STEAK VS VEGETARIAN

Aubergine Parmigiana with Crispy Breadcrumbs   Whether you’re a committed veggie or just a meat-free Monday member, Jamie Oliver’s recipe won’t disappoint… Preheat the grill to full whack and place a large tray on a shelf close to the heat. Trim 2 small courgettes and...

Working Out with a Baby Bump

Pregnant? Congratulations! No doubt, along with a million other pressing questions, you’re wondering about whether or not you should be exercising during your pregnancy. Well, we can’t think of a better time to strengthen your back muscles and that all-important pelvic floor. Here’s a few...

ALFRESCO DINING

Embrace the fabulous outdoors by getting out there – whether its an outdoor meal at home or a special picnic – simply do it!   Take it outside Serve it outdoors and drink in a little fresh air, open space and a slower pace of...

Escape Town

The Easter holidays are just around the corner – make sure you get a bit of down time, by planning your escape now…   Travelling with children [caption id="attachment_6597" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo: http://www.myaustrianblog.at[/caption]   Kids can be bored, anxious, and restless when it comes to...

TALKING RUGBY

Super Season is with us, and whether you’re a Bull, a Lion, a Cheetah or a Shark, make rugby time family time this season and score all round!   Proudly South African    Whatever Super Team you’re supporting we know (well hope) it’s local! So...

HOW GREEN DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW

HOW GREEN DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW Whether we have a window box or a smallholding, we can all contribute to the protection of local species. Add  indigenous plants whenever you can – and try to get your neighbours and neighbour’s neighbours to do the same....

BELLISSIMO

“No man is lonely eating spaghetti; it requires so much attention,” Christopher Morley once said. And as it’s the month of love, here’s to a week dedicated to one of the most romantic countries on earth! Italy has sex appeal in spades – think fashion,...

BRILLIANT BURGERS

Admit it! You’re still on holiday – well almost. The kids still are, and there’s not that much to do at work. Better still the festive rush has rushed by, and many feel this is the time of year they actually get to relax a...

TONE UP: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Nothing tastes as good as getting in shape feels Come early Jan, most of us are carrying a little more “left over festive cheer” than we’d like, and are ready to turn to “new leaf” thoughts with the energy they require. Besides helping you look...

Celebrate

Tipples and toasts The New Year is almost here, and that said it’s time to get into the spirit of things and polish up those party tricks. Cocktails are a great way of easing into the evening – and expressing a little creativity as you...

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

Last minute.com The countdown is on, and despite all your promises to yourself, this year, like every other year before, you find yourself doing the mall trawl along with a thousand other equally disappointed (in themselves) last minute shoppers. If you’re like us, you’re wondering...

Delicious Christmas

Hamper pamper Besides looking spectacular, a personalised gift hamper is a great way of making a gift really unique and showing the person you’ve actually thought about them. Hampers (yes, there’s a hamper for everyone!) can make fabulous Christmas gifts as well as clever hostess...

Pretty Gardens: The Best of Both Worlds

If we’re honest, a few of us get as much sunlight and breathe in as much fresh air as we would like to. Due to industrialisation and modernisation, many of us live in cities with a backyard that’s often not as lush and green as...

There is a One-Stop Shop for all your medical needs (MediCross)

Medi-Cross Medical Centre at College Square, Bloemfontein was voted the best medical care centre for the second year running in the Best of Bloemfontein awards. This medical facility has been split into two parts: a medical centre and a dentistry area. The medical centre boasts...

Maison Costa: A cut above the rest

  The struggle is real! We’ve all had an experience where we weren’t happy with how our hair came out after a visit to the hair salon and with sore hearts, we vowed never to go there again! The love for hair is one of...

One tequila, two tequila, three takillya, floor (Delta Bottle Store)

Whether you are a social drinker or any other kind of drinker, at Delta Liquor Store, there is a drink or two for you. Placed right at the heart of one of Bloemfontein’s notorious 2nd Avenue Street, known for its party animals and great night...

Beauty Mecca

Treat yourself… to a home spa Let’s face it, holiday-ready bodies require pre-holiday admin (well for most of us anyway!) and the best way to do that is a top-to-toe treatment that’ll have you glowing and sun-kissed before you’re even said “Hello Summer!” So run...

After winning the Best of Bloemfontein award for Bloemfontein’s Best Kept Secret in 2015, Bob’s Peanut Butter Shack remains one of the best places to have a truly unique experience when you’re in Bloemfontein. Placed in the heart of Bloemfontein’s metropolis, it offers a calm...

Ring the alarm: ADT steals the hearts of Bloemfontein residents!

For many of us, our homes are our just that - our havens, our “happy place” where we go to unwind and be ourselves. We pride ourselves in the shelter and comfort we find at our homes, whether they are mansions or simple and humble...

Only the best for your Crazy Pet

Pets are God’s gift to mankind, well, apart from mankind. They communicate with us humans in a unique and diverse way and if you’ve ever had a pet, you’ll know that all animals have a personality – much in the same way humans do. Some...

Trust Kia to drive the extra mile for you

Sporting the latest Kia Sportage 2016 model with some other vehicles, all well priced for the savvy businessman or a young professional starting out, it’s no wonder that the Kia dealership has won the 2016 Best of Bloemfontein Best Car Dealership award. This award-winning dealership...

AfriForum Neighbourhood Watch: Saam werk is saam sterk!

It seems there is more to AfriForum than meets the eye. In addition to preserving and protecting the culture of South Africans, particularly the Afrikaner, AfriForum also has a very effective way of watching over and protecting its members’ interests. Having won the 2016 Best...

Tocknell: The jewel in Bloemfontein’s crown

“Do not despise the day of small beginnings” is a maxim that Tocknell Engravers, an engraving company in Brandwag, Bloemfontein, embodies fully. Anne Tocknell, co-owner of the business which she owns with her husband, Fred Tocknell, abd Daughter, Lee-Ann says this business is a project...

Bloemsec: Making sure that you are safe and secure!

The Police statistics that were released a few months ago proved to us that robberies and burglaries in Bloemfontein are on the increase. As the threat for danger increases, you should also decrease your exposure to danger and one sure way to do this is...

Prepare Easy Fish And Chips At Home

It may have started out a very British dish, but here at home, fish and chips is definitely one of our favourites – especially when it’s enjoyed with a sea view at sunset. And if it’s served in newspaper with a side of mushy peas,...

Jaru Coffee – the perfect shop for Coffee snobs

Very few people can resist the morning buzz, often only found at coffee shops, with the warm cosy smell of muffins accompanied by the smell of a good cup of coffee. If the thought of rich aromas and having a barista artfully pour foam into...

Looking gorgeous!

Haircare with a pinch of salt Has the change of season done a doozy on those locks of yours? Try Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Oil and Salt Spray to get soft, sea-tossed waves with sheen and tousled texture thanks to the sea mineral complex...

Great Side Recipes Ideas For Turkey

D is for dressing / Pass the gravy please / Sauce it up! No self-respecting Christmas turkey would ever make an appearance without gravy (considered an essential part of the meal, along with roast potatoes!) so don’t forget to include it on your ‘must make’...

TALKING TURKEY

Time to get organised!  Christmas is just over six weeks’ away and if you like being organised as we do (hands up all Type As!), now is the ideal time to turn your attention to your festive menu. Butchers and delis are already accepting orders,...

A cut above the rest

It’s been said by Denis Leary that “Not eating meat is a decision, eating meat is an instinct.” If the meat displays in Farm Fellows are anything to go by, Leary was telling the truth. One literally has to stop oneself from ordering biltong with...

For the best food and drinks in the hub, head to Bush Pub

Somewhere in the quiet community of Langenhoven Park, lies a gem so well hidden that only a few know about it. Carefully placed among the greens of Bains Game Lodge, you can find Bush Pub, a safe retreat for sports and food lovers alike. Bush...

Placecol – A tranquil beauty oasis

Whether you’re looking to fix a broken nail, enjoy a facial treat or have someone untie all the knots in those tense shoulders, Placecol at the Victorian Square in Bloemfontein has the perfect fix for you. Situated in a quiet part of Westdene, this is...

Winners 2016!

Best of Bloem Award Night

Three Thrilling Reads

Three great thrillers for weekend reading … all you need is a warm spot, a comfy chair and a vast glass of your favourite wine. Bliss. The Couple Next Door will have you checking on your children! When Anne and Marco are invited to their...

Let’s get gardening

We’ve got some great gardening tips for you to do this summer … where do you go or all your gardening must-haves in the city of roses? The five best summer flowers for sunny beds are alyssum, bedding dahlias, bedding salvia (Salvia splendens), marigolds and...