“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning”.

This quote from Aleph, a 2011 novel by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, is a description found true by many and was, likewise, the feeling of Natanya Smit when she met her husband, Corné.

It was on September 17^th , 2016, when Natanya and Corné tied the knot at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, a day that Natanya recalls as, “A moment in time, forever in our hearts and minds.”

The journey of the Smit’s is one of pure fate. Having met at High school and completing Matric together at Hoërskool Brits in the North West of South Africa, both had developed an interest in each other and became class friends, sharing a love for History.

“After years of intermittent communication, our friendship bloomed into a relationship.  One coffee led to another, and a year later, Corné proposed at the Karkloof waterfall in Howick after a romantic and heartfelt speech,” Natanya said.

The couple lived in Pretoria at the time and happened to be on holiday in Howick, when Corne’ proposed. During her time in Howick, Natanya also vied for a job interview and was employed the same day, with the couple then making the move to KZN.

For them, a wedding in the Midlands was their first choice, after an unforgettable proposal in the same town. “Granny Mouse was the first venue we viewed.   We looked at another 5 or 6, but kept going back to our first,” she added.

For the couple, Granny Mouse were reasonably priced, with a quotation that included more than most; the staff was accommodating, friendly and quick to respond to any concerns or questions and the view was gorgeous. “The venue was also excellently equipped for bad weather, which is notorious in the KZN Midlands,” she claimed.

With a wedding day better than they could have imagined, the Smit’s said that the highlights of their special day had to be doing their photo shoot in the rain and of course the food and especially the reception – being surrounded with those who they love. “Without a doubt,” answered Natanya, when asked if she would recommend Granny Mouse to other bride’s.

Say “I do” in style at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, and fall in love all over again. View the wedding packages here: http://grannymouse.co.za/weddings/

The summer months and holiday season call for much needed time spent caring for your skin so that 2017 starts off with #FabSkin!

For many who live a busy lifestyle, everyday maintenance of one’s skin can become tiresome and many tend to leave out important steps in their beauty regime or may be using the incorrect products for their skin type. The holiday season and time off calls for action to be taken.

Here is a basic seven step facial care process that should become a habit to give your face the care it needs:

1. Cleansing: Do not use a soap bar or hot water. Opt for a cleansing lotion or face wash, but ensure it is suited to your skin type. Cleansing removes access make up, oil and dirt. You can also use an oil moisturiser which can potentially act as a makeup remover as well.

2. Toning: This step helps normalise the PH balance of one’s skin. Toning also tightens pores and removes oil. (Beneficial for oily skin).

3. Moisturising: Many South Africans have a problem with dehydrated skin. Use a moisturizer both day and night and always include the neck and chest area. When the right moisturizer is used in the evening before going to sleep, it is likely to work wonders as the skin repairs itself when the body is in its rested state. However bear in mind that the moisturizer you were using in winter may not suit your skin needs in summer. In addition, do not rub the product vigorously onto the face, but rather dab and then gently pat the product into the skin. Emphasis on the word gently.

Another interesting step is to apply your facial moisturizer after you’ve completed cleansing and toning and before your skin has completely dried.

4. Protection: Apply a sunscreen or BB cream once the moisturiser has dried or find a daily moisturiser that contains an SPF.

5. Exfoliation: One should also exfoliate once or twice a week. Exfoliation removes dead, dry skin as well as dirt, oil and black heads. These sit on the surface of the skin and prevent optimal absorption of any product applied to the skin, which is why it is important to remove them. However, over-exfoliation can cause dry, flaky skin as well as large pores due to dehydration. Exfoliation should replace one’s cleanser when used.

6. Make- up removal: As much as it is more convenient, do not remove makeup with soapy water. Always use a makeup remover or oil based cleanser. Make up needs to be fully removed as it can cause clogged pores, and breakouts.

7. Hydrate: Drink a minimum of 2 to 3 litres of water a day. Water hydrates your skin, giving it a healthy younger look and feel.

“I have grown to love the Thalgo and C-Spa skin care range that offer a wide range of cleansers and toners for all skin types. In my years of beauty therapy I have found that people lack the knowledge of how important it is to tone one’s skin on a daily basis.  When skin is toned is means that a balance is formed in your skin – it goes from acidic to alkaline. One such beauty spa which stocks these products as well as offer facials for those needing a hydration boost, rebalancing or even an anti-aging treatment, is Granny Mouse Spa which recently celebrated its 10^th birthday. The ranges themselves also offer an array of moisturisers, serums, and boosters that are suited to particular skin needs. I also use these products in my personal beauty regimen,” comments Iska Bharath, Trainer & Operations Consultant KZN from the Camelot Spa Group which manages Granny Mouse Spa.