Innholdsfortegnelse for SEPTEMBER 2108 i Essentials South Africa

I’m constantly inspired by the women we feature on the pages of Essentials. Like Deborah Chambers, who described approaching her 50th birthday as somewhat of a watershed moment. After many years of prioritising her roles as a wife and mother, Deborah decided it was time to start putting herself first. The result? She’s happier than ever. ‘I ditched the hair dye and swapped my blonde, highlighted locks for the natural grey that lay beneath. It was liberating – there had always been a constant struggle to look younger and I was exhausted: it was time to accept myself as I was,’ she explains (p23). And Deborah’s new-found confidence even lead to a brand-new career as a model! So what’s on your new-season to-do list? Maybe you’d like to have friends…

* FIND THE BALANCE In our partnership Kurt is the forecaster and I tend to live in the moment. There’s a synergy between us and our personal chemistry spills over into our business as well. * SETTLE INTO YOUR ROLE Having an understanding of the role each of you need to play, in the home and the workplace, is vital. We do our best to support each other – where one is weaker, the other is stronger. * HAVE SHARED GOALS A big factor in making our business work is the love we have for what we do. Having a united vision that we both share allows each of us to support and respect the roles that we play. * PRIORITISE LOVE AND RESPECT This advice goes a long way…

The bum & tum tamer Want a flattering figure with very little work on your part? Invest in a pair of shaping shorts: they’ll sculpt a slimmer waist, give you a perkier-looking bum, and trim down thighs. Go for a pair with a seamless hem for a flawless finish under dresses and pants. The curve creator A good push-up bra does two crucial things: boost your cup size... and your confidence! Look for one with removable padding so you can enhance or reduce your bust to suit your wardrobe choice (and your mood). Cup above the rest Whether you want to show off your cleavage, minimise a heavy chest, or are simply searching for a comfortable bra, a bigger bust needs maximum support. Choose underwired options in stretchy fabrics to…

Noticed that your trusted moisturiser isn't doing the same job as it did five years ago? Your skin changes as you get older, which means you need a routine specific to your age to keep it looking its best. AgeWell, a skincare range developed by Nimue, will help you look flawless whatever your age, whether it's preventing damage in your twenties, preserving youthfulness in your thirties, or restoring skin in your forties. From R390, Foschini and agewellskin.com…

When it comes to skincare, we’re spoilt for choice with so many new releases, the latest technology, star ingredients – you name it! But it can all get a bit mind-boggling. So we’re here to help you find out exactly what you should be looking out for and why. Before we can show you which lotions and potions are worth investing in, you need to understand what your skin’s particular needs are. Our quick quiz will point you in the right direction… The moisture boosters ADD A CREAM CLEANSER with exfoliating enzymes, such as fig extract, to remove dead cells without irritating the skin. SKNLogic Gentle Cleanse Cream, R232, will gently clear away impurities, while ingredients like lactic acid and shea butter stop the skin from drying out. GET PLUMPING…

CHEESY SWEETCORN NACHOS SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MIN For the salsa 3 tomatoes, diced 2 red onions, diced 3 sweetcorn cobs, cooked and kernels sliced off Spring onions, sliced ¼cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped 2 green chillies, finely sliced For the nachos 250g nachos 200g Clover Cheddar Flavoured Medium Fat Processed Cheese, grated 1 Preheat the oven to 180-C. 2 Combine the diced tomatoes, diced red onions, cooked sweetcorn kernels, finely sliced spring onions, chopped coriander and chillies in a small bowl; set aside until needed. 3 Place the nachos in a medium roasting pan. Top with half of the salsa. 4 Place the Clover Processed Cheddar Cheese over and in-between the nachos. 5 Bake in the oven for 10-15 min or until the cheese is melted. 6 Remove…

Eating less, exercising more, yet still not getting the results you hoped for? or are you finding it hard to stick to a diet at all? ‘If you’re struggling to lose weight, despite your best efforts, it could be that you’ve hit a roadblock,’ says nutritionist Rick Hay. ‘The most common barriers to weight loss are lack of energy, hormonal imbalance, stress, food cravings and poor gut health. By identifying what your roadblocks are, you can take action and the excess kilos will start to drop off. You’ll also experience better health and well-being.’ ENERGY ROADBLOCK You feel tired, run down and struggle with flagging energy. It may be time to increase foods that give you an extra boost. Energy-giving nutrients include vitamins B and C, as well as iron,…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... A no-mess, no-fuss one-pan dinner Heat oven to 200°C. Put 12 pork sausages into a large roasting tin. Cook for 5 min. Add 2 small red onions, cut into wedges, 2 garlic cloves, crushed, 200g courgettes, chopped, 1 aubergine, chopped, and 2 yellow peppers, deseeded and chopped, to the tin. Sprinkle over a few sprigs of rosemary and drizzle over 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 25 min. Turn sausages and veg, add 200g cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 min until the veg is tender and the sausages are golden. WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT... CHECKERS DELI DIPS AND PÂTéS As spring veggies come into season, why not serve them with a tasty dip? Checkers' new range of dips and pestos include Creamy Peppadew, Hummus, Sundried…

STAR COOKIES MAKES 15 READY IN 2 HR 125g unsalted butter, softened 150g castor sugar 1 medium egg 250g plain flour Few drops of vanilla extract Small quantities of ready-to-roll white fondant icing Gel food colouring of your choice 1 Heat the oven to 160°C. Cream together the butter, sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, with a spoonful of flour. Beat in the vanilla and the remaining plain flour until the mixture binds together to form a dough. If the dough is very soft, wrap it in clingwrap and chill it until it’s firm enough to roll out. 2 Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thick. Use star-shaped cutters to cut the dough.…

1. For your kids' art Try: Bumble Box, bumblebox.co.za; from R1 950 Running out of display space on the fridge? Let your kids' art get the ‘oohs and aahs’ it deserves by turning it into a gorgeous coffee-table book with Bumble Box. They'll send you an empty box that you fill with your children's creations – from scribbles to pottery; they'll then send back a high-quality, bespoke book showcasing your little one's works of art. You can have the art returned to you, or use this opportunity to save space and clear the clutter. 2. For old photographs Try: Photomyne app (free for iOS/ Apple; Android) Worried about the fading photographs in the old family albums? Let Photomyne help you hold onto those visual memories forever. With the photo-scanning app…

✱ SIDE BURNER Often less powerful than the main burners on a gas model – use for keeping food warm. ✱ WARMING RACK A spot to rest cooked food away from direct heat and warm burger buns. ✱ ROTISSERIE An accessory that uses a manual or motorised skewer, for juicy meat. ✱ AIR VENT Helps to control how hot a charcoal braai burns, if you adjust the grill height. ✱ TEMPERATURE GAUGE Useful when you’re cooking with the lid closed. ✱ SMOKER BOX Wood chips go in here to add that special flavour. ✱ EASY CLEAN-UP Look for gas models with a grill drip tray, and ash catchers for charcoal ones.…

ON THE BIG SCREEN Gotti John Travolta goes through a range of transformations as he portrays one of New York’s most infamous crime bosses, John Gotti, in a biopic that spans three decades of the mobster’s life. The movie follows Gotti’s rise to become the ‘Teflon Don‘ of the Gambino Crime Family in the city. His son John Jr (Spencer Rocco Lofranco) recounts the family’s turbulent history from one prison sentence to the next. It’s a gritty crime drama that also sees Travolta’s wife Kelly Preston in the role of Victoria Gotti. Out 21 September A Simple Favor Emily (Blake Lively) asks her friend Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a blogger, to pick up her child after school. Without thinking twice Stephanie happily obliges, but starts to worry when Emily doesn’t pick…

THE HUM OF THE SUN BY KIRSTEN MILLER (NB PUBLISHERS) Soon after their mother’s passing, siblings Ash and Zuko embark on a journey to the city to find their long-absent father. Ash, who is on the brink of manhood, has to protect his eight-year-old brother who doesn’t speak. Zuko is only interested in the patterns that he sees in nature. Some think that he might be cursed, while others believe he is magical. As they traverse the land, with only each other to hold onto, what awaits them in the city? A beautiful story about the bonds of brotherhood.…

French Fancy Get a taste of the lifestyle enjoyed in British drama series Rivierawith a trip to France’s Côte d’Azur, where they're currently filming the second season. And while staying in a lavish pad like the home of Julia Stiles’ character Georgina, Villa Carmella, might be out of your budget, you can still marvel at the same stunning scenery. Stay in Nice, with its pretty Old Town and enjoy strolls on the famous Promenade des Anglais that runs along the seafront. It’s the perfect location from which to explore Cannes, St Tropez and Monaco, favourite haunts of the jet set. Watch it: Season 1 on BBC First, DStv Channel 119 (Catch Up) Go there: See frenchriviera-tourism.com Irish Escape From your base in Belfast, visit the craggy coastline and…

BERRY & CUSTARD TARTLETS SERVES 6 READY IN 2 HR For the pastry 110g butter 100g castor sugar 1 egg, beaten 250g flour For the filling 1 box (1kg)Clover Classic Custard Vanilla Flavoured 250g mixed fresh berries, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 160° C. 2 Combine the butter and castor sugar in the bowl of a food processor and mix until it’s light and creamy. Add the egg slowly and continue mixing until fully combined. Lastly, add the flour and process until a ball forms. 3 Remove and shape the dough into a flat square. Cover in clingwrap and leave in the fridge for at least 1 hr. 4 Remove from fridge and roll out the pastry between two sheets of baking paper until about 1mm thick. Lightly…

BOLD BOTANICALS Spring is finally here, and it's the perfect excuse to embrace all things botanical. This season the trend is bolder than before – think vibrant blooms, big, busy leafy prints, and oversized florals. If you tend to shy away from colour, start by pairing a plain top with a floral-print skirt or trousers. Want to make more of a visual statement? Go for head-to-toe botanicals in vivid colours. Look for wrap dresses, wide-leg pants and loose blouses that'll not only suit the warmer weather but are figure flattering too. Wrap dress, R1 399, Mango Online. IF YOU ONLY BUY 1 THING... A well-chosen accessory, like tasselled earrings or a stack of coloured bracelets, can transform jeans-and-a-tee into something fit for a special occasion. Check out the new collection…

I spent most of my life surrounded by computers as a technical writer in the IT industry, so if you’d told me 10 years ago that – aged 56 – I’d be working as a model on fashion shoots and TV commercials, I’d have laughed. But I’m doing exactly that! Turning 50 was a watershed moment for me. I’d become a bit of a couch potato by then – I’d drive laps around a parking lot until I found a spot close to the entrance, never mind step foot inside a gym! I got divorced in my forties and I’d spent so long focusing on my career, as well as being a wife and mother, that I’d forgotten to spend time on myself. That had to change. “The constant struggle…

Luxurious yet affordable, The Oolala Collection offers unisex beauty products that are vegan and paraben-free. The innovative SkinESSENTIALS range is suitable for all skin types. Some of its products include: ✱ 2in1 Deep Facial Cleanser with Alcohol-free Toner, which removes excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells leaving skin clean and refreshed. ✱ Day Moisturiser with SPF15, which provides moisture and sun protection while helping to fight the signs of ageing. ✱ Colloidal Silt Ultra Mud Mask , made from bioactive mineral and phospholipid-rich silt sourced from lakes in Eastern Europe. Take advantage of our reader offer to receive a free SkinESSENTIALS Colloidal Silt Ultra Mud Mask, worth R402,50, when you purchase the SkinESSENTIALS 2in1 Deep Facial Cleanser with Alcohol-free Toner (100ml) and SkinESSENTIALS Day Moisturiser with SPF15 (50ml) for…

WHAT’S BETTER? Taking the stairs one at a time or two? THE VERDICT: One THE REASON: More energy may initially be expended by bounding up the stairs two at a time, but a study by a UK University found that those who climbed a 15-metre high stairway five times a day burnt 1 200 kJ per week going one step at a time, compared to those who burnt 1 100 kJ going two at a time. This is because you’re exercising for a longer period and increasing muscle contraction as well. DID YOU KNOW? If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try swapping your mug of calming herbal tea for fish oil supplements. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids have a direct effect on levels of the happy-hormone serotonin. Increasing your…

MYTH: A TIGHT CHEST IS ALWAYS A SYMPTOM OF A HEART ATTACK BUSTED ‘Although most of us are aware of more obvious heart attack symptoms – chest pain or tightness going up your neck or down your arm, shortness of breath and feeling clammy – there are often symptoms that can be more subtle,’ explains Dr Malcolm Finlay, a cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiologist. Research into heart attack symptoms has often been focused on men but these can actually be very different for women. The feeling of an elephant sitting on your chest is more likely to occur in men than women – in fact, a study by the University of Arkansas reveals 43% of women who experience a heart attack don’t have any chest pain. Look out for other symptoms,…

BEETROOT BALLS WITH SMOKY TOMATO SAUCE SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MIN 400g raw beetroot, trimmed and peeled 400g sweet potatoes 400g canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried 3 garlic cloves, crushed A pinch of chilli powder 2 tbsp polenta 1 ½ tbsp sesame seeds 3 tbsp sunflower oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 small carrot, finely chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced 400g passata 200ml vegetable stock A pinch of sugar ¾ tsp smoked paprika Small handful oregano leaves 1 Grate the beetroot, then squeeze out the excess water with your hands (wear gloves!). Pierce the potatoes, then microwave for 6 min, until cooked through. Leave to cool. 2 In a bowl, roughly mash the chickpeas with the back of a fork. Scoop out the potato flesh…

HONEY AND MUSTARD MARINATED ROAST SALMON SERVES 8 READY IN 30 MIN + MARINATING 1kg side salmon, skin on and boneless 4 tbsp wholegrain mustard 2 tbsp horseradish sauce 200ml olive oil Zested rind of 2 lemons and 4-6 tbsp juice 4 tbsp honey 8 spring onions, sliced 2 red chillies, deseeded and sliced 3-4 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish Lemon wedges, to serve 1 Heat the oven to 220°C. Cut the salmon into 8 pieces and place on a lined baking sheet. Mix the wholegrain mustard and horseradish together and spread over fish. Bake for 15-20 min or until it starts to turn golden. 2 Meanwhile, pour the oil into a jug and stir in the lemon rind and juice, honey and seasoning, and whisk…

Flower bomb Colour block the modern way with florals. Worried you’ll look a bit OTT? Break up the prints with blocks of solid colour. Play with prints Forget mix and match: it’s time to pair prints that clash! The trick to pulling it off is choosing prints of similar sizes. Other than that, anything goes! Dress it up Convert a strapless dress into office-appropriate attire by layering a shirt underneath – it’s an instant game-changer. And relax… You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Kimono tops and slouchy wide-leg trousers are bang on trend. The final easy-to-wear touch? Slip-on mules. Blooming lovely Whether you prefer daring or delicate florals, breathe new life into your wardrobe with a wow-factor floral coat – perfect for days when the weather could go…

SECOND TIME LUCKY When I started dating my (now) ex-husband, I asked him why his mother still had so many of his old wedding photos, from a previous marriage, up on display. She overheard me and said, ‘Because she was an important part of our family before we met you.’ The ex-wife was regularly invited to family functions, and a few years later – after I’d divorced him too – we became quite good friends! BREAKING THE NEWS My boyfriend’s parents came to visit him one weekend, and he thought it would be a good time for me to meet them. We decided to all go out for breakfast, and, after he made the introductions, they said they were ‘so glad I was there’. We sat down and ordered breakfast,…

Situated at Wildekrans Wine Estate, between Botrivier and Hermanus, Endless Vineyards Boutique Lodge offers a serene break from fast-paced city life. To experience the tranquillity for yourself, enter our competition to win a three-night stay for two people in a two-bedroom cottage, worth over R26 000. Be welcomed on arrival with a glass of Wildekrans MCC, and take in the views of the Overberg mountains and the surrounding vineyard. Your stay includes breakfast daily, one picnic lunch on the estate, and a wine tasting and lunch at the Tasting Room at the estate’s cellar, as well as a two-hour guided horse-riding trail or tour of the farm. You will also get to enjoy a romantic dinner at Forage at Wildekrans. This critically-acclaimed restaurant’s menu is seasonal and ever-evolving. Each day,…

MOSTLY ORANGE… YOU’RE A COMPARTMENTALISER You pride yourself on your ability to shut things away and get on with your life. To the outside world, you appear extremely resilient – but really you’re just toughing it out. ‘Resilient people learn from things that go wrong and the times they fail,’ says John Lees, resilience expert and author of Secrets of Resilient People (Hodder & Stoughton). So spend time reflecting on what’s happened and how you’ve coped. Taking yourself out of your usual environment – having a weekend away, perhaps, or just taking a long walk – can help you slow down and think. MOSTLY GREEN YOU’RE AN EMOTIONALIST You’re sensitive and, to others, you may appear thin-skinned. But actually, your approach to tough situations is a healthy one. You let…

Hair. It’s put through its paces every day. Tugged, heated and pulled in every direction – yet we still expect it to stay in tip-top condition. No wonder our hair suffers from frizz, dryness, dullness and breakages. Don’t panic, because TLC for your tresses has never been so easy (or speedy!). Check out these less-than-a minute-fixes that’ll ensure your hair looks and feels as good as you do. 1 SHINE ON The quickest, easiest and slickest way to add glamour to hair? Use L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil. It offers heat protection if you’re going to style later, and most importantly, argan and avocado oil to nourish locks. 2 COVER UP Need to hide roots in a hurry? Then reach for your make-up bag. Dig out some brow powder to match…

1. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS ‘Think hard about the situations in which you often light up. The chances are that what you really enjoy about a night out with your friends is the occasion itself, not the opportunity it offers for you to smoke.’ 2. BE SOCIAL Try spending more time with non-smoking friends and family. ‘Don’t lock yourself away, as cutting yourself off from loved ones will only end up making you miserable and more likely to succumb to “just one” cigarette.’ 3. THINK POSITIVE ‘Don’t see quitting as stopping something you enjoy – think about how great it is to be free of something negative. Then you won’t need substitutes like nicotine patches.’ 4. STAY BUSY Long stretches of boredom will make the cravings worse. Keeping your mind and…

With the warmer weather about to make an appearance, prepare to shrug off those extra layers and bare your arms. Sculpted arms don’t just look sexy in a strappy dress, though – they are key for a healthy body. ‘You want them for picking up the kids and carrying shopping, as much as for lifting dumb-bells,’says personal trainer Lucy Gornall. ‘Also, good muscle strength will stand you in good stead when you get older. Oh, and not forgetting, the more muscle you have, the more kilojoules you’ll burn.’ And who doesn’t want that? It isn’t as hard as you might think to get a pair of arms to rival Michelle Obama – all it takes is six simple moves a day. So get ready to give those bingo wings the…

HOW DO THEY WORK? ‘Hydrogen peroxide has to be added for any form of long-term teeth whitening to happen,’ says dentist Dr Rhona Eskander. ‘Nonprofessional whitening treatments such as over-the-counter strips and toothpaste all vary in price, ease of use and effectiveness – some don’t even contain the ingredients needed for results. So check the label.’ THE ‘NATURAL’ ALTERNATIVES Some of these can cause more damage than good. Oil pulling, which was all the rage recently and involves swirling coconut oil in your mouth to whiten and improve oral health, may not get you any closer to that dazzling smile either. ‘In my opinion, coconut oil doesn’t work,’ Rhona explains. ‘There’s no empirical evidence to show that it does anything. Whitening is only effective using active peroxide formulas.’ WHAT ABOUT…

SPINACH AND BERRY BRILLIANT FOR… BOOSTING ENERGY Put 150ml water in a juicer with 1 large handful spinach, 1 handful iceberg lettuce, 1 large handful blueberries, ½ apple, cored and quartered, and ½ banana, peeled and sliced. Blend until smooth. WHY IT WORKS Spinach is packed with iron and B vitamins, which help to prevent tiredness. 335kJ PER SERVING 0.5g FAT 0g SAT FAT 15g CARBS BEETROOT POWER BRILLIANT FOR… KEEPING BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK Put 150ml water in a juicer with 1 small raw beetroot, peeled and chopped, 1 large handful blueberries, ½ apple, cored and chopped, ½ tbsp almond butter and ½ tbsp chia seeds. Blend until smooth. WHY IT WORKS Beetroot is a good source of nitrates, which help to reduce high blood pressure. 837kJ PER SERVING…

Your child’s room should not only be a place in which to sleep and play, but be practical for everyday life too. So how do you keep the room fun and organised at the same time? We’ve got some great ideas, from storage tricks and decor tips to smart buys and quick updates that will make it a space the little ones will love – and so will you. INVEST IN A BED Choose a bed that kids will love to get cosy in (and it’ll make bedtime struggles a lot easier!). A cabin-style bed with integrated storage beneath is useful, such as one with drawers or a pull-out desk. Keep bedding and linen colourful and comfortable – breathable cotton is a safe choice for allergens. If your child’s moving…

SIMPLE MINI-MENU CARDS Leave a menu card on each guest’s plate. Print it on brown card, then write on your menu. Fill a small paper bag with breadsticks and attach the menu card with a decorative wooden peg. MAKE FRUITY ICE CUBES These are so easy to make and will give party drinks that finishing touch. Choose your ice-cube tray – a flexible silicone tray will make it easier to remove the cubes. Small ice cubes melt faster in drinks, so if you’d prefer large ice cubes, use a muffin tray. The night before you want to use the ice cubes, slice a pomegranate in half and knock out the seeds. Put a few seeds into each mould in your tray, fill with water, then transfer to your freezer. EASIEST…

The Season of Glass BY RAHLA XENOPOULOS (PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE) In ancient Ethiopia, a Jewish warrior queen gives birth to twins. Based on a messianic prophesy, their destiny is to save humankind from itself. As they journey through periods of history in different guises, whether in India during the sixteenth century, Austria on the eve of World War Two, Johannesburg in the 1970s, and even a far-off future, they try to provide relief to the world in times of turmoil. A spell-binding, well-researched novel that comes with a message of hope. One Way BY S.J. MORDEN (ORION PUBLISHING) Mars is ready to be colonised, and the company contracted to build a new Martian base also owns a prison. In order to cut corners, they offer a group of convicts a…

‘An emotional process is at its peak before the dam breaks’ VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Love affairs, marriages and/ or friendships have brought up painful feelings lately. Now, that emotional process is at its peak before the dam breaks and everything gets back to normal. You’ve survived? Well done. Libra 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Your home and family life look set for some big changes. It’s time to move house, reconnect with a relative, or deal with an ageing parent’s needs. Even if you are afraid of what’s coming, the consequences will be liberating. Scorpio 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER This month, the focus is on partnerships. If you and someone close have a problem, talking it over without grabbing at instant solutions will work wonders. Then,…

If I could relive my childhood, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I had a lot of fun growing up in Zimbabwe, because my twin brother was my constant play-buddy. We shared a room, had the same friends, and we went on many imaginary adventures together. He even kept my childhood secret, that I was harbouring a mouse as a pet, from my parents. Weekends were spent at our cousins’ house, getting up to lots of mischief. Growing up, I wanted to be a vet. It wasn’t until I was eight years old and saw my older sister Nomsa in the film Everyone’s Child that the acting bug bit. Watching her ‘play pretend’ on screen looked like so much fun that I also wanted in on it. Soon afterwards, I…