Pretoria News Weekend

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and it is time to do a little spoiling! While you cannot go wrong with a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates, it is always more meaningful when you take the trouble to cook something for her. It does not have to be expensive or fancy either – some of the best Mother’s Day meals are cooked by children who put their heart and soul into the making of the dish, so even if it does not look great, it is still top marks for effort. Here are suggestions to inspire you in the kitchen. Effortless eggs Eggs are probably the most versatile breakfast item there is. They are an inexpensive source of good-quality protein and one of the most versatile ingredients used in…

While we might still be enjoying a few sunny days, there’s a definite chill in the air. A sure indication that winter has set in. Summer frocks, cheeky shorts, sandals and strappy heels are no longer a part of our wardrobe as the cold weather forces us to unpack our winter wear. Winter basics like chunky neutral knits, woollen slacks and thick denim will continue to be wardrobe essentials, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a few trendy pieces here and there to update your looks. It’s the start of winter, so now is the perfect time to make those changes.The right pair of shoes is a sure way to upgrade a dated look. Here’s a look at the hottest winter footwear trends to shop for this season to…

Heather Armstrong, a pioneering blogger who transformed women’s media and altered the public perception of motherhood, died this week at the age of 47. Armstrong, who also went by her maiden name, Heather Hamilton, died by suicide, her boyfriend, Pete Ashdown, said. He told the Associated Press that he found her at their Salt Lake City home on Tuesday night. Ashdown said Armstrong had recently relapsed into alcoholism after remaining sober for more than 18 months. Armstrong was born on July 19, 1975, and grew up in Memphis, before majoring in English at Brigham Young University in Utah. She graduated in 1997 and moved to Los Angeles for work before marrying web designer Jon Armstrong and returning to Salt Lake City. She founded the blog Dooce in 2001. It…

In South Africa, high blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading causes of death. According to recent statistics, an estimated 53 men and 78 women over 30 die every day due to hypertension. That’s 131 preventable deaths a day. This is a serious concern. Hypertension is a highly prevalent condition in South Africa, with over 50% of people over the age of 15 affected. Even more worrying is that only half of those who have high blood pressure are aware of it. It is known as a “silent killer” since there are usually no symptoms, and people only realise they have it when a cardiac event occurs, like a heart attack. The risks of hypertension are serious. Worldwide, more than 11 million people die from high blood pressure…

Keri Russell lost her voice. The actress whispered a hoarse apology after cancelling an interview recently, unable to muster much more lest she worsens her condition. She calls days later, sounding better and joking about all the time she spent promoting her new Netflix series, The Diplomat, while barely speaking. It was like The Little Mermaid, she says. “You’re going to show up, but you’ll be silent.” One could argue the mishap is straight out of The Diplomat itself, in which Russell’s title character, while competent at her work in the Foreign Service, is always a bit out of sorts. She gets into a physical scuffle outdoors just moments before meeting the president, whom she greets slightly out of breath and with dirt on her face. Later, she discovers a…

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has reportedly hired Kim Kardashian’s former bodyguard. The security expert was spotted walking behind the 41-year-old former actress – who relocated to the US with her husband Prince Harry three years ago – and two of her pals during a recent hike near her home in Montecito, California. And as well as his “elite” skills, it is possible the duchess liked the “clout” having such a sought-after minder gives her. Steve Stanulis, another of Kardashian’s former bodyguards, told The Sun newspaper: “These are guys who come from a small pool of elite bodyguards, from either police or military backgrounds. Usually, if a guy is good enough to work for high-profile stars, it’s not unusual for them to be sought after. Not only for protection but also…