Innholdsfortegnelse for MAY 2018 i Essentials South Africa

Everyone here at Essentialsloves a quick fix but, honestly, who doesn’t? That’s why this issue is crammed full of small – read: minimum effort – tweaks that have maximum impact. Our beauty editor has put together loads of on-trend hair and make-up looks that you can pull off in five minutes or less (p46), and our decor experts show you how to create a calmer, more appealing home without any major revamps (p86). If you often feel shattered after a day at work, we’ve got some easy family meal ideas (p70), as well as clutter-busting tips to keep your house looking neat and tidy minus all the hard work (p90). And if you’re happy with all these quick fixes, you will be thrilled to know that napping – even just…

TIME TO COSY UP We love that winter's an excuse to snuggle up in warm knitwear, but how do you keep the comfy-casual look oh-so stylish? We have found the solution. Time to say goodbye to unflattering jerseys, and say hello to the new and improved cable-knit pullover. Perfect for creating an effortlessly chic winter look, this figure-forgiving buy will be your go-to item all season long. Follow the over-sized trend, and pair it with skinny jeans and block-heeled ankle boots to help balance out your proportions – and to accentuate legs. We’re getting one in every colour! Grey knit, R799, Queenspark. IF YOU ONLY BUY 1 THING... Thomas Sabo's new jewellery collection is here. Inspired by tropical islands, the range features exotic snake rings and bangles, multi-coloured jungle-leaf earrings,…

Love affair with ‘fur’ What’s not to love about the flattering (faux) fur coat? To balance out proportions, an over-sized, chunky style works best worn over skinny jeans or a fitted dress. Drape it over your shoulders for extra style points. Red-y, steady, shop! Red is the colour of the season, and a coat in this hue is the perfect way to make a statement without saying a word. Buy one in wrap-, swing- or a classic pea coat style and you’ll wear it forever. The new classic Trench coats have long been the fashion world’s secret for looking flawless – and you’re no longer stuck wearing camel colours. Long or short, single or double-breasted, a trench always looks effortlessly chic. Go big, or go home If you spend the…

FOR BETTER... OR WORSE My cousin runs a catering company and, during the holidays, she asked me to help out at a wedding. I was tasked with taking care of the main table because she ‘knew she could trust me’. But I lost control of the cork from the bubbly and it hit the bride in the face. I was so shocked that I proceeded to spill whatever was left in the bottle all over the groom. Needless to say, my cousin never asked me to help out again. ON HIGH ALERT I blog about my adventures overseas and day-to-day life, and continued to do so once I got a temporary job as a data capturer. The work was so boring that I took to my blog to air my…

Glossy, painted nails are an effortless way to make you look well-groomed – even if you’re just lounging around in jeans and a tee. But if your budget doesn’t cover those weekly trips to a salon, how do you keep your nails in tip-top shape? We’ll let you in on our little secret... 1 PREP AND PRIME As with all things, laying the correct foundation is essential to creating a masterpiece – your nails are no exception. Trim nails using scissors or clippers, then file to a smooth finish – a classic oval shape is universally flattering and will make nails look longer. Massage a pea-sized amount of cuticle remover into the base of the fingernails to soften cuticles, then neaten up with a manicure stick. 2 SMOOTH OPERATOR If…

3 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO EAT BETTER Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed shares her top tips. 1. HAVE A ROUTINE ‘This means children will learn when to expect food, and also helps to develop an appetite, as well as an awareness of hunger- and fullness signals in the body.’ 2. DON’T USE FORCE ‘If mealtimes are a constant battleground, take a step back and just enjoy time together, without the pressure to eat everything on their plate. As long as they have a mealtime routine, there will be lots of other times to get nutrients into their bodies.’ 3. BE A ROLE MODEL ‘One of the best ways to get children into eating healthy food is to eat nutritious food yourself; they learn by copying so practise "do as I do,…

VERRUCAE WHAT IS IT? ‘A type of wart (also known as plantar warts) found on the soles of the feet,’ says GP Dr Gill Jenkins. ‘They tend to be flat rather than raised, and they’re white with a black dot in the centre. They can be painful on a weight-bearing part of the foot.’ TREAT IT ‘over-the-counter salicylic acid gels can work if used early enough, but more stubborn warts may need medical treatments,’ says GP dr ross Perry. ‘these include medical freezing, also known as cryotherapy.’ STOP THE SPREAD ‘Verrucae, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are spread via contact with the skin,’ explains podiatry expert Emma Stevenson. ‘Wear flip-flops in gym changing rooms and showers, and don’t share bath mats.’ TUMMY BUGS WHAT IS IT Gastroenteritis…

HOW IT WORKS Based on the findings of anti-ageing expert Dr Nicholas Perricone, this plan includes plenty of tuna and salmon, which contain skin-firming DMAE, the anti-inflammatory astaxanthin and heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, which help increase the skin’s glow. This diet is also high in antioxidant-rich berries and greens to help maintain collagen levels. YOUR 28-DAY PLAN FOR GLOWING SKIN Choose from these heart-healthy breakfasts, light lunches and sumptuous dinners (try to mix it up rather than having the same thing every day!) plus, have one or two snacks daily... BREAKFASTS Have green tea or a glass of chilled water with every breakfast choice. ✱ Omelette made with 2 egg whites and 1 yolk; 1 grilled rasher lean bacon, a sliced tomato, 80g blueberries. ✱ 100g grilled salmon. Small bowl…

What’s so good about it? ✱ It’s a great source of folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, as well as potassium, and is low in kilojoules. Scientific research has shown the mix of nutrients and antioxidants, along with other beneficial plant compounds in beetroot, can even boost sporting performance and recovery, and can also deliver potential benefits for your cardiovascular health. If you’re starting an exercise programme, it seems that increasing beetroot intake will help you work out for longer, and suffer less muscle strain afterwards. ✱ These days you don t have to only eat boring beetroot that’s come out of a jar: you can roast whole beetroot in the skin for 40 minutes, then peel it – rubber gloves highly recommended for this job! Because it is naturally…

It’s easy to see why the world has fallen in love with Scandinavian style; with the focus on simplicity, a muted palette, light and functionality, Nordic homes are tranquil, attractive spaces that are practical to boot. This is exactly what Rhiannon and Joel Payne were drawn towards when they began to renovate their house. ‘I love the clean lines and craftsmanship of Scandinavian design, so I tried to incorporate it into our home,’ says Rhiannon. This included adding as much light as possible to the former dingy interior and creating a more sensible layout, with rooms flowing off a central, double-height passage. The couple have filled the interior with their collection of mid-century furniture and added colourful accents to a scheme of white, grey and oak. CHOOSE A CALM PALETTE…

1. THE VALUE-FOR-MONEY ONE Hisense M7000 55” Flat ULED Smart TV, R10 499,Hirsch’s For A-MAZ-ING value, look no further than Hisense’s M7000. It has all the bells and whistles of a smart TV without the eye-watering price tag. This TV’s chic look, vibrant picture and superb sound are giving screens twice the price a run for their money, and all your favourite streaming apps are on board, too. 2. THE AT-HOME CINEMA ONE JVC 55” UHD Smart LED TV with built-in soundbar, R8 499,Game This stunner of a set will make movie nights an epic experience right from the comfort of your couch. Thanks to its integrated soundbar, you’ll think that you have left your home and entered a movie theatre. Looking for an all-rounder? This is a great value-for-money…

ON THE BIG SCREEN Tully Mom-of-three Marlo’s (Charlize Theron) days are filled with getting kids ready for school, bath time, laundry and quick-fix dinners, while her sleepless nights are spent soothing her newborn’s cries. While looking after her family, Marlo’s forgotten to look after herself until night nurse Tully (Mackenzie Davis) arrives at her door. A gift from Marlo’s brother (Mark Duplass), Tully steps in to pick up the slack. It’s a touching comedy that follows the duo’s relationship. A perfect film just in time for Mother’s Day. Out 11 May Please Stand By Wendy (Dakota Fanning) is a 21-year-old woman with autism, who is obsessed with Star Trek and has even written her own screenplay for the sci-fi series. One fateful day she sees an advert for a Star…

LAST MONTH YOU LOVED! The DIY section on our website that’s filled with quick and easy craft ideas for you to try out at home! ‘Thanks for all the cool ideas. I have so many talented friends who love trying out the crafts on the website’ – Vanessa Christane OUR TWITTER POLL RESULTS ARE IN! When you have a moment to yourself, what are you doing? WHO TO FOLLOW  an student who has made it her mission to take chinning around the world. What’s ‘chinning’? It’s the act of tilting your head downwards to accentuate the appearance of a double chin as a way to fight traditional beauty standards. If you want a new a travel account to follow, check out @chinventures for hilarious (and some inspiring) pics. We asked…

“When I applied to modelling agencies, I was shocked that I wasn’t considered a ‘normal’ size” For most of her childhood, Marciel was running around barefoot and climbing trees on a wine farm, just outside Franschhoek. At 13, her dad got a new job and the family settled in their new home, Paarl. Marciel went on to study drama and psychology at Stellenbosch University, and in 2014 she crossed paths with Miss South Africa 2014 top 12 finalist Mishka Patel, who inspired her to enter the national pageant. Marciel’s journey to becoming a top 12 finalist wasn’t easy and involved a strict training and eating regime – she shed 14kg in four months, but her health suffered. Now back to her original – and healthier – weight, she’s represented by…

The trophy trousers Add style to your stride in wide-fit trousers. They’ll cinch you in at the waist and also create the illusion of height and longer legs, especially when worn with heels. Opt for a structured waist and tuck in your top for added definition. The new cover-up If you buy one thing this season, make it a kimono-style cover-up – buy it now and wear it forever. Pair with matching loose-fitting trousers or throw it over your LBD. Anything goes! The frilly blouse We’re embracing the high-neck, frilly blouse trend. Throw on a statement coat and ankle boots for day, and swap to sky-high heels for a dressier evening look. The cost-per-wear will be minimal with this one. The checked blazer Grey checks are super versatile and, with…

“If it hadn’t been for Betsie’s encouragement, I would’ve got on the first flight back home” Betsie Smit, 68, and I had been walking buddies for years before we set off on a life-changing trek to finish the Camino de Santiago. Our paths crossed one fateful day in 1996 when Betsie and I both arrived at an aerobics class in our Winelands hometown of Rawsonville. We got on like a house on fire and when we grew tired of aerobics, we decided to hit the road and have been walking together ever since. During our long strolls through town and the neighbouring vineyards, Betsie and I chatted about taking a big trip together – it became one of those things that you talk about, but never actually do. In 2016…

There are times when losing your cool can have very serious consequences. Losing control of your emotions in the workplace means you could lose the respect of your colleagues or manager. Here’s how reputation management expert Paul MacKenzie-Cummins suggests handling anger and conflict in the workplace. 1. TAKE A STEP BACK  If you’re having problems with a specific individual, try to understand what’s going on with that person: they could be experiencing problems in their personal life, or they could be drowning in a difficult deadline. 2. CONFIDE IN A COLLEAGUE  It helps to gain another person’s perspective. Ask for an honest opinion as to whether your views are valid, or whether you’re overreacting. For all you know, you could be misreading the situation. 3. SEND A QUICK EMAIL  Still…

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT... Happy hour for your hair! Our idea of wine and beauty is a glass of vino after a pamper session, but did you know the grape stuff is great for your hair? Relax, we don’t mean you have to shampoo with expensive pinotage. Unwined is a new haircare range by Hask that contains wine extract, which is packed with antioxidants to help rejuvenate and strengthen hair. Other ingredients include resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, to protect and restore hair, and grapeseed oil to smooth cuticles and tame frizz. The deep conditioners and leave-in sprays are made with a non-tipsy formula, and are free of parabens and artificial colours. Time for some wine? From R69,95, Clicks. SAVE OR SPLURGE Get the sculpted cheekbones you’ve always dreamt…

Walk and talk If you spend a lot of your day taking and making phone calls, then why not get your steps in at the same time? Make a rule that you can’t take a call seated. Bonus points for using Bluetooth headphones and a microphone, so you can pace up and down while talking to a customer. Stop! Breathe! Do you often have a million thoughts and to-do lists running through your head? Many of us can feel overwhelmed by the stresses of the day – but stop. Go to a quiet place (even if it’s the car) and take 10 deep breaths: inhale and exhale and repeat until you feel calmer. Be smart When you’re rushing around, it’s easy to pick up a fizzy drink packed with sugar…

THIS MONTH... We're making a speedy, low-carb supper Pulse half a cauliflower, broken into small florets, in a food processor, until finely chopped; set aside. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry 200g prawns for 3 min. Add 1 chilli, finely sliced, 2 crushed garlic cloves and 2cm root ginger, finely grated. Fry for 1 min. Add 150g sugar-snap peas and 2 tbsp oyster sauce. Drizzle over 1 tbsp soy sauce. Mix in 100g bean sprouts and the cauliflower. Heat for 30 sec and sprinkle over chopped coriander leaves. FAST FOODIE FIX Treat yourself to some hot chocolate on a chilly afternoon. Yum! WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT... SIR FRUIT COLD PRESSED JUICE We're big fans of getting our five-a-day from freshly made fruit and…

NO-BAKE TRUFFLE CRUNCH SERVES 8-10 READY IN 20 MIN + CHILLING For the crust 125g butter, melted 200g digestive biscuits, finely crushed For the filling 300ml cream 2 tbsp icing sugar Few drops of vanilla extract 200g dark chocolate, chopped and melted Cocoa, for dusting 1 To make the tart crust: stir the butter into the crushed biscuits, tip into a lined base of a 20cm round, loose-bottomed cake tin, and press down well to cover the base and sides of the tin. Chill the tin for at least 30 min to allow the crust to set. 2 To make the filling: Pour the cream into a bowl and add the icing sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture forms soft peaks, then gradually whisk in the melted chocolate…

1. The small cabinet-space, compact cabinet Spend too much time rummaging for things piled up by the front door before leaving the house? Pop your gym bag, kids’ backpacks, bulky winter woolies, or household items like spare batteries into this neat cabinet that fits easily into a corner – it’s a clutter-buster’s dream. 2. The entrance table Narrow entrance hall? At just 45cm deep, this sleek table can sit flush against the wall and features three slim drawers to keep keys, post and all the other bits and pieces you collect near the front door. It’s not only functional, it’s a really gorgeous piece of furniture to greet you (or your guests) on your arrival home. 3. The decor hooks There are always jackets, caps or bags to be offloaded…

THE ALIENIST, SEASON 1 NETFLIX It s 1896 in New York, and there s been a series of murders of boy prostitutes. Criminal psychologist Dr Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl) looks into the case and may be the one person who can catch the killer. Also starring Dakota Fanning. SMILF, SEASON 1 SHOWMAX Twenty-something single mom Bridgette Bird (Frankie Shaw) is trying to adjust to raising a child, holding down a job and staying in the dating game. All she wants is a better life for her son, but her impulsive nature sometimes gets in the way. The creators of Shameless are to thank for this hilarious series. BOSCH, SEASON 4 SHOWMAX LAPD stalwart Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) returns to our screens with a whole new mystery. In the latest season,…

‘Now’s the time to channel emotions and take action’ TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY The answer to any challenges life’s throwing at you this month is to get in touch with your anger. Often, feeling annoyed is what helps you get unstuck and actually do something. It’s time to channel your emotions and take action. Gemini 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Your relationships, from family to romantic partners, have been through the mill over the past year. You’re nearing the end of the process and now there’s an opportunity to get things on a better footing. Go for it. Cancer 21 JUNE – 22 JULY Are you in the right job? Do you wish you could change career but don’t know what to do? It’s good to think about…

DO A SOCIAL MEDIA CLEAN-UP Have a look through who you are following on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and ask yourself how these people make you feel. Are the accounts inspiring? Or do you find they provoke a more negative feeling, like envy or dissatisfaction with your own life? If it’s the latter, it’s time to unfollow... BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT MEDIA YOU CONSUME Make a list of the shows you watch and the publications you read on a regular basis. Do you find the content relaxing or does it influence you somehow? Be honest about what you take away from a fashion mag or reality TV show – does the content add anything to your life? LEAVE THE HATERS BEHIND Surround yourself with people who motivate you, rather than…

Check out essentials.co.za  for 10 statement jerseys everyone should have in their wardrobe.…

Enjoy the thrill of game spotting on a safari in the southern Karoo at Aquila Private Game Reserve. Home to the Big 5, as well as a host of other wildlife species, it’s just under a two-hour drive from Cape Town and offers an unforgettable getaway for the whole family. Guests can experience the reserve’s natural flora and fauna by vehicle, quad bike or on horseback, and stay at Aquila’s four-star accommodation, which includes facilities such as a spa and restaurant. For more information visit aquilasafari.com ✱ Win a two-night stay in a Family Lodge Suite at Aquila Private Game Reserve for two adults and two kids under the age of 16 worth R27 040. Includes welcome drinks, meals, game drive and horseback safari; enter online via essentials.co.za TERMS AND…

“One day I threw caution to the wind and told my hairdresser to cut it all off – it was so liberating” ‘My long hair used to define me’ Frith Thomas, 50, is the editor-in-chief of woman&homemagazine. She lives with her partner Thys Dullaart in Parkhurst. For much of my school life and early twenties, my hair was quite short. When I look back I was quite cheeky and a bit of a rebel, and my hair was almost a reflection of that. Instead of long blonde locks, I loved having my hair short with a longer grown-out fringe. I took inspiration from the likes of musicians Paul Weller and Bryan Ferry who had big floppy fringes that fell to the one side. It was an easy look that didn’t…

Cellulite BEAUTY BUGBEAR: Did you know that you’re more prone to cellulite during hormonal changes? So expect extra dimples to occur during pregnancy and menopause. Cellulite affects nearly nine in 10 women, so embrace daily body massage – it will boost circulation, loosen toxins and break up fatty deposits. Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert, R585, has extracts to help slow down the appearance of new cellulite and a tightening formula to tackle puckered skin. If it’s a speedier solution you’re after, whack on some self-tan. We love Caribbean Tan Tan in a Can Self Tan, R99,95; a darker skin tone has a slimming effect and helps even out the shadowing of orange-peel skin. Pigmentation BEAUTY BUGBEAR: Uneven skin tone, lighter patches, dark blotches… call it what you want, pigmentation…

DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE INGREDIENTS 1 egg 125 ml (50 g) cocoa 125 ml sunflower oil 375 ml (210 g) cake flour 5 ml baking powder 5 ml bicarbonate of soda 2,5 ml salt 125 ml Clover AMASI 5 ml vanilla essence 250 ml (200 g) sugar 125 ml warm water To serve: Extra icing sugar for dusting, Clover Fresh Cream, whipped Alternatively top with ganache or icing as desired METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Thoroughly mix together all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Spoon into a greased and lined square cake tin. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly pressed. Allow to cool and dust icing sugar over. Cut into squares and serve with Clover Fresh Cream, or leave to cool completely and…

Forget dropping and doing 100 sit-ups for toned abs. You can slim and sculpt your upper body just by standing up – yes, really! ‘These standing exercises tend to engage more muscles than ones performed on the floor,’ explains personal trainer and fitness blogger Zanna Van Dijk. ‘They also support your physical function better, as you do these types of movements more often in everyday life. However, you should try to take your time with the routine. Doing the exercises in a slow and controlled manner will make sure your surrounding muscles don’t take over and your core remains engaged,’ adds Zanna. For a slim and trim tum, stand up and take on these waist-whittling moves. YOUR ‘TAKE A STAND FOR FIRMER ABS’ MOVES The 30-day challenge: One set =…

HOME-MADE CRISPY DUCK PANCAKES MAKES 10 READY IN 1 HR 15 MIN 375g self-raising flour 1 tsp salt Sesame oil 1 tbsp five spice 1 tbsp runny honey 2 duck breasts ½ cucumber, cut into strips 8 spring onions, cut into strips 6 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 Sieve the flour and mix with the salt and 225ml boiling water and knead it to form dough. Leave to rest for 30 min. Roll into a sausage and cut into equal pieces (about 20). Roll each piece into a ball and press into a flat disc with the palm of your hand. Brush with sesame oil. Heat a non-stick pan and gently dry fry for 1-2 min on each side. Keep the pancakes warm until ready to serve. 2 Heat the oven…

SPICED VEG & CHICKEN PELAU SERVES 6 READY IN 45 MIN 4 chicken breasts, on the bone 1 tbsp chicken seasoning 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 3 tbsp soy sauce Juice of 1 lemon 2 garlic cloves, crushed A few sprigs of thyme 1 red onion, sliced 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 tbsp sugar 1 small red pepper, deseeded and sliced 300g butternut, cubed 200ml basmati rice 500ml chicken stock 1 Cut the chicken breasts in half and put into a shallow, sealable container. Sprinkle on the chicken seasoning, ground coriander and cumin, and paprika. Drizzle over the soy sauce and lemon juice. 2 Scatter over the garlic, thyme and the red onion. Stir together, then cover and chill in the fridge for a…

PAINT GLASS VOTIVES In a well-ventilated area, lay a glass jar on its side on newspaper and spray with a fine mist of water to form droplets. Immediately spray over the droplets with silver spray paint. Leave to dry while you start on more jars. Carefully rotate the jars, repeating the process until all the jars are painted. Leave to dry completely. Wind and knot string around the rims, and raffia around the middles. Tuck in some foliage. Top tip! Spraying glass with water before spray-painting creates a frosted, slightly weathered effect. DECORATE FLOATING TEALIGHTS Use ornate scrapbooking brads and inexpensive metal jewellery to decorate floating candles. Earrings are the obvious choice as the posts are ideal for pushing into candle wax, but lapel or hat pins with the back…

The Great Alone BY KRISTIN HANNAH (MACMILLAN) Ernt Allbright returns home from the Vietnam War as a scarred POW. His wife Cora and 13-year-old daughter Leni hardly recognise him as the person they remember. When a fellow soldier and friend dies, leaving Ernt his property in Alaska – he believes it’s the fresh start he needs. Unprepared for the weather and the isolation, but welcomed by the close-knit community, Ernt and his family fight to build a home in this harsh and beautiful wilderness. A compelling story of survival. The Tattooist of Auschwitz BY HEATHER MORRIS (ZAFFRE) A young Slovakian Jew, Lale Sokolov, is made the main tattooist in Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust. His job is to tattoo blue numbers on prisoners’ arms, but he uses his limited…

“I was the kid with braces, garlic breath and a mushroom cut” I was destined to be an entertainer. I was raised in a traditional Portuguese home by immigrant parents in a small Afrikaans town. I was a kid who had braces, garlic breath, and a big, frizzy mushroom-cut hairstyle that could block out the sun. There certainly was a funny side to my upbringing, and it helped a great deal in my career as the comedy kind of wrote itself. My destiny was set – I was born a clown and the rest followed. In 2004 I wrote and performed my one-woman comedy show, Porra, about a dysfunctional Portuguese immigrant family, and it snowballed into a trilogy. Everybody loves cultural comedies because we love to laugh at ourselves –…

DARK CHOCOLATE AND CHILLI SUPER M HOT CHOCOLATE SERVES 2 READY IN 10 MIN 600ml Super M Chocolate Flavoured Milk 40g dark chocolate, plus extra to serve ½ tsp chilli flakes 60ml whipped cream 1 Warm the Super M Chocolate Flavoured Milk with the dark chocolate and chilli in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until the milk starts to steam; remove from the heat before it starts to boil. 2 Pour 300ml hot chocolate into each mug. 3 Serve the hot chocolate with 30ml whipped cream and the extra dark chocolate. Super M Flavoured Milk is an indulgent tasty treat offering fun delicious flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana and Cream Soda. With its rich, creamy taste, it’s the ideal treat for your kids (and you!) any time…