Balance is the ultimate ideal – whether it is in one’s emotional and social life, bodily movement, fine art, accounting and even winemaking. Leading a balanced life is surely one of the most obvious strivings. And yet, why is it just that – a striving? Maybe we should try to unravel this elusive concept from a psychological viewpoint to guide us in our striving towards a balanced life. By living a balanced life we also help our children to grow into beautiful balanced beings.

Balance as a noun: • Equal distribution of weight: This implies not only pulling your weight at work, in the house or with the kids. Distribute your weight equally between spending your mental energy on outside people, your family and yourself. Neglecting one area will have an influence on all the other areas. • A state of bodily equilibrium: Dr Candace Pert proved the mind-body connection from a scientific point of view in ‘Molecules of Emotion, 1997’. She explains the biomolecular basis for our emotions and how our minds and feelings affect our health and well-being. The impact of the one on the other should never be underestimated. • Mental steadiness or emotional stability: Being consistent and stable is one of the biggest gifts to our children. • Habit of calm behaviour: It is not what we say, but how we say it. An angry tone leads to attack / defense – standing in the way of productive communication.

 Balance also refers to remainder or rest of: What is really important in life? – And don’t sweat the balance. • In winemaking balance is seen as the degree to which all the attributes of a wine are in harmony, with none either too prominent or deficient: What goes for the wine, goes for the soul. • In fine art balance refers to a composition or placement of elements of design in such a manner as to produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously integrated whole: Focusing on the bigger picture might assist in becoming a harmoniously integrated whole person. Life, like art, is not about perfection. It is about how you arrange what you have.

Balance as a verb: • To bring to or hold in equilibrium: Living a balanced life does not happen to you – ‘if it is to be, it is up to me.’ • Poise: Poise refers to self-assurance, dignity, composure and good posture. Being poised is beautiful. Living a balanced life will illuminate the soul. • In accounting, balance is to settle by paying what remains due on an account: Settling matters decreases the baggage you have to carry. Pay your dues.

Balance can also mean to adjust accounts: By asking yourself if something / someone is good for you, you will be able to identify accounts to be adjusted. • Equalize or adjust: Don’t fight what you cannot change. • In dancing balance is to move in rhythm to and from: Dance more often– and never to someone else’s rhythm. We often say that if you want the truth, ask a child. Maybe there is also something we can take from the following nursery rhyme:

The best six doctors anywhere

And no one can deny it

 Are sunshine, water, rest, and air

Exercise and diet.

These six will gladly you attend If only you are willing

Your mind they’ll ease

Your will they’ll mend

 And charge you not a shilling.

~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

Jeanne Fourie-Hattingh is a psychologist in private practice in George and proud mother of two. Contact 044 874 1241 or email jeanne.fourie@gmail.com

When it comes to our children, so much of our communication is in the form of giving instructions or direction, and this can be tricky, because we want to build our little ones up, instead of having them feel as though their efforts are not good enough. We also want to teach our children how to communicate in a caring and respectful way – and they are going to learn this from the way in which we talk to them day in and day out.

With this in mind, it would be helpful to remember the following tips to encourage loving communication. In general communication with your child, remember the following two points:

1. Validate your child’s emotions – “I understand you are frustrated, but we don’t hit other children,” rather than “Why did you hurt Johnny?” or “I know that your head must hurt after falling,” rather than “You’re a big boy, and big boys don’t cry.”

2. Avoid making negative statements – “Can I help you get that?”, rather than “You’re too small to reach that”. It is unnecessary to mention anything to your child that is not encouraging. When correcting your child, remember the following three points: 1. Make statements instead of giving instructions – “We eat with our spoons”, rather than “I want you to use your spoon” or “We don’t take toys from other children”, rather than “Don’t take Johnny’s truck”. This kind of instruction is a neutral statement of the ‘how things are done in the world’ and not a judgement or demand.

3. Give reasons for your rules, rather than demand unquestioned obedience – “Share your toys with your brother because he’d like to play too,” rather than “Share with your brother,” or “We don’t tease the other children because it makes them sad,” rather than “No teasing!”

4. Explain what to do instead of what not to do – “Let’s tidy your toys,” rather than “Stop making a mess.” When giving your child directions or instructions, remember the following two points: 1. Be specific and share the details – “Finish all your food please,” rather than “I want you to eat dinner nicely” or “I love the colours you used in your picture,” rather than “Pretty picture.” 2. Demonstrate what you’re trying to say – “We hold our cup with both hands (demonstrate) so that we don’t spill”, rather than “Hold your cup nicely.”

 These tips, if applied, can make a real difference to the atmosphere and energy in your home and family – building your child’s spirit along the way. For more information on a structured and completely comprehensive educational stimulation program for your baby, toddler and pre-schooler, visit www.practicakids.co.za

 By Johan Jacobs

Bread and other grain products have been used for centuries as a super staple food.  However, unfortunately thousands of people have become totally intolerant to wheat and gluten, and therefore negative about bread and grain products.  Grain with gluten in it has become a virtual swear word in health circles!

Why did our predecessors have the privilege of happily enjoying bread and grain products for thousands of years with no adverse effects?

GRAIN

The whole grain is rich in vitamins, bio-available minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants, carbohydrates and aromatic elements. Grains are extremely nutrient dense foods for its size.  Grain seed can be seen as a condensed and sleeping plant.  All the genes and nutrients are in it to reproduce a big plant.  The big advantage over other foods is that grains can be stored for decades under the correct conditions.

A grain kernel consists of three main components.

The germ

The germ is the embryo or heart of the grain, from which a new plant sprouts. It contains all the substances or building blocks necessary to produce a complete plant, which explains its extraordinary nutritional richness.  The germ contain; enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2 and B6, niacin and folates, vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, minerals and more nutrients.  Unfortunately the nutrients in the germ is fragile and oxidises rapidly (within a week) once milled and exposed to oxygen, this is the main reason why the germ usually gets removed in most commercial milling processes that needs shelf life.

Bran

The outer bran is a tough six layered sheath that protects the inside of the grain kernel.  It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Most processed and refined grain products are stripped of its bran.  Only a small percentage of the bran is later reintroduced into white flour.  Bran acts as fibre in food and it is vitally important for gut health.

The endosperm

The endosperm is the biggest part of the grain.  Its colour is white.  It is the condensed energy source for the shoot when it first begins to grow, until the plant can produce its own energy with its own solar panels, its leaves by using the process of photosynthesis.  The endosperm is the part of the grain used to produce refined white flour (empty carbohydrates).  White flour is used for food products such as white -bread, -pasta -pizza, -cakes, -rusks, -cookies and as a bulking agent in processed foods.

TYPES OF GRAIN

The most popular grains are amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, kamut, millet, oats, quinoa, rice varieties, rye, spelt, sorghum, teff and wheat.

Methods of farming to produce grain have changed drastically in the last century in order to cope with the ever-increasing human population.  These methodologies include genetically modified (GM) seed, mono crop, no crop rotation practices, pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and chemical grain storing preservatives.  We recommend only using whole, natural, organic, non GM and unpreserved grains.

PRODUCING FLOUR

Today there are a number of different ways of producing flour.  In the past, daily and fresh stone milling was the only method and it naturally ensured that the germ, bran and endosperm remained in the flour and were eaten as a fresh, healthy and un-oxidised whole food.  Today most milling processes, even some commercial stone millers use the process of de-germing to separate and to remove the germ and the bran from the white flour in order to enhance shelf life.  ± 80 % 0f nutrients are lost during modern milling processes if the germ is removed.

Thus our staple food and bread not only becomes devoid of nutrients but is difficult for the body to digest, since there are no fibre and enzymes to support good digestion.  Not to mention the toxic trace elements of modern farming chemicals and food preservatives.

The solution

If your family is one that regularly consumes bread, pasta, pizza and other grain products it may be a excellent idea to invest in your own home stone mill and organic living grains.  A stone mill and a good supply of living and organic grain will not only ensure that you get optimum nutrition, without the loss of oxidised nutrients out of the food that you eat but also it will empower you to be self sufficient and your staple food will cost far less in the long run. 

Making your own bread, pizza and pasta when you have the right equipment is highly cost effective, quick, easy and super healthy.

To make your own bread you actually only need four ingredients:

fresh organic grain, pure water, salt and yeast.  

For example, the cost of an organic, whole-food (500g), fresh loaf of bread (0.9 kg) comes to less than R6.

It is surprising to note that one often finds that when previously wheat- or gluten-intolerant individuals start to enjoy freshly milled (same day), organic whole-grain wheat, that the intolerance disappears immediately and they gain the added benefits of losing weight while gaining vitality.

Email info@gonatural.co.za to receive a free monthly newsletter and recipe on healthy living!
www.gonatural.co.za

“As a runner, muscular aches and pains can get you down, but with Tiger balm I’m never down.” Keith from Cape Town

“I never leave home without Tiger balm. I have one in my car, and one next to my bedside – you never know when you’re going to get a headache ?” Steve, Johannesburg

It’s testimonials like these that have made Tiger Balm the tried and tested remedy for the past 50 years.

Containing menthol, peppermint oil, camphor, eucalyptus oil, clove oil and cinnamon oil, Tiger balm is an easy to apply ointment for colds and flu, headaches, mosquito bites and insect stings, slight burns, itchy skin and sore muscles.

For a headache, simply rub the balm on both temples or the neck. For other conditions apply the balm to affected areas . For treating headache or muscle soreness, local massage is preferred after application.

During traveling or while at work, rubbing a little on the temples or by the nostrils also reduce fatigue and revitalizes.

Conveniently available in a 3g tin, Tiger Balm should be in every first aid kit, every bathroom cupboard, every glove compartment, and in everybody’s pocket !
The product has been re-introduced by Marshalls Traditional Healthcare, who have exclusive distributorship in South Africa.

For more information contact Marshalls at
(T) 011.493.2007 (F) 086.551.4729

www.dragontigerbalm.co.za

 20% off  Cherub Tree Reusable Nappies, and 15% off  Honey Badger Summer range . . . Valid April 2012.

 Contact Olivia

E:       olivia@ecobabyco.co.za

W:      www.ecobabyco.co.za

 MY LEKKER LIFE

Join the Lekker International Founders Club by 19 April 2012, and receive the following benefits:

-      share in 1% of the Global sales for life, plus a top up of a further 1 million euro

-      become an instant euro millionaire

-      enter 146 draws with prizes up to the value of one million euro

-      win an all expenses trip paid to Mauritius, and other great prizes

 Contact Andrea

http://Andrea.MyLekkerLife.com

TIGER BALM
Special price offer to all SG readers on our new product: Get two tins of Tiger Balm for only R7.50! Sms Tiger SG0412 followed by your name and address to 48508.

Contact Vick Maharaj
072 208 9333 / 011 493 2007
www.dragontigerbalm.co.za

TARA PHARMACEUTICALS

Flugon kids fizzy: buy 3 get 1 free plus 1 x Flugon on-the-go capsules free (10′s)

Contact Paul
paul@tara.org.za
www.flugon.com

NAPPY CAKE AND GIFT FACTORY

Do you need a unique gift for a baby shower? Are you pregnant and do not have time to go shop for the items on your hospital list? Go take a peek at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nappy-Cake-and-Gift-Factory/386138891399768 for unique gifts. Orders and more info at karin.louw4@gmail.com. Quote Discount voucher SGNappyCake to get free postage on any of my products. Offer valid only from March to May 2012 for SG customers.

Contact Karin Louw
082 563 6887

 START LIVING GREEN

Present Survival Guide advert for a 10% discount!

Contact Sam 074 171 5566
www.startlivinggreen.co.za

PEEKABABE

Receive R100 discount on presentation of discount voucher!

Contact Mel
076 214 8842
www.peekababe.co.za

PURE DELIGHT
Puredelight™ was born out of a desire to create a range of children’s clothing with love and vision. I want my clothing to make children feel valued and special as a declaration of the destiny that is over their lives.

My dream is for the children of this generation to grow up knowing they are a delight, and in that knowledge, to rise up and bring light into the world.
I feel that every girl’s room should have at least one string of bunting on the wall. It is an easy and original way to make it look girly, and also an amazing opportunity to declare destiny and identity over your daughter.  Therefore you can choose bunting of max 8 flags with your choice of words as a free gift if you spend R500 or more on Puredelight clothing.

Contact Loudine
loudine@puredelight.co.za
http://www.puredelight.co.za/

 JUST FOR KIDS

MARCH SPECIAL!
SANDPIT: – 15%!
Natural sandpit: R1250 Varnished sandpit R1500 – less discount
PICNIC TABLE: – 10%!
Varnished picnic table: R1250 – less discount
CUBE TABLE AND STORAGE CHAIRS: – 5%!
Cube table with storage chairs: R2400 – less discount

FREE DELIVERY COUNTRY WIDE!!

Contact Sarah
072 227 0985
www.justforkids.co.za

MONSTERS TO MUNCHKINS

 We are also offering 15 % discount on home visits for Survival Guide readers until 31 July.

Contact Esme
082 770 8907
www.monsterstomunchkins.co.za

RATI & MAATS

Rati en Maats se immergewilde Afrikaanse Opvoedkundige-DVD verkoop soos soetkoek!

Beskikbaar by Look&Listen winkels of Kalahari.com of BESTEL DIREK en SPAAR R15!
Kry jou RatiDVD @ R120 en ons pos hom gratis.
7 Temas op 1 DVD vir “leergierige slimkoppe” tussen 3 en 7 jaar.
Gaan na www.rati.co.za en druk op BESTEL DIREK.
Besoek ons ook op Facebook by www.facebook.com/RatiDVD vir ‘n kykie agter die skerms met videos, foto’s en sommer baie meer!

CARLA GROBLER – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

If you order between March and May, the postage of the ‘Development of the Child Checklist’ is free (fastmail – usually 5 – 7 working days – no tracking number). Thus a R15 discount.
The book can be used as a guideline for parents/teachers/young therapists to determine if a child is functioning according to his/her age-level.

Contact Carla
084 581 0644
carlavanaarde@hotmail.com
carla.grobler@vodamail.co.za

MIGNONNE’S ART – CAPE TOWN

My name is Mignonne. I’m a freelance artist specialising in portraits. I work from good quality photographs.
Should you place an order in the months of March to May 2012, you will receive a 10% discount on the quoted price for oil paintings.

When you order an oil painting size: A3, I will give you a free A4 pencil sketch OR should you order an oil painting size: A2, you will receive a free A3 pencil sketch.

Contact Mignonne Olivier
071 280 4540
mignonneolivier@gmail.com

http://artbymignonne.blogspot.com/

? MOMS AND TOTS WORKSHOP – CAPE TOWN

Present your SG ad at your nearest workshop for a FREE introductory class!

www.momsandtots.co.za

BABY GYM – DURBANVILLE

Calling all pregnant parents in Durbanville and surrounding areas to our new BabyGym 1 program! Up-skill your parenting knowledge! Register for BabyGym 1 while pregnant, and receive a R50 discount on BabyGym 2 once baby is born!
Quote the Autumn Survival Guide advert in your registration.

Contact Barbara Chambers
barbara.chambers@babygym.co.za
www.babygym.co.za
082 652 5757

KNYSNA RIVER CLUB

Special offer for 10 Survival Guide readers: Stay two nights and get a third night free!

Contact Done
044 382 6483
reservations@knysnariverclub.co.za
www.knysnariverclub.co.za

REALM OF FAE – TIMBERLAKE

Free entrance ticket for 1 child on presentation of The Survival Guide

Contact Darina
044 882 1002

RINKINK BEACH HOUSE – WILDERNESS

10% Discount offered! Please quote SG2012 when you book!

Contact Danie & Maryna Marais
044 877 0525 / 082 558 8111
www.selfcateringwilderness.com

BODY STRESS RELEASE – GEORGE

Special offer: 3 sessions for R300! Mention ‘Survival Guide’ when you book!

Contact Sancroft Damant
083 644 0055 / 044 884 0800
www.bodystressrelease.co.za

TWITTERING TOTS – GEORGE

Come and join our very exciting educational program with your toddler. We meet once a week with moms and their toddlers to learn, love and laugh together. We use a stimulating programme designed to enhance your child’s development in all areas. These areas include: gross- and fine motor skills, tactile development, musical appreciation and rhythm, increasing attention span, socializing skills, and creative activities. They also learn about themselves and the world they live in.
All this takes place in a carefully prepared environment, with a trained teacher and assistant. Here you can interact with your little one, and with other moms in the same stage of life.
Your first lesson will be free!!

Contact Tanya 083 5567 993
Carla 071 898 4954

“I want to have more fun with my children.”

“I want to spend more quality time with my family.”

“My family need more exercise – more active time together.”

“We do not have the time to all do the things that make us happy.”

There is a solution – ROLLER-SKATING; it is the perfect solution to every family striving for balance!

Roller-skating is a bit like riding a bicycle – if you did it as a kid, you’ll be amazed how quickly you get the knack again.  The hours of fun and laughter you’ll share with your kids while roller-skating will change your life.  Letting your children (and partner) see the ‘fun’ side of you will transform your  relationships and letting yourself feel free as a child again is good for your emotional well-being.  As if this is not enough, roller-skating is ranked among the best aerobic exercises.

According to a study by the University of Massachusetts, roller skating causes 50% less impact on your joints than running. In other words, an aerobic roller skating workout has the same benefit as the same amount of time spent jogging without the joint damage.

Key benefits of roller skating:

• Low-impact exercise for joints
• High caloric burn
• Aerobically as good as jogging or cycling
• Involves all the major muscle groups
• Mentally uplifting
• Fun, hip and possibly glamorous

Imagine having fun, building relationships, taking time out from the stresses of the world – all while having the ultimate cardio workout! 

Roller-skates have come a long way too; they are lighter, faster, and more comfortable and it’s now more affordable to own a personal pair. Roller Kidz offer a variety of Top Quality Roller Skates for active adventure seeking families that like to stay fit while having fun with their kids!

Visit www, rollerkidz.co.za to get your family in on the action!

Instead of the notoriously fat and kilojoule laden Christmas treats and desserts, try the following fresh ideas to keep your kids happy and healthy!

Vegetables and Fruits in Festive Shapes

It’s easy to get your 5-a-day in during the summer season. Fruit is also probably the simplest and healthiest sweet snack kids can have. To make it festive, choose fruits in colours that match the holiday season: reds, yellows and greens. Use cookie cutters in the shape of Christmas trees, stars or stockings, to cut hard fruits like apples. Present them on a tray and give your children peanut butter or fruit puree to “paint” on the fruits. Add cherries, chopped nuts and seeds, or other colourful fresh or dried fruits to the tray.

Also try ‘Reindeer food’ – vegetables (cucumber, carrot, rosa tomato) crudités and serve this with yummy dips like red pepper hummus, yoghurt based tzatziki or cottage cheese mixed with herbs and spices!

Healthy Homemade Cookies

Making your own home made cookies can be fun! And by substituting conventional ingredients with healthier options, you can turn a sugar and fat laden treat into a ‘not – too – bad’ holiday treat. Use a combination of whole-wheat flour and Pronutro instead of white flour, add whole oats or oat bran, and replace half of the oil or butter required in a recipe with applesauce or juice. Use low-fat milk or yoghurt, if required. Use festive cookie cutters to cut these into exciting shapes. Decorate with a combination of low fat cottage cheese and icing sugar, or fruit and nut butters!  
 
Stuffed dates

Dried fruits are traditional holiday foods. Christmas mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cake are part of traditional Christmas fair.  The following easily-prepared treat is a classic, and one that even the youngest child can help to make.

What you need:

• whole dates (pits removed)
• walnut halves or any chopped nut

Simple directions: Slide walnut halves into the slits on each date. Squeeze the date flesh around the nut. Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving plate.

Serve with plain yoghurt topped with a sprinkling of brown sugar as a dip.
 

More snack and treat ideas:

• § Fruit kebabs dipped in berry sauce
• § Frozen low fat fruit yogurt on a stick
• § Home made, air popped popcorn
• § Oven baked sweet potato wedges dipped in a home made tomato sauce*
• § Banana ice cream (freeze ripe bananas and blend with a dash of low fat milk in a blender! Voila! Banana ice cream). Serve with melted carob
• § Snoek, salmon or hummus pate on mini rice cakes

If you have any concerns or questions on child feeding, give your
dietitian a call and get some ideas and practical advice on meeting your child’s nutritional needs. www.adsa.org.za

*Homemade tomato sauce:

• Fry one chopped onion in 1 tsp canola oil until transparent
• Place one can of whole pealed tomatoes in a pot with ½ tsp of sugar and dried basil. Bring to a boil and simmer until the fluid has reduced to half
• Serve with sweet potato or potato wedges

Reference list:

• § Steenkamp, G Merlin, T and Wellman J. Sustained Energy for Kids. Tafelberg publishers 2006
• § http://recipes.familyeducation.com/holidays-and-seasonal-events/recipes/36227.html#ixzz1cRJqCryw
• § www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus

Maryke van Zyl is a registered dietician with a BSc Dietetics and Masters in Nutrition degree from Stellenbosch University. She is an active member of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa and registered with the South African Health Professions Council. She has eight years combined experience in disease specific nutrition, research and practice management. Maryke is a passionate foodie, especially related to customer health and wellbeing

WIN! One of SIX Smart-Kids workbooks!

 To enter: Send your name, postal address and the grade workbook you would like to win to smart@bfpublish.com. 

 Entries close at 5pm on 23 February 2012.

  The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes a voucher for 4 NIGHTS SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION at KNYSNA RIVER CLUB (t & c apply)

Situated on the water’s edge of the Knysna Lagoon, our resort is a private enclave of charming four star self-catering log chalets. Lagoon chalets offer spectacular views and the resort is surrounded by shady trees, well-tended gardens and offers security, privacy and comfort to our guests.

 Our chalets which are fully serviced comprise of 1 & 2 bedroomed units with the option of king or single beds. Fresh towels are provided daily.

FACILITIES:

- Swimming pool and kiddies’ pool.

- Jacuzzi and Sauna.

- Games room and internet facilities.

- Private jetty, slipway and mooring.

- Canoes.

 Restaurant & Pub which is situated in our 1840 Manor house & is open for breakfast & dinner

 www.knysnariverclub.co.za

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes a voucher for A NIGHT AT NYARU GAME LODGE  (t & c apply)

Located a 30 minute drive from George Airport and right in the heart of the Garden Route, the Nyaru Garden Route Game Lodge is the perfect Mossel Bay accommodation for guests traveling the Western Cape looking for adventure. This South Africa 3 star lodge is also a great destination spot for guests on their way to or from Cape Town which is 3 hours away.

The Nyaru Garden Route Game Lodge caters to guests who want to see the beauty and natural wonders of South Africa from a first hand point of view. This Mossel Bay accommodation offers exciting 4 x 4, horse back & quad bike safari tours which will introduce you to 17 different species of game and wildlife including the cheetah, giraffe, rhino, zebra, sable, the rare black impala and much more. These tours are not to be missed.

Overnight chalet accommodation is available for those who need a break-away from the exhausting daily routines. Come and relax, recharge and regenerate in a bushveld paradise. A vacation stay at the Nyaru Garden Route Game Lodge will prove to be an unforgettable experience in an unforgettable place.

e-mail: nyarugame@mweb.co.za
web: www.nyarugame.co.za
phone: +27 (0) 440500033
mobile:+27 (0) 827151933
fax: +27 (0) 866063222

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes craft activities from Toby Tower worth R1,000

Toby Tower encourages children to engage in educational activity-based fun whereby they develop new creative skills. This premium kids range has the hallmark of a Tower product in that it is well packaged and excellently branded.

The Toby Tower range consists of a variety of different stickers, sticker albums, sticker pictures, reward charts, height measurers, colour-in puzzles, gel art, glitter tattoos, sand art and much more.

Toby Tower says ‘Imagination grows brains’ and here at Tower we are constantly striving to find new and interesting activities to help inspire children’s imaginations.

Try Toby Tower……. Have Fun!

www.tobytower.co.za 

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER INCLUDES a bumper bag of 200 Planx. 

 This comes in its own sturdy bag (embroidered with the Planx Logo) and has a full instruction and ideas booklet enclosed.  PLANX are suitable for the whole family to use – so it’s a great choice to have during those Christmas holidays or weekends away – Dad (or Mum) or Grandad can get involved and help with designing/building! 

PLANX is an award-winning creative construction toy which improves hand-eye co-ordination and reasoning skills.

The wooden pieces are made from high grade South African pine and each set comes with instructions and ideas to get you started. Available as a 50 piece set, 100 pieces, 200 pieces and 400 pieces. Great add-ons also available. Fun for all the family !

www.planxworld.com

Find us on Facebook! – Planx World

Tel: 072 931 2104

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes a Tamelia kitbag

Funky contemporary South African prints on a high quality natural canvas kitbag with a waterproof lining.

Perfect as a sports bag or for an overnight visit.

Visit www.tamelia.com to view our range or contact us directly on 044 382 7882

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes SUNUMBRA sun care for the whole family!

With the exceptions of zinc oxide and water, sunumbra is made exclusively from plant extracts (botanicals). The discovery of a unique combination of such botanicals enabled the total replacement of harmful chemicals by natural, organic ingredients. These photo-protective extracts combined with the powerful anti-radiation properties of zinc oxide gives sunumbra its exceptional ability to protect against both UVA and UVB light at the highest level.

 www.tocara4.co.za

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes vouchers for UV SUNSUITS from OGGI for the whole family!

The pounding of the surf, the cry of gulls wheeling overhead,  warm sun on your back,  soft sand in your toes and the salty taste of sea on your lips.  That’s Fun in the Sun -  Oggi terrain.  Healthy, outdoors, fresh air and exercise with a dose of Vitamin D sunshine added.

AND it’s all good, if you are sunwize!  We have damaged our ozone layer and need to protect our skins against the ravages of too much UV.  Oggi Sunsuits and rash vests and caps allow you to swim and run and move in complete freedom and comfort while protecting your skin from too much sun.  We specialize in kids but from 9 months to 90 years, we will have a colourful fun, sun protective, swimsuit for you.

Our South African made range is known for its quality and all our sunwize garments carry the CANSA seal of approval against UV Radiation. 

We bring out a trendy new range each season that kids love for their bright, optimistic colour and happy prints.

The care we take in production is extended to the care we take of our staff and the world around us.

The Oggi team is like a family, each person playing an integral part within the company and contributing to the style and quality of the company as a whole.  At Oggi we have bonus schemes, medical and pension benefits and ongoing training with the aim to multi skill all our staff.

Oggi gives monthly and annual support to a number of charities, especially ones involved in child care.  We recycle all of our cardboard and plastic and are involved in various communal garden projects for both beautifying and supplying food.  One of our biggest projects is the ongoing planting of trees along the Harfield Railway line.  Trees that will help in restoring our Ozone and keeping us protected.

Take Care and  Be Sunwize.

 eb: www.oggi.co.za

email: info@oggi.co.za

Tel: 0216710311

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes a selection of delicious MY T CHAI teas – mmmmmm!

My T Chai is a small company based in Cape Town specialising in fine organic teas.  We have a comprehensive range of Chai teas as well as the more traditional tea variants.

 Our spiced teas are a unique blend of aromatic spices with African and Indian teas that will nourish the body, mind, and spirit with their light, cleansing qualities.

Our traditional range of fine organic teas will certainly be a refreshing change from the ordinary.

 www.mytchai.com

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER include GELLI BAFF for holiday bathtime FUN!

Gelli Baff gives children a fun bath time whilst cleansing and softening the skin. Sprinkle the first powder over the kids’ bath water and watch as the water turns to thick, brightly coloured goo. When the fun is done, sprinkle the second powder over the goo, the goo will begin to dissolve and turn back to water.  Gelli Baff does not block the drains, is biodegradable and is kind on the skin. 

• Makes Bath Time Fun
• Ideal for Messy Play Days
• Easy to Clean & Leaves No Stains or Marks
• Softens and Cleans Skin as they Play

 Visit www.gellibaff.co.za or ask for it by name at your favourite toy shop!

The ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HAMPER includes a R500 voucher for you to spend at www.4akid.co.za . 

4aKid is a unique company primarily aimed at child safety. 4aKid has 2 divisions, one being child safety products and the latter including but not limited to children’s Couture and Smitten, Elodie details accessories, Huggulugs, pregnancy items and educational products.

4aKid’s focus is not only on the children, but their products make lives simpler and easier for parents. The products are exclusive and the majority are patented.

With regards to child safety, 4aKid has products aimed at car safety, pool and bath safety, outdoor safety, on the go safety and at home safety. In terms of Car safety, 4aKid has 3 vital products for every parent, in order to protect their children in the event of a collision. These 3 products are Secure-A-Kid Safety Harness for CAR seat belts, 4aKid Car-Seat strap Clips and Easy Sleepers. The Secure-A-Kid Harness makes the normal car seat fit a child. Normal car seat belts are made for adults and thus are too big for children. It gives maximum support for your child and slips right over the normal seat belt for easy installation. It prevents the seatbelt from going over the face or neck of your child, therefore giving maximum security. In addition it is supported by Arrive Alive.

The Car-seat strap clip keeps your child in their car seat and prevents your child from escaping or getting into a compromising situation.

The Easy Sleepers ensure the child’s head is always in an upright position, even in a collision. These pillows are easy to install and are endorsed by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA).

These car safety products are essential to give maximum protection for your child in the car.

4aKid’s new clothing product range is called Smitten, and the items are perfect for both boys and girls. The products are of the highest quality and are very comfortable for your child to wear. One of the new products is the 4aKid Smitten Petti-Tutus. These are skirts made up of layers and layers of chiffon material. They are as soft as a mothers touch, therefore making them fun and exciting to wear. They come in a variety of different colours, designs and patterns. Some of the designs include leopard and cheetah print, pastel, different pinks, red and gorgeous cream. They are perfect for parties, special occasions, day to day wear and dress up! http://www.4akid.co.za/products/tag/smitten-clothing These can be worn with the stunning Smitten Headbands, which can be ties to fit any child’s head. These headbands are so different to anything out there in the normal stores, and at a very reasonable price.

The Smitten range includes hats for boys and girls. The girl’s hats come in cloche, beanie and newsboy styles and are fun to wear for any occasion. They are warm for winter and keep the child’s head toasty. They are made of 100% pure cotton and come in purples, pinks, turquoise, whites, cream and choc pink. http://www.4akid.co.za/products/tag/smitten-headwear-girls The hats for little boys include Newsboy and Beanies styles; and comes in royal blue, light blue and brown. http://www.4akid.co.za/products/tag/smitten-headwear-boys

4aKid has a vast range of other products and can be viewed and purchased easily on www.4akid.co.za. 4aKid has a great special quality and that is their speedy customer service, their loyalty to their clients and their constant telephonic and online support. 4aKid has great testimonies and these can be viewed at http://www.4akid.co.za/testimonials. The products are all unique, essential and fun, and all the products are aimed at the most important and relevant thing any parent wants, to keep their child safe, happy and unharmed. After all, child safety comes first!

 www.4akid.co.za