Wedgewood Story, 25 Years On

Starting from humble beginnings in a Midlands family kitchen, Wedgewood Nougat was an unlikely success story. In 1999, Gilly Walters was struggling to find purpose against a backdrop of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and that was the year she stirred her first pot of soft honey nougat. Ordinarily, Gilly was an exuberant force to be reckoned with, always quick to support others, generous to a fault, and ready to get her hands dirty. In the...

Cascades Lifestyle Centre – A little something for everyone

Cascades Lifestyle Centre is Pietermaritzburg’s only boutique lifestyle shopping centre that offers beautifully maintained facilities. Ranging from open-air restaurants, several sports and outdoor shops, boutiques, big brands stores, and multiple exercise facilities, it’s the perfect one-stop shop to get essential and luxury items, while breathing in the fresh air from the lush natural surrounding environment. “Cascades is small enough for absolute shopping convenience and big enough to cater to all your household, food, and social...

Your Ideal Community Awaits

New developments to meet all your needs. Whether you’re a young family, a retired couple seeking care, or an outdoor enthusiast—the Midlands has it all! From eco-estates and lifestyle centres to private healthcare and new shopping development, everything is within reach. Multigenerational Living St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate in Howick, KZN, embodies the concept of “community-first” living by harmonising nature with the built environment. The Estate integrates green spaces, wetland areas, parks,...

Salt Slab – Texas Charm in Midlands

Alright alright alright! As Matthew McConaughey would say! The Salt Slab is a GREEN LIGHT! All the way! Now having lived in Texas for almost two years on and off, and experienced some of the best authentic BBQ in Dallas and Austen, the Scott clan were super excited to experience Texas BBQ in the Midlands! We arrived on opening day and as expected at any good BBQ joint, stood in line and waited to get...

Saddle Up & Wind Down

We spent a weekend in the mountains, snuggling by a fire under the stars, and waking up to a true country living at Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails. As the year speeds to a close, faster than we care to admit, it’s worth taking a moment to escape and reflect on the months that have passed. A weekend getaway to the great outdoors offers the perfect opportunity, and I was fortunate enough to do just...

Exploring Inland – A Traveller’s Guide to uMnambithi(Ladysmith)

uMnambithi (Ladysmith) is just under a two-hour drive from Howick and offers a historical getaway. It was initially named the Republic of Klip River, then Windsor, then Ladysmith – named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife in 1850. Known for being instrumental during The South African War, uMnambithi is a go-to if you want to get a feel for our South African past. A perfect place for an overnight stay or a longer adventure, here...

The Art of Baking

Miche Bakehouse opened its doors here in the Midlands on 1 October 2021, by Dave and Lyndsay Goncalves. Its inception was during the lockdown period when they spent time baking sourdough bread in Lyndsay’s mom’s kitchen all the way in Johannesburg. Little did they know this would end up being something they loved, from the process to the taste, they delved into different recipes and techniques, and a new business was on the rise. They...

Staying Suave

While the Midlands makes up the beautiful countryside of KwaZulu-Natal and is surrounded by farms, it might inform a particular type of dressing trend for men that is attributed to the outdoors and farming, but men don’t have to feel limited in their looks because of this. Who says you can’t dress up in the country? While it’s not one of the world’s fashion hubs, our little countryside nook of the world has a few...

Discovering Fordoun – An Oasis of Tranquillity

Fordoun Hotel and Spa is a little (not so little) piece of heaven that is one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever experienced! After being welcomed by the super efficient and friendly staff, we were quickly shown to room number three. What a view! The rooms are large and comfortable with a full bathroom en-suite, which is ideal for a person who loves to relax in a bath. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable,...

Smart, Stylish & Sustainable

The Volvo XC40 Recharge redefines what it means to drive sustainably without compromising on performance or luxury. With a clean design and power to match, this fully electric compact SUV offers an electrifying driving experience that’s both thrilling and eco-conscious.   When I walked into the premier Volvo Pietermaritzburg dealership, I was instantly drawn to the XC40 Recharge’s bold and modern design. With sleek lines and distinctive LED headlights, it exudes sophistication and style. The...