Looking to get rid of some of that post baby weight or just in need of getting fit, why not try the Hot Mamma’s Fitness Programe! Contact Lindsay on 082 882 2211, for more details.
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Lifestyle
Recently I was invited to experience a unique massage treatment at enmasse Massage Concept, in Gardens, Cape Town. The massage experience is like no other in the Western world, by simply elevating and reinventing the positive aspects of oil-free, hygienic and fully clothed Thai massage, enmasse offers regular de-stressing from the modern world.
From Tai Chi to Chai tea, many aspects of the Orient have been assimilated into Western Culture over the last few decades. Now, a uniquely new type of venue called enmasse is about to change the notion of massage forever by combining the allure of authenticity with the familiarity of convenience, something never seen in the field of massage.
Upon arrival at enmasse I was welcomed and given the opportunity to lock away any of my valuables in a secure safe. Then I changed from my city clothing into white linen robes. Once kited out in my white ninja garb, I was led to the upstairs massage area, surrounded by dark walls and white massage mats – it was something quite surreal. The soothing music, a mix of house and lounge – rather different from the usual music played in spa’s, allows you to be drawn into a comforting and relaxing world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I am always in need of a massage as I carry all my stress in my neck and back (all those hours in front of my computer), I opted for medium to firm pressure, my therapist explained that he would be using a technique called acupressure, which at times was fairly painful but very necessary to loosen all the tight bits! After my massage I was encouraged to relax under a warm covering and allow the relaxation to continue.
After allowing the massage to take its full effect I ventured down to the tea lounge, where you are spoilt for choice with a variety of herbal and black teas. I chose a Rooibos Chai tea, which is brewed in a glass tea-pot, while you sit back and page through a magazine of your choosing. This was really a treat, to just sit and do nothing! I was truly reluctant to have to change back into my clothing and face the real world but alas all good things must come to an end!
To contact enmasse and find out more about their massage menu and for contact details click over to their website here.
Image Source: enmasse
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The Flexi-bar is a revolutionary fitness tool from Germany, which activates both voluntary and involuntary muscles in a shorter space of time. The Flexi-Bar was originally developed by physiotherapists in Germany and was designed for rehabilitation purposes. The tool assists with injury prevention and faster injury rehabilitation.
Due to our modern-day lifestyle, our children spend far too much time indoors and not enough time engaging in physical activities such as climbing trees, playing on jungle gyms and riding bikes. This type of inactive lifestyle has led to an increase in the under development of children’s muscles and co-ordination skills.
The Flexi-Bar, available from Flexi-Sports SA, is a great tool for introducing the concepts of core conditioning and dynamic torso stability to children, as well as being an entertaining and stress relieving way to exercise. The Flexi-Bar is a proven therapy for mending and preventing back pain, therefore training with the bars will result in strong healthy backs and better circulation for the learners and this will lead to more effective working.
According to ADHASA, ADHD is believed to affect 10% of the South Africa population, and is prevalent in every ethnic and socio-economic cluster. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is believed to affect 8-12% of school-aged children worldwide.
Children suffering from ADD and ADHD can benefit from using the Flexi-bar, as it helps improve concentration, blood flow, oxygen intake and co-ordination. The Flexi-Bar engages muscle inter-play and improves intra and inter-muscle coordination.
Traditional gym work-outs are not enough to combat ADD and ADHD in children as the training only encourages muscles to work in isolation as opposed to interplaying and working together.
The Flexi-Bar uses vibration training to create muscle tone and strength. As you swing a Flexi-Bar, vibrations pass through your body. These signals tell the muscles they are being pushed away from their centre and they must automatically contract to bring themselves back. The deep core muscles are involuntary, thus they are notoriously difficult to target and strengthen effectively. This is why 80% of the population suffers from back pain at some stage of their lives.
The Flexi-Bar can be used off the sports field and in the classroom by remedial departments and results in improved concentration, blood flow, oxygen intake, coordination, as well as right and left side brain stimulation.
Many schools in South Africa have joined the likes of some of the world’s top sporting teams such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Newcastle FC and a host of Olympic gold medallists, in choosing the Flexi-Bar tool to add to their existing sports-specific programme.
To order your Flexi-Bar and enquire about Flexi-Bar training sessions please visit www.flexi-sports.co.za or call 021 683 9981. You can also follow Flexi-Bar on Facebook.
We are giving away a Kids Flexi-Bar, valued at R900, to one lucky reader. All you need to do is “like” Super Mom Blog on Facebook and “like” Flexi-bar on Facebook. Please leave a comment on this blog, below the post, stating that you have completed the above, along with your details in the comment section below this post (please include your email address).
Competition Details:
- This giveaway will run from Friday 20th July 2012, until the 27th July 2012. The winner will then be randomly selected and announced on my blog on the 28th July. The winners will also be notified via email that they have won.
- The winner will receive 1 Kids Flexi-bar to the value of R900.
- Please leave a comment on this blog, below the post, stating that you have completed the above; along with your details in the comment section below this post (please include your email address). If you do not complete this step your entry will not be valid.
- Conditions of entry: Anyone may enter this giveaway but please advised that Flex-bar is situated in South Africa and the prize will only be shipped within South Africa. The prize may not be exchanged for cash.
This competition is closed
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For those of you who don’t know me I am a local Cape Town girl who likes to live the simple life but enjoys the finer things life has to offer. I love food and it has always been an important part of my life and Cape Town certainly has a great deal to offer gastronomically. Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview a local food legend, certainly in our quiet seaside suburb of Noordhoek, not to mention the greater foodie community, Franck Dangereux.
Although now a local man Franck was born in France (Cannes). He grew up in a family where, despite not being foodies themselves, food and eating was always at the heart of the home. In Franck’s words, his passion for cooking was “born out of a love of eating”. Languishing family feasts were always a strong tradition and trips to the local markets, a childhood adventure. Franck does feel that in modern society we might be in danger of missing these fantastic opportunities, of families being united by sharing in delicious food and making precious memories.
He started cooking at the age of 14 and began studying at the Nice Hotel School, the following year. By the age of 18 Franck was working in 3 Michelin Star restaurants in Paris. In 1987 while on holiday, Franck visited South Africa for the first time, only to fall in love with this magnificent country. He also happened to meet up with a local South African, Pete de Bruin, and despite their language barrier, (aided by the power of Tequila) they formed a friendship that would ultimately see them reunited through a joint vision in the future.
After a few more years spent honing his skills aboard, Franck officially immigrated to South Africa and made Cape Town his home. His first job in Cape Town was working for Franck Swainston at the esteemed Constantia Uitsig, where he worked as Head Chef for two years. In 1996, after taking some time off from the intensity of the kitchen, Franck returned to the gastronomic world and started La Colombe. He was given carte blanche to create a lavish fine dining experience, which would go on to achieve numerous accolades, including being voted as one of the top 50 Restaurants in the World in 2006.
A few years later, after discovering that the Noordhoek Farm Stall was up for sale, Franck and Pete realised the dream that their shared passion for food had ignited years previously, and The Foodbarn was officially born.
As a local Noordhoek – lass I have had the opportunity of eating at The Foodbarn many times, but what you may ask, is so special about this restaurant? The vision that Franck had for this eatery was to have a fine dining experience with great food and wine but a relaxed ambience and The Foodbarn certainly lives up to this expectation. Patrons are treated to a wonderful dining experience and great seasonal specials.
Franck believes that cooking is an experience that should excite all your senses, that food should be both visually appealing as well as taste good, with sauces being his forte, from a simple vinaigrette to a fragrantly spiced jus. Wine is also an integral part of your dining experience at The Foodbarn, with food and wine pairing recommendations being a feature of their menu.
Together Franck and Pete run The Foodbarn, Franck bringing his exceptional food skills and Pete his astute business knowledge, from years spent working in the corporate world. Not to forget Pete’s role of as the charming host at the Foodbarn, as well as looking his “baby” The Foodbarn Deli & Tapas, a more relaxed and rustic eatery. To find out more about Pete see a recent article featuring him as the Village Personality for March, on the Noordhoek Village website.
The Foodbarn is currently running a seasonal special, where diners can enjoy 50% off food ordered from the restaurant ala carte menu, Monday to Friday, lunches only. A few days ago I was lucky enough to be invited to photograph and sample two of these amazing dishes. The food did indeed taste as good as it looked! Below you will see the two dishes which I tasted and I would highly recommend that you visit The Foodbarn. (See the bottom of the page for contact details)
I would just like to thank Franck and Pete for this great opportunity and for bringing such a great dining experience to the area! I wish them continued success with both of their restaurants!
Contact Details: Email info @ thefoodbarn.co.za - contact the restaurant+27 (0)21 789 1390 - contact the deli+27 (0)21 789 1966 – address Noordhoek Farm Village Corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road Noordhoek 7979Photography: ©FAR Photography
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I loved these two shots which are so different but the whole mood is set by the pop of colour giving the images a quirky, fun element!
Source: Super Mom Tumblr
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I am Fiona, a Capetonian with a passion for all things beautiful and creative. Inspired Living, is a melting pot of things that inspire me from beauty to fashion & photography. I love to cook & family is super important to me! I hope you stay a while & please do come back! Thank you for visiting my blog! Please follow me on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with future posts... 
