The City of Cape Town has launched it’s Water Map.


In these times of water restrictions, with level 6b water restrictions coming into play from 1st February. The City of Cape Town has gone live with it’s Water Usage Map and have made this available online for the general public to peruse.

The importance of this map is not to name and shame residents but to make the public aware of which areas in and around the City are considered high water usage areas.

What areas are covered?
The Map covers the areas within the boundaries as shown below stretching as far as Atlantis, Mamre, Malmsbury Farms, Joostenberg Vlakte, Kraaifontein, Brakenfell, Kuils River, Eerste River, Stellenbosch, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Gordons Bay.


The data only shows the water usage of free hold houses with an estimated 4 people per house, not complexes, flats, squatter camps or the like. The map markers and ledged covers actual usage, zero or no data and estimated data.

 Where does the information come from?
The information shown on the map is based on the municipal billing system, and may in actual fact differ from what the actual usage is due to various reasons including water leaks, meter malfunctions, meter reading errors and other errors.

Did you know?
If there are more than four people living on your property, you need to apply to increase your water quota otherwise you could face hefty fines and have a compulsory water management device fitted at your own cost.

Who is responsible for saving water?
Each and every one of us is responsible for saving water. The daily usage limit is 50 litres per person across home, work, school, gym or elsewhere. For a guide on household usage click here.

Below is a glance at what the Harfield Village Area looks like.

 Dark Green dot < 6 Actual
Light Green dot < 10.5 Actual
Grey dot = Zero/No data
Grey dot with a Dark Green centre < 6 Estimate
Grey dot with a Light Green centre < 10.5 Estimate


Why is it important to save water?
While the City has put in place a means to obtain water from various additional sources we still need to cut our water consumption drastically otherwise we will hit “Day Zero”, which is currently scheduled for 12 April 2018. This date may be pushed out further towards the end of February as the City brings some additional water saving systems online. Find out more about Day Zero here.

Click here to launch the map

How does the Water Map work?
At a glance:
Once on the Water Map Home Page icons and links to assist you in finding your location.
On the left-hand side:
A search bar:
Insert your address or area here to zoom directly to your house, building or area
+ / - Buttons: 
These are to zoom in and zoom out of the map to find your location
The House Icon:
Is to see the default view
Square icon:
Is to automatically detect your location

On the right-hand side:
FAQ’s:
A link to a page that showcases the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding the map
Question Mark Icon:
Provides “Help” on some basic information regarding the Water Map of Cape Town.
The Layers Icon:
Allows you to select what information is shown on the map including Water Use, Water Zones, Treatment Effluent Collection Areas and more.
Legend Icon:
Offers the key to the map layers that you have selected.

The City has a 24 page document that explains how the map works in much more detail, should you wish to see more please click here.


#WatershedWednesday

The World Wildlife Fund has started a #WatershedWednesday campaign they publish great articles on a weekly basis providing the latest stats and water shortage information. Follow the link to find great tips to save water and prepare for day zero.

* Information correct as of 27 January 2018

 Norgarb Properties.

021-6741120 – www.norgarb.co.za – info@norgarb.co.za   

 

Strategy to keep the shoulders strong

By Dr Murray McDonald
(IG/Twitter: @DrMurrayMcD)


The shoulder is probably the most interesting joint in the body (at least to me). Partly because it sits on the fence between mobility and stability, but also because it is functionally several joints living in a co-dependent relationship. The ‘ball & socket’ joint gets all the press but it wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of the scapula (‘shoulder blade’), the clavicle (‘collarbone’) or the ribs (‘ribs’). This does however create a complex arrangement that can be prone to pain – especially with our current lifestyles of stress-marinaded, tech-addled, sedentary, desk work.

Now one might ask why, if a joint is so adaptable, can’t it adapt to sitting at a desk for 9hrs a day? And the answer is that it probably could. If that is all that we did. But we don’t – we have to shift furniture, pull stubborn pets, carry shopping bags, hang up washing, brush our hair, etc. Any of these movements could trigger pain in a shoulder that has been weakened by lack of use.

What this means is that we need a strategy to keep the shoulders strong, mobile, and happy. And this can be achieved in a number of ways, but here are a few tips:

1) Get your desk setup right. Get a decent chair with adjustable back and arm rests – AND USE THEM. If you’re not leaning against the backrest then your muscles have to do the work. Same goes for the arm rests. This can lead to tired, irritated muscles. Not good.

2) When you’re sitting, your elbows should be resting on either the armrest or the desk with your shoulder in a natural position i.e. less hunching like you live in a bell-tower, and your elbow should be close-ish to your body i.e. your arm shouldn’t have to reach so far forward all day.


3) Stay mobile throughout the day. Your body doesn’t like ANY position for too long (e.g. even my couch gets uncomfortable eventually… alas), so try to change positions – even slightly – as often as you can. Also take frequent breaks – these breaks don’t have to be long affairs involving passports and exploration, just a minute or two of circling your arms and some light stretching can be all that’s necessary.

4) Hang from a bar for 30 seconds a day. Before you say “I can’t possibly finish a beer in that time!” let me say that it’s not that kind of bar. What I mean is that we evolved when climbing trees was still a necessary skill so the shoulder is good at reaching overhead. Unfortunately modern life doesn’t require as much Tarzan-esque escapades as it should (much to my chagrin) and our shoulders suffer for it. So once a day (or more) just grab hold of a bar or other sturdy overhead structure (e.g. door frame) and hang as much of your weight as you can comfortably for a good, deep stretch. If you can’t manage it at first, work up to it with less of a “hang”, and more of a “lean”.

5) You can’t go wrong getting strong. Get active! Try to do some exercise every day - it could be a walk or a run, have a swim, have some fun, lift a weight (even two) - it’ll be good for you.

And if you’re still having problems? Time to call the chiropractor: 021 683 2996.


Claremont Chiropractic Health Centre
www.harfield-village.co.za
www.facebook.com/harfield.village.community 

Planning for the New Financial Year starts now

Planning for the New Financial Year starts now
 – Let’s talk about Budgets, a plan!

Single person budgets, Household budgets, Company budgets.

I like to call it a plan. In my 20’s I worked for a company where I had to travel to do budgets, a plan for the New Financial Year. We worked on those budgets for weeks, seeing where we could cut back, where we needed to increase. We a looked at the previous financial year in comparison. We adjusted for future expenses and future purchases. We looked at what made up our sales, and where we planned to increase them. Would we have the budget to open a new store?

Do you have a budget? A Plan?

I have a budget in my personal and business capacity, I used to have a rough budget and everything else was in my head. (That was when I was single and employed). Best advice is to write it down and best to have a budget as an individual, a family, a company. It never too young to start a budget.

Now that I am a Single Mom with a growing business and everything going up. Double electricity, no free water, a drought charge being in place. ADT charging a radio charge once a year. The Gym charging a maintenance charge once a year, my daughter needs to go to High School soon. (Let me not tell you how expensive that is going to be) and my house needing repair and maintenance. I have a Plan which I look at daily, weekly, monthly. I am always seeing where I can cut back, and where I can buy that thing I need or want. Where I can cut back to cover for those unexpected expenses. Can I afford to go to the Accountants conference at the end of the year in Johannesburg? Can I afford that new computer or can I afford that overseas holiday?

So I did my research, looking for more information to help myself and help others. I love researching and I started a plan.

Referring to Mike Michalowicz’s book “Profit first” I looked at my Income and Expense report – do you have one? I put in place, what is profitable, what I can reduce and what I must cancel system.

I looked at what made up my Income. I am in the service industry so I have different streams of Income at different times of the year. I looked at what I expected to make this year. At was I getting rid of. I looked at things that don’t work. At introducing new services. I also looked at the Seasons and how I could increase my income in the quiet season. (December/January is my quiet season) When is yours?

I looked at my Income and Expenses for the previous year. If you are a company have a look at your financials (management accounts) for the previous year. I looked at all the expenses that increase once a year, e.g. Insurance, security, rent (if you are renting). Even bank charges and make the allowance on the budget. I looked at once a year expenses, e.g. Motor Vehicle Licences, TV Licences, school stationery. Add them to your budget.

Now, for the best part, I put a saving plan in place. Do you have one? Referring to Mike Michalowiz’s book “Profit First’’, his Target Allocation Percentages (TAPS). (I love the book). I have a saving plan where I put away 5% for profit (R5 for every R100). 15% for Tax (R15 for every R100) and out of my owner’s compensation (salary) I decided to put away 10%. Each person’s Income is different. Their expenses are different and their debt is different. So his advice is to start small. 1% for Profit, 1% for Tax etc and increase it monthly until you reach the required percentage. It has been so exciting to watch my money grow.



In conclusion, Income Plan + Expense Plan + Saving Plan = Budget.

Need help with creating your budget. It doesn’t matter how small or big, need to know where you are going with your business. Contact me, Cherine@thebookkeepingcompany.co.za. I can help you create a plan, a budget.

What can neuroscience tell us about longevity in relationships?

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at the end of last year.  However, these days divorce, conscious uncoupling or not marrying at all seem all the rage.  So, as Valentine’s Day beckons, what can neuroscience – and the British Royals – tell us about longevity in relationships?


At the age of 13, Princess Elizabeth of England met for the first time her distant cousin, the 18 year old Prince Philip of Greece, and fell in love. Five years’ later, on the 20th November, 1947, at the age of 18, the Princess married the Naval Officer she had fallen in love with, who himself, in order to marry, rescinded his Greek title and became a British citizen - the Duke of Edinburgh. While theirs was to be a privileged life, no-one expected the happy, young couple to become the next leaders of the British monarchy, because her father’s brother Edward was next in line to be King. However, in order to marry divorcee Wallace Simpson, Edward abdicated and passed the role of King on to his brother. Yet, on the 6th February, 1952, just over 4 years’ after her wedding, Princess Elizabeth’s father King George VI died of lung cancer.


Since the Princess’ parents had not had more children and she was the oldest, her father’s death catapulted the 21 year old to Queen of England and the Commonwealth. A year before this happened, on her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth, knowing by then that one day she would be Queen, made a speech while on a trip with her parents to Cape Town stating, “It is very simple. I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong.” And over the last 70 years the Queen and Prince Phillip have demonstrated a human ability that seems almost obselete across privileged and less fortunate alike – to remain loyal to the goals they set themselves all those years’ ago. What then, can neuroscience add, to help us understand how to achieve our future goals - such as to stay together with a partner – despite the trials, tribulations and mind changes that confront us all?

The Queen and Prince Phillip have demonstrated both an ability to stay together for 70 years, and an ability to stick to their original goals to serve the Commonwealth, even though those goals were made when the world was very different – when neuroscience was not even invented yet! Neuroscience has, over the last decades, uncovered a huge amount of data about the underlying brain processes associated with the formulation and achievement of future goals, which can be related to longevity in relationships. In neuroscience, deficits in being able to achieve future goals are referred to as delay discounting, temporal discounting, or an inability to delay immediate gratification. Often, people who cannot achieve their original goals are impulsive, place higher value on immediate rewards, and are likely to be hyper-demonstrative when it comes to emotion. By contrast, think of the infamous British stiff upper lip, which may be a behaviour derived from the Queen’s ability to control her emotions and her impulsivity in order to achieve her future plans.

Placing a higher value on future as opposed to immediate reward is supported by an intact working
memory system in the brain. Working memory is the ability to hold in mind thoughts about things one would like to achieve in the future, without getting distracted by immediate stimuli. A strong working memory system also provides a strong sense of self and accomplishment – self-esteem gets stronger as more self-generated future goals are achieved. Furthermore, it is reported that people in happy, supportive relationships tend to live longer, happier lives (though it is, or course, better to be single than to remain in an abusive relationship). It is not easy fending off all the distractions in today’s fast-paced, hyper-stimulating digital age, and so one must regularly practice thinking about, and working towards one’s future relationship goals. To strengthen working memory, one can use cognitive training apps available online (see my website for more information), or simply repeat a self-generated mantra in mind over many months. 

It also helps to ‘find your tribe’, that is, to form friendships and romantic partnerships with people who have similar life goals. And I have no doubt that a strong working memory system is essential to keeping in mind, over many years, what it was that first made people fall in love with each other. It is highly likely that our stimulating modern world, full of tasty rewards, has weakened our ability to remember – like the Queen and Prince Phillip – what attracted us to our partners in the past, especially as we age during the passage of time. But rehearsing those memories of the first day you met your loved one – the first glance, the first touch, the first kiss, the first date – and thinking about what you were hoping for your future together when you first met, will strengthen your working memory and help you to achieve longevity (if you really want it!). And so, on the run-up to Valentine’s Day, remember that everybody – even the Queen and Prince Phillip – find relationships difficult at times. But if you can keep in mind the relationship goals you had in the past, you may be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a loved one for decades to come! Have a happy Valentine’s Day Harfield Villagers!

By Dr Samantha J. Brooks Ph.D.

Dr Samantha Brooks is a neuroscientist at the UCT Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, specialising in the neural correlates of impulse control from eating disorders to addiction.  For more information on neuroscience at UCT and to contact Samantha, see www.drsamanthabrooks.com.


 Click to read all previous articles by Dr Samantha J. Brooks Ph.D. 







www.harfield-village.co.za
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Some great ideas for getting really organised in 2108


Most agents agree that they are more productive when they are more organised, but in the rush to secure listings for January, handle the influx of calls from buyers who all want to move in time for the new school year, and persuade sellers not to take their homes off the market for the holidays, your office (and life) can end up pretty messy.

However, says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of BetterLife Home Loans, SA’s biggest bond originator, help is at hand – if you are prepared to spend just 15 to 30 minutes a day working towards a pristine office and a streamlined work routine that is not only going to make you want to go back to work in January but keep making you more effective and prosperous all through 2018.

“This might seem counter-intuitive when you look at the current chaos, but you should not fall into the trap of thinking you will only be able to clear it up if you have several hours or days of uninterrupted time and putting it off until that time materialises.

“The truth is, that time will probably never arrive and things will just get worse. You should rather just block out a small amount of time each day to make a start and then keep working on your organising tasks. This is a major time-management secret used by many of the world’s most successful business people.

“It will help you stick to a routine and will increase your motivation as you see things steadily improving.”

To get you started, here is a list of 10 tasks that can each be accomplished in under 30 minutes:

  •  Delete all old, unnecessary emails;
  •  Unsubscribe from all those e-newsletters that you never get time to read and just clutter up your inbox;
  •  Dust and vacuum your office or clean out the office fridge;
  •  Clean out your handbag, wallet and car boot and file the receipts you need for your expense claims and tax returns;
  •  Tackle one of the piles of mail / paper work on your desk and don’t put anything back on the pending pile;
  •  Update your email address book or client database;
  •  Research one new app or product that might improve your productivity;
  •  Go through all the numbers / contacts on your phone, delete the ones you don’t need and make a list of people to call over the next few days;
  •  Reorganise/ repack your marketing materials and order any items that you need;
  •  Set up one new organizational system on your computer, such as a new digital filing system for your sellers, buyers, marketing campaigns and house pictures.

Anne-Marie Bamber is Norgarb Properties dedicated Home Loans Consultant. She has over 15 years’ experience in assisting clients with their Home Loan needs and has placed many happy families in their dream homes.

Contact her today for no cost stress-free home-buying.

Anne-Marie Bamber
Home Loans consultant
Tel: +27 (0)21 851 3568 | Fax: +27 (0)21 441 1494 | Cell: +27 (0)82 071 1665
E-mail: anne-marie.bamber@betterlife.co.za

BetterLife Home Loans

Grey Water for Your Garden

The water crisis in Cape Town has reach new heights, with Day Zero fast approaching. The phrase “every drop counts” means a lot more now, and the need for every individual to take responsibility for their water usage has become critical. In a collective effort to save the little water we have left, Capetonians are being saving savvy, using every means possible to not only save the water that sits in the dams, but reusing water in their homes.


Grey water – that is, waste water from baths, showers, washing machines and kitchen sinks – has become an essential part of the water saving strategy. Although requiring a bit more effort, using grey water can reduce the city’s water consumption by approximately 30%. Emptying grey water into a household toilet cistern, for example, saves an estimated 30â„“ of water per day. Grey water is also a fantastic alternative to keeping your garden alive and thriving – here are some handy tips on how to beat the water shortages.

Using Water from Your Bathrooms

Brushing your teeth and showering are practices that occur on a daily basis. With a shower using use an average of 7.9â„“ per minute, and brushing of teeth using an average of 5.6â„“ per day, a large volume or reusable water is created. By replumbing the water from the bathroom basins and drains, water can be diverted to water the plants in your garden. Alternatively, place large bowls and buckets on the shower floor and in the basin to catch the excess run off, and empty the buckets onto your flower beds and or use them to flush your toilets.

Using Water from your Laundry

The water from your washing machine is a great alternative to catching water, due to the sheer volume of water used by washing machines. If harsh laundry detergents aren’t used in your washing machine, the water can be caught and used to water trees or landscape plants. Phosphates found in some detergents may harm the plants in your garden, so take care to use an environmentally friendly laundry powder that will not have a negative impact on the plants. Grey water from washing machines is most suitable for established trees and lawns. Should you not be using eco-friendly washing detergents and softeners then the water can be used for flushing the toilet.

Using Water from the Kitchen

The cold water from the kitchen sink that runs first before the water becomes hot can be used to indoor water plants. Place a large bowl or bucket underneath the tap to catch the run off, and reuse it by pouring it onto flower beds and pot plants. In addition, the rinse water from washing the dishes can also be used, although in this instance the water should be used within 24 hours to avoid bad odour. Reusing the water from steaming or boiling vegetables, is another fantastic option, as the water contains nutrients that are beneficial for the plants in the garden. Simply pour the used water from the cooking pot into pot plants and flower beds.

Grey water usage not only reduces the amount of water entering the city’s sewers, but reduces the demands of the public on water supply from dams. Providing grey water for your garden will encourage growth and provide a green place of solace amidst a difficult season. Every drop counts – use it wisely.


Norgarb Properties Agent Andre Ter Moshuizen who specialises in the Claremont area, shares some household tips and handy home hints with you every month. Read more of his articles here. 

Andre Ter Moshuizen: 082 602 1367 | andre@norgarb.co.za | www.norgarbproperties.co.za 








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February In The Garden

While this Summer has been cooler than in previous years, water is also more scarce than ever before in Cape Town. If you are growing veg, make sure to water them sparingly and only in the evening or early morning so you don't burn their leaves.


Make sure you have lots of mulch to aid water retention - there should be NO soil exposed to the sun, and a thick layer of mulch. If you are tending to veggies, you should be using water already used once – from the shower, sink or washing machine (if you use biodegradable products).

 It's amazing how much water you can recycle if you get the right sized basins! Hopefully everyone's being really creative with setting up rainwater systems too, and you can buy very smart flat plastic piping to attach to gutters and run into your garden. Ask about it at any hardware store – it's fairly cheap too!

Plant List for This Month: 

Bush and climber beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Calendula, Carrot, Chard/Spinach, Celery, Chinese cabbage, Chives, Chilli's, Kale, Kohlrabi, Globe artichokes, Leeks, Leaf mustard, Lettuce, Onion, Parsnip, Parsley, Potato, Radish, Rhubarb, Tomato

Happy growing!


Patchwork Group

www.harfield-village.co.za
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EASY PEASY BREAD

There is nothing wrong with wheat or bread, but the refined flour that is available is empty, over processed and can barely be considered real food. Use stoned-ground flour to make real bread.

Makes 1 loaf of bread!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter, softened

450g of white or whole wheat stone-ground flour

1 x 7g sachet instant yeast

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon brown sugar

450ml of water at room temperate


Method:
                 
1. Grease a medium loaf tin with softened butter or line with baking paper.

2. Sift flour into large mixing bowl, if you want to keep the bran, tip it into the bowl after sieving. Stir in the yeast and salt. Make a well in the centre of the pile.

3. Stir the sugar into the water and pour into the well. Mix together then beat with wooden spoon for about 2 minutes. The dough is ready when its soft and sticky and come away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Transfer the dough into the loaf tin, cover with a damp tea towel, and leave in a warm place for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes preheat the oven to 200á´¼C.

5. Once the dough has risen almost to the top of the tin, uncover and bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until brown. Remove from tin – it should sound hollow when you tap the base of the loaf.

6. To harden the crust you can return the loaf to the oven for a few minutes. Leave on a wire rake to cool.

7. Homemade bread will turn mouldy much faster than store-bought bread, so use within 2 days, or freeze in slices.

Estate Agent
Cell: +27 (0)82 846 0739 | Office: +27 (0)21 674 1120 | Fax: +27 (0)21 774 4927
Email: lyn@norgarbproperties.co.za
Focus Areas: Kenilworth & Claremont Village

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