Celebrate a Star Spangled Winter with Weylandts

Weylandts latest collection of knitted throws, hot water bottles and scatters features on-trend typographic design and Americana-inspired stars and strips that will warm up your winter space and cocoon you against the cold.

Take a trip to their website to view their collection online.

Winter Warmers: Warm Veg Salad

Serves: 4

Prep time: 25 mins

Cooking time: 40 mins

Oven temp: 220°C

Ingredients

750g Mediterranean baby potatoes, halved

1 small butterbut, peeled and sliced

250g button mushrooms

6 large plum tomatoes, quartered

8 thick strips smoked pork

30ml avocado or olive oil

Juice and rind of 2 lemons

1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped

150ml Blugarian yoghurt

100ml fresh coriander, shopped

2 avocados, sliced

1. Boil the potatoes in salt water until just soft, drain and add them to the butternut, mushrooms, tomatoes and smoked pork in a roasting tray. Add the oil and juice and rind of 1 lemon, and season to taste. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes until cooked.
2. Beat the chilli, coriander, yoghurt, lemon juice and rind together. Divide the veggies and pork into four bowls, top with avo slices and serve with the yoghurt sauce.

This recipe originally appeared in the August 2012 issue of home. 

Vintage wheels at Cars in the Park

Cars in the Park is the single biggest celebration of our motoring heritage in South Africa. This annual event is hosted the fist Sunday in August by the Pretoria Old Motor Club and features thousands of cars and bikes from motoring clubs from across the country. And these aren’t just any motor vehicles! Expect to view a collection of vintage classics that features automobiles whose manufacturing date predates 1985.

For more information and a sneak peak at some of the cars that will be on display visit the Cars in the Park website.

When? Sunday, 05 August 2012 | 07h00 – 17h00

Where? Zwartkops Raceway on the R55, Pretoria

How much? Adults R 60pp, Children under 12 FREE

Decorex heads for Jo’burg

Join industry leaders and decorating gurus as they showcase the hottest trends at South Africa’s premier décor and design show: Decorex.

The last stop in a whirlwind tour of the country, Decorex Joburg promises to be inspiration spectacular. Visitors should expect to see a few old design favourites and some brand new surprises. From workshops to demonstrations, man caves to kitchens, there is sure to be myriad of beautiful things that will have design devotees begging for more.

 

Visit the Decorex Joburg website for a sneak peak and more.

When? 8 – 12 August 2012 | 09h00 – 18h00

Where? Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

How much? Adults R 75, Pensioners & Students R 65, Children under 12 R10

Industry Trade days will be held on the 8^th and 10^th of August. Apply for you complimentary access here.

Click here to find your nearest Le Creuset store in South Africa.

'Reach For Your Slippers' on the 3rd of August 2012

Last year Reach for a Dream's 'Reach For Your Slippers' campaign raised a staggering R 175 000. This year they are hoping to top that as they move out of the KwaZulu-Natal region and go national. So, get your 'Slipper Sticker', dig out those slippers and wear both with pride to the office or classroom on Friday 3 August. Stickers cost just R 10 and all proceeds go to making the dreams of children facing life-threatening illnesses come true.

For more information please contact Anna Rubycz, ar prkzn@reachforadream.org.za or call 031 566 2220.

Winter Warmers: Chia Tea

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger (peeled)

6 cloves

4 cardamon pods

1 stick cinnamon

1L water

4 tea bags (Rooibos, Darjeeling or English)

250ml milk

45 ml sugar to taste

1. Crush the spices in a motar until fine then add to the water in a small pot and bring to the boil. Add the teabags and simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
2. Remove the teabags and add the milk. Heat the milk until hot and add the sugar. Stain into mugs and serve.

This recipe originally appeared in the August 2012 issue of home. 

Rejuvenate your creative spirit at Aladdin’s

If you plan on taking a meander through the Natal Midlands you might just come upon Aladdin’s de-Light, a unique adventure that showcases the multiple talents of owners Louise and Jan van Niekerk and other artists in the area.   Here you are invited to share in their magical world and learn from experienced and renowned artists in a variety of crafting courses.

Jan and Louise are both stained glass specialists and offer you the benefit of their expertise and years of experience in their weekend stained glass courses. Beginners will learn the basics, whilst more advanced students get the opportunity to create and take home their own stained glass lamp shade.

Ceramics classes for young and old offer you the chance to get down and dirty and rediscover your creativity. There is the regular weekly pottery class, which covers everything from handwork to wheelwork, the Raku weekend course (one of Louise’s personal favourites) and pottery parties for the kids.

If that doesn’t interest you then there are always mosaics, decoupage, creative de-stressing, pastel, drawing, mixed media or life drawing courses. There is just so much to do, learn and create. Visit their website to find out more about what’s on the go at the mo.

Garden World's Annual Spring Festival

‘Nature’s Green Gold’

David Davison & Ray Hudson

27 July to 2 September, 2012

This year the Festival runs from 27 July to 2 September and will feature exciting Designer Gardens, the Gold Award Winning 2012 Kirstenbosch-SA Chelsea Exhibit, Gardens “Through the Eyes of a Child”, an Indigenous Exhibit by Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden & a Water Wise exhibit created by Rand Water.

Both the new & make-over designer gardens will showcase the latest garden trends & find clever solutions for small outdoor spaces, using a diversity of plants & natural hard landscaping products.

The emphasis in the make-over designer gardens section is on re-invent, re-decorate & re-vamp & this section of the show will offer plenty of inspiration for gardeners with a limited budget. To accommodate the increased gardens, the display area has again been expanded to allow for this permanent display – ‘Outdoor Rooms’ on view all year round.

Says Louis d’Hotman, General Manager of Garden World “We have found that the gardens become a

Tanya Visser

reference point for different styles, allow the comparison of diverse hard landscaping products & provide ideas for different planting combinations, especially as we change the plants with the seasons.”

Garden World is particularly pleased to be hosting the Gold Award Winning 2012 Kirstenbosch-SA Chelsea Flower Show Exhibit and is supported by Mogale City. The Exhibit is themed “Gateways – A Botanical Journey” and combines nature & our cultural diversity to create an intriguing combination of rich botanical biodiversity & iconic architectural elements offering glimpses into the land in which we live. The exhibit is rather like the diary of a traveler, the visitor is taken on a journey through changing botanical & cultural landscapes that show our unique flora against the backdrop of water-colour paintings of picturesque locations. This was the 37th year that South Africa was represented at Chelsea. Over the years it has won 32 Gold medals, two Silver-Gilt medals & three Silver medals.

In addition to the schools taking part in the children’s garden section, there will also be a number of smaller box gardens created by children from different schools. A number of events are also being planned just for children & includes pot painting mornings.

Margaret Roberts

Other events will be in the company of Herb Guru Margaret Roberts, also designer of the main display garden at Cop17 Leon Kluge, Horticulturalists David Viljoen & JJ van Rensburg and Radio Personality Lynton Johnson.

Entrance to the Designer Gardens & the Chelsea Exhibit is R20 pp & children u/12 years Free. For more information on the festival contact Magriet / Corné on 011 957 2545 / 011 956 3003 or 083 997 6142.

Some of the featured events of the show are listed on the Gardening in South Africa website.

A Quilter’s Dream Come True – The International Quilt Convention Africa (27 – 29 July)

The International Quilt Convention Africa (IQCAfrica) is fast approaching, much to the excitement of quilters everywhere. Set for 27 to 29 July at Emperor’s Palace, the weekend will feature lectures and workshops by local and international teachers, on-the-spot giveaways, and special draws. Shop till you drop at the Vendors’ Emporium, where you’ll find everything and anything your quilted heart desires, from top sewing machine brands to the latest fabrics.

A cross-section of quilt and fibre-art exhibitions will also be on display and will include travelling exhibitions from across the world. Visit “Tangle”, a selection of 35 quilts from the European Patchwork Meeting International Contest 2011, or take a walk through someone’s “Dreams”, a collection of quilts from all over Africa specifically created for the IQCAfrica Theme Challenge.

Day entry tickets to this event are R 50 for Adults and R 25 for those under 12. If they’re in a pram then entrance is FREE!

Visit iqcafrica.ning.com/ for more info.

World of Dogs and Cats: Gallagher Convention Centre (20 -22 July)

The World of Dogs and Cats (WODAC) has become a firm favourite with pet lovers all over the country and this weekend’s event promises all the delights we’ve come to expect and few new surprises too!

Developed to help the average man on the street make an informed decision on which breed to choose, WODAC exposes the public to purebred dogs and cats and informs them on what responsible dog, cat and pet ownership involves. Breed experts are on hand to give vital advice and guidance on the temperament, characteristics, grooming, feeding and exercise requirements of the vast range of different breeds of cats and dogs available throughout South Africa. And that is just the start!

There are so many exciting activities to watch too. The exhibition’s three arenas will showcase the very best in Canine Agility, Dog Jumping, Dancing with Dogs, Fly Ball, Obedience and Carting. Learn what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen and rub noses with champions at the South African Bred Invitational Breed Competition. 

But, don’t let the name deceive you. WODAC is about a lot more than dogs and cats. Visit the Hall of Pets and find a wealth of information on fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, parrots and more. For the reptile lovers there is the Hall of Snakes and Reptiles, where you’ll find Denis Quick of United Reptiles educating others on the joys of owning these scaly critters. Furthermore, 2012 brings the Magic of Horses to WODAC! Watch live demonstrations in the Main Arena, meet with experienced horse owners and find out more about the synergy that exists between horse and rider.

Tickets are available at the door or from Computicket.

Dates: 20 - 22 July 2012

Times: 10h00 – 18h00

Cost:      FRIDAY - R65 Adults; R 40 Senior Citizens, Scholars & Students (ID required); R20 Children U12, n/c Children U2

                SATURDAY & SUNDAY – R75 Adults; R60 Senior Citizens, Scholars & Students (ID required); R20     Children U12, n/c Children U2

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Regretfully visitors are not permitted to bring their pets.

For more information visit: www.dogscats.co.za

The Durban International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday (19 July).

In its 33^rd year, the Durban International Film Festival has become South Africa’s largest and longest running film festival. This year sees over 290 screenings, with a strong focus on those belonging to the South African and African industry. So much so that South African films will be opening and closing the festival with the world premier of “Elelwani” (directed by Ntshavheni wa Luruli and produced by Florian Schattaure) starting the proceedings and the 3D animated spectacular “Adventures in Zambezia” marking its closure.  

With screenings set to take place throughout Durban, including in township areas where cinemas are non-existent, you’ll have to visit the Durban Film Festival website to find out what’s on where and when. 

Drawing Classes at Fat Tuesday

WITH JEANETTE GILKS

Date: Sat August 11, 18 and 25th
Time: 9am - 12.15pm
Cost: R450 for 3 sessions

This class is suitable for Beginner and Intermediate students

* stimulate lateral thinking
* promote the value of creative process
* develop flashes of inspiration
* generate new ideas
* develop continuity within innovation
* stimulate cross pollination of ideas between people

The aim of the workshop is therefore not to teach new skills but to explore some alternative approaches to drawing.

Jeanette Gilks has been teaching for over 40 years and has run drawing workshops countrywide for advanced students. Booking is essential as classes are limited to 10 students.

Email shannon@fattuesday.co.za or call 031 717 2789 to book your place

New York City’s Hidden Subway Station

Deep in the belly of New York’s subway system, a beautiful untouched station resides that has been forgotten for years with only a limited few knowing of its existence. Stunning decoration with tall tiled arches, brass fixtures and skylights run across the entire curve of the station, almost a miniature imitation of Grand Central Station… But it sounds like something straight out of Harry Potter, right?

It was opened in 1904, with the hope of making it the crowning glory of the New York subway system in elegant architecture and a place for commemorative plaques to honour the work that had resulted in such a successful underground mass transit system. It was to be the original southern terminus of the first ‘Manhattan Main Line’; however the station was closed and boarded up in 1945. The gem of the underground began gathering dust, forgotten by the general public, as passengers were forced off at the Brooklyn Bridge Stop before the train continued on to the terminus to make its turnaround.

The reason for its closure was that newer longer cars were required to match the demand of passengers that passed through the system. But as the stations tracks were severely curved, a dangerous gap between the train doors and the platform was formed making it an unsafe area. This combined with the fact that only about 600 people used it, resulted in its closure with only mythical plans of turning it into a transit museum. But this was never followed through.

However, now you don’t have to take my word that the secret City Hall Station exists, as the 6 Train will now allow the passengers who have been enlightened with the knowledge of its whereabouts to stay on the train during its turnaround and see the Station. You won’t be able to get off, but you’ll be taken for a slow tour of the platform and see what a beauty it was in its heyday!

And if that isn’t enough, The Underbelly Project has turned it into a kind-of off-limits art gallery. They are a group of street artists who have painted the walls of the unattractive concrete areas with their art in a spooky art exhibition that will be witnessed only by urban explorers who prowl the deep train system at night and Metropolitan Transportation Authority workers.

Over a hundred murals have been accumulated over time by graffiti artists, namely PAC and Workhorse (infamous NYC graffitists), who discovered the bare walls and invited others to add their art.

But if you want to go and view these art works, you will most definitely run the high risk of being arrested as venturing the tunnels is both highly illegal and dangerous! I’ll just stick to seeing the photographs as I’m pretty sure my search for art would turn into a horror story down in the black tunnels… or I’d get hit by a train.
Written by Sohpie, this article first appeared on the Travelettes blog.
Image 1 via Nag On The Lake, image 2 via Visual News, image 3 via gothamist, image 4 via 2nd Ave Sagas, image 5 via Chasing Ray, image 6 via Co.Designs, image 7 via Telstar Logistics, image 8 via Gizmodo, image 9, 10 and 11 via E-Junkie.

Attend the 7th Annual Mum's Mail High Tea for FREE!

Winter Warmers: Decadent Indulgence

Mini Eclairs with Salted Caramel and Fresh Banana

Makes 12 mini eclairs

for the eclairs

• 250ml (8.45 fluid ounces) water
• 100g (3.53 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
• 2.5ml (0.08 fluid ounces) (1/2 t) salt
• 250ml (8.45 fluid ounces) (1 cup) flour
• 2 large, free-range eggs
• for the salted caramel
• 250g (8.82 ounces) sugar
• 50ml (1.69 fluid ounces) water
• 100g (3.53 ounces) butter
• 100ml (3.38 fluid ounces) cream
• 2 t sea salt flakes

 for the salted caramel cream

• 150ml (5.07 fluid ounces) fresh cream
• 3 T salted caramel

 to serve

• fresh banana, diced and drizzled with lemon juice

1. To make the eclairs, pre-heat the oven to 180c and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Bring the water, cubed butter and salt to a simmer.
3. Add all the flour and with a wooden spoon, mix until the dough forms a ball which pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.
4. Allow to cool slightly and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Pipe/spoon 12-15 x 5cm (1.97 inches) eclairs onto the prepared baking tray.
6. Place in the oven and allow to bake for 30-45 minutes until the eclairs are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool.
8. To make the salted caramel, combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and allow to come to the boil. Cook until the sugar is the colour of Amber then add the butter and cream and stir until smooth. Add the salt and set aside to cool slightly.
9. To make the salted caramel cream, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Whilst beating, add the warm salted caramel and beat until the mixture is thick.
10. To serve, slice open the éclairs, spoon in some of the cream mixture, add some chopped bananas and a drizzle of salted caramel.
11. Serve immediately.

This recipe was originally posted on the Simply Delicious Food Blog.

Designer Profile: Jocelyn Jones

Jocelyn Jones is an Interior Designer and is the CEO of Jossi Design. After graduating cum laude from Durban's design college, Jocelyn travelled extensively in Europe. During her two years living in London, she joined a PR company representing some of the UK’s hottest celebrities. The glitz and glam of the PR life allowed Jocelyn exclusive access to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Jocelyn decided to return to Durban and started Jossi Design (PTY) LTD. She has since been adding her own brand of up-market style to KZN’s most beautiful properties.

Jocelyn Jones is also the KZN Regional Head of the South African Institute of the Interior Design Profession (The IID).

You can contact her here.

Homegrown Fair at the ECR House & Garden Show

Look out for the red felt hearts!

In 2008 a new show feature was introduced at the H&G show to showcase our very own 'local' designers and entrepreneurs. It was very well received by both visitors to the show and those exhibitors that participated.

Visitors to the show enjoyed seeing our local design & craft talent on display and the opportunity to shop for 'small ticket' priced items & creative products at the show. This feature won gold medal awards in both 2008 & 2009 & 2010! The Homegrown Fair features designers in all areas such as décor, craft, jewelry, art, clothing, children’s wear, accessories & furniture and tries to keep the selection fresh and exciting each year.

This weekend is the last opportunity to experience the amazing offerings on show. Don't miss it!

Show times and costs are available here. There are number of noteworthy exhibitors, including Assagay Coffee, Malva, Design Meets Life, Glasshoppers, and Essential Herbal.

Christmas in July at Greensleeves Hillcrest

Sculpture and Ceramics Exhibit at Kalk Bay Modern

All Aboard for the Creighton Aloe Festival!

(Also Departs on the weekends of Sun 8th, Sat 14th & Sun 15th July)

Enjoy an amazing return steam train ride from Creighton, alongside the Ngogwaan river, through thousands of beautiful & colourful Aloes where you will be able to take a spectacular photo.

On Sat 21st & Sun 22nd July enjoy an eventful weekend with birding tours, mission tours, and dairy farm tours, plus a scenic Cycle ride including local choirs & Artist. Delicious meals & a country market.

Bookings essential before payment.

Train trip options
(Please be there at least 30-45 min before departure time)
1.  Festival Weekend – Date & departure times: Sat 21 July @ 10.30am & Sat @ 2pm &  Sun  22 July @11 am
Cost:        Adults :  Sitter Coaches R180.00 pp or  Lounge coach  R210.00  pp
                Children : Sitter coaches R120.00 pp (between 2 - 12 ) or Lounge coach R210.00 pp
Duration:  Approx 2 hrs

2.  Special Sunday sunrise bike train trip to Donnybrook & an approx 40km MTB ride back through the beautiful Xumeni Forest (Part of the Freedom Challenge route) & back to Creighton. Sun 22 July departs 7.00am
Cost          : R300.00 pp includes train trip & guided bike ride back.
Duration     :1 hr to Donnybrook then Approx 4 hrs return trip on your Bikes!  .
Lunch        : Delicious country lunch  on request.

3.  Aloe Steam train trips & lunch – Departure time 10 am on all the following days Sun 8th, Sat 14th & Sun 15th July
Cost:         Adults : Sitter Coaches R180.00pp or  Lounge coach tickets R210.00 pp
                 Children : Sitter Coaches R120.00pp or  Lounge coach tickets R210.00pp (Age for Children is between 2- 12)   
Duration:   Approx 2 hrs then lunch at the Country Club (opposite the station)      
(Bookings essential for delicious country lunch ) 

The Aloe festival is on the Sat 21st & Sun 22nd July (With the Country club opposite the Station having flee market; Art exhibition; Mission & birding tours country lunches & Sunday Cycle ride  etc.)

The train will also run on the weekend  8th and  14th & 15th July there will be no festival but there will still be  a delicious Country lunch on sale after the ride   Booking essential . The train ride itself is a 2 hr round trip with beautiful Aloe viewing along the way, it will make 2 stops:
1. For passengers to walk  amongst the Aloes & for  a photo shots
2. At Riverside station Entertained by local singing groups & explore whilst engine moves position for the return trip.

There will be egg & bacon rolls, teas & coffees on sale at the Creighton Station before the train leaves & refreshments & snacks sold on the train.

The difference in the seating, the lounge coach has very comfortable couches @ R210 pp. The other coaches are comfortable row seating (plastic seating some have cushions) for R180 pp.

Parking is safe.

The B & B’s are also providing a wonderful 2 day weekend package (includes 2 nights B &, B  all meals; your ticket for train trip, & tea/ coffee before train trip.)

As you will not be able to take cooler boxes or picnic baskets on board (due to lack of space), There will be snacks (rolls; muffins; crisps etc)  & refreshments or drinks before & on board ON SALE or Lunch at the country club can be booked.

****Please All bookings essential before payment to prevent disappointment****

For more information or to book, contact Glynnis on 083 273 8037 / glynnis@toocee.co.za

Win Le Creuset coffee cups and saucers.

House and Leisure is offering you the opportunity to win 1 of 2 sets of Le Creuset coffee cups and saucers valued at R1 655 each.

"Great coffee deserves an appropriately stylish cup. Renowned kitchen brand Le Creuset understands that coffee-drinking today is an art – professional baristas serve coffee made from the best beans – and has therefore crafted the most elegant cappuccino and espresso cups and saucers to enhance your coffee experience. You can win one of two sets of Le Creuset coffee cups and saucers (each set comprises two espresso and two cappuccino cups, in colours of your choice), worth R1 655 per set. For more info, visit lecreusetshop.co.za."

To stand a chance of winning, simply answer this question:

Name one of the types of cups that are up for grabs in this Le Creuset giveaway?

Enter online here.

Closing date for entries is 31 July 2012.

Winter Warmer: Cauliflower & Potato Curry

This delicious-looking vegetarian recipe is courtesy of the Cape Legends Wine Club blog:

Something a little different to try for a weekday dinner. With loads of flavours, this mouth-watering dish with not disappoint.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion , chopped
large piece ginger , grated
3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp curry powder , or to taste
227g can chopped tomatoes
½ tsp sugar
1 cauliflower , cut into florets
2 potatoes , cut into chunks
1 small green chilli , halved lengthways
squeeze lemon juice
handful coriander , roughly chopped, to serve
naan bread and natural yogurt, to serve

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Cook the onion for 10 mins until soft, then add the ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin and curry powder. Cook for 1 min more. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar. Add the cauliflower, potatoes and split chilli, seasoning to taste. Cover with a lid and gently cook for a good 30 mins, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender – add a drop of water if you need to, but it is meant to be a dry curry.

2. When the vegetables are cooked, remove the chilli, if you like, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice and scatter with coriander. Serve with your choice of Indian bread and a dollop of yogurt.