Innholdsfortegnelse for MARCH 2018 i Essentials South Africa

Hello! As the ‘newness’ of 2018 slips away from us, so too can all our good intentions. Did you stride into the new year promising to exercise more, make an effort with your hair before work, spend time with friends, or sit down to a healthy supper every night? Well, it all sounds a bit exhausting, doesn’t it? That’s why this issue is dedicated to smart tips and tricks that will make your life easier – and here comes the really important bit – minus all the hard work. And no, it’s not too good to be true: you really can get gorgeous skin and shiny hair while you sleep (p44), eat your way to a smaller waistline (p64), tone up without breaking a sweat (p60), and impress your boss…

KHAKI IS (STILL!) KING Army green, beige, khaki, sand or sage, no matter which shade you prefer, there's a military-inspired look to suit your hair colour and complexion. And the muted colour palette doesn't have to mean your outfit's boring – the trick to wearing this trend lies in creating the perfect pairing of masculine and feminine details. Think a military-style blazer with a floral-printed dress, or cropped cargo shorts with a sheer chiffon blouse – you can even pair pastels with khaki. Want to try out the trend? Take your inspiration from style giants H&M. EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT... Forget the days of bargain hunting for 'this-could-pass-for designer' items – now you can shop the real deal! With Edgars giving 14 up-and-coming local designers a chance to showcase their talent,…

IN THE OFFICE For work or play, a relaxed-fit blouse is a must-have – pair with jeans and your weekend look is sorted, too DATE NIGHT This classic bodysuit is turned into something special thanks to sheer panels – bling accessories are the perfect finishing touch THE A-LINE SKIRT GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT Offset a feminine skirt with a rock-inspired top and ankle boots for an effortlessly cool outfit SUNDAY LUNCH Throw on a classic denim shirt and comfy block heels for guaranteed chic and comfort…

DROP-SHEET DISASTER To save a bit of money, my fiancé and I decided to paint our spare bedroom ourselves. We thought, ‘How hard could it be?’ Instead of using plastic sheets to cover the carpet, we used old bed sheets, not realising that the paint would seep through and then dry on the carpet. We scrubbed the floor for hours but can still see the stains. At least the walls looked amazing. SENSITIVE CEILING A plasterer did a terrible job on my two-storey house, so, being a bit DIY inclined, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I spent hours sanding lumps and bumps, as well as carefully re-painting. When I was finally done, I took a step back to admire my handiwork. I felt pretty chuffed with…

“Ticking off one bucket-list item has made us want to do more – we’re only just getting started” “I’ve been to exotic places, but nothing has taken my breath away like a winter’s night in Norway” ‘The magical dance of the Northern Lights took my breath away’ Kriya Gangiah, 28, is a broadcast presenter who lives in Pretoria. There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by snow while a natural phenomenon of colourful, bright lights dances in the dark sky above you. I’ve stayed in swish hotels and I’ve been to a few exotic places, but nothing has taken my breath away like a memorable winter’s night in Norway. ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME As a child, my family loved taking road trips through South Africa, where we’d stop off in one-horse towns as…

If you find yourself tying your hair up quickly every day just so you can race out of the house on time, we’ll let you in on our little secret. This elegant up ’do is almost as easy as a ponytail, but looks much more impressive. You’re welcome! 1 ROUGH IT UP Start by rough drying your hair – or skip the wash altogether; this works even better on second-day hair! Embrace natural waves if you have them, otherwise spritz your locks with texturising spray. Using a curling tong or straightener, style hair into waves – no need to be precise, this is just to add texture and volume. 2 PARTING WAYS Use a fine-tooth comb to create a parting (shift your parting to the side that you don’t usually…

1 DON’T WASTE MONEY ON GYM MEMBERSHIPS ‘You don’t need to spend a cent to get your heart rate up!’ advises fitness instructor Janey Holliday. ‘You can work out effectively using your own body weight in the form of press-ups, lunges, and tricep dips.’ And use free apps, like Map My Fitness (iOS/ Apple; Android), which let you track your running route, workouts, and nail your fitness goals. 2 CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE If your doctor wants to prescribe medication to reduce your blood pressure, be sure to ask for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), where it is measured at regular intervals over a 24-hour period at home, advises Professor Gareth Beevers. ‘This is the “gold standard” of blood pressure measuring and gives far more accurate readings than…

WHY THIS DIET WORKS Do you get frustrated that no matter how many diets you try, you can never shift certain stubborn areas of fat? Working with your body type could be the solution. ‘When it comes to dieting, there’s no such thing as one size fits all,’ says Rick Hay, a nutritionist specialising in anti-ageing and fitness. ‘We all store fat differently depending on our body type, so identifying your body shape can help you work out the most effective diet tactics.’ THE FOUR BODY TYPES ‘The way you metabolise and store fat is determined by your dominating gland,’ explains Rick. ‘The four main types are adrenal, gynoid (ovary), thyroid and pituitary. When your dominating gland is functioning well, it’s easier to stay at a healthy weight. But when…

MIXED BERRY SMOOTHIE STICKS MAKES 6 READY IN 10 MIN + FREEZING 100g frozen mixed berries 250g thick plain yoghurt 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 Put the frozen berries, yoghurt and maple syrup in a blender, and whizz until well mixed. 2 Pour the mixture into 6 lolly moulds, put in the sticks, and freeze until firm. It doesn’t take long – just a few hours. 230kJ PER SERVING 1.3g FAT 0.8g SAT FAT Top tip! Push the mixture through a sieve if you don’t like the thought of pips in the lollies. GIN AND TONIC SORBET SERVES 6-8 READY IN 15 MIN + CHILLING + FREEZING 350g castor sugar 4 tbsp gin Zest and juice of 1 lime Zest of 1 lemon, juice from ½ or all the lemon,…

STIR UP A SUGAR SCRUB This super easy-to-make scrub softens and moisturises hands at the same time – bonus! Melt ¼ cup coconut oil in the microwave or over a low heat. Add 2 ½ cups of brown sugar and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Stir until well combined – if it looks too wet, add one teaspoon of sugar at a time, until it looks gritty enough to use as a hand scrub. Store in an airtight jar. HYDRATING HAIR MASK Treat your hair to an all-natural mask that will leave it soft, silky, and frizz free. Steep a herbal tea bag, such as chamomile, in half a cup of hot water for 10 min. Stir in 5 tbsp olive oil, then massage into hair. Cover with…

LAST MONTH YOU LOVED! ‘The chicken à la king recipe on the Essentials website is awesome; we used Quorn instead of chicken and veggie stock instead of chicken stock. We also added some white wine and it turned out amazing! Definitely a winner’ – Katy OUR TWITTER POLL RESULTS ARE IN! How do you get through Monday mornings? 52% My upbeat playlist 30% Endless cups of coffee 4% Secret stash of sweets 14% I head out for lunch WHO TO FOLLOW Celeste Barber is an Australian comedian who has become one of Instagram’s biggest parody stars. She comically recreates celebrity photos with herself in the shots, giving them an everyday – and hilarious – twist. If you’re looking for a laugh during a dull day, make sure you’re following @celestebarber…

Yoga and fitness fanatic Cara-Lisa had grand plans to be a prima ballerina, but swapped her dance shoes for a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology and law from the University of the Witwatersrand. After completing her Master’s in industrial psychology, she joined the corporate world for two years working in HR. Unsatisfied with what she was achieving in her day job, Cara-Lisa left her nine-to-five to jump-start her health and lifestyle brand, Caralishious, in 2014. Today she runs and curates a successful wellness blog and even has her own vegan ice cream. She lives in Orchards, Johannesburg and will soon be moving in with her long-time boyfriend, Nicholas Dunn, 27. For my entire childhood, I lived and breathed dance; I was obsessed. I loved being able to express myself…

Suit up Who said a pantsuit can’t be sexy? Give yours a modern makeover with an on-trend, check print and a simple tee. Denim days Make a pair of denim culottes do double duty by dressing them up or down with just the right accessories. Checkmate This classic print is borrowed from the boys but the look is given a feminine feel by wearing it with a flowing, bell-sleeve blouse. Long and lean Juggle warm and cooler days with ease, with this season’s hottest must-have: trophy trousers. They cinch in your waist, skim over your hips, and elongate your legs – what more could you ask for? Work it Choose monochrome for sharp dressing workwear to show you mean business. Power pairing Pair a tailored blazer with a relaxed slogan…

What better place to reconnect with nature than the beautiful surrounds of Mabula Game Lodge, situated just two and a half hours’ drive from Joburg, in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. The bush paradise boasts a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and birds of prey. The lodge offers fun for the whole family; spot game from an open 4 x 4 vehicle, on horseback, by quad bike, or on foot with a guided walking tour. If you’d like to unwind, treat yourself to a massage at the lodge’s spa or relax by the pool. For more information, visit mabula.com ✱ Win a two-night stay at Mabula Game Lodge for two adults and two children aged under 12, worth R25 000, with all meals and two Classic Safari game…

From banking to playing music and even finding a date, so many things can be done on a smartphone these days. Research shows that the average person spends two hours nine minutes a day on their phone – that’s twice as long as in 2012. But who are the worst offenders? Using specialist app Moment (available on iOS), which tracks phone activity, we put six volunteers, aged 12 to 61, to the test. ‘I hate missing out on any gossip on Snapchat’ DAILY AVERAGE: 2hr 27min WEEKLY PICK-UPS: 161 FIVE MOST USED APPS: Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp,Snapchat, Facetime MOST VISITED: Instagram (9hr 9m) Libby Pugh, 12, lives with her mom Clare, stepfather Niall, and siblings Miah, 17, Ollie, 13, and Lochlan, 19 months. LIBBY SAYS: My mom let me have a…

A scientific breakthrough in cosmetics, TheraVine’s latest collection, ICT, uses ice crystal technology and plant stem cells to provide age-defying skincare. The unique phyto chemicals in snow algae powder activate skin cell longevity, while the rejuvenating ice crystal technology strengthens the cells’ defence mechanism. The result? Youthful-looking skin that’s resistant to the effects of pollutants, lack of sleep, and stress. For more information see theravine.co.za ✱ You could win a TheraVine hamper, which includes ICT Multi-Perfection Eye Cream, ICT Sculpting Neck Volumator, and ICT Superdefence Skin Densifier, worth R1 710. Enter via our website, essentials.co.za TERMS AND CONDITIONS To win one of 16 TheraVine hampers, worth R1 710 each, visit our website essentials.co.za; enter online before 31 March 2018. By entering the competition, you give Caxton the right to market…

4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BLADDER HAPPY Follow this straight-talking advice from GP Dr Hilary Jones 1. DRINK MORE LIQUIDS  Not getting enough liquid each day can make your urine more concentrated and irritates the bladder. Try drink six to eight glasses of liquid a day and avoid diuretics such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and fizzy drinks. 2. STRENGTHEN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR  Doing pelvic floor exercises a few times a day can tone the pelvic muscles that support your bladder, reducing leaks when you sneeze or cough. Find the muscles by clenching (as if holding in your wee) then releasing. Repeat 30 times. 3. EAT HEALTHY FOOD  Additional body weight will add pressure to the bladder, as does constipation, so eat a well-balanced diet. 4. STOP SMOKING  You’re far more…

If you thought a yoga workout couldn’t whip you into shape, think again. This sun salutation routine, designed by yoga expert Caroline Sandry, will help you tighten and tone your whole body in just four weeks. ‘These movements will target your arms, shoulders, core muscles and legs,’ explains Caroline. ‘And because the series of moves is repeated several times over, it has a mild aerobic benefit, too – you’ll definitely feel your heart rate increase.’ But unlike other body-firming workouts, you’ll feel more peaceful than pumped by the end of this one – that’s why it’s called REST-ercise! ‘This routine is really great for reducing stress,’ explains Caroline – it’s handy when work deadlines, those daily traffic woes, and your next holiday being nowhere in sight have left you with…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... No-bake, sugar-free coconut tarts These tarts are not only tasty but guilt-free, too. Blend 120g oats, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp honey and 4 pitted medjool dates until a sticky mixture forms. Press the mixture into tart tins then place in the freezer for 1 hr to set. For the filling, blend 250ml coconut cream, 3 tbsp honey and 1 banana until smooth. Take the tart bases out of the freezer and remove from the tins. Spoon the filling into the tarts and top with half a strawberry. Put in the freezer for 45 min to set. TRIED, TESTED, LOVED... JUNGLE MUESLI Bored of your usual morning cereal? Jungle Muesli has some new flavours to up your breakfast game. These include Mixed Berries, Nuts &…

What’s so good about them? Aubergines’ versatility as well as their deep purple colour makes them so appealing. Roasted, baked, grilled or stewed, their flesh turns meltingly tender, absorbing all the flavours of the ingredients it’s cooked with. They’re ideal for low-carb diets, too – cut into thin slices, they can be used instead of pasta in lasagne. Baked whole, or halved and stuffed, they make a great alternative to baked potatoes. When griddled in thick slices, they take on a hearty, ‘meat-like’ texture. Plus they have loads of nutritional benefits; read on to find out... ✱ The skin’s purple pigment is rich in antioxidants, which can help to fight cancer and age-related illnesses. ✱ High in fibre and low in fat, they’re good for managing type 2 diabetes and…

Whatever the shape or size of your bathroom, it’s easy to add style with a few nifty (and thrifty) tips. From clever wall displays to choosing the right accessories, it’s important to plan your ideas and start off with a serious declutter. Styling a room is far easier when you’re not contending with half-empty bottles of shampoo or ugly plastic containers, so ditch and decant before you begin. Select your favourite bottles (like the ones that are almost too good to use!) and give these prime position on your shelves, while keeping other essential (and less interesting) items in closed cabinets where possible. 1 PLAY WITH REFLECTIONS Mirrors in small bathrooms will create the illusion of space. Hang a large one above the basin, or create a feature by grouping…

HAVE A PLAN Sit down on the weekends and plan your meals for the week. Cook big batches so that you can freeze some of it for nights when you don’t want to cook. You can cook a bunch of veggies over the weekend and store them for four days in an air-tight container. DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF There’s no need to cut out entire food groups – rather go back to basics and keep things simple. Think whole, single-ingredient foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains. Yes, you can still eat brownies and bread, you just need to get creative with the ingredients. DON’T BLOW YOUR BUDGET Healthy eating doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Because meat can be the most expensive food item on your plate,…

The perfect summer colour pairing? Pink and red! Head to essentials.co.za  to find out how to wear the trend.…

“I’d lie awake at night thinking about chocolate, and imagining new flavour combinations” I was almost 30 by the time I finally figured out what all the hype was about chocolate. I wasn’t the kind of child who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar – I just didn’t have much of a sweet tooth. Of course there were times when I would tuck into a bar of chocolate, but it wasn’t with nearly as much enthusiasm as I have for it now. My environmental consulting career took me overseas, first to France and then in 2002 to Belgium, and it was there on a rainy morning in a cosy book café that I discovered the best chocolates I had ever tasted. As it melted on my tongue,…

Situated in the Western Cape’s picturesque Overberg region, Tsogo Sun’s The Caledon Hotel & Spa offers a relaxing stay for the whole family. The hotel boasts 95 spacious en-suite rooms with idyllic views, lush surrounding gardens, and a sparkling pool. As a guest you can enjoy complimentary access to the Caledon Spa, which boasts a historic Victorian bathhouse, natural warm mineral baths and the Rain Spa, which is designed to invigorate the body. There are also six treatment rooms offering pampering experiences. After unwinding, you may feel ready to go on an adventure, from quad biking trails and ziplining, to visiting local attractions like the Caledon Museum, the Hemel and Aarde wine valley, and the Cape Country Meander Route, which are all on the hotel’s doorstep. For more, see tsogosun.com…

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT... Loving the skin you’re in When it comes to looking your best, we can all agree that a great make-up routine starts with clear, glowing skin. To make it easier than ever, Clarins has introduced a trio of treatments designed for different skin types. The specialist SOS Masques come to the rescue to hydrate, clear away impurities, or deeply nourish your skin for a supple, toned and fresh appearance. Concentrated with plant extracts, they not only feel good but smell fantastic too. The best part? They get to work immediately, leaving you with radiant skin in minutes. Clarins SOS Masques in Hydra, Pure, and Comfort, R515 each. SAVE OR SPLURGE A brilliant two-in-one for your hair and skin! SAVE The Body Shop Wild Argan Miracle Oil For…

1. What is your child’s best quality? a. Their kind and caring nature b. Their whacky way of looking at the world c. Their endless curiosity 2. What is your child’s favourite food? a. Chicken nuggets and chips b. Spaghetti with their favourite ‘sauce’ (mayo!) c. It changes every day 3. What does your child want to be? a. A teacher b. A stand-up comedian c. Yesterday it was a doctor, today it’s a world traveller – your guess really is as good as mine 4. What is your child’s favourite weekend activity? a. Sitting under a tree reading b. Hiking, swimming – anything for an adrenalin rush c. It changes, can be anything from a game of soccer to using the iPad 5. Your child’s favourite breakfast? a. Yoghurt…

BURMESE CHICKEN NOODLES SERVES 4 READY IN 20 MIN 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and grated 3cm-piece of ginger, grated 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tsp ground turmeric 200g skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 900ml hot chicken or vegetable stock 1 tsp cornflour 1 tsp medium (or hot if you like heat) curry powder 160ml coconut cream Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve 300g ready-to-wok noodles (try Woolworths) 6 spring onions, sliced diagonally 2 soft-boiled eggs, quartered Coriander leaves 1 Heat the vegetable oil in a pan or wok, add the sliced onion and gently fry for 5 min. Add the grated garlic, grated ginger, red chilli, turmeric and chicken…

DOUBLE PESTO CHICKEN SKEWERS SERVES 3-4 READY IN 20 MIN + CHILLING 350g chicken breast fillets, cut into smaller pieces 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto Zested rind and juice of 1 lemon For the sauce 6 tbsp mayonnaise 1-2 tbsp basil pesto 1 Tip the chicken pieces into a bowl. Add the tomato pesto and lemon rind and juice and stir well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hr, or ideally overnight. 2 Thread the chicken onto wooden skewers and cook on a griddle-pan, or under the grill, until the chicken is properly cooked. 3 To make the sauce, mix together the mayonnaise with the basil pesto and then season to taste. 1 368kJ PER SERVING 26g FAT 3g SAT FAT AVO, GRAPEFRUIT…

1. THE HARDY ONE Hisense C30 Rock Lite, R2 599; takealot.com Hisense have made a phone that can survive just about every minor mishap; it’s not only shock- and dust resistant, but it’s also water resistant for up to one metre for 30 minutes. This 4G LTE phone comes with 16GB built-in memory (but you can upgrade up to 128GB externally), a handy nano dual SIM slot, as well as a basic front and rear camera so you can keep your Instagram followers up to date. 2. THE SELFIE QUEEN Nokia 3, R2 199; Makro The sleek design of the Nokia 3 makes it look anything but budget. Its fab HD display has been polarised, so no more having to squint to read a message in direct sunlight.…

Bonfire BY KRYSTEN RITTER (PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE) After leaving behind a difficult past, Abby Williams is a successful environmental lawyer working in Chicago. But a new case draws her back to her small hometown of Barrens, Indiana, to investigate Optimal Plastics, the corporation she suspects is behind a string of unexplained illnesses in the town. As she digs deeper, Abby finds odd connections to the decades-long, unsolved disappearance of her childhood friend – and bully – Kaycee Mitchell. Abby soon realises that to uncover the truth, she’ll have to confront disturbing secrets from her past. An impressive, haunting debut novel by the Jessica Jones actress. How To Be Happy BY EVA WOODS (LITTLE, BROWN) In her mid-thirties, Annie Hebden is stuck in a serious rut, still mourning the loss of…

“Co-presenting a live TV show has a lot to do with chemistry” My life changed when my boss told me that I was wasting my talents. I didn’t have much planned after I finished school, so I took a job working as a secretary for property developers just to earn a bit of money. One day the director told me I had too much charisma to be stuck behind a desk; his words were the nudge I needed to sign up for a TV presenting course. My parents taught me not to chase money, and it was this advice that led me to my big radio break. They told me to value experiences over material possessions; I’m from Somerset West, and while I was doing the TV presenting course, my…