For the Love of Music

Carol recently launched the Midlands Suzuki Music School, teaching piano and violin from her home in Lidgetton and at Lions River Primary, as well as several schools in Pietermaritzburg. With the help of BackaBuddy and a pupil’s parent, she raised funds to take a group of her Lions River pupils – many from underprivileged backgrounds – to Cape Town for a national Suzuki workshop. “Seeing those children perform so beautifully, many for the very first...

Thick with Tradition

I recently saw a post on Instagram where a South African food influencer spoke about a brand making real Greek yoghurt. Not “Greek-style,” or “double cream”, but yoghurt made the traditional way – strained, thick, and packed with protein. Naturally, I was curious. And hungry. I learned that most yoghurts on local supermarket shelves labelled “Greek style” are, in fact, not Greek at all – or at least not in method. They’re typically thickened using...

Breast cancer is a topic most women undoubtedly shudder to think about, and a sad reality is that many women are reportedly diagnosed in later stages due to a lack of sufficient awareness and education about it, or suitable health care available. This is something that the non-profit organisation, ILoveBoobies, seeks to change for South African women.   From a small fundraising effort in 2016 to an established and registered non-profit in 2017, ILoveBoobies has been...

Mama Mia!

As the Christmas holidays roll in, so does the never-ending supply of energy from little ones, eager to explore and have fun. While the festive season is a time for joy and family, it can also leave many mums and dads wondering what to do about – “I’m bored!”. Enter Mama Mia Playhouse & Café, in Tweedie, Howick – offering a breath of fresh air and a serene place of peace and relaxation for families...

Living in the Moment

We always keep our ears to the ground when it comes to outstanding community members, and we want to give a shout-out to one such member, Kate-Marie Butlin, a woman, mother, an avid trail runner, and business owner, who is proud to be building a successful life here in our neck of the woods. Meet Midlands-born mom and businesswoman, Kate-Marie Butlin. She has been shaped by small-town life in the best of ways and is...

Summer Magic

Celebration mode commences at this time of year, with public events, markets, and live performances – making the most of the extra daylight. These balmy weeks provide the perfect backdrop for everything that makes this part of the world daydream-worthy, with many opportunities to witness the drama of summer unfolding in nature. Here’s how to enjoy the season without the midday scorch: Early Morning Adventures  Sunrise Zip-linings For those who like a dash of adrenaline...

Celebrating 15 years of Cascades Lifestyle Centre

This year marks a special occasion for Cascades Lifestyle Centre in Pietermaritzburg because they’re celebrating their 15th birthday. This is a proud milestone for the centre, which had its humble beginnings as a small nature-inspired shopping destination with only a few shops. But, over the years, it blossomed into what it is today, a “lifestyle hub” with a rich combination of all things retail, wellness, dining, and community. “Cascades has always been about connection –...

#FABSTUFF – November/December 2025

We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love! The Ruby Orchard Indulge your senses with The Ruby Orchard’s Reed Room Diffusers! With three captivating scents – Spiced Fern, Island Fare, and Orange Fields – you can transform your space into a warm and inviting atmosphere. These luxurious diffusers come in 125ml bottles. Retail price is R395 www.therubyorchard.co.za Kruger Self-Drive: Routes, Roads and Ratings Navigate the Kruger like a pro and unlock all its secrets....