Saturday Star 2025-05-10

As Mother’s Day approaches, the quest for the perfect gift is on the minds of many. While flowers and chocolates have their charm, a thoughtfully selected book can create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of mothers everywhere. This year, we’ve curated a diverse list highlighting titles that celebrate motherhood, empowerment, self-discovery, and a bit of escapism – books sure to resonate with every type of mom. Cupcakes & Couscous: From My Kitchen to Yours Teresa Ulyate Start your Mother’s Day gifting journey with Cupcakes & Couscous by Teresa Ulyate. This enchanting cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a reflection of Ulyate’s cooking and eating style, artfully blending nostalgia-inspired dishes with accessible new recipes. “I believe in balancing wholesome nourishment and special treats,”…

With Mother’s Day on the horizon, many are seeking an ideal way to celebrate the extraordinary woman who has nurtured and cared for them. This year, why not take a culinary journey to express your love and appreciation? Cooking a delightful meal or baking a sweet treat can create cherished memories while also allowing you to convey your heartfelt sentiments deliciously. Below, we present a selection of mouth-watering recipes that capture the essence of Mother’s Day celebrations. Chef Tinotenda Sadziwa’s grilled chicken with ratatouille Ingredients For the ratatouille 6 tbsp olive oil 2 medium eggplants, cut into bite-size chunks 3 medium zucchini – cut into bite-size chunks Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste 2 red, 2 yellow, and 2 green peppers, chopped 2 red onions, diced 3 garlic…

If you’re in your mid-40s or 50s, watching Four Seasons on Netflix might hit a little too close to home. But that’s the magic of this limited series. It dares to laugh in the face of midlife meltdowns, relationship fractures, and ageing bodies that can’t quite handle a “let’s spice things up in the bedroom” moment without someone’s back giving out. At first glance, Four Seasons feels like a cosy getaway with friends you’ve known forever. Think wine, lakeside houses, and old inside jokes. But don’t get too comfortable, the show laces the laughs with emotional gut punches. Starring a surprisingly rugged and silver-foxy Steve Carell as Nick, the series opens with him doing what every friend shouldn’t do on vacation: dropping the “I’m divorcing, Anne” bomb over spring cocktails.…

South African musician Lady Du has opened up about her journey through adversity and the critical lessons learned in the wake of personal and professional struggles. After months of battling illness and grappling with the devastating loss of her father, Du has discovered the vital role that financial independence plays in safeguarding one’s future. “Today, I want to dedicate this post to all the artists that are at their peak,” she noted on social media, turning her tribulations into a powerful message for her peers in the music industry. During her three-month hiatus from performing, which saw her refunding over 16 shows, Du was forced to confront the grim reality of not having a stable income derived solely from her artistry. “If it wasn’t for my businesses, I don’t know…

In her over four-decade career in Hollywood, Julia Louis-Dreyfus firmly planted her feet in comedy, be it for a TV series or film. That she is at the helm of Thunderbolts, the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is surprising and fascinating at the same time. Of course, when I was offered a virtual interview opportunity with the veteran actress and newcomer Geraldine Viswanathan, I immediately agreed. Seriously, Louis-Dreyfus is a legend, a fact Seinfeld fans will agree with. As CIA director, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's ambiguous morality will likely surprise viewers, as she operates in the gray area between good and evil. Viswanathan portrays Mel, Valentina's innocent assistant, who grapples with her superior's unethical tactics. Louis-Dreyfus noted that her popularity in playing characters like…

Healthy and strong societies are built, among other things, on a strong and robust education system. In South Africa, we have around 412 000 teachers in public schools. There are 47 400 in private schools. These are the people we task with the responsibility to lay the foundations for our society by teaching our children the skills needed to be solid members of the community. I am sure my family and in-laws make up a large percentage of the teaching profession. There are many of them who have been teaching for decades, and they have played a role in educating the children of the community as foundation phase teachers (the ones who have to lay the basis with the little ones for a lifetime of learning), as heads of department…