Innholdsfortegnelse for NOVEMBER 2018 i Essentials South Africa

Studies show that happy people tend to be healthier and live longer, but it’s easier said than done. Which is why we worked with therapist Marisa Peer on the happiness quiz (p32). Answer seven simple questions and you’ll get tailored advice on how to perk up and be more positive (and, of course, reap the rewards!). Also in this issue, dietitian Helen Bond tells us which foods to eat to naturally boost your mood (p60), relationship expert Samantha Krajina shares the secret to keeping passion alive in a long-term relationship (p34), and aesthetic medicine specialist Dr Sarah Shah explains how you can get better skincare results with much less effort (p42). And there’s potentially brilliant news on the health front: it turns out that drinking wine and carrying a few…

Print works Be bold this season by mixing and matching spots and stripes. Clashing prints can work well – just keep the tones complementary, and you’ll nail the trend. Fun factor Create instant style without any effort with a loose-fitting swing dress. Then let a bold-printed clutch do the talking. Feminine touch Dress up a sporty sweatshirt with an attention-grabbing skirt. Polka-dot heels and a bit of bling complete the look. Pretty in print Meet your weekend go-to outfit: a simple dress has been turned into something special thanks to a vibrant print and kimono sleeves. Smart stripes Ah, stripes: the classic print that we return to again and again. Keep it casual with a sleeveless top or go a bit edgy by pairing stripes with gingham, checks or florals.…

For people, are, well treats; something to be enjoyed in moderation on special occasions. Not for Lisa and her family: although it’s not something she’s proud of, it’s not uncommon for her to scoff three slices of cake in a day. Her , James, drinks Coke like other people drink water, and the kids have, not surprisingly, picked up both their parents’ sweet-tooth habits. Sugar is a lot like a ‘drug’, so quitting the sweet stuff can be as hard as giving up smoking. Would the family be able to do it for a full week? Here’s Lisa’s account of what happened... “The thought of omelettes makes me nostalgic for pour-and-go breakfast cereal” Meet Lisa Lisa Witepski, 39, is a freelance writer. She lives in Parkhurst with her husband James,…

Going about your daily activities is stressful enough without worrying about an oily T-zone or smudged mascara. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to get through a quick coffee and nibble on a muffin without having to reapply your lipstick? We certainly think so! Here’s all you need to nail your look and make it last all day… 1 PRIME TIME All-day make-up starts with great skin. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and boost your natural glow, then use a day cream to lock in moisture. Now for primer. Whether you need to smoothe out fine lines and wrinkles, minimise the appearance of pores, or correct pigmentation, there’s a formula for everyone. Choose your favourite then apply a pea-sized amount to your face. This will help mattify your…

1. BE IN TUNE Every woman is different and therefore each vagina will have a distinct smell. Knowing and understanding how your body works will allow you to notice changes. Contact your doctor if you notice anything off, such itching, redness, a strong odour, or pain when you use the loo. 2. LAY OFF THE SOAP Excessive washing may seem like the way to go but what you may not know is that your vagina cleans itself. It also contains ‘good’ bacteria which maintain a delicate pH balance. Harsh soaps can upset the balance and cause more harm than good. All you really need is a rinse with warm water. 3. ALWAYS WEAR CLEAN UNDERWEAR Wear undies made of cotton to let air in and absorb moisture, and which aren’t…

HARISSA CHICKEN KEBABS SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MIN 150ml low-fat plain yoghurt 1-2 tbsp harissa paste 700g skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks ½ cucumber, cut into sticks 3 carrots, cut into sticks 8 radishes, cut into sticks 2 tbsp white-wine vinegar 2 tsp sugar 2 tbsp olive oil 8 soft flour tortillas Few sprigs coriander 1 lime, halved 200g ready-made tzatziki 1 Soak 8 wooden skewers in water (this will stop them burning). Put the yoghurt into a shallow dish, stir in the harissa paste. Add the chicken, season generously and stir to coat well. In a separate bowl, combine the cucumber sticks, carrots, radishes, white-wine vinegar and sugar; set aside. 2 Heat the oil in a griddle pan. Thread the chicken onto the skewers and cook…

If you’re feeling bored of your decor or it’s faded, dated and in need of a major revamp, it may be a good idea to look at the brighter side of the colour wheel. Not only can vivid hues refresh and add personality to a space, they work to lift your mood too – so your home really is a happy place to be in. But going bold can be daunting. Unsure of where to start? Take inspiration from these ideas… JEWEL TONES As much as colour can be fun, it can also be sophisticated. If you prefer a look that’s luxe, combine rich jewel tones with indulgent textiles and glam accents. For your upholstery and soft furnishings, use soft-to-touch velvet and silk in rich fuchsia, amethyst, emerald and sapphire…

✱ AUTO PROGRAMMES These are for popular dishes such as pasta, fish, and vegetables. The smartest can even weigh your food and work out the cooking times to the second. ✱ BUILT-IN WATER TANK Fill it up and you can use your microwave to steam vegetables, chicken, eggs and fish, preserving their texture and taste. ✱ GRILL Look for quartz grills that heat up and cook much faster than the standard infrared ones – very useful for browning and crisping. ✱ CONVECTION Great for roasting – a grill combo microwave reduces cooking time by at least half when compared to a standard oven, meaning you could roast a chicken in 40 minutes using less energy. ✱ AUTO-DEFROST Auto-defrost and reheat options are non-negotiable must-haves. ✱ ONE-TOUCH SHORTCUT KEYS Look out…

Something in the Water BY CATHERINE STEADMAN (SIMON & SCHUSTER) Picture-perfect couple Mark and Erin set off on their dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora. While scuba diving, they discover something in the water. Torn between coming clean and keeping the discovery a secret, they opt to not tell anyone. But that decision activates a startling chain of events that will keep you guessing until the last page. A brilliant debut novel by the Downton Abbey actress. The Other Woman BY SANDIE JONES (PAN MACMILLAN) Emily has found the love of her life, Adam, who is everything that she’s ever wanted in a man. The only problem is his mother, Pammie, who doesn’t want to share her son. Hell-bent on keeping Adam to herself, how far will…

Claire Allen, 31, grew up in the tiny town of Dundee, KZN, before her family moved to Cape Town at the age of nine. She started her events management company Signature Productions during matric, before graduating from Varsity College with a diploma in public relations. In 2014 she became a finalist on the third season of MasterChef South Africa, which helped her launch her career as a food entertainer. Claire has appeared on SABC3’s Expresso, presented live at the Good Food & Wine Show, and, along with MasterChef South Africarunnerup Siphokazi Mdlankomo, she’s created her own live cooking show and YouTube channel, Short Chef, Skinny Chef. She also runs a social media content creation service, called Hmmm Delicious, under the Claire Allen brand. Claire recently returned from a three-month trip…

Top tip! As a general rule, keep prints and silhouettes simple when playing with bold colour combos. Top tip! Choose all-in-one outfits like dresses or jumpsuits and let your accessories provide a pop of colour. Top tip! Tailored items like swing dresses, high-waisted pants, and longline blazers are figure flattering.…

A week after the challenge, I still haven’t returned to my bad old ways. My stomach is visibly flatter, and I enjoy not having to battle with the sharp hunger pangs that usually follow in the wake of sugar spikes. It wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it was: in fact, knowing that my body is being properly nourished keeps me motivated. I can’t say the same for the rest of the family, though: although I’ve officially banned the kids’ favourite cereal (apparently one of the unhealthiest on the market), they still believe that cake is one of the five food groups, and James’ Coke is ensconced in the fridge. Still, they’re a little more open to trying new things, and Leya has definitely become aware of the importance…

Smells good enough to eat Enriched with vitamins A and E, this lotion will keep skin hydrated for up to 48 hours; Clere Tropical Fruits Nourishing Body Lotion, R21,99, major retailers Pure indulgence Shea butter and calendula oil will leave skin moisturised and pampered; Hydrating Body Butter, R51,99, Clicks The sensitive skin saviour For an intense hydration boost that locks in moisture, try Mixa Intense Repair Cream, R65,99, Clicks…

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then let’s just say that a set of well-shaped eyebrows make the view even better. Gone are the days of over-plucking, and the recent Instagram craze of squiggle brows is better left alone. The trick to perfecting your brows? Find the right shape for your face, and use the correct products to give you the most natural finish to lift your features for a more youthful look. Here’s how you can do it yourself… THE DEFINED AND DRAMATIC BROWS ‘This look suits those with high cheekbones. A high arch will lengthen and flatter a short face,’ says brow expert Nilam Holmes-Patel. It’s a style that needs regular grooming, as stray hairs may end up spoiling the effect. To accentuate brows, use…

To win a five-night stay in Mauritius, and return flights for two people, worth over R72 000, visit essentials.co.za; enter online before 30 November 2018. Prize is valid for travel from 1 December 2018 for seven months, subject to availability. Prize cannot be redeemed during peak travel seasons and school holidays. Prize excludes travel insurance, transport, transfers, additional food and beverages, additional activities, and items of a personal nature. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Prize does not include airport taxes and applicable government levies (approximately R4 200 per air ticket at time of going to press). Air Mauritius, LUX* Resorts & Hotels, as well as Caxton Magazines, cannot be held liable for any loss or injury suffered in conjunction with the acceptance and utilisation of this prize offering. By…

DELICIOUS OLIVE BREAD MAKES 1 LOAF READY IN 2 HR 500g bread flour 1 sachet instant yeast 1 tsp salt 1 ½ cups lukewarm water 1 cup Olive Pride Black Olives in Brine, halved, patted dry with paper towel and tossed through 2 tbsp of flour. 1 Place the flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the water and mix well to form a dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 min or until dough is smooth and elastic. 2 Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and gently brush top surface with oil. Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place until it has doubled in size. 3 Preheat…

If your spirits are in need of a lift, look no further than your kitchen. While you may be tempted to grab the sugary treats, reach for these healthier options that promise to boost your mood* (and health!) instead... 1. SALMON This power food is packed with vitamin B12, which is vital for steering clear of depression and maintaining mental health. Salmon also contains mood-stabilising fatty acids. Helen reveals that omega-3 fats, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s a component of every cell in your body) are highly concentrated in the brain and are important for normal brain function and overall mental health. 2. STRAWBERRIES Ahh, a summer favourite! They taste great and are rich in vitamin C, which, new studies show, may play a…

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT... WOOLWORTHS GLOBAL MENU Whether you're craving an Indian takeaway, or looking for a Korean-inspired menu to impress at your next get-together, Woolies has made serving restaurant-style food at home a cinch with its new Global Menu range. Think internationally-inspired flavours like Chinese-style pork baos, Indian-style cauliflower korma, and Korean BBQ short-rib. Available at Woolworths stores. Learn how to make our basic shortcrust pastry in three easy steps. Visit essentials.co.za  for the foolproof recipe. FAST FOODIE FIX…

1. Start with the kettle If you live in a hard-water area, limescale will gradually fur up the heating element of your kettle and it’ll take longer to boil. Use a shop-bought descaler or try a natural method using equal parts water and white vinegar. Fill the kettle three quarters full, bring to the boil and then allow to cool. Drain the water, rinse several times and boil again so there’s no aftertaste. 2. Tackle the toaster Unplug and let the toaster cool down. Remove the crumb tray (if it has one) and shake out crumbs or turn the toaster upside down over the sink or dustbin and shake gently. Use a small, soft brush to dislodge any crumbs inside – never use metal utensils to clean inside a toaster.…

OLIVE & ROSEMARY POT BREAD (EACH POT SERVES 4) Put 500g white bread flour, 7g sachet yeast, 1 ½ tsp salt and 1 tbsp castor sugar into a large bowl with 175g sliced pimento-stuffed olives. Pour in 3 tbsp olive oil and 250-300ml warm water. Mix to combine, and knead on a floured surface by hand for 10 min or in a free-standing electric mixer with a dough hook for 5 min until dough is smooth and elastic. Put into a greased bowl, cover with clingwrap, and leave to rise in a warm place for 20-30 min. Divide dough into 2, shape into rounds; ease each one into a 13cm high terracotta flower pot lined with baking paper. Press a few fresh rosemary sprigs in the top, cover loosely with…

‘Tension is building, and if you watch are angry what , you do’ SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER Your month ahead looks rocky, especially in the areas of work, health and daily routine. Tension is building, and if you’re angry, watch what you do with that temper or all hell could be unleashed. Don’t stuff it down either; speak up for yourself. Sagittarius 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Expect the unexpected. Children may be kicking off or sharing amazing news; lovers could be unpredictable, and your own parents might be acting up. Consciously slowing down your reactions will help you cope. Capricorn 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY As the month progresses, things get tense and unpredictable. Be careful what you say – someone could take offence and not shut…

LAST MONTH YOU LOVED… THIS STACKED FLAPJACK CAKE ‘Wow... amazing and sooooo delicious’ – Lesley-Anne Emmanuel ‘A stack of flapjacks turned into a cake? Pure genius!’ – Lisa Davids OUR TWITTER POLL RESULTS ARE IN! Would you rather spend money on delicious food or trendy clothes? WHO TO FOLLOW When Laura Izumikawa started dressing up her daughter Joey during her nap time and taking cute snaps to share online, her little girl became an Instagram sensation. Since then, Laura’s released a book, Naptime with Joey, and continues to share adorable pics of her daughter; find them on Insta via @lauraiz We asked you... WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FAMILY RECIPE? ‘Mac ‘n’ cheese, stew, and lemon curd to name just a few’ – Joan Visser ‘Our traditional family…

BERRY AND BANANA SMOOTHIE SERVES 2 READY IN 7 MIN 1 large ripe banana, peeled, sliced and frozen 250g frozen mixed berries 500ml Clover Good Hope Soy Milk Fresh berries and sprigs of mint, to serve 1 Combine the frozen mixed berries, frozen banana and Clover Good Hope Soy milk in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. 2 Serve immediately, topped with fresh berries and sprigs of fresh mint. Clover Good Hope Soy Milk is a great-tasting alternative to dairy milk. It’s a source of vitamin B2, it’s high in omega-3, low in sodium, and it’s preservative- and GMO-free. It’s also vegan-friendly. It’s soy good!…

RACING STRIPES With more athleisure-inspired attire than ever before gracing the couture runways – and the shopping rails – it was just a matter of time before the racing stripe trend became a part of our everyday wardrobe. Once seen only on cars, the distinctive side stripes have become commonplace on trousers and jeans, and now they have made the leap to shirts and dresses. The added bonus? They have a similarly slimming effect as leg-lengthening racing stripe pants. Striped shirt, R159,99, MRP. IF YOU ONLY BUY 1 THING... You don't need much more than a printed swing-style top with soft balloon sleeves to pull off paired-back boho style. Plus, it's the perfect way to stay cool and stylish at the same time. Shirt, R909, Trenery. FAST FASHION FIX Make…

My mother broke the mould in our family by only getting married at 29, and having me when she was 30. That might not seem so unusual now but it definitely wasn’t the norm back then. It did, however, seem to set the tone for my life. It just so happens that I got married at 37 and didn’t have my first child until after my 40th birthday. In May 2009 I agreed to be set up on a blind date by a good friend of mine. She introduced me to Windsor who was my age, and who didn’t have kids either. We became good friends and hung out together without any strings attached, but very quickly developed romantic feelings for each other. We were in love and didn’t want…

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A survey has revealed that one in three couples who are in a long-term relationship can’t remember the last time they had sex. But physical intimacy is crucial for two people to feel connected and, the less you have, the easier it is to go without. So what’s a gal to do? Get back in the saddle, that’s all... TALK ABOUT IT Yes, broaching the subject of sex – especially when you’re not having it – can be awkward. But it’s only through continued conversation that you will become comfortable discussing it. PREPARE FOR IT Neither of you are going to be in the mood if you have to step over kids’ toys or phone chargers, and move a pile of washing just to make…

SAVE OR SPLURGE Treat your precious locks to some TLC SAVE Cake The Posh Wash sulphate-free micro-exfoliant Shampoo, R159,95, Clicks SPLURGE Goatmilk & Oat Shampoo, R350, Crabtree & Evelyn Looking for some hair inspiration? We've rounded up pretty plaits perfect for summer. Visit essentials .co.za to find your favourite. FAST BEAUTY FIX…

Streamlining your skincare routine doesn’t have to mean sacrificing that Instagram-worthy glow. In fact, as aesthetic medicine specialist Dr Sarah Shah explains, ‘The skin is a self-regulating organ and actually needs less help than we think it does.’ So, with that in mind, we talked to some of the industry’s biggest skincare experts, and it may surprise you to learn that there are a lot of steps in our beauty regimen that we just don’t need. On our perpetual quest to save you time – and your hard-earned cash – here are the essential things you should do to scale back your routine. MASTER THE NON-NEGOTIABLES First thing’s first: determine what you really need. While skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, there is one product every skincare expert will tell you…

✱ SPEED UP GROWTH Help strengthen brows and lashes with Mavala Eye Care Double Lash, R334. If brows are sparse, it’ll help prevent further loss, plus it’s packed with nourishing proteins. ✱ FILL IN GAPS Use a product enhanced with nylon fibres that will fill sparse areas and leave your brows looking fuller and more defined; try using the Rimmel Brow This Way Fibre Pencil, R99,95 ✱ BOOST VOLUME Shape brows with a pencil, then use Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Filler Mascara, R110,92, which has a flat, spoon-like brush to build up the fibres until you get the desired thickness. ✱ A PERMANENT FIX You could consider micro-blading. It’s pricey, starting from R1 700 for a first session, and you’ll need a touch-up every six to eight weeks, but results…

WHAT’S BETTER? More sleep vs less time in bed THE VERDICT: Less sleep. (it’s recommended that adults get seven to eight hours per night) THE REASON: A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that too much sleep (that’s in excess of nine hours a night) might have a more damaging effect on the body than getting limited sleep (under five hours); it’s thought that prolonged periods of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Is your little one still wetting the bed? Find out how best to tackle the problem at essentials.co.za HEALTH QUICK FIX…

3 STEPS TO SMILES Simple ways to boost your mood throughout the day… ✱ Always start the day with breakfast. Helen explains that a healthy brekkie replenishes energy levels after a long period without food. ✱ Eat regularly. Skipping meals is never the way forward to good health, both mental and physical. Helen reveals that it can result in low blood-sugar levels, which will inevitably make you tired and irritable. ✱ Stay hydrated. Our brains are made up of 73% water, so it’s no surprise it’s vital for healthy and happy brain function. Helen recommends drinking at least 1,6 litres every day, and definitely more in hot weather or if you’re active.…

Refreshing kiwi and ginger ice lollies Why not make your own fruity ice lollies to stash away for sunny days? It couldn't be easier... Pour 150ml boiling water over 2 Twinings Lemon & Ginger tea bags in a bowl and allow to steep for 5 min. Remove the tea bags and stir in 10ml stevia. Transfer the tea mixture to a blender with 150ml apple juice and 3 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped. Whizz together until smooth and combined. Pour the mixture into 6-8 lolly moulds and freeze for at least 4-5 hr. Pop them out the moulds; serve.…

ROASTED CHERRY TOMATO TART SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 20 MIN + CHILLING 250g ready-made shortcrust pastry For the filling 500g cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp shredded basil, plus extra for garnish 300ml cream 2 medium eggs 1 Heat the oven to 190°C. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. 2 Line a 23cm fluted flan tin with the pastry. Prick the base, and chill it for at least 20 min. Meanwhile, place the tomatoes in a roasting tin and drizzle over the oil. 3 Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Place on the hot baking sheet in the oven and put the tomatoes on the shelf below and cook for 12 min. Remove both the tomatoes…

ON THE BIG SCREEN Beautiful Boy Based on the best-selling memoirs written by father and son David and Nic Sheff, this tear-jerker chronicles the heart-rending yet inspiring story of relapse and recovery in a family coping with drug addiction. Steve Carell takes on the serious – and stellar – role of David Sheff, a father who’s trying to deal with his son’s (played by Timothée Chalamet) drug addiction. A beautiful, true story about love that transcends the ravages of addiction. Out 2 November Bad Times at the El Royale Seven strangers – each with a secret – meet at a run-down hotel in 1960s Lake Tahoe, California. What starts out as a comedy soon morphs into a tense noir thriller, which reveals that the guests (played by the likes of…

It was an evening of beauty tips, tricks, and, of course, treats at Essentials’ first ever Beauty Meander reader event at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bedfordview. On 16 August, readers were welcomed with a selection of drinks and snacks at Mike’s Kitchen. They were divided into small groups, before setting off on the meander experience, where they visited a selection of retailers for beauty advice and treatments. Franco International, Kérastase and Redken updated the participants on the latest hair trends, which was followed by a hair analysis for each guest by one of the Franco professionals. Dior representatives from Red Square shared their expert beauty tips, and also offered individual lip and eye touch-ups, skin consultations, and advice on how to layer fragrance. At Sorbet Nail Bar, an O.P.I nail…

“I do come across as serious but I have a wicked sense of humour” I was born in a little town called Umzinto on the south coast of KZN. I loved walking home through the sugarcane fields with my friends after school. We’d raid guava and mangos from trees along the road and there was nothing unusual about seeing large snakes slithering across the paths. Simple, happy times make fond memories. Viewers know me as the no-nonsense Devi from M-Net’s Carte Blanche, but I’m also a wife and mom with a wicked sense of humour! I’m often the one cracking jokes amongst my friends, and have had many people try to persuade me to do stand-up comedy, but I’d rather keep that side of my personality for my friends and…