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.

Summer is on the horizon! Much like you prep your skin for the grueling winter months, it’s important you update your beauty routine before the weather strikes hot, especially in Durban with its infamous heat waves fast approaching. It is our lifestyle where many of us will be spending a lot more time in the sun and on the beach. We will also be saying goodbye to the layers and unpacking those flip flops, shorts, summer dresses and swimwear, thereby exposing more flesh to the harsh elements of the sun.  

Here are a few easy tips to be mindful of, to maintain a healthy skin this summer 

1) Rock the sunscreen look, every dayWith outdoor activities in full swing this summer, it’s important to remember to protect your skin. Ensure that you have sun protection on all parts of your body that’s exposed to the sun. A lot of UV exposure can cause permanent damage, from sunburn, wrinkles, fine lines as well as premature aging. A good tip on purchasing sunscreen products is to be sure that they protect against UVA and UVB, have an SPF 30 or higher and are water resistant. Make sure you re-apply every two hours when outdoors and more if you can. Seek shade whenever your shadow appears to be shorter than you, and wear protective clothing, which includes long sleeves,  wide brimmed hats and sunglasses when out in the sun.

 2) Drink up!As tempting as it is to enjoy one or two cold beverages by the pool or on the beach, it’s important to also keep yourself well hydrated. The heat of summer tends to absorb all the moisture from our bodies, so remember to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Always keep a bottle of water with you at all times, and ensure you refill it until you have reached your quota.

 3) Treat your feet!If you’ve stuffed your feet inside boots and closed shoes all winter, they probably could use a little TLC for the upcoming sandal weather. Jump-start your program with a salon pedicure, and after the jump start maybe try Sorbets easy DIY foot care tip, which will help soften your feet while you sleep. First, remove thicker skin with a foot file. Apply a rich emollient cream or ointment, and then cover your feet in plastic wrap and cotton socks. Leave this on overnight. Repeat every day until you achieve smooth skin, then once a week to maintain the soft skin. Treat yourself to a pedicure regularly, to get rid of the dead skin. You can follow a beauty regime at home, but it is also nice to pamper yourself at Sorbet Granada Square in Umhlanga.  

4) make sure your glow continues…Last but definitely not least, remember your face needs some extra attention during summer too. There’s a big misconception that your face doesn’t need to be moisturised in the summer months. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The only difference is that you need to find a lighter moisturiser, that’s non-greasy and definitely have a SPF in it especially during the day. If you have dry skin, it tends to get even drier in the summer months. Sun exposure, heat and chlorine can dry out your skin in the warmer months as you spend more time outside or poolside. You may also become more dehydrated as the temperature rises which can affect your skin’s appearance.

You could try a Hydro Skin facial at Sorbet Granada Square, Umhlanga. It’s the complete hydration solution that best treats those summer factors such as dehydration, irritation and premature aging- it’s perfect for these hotter months. Komila Naidoo’s (owner of Sorbet Granada Square Umhlanga) favourite mask to make up at home in the summer months is an avocado and honey mask, which is very easy to formulate. 

Komila’s home Avocado and Honey pamper mask:

• Scoop out an avocado into a bowl
• Smash it into a smooth paste
• Add a spoon of honey to the mix
• Apply it to your face, and let it sit for 20 minutes (it will dry up completely)
• Rinse your face with cold water and pat it dry with a cloth

You can do this mask once a week for healthy and smooth feeling skin. 

Ultimately it is important to look after your skin, as it’s the only one you have. Very importantly, you should have your skin regularly assessed by the experts so that you know what products you can or shouldn’t use as well as the kind of skin regime you need to follow.  

Book a free skin assessment at the newly revamped Sorbet Granada Square on 031 561 2538. 

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.

Samsung Electronics South Africa has vast experience in the development of air conditioning and has long been committed to creating cooling solutions that are both powerful and convenient, thereby ensuring optimum comfort for users. However, what many consumers are unaware of is the fact that Samsung air conditioners are equally effective at warming up a room and they can perform more efficiently than the average heater. Although South Africa is renowned for its long, warm summers, but when the winter hits, the cold can really affect internal living spaces. The traditional method of dealing with the cold is to utilise a bar or fan heater, but these products tend to work best as personal heating appliances and are less effective when attempting to warm an entire room efficiently. Troy Gower, Business Lead, Digital Air Solutions at Samsung Electronics South Africa, points out that Samsung’s air conditioners may have a reputation for being cooling appliances, but they are just as good when it comes to heating a room. “You simply cannot obtain the same amount of comfort or efficiency in heating from another source, as these appliances are designed to control the whole room’s temperature. Moreover, an air conditioner allows you to maintain your desired room temperature more effectively too,” says Gower.

“Consumers may be concerned that an air conditioner will use more power, but even this is not necessarily the case. Our products have a built in inverter technology that sets the appliance to idle once the room reaches optimal temperature, switching on again only if the temperature drops below this level. A heater, on the other hand, is likely to remain on throughout the day in order to keep a room warm, which uses a lot more electricity.” He adds that another, intangible benefit of using an air conditioner for heat is that by more consistently controlling the temperature of the room; you are less likely to get ill from constant changes in temperature. In addition, Samsung’s premium products have ‘Virus Doctor’ built into them. This technology promotes clean air through a simple plasma ion, which is able to eradicate 99% of airborne germs. One concern consumers may have is that purchasing an air conditioner is a much larger investment than buying a simple heater. Gower suggests that it should be remembered that such an appliance will be useful throughout the year, heating rooms in winter but will also be able to cool them in the long summer months.  “Ultimately, Samsung is committed to creating air conditioning solutions that are not only powerful and convenient, but that ensure optimum comfort in both winter and summer, all while delivering peak energy efficiency, which translates into lower electricity bills for consumers,” concludes Gower.

"You simply cannot obtain the same amount of comfort or efficiency in heating from another source, as these appliances are designed to control the whole room’s temperature. Moreover, an air conditioner allows you to maintain your desired room temperature more effectively too,” says Gower.  “Consumers may be concerned that an air conditioner will use more power, but even this is not necessarily the case. Our products have a built in inverter technology that sets the appliance to idle once the room reaches optimal temperature, switching on again only if the temperature drops below this level. A heater, on the other hand, is likely to remain on throughout the day in order to keep a room warm, which uses a lot more electricity.” He adds that another, intangible benefit of using an air conditioner for heat is that by more consistently controlling the temperature of the room; you are less likely to get ill from constant changes in temperature. In addition, Samsung’s premium products have ‘Virus Doctor’ built into them. This technology promotes clean air through a simple plasma ion, which is able to eradicate 99% of airborne germs. One concern consumers may have is that purchasing an air conditioner is a much larger investment than buying a simple heater. Gower suggests that it should be remembered that such an appliance will be useful throughout the year, heating rooms in winter but will also be able to cool them in the long summer months.

“Ultimately, Samsung is committed to creating air conditioning solutions that are not only powerful and convenient, but that ensure optimum comfort in both winter and summer, all while delivering peak energy efficiency, which translates into lower electricity bills for consumers,” concludes Gower.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

For further information, please contact:
Tebogo Mashego / Jake Griffioen
Epic MSLGROUP / Samsung Electronics South Africa
011 784 4790 / 011 549 1646 / 082 856 7557 / 071 671 2052
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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.

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).