Did you hear about Action Comics #1, the first superhero comic, which was sold for $2.16 million? What about the Treskilling Yellow stamp that sold for $2.3 million? Or The Card Players by Cézanne that drew an eye-popping $250 million? You can bet your bottom dollar that none of the original owners ever dreamt their modest possessions would become major investments. These ‘alternative investments’ are money spinners that don’t quite fall under the umbrella of traditional asset types, such as stocks, bonds and cash. They’re often thought of as ‘collectables’ or ‘tangible assets’ and can range from wine to porcelain dolls and books. ‘Their value is directly correlated to the condition and rarity of the item concerned,’ explains certified financial planner Clinton Scott. ‘The trick with getting into tangible assets is to do so first and foremost because you love that particular item,’ says Clinton. And do thorough research about the value of the items, where they can be obtained, who the major sellers and buyers are and what will be required to take care of your investment. Because of the extreme niche (and pricey) nature of alternative investments, the average person may be unsure of how to get into this market.

Art
Pro South Africa has produced artists that do impressively well at auction houses. Think of Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern and William Kentridge. ‘With prominent names attached to well-known pieces, this can be a very solid investment and, naturally, you can enjoy it by displaying it.’ Con ‘It’s a highly specialised area and this form of investment is not very liquid – it’s difficult to convert into cash.’ Clinton points out that if the piece isn’t stored properly, the quality can suffer, depreciating its value. ‘Insurance, maintenance and restoration costs can be high.’ Collector’s information Visit art galleries, attend exhibition openings and speak to gallery owners about which new artists are likely to make a lasting impact. Visit www.investart.co.za.

Antiques
Pro Like art, antiques are an investment that can also fill your home with beauty. ‘It’s another asset class that needs time to mature and develop, but given the right conditions and proper buying and selling structures, it can really outperform other portfolios,’ says Clinton. Con If you’re going to buy a rare piece that is likely to increase in value over time, your initial outlay to obtain it might come at a pretty price (unless you spot a gem at a garage sale). ‘It’s also a highly specialised area and, like art, if it’s not stored properly, can depreciate in value,’ explains Clinton. ‘So your maintenance costs can be high.’ Collector’s information Settle on an antique range that appeals to you most (such as furniture or jewellery) and learn all you can about what to look out for. Visit shops and speak to the owners about what is in demand and what might be in demand in the future. Go to www.naada.co.za.

Coins
Pros Whether you’re thinking rare coins or Krugerrands, these little discs of metal pack a serious punch on the investor’s list. ‘Coins can retain their value over a long period of time and, in most cases, can be used as an inflation hedge, as they should consistently beat inflation over long periods,’ says Clinton. Cons ‘Evaluation still depends largely on supply and demand. And when it comes to rare coins, there’s a limited collectors’ market, meaning that liquidity may pose a problem.’ Collector’s information Krugerrands are an easy entry point into coin collecting. Speak to your bank about buying a coin through their system. For rare coins, visit www.sacoin.co.za.

Wine
Pro We live in a wine-producing country, so getting a bottle of top-class wine is easy. While investing in wine isn’t yet formalised locally, Kanonkop made history in 2010 when it sold 600 bottles of its 2006 Pinotage for R1 000 each within three hours – before it was even released on the market. Other top estates to watch are Vergelegen and Waterford. Con In most cases, a good wine’s value lies in the taste buds of the purchaser, says Clinton. ‘Furthermore, incorrect storage may ruin the wine and leave it corked. You will also have to rely on a willing buyer / willing seller scenario, which is clouded by uncertainty.’ Collector’s information Join a wine club, speak to cellar masters and go to wine festivals and auctions to get a feel for where aficionados have their noses pointed. For more info, check out www.wine-style.co.za. ‘The trick with getting into tangible assets is to do so first and foremost because you love that particular item’

Port conjures up thoughts of Stilton, crackling fires and leather chesterfield couches or dining rooms of ruddy-cheeked men puffing on cigars through post-prandial political talk. All appropriately British cues, considering Port wine was fortified (by adding a slug of brandy) to survive shipping to England. It was born of necessity because the French – then at war with the English – were withholding their grape juice. And the British became rather fond of this sweeter tipple from Portugal.

Local is Lekker
It’s the fortification that accounts for the sweetness – adding brandy halts fermentation by killing off yeast cells, leaving plenty of natural sugar behind. Fortunately for us, the varieties used in making the wine base, such as Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional and Souzao, thrive not only in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, but in the Klein Karoo too. Most of South Africa’s Port-style wine is produced around Calitzdorp, which plays host to the annual Port and Wine Festival in June. The town’s title, ‘Port Capital of South Africa’, is an unofficial one, as the European Union would rather the term ‘Port’ apply only to those fortified wines originating in Portugal, a ban that kicked in on New Year’s Day 2012.

What’s in a Name?
Producers may still use the terms ‘Ruby’, ‘Tawny’ and ‘Vintage’ to denote style, as long as they are preceded by the word ‘Cape’, and these descriptors really do say it all. Cape Ruby resembles the deep magenta of ruby gems, Cape Tawny is amber from barrel-ageing in oak and Cape Vintage is made exclusively from the grapes harvested in one particular year. Cape Ruby is the lightest and fruitiest of the lot and the Boplaas Cape Ruby Port (from R55) enjoys blockbuster success in South Africa. It’s as voluptuous as Marilyn, with the cinnamon-cherry play of Christmas cake, and is made by the Nel family, who have been in the business since 1880. Under Cape Tawny, the Best Value Wine Guide 2013 rated the KWV Classic Cape Tawny (from R63) a full five stars and didn’t hold back on the praise! It ‘must be the bargain of the century’ raved the panel. ‘Marmalade, citrus peel, toffee and nuts both in the perfume and flavours, concentrated and hedonistic … silky smooth … unbelievably long finish.’ When it comes to Vintage Port, the wine from each cultivar is aged separately – the secret, as any experienced make-up artist will tell you, is in the blending. Try the Peter Bayly Cape Vintage Port 2009 (R108). It’s rich with prune flavours and a dark chocolate edge. The Bayly’s have also just released their Cape Late Bottled Vintage Port 2008 (R90) – LBV is usually bottled after four to five years on wood; think Cape Vintage on steroids. Another style worth knowing is Vintage Reserve. Although our makers of Cape Vintage produce every year, they alert us to years of outstanding quality by adding the word ‘Reserve’. Note: Because it is unfiltered, Vintage Port definitely calls for a decanter.

Blows Hot and Cold
Most of us turn to Port in winter to raise our body temperature in the face of bone-chilling weather but, like revenge, White Port is best served cold. In South Africa, this style leans towards nutty, creamy qualities and is made mostly from fortified Chenin Blanc exposed to wood for six months or more. A dry style – like the crisp Axe Hill Dry White (R166) – makes sense as an aperitif, while a sweeter Lagrima  is a natural fit for dessert.

The Perfect Pair
Team White Port with a handful of hot, salted roasted almonds, or do as food-and-wine pairing guru Katinka van Niekerk says and offer a plate of Hertzogkoekies. She also advises experimenting with Cape Tawny and crème brûlée and the Nels recommend biltong with their Cape Ruby, which casts a whole new light on snacks for a winter’s rugby match. Cape Vintage isn’t limited to the cheeseboard. Sure, it’s probably what you want with a wedge of blue cheese, but it also marries with rich, dark chocolate cake – the Baylys even suggest stewed quince and springbok pie with theirs.

Be a Good s(port)
Finally, if you find a decanter in your hand, know the etiquette: pass the Port to your left (think port side of a boat), but before you do, pour a glass for the guest on your right-hand side. Then keep the decanter in its clockwise circuit – from port to port – until there’s not a drop left.

ABSA Calitzdorp
Port & Wine FestivalPORT & WINE FESTIVAL

14–17 June 2013

www.portwinefestival.co.za
Most of us turn to Port in winter to raise our body temperature in the face of bone-chilling weather but, like revenge, White Port is best served cold

Editor

ed@livingspacemag.co.za

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Not all things hot and chocolatey are created equal, and everyone from manufacturers to your corner coffee shop is playing fast and loose when it comes to what’s what in your cup.

The Old-Fashioned Way
The term ‘hot chocolate’ should really be used only when describing a beverage made from melting good-quality chocolate in heated milk. Cream, sugar, vanilla and other flavourings are optional additions, but the basic recipe remains the same and the result is a rich, thick drink. This preparation has its origins in the ancient Mayan civilisation, who archaeologists believe were the first people to make a drink from cacao beans (although their aromatic mix of ground cacao, chilli and even cornmeal is a far cry from the overly sweetened versions we drink today). Hernando Cortés and his conquerors took this recipe back to Spain, where what was simply called ‘chocolate’ became a favoured drink at court. Since sugar had yet to be discovered, the brew was bitter and quite an acquired taste.

Powder Room
So what about the tins of powdered products lining supermarket shelves? Let’s start with cocoa. This baking staple can be added to hot milk and sweetened to make granny’s ‘hot cocoa’. Instant hot chocolate, on the other hand, is where the confusion (and mislabelling) often comes in. Most of the time, this product does not contain chocolate, but rather a combination of cocoa, sweetener and milk powder (which is why you can simply top up your mug with hot water).

Butter Fingers?
Whether you choose a cocoa-based drink or ‘real’ hot chocolate will depend on personal taste and, most probably, fat content. Let’s take a look at the production process: Cocoa powder and chocolate are both made from cacao beans, which have a very high fat percentage. The beans are harvested, winnowed (the shells are removed, leaving only the bitter chocolate nibs) and crushed into a paste called chocolate liquor (which, despite its name, is alcohol free). To make cocoa, this paste is then punched between pressurised plates, squeezing out most of the fatty cocoa butter and leaving a dry cake that is then ground into powder. When it comes to chocolate, however, the liquor is not pressed, so all the cocoa butter is retained. Therefore, hot chocolate made from chunks of the stuff is a lot higher in fat than powdered alternatives, and has a creamier taste.

QUICK INDULGENCE

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup full-cream milk
• 4 tbsp cream
• 4–6 blocks good-quality dark chocolate, smashed
• 3 drops vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp whipped cream (optional)

Method

• Warm the milk and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chocolate, stirring continuously until it has completely melted.
• Add the vanilla extract and stir.
• Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream.

Q: My kitchen sink’s tap has been leaking for ages. I don’t want to shell out for a plumber – how can I fix it myself?

A: First, switch off the water source: you’ll find a small faucet under the sink that you can turn off. Place a plug in the sink to avoid losing screws or washers. Next, remove the handles by unscrewing the tiny screw at the back or on top (it’s sometimes hidden behind the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ labels). A nut should then reveal itself – remove this with small pliers or a wrench. Underneath the nut you will see a stem that sits on a thick rubber O-ring, which is on a thinner rubber washer. If it’s the handle that’s leaking, the O-ring will need replacing; if the tap is leaking, then the washer needs to be replaced. Remove the relevant rubber by unscrewing the parts, level by level. Take the rubbers to your local hardware store to match replacements (buy a tub of plumber’s grease too). At home, pop in the new washer or O-ring and coat it with plumber’s grease before screwing back the parts in reverse order.

TURN ON YOUR DIY SIDE

How to wire a plug

• Cut the coloured plastic insulation enclosing the wire away with wire strippers or a craft knife. To do this, score a circle around the plastic insulation without cutting all the way through. Bend the cable backwards and forwards at the cut line to break the plastic covering, then twist the plastic off to reveal at least 5 mm of the copper cables (brown, blue and green-and-yellow).
• Twist the ends of each of the copper cables tight.
• Open up the plug with a screwdriver and unscrew the little screws on each pin.
• Insert the twisted copper wires into the holes of the pins: the green-and-yellow wire goes into the top pin, the blue wire into the left pin (marked ‘N’ for neutral) and the brown wire goes into the right pin (marked ‘L’ for live). Screw back the pins with the little screws.
• Secure the main electrical cord firmly between the arrestor clips on the inside of the plug and replace the cover.

Q: A few of the handles on my kitchen cabinet doors are loose. I’ve tried screwing them tighter, but they loosen up again after a few days. Do you have a more permanent solution, or should I call a handyman?

A: No handyman required! Begin by unscrewing and removing the handles from each door. Cover the hole on the outside of the door with masking tape. Fill the hole from the inside of the cupboard with wood glue. Next, take about a dozen tooth-picks (or more, if necessary) and prepare the ends with wood glue. Stick these into the hole one by one until it is completely full. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours. Using a craft knife, slice off the ends of the toothpicks. Remove the masking tape and screw the handle back on.

Q: The grill element in my oven doesn’t heat up any more, although the other element works fine. Can I fix it or do I need a new oven?

A: You can fix it yourself very easily with a few paper clips, a screwdriver and a new element from a manufacture-accredited hardware store (take along the old element or the oven’s serial number so you get the right one). Switch off the oven’s power at the mains and remove the oven racks. Loosen the screws that hold the grill to the mounting plate at the back and to the top of the oven. Gently pull the element towards you. You’ll notice that it is connected to two electrical supply wires. Before loosening these from the element, slide paper clips on to the ends of the wires to prevent them from slipping down at the back of the oven. Gently detach them from the element (they should clip out – if not, use pliers). Attach the wires to the new element and slide it back into place. Attach the element to the mounting plate and to the top of the oven, restore the power and you will be ready to grill again.

TIP
Follow these steps to replace the bake element at the bottom of the oven too.

Moving home can be a nerve-racking experience. We’ve taken the strain out of the game by bringing you advice on everything from planning and packing to meeting your new neighbours.

We Like To Move It
‘Movement is the key risk factor for damage during a move,’ says Biddulphs’ operational manager, Owen Farmerey. ‘If you shake a box, you shouldn’t hear rattling.’ Bubble wrap is your best friend. It’s an easy way to pad and protect almost any item you’re packing. ‘Just be careful using any plastic wrap on high-gloss polished items such as wood,’ says Owen. The moisture trapped inside, especially in humid coastal towns, can condense and damage the surface.

This Side Up
According to Mike Kitshoff, president of the Professional Movers Association, ‘Dealing with breakables is all about logic. If an egg is placed on its side, it will easily break. When placed on its head, however, it is almost impossible to break. The same applies to fragile items.’ Place plates and saucers on their edges, and pack cups and glasses upright. Wrap all breakables with paper or bubble wrap to reduce the effects of impact. Framed pictures should be packed face-to-face (separated with a sheet of bubble wrap) to protect the glass.

Size Does Matter
Debbie and Avi Lange of Durban measured the doorway of their new home to make sure their extra-long settee would fit through. ‘But it was so long, we could not manoeuvre it up the stairs!’ says Debbie. The couple ended up hoisting it through the second-storey window. Owen gives his top tips on dealing with larger items: ‘Modular furniture should be dismantled for transport. Soft furnishings, including bed bases and mattresses, are best wrapped in plastic to protect them from dust, while couches need secure leather covers.’ Appliances require special attention. Fridges, washing machines and dishwashers should be cleaned and dried thoroughly to prevent mould. Remove any loose parts (including the glass in your microwave). Washing machines should be secured with their original stabilising bolts.

Risky Business
All removal companies move possessions at the owner’s risk, says Mike. ‘Besides mechanical derangement and accidental handling damage, one can’t ignore the possibilities of vandalism, vehicle accidents, theft, hijacking and natural disasters such as storms, floods or fire,’ he says. Investigate whether your household insurance will cover these, or take out a comprehensive policy. Transport all small valuables yourself, advises anaesthetist Merle Shapiro. ‘We had a spare cell-phone in an open box and when we got to our new home, it had disappeared.’

Leave It To The Pross
After her third move in one year, reflexologist Amy Burke just couldn’t stand the thought of packing yet another box. ‘I figured, just let the professionals do it – no stress or worry at all. What a pleasure!’ Many companies offer a full packing service, which can include packing, wrapping, loading, transporting and even house-dressing. Enquire with your agent. ‘Dealing with breakables is all about logic. If an egg is placed on its side, it will easily break. When placed on its head, however, it is almost impossible to break’

YOUR MOVING DAY COUNTDOWN

Several weeks before

• Set a date. Remember, midmonth moves are often cheaper.
• Book a moving company registered with the Professional Movers Association and confirm the booking in writing.
• Begin packing – start in the rooms that are least used.
• Start finishing off your groceries.

A week before

• Ensure all renovations in your new home are complete, and that water and electricity are up and running.
• Arrange childcare for the day of the move (same goes for pets).
• Notify important contacts of your change of address. Include the post office, your bank and insurer, Sars, the Department of Home Affairs, subscriptions, accounts, family and friends.

Two days before

• Use masking tape to mark out where you would like the furniture in your new home.

The day before

• Pack keys, jewellery, cellphones, laptops, tablets, cash and important documents in a bag to be transported personally.
• Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer.
• Write a letter to your new neighbours introducing yourself and drop copies in surrounding post boxes.

Moving day

• Check cupboards and drawers in your old home for any forgotten items.
• Leave the place clean for new occupants.
• Go out for dinner. It takes the pressure off cooking in an unpacked kitchen!

First things first

Have scissors and a utility knife at the ready, not sealed in a box. The first box you open should contain linen and towels, a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee and basic toiletries (such as soap and toilet paper). Dish-washing liquid and sponges are also useful. Mark this box with a bright sticker so that it’s easy to identify.

Did you hear about Action Comics #1, the first superhero comic, which was sold for $2.16 million? What about the Treskilling Yellow stamp that sold for $2.3 million? Or The Card Players by Cézanne that drew an eye-popping $250 million? You can bet your bottom dollar that none of the original owners ever dreamt their modest possessions would become major investments. These ‘alternative investments’ are money spinners that don’t quite fall under the umbrella of traditional asset types, such as stocks, bonds and cash. They’re often thought of as ‘collectables’ or ‘tangible assets’ and can range from wine to porcelain dolls and books. ‘Their value is directly correlated to the condition and rarity of the item concerned,’ explains certified financial planner Clinton Scott. ‘The trick with getting into tangible assets is to do so first and foremost because you love that particular item,’ says Clinton. And do thorough research about the value of the items, where they can be obtained, who the major sellers and buyers are and what will be required to take care of your investment. Because of the extreme niche (and pricey) nature of alternative investments, the average person may be unsure of how to get into this market.

Art
Pro South Africa has produced artists that do impressively well at auction houses. Think of Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef, Maggie Laubser, Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern and William Kentridge. ‘With prominent names attached to well-known pieces, this can be a very solid investment and, naturally, you can enjoy it by displaying it.’ Con ‘It’s a highly specialised area and this form of investment is not very liquid – it’s difficult to convert into cash.’ Clinton points out that if the piece isn’t stored properly, the quality can suffer, depreciating its value. ‘Insurance, maintenance and restoration costs can be high.’ Collector’s information Visit art galleries, attend exhibition openings and speak to gallery owners about which new artists are likely to make a lasting impact. Visit www.investart.co.za.

Antiques
Pro Like art, antiques are an investment that can also fill your home with beauty. ‘It’s another asset class that needs time to mature and develop, but given the right conditions and proper buying and selling structures, it can really outperform other portfolios,’ says Clinton. Con If you’re going to buy a rare piece that is likely to increase in value over time, your initial outlay to obtain it might come at a pretty price (unless you spot a gem at a garage sale). ‘It’s also a highly specialised area and, like art, if it’s not stored properly, can depreciate in value,’ explains Clinton. ‘So your maintenance costs can be high.’ Collector’s information Settle on an antique range that appeals to you most (such as furniture or jewellery) and learn all you can about what to look out for. Visit shops and speak to the owners about what is in demand and what might be in demand in the future. Go to www.naada.co.za.

Coins
Pros Whether you’re thinking rare coins or Krugerrands, these little discs of metal pack a serious punch on the investor’s list. ‘Coins can retain their value over a long period of time and, in most cases, can be used as an inflation hedge, as they should consistently beat inflation over long periods,’ says Clinton. Cons ‘Evaluation still depends largely on supply and demand. And when it comes to rare coins, there’s a limited collectors’ market, meaning that liquidity may pose a problem.’ Collector’s information Krugerrands are an easy entry point into coin collecting. Speak to your bank about buying a coin through their system. For rare coins, visit www.sacoin.co.za.

Wine
Pro We live in a wine-producing country, so getting a bottle of top-class wine is easy. While investing in wine isn’t yet formalised locally, Kanonkop made history in 2010 when it sold 600 bottles of its 2006 Pinotage for R1 000 each within three hours – before it was even released on the market. Other top estates to watch are Vergelegen and Waterford. Con In most cases, a good wine’s value lies in the taste buds of the purchaser, says Clinton. ‘Furthermore, incorrect storage may ruin the wine and leave it corked. You will also have to rely on a willing buyer / willing seller scenario, which is clouded by uncertainty.’ Collector’s information Join a wine club, speak to cellar masters and go to wine festivals and auctions to get a feel for where aficionados have their noses pointed. For more info, check out www.wine-style.co.za. ‘The trick with getting into tangible assets is to do so first and foremost because you love that particular item’