positions before venturing
The Leeuwner family
06 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024
into the corporate sector, where she
worked in communications. “I loved
taking on projects like the Lowveld
Air Show and other grand opening
events,” she says, “but the ‘seven-year
itch’ seemed to be a recurring pattern
in my career, prompting a thirst for
new challenges and change.”
A firm believer in learning from those
around you, Naranda stresses the
importance of nurturing healthy
working relationships and keeping
friendships alive. “People intrigue me,”
she smiles, “and I am passionate about
learning new things and moving out
of my comfort zone. Luckily, Christo
and I share similar traits,” she adds.
“We both thrive on challenges and
continually seek new opportunities for
growth. Our children have inherited
these qualities as well, ensuring that
they keep me quite busy.” In 2022,
Naranda decided it was time for a
change and left her job to be able to
spend more time with her children,
Alia, in Grade Five, and Christopher,
in Grade One. “I really needed to
regroup,” she says, “and while I was
ready to be a mum in the afternoons,
I also knew I needed something to
stimulate me.”
Fortune favours the bold, and an
opportunity presented itself shortly
afterwards, when Naranda was asked
to organise the opening event of the
Golden Macadamias factory.
‘One of the
biggest lessons I
learnt was the
opposite of fitting
in - belonging’
“At that time, I wasn’t certain whether
I wanted to start my own business
or pursue another path. Either way, I
know everything I achieve is thanks
to God’s love and guidance. That
same night, I was asked to take on the
International Macadamia Symposium,
attended by more than 20 countries
from around the world - with a total
of more than 700 delegates. It scared
me to death!” she laughs. “But I took
it on and it was a huge success. The
macadamia industry really excites me.
Apart from learning amazing new
things, it’s an exciting new venture to
undertake. It was in the midst of these
endeavours that I started my business,
Fluent Creative Agency. I now work
harder than ever with longer hours,
but with good planning I can be a
mum too, and I love every moment
of it.”
A firm believer in the philosophy that
happiness starts at home, Naranda
says that spending time with her
family is one of her top priorities. “One
makes mistakes along the way, but

Naranda Leeuwner

Naranda and Christo at the Rugby World Cup
the secret is to always learn from it
and move forward. One of the biggest
lessons I learnt was the opposite of
fitting in - belonging. Trying to fit in
requires changing oneself to conform
to a crowd, while belonging allows us
to be ourselves and have your people
accept you for who you are,” she says.
“One of the main reasons I stepped
out of the corporate world is that kids
know when your attention is divided,
and the well-being of my children
is very important to me. So is open,
honest conversation.”
Naranda adds that it’s a privilege
to be able to share and talk about
experiences and obstacles. Coaching
and guidance keeps us as parents in
check with what values we want to
instil in our children. This is one of the
main reasons why Naranda started
Fluent In Conversation, a platform that
helps children to deal with challenges
while also giving parents the chance to
connect with experts in different fields.
“Sometimes you have unanswered
questions or uncertainties about the
well-being of your child,” she explains,
“whether from a social, physical,
psychological or health standpoint.
These sessions create the opportunity
to openly discuss these topics.”
When it comes to her own family,
Naranda says she and Christo are best
friends, and can spend hours laughing
together. They have been married for
15 years now, and it just gets better.
“Christo is a great dad and husband,
with the most patience I’ve ever seen,”
Christopher and Alia
she smiles, “and Alia and Christopher
give us so much joy; they’re goofy and
always sharp with a comeback.”
With the festive season coming up, the
family are looking forward to spending
quality time together. It’s a special time
for the Leeuwners, who love going
to the Vygeboom Dam for Christmas
and then taking their annual road trip
to Mossel Bay, which they’ll be doing
early next year. “We also love going
to the bush,” adds Naranda, “which is
where we find peace and quiet. We
play board games, do water sports or
go on game drives, solve the world’s
problems around a camp fire and
cherish special moments together. We
love the beauty of the Lowveld, nature
and the bushveld. I’m definitely a bush
person! I also love the fact that it’s
not too overcrowded. We can’t really
complain about traffic, it still takes you
10 minutes to get wherever you want
to be.”
One of Naranda and Christo’s most
memorable holidays has been their
recent trip to France for the Rugby
World Cup, where every South African
felt like an instant friend. “Everyone
was hugging one another and singing
along to Leon Schuster,” she laughingly
says. “Although we were complete
strangers before, during and after the
game, we were one happy family. It
was victorious and electrifying. We
felt such a sense of camaraderie and
unity, brother to brother, and a sheer
joy. It stirred a deep sense of pride in
being South African. It wasn’t just a
rugby victory; it was a testament to the
spirit and tenacity that defines South
Africa. This holiday made me realise
how much I love our country and its
people.”
The family love to travel and are
always on the lookout for new places
to visit. Naranda explains that travel
is a magical ticket that enables them
to embrace anonymity in unfamiliar
places, diving into a world of their own
and disappearing from the day-to-day
routine. “It’s the ultimate freedom to
live fully in the present, be anyone you
want, go wherever you fancy and do
whatever your heart desires. We lately
experienced travelling with friends
and it was one of the best holidays I’ve
ever had. We are people who maximise
every moment, and our motto is to
sleep when you’re dead.”
08 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

CONNECT TO THE BEST
New Unit Type Available In Phase 2
info@crafthomes.co.za 3 Bedrooms from R 1 675 000
08600 CRAFT (27238)
4 Bedrooms from R 2 050 000

Overcoming
Mum Mathilda Ubisi loves nothing more than being involved in projects that revolve
around kids, her greatest passion in life.
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Mathilda Ubisi with Muhluri
Hailing from the small, quaint town
of Mkhuhlu, Mathilda, or Tilly as she is
better known, is an information science
graduate. She holds a management
of technology honours degree and
loves her work as a process engineer.
Tilly is mother to two beautiful girls,
Mikhenso (4) and Muhluri (2).
Muhluri came along in November 2021
and was born with a rare condition
called fibular hemimelia, a congenital
limb deficiency in which the fibular
bone is partially or completely missing
in the lower leg. “The exact cause of
fibular hemimelia is unknown, and
around one in every 40 000 children
are born with it,” explains Tilly. One of
the theories is that deformities are
caused when the genes responsible for
the development of the baby’s leg are
activated in the wrong order during
pregnancy. Studies have shown that
the condition can be related to genetic
abnormalities, but these seem to occur
randomly and are not passed down
from parents to children.
Fibular hemimelia has, understandably,
put an enormous strain on the family.
Muhluri’s crawling, standing and
walking milestones came later than
expected because her developmental
stages were delayed. “The average
baby starts walking at 12 months,
but Muhluri only started walking
at 14 months, and she walks with a
limp,” Tilly says. “We have to constantly
stop her from doing the same things
the other kids do, running, jumping,
walking long distances and climbing
onto things such as the jungle gym.
Having said that, she is such a bubbly
and active little girl! I don’t think she
even knows about her condition.
Her leg does not hurt or give her any
‘problems’, so from our perspective, she
10 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

is coping with it very well,” smiles Tilly.
There are a number of ways to treat
fibular hemimelia, including leglengthening
surgery, which can add
about eight inches (20cm) to the
shorter leg; epiphysiodesis, where they
scrape or compress growth plates
in the unaffected leg; or hip, knee
and ankle surgeries to reconstruct or
correct joint issues, which can help
them stand and walk more effectively.
“There are also other corrective
surgeries to straighten crooked
bones or correct foot, muscle and
ligament problems. Amputating part
of the foot or leg so that the child can
wear a prosthesis is also an option,”
explains Tilly. “In Muhluri’s case, the
specialist advised that we decide
on the reconstruction when she’s
between eight and 12. That way, they
will be able to more accurately tell the
difference in the legs. Muhluri will then
also be able to be part of the decision.
For the time being, she will wear a
special shoe after she turns two.”
Tilly says that what has helped her
to get through this is her spirituality.
“I gave my situation to God to carry
Mikhenso and Muhluri
the burden for me,” she says. “I had to
quickly accept my situation so that
it does not define my child’s life and
where she will ultimately end up. I
wanted to find how she can make the
most of her life while coping with her
condition.”
Tilly has also found that speaking to
other families in similar situations helps.
“You learn a lot about how to deal with
something from people who have
experience. And if you are privileged
enough to have a supportive family
and friends, make use of it to share
your fears and worries, and to get
support raising the child. If it becomes
too much, the last resort is to seek
counselling and professional help.”
People with disabilities can reach out
to Tilly at her NPO, Vahluri Foundation,
on vahlurifoundation@gmail.com.
Symptoms of fibular
hemimelia
• One leg that is shorter than the
other
• Partially developed or missing
fibula
• Bent lower legs
• Shallow hip joints
• Misshapen or non-existent toes
• Abnormally shaped ankles or feet
• Knees that turn inwards instead of
outwards.

Star paper string lights,
R299 from Woolworths
All we want ...
Presents. Bubbles.
Glitz and glam.
Your Christmas list
starts right here!
Woven mini
tote bag with
beaded details
and metallic
thread. R999
from Zara
La Petite Ferme Verdict 2018 Bordeaux style blend.
R368 from lapetiteferme.co.za
Rochas Femme, R1799 from DisChem
12 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024
Glam sparkle hoop
earrings, R139 from Woolworths

Oval beaded disc
earrings, R299
from Woolworths
Sequined high-waist,
short lining midi skirt with
elasticated waistband and
sequin appliqués.
R1299 from Zara
Silver Essence
Holo Bomb
nail lacquer,
R64 from
Superbalist
Metalic ballerina flats
with square toe and bow,
R769 from Zara
Smudge and
waterproof RefectoCil
Brow Highlighter, with
sharpener. R410 from
refectocil.co.za and
takealot.com
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse
Multi-Use Dry Oil –
Golden Shimmer.
R525 from
orleanscosmetics.co.za
• Makeup by Ryno
hydrating ICON SPF50
foundation, available in
six colours. Cruelty free
and vegan. Whatsapp
071-688-0242 for a shade
recommendation.
R540 from
motherkindco.co.za
Compiled by: Kym Argo
Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 Get It Lowveld 13

christmas
cocktails and choc chip cookies
After a rather long year, we
are all looking forward to
winding down, catching our
breath and regrouping for the
new year.
Cranberry cocktail
Serves 12
Ingredients
• 1 litre of cranberry juice • 500ml vodka
• Bubbly • Ice • Rosemary, cranberries
or figs
Method
Mix the cranberry and vodka in a large
pitcher and refrigerate until ready to
use. Then simply fill the glasses with
ice, add the cranberry/vodka mixture,
top with bubbly and garnish to taste.
Variations
• Use any flavoured vodka to shake
things up a bit • Skip the vodka and
use gin instead • Cranberry juice has a
tart, fresh taste. If you prefer a sweeter
punch, swap the dry bubbly for
something sweet • A splash of orange
juice adds a delicious twist
• Use thyme, blueberries and fresh
apple slices • For the non-alcoholic
version, add sparkling water to your
favourite cordial, add the cranberry
juice and top with fresh fruit. Slices of
pear and orange go just as well as figs
or apple.
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
There is nothing quite like a Lowveld
Christmas. The long lazy days, blissful
balmy weather, glorious sunsets and
starlit nights, time spent with feet
up around the braai or the pool,
the smell of summer on the wind,
accompanied by the ever-present
strident shrieking of cicadas.
What better way to celebrate the
end of the year than with platters
of crumbly, chocolatey cookies
scattered around the house
(Christmas comes but once a year!),
and washed down with ice-cold
Christmas cheer in the form of a
cranberry and vodka cocktail, one
that we guarantee will become an
annual favourite?
Infused with the flavours of summer,
it will put you in the Christmas spirit
immediately. It’s classy, festive, easy to
make and absolutely delicious. It’s also
easily adapted into a mocktail for the
kids and teetotallers.
The ingredients call for vodka, dry
sparkling wine (any Brut will do),
cranberry juice and a garnish. We love
rosemary and fresh figs (in season at
the moment), but you could also use
cranberries (enjoying massive growth
in SA at the moment) or blueberries
(also in season).
18 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

The Patio Restaurant: An escape from the ordinary
Want to change up your usual ‘eat out’
experience to something different? The
Patio Restaurant, situated at Christie’s at
32 on Russell, is nestled in the centre of
Mbombela and offers a unique location
to enjoy a meal with friends, meet for
a business lunch or enjoy a secluded
dinner with a loved one. The Patio
Restaurant offers a selection of tantalising
starters, mains and desserts ...
Details: Christmas Eve dinner and
Christmas Day lunch bookings can be
made on www.quicket.co.za, 078 095 0578
or 013 755 3169
Christmas cookies
Keep everyone happy with these
chewy, melty, ultrasoft peanut
butter and chocolate chip
cookies, a classic combination
that we all know is truly made in
heaven. Comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
• 112g butter • 1 cup brown
sugar • 1 cup smooth peanut
butter • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups cake flour • 1 tsp
baking powder • ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp milk • 1 cup chocolate
chips, or chopped nuts
Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Cream the butter and sugar
together until smooth. Add
the peanut butter and vanilla
and mix until combined. In a
separate bowl, whisk together
the flour, baking powder and
salt. Add the dry ingredients
to the wet and mix until your
dough is a thick, crumbly
consistency. Depending on
the consistency of your peanut
butter and butter, you might
need to add a little milk. Stir in
the chocolate chips or nuts.
Break off large pieces of dough,
rolling them into balls. You
should have around 20 balls,
give or take a few. Place them
onto a lined baked tray and bake
for around 15 minutes. Once the
tops are golden brown, remove
them from the oven and allow
to cool. Serve as is or sprinkled
with a little icing sugar.

Nutty crunch mince pies
Honestly, what is the festive season
without mince pies? And take it from
us, you really can’t beat home-made,
the rich and fruity mince encased in a
crumbly, buttery pastry.
Our mince pies are super easy to
make and absolutely scrumptious,
and they freeze really well. This is the
perfect recipe to get the kids in on, so
don aprons and start baking!
Ingredients
• 350g plain flour • 175g ice-cold
butter • 1 /3 cup cold water • 250g fruit
mince • 100g chopped nuts (any nuts
of your choice - we love pistachios,
but macs, almonds, pecans, etc. are
just as good) • 3 tbsp icing sugar
Method
Lightly butter and flour two cupcake
trays. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Add
the flour and cubes of cold butter
to a large bowl. Rub the butter and
flour between your fingers until the
mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add a tablespoon of the cold water
and stir, mixing thoroughly. Then add
another, repeating this process until
the mixture starts to come together.
Add more water if necessary, but be
careful not to add too much. Using
your hands, form the pastry into a
ball. Place your pastry ball onto a
floured work surface, and flatten
slightly with your hands. Using a
rolling pin, roll it out as thin as you
can. Cut out 24 circles and put them
into the buttered baking trays. Place
a teaspoonful of fruit mince into the
centre of each circle. Top each with
a sprinkling of chopped nuts. Take
the remaining pastry and form a ball
with your hands, then roll out thinly
again. Cut out 24 stars with a star
shaped cutter. Place the stars on top
of the mincemeat and lightly press
down to join. Place the mince pies
into the preheated oven and bake
for 15 to 20 mins, until the pastry
is golden brown and the mince
bubbling. Gently remove from the
tin and place on a wire rack to cool.
Dust with icing sugar while still
warm and enjoy.
Note: The pies can be eaten hot or cold,
with custard or cream, or as is. Once
cool, they can be stored in an airtight
container or frozen.

Tis the
season we
cherry-ish
You’ll find Cherry
Time cherries at Pick
n Pay, or buy online
from cherrytime.
co.za. Follow
Saadiyah Hendricks
on Instagram
@sadiesbubbleofyum
A sweet edition to savoury dishes. Brilliant for
baking. A pop of sweet colour in a cocktail.
The cherry season is short, but it’s gloriously
delicious. Besides being so scrumptious,
cherries are also packed with antioxidants
and contain melatonin (aids sleep), potassium
(helps prevent hypertension) and B-vitamins
(boosts the metabolism). Cherry Time cherries
- harvested over just 10 weeks a year - are
available now until the end of this month ...
so take advantage.
CHERRY-INFUSED PANNA COTTA WITH TOASTED
COCONUT AND CHERRY-TOFFEE SHARD
The delicate essence of cherries is on fine display
in this sophisticated dessert, created by Saadiyah
Hendricks. Understated and subtle, the luscious
custard is a perfect base for the explosion of
sweet, nutty texture on top.
For the cherry-infused panna cotta, you will need:
1 cup pitted and halved Cherry Time cherries,
3 cups cream, 1 cup full-cream milk, 3/4 cups
caster sugar, 1 tsp vanilla essence or the seeds
from 1 vanilla pod, 1 Tbsp gelatine dissolved in
1/3 cup boiling water
For the topping, you will need: 1/4 cup pitted and
halved Cherry Time cherries, 1/4 cup desiccated
coconut, 200g caster sugar
To garnish: Fresh cherries
To make: For the panna cotta, place all the
ingredients except the gelatine and cherries in
a medium saucepan and bring to the boil on
medium heat. Remove from heat, whisk in the
dissolved gelatine and then 1 cup of cherries,
gently pounding the cherries for two to three
minutes, allowing the fruit to infuse into the
milk. Strain to remove cherry pieces and pour
into individual dishes or moulds and allow to
cool completely before placing in the fridge
overnight to set.
To make the topping, preheat the oven to
180°C. Spread the coconut on a baking tray
and place in the oven for five minutes or until
lightly toasted. Remove and allow to cool while
preparing the toffee.
For the toffee, place the sugar in a saucepan
on medium heat and allow to melt, stirring
to distribute the heat evenly. Once the sugar
has dissolved and turned amber, remove from
the heat and stir in the quarter cup of cherries.
Quickly pour the cherry toffee onto a silicone
mat and spread it out using an offset spatula.
Sprinkle the coconut over the spread toffee and
allow to cool completely. Once cool, break the
toffee into shards by tapping with a sharp knife.
When ready to serve, decorate the panna cotta
with toffee shards and fresh cherries.
Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 Get It Lowveld 21

Back-to-school tips
Set goals and expectations
One of the first steps in preparing for
the new school year is to set clear
goals and expectations. Reflect on the
previous year and think about what
changes to make. Parents and teachers
can help by discussing these goals and
providing guidance and support.
Organise your workspace
A well-organised workspace can make
a significant difference in focus and
study time. Make sure to declutter your
study area, arrange your books and
supplies, and create a comfortable, calm
environment conducive to learning. A
clean and organised desk will reduce
distractions and help you stay on track
when the books beckon.
Check your school supplies
Before heading back to school, take
inventory of your school supplies. Do
you have enough notebooks, pens,
pencils and other essential materials?
Make a list of what you need and go
shopping to restock. This helps you
start the new year with a structured
approach.
Create a schedule
Time management is crucial for success
in school. Learners should create a
schedule that outlines their study time,
extracurricular activities and personal
commitments.
Set a healthy sleep routine
Getting enough rest is essential for
overall well-being and academic
performance. Start adjusting your sleep
routine before the school year begins to
ensure you are well rested. Remember
to switch off all devices well before
lights out!
Reconnect with friends
Reconnecting with friends can help
reduce anxiety and create a sense of
excitement about returning to school.
Consider a get-together to catch up and
discuss your goals and expectations for
the new year.
Embrace a growth mindset
Starting a new school year can be
both exciting and challenging, and a
positive attitude can help you overcome
obstacles and achieve your goals. Above
all, remember to have fun and enjoy
your school years. They are over all too
quickly, and with the right mindset,
learning can be a wonderful pastime.
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
Janet David
Teacher and mum Janet David
understands just how important it is
to make the transition from holiday
to back-to-school as seamless and
pain-free as possible. “From a teacher’s
perspective, children need to have a
break during the school holidays, have
fun time and relax,” she says, “but I would
also strongly suggest that they find a
good book or series of readers to enjoy
and read over the holiday. There are also
a variety of fun activity books to keep
them busy during the holidays, where
previously learnt or new skills can be
practised before school starts again. It
will give them a head start when getting
back to school.”
22 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

As the holiday season winds down and the calendar flips over
to a new year, it’s time to start planning for back-to-school.
Whether you’re a learner, a parent or a teacher, preparing for
the new school year is an essential part of ensuring a successful
academic journey.
Janet also recommends letting the kids
keep a little notebook and pencil close by
so they can record some of the fun things
they did during the holidays, either by
drawing, doodling or writing.
This also helps them to remember their
holiday escapades, making it easier
to share adventures with their friends,
helping them break the ice when they
return to school. “Helping young children
who are just starting school to become
more independent over the holidays is
important. It will make the transition away
from home easier,” Janet says. “Give them
small jobs to do around the house like
feeding the pets, helping with a few chores,
practising packing their schoolbags, and
dressing themselves in their school uniform
to make sure it fits and everything is in
order. There is nothing worse than panic
on the morning of a school day when
you find there is a button missing or your
shoes don’t fit!”
It is also important for parents to
spend time talking to their children
about their feelings concerning school,
friends, teachers or even new activities
or expectations, especially for children
starting at a new school or starting school
for the first time. There are story books
available for younger children to help
them know what to expect, or one can
even visit the school, classroom or teacher
a day or two before school starts. Janet
adds that packing a healthy lunch and
even more importantly eating a healthy
breakfast is crucial to get the day off to a
flying start.

advertorial
Family living at its finest!
Nestled amid the rolling hills of Orchard Valley in Mbombela, the newly constructed residential
development Matumi Valley’s 77 units gleam in the sunlight.
If the idea of starting your day with a
breathtaking sunrise or unwinding with
panoramic views after a long day at
work resonates with you, there’s good
news. Matumi Valley is part of a phased
development, and phase 2 is now
available for purchase.
A modern and stylish development
certainly does not happen overnight. In
2020, the developers of Matumi Valley,
Craft Homes, started to explore the
possibility of developing in Mpumalanga.
Craft Homes has been specialising
in residential development for over
three decades, from starting their first
development in Khyber Rock, Sandton,
to transforming the outskirts of wellknown
residential areas.
Matumi Valley was launched in April
2021 amid a global pandemic after
a fortuitous partnership was formed
with the well-known Orchard Valley
developer, Mabelengwe, to assist with
the expansion of the Craft Homes
footprint in the province. The setting
for this residential development could
not have been better. Forming part of a
broader precinct on the rise, it already
boasts the renowned Valley Hyper
Shopping Centre. In due course, other
great amenities such as healthcare
facilities, business parks and commercial
offerings will also share the space. The
Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY

location caters for avid golfers, as the
Matumi Valley development borders the
Mbombela Golf Club, one of the two golf
courses in the city.
With Mbombela being the economical
hub of the Lowveld, Matumi Valley’s
placement is ideal. Not only is it close
to the KMI Airport and neighbouring
countries such as Mozambique and
eSwatini, it is also within a 5km radius
of various schools and hospitals.
Site establishment of Matumi Valley
commenced midwinter in 2022, despite
a tough economic climate. A high cost
of living and increased interest rates
were among the challenges faced by
developers, who put their best foot
forward and persevered nevertheless.
Failure was not an option. They knew
what they had to offer would be of
great value to the residential market
- sectional title properties that would
come standard with a secure living
environment to give the residents peace
of mind. In addition to this, there are
open-plan living spaces accompanied
with high-quality fittings and finishes,
a clubhouse with braai facilities and a
swimming pool, private gardens and
a pet-friendly environment to ensure
comfort and relaxation.
Craft Homes and the joint venture
partner for Matumi Valley, Mabelengwe,
worked tirelessly to welcome their first
residents home. In August 2023, the
dream came to life as the first residents
started moving in, and in November
the transfer process for the first lot of
homes commenced. The Craft Homes
ethos does indeed ring true: ‘Committed
to creating homes that are not only
beautiful, but also last for generations
to come’.
As previously mentioned, phase 2 is
available for sale. This phase has given
the developers, design architects and
consultancy team an opportunity to
acclimatise to the Mbombela market,
and one of the most noticeable changes
are the available unit type options, larger
living spaces that make use of modern
architectural execution.
The latest phase also allows for refreshed
and modern finishes to accompany the
free-flowing open-plan unit layouts. As
this is a buying off-plan development,
buyers can select various optional extras
to transform any unit from being a house
into a bespoke home. The revised list not
only caters for specific buyer needs, such
as backup water supply and alternative
energy solutions, it also caters for the
purchasers’ unique style with the option
to change standard finishes. This could
be anything from flooring and kitchen
cabinetry to creating comfortable living
spaces such as air conditioner ready
rooms. The patio also boasts an array
of variable options to transform your
private garden into everyone’s favourite
entertainment area.
Buying into an off-plan development
has numerous financial benefits, such as
no transfer duties being applied to the
purchaser. Bond repayments will only
apply once registration is complete. This
allows for ample time to start saving your
money for when move-in day arrives.
If you are ever in the vicinity of Valley
Hyper, pop in and visit the friendly staff
at the Matumi Valley sales office at
2 Alpha Street. You’ll soon see for yourself
why others already call Matumi Valley
home. You can also see the new kitchen
finishing options on display and grab a
brochure to find out more about phase 2.

advertorial
Retirement,
assisted living and
frail care that not
only fulfil your
needs, but envelop
you in a warm
casing of care
and compassion
are just some of
the things you’ll
find at Rubicon
Retirement Village.

Rubicon Retirement Village
Your best choice in retirement
Boasting a variety of housing units,
flats and assisted living units, Rubicon
is situated in Mbombela and gives its
residents the freedom to enjoy the area’s
spectacular views, moderate climate and
bountiful nature. Not only is Rubicon the
ideal place for your retirement, it also
offers a no-worry lock-and-go lifestyle for
active retirees above 50.
The lifestyle centre, which is known as
the ‘Heart of Rubicon’, includes all
facilities such as 24-hour frail care, a
dining room and kitchen, living room,
library, laundry room, terrace, swimming
pool and gymnasium. Rubicon’s facilities
are in convenient walking distance from
all the units.
Accommodation with Lily Care for frail
care and assisted living is also available.
Added to that, Lily Care has dementia
specialists who provide an environment
that promotes medical, social and
emotional well-being. Their daily focus
is to deliver person-centric specialist
geriatric medical care, as well as healthy
and balanced meals prepared by an
on-site Lily Eats chef. Residents are also
involved in goal-orientated activities to
stimulate mind, body and soul. Home
care is available to the residents, in their
own units, and is provided according to
personal requirements.
However, Rubicon’s most important
feature is its people. Here, the Spirit of
Living will never grow faint. The Rubicon
family welcomes you with open arms ...
Come and see us today.
Details:
Marketing - sales/rentals: Alida
Buchanan - 082 359 7716/marketing@
retirementstyle.co.za.
General manager: Driekie Heiberg -
082 349 1374/driekie@retirementstyle.
co.za. Rubicon Care: Collette Wright -
076 992 8172/collette@lilycare.co.za or
visit www.retirementstyle.co.za.

Merry Woofmas ... Santa soft
toy from the Woolworths PLAY
collection, R199.99
Keeping pooch calm
Pets can experience heightened stress and anxiety when
faced with sudden loud noises, storms, fireworks and changes
in routine. These situations can lead to various behavioural
issues, from excessive barking and destructive behaviour to
trembling and restlessness. As we approach the end of the year,
our calendars are filled with exciting events, and while these
festivities bring joy to our lives, they can also be a source of stress
and anxiety for our pets. The experts at Bob Martin’s share some
great advice to help you manage your pet’s well-being during
these busy times.
Including a calming treatment in your pet’s wellness routine is a
valuable step in ensuring their emotional well-being during times
of stress and anxiety. However, it should be complemented with
responsible care practices that prioritise your pet’s comfort and
mental health. Both of these aspects go hand in hand.
Calming tablets, collars or spot-ons as a supportive measure
Calming aids can significantly help ... they provide a sense of calm
and relaxation, making challenging situations more manageable
for your pet.
Responsible pet care While calming aids can be highly effective,
responsible pet care also entails understanding and respecting
your pet’s unique needs and preferences. It’s crucial to recognise
situations that may trigger stress or anxiety and take steps to
avoid or mitigate them whenever possible.
Knowing your pet: Get to know your pet’s temperament and
preferences. Every pet has their individual personality, and some
may be more sensitive to certain stimuli than others.
Avoiding high-stress situations: If your pet doesn’t fare
well in crowded or noisy environments, consider alternative
arrangements. Instead of taking them to busy places, restaurants,
or parties, opt for quieter and more pet-friendly settings.
Creating safe spaces: For particularly anxious pets, creating
a safe and familiar environment at home can work wonders.
Providing a comfortable and quiet space where they can retreat
when they feel overwhelmed allows them to self-soothe and
reduces stress.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pets live a happy
and stress-free life, with tail wags all-round. Bob Martin’s Calmcare
Range harnesses the power of valerian, lavender and rosemary to
provide a solution for managing stress and anxiety in pets.
Beyond immediate stress relief, it can also assist in addressing
underlying behavioural problems.
Details: bobmartins.co.za
Travelling with your pet? 5 things to
consider before em-barking
When you’re travelling with your pet, there is a whole
new checklist you need to consider. But it doesn’t have
to be a nerve wracking experience for either of you
if you plan ahead and be sure of the steps you need
to take to ensure the journey is smooth sailing for all
members of the family. Gavin Miller, Managing Director
at Marltons, shares his top five tips to consider before
you go on your holiday.
Check, check, double-check It goes without saying
that the most important thing to do before taking
your pet – no matter what pet it is – is to check if your
accommodation is pet friendly. Don’t assume that
just because you’re taking your hamster instead of a
St Bernard you can simply breeze into your sea facing
apartment. Nope. Many hotels and resorts have strict
pet policies, and you need to confirm that non-human
family members are welcome and catered for.
Sort out your equipment Every pet, from a budgie to
a boxer, needs their own special equipment. This starts
with what they’re actually going to travel in, to where
they’re going to sleep, to food and containers, to toys. If
you’re going to take your pet away with you, it is crucial
to ensure that they’re going to be safe and comfortable
for every step of the journey. In transit, make sure that
they are crate-trained in their own area of security to
ensure that you can drive safely and ensure that you
have all the leashes, collars or cages sorted for when
you arrive.
Pack a pet specific supply kit Have a chat with your
vet to make sure you have everything necessary in a kit
for your trip. A general first-aid kit, and then also some
additional items you may need along the way such
as waste bags. Pet pit stops are tough to schedule, so
rather be prepared. Also consider snacks and hydration
along the way. Pets can easily get dehydrated when
travelling, so make sure you pack extra water. And toys.
Don’t forget toys.
Sort out their identification Life is unpredictable. And
life on the open road is even more so. An unfamiliar
place far from home is the very worst place to lose your
pet. Before you leave make sure they’re easy to find in
the worst case scenario. Sort out your microchipping
and make sure their collar tags are up to date. Make it as
easy as possible for a good Samaritan to return them to
you in case they do a runner.
There’s no place like home Yes, you’re going away,
but your pet doesn’t understand this – all they know
is the home they live in. Pack their favourite toys,
blankies, bowls and beds so that once you reach your
destination they have all the comforts of home around
them so that they can relax too.
Holidays can be the best days, and memories made
that include fur family members are priceless. All it takes
is some extra planning and patience to make sure your
time away is an unforgettable experience for all the
right reasons.
Details: marltons.co.za
28 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024

A pet’s not just for Christmas
But on the day ... oh ... we do love to spoil them!
If you love them, insure them!
We love our pets. So does Woolies. Who now offer
insurance for your cats and dogs.
And let’s face it ... when it comes to caring for your
furry friends, medical expenses, routine care, hospital
stays and even transportation often become a part
of life – so it makes sense to ensure that you are
adequately covered for any mounting costs, as and
when you need it.
With multiple cover options built to suit a variety
of lifestyles and pocket sizes, Woolies is giving their
customers the opportunity to rest easier, knowing
their pets are covered by an insurance offering that
they can trust.
With the main goal of protecting your finances from
unexpected medical bills, pet parents can choose
from Classic, Hospital, Accident and Premium Plans,
with an option for extended booster benefits. Get
more information on the Woolies app or online at
woolworths.co.za/wfs/pet-insurance.
PLAY pet
gingerbread man
toy ... pooch will
love it! R149.99,
from Woolworths
We’re all about giving our pets
all our love. But let’s face it ...
they’re all for the treats! So ...
with love from Pedigree and
Whiskas, a stocking crammed
with treats they’ll love. We’ve
ten to give away ... and each will
be personalised with your pet’s
name. Pop over to Instagram
@getitnationalmagazines,
find the competition post
and follow the prompts.
Entries close December 7.
Vinyl pet toys
on a festive rope,
R44.99 each from
The Crazy Store
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 Get It Lowveld 29

GET IT DIRECTORY
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COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Home of the Creative Entrepreneur
Since 2008
Workshop 11,
Canary Walk,
Bester Street,
Mbombela
Call: 083 310 7410
Mail: info@xela.co.za
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Spoil
Festive
Byzance
A magical fragrance
from Rochas Paris
An enchanting juice. An opulent bottle. An atmosphere of light, mystery and magic.
Byzance is an oriental floral scent with addictive notes ... all bergamot, pear and sweet
neroli, a lush bouquet of rose, freesia and heliotrope blossoms, vanilla absolute, light
wood and mellow musk. Distinctive, memorable, and exceptionally long-lasting, these
vibrant feminine notes have a signature suffused with sensuality.
It’s the perfect Christmas gift for the woman who surrounds herself with intrigue
and glamour. You’ll find it exclusively at DisChem for R1799.
Our festive spoil ... a bottle of
Byzance. Simply pop over to
getitnationalmagazines on
Instagram or Facebook, find
the SPOIL post and follow the
prompts. Happy Christmas!
32 Get It Lowveld Dec 2023 / Jan 2024