Unleash your creativity, challenge yourself outdoors, and indulge in the region’s culinary delights. When it comes to the chilly seasons, it’s tempting to hibernate with a warm cup of tea, a cosy blanket, and a favourite show. But winter has so much more to offer! From outdoor adventures to creative pursuits, there are plenty of ways to stay active and engaged. We’ve rounded up some fun activities and hobbies to get you out of hibernation...
While winter brings its splendours, it can also leave us susceptible to illness. Caring for ourselves during the colder and drier months is essential, so we consulted a few local health and fitness professionals for their recommendations on staying healthy from the inside out. Keeping the Blood Flowing Blood is life, and keeping it flowing is crucial, especially during winter. What better way than through exercise! While you don’t have to run a marathon or...
Indulge in two delicious recipes from the one and only Miche Bakehouse. Focaccia Bread Poolish/Preferment 85g lukewarm water 85g white bread flour 5g instant yeast Mix water, flour, and yeast together. Rest at room temperature for 1 hour and then place in the fridge overnight (8-12 hours). Ingredients: 220g cold water 320g white bread Flour 11g olive oil 11g salt 175g poolish Method: Add cold water, olive oil, and salt in a bowl and mix...
From cosy corners to garden escapes, we’ve rounded up the ultimate brunch destinations where good food meets great atmosphere. Ready to discover your next favourite spot? Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop Located in the heart of the Midlands, is your go-to spot for great coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Guests at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop can savour fresh salads, enjoy a leisurely brunch and indulge in sweet treats. Coffee lovers can relish expertly...
Safety while staying in the mountains is essential, so before you head out for a berg adventure, here are a few tips and recommendations of places to stay. Living in the Midlands has many perks, one in particular is the majestic Drakensberg Mountain range, which is just a stone’s throw away for a quick getaway. The berg offers ample places to explore and to stay, whether indoors or outdoors. You’ll never run out of things...
One of the best parts about the Midlands, apart from the majestic views and tight-knit community, is the exceptional coffee. We would love to celebrate three specific cafés that were selected as the regional winners of the Battle of the Beans competition recently: Lineage Coffee in Nottingham Road, Home Slice Café at The Old Mushroom Farm in Karkloof, and Next Coffee in Pietermaritzburg. Organised by the Coffee Colab (Coffee Collaboration), a collective of coffee experts...
Meet the Malawian mom who built a thriving local agriculture business. This is her inspiring story of family, farming, and the power of seeds. From the moment Chisomo Bean was born, agriculture was sown into her life. Growing up in a small village in Malawi, she spent her earliest years strapped to her mother’s back while they worked the land. Every harvest season, her family carefully selected the best seeds for the next planting—pumpkin seeds,...
One word: SPECTACULAR! This unique destination is more than worth the drive to get there. The journey to Thonga isn’t easy as the last 1.5 hours drive is on a sandy, bumpy road at a slow speed. The hotel is the only lodging for miles and miles in a protected area. The location is truly unique, with only 12 thatched rooms for guests, so the privacy is unparalleled. (At arrival, we changed our booking from...
In the heart of the Midlands Meander, Horse Shoe Bend is a charming retail haven offering artisanal goods, bespoke shopping, and gourmet delights. Unwind, connect and indulge in the region’s creativity in this unique boutique hub. Horse Shoe Bend Restaurant celebrates community spirit, flavour, and small-town hospitality. Their menu showcases the best of Midlands cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy live music, the custom-built fireplaces, and unforgettable meals. They also host monthly Dinner &...
Mom and daughter team Fay and Megan have built Image Insured to empower people to look their best, which in turn, brings a new sense of self-worth and healthy self-esteem. The business was established 40 years ago, when Fay trained as an Image Consultant with an international Canadian company called Colours in Harmony, and Megan was just a baby. As the youngest of five girls and growing up on a farm, Fay acknowledged that she...