Innholdsfortegnelse for APRIL 2018 i Essentials South Africa

OK, so let’s get real here: when given a choice between putting your feet up while lounging on the couch or sweating it out on the treadmill in the gym, a Netflix binge is likely to come out tops every time. And that’s exactly why we got our health experts to put together a time-saving workout that promises to get you fit and toned in just 15 minutes – and you don’t even need to step foot in the gym (p62)! Also in this issue of Essentials, we’ve worked out exactly how you can feel happier every single day, from smart marriage-saving tips from relationship counsellors (p30) to five-minute daily mood boosters (p34), and the secret ingredient to long-lasting joy (just FYI, it’s chocolate – check out the deliciously indulgent…

Whether you want to maintain a healthy, natural glow or rejuvenate dry and ageing skin, SIX Sensational Skincare can help you get the skin you want. The SIX Sensational Skincare range is a results-driven skincare treatment system based on highly active ingredients sourced from nature such as plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers. These ingredients work at cellular level to improve and repair the skin. The professional, award-winning skincare system has both in-salon/spa treatments, from alpha hydroxyl acid peels to its latest innovation of collagen induction therapy, and a range of products for home use to keep your skin healthy and happy every day. ✱ To win a SIX Sensational Skincare hamper worth R2 000, which includes the Gentle Foaming Wash, Balancing Lotion, and Daily Moisturising Cream, enter via essentials.co.za TERMS…

The chiffon dress A chic denim or biker jacket worn with a floaty dress is a winning style combination. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and team edgy accessories with feminine clothing. Maxi dress, R1 799; denim jacket, R799; sling bag, R499; all Forever New. Earrings, R199,50; rings, R169,50 for four; Colette Hayman. Boots, R1 699, Aldo. The oversized blazer Play with proportions and balance an oversized, masculine blazer with slim-fitting pants. Or opt for a belted design that will cinch in your waist. Blazer, R629, H&M. Jeans, R899, Forever New. Shirt, R399; brogues, R450; both Woolworths. Earrings, R114,50 for 12, Colette Hayman. The paper-bag waist It’s the style of the season. Wear it with a tucked-in, fitted top – this will balance out your figure and draw the…

Do you want healthy, younger-looking skin? Microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure, designed for a range of skin conditions, including sun-damaged skin, lines, wrinkles, and superficial acne scarring. Microneedling also helps to stimulate collagen production and to treat large pores. Microneedling at The Laser Beautique is not painful, as highly skilled therapists use a numbing agent to reduce the sensation and ensure comfort. Treatments are performed by advanced skincare specialists using a state-of-the-art Dr Pen or roller together with TDS advanced serums, which are applied after microneedling. The results are immediately visible with long-lasting effects. Visit thelaserbeautique.co.za, follow @thelaserebeautique on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or phone 0861 850 851 to find out more. ✱ Take advantage of our reader offer and get 20% off any microneedling treatment at The Laser Beautique.…

It has never been easier to look bright-eyed when you jump out of bed, even if you’ve been tossing and turning all night. Whether you need to hydrate, de-puff, tighten or brighten (or you need a potent multitasker to do all four), here’s exactly how to get up and glow. 1 THE TIGHTENER Bags appear in the blink of an eye (literally). They’re the result of water pooling in swelled tissue but, not to worry, they can be toned up. Look out for products with hyaluronic acid on the label, as this helps plump and firm sagging skin to even out your under-eye area. Eye products travel up as they are absorbed, so apply on and below your bags for maximum effect. 2 THE DO-IT-ALL If there’s no standout bugbear…

3 WAYS TO SLEEP YOURSELF SLIM Lack of sleep raises levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for letting your brain know you're hungry, and also reduces levels of leptin, a hormone that regulates your appetite and metabolism. If you don't get enough sleep, you'll feel constantly hungry and your metabolism will slow down, so you’re likely to reach for sugary, high-kilojoule foods. SKINNY SLEEP RULES 1. FORM A ROUTINE Experts agree that you should stick to a schedule to ensure you get eight hours of sleep each night. 2. TURN OFF GADGETS The light from screens interferes with the hormone melatonin, which regulates your sleep cycle. Turn off devices at least an hour before bedtime – and that includes the TV. 3. GET UP AND GO Studies have…

BREAKFASTS ✱ 2 wholegrain oatcakes topped with one mashed banana. ✱ Oats made with low-fat milk, topped with 1 tbsp crushed pecans and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. ✱ Poached egg on a slice of seeded toast with a scraping of butter, and grilled mushrooms. Half a grapefruit. ✱ Half a cored apple, spread with 3 tsp tahini or peanut butter. Plus 100g fat-free plain yoghurt with a drizzle of honey. ✱ Bowl of strawberries with 150g fat-free plain yoghurt and 1 tbsp of any toasted seed mix. ✱ Whizz 200ml low-fat or almond milk, 1 tbsp wheat germ, 100g fresh or frozen berries, 2 tsp runny honey and 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter to make a smoothie. ✱ 2 soft-boiled eggs, with one small slice of…

CRAFT Bunny bunting Cute and quirky bunting that will bring the Easter bunny to your backyard. Plus, put it up in your kid’s room afterwards. HEALTH Carb lover’s diet This fab eating plan can help you lose up to 3kg in a month. And the best part? You don’t have to give up carbs to do it! BEAUTY Face masks Take your skincare routine up a notch by adding in a mask once a week. Find the best face mask for your skin type with our list. WORK Career booster In need of a career makeover? These short courses will do just that. We’ve even managed to find some that are free!…

CHICKPEA AND BUTTERNUT BURGERS WITH CARROT SLAW SERVES 4 READY IN 50 MIN + CHILLING 500g butternut, peeled, deseeded and sliced 400g can chickpeas, drained 100g breadcrumbs 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 egg, lightly beaten 4 tbsp plain flour 2 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp olive oil For the slaw Red cabbage, shredded 2 carrots, shredded 7.5cm piece cucumber, shredded Juice of 1 orange For the buns 4 multi-grain rolls 200g hummus Handful salad leaves 1 Put the butternut in a bowl with 3 tbsp water. Microwave on high for 6-8 min until tender. Stand for 2 min, then drain. 2 Blend the chickpeas and butternut in a food processor. Season, add the breadcrumbs, spices, egg and flour; blend again. 3 Divide the mix into 4…

SLOW-ROASTED NECK OF PORK SERVES 8 READY IN 4 HR 35 MIN + CHILLING 50g flat-leaf parsley 20g mint 50g chives 1 green chilli, de-seeded, finely chopped 4 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed Zest and juice of 2 lemons 5 tbsp runny honey 100ml olive oil 2.5kg joint skinned, boned neck of pork 500ml chicken stock 1 Start the day before you plan to cook the pork. Remove any thick stalks from the parsley and mint and finely chop, along with the chives. Mix in a bowl with the chilli, fennel seeds, lemon zest and juice and honey. Stir in the olive oil. 2 Untie the pork, if it’s been tied with string, and spread half the herb mixture into the cavities in the meat. Re-tie with string and place…

The Other Woman BY LAURA WILSON (QUERCUS) Sophie Hamilton is devastated when, a few days after Christmas, a threatening note is delivered to her home. It reads: He’s Going To Leave You. Let’s See How Smug You Are Then, You Stupid B****. It’s not the first time she’s been warned of her husband Leo’s wandering eye but, instead of confronting him, she devises a cunning plan to uncover the identity of the other woman. But when her plan goes violently wrong, Sophie is forced to go to extreme lengths to keep her family together. A pacey psychological thriller that’s a fresh approach to domestic noir. Fairytale BY DANIELLE STEEL (PAN MACMILLAN) An imaginative retelling of Cinderella. Camille Lammenais has grown up on her family’s wine estate in Napa Valley and…

Before Lalla, 30, began her almost 20-year-long career in the entertainment industry, she was a busy kid who lived a nomadic life. She was born in Japan, but her family later moved to Australia, before her parents settled in South Africa during her primary school years. Lalla fell in love with the limelight from an early age and became addicted to the thrill of performance. At 13, she moved back to Japan for a year and fell into teaching dance to children. She returned to SA where she became a founding member of Clinch Dance Crew, a hip-hop dance group. At 15, she landed her first presenting gig on eTV’s kids’ show Craz-e.Lalla went on to present DStv’s Vuzu’s V-Entertainmentfrom 2011 to 2017, and she joined the judging panel of…

THIS MONTH WE LOVE... We're besotted with the new online shop called K Crystals – they're the sole South African distributor of Marea Crystals, originally made in the Czech Republic. Each piece is crafted from 925 sterling silver and gorgeous crystals with Swarovski Elements. The online collection features sets, so you can go for full co-ordination, or get the earrings and necklaces separately to mix and match. This affordable luxury gets a big thumbs up from us! Cubist earrings in Golden Shadow, R399, kcrystals.net IF YOU ONLY BUY 1 THING... The team at Colton James know that one watch might not work for every occasion, but that your budget might not stretch to two, so here's their solution: classic timepieces with interchangeable straps. Chic design and lots of choice –…

My wedding day was everything I'd always dreamt of and more. I was marrying my soulmate in front of our nearest and dearest at a beautiful wedding venue. So many brides dream of reliving their special day and, in a way, I have – many times. Warren and I got married in April 2013 in the KZN Midlands. I’d spent months planning and making my own decor, from my paper bouquet and the flower girls’ shoes to hangover kits that we gave out as wedding favours. I had also done the wedding-dress boutique circuit, but had trouble finding The One. In the end, I said no to everything that I tried on, but took inspiration from each one and created a mental image of what I wanted my dress to…

✱ MONITOR YOUR MOODS ‘Don’t assume that you know each other so well that you can tell when things are OK or not,’ says David. ‘Check in with each other daily using the PIE method – how do you feel today physically, intellectually and emotionally? So often our partners don’t know what we’re thinking and might feel like they’re to blame if we’re behaving a certain way, but it could be that we’re just not in a great place that day.’ ✱ USE THE THREE-STEP PROCESS ‘I wish all couples knew the process of: I can ask, you can say no, and we can negotiate,’ says Andrew. ‘Lots of people think they can’t ask for what they want so drop hints or expect their partner to be a mind reader,…

Friendships, like gardens, need to be tended and cared for in order to grow. Take a few moments to assess whose friendship you value in your life and ask yourself why. Who would you turn to in a crisis – or who would you turn to for a laugh? When you bring each friend to mind, ask yourself why you value that person, and whether you have done enough to show how much he or she means to you. We can’t necessarily rid ourselves of negative people (they may be those closest to us), but surrounding yourself with positive people can encourage you to see the world in a similar way. You can also become a positive person in someone else’s life and try to fill their cup with a…

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT... Turning back the clock on ageing... Or at least slowing it down. Getting older is inevitable, but with the right skincare products you can look fabulous at the same time. Visible signs of ageing start to appear as early as your twenties (gasp!). Hydrate with hyaluronic acid in your thirties, and as you approach 40, tackle fine lines and wrinkles – we just love the NUXE anti-ageing Merveillance Expert range, which is formulated for skin after 40. From R424, at selected stores. SAVE OR SPLURGE Keep your brows in tip-top shape with these nifty kits SAVE L.A. Girl Brow Kit, R119,95,Dis-Chem SPLURGE MAC Great Brows, R400, Edgars FAST BEAUTY FIX Say goodbye to chapped lips with this home-made scrub – just warm the oil slightly and mix…

SOAKED HAIR Caught in a downpour without your umbrella? Don’t panic! Just nip back inside for a five-minute wet weather fix. WORK IT: If you’ve styled your hair in the morning – and especially if you’ve used a blow-dryer – the simple method to revive your dampened ’do is to spritz your locks with ghd Curl Hold Spray, R220, then blow-dry the top section again. The bottom, layered areas wouldn’t have been as affected by the rain, so concentrate on smoothing and styling the top section to revive your look in minutes. GREY HAIR Fed up with spending time and money hiding your silver roots? There’s no better moment to embrace the grey! Properly maintained silver tresses are chic, trendy and oh-so glam! WORK IT: Blondes will find it easier…

Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but did you know that each year in the US, two-million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria? Here’s why it’s so important to finish that course you’ve been prescribed, and why you shouldn’t insist on antibiotics if you just have the flu... KNOW YOUR DRUGS Of the hundreds of different antibiotics, these are the ones most likely to be prescribed: ✱ PENICILLINS such as amoxicillin, one of the most prescribed antibiotics in SA (Amoxil; Augmentin). Treat everything from skin and urinary tract infections to chest infections. Can reduce effectiveness of contraceptives. ✱ MACROLIDES such as erythromycin and the newer-generation clarithromycin (ClariHexal; Klacid) and azithromycin (Zithromax). Useful for treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections, or as an alternative for people with a penicillin allergy, or to…

Between work, the kids and our undeniable Netflix addictions, finding time to workout can be a serious challenge. BUT, fear not! You can still work off the wine, chocolate biscuits and daily cappuccino (we’ll stop right there) without slogging away at the gym for hours on end. It’s all thanks to that little thing we know as HIIT – or High Intensity Interval Training. Simple yet highly effective, think sweat-inducing bodyweight exercises done at speed for shorts bursts, with quick periods of rest in-between. This four-week HIIT plan, created by personal trainers Hollie Philippa and Paul Cambray, will keep your metabolism working fast and leave you feeling fit, healthy and strong. Clear a spot in your living room, switch on your iPod, and get movin’! Your time-saving at-home workout plan…

Why are they so great? ✱ These nutritious nuts are packed with minerals, such as magnesium, which is good for the nervous system, and vitamins, like vitamin B2, which helps with energy production. They also happen to be a great source of plant-based protein, and they’re high in heart-healthy fats. All nuts are kilojoule dense, but almonds have one of the lowest amounts, so they’re an excellent choice when you want to satisfy any snack cravings, but are trying to maintain a low-kJ diet. Eat in moderation though (ideally just a handful per day). ✱ Almonds are an incredibly versatile superfood: raw, roasted, salted or toasted, they taste great either way. Almonds also come in different forms, like nutrient-packed almond milks and butters. Almond flour, or finely ground almonds, can…

Keep putting any home decorating on the back-burner because you think you don’t have the time – or money? Well, don’t. All you need is an hour and some creativity to give your space an update, no expensive building materials needed. So this weekend, schedule in some DIY in your spare time with these ideas and enjoy the instant results. YOU’VE GOT… AN HOUR Create a terrarium Perk up your indoor space with a mini-garden that even those with no green thumbs can manage. Group varieties of plants such as succulents, like cacti and aloe, in a terrarium or any watertight container. Start with a layer of gravel for drainage, then add soil for dry-climate plants. Make a well for the roots, add plants and press soil around them. Finish…

Mostly As – You are … The One to Rule Them All You put Martha Steward to shame. All your friends and neighbours come to you for advice and tips. You not only have hacks to clean every nook and cranny, you make the hacks. Just remember you are allowed to slack off every now and then! You are very product-savvy and are probably already using MAQ Thick Bleach. Mostly Bs – You are… The Squeaky-Clean Queen You keep on top of all the cleaning chores and, though you may not feel that your house is perfectly clean. Your kids know to put stuff back in their place. For that extra peace-of-mind, use MAQ Thick Bleach for 24-hour germ protection. Mostly Cs – You are… The Cleaner Dreamer Your Pinterest…

PATTERNED PENCIL POTS Keep hold of your empty tin cans, clean them thoroughly and, when dry, spray with white paint. Then decorate with your favourite washi tapes to perk up your desk. STRIPED NOTEBOOKS Take a plain notebook and decide on the washi tape you’re going to use. Don’t worry if you change your mind or need to tweak its position – it’s so easy to peel off. Measure the length of the book you want to cover and cut your tape to 2cm longer than this measurement. Stick the tape in place and fold 1cm over at each end to stop it from peeling off. FUNKY CLIPBOARDS Plan the design of your new clipboard and, if necessary, draw on your pattern using a pencil and ruler. For this checked…

ARIES 21 MARCH-19 APRIL It s time to celebrate! Put your thinking cap on and plan your party – it’s your birthday season after all. Communication is key this month so be honest about your intentions. Now’s also the ideal time to make a fresh start, as you’ll have more focus than usual. Taurus 20 APRIL – 20 MAY Are you a little angrier than usual? Do you feel fired up and ready to act? It’s about time! Long-kept annoyances are ready to be spoken about. It’s a great time for making important changes, just make sure you communicate them properly… Gemini 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Your mind and tongue tend to work quickly, so be aware that you could get yourself into a bit of trouble by speaking…

GO GET TESTED PCOS affects around 10% of childbearing women, so if you’re between the ages of 16 and 40 ask your doctor about it. Sometimes the most obvious symptoms like hair loss or acne don’t even present themselves, and many teenagers are told that they are simply hormonal. Getting tested can involve a pelvic exam and ultrasound for any abnormalities, as well as blood tests to check your hormone and glucose levels. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT When I was first diagnosed, my doctor told me I was on my way to becoming a diabetic, and my cholesterol was dangerously high – both were a result of PCOS. By taking responsibility for the kind of food I was eating, I’ve been able to reduce my risk of diabetes and…

Wear colour Go for head-to-toe colour blocking, or try bright separates and standout accessories. Either way, there’s no shying away – be bold and embrace vivid hues. Show off in satin Want to inject some edginess into an elegant outfit? Swap your classic black trousers for satin ones for the perfect mix of savvy sophistication. Accessory necessities Don’t underestimate the power of oversized accessories – it’s what takes a simple outfit from fine to fabulous. Add a little dazzle Sequins are your go-to for Saturday night cocktails, but can be worn in the daytime too. Pair a sparkly top or jacket with a pair of jeans for a glam take on casual wear. Go matchy-matchy Think wearing all pink is OTT? It’s time to say goodbye to the rules: tone-on-tone…

Let’s be honest, it’s tough finding the motivation to slave over a stove after a long day at work. So it’s no wonder ready-made meals (or ordering in) are the go-to after a difficult day at the office. For working mother Kelly she always felt guilty about her lack of interest in cooking dinner for her family, and she even started her own blog, This Mom Can’t Cook, on the topic. She told us that, at a bit of a push, she can heat up an oven and bake some fish fingers and chips, so we approached her with a challenge: ditch the takeaways and microwave meals for home-cooked dinners prepared from scratch – for a full week. Here are Kelly’s results. Meet Kelly Kelly, 30, is the owner of…

“Our first doll had an afro that looks and feels like real African hair – our stock sold out in just three weeks!” ‘None of the dolls I had as a child looked anything like me, and that affected my self-esteem – something needed to change’ Co-owner of an online store selling 100% natural textured hair extensions, Caroline Hlahla, 35, lives in London with her fiancé Sandro. Caroline and her business partner, Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu, founded the Sibahle Collection of black dolls last year. None of the dolls I had as a child looked like me: they all had long, silky, flowing hair – something that my friends and I dreamt of having. We would even put pillowcases on our pretend to flick our ‘hair’ around our faces. When I was…

Want to find tranquillity, surrounded by nature? Situated in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, with its rich heritage and host of nature reserves, Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa makes for a perfect luxury getaway. Positioned on the banks of the picturesque Lake Jozini, and with the Lebombo Mountain range as its splendid backdrop, the lodge boasts luxe facilities that include a Mangwanani Spa, gym, rim-flow swimming pool, exceptional dining experiences, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Luckily for our readers, we’re giving away a two-night stay for two adults sharing at Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa, worth an amazing R15 000. The prize includes all meals (with a bottle of house red or white wine at dinner on both nights), a sunset boat cruise for two,…

HOW IT WORKS This healthy eating plan for a flat tum has enough kilojoule-leeway to let you enjoy a glass of wine every day if you want to! Meals are designed to manage hunger by keeping your blood sugar and insulin levels under control, says nutritionist Angela Dowden. Plenty of fibre will also help prevent bloating and stops your digestive system from becoming sluggish. Potassium-rich fruit and veg help counteract the fluid retaining effects of salt that can add centimetres to your waist. WHAT TO DO 1. Choose one healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 2. You’re also allowed 1 x 150ml glass of wine a day (see our clever drinking guide for more information). 3. If you’re still hungry, snack on berries, or vegetable crudités with salsa. CLEVER DRINKING…

LATERAL SKI JUMPS Lower into a curtsy lunge, your left foot back, and right foot crossed in front. Jump left, switching legs and arms as above. Jump right, switching position of limbs again, to complete one rep. RENEGADE ROW Holding a dumb-bell in each hand, perform a plank. Lift one weight up towards the side of your body, while resting weight on other hand and feet. Lower down and repeat on the other side. PLANK Kneel on all fours with hands directly under shoulders. Come onto toes, contract abs, and straighten legs; keep body in line from head to heels. Remember not to lift your bum in the air. TRICEP DIPS Sitting, place hands either side of you. Slide off chair, extending legs out in front. Bend elbows at 90…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Sweet and sticky chicken wings Pass round the serviettes for this popular snack – delish! Heat oven to 180°C. Spread 10 chicken wings, split, on a wire rack on a baking tray. Bake for 20 min. In a pan over medium heat, combine 125g butter, 100ml VIP Sauce, 100ml Tabasco, 2 tsp red-wine vinegar, 3 tbsp honey, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp crushed garlic and 1 tsp flour. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Take wings out of oven and coat with sauce. Bake for 5 min before serving. KITCHEN HACK Wine glasses looking a bit dull and cloudy? Add about 1 tsp bleach to the soapy dishwater when washing glassware to restore sparkle and shine. You're welcome. TRIED, TESTED,…

EASTER ICE-CREAM CAKE SERVES 16 READY IN 30 MIN + FREEZING 650g mini-chocolate eggs 1 litre chocolate ice cream 500ml cookies and cream ice cream 16 chocolate bunnies (or KitKat/Cadbury Fingers), chilled 4 tbsp chocolate spread 1 Line a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin with two layers of clingwrap. Bash half of the mini-eggs with a rolling pin. Spoon half the chocolate ice cream into the tin and press to form an even layer. Scatter half the crushed mini-eggs on top. 2 Spoon the cookies and cream ice cream on top. Scatter over the remaining crushed eggs and top with the remaining chocolate ice cream. Freeze overnight. 3 Turn the ice cream out of the tin; remove clingwrap. Spread the back of each bunny with chocolate spread; stick around the outside…