As we start preparing for Christmas, it is time to plan what kind of Christmas you’d prefer – a stay at home Christmas or a getaway Christmas.

This year, why not break away from the norm 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.

Executive Culinary Artist, Wayland Green and his team in the kitchen, have created a scrumptious 5 course Christmas Lunch on December 25^th, in a Table of Unity style for those looking to celebrate Christmas at ‘home away from home’ with old friends, new friends and of course those wonderful people we call family!

With welcome drinks on arrival at 12h00, guests will be seated at a long luncheon table with the Christmas celebrations beginning promptly at 12h30.

The menu includes a wonderful experience for the taste buds, with course 1 set as Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Crispy Pastry, Goats Cheese Mousse, Caramelized Red Onion, Thyme & White Wine Syrup paired with Warwick First Lady Unoaked Chardonnay; course 2 – Pulled Duck & Orange Springrolls, Spiced Butternut Puree, Cranberry, Pistachio, Cucumber & Thyme Salsa paired with Villiera Jasmine Fragrant White; course 3 – Grilled Garlic Butterfish, Crispy Capers, Shell Fish Velouté, Herb Butter Prawns, Tagliatelle Pasta paired with Rijk’s Touch of Oak Chardonnay, as well as a palette cleanser of Raspberry & Lemon Sorbet, Cinnamon Meringue before course 4 is served.

Course 4, dig in to a Grilled Beef Fillet, Sautéed Bacon, Brussel Sprouts, Herb Garlic Fondant Potatoes, Rosemary Red Wine Jus paired with Glenelly Cabernet Sauvignon and for those who adore a sweet treat to end it all off, the final course, dessert, will be Beetroot Parfait, White Chocolate Macaroon, White Chocolate Sorbet with Beetroot Meringue, Berry Coulis & Lemon Curd paired with Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir.

Lunch costs R795 per adult and R550 per person aged 14 to 17 years for the 5 course menu and R250 per person aged 5 to 13 years featuring a 3 course meal, with under 5 years eating free.  T’s & C’s apply.

For those wanting something more exclusive, Granny Mouse are opening up 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 19^th December 2017. www.grannymouse.co.za

Summer is here and among the most common types of skin concerns arise in areas where there is warmer weather.

Higher temperatures almost always mean that the skin will be exposed to UV rays, humidity and more, causing the skin to sweat, and produce a larger amount of oil.

An oversupply of oil leads to the pores becoming blocked and dreadful zits and blemishes cropping up as a result.

The African climate is a harsh one and in order to prevent or manage any skin concern, one can take steps to care for one’s skin.

For oily skin:

Oily skin almost always produced blemishes. Use a gel cleanser, oil-free products and mattifying, pore-minimising moisturiser.

Carry blot cloths with you at all times to pat away any shine/oil.

Remove makeup correctly with a makeup remover and cotton pads, and follow a strict cleansing routine, remembering to tone. Natural ingredients that can assist in your routine include aloe vera, tea tree and lemon extract.

For dry/dehydrated skin

For skin that is in need of hydration, stick to rich, creamy and nourishing ingredients such as rose water, rooibos, Shea butter, coconut oil and the likes.

When selecting a treatment at the salon, decide on which area of the body you would like to focus on.

For the face – a facial is the obvious option and certain spa-related brands have created products specifically designed for skin problems.

Since 1964, Thalgo has recognised the benefits and potential of the sea to develop beauty products, treatments and nutritional supplements. Marine algae is at the heart of Thalgo’s success.

For oily or combination skin, one could try a Thalgo Algae facial, an intense treatment that is deep cleansing and purifying. It promotes cleaner skin, with a tighter skin surface and less visible pores.

For dry skin, one could try the Absolute Hydration Range with a Thalgo Source Marine Hydrating Facial. This facial features the marine ingredient Seve Marine which combats signs of dehydration, leaving the skin softer with improved skin texture.

Thalgo products are available at specific spas, and are also incorporated into specific treatments at these spas. Find your nearest by visiting www.thalgo.co.za or alternatively call 033 234 4071 or email spa@grannymouse.co.za to book at the Granny Mouse Spa at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa who not only offer Thalgo products, but Thalgo treatments sure to suit your every need.