Monthly Archives: April 2017

Treatments for dry, flaky skin

Autumn in South Africa, brings with it an irregular weather change, with cooler and often windier and wetter weather as it moves into winter.

As the seasons change, so do the effects on one’s skin. Windy and colder weather in particular can often leave the skin dry and flaky. However, apart from the weather, everyday bathing with harsh alkaline soaps and hard water, can also affect the skin.

There are ways of combating certain non-medical skin problems with specialised hydrating treatments that deal with dryness and exfoliation for flakiness.

Take a trip to the spa and opt for a specialised treatment to soften and care for the skin when the standard body lotion is no longer working, and while you are there, take a break and unwind for a few hours.

Natural ingredients that assist with hydration include milk, honey, olive oil, avocado, as well as essential oils such as neroli, vanilla, lavender and more.

“At this time of the year, many of our guests request hydrating treatments. Some of the treatments we find most popular include our 30 minute CSpa Shimmer Milk Bath, a bath rich in vitamins that is regenerating, rejuvenating and re-mineralising. We offer this for both individuals (R250) and couples (R430). For exfoliation, we offer both body wraps and exfoliations. Our 30 minute Salt Glow Full Body Exfoliation (R 290) is a popular choice with mineral salts used to exfoliate, leaving the skin smooth and radiant; perfect for those with dry and peeling skin,” says Yolandi Potgieter of the Granny Mouse Spa.

Granny Mouse spa also offer the CSpa Hydrating Wrap, a 60 minute treatment that includes exfoliation and hydration in one. Neroli and vanilla essential oils are used in this treatment. (R 500)

For more information or to book a treatment to beat the winter blues, Call 033 234 4071 or email spa@grannymouse.co.za

Recycled Easter planter to add character to your garden

This year, apart from hiding little chocolate bunnies and eggs in the garden, why not add something else to the garden – a bunny themed plastic bottle pot plant.

Either mom or dad can make these and add them to the garden, or the kids can get involved and perhaps give this as a gift to their friends for Easter.

Here is how to make it:

Step 1

Step 1 – Cut a plastic 2L soda bottle in half

Step 2

Step 2 – using a ruler, measure 6cm away from the top of the bottle half and then draw a line around the bottle using a marker. Then on one side, draw bunny ears, about 4cm away from the marker line. This will give you an outline of where you are going to cut.

Step 3- Cut and even the edges using scissors and a fine grit sandpaper.

Step 3

Step 4- Using acrylic craft paint or a plastic-friendly paint, dip a sponge and dab in an air brush effect around the entire container. Allow to dry and then draw a face using a marker, paint etc. You can also add little craft eyes and a fluffy cotton wool tail, for a fun effect.

Step 4

Step 5 – make a few holes in the bottom of the container and then add potters soil and a plant or drop in a plant, already in a pot. Then add a trickle of water.

Place in the garden to add a pop of colour and character or add in a herb and keep on the kitchen window sill (if sun does reach this area), for quick access at cooking time.

Tips supplied by Sean Granger, the General Manager of Granny Mouse, husband and father of three adorable children.