With the pandemic at hand, most of us are suffering the stresses and strains of daily living, especially mothers! Ticking off the boss’s wish list, collecting the kids from school to dropping them off at their sports games, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and having a social life, mothers hardly have time to fit self-care into their schedules.

What do moms really need? A break! And what better way to take some time off than enjoying a spa day and all the benefits it comes with? Massage is the ideal therapy for mothers caught up in the ever-accelerating hamster wheel of tasks and tribulations.

Although there’s still room for plenty of research in this area, this age-old form of medicine is believed to reduce stress, improve circulation, loosen up those tight muscles and tendons, reduce pain, help eliminate toxins, improve sleep, enhance your immune system, and relieve fatigue and so much more.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa therapists believe that a good massage is the perfect antidote for stress and fatigue and helps restore lost vigor and energy. It is an excellent way to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.

“Massages are most certainly beneficial in so many ways, and, when done by a true professional, can induce many long-term gains. Simply feeling pampered can have a hugely positive effect and relieve those psychological strains that can actually lead to physical illness”, they explained.

At Granny Mouse, you can pick from a wide range of different types of massage, each targeting slightly different problems and delivering much needed relief. Offering human touch therapy, this is known as a powerful aid to assist in healing, restoring and balancing the body. Massage increases blood circulation, aids in the removal of toxins to create an overall sense of well-being.

These treatments include:

• A Swedish full body massage eases tense muscles and induces relaxation.
• An aromatherapy full body massage, using the purest natural essential oils with healing therapeutic strokes, can iron out stiffness and improve your mood
• A deep tissue full body massage can help remove tension that has built up over long periods.
• Another option is the Granny Mouse spa hot stone full body massage. This re-energizing stone therapy treatment has a cleansing, harmonizing and relaxing effect on the body.

And there is so much more to offer! All massages are done in the tranquil and comforting treatment rooms at the spa.

So, make Mother’s Day special this year by treating her with some time to herself at the Mouse House. For more information go to www.grannymouse.co.za.

Are you “green” with envy of your fellow “green finger” neighbours who have great gardens, and it makes you “blooming” frustrated? It could be due to gardening landscaping errors, says general manager, Sean Granger for Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, who are not only known for their amazing country stays and outstanding cuisine, but for their stunning gardens too!

In saying that, the truly “home-away-from-home” gardening gurus at Granny Mouse have some tips that will avoid any errors when taking on the soil:

• Research how large the plant / flower can get. You may have spotted a plant on the TV or in a nearby field that you love, so before you buy it, do your research on that particular plant/ flower. You don’t want it to become a nuisance by possibly having to prune it on a weekly basis or a plant that outgrows its allotted space and you now have to find a new home for it!
• Avoid ground covers that can overrun your yard. Ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. It also provides protection of the topsoil from erosion and drought. Select something that will spread out and fill an area before weeds can gain a foothold!
• Mulch use. Who knew that “mulch” could cause damage to plants & flowers? But apparently it does. So, depending on what it is that you are planting, double check first with your local garden centre before you start “mulching”. As beneficial as mulch can be in helping you get your “plant babies” through the winter, you’d better know when to remove mulch as well; apparently some months are not agreeable! (Another question to ask your local garden centre expert!)
• Position plants / flowers for best display and growth potential. That’s right, do not just dig a hole, plant some seeds and hope for the best! There is sunlight to consider, soil to consider and yes, even your viewing pleasure has to be taken into consideration. After all, you do not want your roses blooming around the corner of your house where your guests or even you, cannot appreciate their beauty!
• That’s right, just because you have new “pruning shears”, and you want to put them to good use, one mustn’t just cut back “willy nilly”. “When is it a good time to prune my roses?” When it’s right for the plant and not because you want to cut.
• Before you plant, think about winter weather & location. Shrubs can add a nice touch to your driveway, especially when they’re in bloom. Just remember that seasonal change must always be kept in mind. What might be a perfectly acceptable plant for summer, could turn into a mistake in winter, so think in advance and always remember, Location, Location, Location!
• Know when it is time to call a Professional. If at first you don’t succeed, don’t be discouraged. If you find something isn’t blooming/growing, or just “doesn’t look right”, call in a local professional, and let them guide you.

So get out there and keep those fingers green and never give up on the landscaped garden of your dreams!

Inspired by source: thespruce.com