Phuthu Stay Phut, Don't go!

There is so much to pack for Epic. I received an Epic Kit list the other day and it contained no less than 79 items, ranging from anti-inflammatories and cleats to zip ties and space blankets. Space Blankets? Please, please say that we are not going to be out there for that long.

Beside the 79 items on the list I have got a couple of other things including  Traumeel injections which apparently work magic! We haven’t tried them yet but I have heard a number of people swear by them. They are homoeopathic and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Superjerm is not afraid of needles, he gives us Vitamin B12 shots every 3-4 weeks so he’ll be able to administer the Traumeel shots as well. I on the other hand need a cup of sweet tea and a blankie before a needle comes anywhere near me. Okay I don’t really need the blankie.

B12 (and Traumeel) injections are intramuscular so that means the needle cuts deep. Superjerm feels confident about injecting into the thigh, so that’s were we always have them. The routine is as follows: I sit on the couch and hug a cushion as if it were a long lost cousin. We hug for a long time. It’s a special relationship.  I make sure the cushion covers the peripheral vision to my right and that Superjerm is talking to me.

“Talk to me, quickly, start talking, this is no time for a comfortable silence!”

“So how is your brother?” Superjerm would say in his most chilled out voice, hoping it would relax me.

“He’s fine, next question – actually, no questions just talk”

” asd lkjnri sdfilsdflkjie, ldrknalritl, aalskdj, blskjhqeruty kwriunfasr aslrui l,gtth…”

“Is it nearly frikkin done already?” I’d ask in a desperate tone.

“Okay, there we go, well done”

‘Okay Fanks” and off I’d go to run a hot bath with an over-exaggerated limp in my right leg.

Just so you don’t think I am too much of a ninny, my heart doesn’t palpitate for spiders. Bet yours does! I can also do moles, chameleons and green tree frogs.

Snakes, translucent geckos and toads – I can tolerate if they’re not within a 100m radius of me.

Anyway, enough of Animal Planet.

I think the toughness of the race will make the daily injections seem like a piece of cake. Alternatively the mere thought may just turn me loopy. Something for Superjerm to look forward to..

Now whoever wrote this list is what we call uber organised! (see excerpt below)

Like any other (normal-functioning) woman, I love shopping! My husband however, is teaching me the finer skills of budgeting and I must admit, it’s working for me! The result is that I’m more at peace (secure in the knowing that we have what we need every month without the debt) and strangely…his nightmare episodes just stopped all of a sudden!

1. Shop online. Shops like Pick n Pay have an online facility which means that you can do all your shopping barefoot and in the comfort of your home. Pour yourself a nice cup of coffee, plant yourself in front of the computer and buy what you need (according to your shopping list that should be next to your keyboard before you login – I know it’s a schlep but it works!). Online shopping prevents any impulsive buying and you would be amazed by what you save. If you have a tight budget it’s easy to stick to it as you can go back and delete items until the amount owed is to your satisfaction. It gets delivered to your house for a minimal fee.
2. Buy with cash wherever you can (opposed to on account). Buying with cash enables you to shop from any store which means that you’re not limited to specific (more expensive) stores and offers you a wider variety to choose from. Also, you’re not likely to purchase items that you can’t afford.
3. If your credit card is your best friend, remember to settle your account monthly. The bank mafia knows that most people won’t have the discipline to do this, so they get nailed on interest. Shop wisely. If there is something that you really, really just have to have, save up and buy it cash.
4. Whether you shop online or in-store, compare prices, buy in bulk and look out for specials.
5. If you must have a credit card, have only one (opposed to one at Virgin, Discovery and ABSA) and shop around before applying for your credit card.

“Money grows on the tree of patience.”  Proverb

Khumbulani Craft was established in 1999 and its objective was to alleviate poverty in the surrounding rural areas. This establishment has grown substantially over the years and now works with more than 350 crafters located throughout KZN and Mpumalanga.

Products:

Their crafts range from the most beautifully crafted stone salt and pepper cellars to wooden bangles, quilts, bowls and the list just goes on. I would strongly suggest you visit their site to view their stock.

One of the products that stood out the most was the glass beaded necklaces. I never really take much note of African beads because they all generally look the same but these necklaces are made from recycled glass donated by the nearby Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and they are quite stunning! Bright colours with organic shapes, these necklaces would make a great accent to any outfit. They have also been stamped as environmentally friendly which is great for all the tree huggers out there.

The Phuthu X Factor:

The women that make these products are generally the sole providers for their families, most of whom are situated on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. Khumbulani hosts a platform for these ladies to display their goodies, helping them to better themselves with the poverty stricken situation that they face, they are also a non-profit organisation which gives you that much more reason to support them.

Location and contact details:

1st Floor, North Wing
147 Hendrik Verwoerd Drive
Ferndale
Randburg

www.khumbulani.co.za

If you know of any hidden talent please write to us at info@phutu.co.za and expose our South African talent!

Khumbulani Craft gets Phuthu’s pat of approval!