Why use natural products for spring cleaning?

Why use natural products for spring cleaning?

There is just something about the days getting longer and warmer, blossoms blooming and the birds migrating back home that makes you want to throw open the doors and windows and clean house. It’s all about washing the grime off the windows so the sun can shine in again, getting the dust monsters out from under the bed, scrubbing the stains off the stove top and giving everything that freshly showered spring feel.

What you want to avoid in your enthusiastic scrub up is light headedness from excessive ammonia inhalation, poisoning the family pet with the cleaning chemicals and piercing your home with the aromas of a hospital ward. Fortunately for both the environment and your family, natural and biodegradable cleaning products are now easily available.

Natural and biodegradable products do not harm the environment in the same way as conventional cleaning products do, as the chemicals in the conventional products do not break down organically but continue to pollute the water, negatively affecting our natural environment. Conventional products also release fumes into the air which can cause the more sensitive among us to feel dizzy, break out in skin irritations or cause breathing difficulties.

Biodegradable cleaning products are usually made from natural ingredients like plant extracts, and do not have spill over effects on the environment. This however does not mean that you can let your guard down completely, just because a product is natural does not mean it is non-toxic or will not cause certain side effects, it is still best to keep away from small children and pets.

Natural and biodegradable cleaning products are now available in most supermarkets; otherwise you can get them from the larger health shops or order them online. The fresh smell that comes from using natural biodegradable products, as opposed to the sharpness of ammonias and bleaches, as well as knowing that you are being kind to the environment makes the extra effort of using natural products completely worth the trouble.

SA's hidden beach gems

SA's hidden beach gems

We are finally in the second half of the year and planning for that much needed end of year holiday. There are so many hidden holiday treasures in South Africa; it could take a lifetime of local travel to properly explore them all. After a busy and stressful year for many the ideal holiday is somewhat off the beaten track, a small beach town where you are unlikely to bump into your neighbour, or heaven forbid, your boss…

We have 3 hidden beach gems for you in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

• Zinkwazi Beach: On the subtropical dolphin coast, 80km north of Durban you will find a protected paradise.  Zinkwazi features a beautiful lagoon, a host of plant and bird life and a wide range of accommodation options.

• Kasouga Beach: 18km from Port Alfred, the beach is named after the river that meets the ocean at this point. The area is small and peaceful, with ocean meeting beach, running into sand dunes and behind that a lush forest. Most of the self-catering accommodation is within the forest in houses and cottages.

• Boggomsbaai: Located on the N2 not far from Mosselbay this little town is a great getaway with beautiful beaches that stretch for miles, a nature conservation area and regular visits from whales and dolphins.  Boggomsbaai makes for a very relaxed beach holiday. The sense of the community in the little town will also warm your heart and remind you of the good in humanity.

These beach gems form the perfect environment for those who truly love to spend their vacations in the sun, horse-riding, hiking, walking, running, swimming and relaxing on the beach. As you prepare for your chilled beach holiday treat yourself to a gorgeous beach bag to pack all your supplies for the day and help your partner get beach ready with a great pair of Havaianas. Then pack the car and 'get away from it all', appreciating that in South Africa we can vacation in Summer and still avoid the crowds.

Saving the Environment with Furoshiki Cloths

Saving the Environment with Furoshiki Cloths

Plastic bags are so last season, now it is all about long lasting, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing carriers for groceries, lunchboxes and even gift wrapping. For the all in one answer let us look East, to the Japanese Furoshiki Cloths. These are simple square pieces of fabric, with beautiful colours and design, that are folded, origami style, into your necessary carrier requirement of the day.                                                 

The Furoshiki cloths were originally used to carry clothing bundles when going to the public baths, they then lost popularity somewhat in the post war period, but are making a comeback today as the use of plastic bags loses favour. Used most often to carry lunchboxes (bento boxes) the cloths are increasingly being used for groceries and also to replace wrapping paper for gifts. It is after all far better to receive a gift wrapped in a beautiful and also practical cloth than simply in paper that will find its way to the dustbin in due course.

These cloths come in any kind of fabric, with silk, cotton, rayon and nylon the more popular options. The colours and pattern you have to choose from are wide and varied. The Furoshiki cloth is very diverse. It all comes down to how many different options the user is able to tie it in.

The cloths are useful for covering objects around the home that are necessary but are not looking their best, like hangers or a grubby old basket that you may use to keep magazines in. These kinds of objects can easily be wrapped up in a cloth to give them a more attractive outward appearance. For some more ideas on what to do with your Furoshiki cloth click here http://furoshiki.com/techniques/

Objects that serve more than one purpose, and are nice to look at so we will be more likely to use and preserve them are a great way of reducing your carbon footprint. For other carrier bag ideas and inspiration have a look here.

Spring Time Fashion

Spring Time Fashion

With two months left before the fall of Winter and the blossoming of Spring, there is still ample time to stock up on this year’s Spring Fashion and accessory must-have items.

Bright, colourful and fresh – this fashion season promises us a feminine and light style that is easy to achieve.

Colour Blast

Colour plays a vital role this Spring and gone are the days where its limited to one colour per outfit. While you can have some fun with your colour here, try stay to a maximum of 3 colours per outfit and use this colour chart as a guide.

Sport Accent

Pieces this spring have a strong sport influence without compromising on femininity. Think high-rise shorts with waist length, biker style jackets and Capri pants with lots of floral. 

Abstract Prints

Winter was about plaids, stripes and polka dots pattern, but with the blooming of Spring comes the 2012 print trend – abstract, bright and colourful

Cinched waist skirts

Back from the 1940s are the cinched waist skirts – feminine and light, this is a great piece to wear with heeled or flat pumps and wedges. If you’re a slightly shorter, avoid the longer length skirts and opt for something knee-high or above.

Posh Tote Bags

Chunky, plain and brightly coloured tote bags are a must have this Spring. Go for strong and simple lines in design and texture in leather or a matte plastic.

Strappy Sandals

High and chunky platforms and stilettos, or flatter, low-heel strapped sandals are great for when the weather heats up a bit and can be worn up or down. Pair them with a simple, spring dress or even awesome pair of figure hugging skinny jeans.

Loose, Dangling Jewellery

Fitting in with the airy, light spring feel, keep your jewellery long and flowing. Simple, oversized beaded necklaces or brightly coloured earrings that dangle down towards your neckline go hand in hand with spring this year.

What’s your workout style? Yoga, Pilates or Dance?

What’s your workout style? Yoga, Pilates or Dance?

It seems like almost every month and out of nowhere, comes a new and innovative workout regime, deemed as the next best thing in health and fitness. Some similar and many vastly different, from Aerobics to Zumba, there’s something for everyone. But which one is for you? There are Pro’s and Con’s to every type of exercise, below is a summary of those points to help make things easier for you to decide which style is best for you.

Yoga

Pros

·       Yoga is a powerful stress and anxiety reliever, working on deep breathing and meditation. It improves brainpower, focus and stabilises your emotions.

·       Yoga increases the blood flow to all areas of your body, acting as detoxification process.

·       Increasing strength and flexibility, Yoga is a full body work out.

Cons

·       With so many yoga studios around, and very often there is more than one instructor per studio, its difficult to find the right class and teacher for you, making you feel comfortable and is at the same pace as you.

·       Some of the more advanced postures can be a bit tricky, so it may take a while before you can easily move in and out of positions smoothly.

Pilates

Pros

·       A low impact workout, Pilates is great for people with bad knees and previous injuries.

·       The Pilates movements are very slow and controlled, so you can workout for longer before feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.

·       Improves posture, core strength and joint mobility and muscle strength and is suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Cons

·       Because it’s a low speed workout, you don't burn as many calories.

·       Pilates has no effect on reducing body fat percentage, so its best used in conjunction with cardio programs for weight loss.

Zumba / Dance workouts

Pros

·       Zumba is exciting and fun blend of difference workouts largely based on dancing, so its fun, trendy and varied.

·       This high performance workout, leaves you feeling energized and boosted.

Cons

·       While fun and calorie burning, Zumba doesn’t improve body or core strength, unless its used in conjunction with a more strength focused workout.

·       If you have two left feet, it can be difficult to keep up with the choreography.

International Summer Spots during a South African Winter

International Summer Spots during a South African Winter

With South African summers come the beaches and pools, cocktail and dinner parties and legendary braais. The nation thrives and smiles and good vibes are a dime a dozen. But in winter, we never really fare well, do we? We become as icy as the weather, hibernating on those rainy days and become a paler shade of white than the winter before. So extreme we are that we flock across oceans for sunny shores during the June, July and August period.

But where are the prime overseas locations during these months? We’ve taken a look at some countries and cities that capture the attention of South Africans and other nationals during the winter and why.

Caribbean Islands

From June to August is considered the low season across the Caribbean Islands, and not in the climactic sense. The winters are still warm and sunny, but tourism and rates decrease as much as 60 percent, making even the more exclusive resorts affordable. Expect pristine and private swimming pools and beaches, and enjoy massive local summer sales.

Italy

During June in Italy the weather is sunny and warm, without ever being uncomfortably hot and generally stays quite steady during July and August. During these months tourism in the country really picks up and you can enjoy Italy at its tourism pique.

France

Of course the largest attraction drawing tourists to France from across the globe is the Tour de France, beginning the end of June, but during this mid-year period, the weather is sunny, warm and can sometimes become quite hot, particularly in the South of France. In August, most of the country has an entire month holiday, so during this time you can really experience the French and their culture. 

Spain

July and August are the hottest summer months in Spain, so tourists can expect sizzling days at the beach, and a complete 180 of the SA weather. For a cultural experience, the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona happens during this time, which features the famous Running of the Bulls.

Kenya

For something close to home, head north to Kenya in July to witness the start of one the world’s greatest natural events - The Great Migration. Wildebeest, zebra and eland move from Tanzania to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

 

Don’t forget to check out the Poshprezzi range of stylish hand-luggage available online, these bags will certainly draw some attention on those European beaches, or walking down the streets of Paris.

SA’s Best Décor and Design Blogs

In keeping with some of our other blog pieces on home care and décor, we’ve sourced a list of some of South Africa’s best loved design blogs and websites, showcasing their ideas and products for you to use in your own home.

ELLE DECORATION  

One of the world’s best-selling homes magazine, Elle have developed their insight into the world of home interior decor into focused blog, offering a platform South African design in an international context. Useful and easy, their offering is sophisticated and youthful, geared toward the astute and savvy consumer.

LOVILEE

Lovilee brings you a collaboration of home decorating ideas and products that are based on pretty, nouveaux and vintage themes. Their style is warm and nurturing with earthy and ‘mother-like’ undertones.

LANALOU STYLE

Design blogger, Lana Kenney, has compiled a collection of her passions - fashion, craft, fabrics and interiors – into one inspiring and beautiful blog.

With practical experience in the interior decorating world, she showcases ideas she thinks work well and how to achieve them at home. Fresh, vibrant and energetic is her style, with elements of classic and vintage decor.

DETAIL

This contemporary architectural and decor blog focuses on bringing together unique design, texture and fabrics. Creative, full of funk and edgy, this blog is for the homeowner who wants to incorporate an art deco, abstract feel to their house or interested in structural change ideas.

SA DÉCOR

Specialising in décor and design publishing, SA Décor and Design offers insight and network links into international and local trends for homeowners, interior designers or anyone in the décor and design industry. With a directory of over 3500 of South Africa's designers and service providers, SA décor will inspire and guide you into transforming your home into your dream home.

KIM GRAY

Passionate about styling and design, Kim shares her creativity and experience in the fashion and decor industry, offering inspiration, tips, great finds and more.