Author Archives: Goldfish Communications

Granny Mouse provides a proper family Christmas lunch experience this year

As we start winding down towards the end of the year, it is time to plan what kind of Christmas you’d prefer – stay at home Christmas or a getaway Christmas.

This year, why not take that well deserved break and embrace the holiday season by choosing to enjoy a special Christmas lunch celebration at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, located a mere 1 hour and 30 minutes from Durban and a friendly neighbour of Pietermaritzburg, right in the heart of Balgowan on the Midlands Meander route.

For those choosing the ‘home away from home’ option, Culinary Artist, Theo Mannie and his team in the kitchen, have created a scrumptious 5 course Christmas lunch to be served on Wednesday December 25th. So come and celebrate with old friends, new friends and of course those wonderful people we call family!

Welcome drinks will be served on arrival at 13h00. Thereafter, guests will be seated and the Christmas celebrations will begin promptly at 13h30.

The set menu kicks off with beetroot parfait (rosemary salt and goats cheese shortbread) complemented by Vrede & Lust The Jess Rose.

Following this scrumptious entrée is smoked salmon timbal (citrus cream cheese, marinated cucumber and champagne caviar) paired with Louisville unwooded Chardonnay.

Next up is seared duck breast (herbed polenta, glazed baby carrots and Asian with orange compote) accompanied by Newton Johnson Pinot Noir.

Then there is smoked lamb (caramelized peach puree, poached baby onions, mint jus and herbed ciabatta crisp) paired with Louisvale Dominique.

Both the meat dishes can be replaced by vegetarian options.

Ending off this feast is pumpkin spice panacotta (almond crumble, chocolate Chantilly cream and pumpkin seed bark) together with Kahlua liqueur.

Lunch costs R790 per person.

For those wanting something more exclusive, Granny Mouse also have available their award winning Cellar to one group of 10 people which includes a dedicated waiter or waitress, coffee and tea included with macaroons after the 5 course meal and a gift per person upon departure- all for only R1000 per person.

Every year, Christmas bookings come in rapidly, so, for more information or to reserve your place, contact Veronica on 033 234 4071 or email banqueting@grannymouse.co.za. Bookings close on Monday, 16th December 2019. www.grannymouse.co.za. T&C’s apply.

Spring clean your mind, body and soul

The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming up, and many are shedding their winter skin to embrace the freshness of the new season. Ah, it’s almost Spring! Winter, with its comfort foods and short, dark days has likely left you with a lot less energy than during warmer months when sun and fresh produce are plentiful. Now that we are moving into a new season of life, it is essential to clean out the body and mind of whatever might have stockpiled over these past few cold months.

We usually think of spring cleaning as housework, but the new season is also the perfect time to refresh your mind and body as well. Yuvati Shah, owner or Spa Royal at Royal Palm Hotel Umhlanga, shares 5 tips on how to spring clean your mind, body and soul.

  • Get a massage: Massage treatments such as the deep tissue massage, aromatherapy or detoxifying massage is a great way to free yourself of tension and relax. A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, low-back pain and more.
  • Meditate: There are thousands of studies that have shown mindfulness meditation can positively impact mental and physical health. Whether it’s by reducing stress, improving sleep, increasing focus, or improving relationships, research shows mindfulness works.
  • Drink Green Tea: According to Medical News Today, recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Eat mood-boosting foods: You’ve probably heard the saying ‘You are what you eat’ but most people don’t take it literally. What you eat actually plays a vital role in how you feel. Many of us crave indulgent carbohydrates like cookies, candy, ice cream, pretzels, and other sweet and starchy foods when we’re stressed, anxious, or tense. While these foods might lift your mood, chances are it will only be temporary. Try snacking on bananas, salmon, chicken, turkey, almond nuts, lentils, avocado, bell peppers or sun flower seeds instead. These foods can have a soothing effect in some women, and it may have something to do those women who experience low serotonin (a brain chemical responsible for feelings of calmness and relaxation) levels during these mood states. It is thought that consuming these foods helps boost serotonin levels, which results in feelings of contentedness and happiness.
  • Exercise Daily: The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety. It can also increase brain sensitivity for the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which relieve feelings of depression.

If you are needing a little pick me up to get rid of the winter slump before Spring gets into full swing, book a treatment at the Spa Royale at Royal Palm Hotel, Umhlanga on 031 566 1286 or email info@sparoyale.co.za.