As the year begins and we find that we don’t have that much time off from the rat race to head off to the beautiful Midlands for a day at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, and spend a day with their Spa Team who all agree, that there is no excuse for not taking care of your skin!

This is especially true as summer draws to an end. Time spent in the drying outdoors and in the sun makes this the perfect time to ready your skin for the upcoming autumn season and ultimately winter when it needs to absorb the moisturisers that are needed to combat the effects of harsher cold weather.

The Granny Mouse Spa Team is even prepared to share their favourite exfoliation mask to really clear your skin of all dead skin particles and ensure your face looks smooth and fresh.

It’s so easy to make, smells amazing and the results are great!

Here’s the recipe for their not-so-secret-anymore exfoliation mask:

1. Add one tablespoon of natural, plain yoghurt to a teaspoon of sugar (preferably brown sugar)
2. Mix the two together well and apply a thick layer to your face, as well as neck.
3. Leave the mask on for at least 15 minutes.
4. Using wet fingers, rub the mask, as you gently exfoliate your skin, doing so in small circular movements.

“The yoghurt nourishes your skin really well, ensuring that your skin is well hydrated- which is particularly great after a hot SA summer!”

For more information, or to book your next Spa treatment, contact Granny Mouse on (033) 234 4071.

February is the month of love and, right in the middle, is Valentine’s Day – one of the largest card and flower sending celebrations of the year around the globe!

Like so many of our favourite love stories, the history of Valentine’s Day is bitter sweet.

It dates back to the third century when the Roman Emperor of the time outlawed marriage for his soldiers.  A young priest named Valentine didn’t share his opinion and continued to marry young lovers in secret. He was eventually jailed for conducting these nuptials and, ironically, during his time behind bars, fell in love with his jailer’s daughter who visited him in prison. Before he was put to death on February 14, 270 AD, Valentine sent a letter to this special young lady, signing it with what has now become the traditional “From Your Valentine”.

Co-incidentally, in ancient cultures, February has always been a time for fertility festivals, making flowers the perfect choice as a gift. This also dates back to the old fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. In the old days, each flower had a specific meaning in much the same way as our Zulu beadwork originated to convey specific love messages

Through the centuries, however, red roses, have become the ‘official’ Valentine’s Day flower.

But why not try something completely different this year? Sean Granger, general manager at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, suggests: “With South Africa having so many beautiful, indigenous flowers to choose from, it seems like the perfect direction to go when choosing your Valentine’s Day bunch or bouquet.”

That also sends the message that we love our beautiful countryside and, in particular, the lovely surrounds of Granny Mouse.

Granger not only includes stunning indigenous blooms in his arrangements but says they always include plenty of greenery, “We’re a very lucky province to have a constant supply of shrubbery and fresh greenery to always add into flower arrangements. This does such a great job of ‘bulking up’ an arrangement and offsetting and highlighting the beautiful flowers that make up each bunch”.

For a special Valentine’s touch, add just a single red rose to a lovely indigenous bouquet.

For any more tips on arrangements, give Granny Mouse a call on 033 234 4071.