You’ve just moved into a new home, you’re building a cottage on your property to rent out for an extra income, your teen is moving into student accommodation for the first time, or you’re giving your kitchen new life. Either way, you’re going to need a new stove. From fire to electric to gas, today, there are many types of cooking techniques. Yet nothing hits the ball out-of-the-park like an induction cooker.

First invented in the early 1950s, induction cookers are a steadily growing trend, with benefits that far outweigh traditional methods. Essentially, an induction stove is a digitally programmable flat, thin cooking top made from glass. Below that glass, the top surface is an electromagnetic field that transfers electric currents directly to magnetic cookware, which sits on the glass top, causing the bottom of the pot or pan to heat instantly.

Induction only works with electromagnetic cookware. That means you will need to invest in a cast iron or a magnet stainless steel alloy pot and pan. This revolutionary method of frying, boiling, steaming and blanching is making waves in the hospitality industry, the reason so many people choose it over other methods. Here’s why you should too.

• Fast and Controllable Performance: Because induction requires digital programming, it will take a few days to understand the settings. Once you get the knack, you can control your temperatures instantly, so food never overcooks or burns. Cooking is also faster, as magnetic elements transfer instant heat directly to the cookware, allowing water to boil and food to heat to 50% faster than electric and gas.

• It’s Safe Unlike Gas and Electric: Induction cookers are the safest cooking option for families with young kids, pensioners with Alzheimer’s, retirees, modern developments with built-in appliances, restaurants and catering companies and student accommodation. Unlike gas and electricity, induction cooktops and cookware do not get hot enough to hurt someone or cause a fire. An induction stove-top will not heat unless there is a magnetic pot on it as they also come with sensors that automatically shut down the stove when you remove a pot.

• Energy Efficient: Apart from benefits like better flavour, ease to clean, safety, convenience, and speed, this revolutionary cooking method is energy efficient. As South Africans look for ways to go sustainable and reduce their monthly overheads, many invest in induction because it saves money. It uses 90 percent of energy for cooking, whereas electricity uses around 70 percent and gas use around 50 percent. That means zero heat escapes because it directs heat to the pot only. That makes this technology a lot more efficient and energy-savvy, which is ideal in a struggling economy.

You do not have to be a scientist to appreciate the many benefits of this revolutionary cooking method. As more families, students, retirees, schools, campuses, developers, and the hospitality industry discover the advantages of cooking with magnets, the more fans this 50s technology gains. Induction is sophisticated, efficient, compact, and healthy—and the savings are evident.

So what are you waiting for—you can now find portable, household and outdoor induction stoves and cast iron and magnetic stainless steel cookware online at Snappy Chef

Have you ever had the pleasure of spending an entire weekend soaking in a Hot Spring in cold temperatures or the middle of nowhere with an outdoor jetted bathtub under the stars? A spa bath is a fantastic way to turn any dull bathroom into a healing space. An outdoor jetted bathtub under the stars, however, is like a hot spring right in your backyard. And it’s even better in the cold winter months.

Hydrotherapy Betters Quality of Life

A feature once only found in high-end luxury spas, membership clubs, and the homes of the rich-and-famous, jetted bathtubs are now a staple in backyards and on rooftops. Spa baths exercise the healing energy of hydrotherapy which uses powerful jets to pump soothing pressure bubbles against aching muscles. Soaking in an outdoor bathtub on wintry nights not only warms the body but also detoxifies the skin, clears sinuses, and relaxes and opens the chest and lungs. Further, hydrotherapy reduces conditions like arthritis, chronic pain and anxiety, resulting in better sleep patterns, which means a stronger and more robust immune system.

Investing in an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy bath betters the quality of life. It is an indisputable fact. However, looking for a new bathtub to suit space, needs and budget are where the real challenge begins. First, buying a new bathtub is like purchasing a vehicle or boat. It is a significant investment that requires a lot more than a guarantee. It requires the best, most credible spa bath supplier. Here’s how to choose a new bathtub—without getting soaked by a fly-by-night bathtub supplier.

1. Shop Supplier before Bath Tub

If you’re looking to buy a new bathtub, make sure you buy one from an honest, reputable Jacuzzi supplier, trendsetter and manufacturer and not some no-name fly-by-night salesperson. Further, stay away from Big Box retailers, as you are just another number to them. Instead, shop for a supplier that understands the value of after-sales service. Similar to finding an honest accountant or mechanic, do your due diligence. For instance, research their website, find out how long are they in business, and ask for reviews with legitimate names and contact numbers. A credible supplier will have a portfolio with lists of clients. Should they have no website or portfolio, walk away.

2. Spa Bath Shell Matters

Once you have found your supplier, turn your attention to the bath shell material. Determining the style, cost, insulation and durability, ensure the shell is tough, attractive, and energy-efficient. You have the choice of materials like vinyl, acrylic or roto-moulded plastic. However, there are slight differences. For instance, whereas acrylic shells retain heat, vinyl and roto-moulded plastic shells are not as energy-efficient, increasing operating costs. Further, acrylic comes in different colours and contains UV inhibitors that prevent fading, unlike its competitors. Overall, acrylic shells steal accolades in aesthetics, longevity and energy efficiency.

3. Massage Jets in Hot Tubs

Jet power is essential as that propels water and air to give the best foot, leg, back and neck massage. Some hot tubs come with a handful of massage jets in many configurations. However, bigger is not always better because large jets or too many jets lead to painful pressure—and a higher energy bill. Start by looking for a bathtub with jets that imitate the natural shape of a back. After, focus on jet placement because that is just as vital as jet size, if not more. You want comfortable, well-positioned jets that do not jab your body when trying to warm, relax and heal under the stars. You want comfortable and functional jets that massage your chills, body pain and stress away.

4. Warranty and Maintenance and Repair Service Plans

There is a strong chance that you are not an expert in Spa Bath Repairs. Nonetheless, that’s perfectly fine because that is what a hot tub service plan provides. Going much further than a warranty or guarantee, buying a new hot tub means entering a long relationship with the supplier and manufacturer. Similar to industrial equipment or a vehicle, bathtub technology is complex. You want an exclusive supplier that can and will furnish you with a warranty and all the maintenance and repair service plans required. Not only is this to ensure customer satisfaction and protect you from the stress and worry of maintaining your spa, but these plans exist to save customers tens of thousands in maintenance and repairs over the lifespan of the tub.

In the wake of lockdown, you have chosen to end your marriage, but you are wondering what the next steps are and whether you need an attorney by your side. Marriage is not always easy. Add a global pandemic coupled with job loss, financial issues, and escalating living costs, and you have a recipe for divorce.

Time spent indoors has not fared well for many South African couples, with many forced to reassess their relationships and happiness. We know this because divorce rates have increased by 20% since lockdown. It’s true; South Africa is witnessing a massive rise in divorce rates. Fortunately, many couples find it easy to part ways amicably. For others, divorce can turn into a battlefield.

A process where assets, investments, policies, and pensions need dividing and parents must resolve child support and custody issues, a divorce is a complex and complicated process. There are typically two types of divorces: the contested and the uncontested divorce. While the court can complete an uncontested divorce in as little as 4-weeks, it can take up to 3-years to resolve a contested divorce.

If you’ve been in a marriage for less than one or two years and have no children and combined assets and investments, you could get away with doing a DIY. However, if you’ve been together for many years and share children, assets, bank accounts and policies, here’s why you might want to consider hiring a divorce attorney.

Gain Access to Expert Advice

If you’ve been in an accident, you consult a road accident attorney. Well, the same applies to a divorce attorney. Divorce law demands expertise and years of experience. An experienced and skilled divorce attorney will be knowledgeable and practised in the division of assets and liabilities, child custody and child support, child neglect and protection, complicated property claims, domestic violence, national and international relocation of children, paternity and dependency, and the termination of parental rights.

If your divorce has any complicated issues to settle like retirement, child custody, child support, debt or split assets, your attorney can be an invaluable resource. A divorce attorney will ensure you receive everything that you deserve during your divorce and after.

A Stress-Free Divorce Process

Whoever said the moving of a house was taxing never went through a divorce. For many, divorce is more than stressful. It can be traumatic, but even more so for the kids. Friends and family are great for hugs, but they can’t ease your anxiety about the legal system. Hiring an attorney is one way to reduce stress. A divorce attorney will take care of everything for you, so you don’t have to, allowing you to focus on your job, your kids, and your wellbeing.

They listen to your frustrations and doubts and easing your fears by arming you with the facts, procedures, and rights. You gain strength and understanding of the legal system, and you gain confidence knowing that you will be in good hands with your divorce lawyer.

Avoid Mistakes and Costly Delays

Stress, anger, and lack of knowledge cause mistakes. It happens with divorcing couples all the time, particularly those who insist on going through the divorce process solo. For example, you could forget to address a critical issue, underestimate the value of an asset, or fill in an important document incorrectly that could affect the kids, your medical cover, or even who gets the dogs or family boat.

Such issues can set your divorce back by months, if not years. A divorce attorney knows what is required to achieve a streamlined divorce process. They leave nothing out, ensuring an error-free divorce with zero delays that could set you back financially.
Save Money and Time with Mediation

The failing of a marriage can often involve bitterness, hurt and contempt, making any type of agreement impossible. It’s not uncommon for a divorce to take years to complete, and with your financial future on the line, you want a quick and cheap divorce. However, this is where mediation comes to the rescue because when you arm yourself with a divorce attorney proficient in mediation—like Riëtte Oosthuizen Attorneys, you can get a divorce within a matter of months or weeks.

Get an Expert on Your Side—Emotional and Legal

The thought of divorce is stressful enough, but imagine learning that your spouse has been unfaithful, hiding money, or even trying to get custody of the children without your knowledge. How will you fight these battles on your own? Divorce law is a complex and complicated field, and your divorce attorney has the practice and the ability to fight for you when you need someone the most. They help you understand and focus on the issues of your divorce. They prepare you for court proceedings, and they provide ways to reduce your legal fees.

Hiring an attorney and paying for their services can cost a lot of money, no question about it. However, in some situations in life, you can’t win on your own. Going about a divorce solo can be difficult and scary, but when you hire an attorney—such as Riëtte Oosthuizen Attorneys, not only do you get emotional support, but you get a team of legal muscles.

Established in 2000, Riëtte Oosthuizen Attorneys is a distinguished divorce law practice armed with a large team of legal members. Specialising in litigation, mediation, child custody, child support, children’s court applications, and international divorce matters, we ensure a compassionate, straightforward, no-nonsense approach to divorce and family law.

Get the Specialised Divorce Help You and Your Kids Deserve

Our specialist divorce team understands the sensitivity of what you are going through, especially where there are children and where assets and bank accounts need fair division. However, should cases require the ruling of a judge, we have the legal muscle to fight.

At Riëtte Oosthuizen Attorneys, we provide a supportive, compassionate, yet firm representation intending to help our clients settle quickly without the hassle of incurring unrealistic financial costs. Representing at-fault and no-fault divorce cases —while also helping navigate uncontested divorces and contested divorce cases, we present all our clients with the information they need to make the best decision for their new lives. Contact our divorce and family law practice today to receive the specialised divorce help you and your kids deserve.

The human body is an incredible machine. For instance, did you know a human bone is more robust than a rod of steel? A block of bone the same size as a matchbox supports up to 18,000 pounds of weight. Another marvel is the body’s immune system, which protects us against outside viruses and infectious diseases.

Our Immune System Keeps us Alive and Healthy

There are several surprising phenomena you may not know about your immune system. Not only does it defend the body from viruses, bacteria and parasites, but it also battles disease-causing cells like cancer. Like the brain, the immune system is a well-designed, complex machine. Its job is to protect the body, but an unhealthy lifestyle will compromise its ability to do its job. That is when we get sick.

A weakened immune system makes the body vulnerable to infections and disease, especially over the cold winter months. However, making several changes, like increasing water intake, exercising daily for at least 30-minutes, and reducing alcohol, reducing nicotine and sugar intake, are excellent ways to boost the body’s defence mechanisms. However, that is not all. You can also boost your immune system in the following ways:

1. We Heal When We Sleep

Your body may regenerate cells every second, but the real damage heals while you sleep, like the heart and blood vessels. Sleep plays an enormous role in boosting the brain and body for a better psychological, physical and emotional tomorrow. When we sleep at night, the brain broadcasts messages that send hormones to all the cells in the body that need healing.

Whereas poor sleep increases diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, a good night sleep heals the body, fighting off viruses and infections.

2. Lower Stress Levels

Stress affects blood sugar and promotes inflammation of the body, which suppresses and increases levels of Suppressor T cells. That is incredibly damaging to the immune system and leads to histamine release – an allergy-causing molecule.

Relieving stress and anxiety is imperative, especially during the colder months. During winter, people are more susceptible to getting sick. Healthy eating habits fly out the window, and exercise regimens get swapped for couch surfing. Ensure a strong mind and body by balancing your stress levels with exercise, meditation, diet, and daily mindfulness techniques.

3. Supplement Wisely

As with most things in your body, a healthy diet is essential to a healthy immune system. Like an engine that requires the right fuel to perform, the body needs plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean protein and healthy plant fats.

If you’re not feeding your body the right fuel, your immune system will fail. While bolstering immunity is easier said than done, you can start today by decreasing your stress levels, eating more sun foods, and last but not least, supplementing wisely with Module8.

Designed for Compromised Immune Sytems

A clinically proven potent cancer-fighting homoeopathic product, Modul8 goes above and beyond the standard immune booster supplement. These powerful drops assist anyone with compromised immunity. That makes Modul8 essential for anyone with a weak immune system, especially over the winter months.

Find our products at all leading pharmacies and health stores nationwide.

Wedding season is in the air, and brides from all over Gauteng will say their “I do’s” and enjoy the perfect summer honeymoon.

For any bride-to-be, few things are as important as choosing the location and setting to say your vows. If you’re reading this blog post, then you’re probably not the only bride-to-be rushing to book a spectacular ceremony venue in and around Mpumalanga.

Fortunately, the number of wedding venues in Mpumalanga available today is dizzying—from country clubs and banquet halls, villas and wine estates, and restaurants to some of Mpumalanga’s spectacular locations that boast open views of rolling hills and lush valleys with wildlife.

As a result, you need a few vital tips to ensure you choose a place that offers it all—because you should not lift a finger on one of the most important days of your life.

1. Establish Venue Size and Budget with a Guest List

You want a venue that can accommodate your guest list, so before you start your location hunt, narrow down your search by deciding on the number of guests who will attend your big day. Not only will your guest list help you find a suitably sized venue that can cater to your guest’s dietary needs, but it will also help you determine your budget—which is essential for wedding planning.

2. Choose a Venue that Aligns with Your Vision

Your perfect wedding venue needs to have a wow factor that’s unique to your vision, but venues vary. Whereas some provide everything in one location – like the chapel, catering, reception and accommodation, others only cater to the after-party. To begin your planning process, draw up a shortlist of places that offer what you want. Maybe you want to say your vows in a chapel within walking distance to your reception venue or under blue skies set against a backdrop of a waterfall or rolling hills. Whatever your needs, visit only the places that tick your boxes and budget.

3. Full-Service or BYO

There are two types of wedding packages: full-service and those where you bring your vendors, decorators and suppliers. Most couples opt for full-service as this removes the stress of weeks of planning, booking and making multiple payments. A full-service venue is all-inclusive, which means they provide table and chairs, crockery and cutlery, waiters and bar staff, chef-prepared catering, and the décor, DJ, makeup artist, photographer, videographer and more.

4. Ensure They Have a Team of Planners

With so many wedding venues throughout Gauteng and Mpumalanga, you would think choosing one would be simple, but it never is. As a result, it is wise to consider a venue well known for hosting wedding ceremonies, celebrations, and honeymoons. Wedding planners charge high rates for their services, but you can avoid this by choosing an exclusive wedding venue with experienced planners that tailor-make your big day.

It’s one of the most important days of your life, so make it truly memorable with Kralinbergh Estate. Do not delay—make your ceremony and reception booking with us today.