With summer on our doorstep, this is the time of year when your deck will be used the most. South Africans love to enjoy the outdoors and entertain at home, but even with high foot traffic and activity a composite deck can be returned to first-day appearance in just a few quick minutes.

Caring for a composite deck is a little different from maintenance for a traditional all-timber deck. In general, timber will need to be refinished; sanded, stained and sealed every few years to avoid warping, cracking and splintering. Wooden deck boards are also much more prone to scratches and let water into tiny spaces, causing decomposition and discoloration. The lifespan of a timber deck is typically not longer than ten years.

Composite decking boards, on the other hand, typically feature a hard cap made from recycled plastics that prevents scratching, splitting, warping and discoloration from stains while standing up to the elements for much longer. A composite deck from Eva-Last, which features a solid pressed bamboo polymer or PVC core, carries a warranty for literally decades and never needs anything more than a regular sweep and a clean.

The key to showing off a brilliant, spotless deck is simple, quick and regular gentle cleans. Eva-Last’s finishes are designed to endure the toughest of environmental and usage conditions – even in tropical, humid coastal zones – repelling everything from heat and rain to stains and mould, but even the hardiest materials need a little attention from time to time.

To return your deck to tip-top shape following winter, here are some simple tips for showing off your prized landscaping and décor materials with the least effort:

1) First, lightly sweep the deck to get rid of any loose fallen debris.

2) In almost all cases, nothing more than some soapy water and hard nylon-bristle household broom or brush will be required to maintain your decking. Where there is localised fatty build-up from a braai or spillage, a brush can be used for a light scrub with soapy water (a mild solution of dishwashing liquid will work just fine to dissolve fatty deposits).

3) There is no need to use bleach-based or ammonia-based products. In case you are unsure, anything with bleach in it will likely list some form of chlorine or “hypochlorite” among its ingredients.

4) While there is almost never a need to use a scourer or abrasive of any kind on a composite deck finish, on Eva-Last’s Eva-Tech range some 40-grit sandpaper or even a regular pot scourer can be rubbed gently with the grain to remove very stubborn stains or marks. The sanded area will be slightly lighter for a few days, but will quickly return to its usual shade after a few days in the sun. Stains will never penetrate into the actual board under the finish, so only a light scrub is necessary.

5) Heat and/or steam are never necessary to clean an Eva-Last product. Usually, even dreaded stain causes like red wine can be wiped up easily with nothing more than a cloth and water.

6) Once a deck has been washed or lightly scrubbed of all dirt, only a hose or clean water is required for a final rinse. High water pressure is not needed, though your deck will happily cope with that.

7) All Eva-Last materials can be cleaned in this way – decking boards, cladding, railings and beams will all look their best after a quick and gentle clean, whether indoors or outdoors. 

While most cleaning is hassle-free and quick, some situations may be out of the norm. We’re always on call to help, so if there’s a cleaning challenge that looks unusually difficult, please contact Eva-Last for the best advice.

Badplaas, a well-known treasure within the Forever Resorts South Africa portfolio has recently spent millions on the upgrade of their Hydro and Spa facility. This upgrade has been on the books for the past two years and upgrades begun in October 2017 with the official construction commencing in January 2018. On the 26th of March the Coffee Shop which also underwent a total renovation along with the Hydro re-opened. The Spa re-opened two days later, on the 31st of March 2018. The official exclusive launch of the Hydro and Spa took place yesterday, 7 June 2018 and was attended by elite guests and VIPs including Honourable MEC Eric Kholwane and Executive Mayor Councillor Nkosi of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. 

Sandra Rath from the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP) and from SDV Pharmaceuticals who attended the exquisite launch of the Badplaas Hydro and Spa said that the Spa industry in South Africa is still showing growth regardless of the Economic climate. “Being in the industry for the past 30 years, I can only say that the standard of this Spa exceeds expectations in all aspects. From ambiance to style, staff to treatments, this Spa is a must experience”, Rath added.  

The new buzz word, “Hydro”Hydro’s are often confused with Jet Baths and Jacuzzis. The reason for this is two common  elements, water and pulsing jets. A Hydro is however a treatment rather than an experience, an underwater massage which stimulates your body’s blood circulation. Over and above that, the water is warm therefore it opens pores cleaning your skin leaving you feeling refreshed. The Hydro assists with the treatment of stiff, sore muscles and joints by focusing on typical problem areas such as your neck, back, legs and limbs. It is for this reason that Hydro treatments are often recommended with products and treatments maximising the benefits.

What makes the Badplaas Hydro and Spa unique? There are only a few resorts in South Africa that can boast with natural warm water springs – Badplaas is one of those select few. The spring water is filled with a variety of 32 natural minerals. This water is them pumped into the Hydro pools, from the Hydro pools the water is pumped into the heated pool outside, from there the water is distributed to the other pools on the property cooling down as it travels from one pool to the other. The spring water is also used in the spa for various water based treatments offered at Badplaas. 

The Spa has Specialist Therapists who take care of the needs of customers individually in tranquil and beautiful surroundings. The relaxation area consists of a 12 seat sauna and relaxation pool with spring water. The Spa offers a range of Facial and Specialised Facial Treatments, Brow and Lash Treatments, Massage Therapy, Specialised Body Treatments, Hand and Foot Therapy, Nail Treatments, Waxing and even kiddies treatments including Facials, Massages, Manicures and Pedicures. 

The origin of the springsHot springs in South Africa originates from seepage-water that joins a subterranean water system, the more the water sinks the warmer the mineral water gets. If the mineral water moves fast enough it can still be hot when it moves back to the earth’s surface.  Mineral water contains a large amount of trace elements such as sodium, chloride and fluoride; however the mineral water’s chemical compound will differ from one source to the next. The spring water mainly consists of surface water (rain and snow) seeping through layers of rock which contain the minerals, as the water moves between these rocks its trace elements are dissolved by the water before it moves back to the surface of the earth. 

The spring water at Badplaas rises from approximately 4300 metres below the earth’s surface. The spring itself has a capacity of 34 000 litres of mineral water per hour and a water temperature of 53˚C. A rift valley from Badplaas to the Swaziland Spa in Mbabane has formed in the earth’s crust causing hot bubbles at various places in this valley’s trail.

Our highly experienced, highly prized craftspeople apply their skills and incredible attention to detail to each design.

They use high quality materials that are ethically sourced and with centuries-old jewellery craftsmanship techniques combined with modern technology, the designs are vividly brought to life.

Dazzling Daisies jewellery blends contemporary style with the timelessness that makes them everyday classics. The new designs are made from sterling silver.

Clear cubic zirconia stones – chosen for their provenance and low environmental impact – are individually set in a bead setting, surrounded by small, polished metal beads to hold them in place.

When something is imbued with substance, it becomes more than just aesthetic – and stands for something positive.

PANDORA jewellery makes a statement; both of beauty and integrity.#PANDORA #doPANDORA

How do you maintain the perfect temperature while sleeping? Do you sleep with one leg out of the blanket? Leave your feet sticking out at the bottom? The right temperature is a factor in determining the quality of sleep you’re going to have. Vencasa introduces the All Season Duvet, which has been made with clever “options”.

The All Season Duvet is available as a DUO (two duvets that can be used throughout the year separately or together), comprising of the following:

• One duvet with a weight of 125g/m² (recommended for use in spring-summer)

• One duvet with a weight of 250g/m² (recommended for use in autumn-winter).

The two parts clip together with fitted press studs to form one inner duvet. For cold winter nights, the two covers should be clipped together and placed into a duvet cover. For nights that are in between temperatures, the 125 g/m² summer layer is taken out first, leaving the warmer 250g/m² autumn layer on the bed. As temperatures increase, the 250g/m² autumn-layer is exchanged for the 125 g/m² summer-layer. It is comprised of a 100% polyester microfiber outer fabric with a silky touch and an attractive embossed design, filled with 100% polyester hollow conjugated siliconized fibre with Acarsan® anti-dust mite treatment.

It is available in the following sizes:

• 240x220cm – Super Queen

• 260x240cm – Super KingThe Vencasa

All Season Duvet is the ideal option for those with less storage space. It will ensure a high degree of comfort with a combined 9.2 Tog rating. It will also ensure good, healthy sleep while it protects against dust mites and allergies. This smart duvet is a must have for the bedroom!

Vencasa has partnered with global and local experts to create the Vencasa Signature Collection for every sleep need. This includes mattresses, headboards, bases and frames, side tables, lamps, occasional furniture, ottomans, linen, pillows, towels and luxurious bedroom accessories, with several price points to accommodate their wide clientele. Vencasa is made for people looking for a high quality, yet affordable range of products.

Available exclusively from Vencasa and Tempur stores, priced from R2,499.00–R2,999.00. Vencasa brings the art of sleep to your 'casa', from the smallest to the most essential sensory detail. We invite you to 'come home' to Vencasa for the ultimate bedroom experience. Visit www.pharmaline.co.za/vencasa or call 0861 60 60 60 for more information, to shop, or for your nearest stockist.

Springtime is all about positive energy. So step out in colour, go for your favourite florals, and choose high quality jewellery made with stunning materials by talented craftspeople. Choose bright bursts or pearlescent pastels, and whether you stack, twist, mix or style solo, be inspired by our selection of key pieces launching on the 16th of March 2017.

Create your own truly unique item and put your stamp on the season

Welcome to the lastest PANDORA Jewellery Collection, inspired by the magic and mystery of the night sky. You'll find sparkling and glittering stones, illuminating metals and frosted flowers in this hand-finished collection.

PANDORA Jewellery makes the perfect gift for the upcoming festive season. 

PANDORA Bracelets from R899, Charms from R499.

Shop online at www.pandorashop.co.za or visit www.pandora.net or to be inspired, join the PANDORA Club, view the sizing guide or for your nearest stockist. Local PR Contact: Jodi Lynn Karpes, GreenQueen Communications, 084-876 5431 Facebook: PANDORA (ZA) Twitter: @Pandora_ZA  

PANDORA jewellery is available across South Africa in Gauteng at Sandton, Eastgate, Fourways, Brooklyn, Menlyn Park, Woodlands, Clearwater, Cresta, Forest Hill, East Rand Mall, Rosebank, Mall of Africa and Greenstone; in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront, Cavendish, Somerset, George, Canal Walk and Tyger Valley: in KwaZulu-Natal at La Lucia, Pavilion, Ballito and Watercrest; in Nelspruit at Riverside Mall and in Eastern Cape in Bay West and in selected Edgars stores and fine jewellers nationwide and Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

ABOUT PANDORA
PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and contemporary jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. PANDORA jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries on six continents through approximately 8,900 points of sale, including more than 1,900 concept stores. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA employs more than 17,800 people worldwide of whom approximately 12,000 are located in Gemopolis, Thailand, where the Company manufactures its jewellery. PANDORA is publicly listed on the NASDAQ Copenhagen stock exchange in Denmark. In 2015, PANDORA’s total revenue was DKK 16.7 billion (approximately EUR 2.2 billion).

{pp}Out of Africa, in the City at Rietvlei Farm, situated in the South of Johannesburg, set in the beautiful and tranquil Klipriversberg Greenbelt, Rietvlei Farm offers families and children a wonderful opportunity to spend the day outdoors!