Innholdsfortegnelse for Oct/Nov 2023 i Home

There are so many stories in this issue that resonate with me. For example: Denise Nel of Linden says that although it may be a bit awkward, it is possible to bring décor accessories home with you when you travel abroad. It made me think of the time the customs officer at the Cape Town airport took one look at my backpack with a fruit bowl tied to the outside and decided there and then that I was probably a shop owner trying to smuggle goods into the country. Then there are the Aggenbachs from Struisbaai and the Crows from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands who say they often buy furniture that first has to be stored somewhere until such time as they can find a place and a use for it.…

WHAT’S NEW Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za. Every room deserves a little reflection! The Opulent Diamond Chest of Drawers (R13 995, blockandchisel.co.za) features a mirrored surface, accented with a gold finish diamond-shaped pattern. TOO COOL These ‘undercover’ cooler bags (R450, amuletlifestyle.com) feature designs by Jana Pretorius of @littlejanedesignsza and look like stylish handbags but double up as cooler bags for snacks and drinks. The exterior fabric can be wiped down for easy cleaning and the interior is padded and lined with foil concealed behind a black lining with a zip pocket for your cellphone and essentials. The bag can hold two 750ml bottles. Pop in at Amulet in Hermanus and see for yourself! SPECIAL OFFER Use the code ‘HOME’ at online checkout and only pay R395! Offer ends…

WHO LIVES HERE? Maryna Crow and her husband, their daughters Kelly (6) and Aileen (5), Maryna’s mother-in-law Pauline and Courtney the Staffordshire Terrier WHERE The Midlands, KZN SIZE House 240m2, property 5ha Eight years ago, when Maryna Crow accepted her husband’s proposal, she knew that it would involve a change of lifestyle. “Although we were both living in Pretoria, my husband-to-be had made it clear that a move to the KZN countryside would be on the cards at some stage. I grew up on a farm in the North West and then travelled the world, so the idea of living in the country appealed to me,” she says. “Some time ago, I fell in love with a vast stretch of pristine bush with streams and waterfalls in a nature conservancy…

You will need PROJECT NOTES • A wood grain tool can be used to create a wood-look finish on any smooth surface. Choose your colours according to the type of wood finish you’d like to create and experiment on a piece of offcut timber until you get the hang of the technique. • If you want to create this effect on melamine cupboard doors, first paint the doors with a basecoat such as Tjhoko Paint Elvis Mix, Eye of Elsie or Elias’ Epic and then apply the technique over that. • If the surface is very smooth, sand lightly with 100-grit sandpaper before you start painting. SHOPPING LIST • lacquer thinners • Tjhoko Paint in the colours Ishmael’s Eish, Lively Lizelle and Lebo’s Light (for the wood grain technique) and…

KarenHenryofCapeTown writes I recently adopted a kitten and the receptionist at the vet advised that I take out pet insurance. Why is veterinary care so expensive and is insurance worthwhile? Candice Hobday of Genric Pet Insurance replies For many of us, pets are family members and a healthcare plan is nonnegotiable. If a pet gets sick or is injured, insurance offers peace of mind in terms of any unexpected veterinary bills – this way, you will never be forced into an untenable decision because you cannot afford a big upfront cost for treatment. Here are a few claims we have recently paid: R33 119 for surgery to remove an ingested foreign object; R35 821 to treat a cat for a dog attack; and R15 600 to treat liver disease. When you consider…

READER GARDEN WHO CREATED THIS GARDEN? Annemarié Meyer WHERE George SIZE 1.2 ha TYPE OF SOIL Black loam AGE OF GARDEN 40 years After tending to her garden paradise on the farm Uitsig at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains for 40 years, Annemarié Meyer had to bid a sad farewell to her precious rose bushes, which numbered 1 200 at the time. “When we retired, I found it extremely difficult to say goodbye to Uitsig as that was where my husband’s and kids’ roots were and it was our home for 40 years. But when I look back on it now, I realise that the most difficult part was saying goodbye to my garden and my rose children,” says Annemarié. “At our new home – also on a farm…

Spaghetti with chicken and egg Under R90 • Serves 4 • Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes • 300g spaghetti (we used wholewheat) • 60ml olive oil • 4 slices sourdough bread (crusts removed), crumbled • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 chilli (or to taste), finely chopped • zest of 1 lemon • 300g mini chicken fillets • 15ml chopped flat-leaf parsley • 4–8 soft-boiled eggs, peeled and halved 1 Cook the pasta for 8 minutes in salted water until al dente. 2 Heat 45ml of the olive oil and fry the breadcrumbs until nicely browned. Just before you take them off the heat, stir in the garlic, chilli and lemon zest and fry for another minute until fragrant. 3 Scoop out, heat the remaining olive oil in…

READER HOME WHO LIVES HERE? Hennie and Jolanda Aggenbach, their daughter Yanke (12), pooches Dory and Bella, and cats Maximus and Basil WHERE Struisbaai, Western Cape SIZE 550m² news 24 When Hennie and Jolanda Aggenbach began building their house on a cleared plot of land in the old part of Struisbaai in 2022, local residents were a bit perplexed. The four architectural arches on the front stoep had some folk wondering if a mosque was being built. “And the 27 steps leading up to the front door had others thinking it might be a wine cellar,” says Jolanda. The Aggenbachs have a good chuckle when they relate these stories about their new home in this popular coastal town. But a mosque or wine cellar it certainly was not. After several…

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za. ASK US ON FACEBOOK Do you have an urgent question that just can’t wait? Ask on Facebook so that the team, experts and other readers can help – and don’t forget to include a photo! In line with the law Elma Deysel of Johannesburg writes I have a conundrum in my kitchen: my gas hob and built-in, eye-level oven are next to one another. The flames from the hob are burning the wooden panel on the right in which the oven is housed. What can I put against the wooden panel so it doesn’t get burned by the open flames? Will stainless steel work or will it get too hot? Currently, I’m using a tile, which has already broken. Willemien Kruger of Niche Design Studio in…

Send garden info and queries to gardens@homemag.co.za. TOP TIP Pinch out growth tips on plants to encourage bushier growth, and trim off spent blooms to promote flowering. Regular feeding ensures stronger, more resilient plants. If the only space you have for creating a garden is a small balcony, then take heart – you can still have greenery and colour. Make sure that the complex in which you live allows plants, and that there aren’t rules which specify which plants you may have. Be sure to check how much weight your balcony can hold – terracotta and ceramic pots are much heavier than fabric bags or plastic pots. Make the most of the space you have by also using hanging baskets to add interest at eye level. Remember that the higher…

We love this! New! STOCKISTS JoJo jojo.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com Poetry poetrystores.co.za Sought After Seedlings soughtafterseedlings.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com…

 White is one of the most striking hues in a garden and adds a calm, cool and classic feel to a flowerbed. “White looks amazing in all four seasons and always draws the eye,” says Pietman Diener, gardening and plant expert from Stellenbosch. Follow his tips for using white blooms in your garden: “Create contrast by grouping white flowering plants with green foliage plants; or choose those with soft grey leaves, such as silver bush everlasting (Helichrysum petiolare), combined with blooms in pale shades for a tranquil look. “Even flowers in contrasting colours such as red or blue look gorgeous with white. Consider, for example, a bed of white gaura with a few red poppies or dahlias planted in between, or blue salvia sticking out above white blooms. The extra…

GET ON YOUR BIKE AND RIDE! Checkers has launched a brand-new Sixty60 ride-on ‘delivery bike’ for kids (R399, selected Checkers supermarkets) – complete with a teal delivery box that opens and closes! Made in Cape Town, the bikes (suitable for children aged 3–10) also feature customisable number plates. The perfect blend What started as a blending mistake involving a tank of Noble Late Harvest red wine and some brandy spirit in the cellar turned into Blaauwklippen’s most beautiful ‘blending blunder’: Before & After. Presented in an eye-catching bottle, this aperitif boasts all the sensuous flavours of Christmas spices, a perfect pairing with Gorgonzola-and-pear cheesecake. It’s only available off the estate at R440 per bottle; for more information, go to blaauwklippen.com. WITH LOVE Senidlile Kodwa? (R380, Penguin Random House) is the…

For the frill of it Born and raised in London, Laura Hau grew up with a keen interest in interiors and the art of lighting, inspired by the bright colours and bold patterns she experienced in the homes she grew up in. Relocating from the UK presented her with the opportunity to create a distinctly English character in this family home in Cape Town. “I brought a lot of colour into the house and combined that with patterned upholstery. We also have some beautiful antiques, which I like to use alongside lots of upholstered furniture,” says Laura, owner of The Little Haus which produces gorgeous English-style lamps with the help of local artisans. In her living room, a fresh green spans the space, including a built-in wall unit. “I’m obsessed…

READER HOME WHO LIVES HERE? Chloe Buckland, her husband Roland Williams and their daughter Zara (9) WHERE Oranjezicht, Cape Town SIZE 650m² For Chloe Buckland, her husband Roland and their daughter Zara, living in a home that has so much personal history provides a grounding element in their busy lives. Chloe, who works in fashion retail, and Roland, who is in the bicycle business, have had an attachment to this double-storey Victorian abode in Oranjezicht, Cape Town for many years as it once belonged to Chloe’s parents, Jane and Aidie. Although they bought the house when Chloe was 20 years old and had technically ‘flown the nest’, Chloe and Roland visited regularly when they were still dating and then when they were newly married. Jane, an avid collector and tireless…

ADVICE Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za. Sweetie pies! Cute as a button Who can say no to Rusty’s adorable face? – Christine Theron, Cramond, KZN Side swipe Cupcake knows when it’s time for a break. – Sunette Meissenheimer, De Doorns On duty Maya and Zara inspect the veld. – Mareli Venter, Bloemfontein Fierce 'n fluffy “What are you looking at?” asks Karabina. – Doria Cucciolillo, Parklands Game on! These pups are ready for the big wide world. – Francel Rabie, Robertson King of the castle Whisky rules the roost from his one-of-a-kind handmade throne. – Anza du Plessis, Cape Town Hot product! The Puppy Love Pet Collection by Rialheim features designer dinnerware for your furry friends. The handcrafted ceramic Porkchop Combo Pet Bowl (R399, rialheim.co.za) is not only sustainable but…

Be wise with water Janene Smit of Bloemfontein writes With water restrictions an ever-present threat during times of drought, I would like to know how to use water wisely so that I can keep my one-year-old ‘Dreamweaver’ roses looking good. Ludwig replies When there is limited water available it is best not to deadhead or cut long-stemmed blooms. In this case, every leaf counts to strengthen the roots so that they can spread out in search of water. The leaves also toughen and provide shade for the stems. A deep watering once a week is more effective than a daily dribble. Roses also don’t mind grey water from the shower, bath or washing machine. However, to prevent a build-up of salts, use municipal water once a week or every second…

FOOD | PARTY FARE ANTIPASTI TASTING PLATTER Antipasto is traditionally the first course in a formal Italian meal, but it’s also widely served as a party platter. It can be as simple as a bowl of olives or as lavish as this decadent spread… Here are three ideas: 1 Cold meat is always a winner – add a bit of flair to the platter with a few salami roses. Use a tot glass. Fold the first salami slice halfway over the rim of the glass. Overlap the next slice slightly with the first one and add more ‘petals’ until the rose is plump. Carefully turn out onto the palm of your hand; repeat to make as many flowers as desired. Use a selection of salami and other cold meats for…

BACK PAGE She’s the most beautiful woman in the town where I live, the true image of a Greek goddess. Black, black eyes that are huge and slightly slanted, veiled and mysterious like those of a cat, and with a neck and bosom that could launch a thousand ships. They’re majestic. And large. Very large. As is the rest of her. Not as in curvy or generously endowed. She is huge and could easily occupy a two-seater sofa all by herself. But, even so, she is absolutely beautiful. And graceful and sensual, moves with astonishing poise and the self-confidence of a swan. “I do love baking,” she confesses wide-eyed and caresses her hips. “It relaxes me. It’s what I do after a hard day’s work. Watching a cake rise is…