Iodine Simplified

Why Iodine is Important

The entire body uses iodine, not just the thyroid. Various tissues and organs are designed to concentrate large amounts which are necessary for their normal structure and function. Conversely, low iodine levels are associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, goiter and fibromyalgia, as well as cysts and nodules of the breast, thyroid and ovaries. Iodine researchers Drs. Abraham, Brownstein and Flechas tested 35,000 people – and 96% were deficient in this nutrient!

Thimble Cottage in Underberg

OVERVIEW:

Thimble Cottage:  Is our much-loved family holiday cottage situated outside of Underberg on the road towards Drakensberg Gardens, with beautiful views of the Drakensberg mountain range and the Umzimkulu River.  It has been in our family for over 30 years, and has kept all its charm and rustic appeal. It is the perfect place to simply unwind and relax, get away from it all, write a book, be an artist, laze in the garden, Star-gaze at the night sky or thaw your soul by a flickering fire.  For the more adventurous there are long hikes, bicycle rides or tubing down the river.  Prepare yourself delicious meals in our well-equipped kitchen and enjoy a chin-wag eating outside on the beautiful patio.

Laminitis in Horses: My Story

Laminitis... a swear word in the horse lovers community.  Something I didn't know much about until recently.  Each horse is different and each horse owners story is different. I prefer a natural approach.  I have pulled my pets (and family) through many things when vets have written them off.  This is my story, and where my research led me.

Thunder - my old man (left) and Fire - my mare (right)
Photo taken about 2 years Prior.

Dukkah Spice

Guests of ours recently spoilt us, with making this most wonderful spice.  They very kindly shared the recipe, which is based on the traditional Egyptian Dukkah Recipe (but better!).  This is the most Fabulous deliciously yummy spice,  I found myself sprinkling it in on almost everything, even just gobbling straight out my hand.

Dukkah spice

Cold and Flu Remedies Part 2

COMMON COLD and FLU-LIKE NATURAL REMEDIES:

I'm very much towards the natural approach to healing.  But like all things you have to listen to your body... and more importantly, your essence / heart / what feels right to you?  If you are running a fever or your lungs feel tight, then don't hesitate to see your local best doc,  they are, after all, trained to make you healthy.

So saying... here are my remedies, which work for me and my family,  and this way we manage to combat almost every cold without visiting that doc.

Apple and Pineapple Crumble

APPLE and PINEAPPLE CRUMBLE

This is such a lovely easy desserts, or for tea.  Kids love to help with crumbling the butter into the flour - such fun!  The oats, apples and pineapple make it pretty healthy too - Yummy!

Oat & Seed Crunchies

HEALTHY OAT and SEED CRUNCHIES

I love this recipe - it is super duper easy and the whole family just loves them,  Just my sort of thing.  I have been asked so many times for the recipe over the years.  So this is one you are going to have to print out.  Have any of you heard of Yummly?  I keep my favourite recipes on there - it is an awesome site.   The oats are nice and healthy,as is the handful of nuts, seeds or both.  This is a really kid friendly, in both the making process.... and the eating process!

Fresh out the oven

Mielie Pap

MEILIE 'PAP' or 'PUTU'
This is the staple diet of the majority of South African's, made from maize meal, which is ground up dried corn.  It is also the most popular side dish at a braai (barbeque) in Africa.  SA Kids and adults love it!  It is usually served with a tomato and onion relish or gravy.  Or served with a stew, to soak up all that delicious gravy.  It is even eaten for breakfast with milk and sugar as a porridge.

  

Mielie pap topped with Tomato relish and melted cheese

Vegetable Curry

VEGETABLE CURRY
I was looking for inspiration for a fantastic thick chunky vegetarian curry recipe,   but none particularly appealed to me,  So, once again, I fell back on my own inspiration and wanting of good healthy food.   I ended up with this wonderful recipe, which I use regularly and adapt according to what's in season.  Perfect for a cold rainy evening.  It is Vegan, and Gluten Free,  and only uses one pot (bonus!).  I hope you love it as much as my family does.

Vegetarian Curry

The Best Chocolate Brownies

GRANNY’s BEST CHOCOLATE BROWNIES.... EVER

This recipe is my Gran's.  She honestly makes the best brownies ever.  It is superb, and definitely the simplest most delicious Brownie recipe I have ever come across.  And believe me... I have tried a few.

Building our Pool

Our summer heat and humidity, is only just bearable. We did a toss up between building a small cottage for family guests or building a pool.  After wading our way through another stifling hot sticky February - the pool Won - guests lost!  "Ag shame" you might say in true South African-ism... but we have a guest house on the farm we holiday let out anyhow... they can stay there in all its luxury! - see Chumbi Bush House.

Finished Pool - at sunset

Hand Raising a wild antelope

HAND-RAISING 'JINX' - a RED DUIKER

A Red Duiker named Jinx

I have had the most wonderful opportunities in life, and one of those was being able to hand raise a few wild animals - many birds, a wood owl, a genet and a red duiker.   The red duiker I got the most attached to, he was a pleasure to watch develop into a characterful little animal - full of spunk.

Chumbi Bush House in Hluhluwe

Please visit my official 
Chumbi Bush house site HERE.

Main entrance

Peppermint Crisp pudding

This is a very typical South African dessert.  Quick, simple, very yummy and looks fabulous and best of all - no baking involved!  

Peppermint Crisp Pud

Sticky Sweet Chilli and Tamarillo Jam

My Little Veggie patch is full of little bell peppers and Chillis. And my Tamarillo tree is drooping with Tamarillos.  So what better way than to utilize them all in a sweet chilli jam?!  You can substitute the Tamarillos for tomatoes if you like.  It is absolutely delicious.

Tamarillos and Chillis

Delicious Shrimp Mousse

This recipe is super easy and absolutely fabulous.  You are guaranteed "Wow" comments.  I have been making it for years, and it never fails to impress!

Shrimp mousse ready for spreading onto biscuits - Yum!

Creamy Salmon Pasta

Cooking up some creamy Salmon pasta