A small group of excited Cape Town based massage therapists recently attended a 2 day intensive Dynamic Cupping Therapy Massage Workshop held at the Sport Science Institute in Newlands. The workshop was conducted by USA Massage Hall of Fame inductee, Anita Shannon, often, endearingly referred to as the"MotherCupper" by thousands of students whom have had the privilege to work with and study her contemporary methods of a nearly 3000 year old alternative medicine tradition, cupping therapy, still prolific throughout the Middle East and Asia.

Anita Shannon is the recently appointed Director of Advanced Education and Training for MIRA Dynamics International, Director of Advanced Continuing Education (ACE), an NCBTMB Continuing Education provider established in 2001, she has presented countless workshops on ACE Massage Cupping™ and MediCupping™ at international locations since developing these brands of bodywork in 2002. Anita has published six articles on this subject in Massage Today, Massage Magazine and Les Nouvelles Esthetiques, along with publishing five educational videos, and is currently writing a book on VacuTherapies™.

With her vast knowledge and experience and her first visit to South Africa, Anita added much needed professional perspectives and years of accumulated wisdom to professionals in the sport, physio, massage therapy, alternative medicine, Chinese medicine and natural beauty industries. Anita said, "I am duly impressed by the professional caliber of the South Africans who attended and look forward to returning later this year. I understand that cupping therapy is relatively new here and I love teaching this wonderful, and quite frankly, necessary healing massage technique that would compliment any therapists practice."

"Dynamic Cupping Therapy is a holistic healing method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, developed and researched by Anita along with MIRA Dynamics International and offers a natural alternative for relief, cure and solution to every day health and beauty problems." said Derrick Z. Venter, CEO of MIRA. "Essentially, I am hoping to see this exciting practice instituted by practitioners in the sport therapy, massage therapy, physio and health and beauty industries in SA.

"MDI is continuously developing, researching and disseminating best practices, new discoveries and educational materials and we are keen to collaborate with professionals and doctors respectively, we aim to have Dynamic Cupping Therapy accepted as an accredited educational program here in South Africa." Mr. Venter added.

"We would love to have a South African based Educator/Trainer on the MIRA team. He or she would receive extensive training from Anita and we invite interested and qualified people to contact us via our website or Facebook page". said Derrick Z. Venter.

MIRA SA is the distributor of MIRA Dynamics Professional Cupping Therapy Tools and complimentary products in South Africa and welcome inquiries from interested retail and wholesale partners. 

NOTES FOR EDITOR
Anita is available for telephonic interviews and appearances.
Derrick is available for interviews and appearances.
Both can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021 433 1759

Your wedding day should be one of the most romantic, exciting and unforgettable days of your life and the Wedding Expo®  taking place on the 14th and 15th March 2015 at the dome in Northgate, is the place to visit to transform your  wedding into that extraordinary experience. Planning a wedding is more than just a dress, a cake and a fabulous reception.  What you’re planning needs to be as special as you wish the rest of your life to be. Your wedding is about love, romance, commitment; it’s about having the people close to you witness your union and your dedication to one another. Witness your ‘Happily Ever After’!

The Wedding Expo® understands this and works tirelessly to bring the most comprehensive and creative bridal exhibitors to showcase their wares and services all under one roof and all with one aim – to assist soon-to-be-newlyweds in making their dream wedding a reality - without all of the stress.

Recognised as the South African Bride’s favourite bridal event, The Wedding Expo® boasts premiere exhibitors showcasing everything from the perfect wedding stationery to beautiful blooms, breath-taking wedding gowns to gorgeous jewellery, tantalising table décor to hedonistic honeymoons. The Wedding Expo® also offers the opportunity to interact with some of South Africa’s top wedding planners, photographers and caterers and get expert advice on financial and legal matters. This hands-on advice is invaluable and usually comes at a premium, but at The Wedding Expo®, this is just part of what is offered to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.

A new feature to this year’s Expo is aptly named ‘Make Me a Bride’ where lucky volunteers will be transformed into a bride with hair, makeup and a wedding gown! During their makeover, they will receive key advice from the specialists doing the makeover and a leading stylist. There will be 3 opportunities each day and everyone will get the opportunity to see the fabulous change when she appears on the fashion ramp to show off! They will also receive a VIP invitation to the all-new Wedding Inspirations stand where they will get the opportunity to ‘walk into the magazine.’

The inspiring daily fashion shows offer visitors the opportunity to grab a seat in the front row and catch a glimpse of the latest and most beautiful bridal trends in wedding apparel for both brides and grooms.  From couture designers to ready to wear labels, there is sure to be something for every taste. These will include beautiful creations from couture designers Bridal Room, F Wilson Couture, G&B Couture, Gerald C, New Romantics, White Lilly Bridal and bridesmaid dresses from Bloumossie, Gelique and Bride&co! Ready to wear labels will also be on the runway and you will be able to see Olivelli, Maggie Sottero, Bridal Wardrobe, Bride&co and lingerie from The Corsetiere. Menswear will also be featured so don’t let your groom miss out on seeing suits from Eurosuit, Gerald C, F Wilson and Frank Bespoke.

Don’t miss a chance to vote for your favourite table décor at the special display of tables by our creative exhibitors. You could stand a chance to win a fabulous weekend at the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House in Hoedspruit valued at R7 500.00!

There is already more than enough on offer to entice every bride-to-be not to miss this annual celebration of all things wedding, but one more reason not to miss it is the chance to win a R320 000.00 wedding Multiflora wedding at Diamond 4 Estate as well as a honeymoon at Khaya Ndlovu Manor! Entries at the Expo and you must be there to win. Saturday finalists will be back on Sunday for the finals at 3pm!!

“We are always so excited at the beginning of the year when we are looking forward to our beautiful show. We produce the best wedding planning platform for all those bridal couples! It is a dedicated wedding space with beautiful stands to visit and professional service providers to choose from!” says The Wedding Expo® managing director Amanda Cunningham.

So make a date to attend the Wedding Expo® - it will go a long way to ensuring that your wedding day is the extraordinary experience that you always hoped for.  

Event details: Date: 14th and 15th March 2015 Venue:  Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg Cost: R120.00 per person Fashion shows: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily Competition draws: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily.

​In partnership with Power Construction, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government Habitat for Humanity is calling on all active citizens to come together and join them in their Desmond Tutu International Build Week in Pelican Park from the 2 – 6 March.  Responding and putting into action the request in the words of their patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu “Do your little bit of good where you are - it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world’.  

Teams from as far afield as the USA and Ireland will be joining the build event together with 18 of  ​Habitat's International Board of Directors from across the 70 countries in which Habitat operates as they have chosen Cape Town as their venue for their Board meeting this year.   Funding provided by the event helps provide valuable funding for Habitat’s Social Facilitation Programme as part of Habitat’s community development work in the Pelican Park project.     

Through their Social Facilitation Programme in partnership with the communities and galvanising the support of active citizens and other stakeholder partners, communities are empowered to take ownership of their communities through leadership, skills development and self-belief to become the champions of their own developments and their communities.  

“Our five-year goal through our community development process is to meaningfully transform the lives of at least 100, 000 fellow South Africans living in communities across South Africa.  Help us achieve this by joining our team build event, helping to build homes, communities and hope” said Adrienne Burke, Habitat’s Marketing Manager.  If you or your company are interested in getting involved contact Habitat’s Head Office on 021 657 5640.    

Editors notes

Founded in 1996, Habitat for Humanity South Africa is the national organisation of Habitat for Humanity International and part of Habitat’s Europe, Middle East and African region. Habitat South Africa is entirely self-funded and works in partnership with all stakeholders to serve the poor and marginalised in our country. Based on the firm belief that decent shelter provides the greatest opportunity for families to break the cycle of poverty, Habitat works with all people to give a hand up in building homes, communities and hope.    

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Habitat for Humanity South Africa.  

Johannesburg, South Africa ( January 27, 2015) - Women with severely, matted and tangled hair can breathe a sigh of relief, following Hair Detangler School’s revelation of a new product they have been using to effectively treat hairs of this nature.

Hair Detangler School SA offers professional detangling service, unique to Africa, for those who want to get rid of tangles and mats in their hair without cutting their mane. 

The Take Down Remover cream is and American product and the only one that the professional’s at Hair Detangler School SA  use.  They do not use conditioner, glycerin, or water based products-as it makes severely matted/tangled hair worse.

Apart from effectively treating tangled, matted hair, the Take Down Remover Cream can be used in the detangling of dreadlocks, braids, sew-in weaves, twists and extensions.  It is also excellent option for the removal of bonding glue and keratin heat fusion bonds.

Senior Detangle Tech Trainers at Hair Detangler School SA state that "Most hairdressers just want to cut very matted tangled hair. They do not know about the Take Down Remover or the techniques needed to successfully detangle. Furthermore, they just can't be bothered with devoting a day or two days to detangling hair." Also they emphasize that "We do, however, train hairdressers who want to learn." 

To get hair professionally detangled or for expert training in detangling tangled matted hair visit, http://www.hairdetanglerschoolsa.com                                                                                                                       

Contact:

Nomsa Beauty Ltd
Tel: (+27) 0791275325
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

23, January 2015 –Dreadlock Removal Process Now Made Easy with the Take Down® Remover 

The Take Down® Removers is the #1 Best Braid, Weave, Extension and Dreadlock Remover. This is a dry hair detangler which works fast in softening the hair.

The cream prevents any type of breakage during the process of detangling. It offers wonderful results on hair that has not been combed or brushed for a long period. Hair that has become extremely dry and matted can now be softened with the help of this excellent cream. The gentle cream penetrates through the hair and softens each and every strand as and when it is being combed.

Imagine the amount of time and effort it would take to remove the knots and clumps out of that matted and tangled hair. Take Down® Remover is definitely a great relief from pain as well as a feasible solution that offers excellent results.

The cream should be used directly on the matted hair before shampooing. Shampooing the matted hair would lead to more stubborn knots and clumps. It would also create masses of tangled matted hair. All that the users need here is this Detangler Cream, a wide tooth comb, a rat tail comb and of course lots of patience.

Users have to massage and soak the hair with the cream without wetting the hair. The knots, balls or clumps can be picked using the rat tail comb. The strands of hair can be slowly pulled out using the pin tip of the comb. If the hair to too tangled, users may wish to use extra cream – the more the better. This would weaken the matted knots and clumps.

The hair can be shampooed once it is completely detangled. A wide tooth comb can be used to remove all the knots and mats now. The hair can be conditioned with an excellent conditioner at the end.

Even the worst dreadlocks, twists, hair extensions and dread extensions can be detangled easily with the help of this dreadlock remover. Hair restoration is now easy and simple with this excellent product. It is time to say no to painful processes and those time taking sessions to detangle the extremely impossible tangled hair.   

To know more about this dreadlock remover visit www.hairdetanglerschoolsa.com

Contact Details

Nomsa Beauty Ltd, Johannesburg. 
Tel:(+27) 0791275325
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hotel Izulu, in Ballito, is proud to welcome Simonsig, situated in Stellenbosch, as the first wine estate to launch the 2015 wine market series at the hotel – 1 February 2015 from 12:00.

Executive Chef, Jennifer Du Toit has created exquisite pairings such as; Korean Chicken Wrap paired with Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose. An Aubergine Moussaka paired with Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut or a Home-Cured Salmon Gravadlax with Rocket paired Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc. Guests can also look forward to a Seafood Breyani paired with Simonsig Chenin Blanc or a 5-Spice Pork Belly on Carvery with Apple Sauce paired with Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon.

Guests will be able to sample all the dishes at a cost of R195.00 per adult and children (3-16) will be able to enjoy a kid’s meal, a cold drink and dessert for R70. 

There will be ample space for children to play while parents enjoy the sounds of Afritude. Hotel Izulu’s famous pancake stall will be open on the day as well as all of the featured wines at a special reduced price.  Wine chillers are also available to purchase at R79 each.

Reservations Essential:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 032 946 3444

It’s party time in the new Summer edition of Wedding Inspirations magazine. You’ll find all the need-to-know details about planning an outdoor wedding, a destination do and the most beautiful, sparking wedding themes.  

On sale from December 9th, the new issue looks set to delight brides with its glossy mix of current information and on-trend inspiration. The pages are packed with more than 280 style hits for your big day and a must-read six-month countdown to gorgeous – fabulous beauty tips to have you looking your best on the most important day of your life.  

In this issue, brides-to-be have the chance to win a spectacular Enzoani wedding dress worth R25 000. If you love denim, but have assumed that is has no place at a wedding, think again – our Denim Love theme shows you just how to do it and still look like a goddess. Always dreamed of looking like a princess on your wedding day? The modern Frozen-inspired fairytale theme is a must, with its sumptuous red and white detailing. Shimmering sparkle takes centre stage in our glamorous, romantic party theme and why not play around with paper in our look at the hot new trend of paper flowers for everything from cake toppers to head wreaths.

Another must-read is our definitive 2015 honeymoon hotlist – award-winning locations for every taste on this very special holiday. And who can forget our breathtaking fashion, relationship advice for staying calm during the planning madness and the inspirational real weddings just bursting with love (and amazing décor!).  

Available nationwide at Pick ‘n Pay stores, CNA, Exclusive Books, PNA and Dis-Chem, as well as selected SPAR supermarkets and independent retailers. Alternatively, subscribe and never miss an issue. Details are at weddinginspirations.co.za.

We, Kansai Plascon, have achieved one of our best B-BEE ratings to date and are recognised as a Value Adding Supplier. Our B-BBEE procurement recognition level has increased from 110% to 137.5%, which is higher than that of a non-value adding level 1 status supplier. So, when tendering for projects, our combined B-BBEE status and Value Adding Supplier position effectively make Kansai Plascon the preferred procurement choice.

Our B-BBEE status now stands at level 3, as of  September 2014, having increased from level 4 in 2013. With a score of 80.27 points, this rating cements our position as the coatings industry market leader.  

There's great news for our customers too. Companies that  purchase from Plascon will  improve their own procurement scores thereby improving their B-BBEE ratings. By partnering with us, customers benefit through improved B-BBEE procurement scores.  

In contrast, if a customer purchases products from a non-value adding level 5 supplier and not Plascon, then their  procurement recognition will amount to a far lesser 80% only. All this renders Kansai Plascon the obvious choice.  

Kansai Plascon has 125-year long history of leading quality assurance, superb formulation and trusted performance – and now, we have also secured our position as the market leader in benefitting our customers.  

- ENDS

About Kansai Plascon Kansai Plascon is a company within the global Kansai Paint group. Kansai Paint is the world’s sixth largest paint company and Japan’s foremost coatings manufacturer. With the backing of Kansai Paint, Kansai Plascon will continue to drive innovation and excellence in the retail, trade and industrial coatings market in South Africa and will further the company’s interests in Africa.  

For further information, please contact: Alex Coggins Marketing Executive, Kansai Plascon + 27 11 951 4500

Renowned for its culinary offerings throughout the year, the 5 star Hotel Izulu, situated in Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal has created a culinary line up of note for guests to enjoy up to and over the festive season, under the leadership of celebrated Executive Chef, Jennifer du Toit.  

A Festive Year End Function Buffet Menu will run up to and including 19 December,at R240 per person, Monday to Friday, subject to availability. This is ideal for end of year functions. Starters include - Roasted Aubergine and Chickpea Salad with Sesame Dressing, Poached Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad, Smoked Salmon, Confit Lemon and Watercress on Bruschetta, Beef Sirloin Skewers with Mustard and Truffle Cream. For mains - Pineapple Glazed Gammon with Cherry Jus, Roasted Duck, Wilted Spinach and Mushroom on Tagliatelle, Hot-Smoked Line Fish with Lemon and Fennel Sauce, Seasonal Roast Vegetables, Caramelised Pumpkin, Rosemary Baby Potatoes and Spiced Cous-Cous. Delectable Desserts - Apple Crumble Pie and Ginger Cream, Sherry Trifle and a Fresh Fruit Platter option.  

For Christmas Day Lunch in the glamorous Imbizo Hall, from 12:00 onwards, guests can dinefor R550 per person. To commence the feast, guests can enjoy starters such as Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Mango and Sesame Salad with Fresh Rocket and Wasabi Dressing, Beef Silverside Carpaccio, Tempura Aubergine, Capers and Parmesan Crisp, Grilled Courgette Salad, Roast Pepper, Wilted Spinach and Cous-Cous Salad, Garden Salad with Cranberries, Marinated Mushroom, Butternut and Lentil Salad, Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce, Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Beef Fillet and Pork Belly Wantons. Mains - Braised Mutton and Pea Parpadelle with Red Wine Ragout, Roast Chicken with Cracked Pepper and Tarragon, Whole Salt-Baked Salmon, Christmas Turkey with Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing, Crayfish and Seafood Potji, Whole Caramelised Gammon with Phyllo-wrapped Apples , Garlic and Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes, Roast Vegetable Lasagne, Grilled Seasonal Veg, Braised Wild Rice Pilaff and Spiced Baby Carrots. Divine Desserts - Coffee Cheesecake with Mocha Cream, Fresh Fruit Pavlova with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Tart Tatin , Traditional Christmas cake with brandy cream and a Cheeseboard.  

Dance in the New Year in style for R695 per person in Gigi’s Brasserie, starting from 19h30, inclusive of a bottle of bubbly per couple. Enjoy an Amuse Bouche of Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan Foam. For starters - Kudu Wellington with Micro Herb Salad or Seafood Platter of Prawn California Roll, Salmon Gravlax and Tuna Tare-Tare followed by a Palate Cleanser of Green Apple and Mint Sorbet. Then for mains, Sous-Vide Beef Flank, Potato Dauphinoise, Harlequin Asparagus, Porcini Veloute or Seared Prawn, Mussel and Line fish with Ribbon Vegetables in Seafood Vinaigrette or Leek, Halloumi and Confit Red Cabbage Terrine with Butternut Cream and Pea Shoots. Decadent Desserts - Dark Chocolate Tiramisu with Hazelnut Cream and Coffee Tuile or Raspberry and Ricotta Bavaria with Popcorn Ice Cream and a selection of South African Cheeses with preserves and a selection of crackers & bread.

For bookings please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cape Town – 7th October, 2014 – KWV was the big winner in the Brandy category at this year’s prestigious Veritas awards held in Cape Town this weekend, winning 2 Double Gold Awards for its 12 year Barrel Select Brandy and KWV Alambic 15 year Brandy Limited Release, and 4 Gold medals in the Potstill Brandy category. 

KWV won Gold for its Imoya Brandy, KWV 10 Year Brandy, KWV 20 Year Potstill Brandy and Laborie Alambic Brandy and won Silver for its KWV 5 Year Superior Brandy.The Veritas Awards is the longest running and most prestigious wine/brandy competition in SA. 1,767 entries competed for Veritas glory this year, organized by the South African Wine Show Organization. (SANWSA)  

“Our team is proud to have taken home 2 Double Gold, 4 Gold and a Silver at this year’s awards, which were judged by eight renowned international and 100 local judges, ” says Pieter de Bod, Master Distiller at KWV.

“With these latest accolades our entire Potstill range of premium brandies has now won gold." He continues: “Winning a total of seven awards at this prestigious competition is an exceptional achievement and winning 2 Double Gold out of the total 5 awarded gives us deserved recognition and proves that our focus on top quality and innovation really pays off.” 

KWV Marketing Director, Peadar Hegarty, comments that this is a great accolade for the Home of  Best Brandies and, in the true KWV tradition of Proud Pioneers, recognizes the world class craft of Pieter and his team at KWV’s brandy cellars in Paarl, Western Cape. 

These latest accolades follows KWV’s big wins at the recent 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) awards in London where it won WorldWide Best Brandy for its 12 year Barrel Select Brandy. 

“It is a very proud moment for us to win Double Gold with our recent World’s Best Brandy winners, the KWV 12 and 15,” says Hegarty. “We can now take consumers on a journey of excellence starting with our KWV 3, right through to our award winning potstill brandies 10, 12,15 and 20. No other spirit brand can do this.”

He adds: “With these latest awards KWV has won over 480 awards and medals in just over 24 months, of which 307 were achieved in the past year alone.” 

Ends

About KWV

KWV is one of the leading wine and spirit producers in South Africa. Its head office is located in Paarl, in the Western Cape - a top wine producing region. The company sources wines and grapes from the best and most sought-after viticultural regions in South Africa. KWV is known internationally for brands such as Roodeberg, KWV Wines, Laborie, Golden Kaan, Cathedral Cellar, Cafe Culture, Wild African Cream and the KWV 3,5,10 and 20 Year Old brandies. KWV is a founder member of the Industry Association for Responsible Use of Alcohol (ARA).