Celebrate Bird-Feeding Month by building a bird feeder. From connecting to nature to promoting good health in birds, there are plenty of reasons to add a bird feeder to your garden. Get inspired and build your own feeder or buy a ready-made one online. What are you waiting for? Find a bird feeders for sale on Junk Mail today!

The history of Bird-Feeding Month

Bird-Feeding
Month started in 1994 to acknowledge the important role
that birds play in our environment. The history of this month has its origins
in America where John Porter declared his resolution to support wild birds as
part of the Congressional Record. In America, migratory birds start returning
as the weather warms up in February. However, it can be difficult for them to
find food during this period as the weather is still unpredictable. This
predicament resulted in the beginning of Bird-Feeding Month in support of wild birds.

The importance of having a bird feeder in your garden

A bird feeder is an important addition to your garden. Feeding birds
is an opportunity to connect with nature while learning more about the
different bird species in your area. Connecting to nature reduces stress and
birds bring joy and colour to your outdoor space. A reliable source of food
supports parent birds when they’re feeding their babies. This helps families of
birds to thrive and means that the parents spend less time away from their
chicks. The food also helps to keep birds healthy and happy. Bird feeders also provide
birds with energy for migration. For birds who don’t migrate, a feeder is a
reliable source of food during the cold months.

Different bird feeder ideas

Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas
that will leave you feeling inspired:

• Jar bird feeder

Recycle an old jar by turning it into a bird feeder with leather and
ribbon. Add a perch to create a space for the birds to sit on while they’re
eating.

• Plastic bottle

Turn an empty plastic bottle into a bird feeder by adding holes
and wooden spoons. In a few easy steps, you’ll have a bird feeder that’s ready to use.

• Teacup

Transform an old teacup into a source of food
for birds using wire and beads. You’ll need to drill holes into the sides of
the teacup to hang it up, using beads for decoration. The saucer can be
attached to the cup using a nut and bolt.

• Logs

Create a bird feeder with a natural look from a log. Remove
the center of the log using a chainsaw and hang your creation up using chains
once you’re done.

How to build a bird feeder

• Define your budget

Decide on how much you can afford to spend on
building your bird feeder.
Your budget will influence your choice of design and materials.

• Decide on a design and define your materials

Choose a design and make a list of the
materials you need. You can use recycled materials to save cash while helping
to preserve our environment.

• Decide where you are going to hang it

Choose a spot in your garden to hang/place your bird feeder. The place should be out of reach from cats and dogs. You can get the most out of your feeder by positioning it where you can watch the birds.

• Gather all your supplies and materials

Before you get started, you’ll need to collect
the necessary materials. Proper preparation ensures that there are no
disruptions to the building process.

• Start constructing

Follow the design you have chosen to create a unique bird feeder that will
brighten up your garden. Make sure that the feeder is easy to clean and safe
for birds to use.

• Fill with seeds

Fill the feeder with seeds that are healthy
for the bird species in your region. Avoid using bread and other sources of
food that can be harmful to birds.

• Install outside

Secure your feeder outside in your chosen
spot. You can use wire or durable string to attach it to a tree or pole.

Other factors to consider:

• Will it withstand the weather conditions outside?
• Is there enough space for the birds to sit?
• Are the seeds secure inside?
• Do you have the right seeds for the birds in your area?
• If you have pets, is the bird feeder in a secure location away from your pets?
• Will the seeds get wet when it rains? If so, can you prevent it?

Bonus Tip: Add a
birdbath or some water to your garden where birds and other insects can drink
water.

With so many benefits to placing a bird feeder in your garden, it’s easy to see why these outdoor accessories are so popular. Bird-Feeding Month is the perfect opportunity to start providing the birds in your neighbourhood with a reliable source of food. Don’t delay, find a bird feeder for sale on Junk Mail today.

Plan a special activity for you and your loved one this Valentine’s day. From going ballroom dancing to enjoying a fancy meal at home, watching a live show or going camping, there are plenty of exciting things to do.

If you’re looking for events and other fun things to do in your area, visit Junk Mail today.

Recreate your first or one of your favourite dates

This
idea is one that never fails. Recreating a very special memory can be an
awesome way to spend Valentine’s
Day with your partner. You can even add some new, surprising touches to
make this date even more special than the previous one.

Have a movie marathon

Put
together a selection of your favourite movies and cuddle up on the couch for a
romantic night at home. Don’t forget to prepare popcorn and snacks before you
start watching.

Have a picnic

This is a versatile option as you can have a picnic in a variety of places, from inside your house to outside in your garden, at the botanical gardens, a park, the dam and many more. You can play games, read your favourite book, and go through old pictures while you’re having a picnic.

Build/craft something together

Building
little things for your home or each other is always fun. It can be something as
simple as a photo frame or something more extravagant like building a new patio
couch. These activities will not only relax you and boost your creativity, but it
will also help both of you work together and enjoy the result.

Play arcade games, go bowling, go ice skating or even some mini-golfing

If
you’re into doing fun things, these four options are a good place to start. You
can plan an entire day of fun-filled activities without spending a fortune.

Arrange a photoshoot

A couple’s photoshoot is great fun and a fantastic way to create memories. You can even decorate your house with the pictures afterwards.

Spend the day at an amusement or theme park

If you’re an adventurous couple and like to have fun, amusement or theme parks are a perfect idea. From enjoying different rides to buying gifts and enjoying various restaurants, a day at an amusement- or theme park can be an awesome experience you’ll remember forever.

Book a couple’s massage

Relax and unwind during a couple’s massage at a nearby spa. Massages are a great way to relax and relieve stress. You can choose whether you want to do full-body massages or just hands and feet. It all depends on you.

Go watch a live show or theatre production

Surprise your loved one with live music, a comedy show or theatre production. If you can’t find something you like on or close to Valentine’s Day, you can buy tickets to a show at a later stage and surprise your loved one with the tickets over a romantic dinner.

Plan a games night

Gather your favourite board games or cards for a fun games night. This can include anything from playing Snakes and Ladders to Snap, Uno, Rummy, Go Fish, Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo and much more. You can even play Jenga or Twister. Add snacks and your favourite drinks to make the evening memorable.

Go for a hike

Spend
some time in nature with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Find a beautiful hiking
route nearby and pack a picnic bag to enjoy after your walk. This is a great
opportunity to spend quality time together away from any distractions. South
Africa’s stunning scenery makes a hike the perfect adventure for this special
occasion.

Horse riding

This
suggestion is not suitable for everyone, so before you just book it, make sure
your partner will be ok with it. But other than that, horse riding can
be a lot of fun. Enjoying nature from the back of a horse can be peaceful and
calming and most definitely romantic.

Quad bike rides

Quad
bike riding
through trails is an extreme amount of fun. You can either share a quad or each
get your own quad, depending on how comfortable you are with driving one. P.S.
you might need a shower after your quad bike trip…

Go camping

Get away from your busy lifestyle by planning a camping trip. On clear evenings, you can even spend the night star gazing. Walking, swimming and braaiing are all great activities for your camping getaway.

Go on a day trip

Discover
popular destinations nearby by going on a day trip. Look for a location within
three hours of your home and set off on a road trip for the day. This mini
holiday will leave you feeling refreshed and will give you the opportunity to
spend some quality time together.

Take a dancing lesson

With
romance in the air, dancing is the perfect activity for you and your partner.
If you don’t have any experience, you can sign up for a class in your
area. Have fun while impressing your partner with your new dance moves.

Take a pottery class

Get creative this Valentine’s Day by booking a pottery class for you and your partner. You’ll learn new skills while enjoying time together with that special person in your life.

Join a cooking/baking class

You
can learn how to make some new and interesting dishes with your partner this Valentine’s Day by
joining a cooking/baking class. Cooking or baking together builds
cooperation, lets you learn more about each other, and improves communication
while having fun.

Prepare a fancy dinner

Put
on an apron and prepare a delicious meal for your partner. Set the table, light
the candles, and add roses to create a romantic ambiance in your home. While
going to a restaurant is a fun night out, there is something special about
enjoying a fancy meal together in the comfort of your own home.

Now that you’re feeling inspired, you can start planning an incredible Valentine’s Day packed with exciting activities. Visit Junk Mail to find events, fun activities, cooking classes, dancing classes and more.

Also read:
Valentine’s Day – On its origins and original gift ideas
Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Men

Bake for Family Fun Month allows you to bake delicious things while spending quality time with your family. It also gives your children the opportunity to learn new skills in the process. Need new baking equipment? Find it on Junk Mail today.

What is Bake for Family Fun Month?

Baking is a fun activity that has a long
history of bringing family and friends together. Bake for Family Fun Month preserves this ancient
tradition and brings attention to this enjoyable task. The tactile experience
of baking has
numerous benefits for adults and children alike. Not only will you be making
delicious treats to share with each other, but you’ll also be creating
priceless memories of family bonding.

Tips for baking with kids

• Have fun

Don’t
take baking with
your little ones too seriously. Focus on creating an enjoyable experience and
spending time together as a family. Keep your sense of humour during those
chaotic moments when everything seems to be going off track.

• Be prepared

If
you’re baking with
little ones, make sure that you read through the recipe and prepare the
ingredients beforehand. Younger children will need an explanation and
demonstration of each step of the process. Choose a short and easy recipe or
split up the process into two sessions to accommodate the short attention spans
of younger children. You could also divide up tasks by giving older children
more complicated instructions while allowing young children to do simple tasks
like stirring.

• Don’t rush

Set
aside plenty of time to spend together baking as a family. Baking together is sure to take much longer than
if you were in the kitchen alone. If you have limited time, it can become
frustrating to try and complete the activity quickly.

• Clean up

Teach
your kids to wash their hands before and after baking. Show them how to clean the countertops and
pack away the ingredients that are no longer needed. These steps teach children
good hygiene as well as good kitchen habits.

• Get the right equipment

Make
sure that you have all the equipment necessary to follow the recipe. Check that
you have the right size baking
pans and measuring utensils before you get started. Put all the equipment
together on the kitchen counter so that you don’t have to disrupt your baking fun by searching
for something that’s missing.

Baking inspiration

Can’t
decide what to bake? Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Chocolate
  brownies
• Heart-shaped
  cookies
• Cupcakes
• Fudge
• Muffins
• Macaroons
• Butterfly
  cakes
• Oat
  crunchies
• Chocolate
  chip cookies
• Banana
  bread
• Scones

Safety tips for parents when baking with your children

• Supervise children

Make
sure that your children are supervised in the kitchen. Don’t leave them
unattended even for a short while as accidents can happen quickly.

• Use the backburners

Place
pots and pans on the backburners so that young children can’t reach them. This
helps to decrease the risk of them grabbing the handle of a pot and burning
themselves.

• Knives are for adults

Younger
children should be taught never to pick up a sharp knife. If you have older
children baking
with you, teach them to use sharp tools responsibility and make sure that you
supervise them.

• Check equipment

Make
sure that all your equipment is in good working order and that it is safe to
use. Check that the handles of pots and pans are fastened securely.

• Ovens are for adults

Make
sure your children know they shouldn’t open the oven. Check that they’re out of
harm’s way when you open and close the oven as the heat can cause them to burn.

• Pack away electronic devices

Avoid
using your phone unnecessarily when you’re baking in the kitchen. Electronic devices disrupt
the quality time that you’re spending together as a family, but they can also
distract you from potential hazards.

Now that you’re feeling inspired, you can enjoy Bake for Family Fun Month. Find baking equipment and utensils for sale on Junk Mail and enjoy making delicious treats with your loved ones.

Accessible, versatile, and stylish, a smart speaker makes a great addition to your home. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, they’re simple enough to operate. Use your smart home assistant to play songs, control household technology, and set reminders.

Upgrading to a new smart speaker? Need to sell your old one? Place a FREE advert on Junk Mail and sell your items quickly and easily.

What are smart speakers?

A smart speaker is a wireless
speaker that can be operated using voice commands and includes a virtual
assistant feature. There are also types of speakers that can be used as a smart
device, which provides you with a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection. These devices
can function to control other technology in your home. Some models also have a smart
display that features a touchscreen.

Benefits of using a smart speaker

• Play your favourite songs

Get
access to millions of songs through streaming services and dance along to all
your favourite tunes.

• Fill your house with music

With
multiple speakers, it’s easy to play the same music in different rooms of your
home. If you’re using one internet network and user account, it’s effortless to
play the same song without connecting the speakers by cables. However, you can
also play a different song on each speaker to cater to the varied music
preferences in your family.

• Find new songs

Hear
a new song that you enjoy? It’s easy to find out everything you want to know
about the music you’re listening to. All you need to do is ask the smart speaker for more
information using a voice command.

• Set reminders

Use
your smart speaker
to remind you of meetings and appointments. Your device can prompt you to do a
task or make a phone call at a specific time. You can even use it as an oven
timer to assist you when you’re cooking. You can also wake up to a relaxing
song every morning by using your smart speaker as an alarm.

• Keep yourself entertained

Music
isn’t the only source of entertainment that your smart speaker offers. Playing voice-enabled games
is a fun activity that can stop you from becoming bored while you’re doing
household tasks. With a broad selection of games available, there is something
to suit everyone’s preferences.

• Unwind and relax

Use
your smart speaker
to help you relax after a hard day’s work. The smart home assistant feature can improve your
mediation skills and offer you useful breathing exercises. The device can also
be used to remind you to take a break to meditate or relax.

• Get organised

Get
organised and save time with help from your smart home assistant. Keeping up with a busy
lifestyle can be tough, but it’s easier to manage all your responsibilities
with this device.

Some of the smart speakers available in South Africa

1. Google

• Google Home Assistant Smart Speaker

This
voice-activated speaker features Google Assistant. You can get the answers to
all your questions with help from your device. Get updates on the weather,
traffic, and sports effortlessly. With a simple voice command, you can listen
to a playlist of your choice. This smart speaker weighs 477g and features a 2-inch driver and dual
in passive radiator speaker. Connections include a DC power jack and micro-USB
port.

• Google Home Max Smart Speaker

Get
the best sound quality with this awesome smart speaker. This top of the range speaker
eliminates unwanted resonance and delivers deep and balanced bass. The
dimensions of this charcoal device are 31.24cm, 18.8cm, and 15.24cm
respectively. Highlights of this speaker include two 4.5-inch high-excursion
dual voice-coil woofers and far-field voice recognition mics.

• Google Home Mini Smart Speaker

Enjoy
your favourite entertainment and control your smart home technology with this
mini smart speaker.
The Google Assistant responds to voice commands so that you can find answers to
your questions effortlessly. Available in chalk, charcoal, and coral, this
device features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and has a diameter of 9.8cm and
height of 4.2cm.

2. Amazon

• Amazon Echo 2nd Generation Smart Speaker

Looking
for outstanding sound quality? The Echo offers you crisp vocals and dynamic
bass. Use Amazon Music to discover everything you want to know about your
favourite songs. Audiobooks are an excellent source of entertainment. The
dimensions of this heather grey device are 8.38cm, 8.38cm, and 23.62cm.

• Amazon Echo Plus 2nd Generation Smart Speaker

Stylish
and innovative, the Echo Plus 2^nd Generation makes an excellent
addition to your home. The LED ring is illuminated by a blue light when the
device is activated and when Alexa talks. The AUX port can be used to connect
the device to headphones or an additional speaker. This model weighs 780g and
features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Echo Show 2nd Generation Smart Display Speaker

This smart speaker offers you
incredible sound and other impressive features. Its 10.1-inch screen and 5MP
camera set it apart from its competitors. It weighs 1 765g and features both Wi-Fi
and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation Smart Speaker with Alexa

With its upgraded speaker and refreshed design, the Echo Dot is a worthwhile investment. Use voice commands to access music, the news, and other useful information. Available in heather grey, charcoal, and sandstone, this device weighs 300g and its dimensions are 9.9cm, 9.9cm, and 4.3cm. It features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

3. Apple

• Apple Homepod Smart Speaker

This
powerful smart speaker
offers you a smart home assistant to make managing the technology in your house
easier. It learns your music preferences so it can optimise your listening
experience. Available in black or white, it has a height of 17.27cm and width
of 14.22cm.

4. Sonos

• Sonos One Smart Speaker

Control
your listening experience using your voice and connect wirelessly with
additional Sonos speakers to play the same music throughout your home.
Available in black or white, this device has a height of 16.15cm, width of 11.9cm,
and depth of 11.9cm. It features far-field voice recognition and the Amazon
Alexa voice assistant. The Sonos speaker has two Class-D digital amplifiers, a
mid-woofer, and a tweeter speaker.

• Sonos Play 1 Smart Speaker

Enjoy
a rich sound quality with the Sonos Play 1. It features far-field voice
recognition and the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. This device is equipped with
two Class-D digital amplifiers as well as a mid-woofer and tweeter. Available
in black and white, it has a height of 16.15cm, width of 11.9cm, and depth of 11.9cm.

5. Bose

• Bose Soundlink Micro Speaker

While this speaker is compact, it doesn’t compromise on power. With its waterproof design and silicone strap, it’s the perfect companion for your next adventure. This model has a height of 9.8cm, a width of 9.8cm, and depth of 3.47cm.

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With so many benefits to owning a smart speaker, it’s easy to see why these devices are so popular. A smart home assistant adds convenience and fun to your daily routine. Find a smart speaker for sale on Junk Mail today.

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It’s Nutrition Month and time to give your health a boost by investing in kitchen appliances that will promote healthy living. Along with that, you can also try out new healthy meals once or twice a week to keep things interesting. Visit Junk Mail to find a wide range of healthy kitchen appliances for sale.

What is the purpose of Nutrition Month?

Nutrition Month aims to promote healthy eating and lifestyle choices. During this
month, people are encouraged to eat healthy food and to incorporate exercise
into their daily routine. Nutrition
Month dates back to 1973 where it took place over 7 days and it was
extended to a month in 1980. During this month, information on good nutrition is shared with the
public.

Healthy Kitchen Appliances

•        Electric air fryer

When
it comes to healthy kitchen
appliances, an electric air fryer is a worthwhile investment. This
appliance cooks the food by circulating hot air inside a cooking chamber. The
result is delicious food with a crispy outer layer. Use your air fryer to make
potatoes and pastries. It can also be used to cook steak, chicken, and
vegetables. The advantages of using an electric air fryer are that it’s a
healthier option, it cooks food faster than a deep fryer, and it is more energy-efficient.

•        Pressure cooker/Slow cooker

This
kitchen appliance uses steam pressure to cook food in a sealed pot. The high
pressure that builds up inside the pot ensures that the food cooks faster. You
can cook almost anything in a pressure cooker, including rice, chickpeas,
beans, vegetables, stews, and braised meat. These appliances save you time and
money and make it easy to eat healthy food. Pressure cookers produce rich
flavours and they’re simple and convenient to use.

•        Indoor grill

Grilling
uses dry heat to cook food and the heat is transferred through thermal
radiation.

Indoor
grilles can be used to cook both meat and vegetables. Investing in an indoor
grill is advantageous because it’s quick and simple to use. This versatile
cooking method offers you precise heat control. The compact size of this
appliance also means that it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen.

•        Food processor

A
food processor makes light work of meal preparation. It’s powered by an
electric motor and is used to complete repetitive tasks such as chopping and
slicing. These kitchen appliances are similar to blenders, however, they don’t
need liquid to get the job done. A food processor saves you time in the kitchen
and makes it easier to prepare family meals. If you’re trying to improve your nutrition, these kitchen
appliances will help you prepare healthy food effortlessly.

•        Juicer

When
it comes to healthy kitchen
appliances, a juicer is a must-have addition to your kitchen. This
appliance makes it possible to make fresh juice that has numerous health
benefits. Healthy juices give your immune system a boost and help to prevent
disease. A wide range of vegetables and fruit can be transformed into juice,
which means that you’ll get plenty of variety in your daily nutritional intake.

•        Food steamer

This kitchen appliance cooks food using steam, which makes it perfect for preparing healthy meals. The food is placed in a closed container, which decreases the amount of steam that escapes. It helps to preserve the nutritional value of food by decreasing the amount of nutrients that are lost during cooking. It cooks food quickly and requires minimal supervision. No oil is needed to steam food and this method of cooking preserves the structure and colour of food.

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Fun Food Facts

• Banana
  plants are giant herbs and the banana fruit is actually a berry
• Parsley
  helps with digestion and it’s a good breath freshener
• Strawberries
  have a higher concentration of vitamin C than oranges
• Avocados
  contain more potassium than bananas

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Invest in healthy kitchen appliances and get involved in Nutrition Month. Proper nutrition contributes to your physical and emotional well-being. Find appliances for sale on Junk Mail and upgrade your kitchen today.

Set up an exercise routine and focus on proper nutrition to reach your fitness goals this year. By following the easy steps below, you can achieve your fitness and nutrition goals. Take your workout to new heights by finding sports equipment for sale on Junk Mail today.

1. Set clear goals

Set
clear and attainable fitness
goals that are simple to achieve. Write down your specific goals and
stick them up in a place where you’ll see them often. When you’re clear about
what you want to achieve, it’s easier to stay motivated.

2. Create a plan

Once
you know what your fitness
goals are, develop a plan of how you’re going to achieve them. Write
down the specific steps you need to take with a timeline for each phase of your
fitness journey. Include periods of rest so that you enjoy some downtime along
the way.

3. Keep records

Take
note of what strategies work for you and those that don’t. By recording your
fitness journey, you can use the information to develop a schedule that works
well for you. Focus on the strategies that help you achieve your goals and
discard those that don’t.

4. Identify your motivation

Identifying
the reasons why you set specific fitness goals helps to keep you motivated. These reasons give
you the energy to keep working towards your goals. Write down these reasons and
revisit them when you’re finding it challenging to stay on track.

5. Avoid trends

Avoid
diets and fitness trends that are complicated and unobtainable. Focus on
creating a workout schedule that fits in with your lifestyle and personal needs
rather than going from one trend to the next. Likewise, it’s advisable to focus
on eating healthy and nutritious meals rather than participating in fad diets.

6. Be flexible

While
it’s helpful to set specific goals, it’s also beneficial to make adjustments
along the way. If a goal is no longer a good fit, change it so that it’s a
better match for your personal fitness journey. When a goal is too challenging
to achieve, it can leave you feeling demotivated. Rather than giving up
entirely, alter your fitness schedule so that it’s easier to maintain.

7. Don’t rush

As
you start working towards your fitness goals, it’s tempting to put pressure on yourself and go
all out. However, you’ll have a better chance of accomplishing your goals if
you pace yourself along the way. Not only does taking a gentler approach help
you to stay motivated, but it also protects you against injury and burnout.
Regular gentle exercise is more effective than an intense training session once
a week.

8. Invest in a health coach

Struggling
to reach your fitness
goals? Invest in a health coach or personal trainer. Professional
support helps to keep you on track when you’re facing challenges on your
fitness journey. These professionals have plenty of knowledge and advice that
allows you to get better and faster results.

9. Get support

Working
out with other people helps you to stay disciplined. Joining a community of
like-minded people makes it easier to be enthusiastic about working out. You’ll
be able to share knowledge within the group and support each other through
difficult times.

10. Listen to your body

Listen
to your body and don’t exercise if you’re feeling sick. Resting will help you
recover quicker so that you can return fully committed to your fitness
schedule.

11. Forgive yourself

Learning
to be gentle and love yourself is an important aspect of getting fit and healthy.
Don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a workout or eat an unhealthy meal every
once in a while. Forgive yourself and continue with your schedule the following
day.

12. Don’t give up

If
you’ve deviated from your fitness schedule and you feel like a failure, don’t
give up. Rather revisit your goals and recommit yourself to achieving them. The
most successful people have gone through difficult patches and made mistakes,
but they picked themselves up and kept going rather than admitting defeat.

Now that you know how to reach your fitness goals this year, you can find affordable sports equipment for sale on Junk Mail.

Are you wondering how to sell your car online? There’s a quick and easy option. Place a FREE ad on Junk Mail and connect with potential car buyers across South Africa. Follow the steps below to list your car on Junk Mail.

Here’s how to sell your car on Junk
Mail:

Bonus Tips:

• If you accidentally close the page or your browser without completing your ad, an email will be sent to you prompting you to complete your advert. It saves your progress as you fill in the form, so you can pick up where you’ve left off if something unexpected happens.
• You can increase your chances of getting interaction with your advert by completing all the sections of the form. Incomplete adverts that don’t have images are less likely to attract the attention of potential buyers.
• Check your spelling and grammar. Poorly written adverts are a deterrent to potential buyers.
• If you’re selling more than one vehicle, create an advert for each one. It will help users find your advert when they search for it on the site or search engines.
• Required fields will be marked with a red *. This means you cannot submit your advert without filling in these fields. If you try to submit your vehicle advert while one of those fields are incomplete, it will take you back to the first empty field and highlight that field in red.

Now that you know how to sell your car online, you can visit Junk Mail and place a FREE advert, quickly and easily.

South Africa has been plagued by drought for years, and 2019
saw us struck particularly hard. Cape Town had their Day Zero restrictions,
thousands of farmers lost livestock and crops, and the effects on our economy were
devastating. So how do we counter this? How do we ensure that we don’t fall victim
to the drier times that no doubt lay ahead? We become ‘water-smart’.

South Africa as a water-scarce county

What does this mean? It means that SA does not have a sufficient amount of water to meet the demands and needs of the country. A term that has become more prominent lately is ‘water stress’ and refers to the difficulty in finding fresh water sources during a certain time period. The inability to do so puts stress on current sources, further depleting and deteriorating them.

Out of 193 countries, South Africa ranks as the 29^th driest country in the world. Should we not all do our part in being smart about our usage?

How you can help relieve the pressure on our water
resources

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce wastage to help lessen the pressure on the system:

• Scale back on watering your lawn and invest in water-wise plants. If you must water the garden, do it early in the mornings or late afternoons.
• Pack your dishwasher as full as possible before switching it on.
• Switch out your bath for a shower.
• Collect rainwater or grey water for use around the house and garden.
• Fix dripping taps!

Today we want to look at one specific way to relieve the burden on local supplies. Boreholes. They offer many benefits for both businesses and homeowners.

The benefits of a borehole

Borehole water is good for you!

Water taken from a borehole is free from all the chemicals
and micro-organisms found in tap water. It’s rich in minerals, pure, natural,
and clean because it mainly consists of filtered rainwater.

A self-sufficient water source

If you want to do your part for the environment, using natural resources is a good way to go about it. The water found underground is considered ‘inactive’ and is an independent source from what we receive via our taps. Not only is using a borehole environmentally responsible, but it will also stand you in good stead when there are water shortages or restrictions in your area.

It saves you money in the long run

Looking for a good way to cut on your water and lights each
month? Aside from getting solar panels for electricity, installing a borehole
on your property is the way to go. As a bonus, it’s also a great way to
increase your property’s value.

Great for farms

More than anybody, farmers need a constant supply of fresh
water for things like irrigation, livestock, and other farm-related activities.
Having to pay a hefty municipal account is an unnecessary expense when you can
have access to your own supply of fresh water.

You can make money from
it!

Image the income possibilities of owning a business that
offers this kind of service. With more and more people looking into acquiring
boreholes of their own, you will have the unique opportunity to be a part of an
industry with plenty of room to grow.

Better yet… What if you could buy an already established
business that has a stellar reputation?

A water-focused business for sale

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to invest in a business that will allow you to make a difference in the environment and your life, you’re reading this at the right time. Ground Water Practitioners has recently gone up for sale and is looking for a buyer who will take this already successful business to new heights.

GWP is committed to making water an environmentally safe and sustainable reality, and in today’s challenging climate, they provide much-needed services.

These services include:

• General borehole services – drilling of boreholes is outsourced
• Bulk water supply
• Waste water treatment
• Coal bed methane (CBM)
• Borehole water yield testing
• Fishing for lost equipment
• Development and well stimulation
• Pump design, supply, and installation
• Permeability testing

If you want to find out more about Ground Water Practitioners and how you can benefit from owning this business, read all about the business here > Buy a business that is both profitable and necessary: Ground Water Practitioners

Alternatively, get in touch with Roy at 083
777 444 7 today or visit the Ground Water Practitioners’ website for more information.

On the 9^th of April 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the extension of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. Instead of a 21-day lockdown from 27 March to 16 April 2020, the lockdown will now be extended until the end of April 2020.

Watch the announcement video below

There’s no getting away from acknowledging that the economy is in a dire state and looking toward the future might seem difficult at the moment. We get it, we’re there as well. But all hope is not lost. One guarantee we have is that the current situation won’t last forever. Another definite guarantee is that Junk Mail will be there to support your business through unlimited FREE advertising for all your products and services! That’s right, no marketing cost! It’s as simple as visiting Junk Mail and placing your FREE advert!

We understand your current struggle to help your business survive more than you know, so let us help you.

If you need any help placing a free advert or have any questions, please contact us.

It has been announced that certain sectors may return to work during the second stage of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Click or tap on the following quick links to see the information immediately:

• Highlights of the lockdown-regulation updates
• Business sectors that may return to work
• Additional information
• Getting business exposure during lockdown

Highlights of the lockdown-regulation updates:

• Alcohol and cigarettes are still NOT for sale
• The sale of hot food is now explicitly banned
• Selected non-consumable goods may be sold for the care of babies and toddlers
• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, as of 16 April, is 2 605 with a total of 48 deaths and 903 recoveries.

Sectors that may return to work during the second stage of lockdown:

• Mining operations (excluding collieries that supply Eskom) may be reopened at 50% capacity. After lockdown, a risk-based approach will be taken to determine what capacity these operations may be increased to.
  Visit https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-gwede-mantashe-coronavirus-covid-19-amended-regulations-16-apr-2020-0000 to view the conditions that apply to starting work and the gradual increasing of capacity thereafter.

• To ensure that SA continues the supply of energy and petroleum products, the following applies:
  • Collieries that supply Eskom may continue to operate at full capacity
  • Refineries may operate at full capacity to avoid a shortage of fuel. This includes operations such as refineries, smelters, plants, and furnaces.
• Plumbers, electricians, glaziers, locksmiths, and roof repairers may provide emergency help. Emergency automobile repairs may also be done for people who render essential services and public transport vehicles that are permitted to operate during lockdown.
• Hardware stores and stores selling vehicle components may also reopen but should maintain a register of persons buying essential goods and must keep record of a signed declaration whereby the buyer attests that the goods are essential.
• Essential goods may be transported from warehousing sites to essentials service providers.
• Call centres may operate if they are necessary to provide the following:
  • Health  
  • Safety
  • Social support
  • Government and financial services
  • Debt restructuring for consumers or retailers
  • Short-term insurance policies
• Information and communication technology services rendered to entities and institutions engaged in delivering essential services.

#sapsHQ #LockdownSA Regulations:
Categories of essential services. NP pic.twitter.com/MqTDuCOiRS

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 17, 2020

Additional information:

• Retailers who are permitted to sell essential goods may sell non-consumable goods essential for the care of babies and toddlers. These goods may include:
  • Clothing
  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Cot mattresses
  • Teething rings
  • Pacifiers
  • Bibs
  • Feeding bottles
• No one may be evicted from their place of residence for the duration of the lockdown.

For more information on these and other regulations, please visit https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-nkosazana-dlamini-zuma-coronavirus-covid-19-amended-regulations-16-apr-2020-0000

Getting business exposure during lockdown:

If your business falls into any of the categories listed above, it is imperative to ensure that you make people aware of the fact that you are trading, even if it is under special circumstances.

One way to do that is by listing your products and services on Junk Mail for FREE. That’s right, no advertising cost! It’s the perfect opportunity to advertise your business during these challenging times.

All you need to do is visit Junk Mail and start placing your FREE adverts. The best part is, it’s UNLIMITED, so place as many ads as you like!

We understand the immense strain lockdown has placed on every business in South Africa, and even though this won’t last forever, you’ll need all the help you can get to make it through. Don’t take this opportunity for granted. If you need assistance with anything else, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0872369457 or fill in the contact form below.

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Contact us for help to promote your essential service:

We have some great news for South African businesses! Junk Mail offers a comprehensive variety of digital marketing products that can help you reach the right target audience, spread the word about your products or services, and get the leads and conversions you need to expand your business!

Read more Reach the right target audience with Junk Mail’s digital marketing products ›

Alex Travers from Cape Town will be tattooing with us on 5 & 6 December 2018. For bookings, please send him a Direct Message him on Instagram or email: allybonestattooing@gmail.com

Instagram: @allybonestattoo

Justin Rockett from Leeds U.K. will be tattooing with us on 8 – 12 January 2019. For bookings, please send him a Direct Message on Instagram.

Instagram: @rockett_tattoo

Automating rental payments with PayProp saves you time, provides security and gives your business space to grow. For a limited time only, we’re waiving our onboarding fees for new clients. Read on to find out how you can get the PayProp advantage.

Pain-free rent collections are an everyday reality for many small, medium and large residential rental agencies in South Africa, thanks to PayProp – the industry-leading rental payment automation platform. As a result, they can manage their existing portfolios as usual during the lockdown – and will be able to return to growth once it has lifted.

In the current economic upheaval, made worse by coronavirus restrictions on work, the safety, security, simplicity and transparency of PayProp’s online payment processing give rental agents the peace of mind that they can still do their payments – from anywhere, at any time, on any device.

In fact, PayProp’s value is such that a growing number of sales-focused estate agencies are getting on board too, adding rental commission as a recurring revenue stream to their bottom lines.

What is PayProp?

As an automated property rent collection, reconciliation and distribution platform, PayProp enables estate agencies of all sizes to accept more payment types, reconcile trust accounts instantly and pay landlords faster.

Above all, PayProp acknowledges that people are the cornerstone of any real estate business or transaction. That’s why the underlying goal with PayProp’s automation is to empower real estate professionals, not replace them – giving them the tools to do their jobs more efficiently and add more value to what they are already doing.

Estate agents are the unsung heroes of the property industry, and PayProp’s mission is to make their work easier and more rewarding.

How can PayProp benefit your business and staff? 

Remote working

Remote working doesn’t have to be complicated – PayProp users can access the same powerful service from home or from the office. The PayProp automated online payment platform is a smarter, easier, more powerful way to manage your rental payments, helping you to provide a better service to your landlords and tenants. Get the flexibility of receiving, reconciling and distributing all your rental payments in just a few clicks – anywhere, anytime and on any device.

Faster, better, more consistent service

PayProp enables automation of routine property management tasks, removing the element of human error from long and repetitive administrative processes. This allows your finance and admin people to work much faster and with 100% accuracy – at all times.

Rapid top-line growth

PayProp automation enables rapid and effortless business growth through time saving and scalable workloads – freeing your staff up to focus on growing your rental portfolio.

A year-long sample of transactions on PayProp’s rent payment processing platform (October 2018 to October 2019) reveals that its clients grow on average 23% annually by processing volume.

As a cloud-based service, PayProp also scales well. Payment processing is equally easy whether an agent manages five properties or five hundred, so they don’t have to worry about the inefficiencies that growth would otherwise have brought.

Efficient bottom-line growth

What’s further great about technology-enabled growth is that it doesn’t put extra pressure on you or your team or reduce your profits – just the opposite.

Automating your rental book with PayProp allows your staff to process more properties with less effort, increasing productivity while lessening workload. As a result, you can grow your business without having to hire more people, using automation as your profitability strategy.

Enhancing the value of your company and people

As a result of reducing administrative workload, PayProp enables your staff to focus on their core tasks: signing up new landlords, providing better service, finding great tenants for properties using the industry-leading PayProp Tenant Assessment Report, exercising financial control and increasing rent collections. When they’re doing this instead of staying late to handle payment admin or queueing at the bank, you can expect a happier, more productive workforce.

Business visibility and financial control

PayProp brings greater financial visibility and control to rental agents and makes it easier for them to issue statements to their landlords.

Because PayProp trust accounts are bank integrated, real estate professionals handling rent can track the live arrears status of tenants at any time and see which properties have problem tenants. They’re able to see which properties are vacant and are alerted ahead of time when leases come up for renewal. They can track commission and landlord income over time, manage expenses and draw various other reports for any timeline since becoming a client.

Knowledge is power, allowing the rental agent to seize any upcoming opportunities, grow their property portfolio and increase their rental commission income, while offering a superior quality of service.

What’s more, via the PayProp Owner app, landlords can see all the financial movements on all of their PayProp-managed properties in real time – and they can obtain professional statements, carrying your brand, hassle free.

Is PayProp right for your real estate business?

The power and flexibility of PayProp’s features speak volumes about the service you can expect, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The positive experiences of a wide variety of property businesses show the advantages of using PayProp to process your payments. Thousands of very happy customers across South Africa, Canada, the UK and the US can attest to that!

For a limited time only, we’re making it easier for you to join us by waiving our onboarding fees. If you sign up before 30 June 2020, we will open your PayProp trust account and provide comprehensive remote online training from our award-winning support staff at no cost. As a global company with a proudly South African heritage, we’re privileged to be able to support the South African rental industry.

Here’s what some of our customers around the world say about us:

Connect with PayProp on social media:
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