Innholdsfortegnelse for Feb/Mar 2022 i True Love

And just like that, the first month of 2022 has come to end. We’re here, we made it. We’re here, together, and that’s all that matters. As we toasted and ushered in the New Year, I remember looking around a room full of family and friends and feeling like I had won the lottery. There I was, enjoying my evening, exactly the way I wanted to. That is such a blessing! Even given the uncertainties of life, the fact that we’re living in the midst of a pandemic, and the horrible losses and unmentionable pain, we are still here and still standing. That you’re reading this ... is a blessing too. This year, I’m challenging myself to appreciate my life and my blessings more. I implore you to do the…

TIPS: Chain-link straps are fierce and sexy. This charming detail wrapped around your ankle is a sure way to bring out your inner diva. Also feminine and delicate finishes, such as pearls and beading, will never lose their appeal. They carry a classy quality that is quite unmatched. Ensure that your shoes are the ultimate talking point with unique embellishments.…

TIPS: Evoke a cool and calm aura in shades of blue. This colour also boosts creativity and feelings of peace. Red and orange exude confidence, energy and happiness. They are perfect for igniting an overall “feel good” mood. If you’re looking to channel your inner queen, then purple is the way to go. It has long carried a regal quality – so being associated with royalty, it will have you fixing your crown in no time.…

We asked Dr Deon Weyers for his professional opinion on some before and after images of celebrities believed to have cosmetically enhanced their looks and this is what he had to say: ANGELA BASSETT An aspect to consider is Angela’s very defined facial bone structure. Strong or defined cheekbones, jaw lines, or angles of the jaw provide the foundation which (within reason) will serve one well in the future. Botox or neurotoxin treatments. These can range from R1 500 to R7 000, depending on areas done. In Angela, Botox has smoothened out frown lines between the eyebrows and ‘worry lines’ over the forehead, and it has opened up the eyes to the sides, removing what is referred to as the ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles. Filler treatments to her cheeks. Even though…

With an entertainment career spanning over 25 years, the name Thembi Seete is synonymous with key moments in South African pop culture. It is hard to imagine an entertainment era that she hasn’t featured in, or influenced. Having spent her entire adult life under the spotlight, this year, Thembi is celebrating her 45th birthday – a milestone which finds her finally feeling “all grown up” – being a mother, wiser and feeling sexier than ever. Poignantly, it is also her first birthday without her beloved mother who passed away in July last year. Our first and most telling encounter was via WhatsApp voice notes. We were both in transit from our respective holiday destinations and the issue was a rather urgent one as she was “slightly concerned” with the vision…

1 THE FIRST TREND IS IN COLOUR – electric colour. We are going to get a lot of neon green; neon oranges. We are going to break out of this whole season of Covid. People want clothes that look new, so one way to have a piece that looks new even if you don’t have the money to splash out, is to spend on something that is really bright, with a fresh colour, whether it is an accessory like a shoe, a bag, a t-shirt, or a complete dress or suit. We are going to see a lot of neon, electric and acidic colours, so if there are people who are afraid of neons, they can still go for an electric pink, for example. 2 THE SECOND TREND WE ARE…

In the early days of romance, finances are probably the last thing on the minds of most couples, but it’s a topic that soon becomes pretty important. In researching his book, Couples and Money (available from Amazon), James Walker found that 47% of people he surveyed stated that having an adequate amount of money was more important for a successful relationship than having an adequate amount of sex. Let’s face it, they may have a point – if you’re constantly squabbling over money, it probably won’t be long before it starts having an impact in the bedroom! We all know that money troubles can have a major influence on the quality of our relationships. Research done by the Wesley Mission in Australia found that financial stress shatters family relationships and…

YOUR SUMMER SKIN SAVER Enjoy the balmy days of summer without worrying about the impact the environment is having on your skin. Just a few drops of the super-absorbent African Extracts Daily Repair Facial Oil will leave you with skin that’s smooth, supple and resilient. Super concentrated, it has the antioxidant power of rooibos, grapeseed and sweet almond oil infused with neem, rose, chamomile and geranium extracts. Plus, it contains vitamin C for a brighter, more radiant complexion. Find it at Dis-Chem, Takealot and selected Clicks stores. GALAXY GALS Stand out from the rest and be the centre of the universe in Puma’s Crystal Galaxy collection. Strut your stuff in this stunning apparel and footwear range. This collection finds inspiration in the every day – looking to the natural properties…

“I called it George!” she says, laughing. “I call my lady bits Georgina, so George made sense, I guess. Don’t ask me why,” says Tumi Ramasodi when she tells the story of her first sex toy – a purple dildo. Tumi bought ‘George’, in 2005. “I was 30 years old and I really think, at first, it was curiosity.” With lockdowns and stay-at-home orders being the norm, we’d get memes, videos, and pictures of people’s sex toys lying around everywhere. Who can forget the picture that went viral of the woman who had a sex toy on her bookshelf in her interview with BBC Wales? There were sexcapades, relationships were booming, and others were ending. For some, this allowed a self-exploration and self-care of a different kind: giving yourself an…

Her hats are not the type that you wear to cover up a bad hair day. Instead, these uniquely crafted headpieces radiate class and glamour, and will have all eyes on you as soon as you step into a room – which is exactly what the Eastern Cape-born milliner intends with her designs. With her mother being a knitwear designer, author and a poet; her father a carpenter and motor mechanic, and her older brothers being visual artists – it was inevitable that Mandisa Cosa-Nkwenkwezi would also be drawn towards the arts. Starting out as a performing artist who has worked with names such as Gibson Kente and Mbongeni Ngema, this self-taught milliner found herself immersed in the world of fashion after creating her hat brand, which she named Nzwakazi…

TIPS: A-line and flowy skirts are ideal as a date-night option. Not only do they flatter every shape, but they also allow for various styling options. Going out is an opportunity to show off, so experiment with a statement ensemble for the ultimate jaw-dropping effect. Sequins, vivid prints and colourful clothing always yield the best results. Matching combos are chic, effortless, and give off a feminine, polished look. Accessories go a long way to completing any outfit. Whether it be stop-and-stare shoes or striking jewellery, these additions pay off. It’s also good to note that necklaces and earrings draw attention to your face, which is never a bad thing on a date night where the aim is to have all eyes on you.…

TIPS: Post-pandemic workwear sees a transition from stricter dress codes to more flexible and versatile styles. It’s more about mixing formal staples with casual pieces. Blazers get an update in cropped cuts, which still exude business chic. Knitted and polo dresses have also replaced the typical shift dress, which has long been considered the safe choice for office attire. A worthy addition to your pant arsenal will be cuffed and drawstring styles. These are comfortable and can easily be dressed up to create a more formal look when paired with a button-down shirt or blouse.…

What haircare routine should women who are rocking super-short haircuts or bald heads be following? One thing I’ve noticed is that people tend to have an entire regimen to pamper their face, but think the scalp doesn’t need the same care. The scalp is as sensitive as your face and needs to be cared for with the right products, so I always advise ladies with a bald or super-short buzz cut that it’s imperative to focus on the first week of the haircut and treat their hair with the following: Use a wet, warm-to-hot (not scalding) towel on the scalp to prep the pores for the absorption of aftercare treatment. What this also does is to disinfect your scalp, clean it, and protect it from any germs picked up from…

The fashion trends that are going to be making a comeback in 2022 are mostly those we saw in the early 2000s – the time, in fashion terms, we describe as Y2k when we’re feeling nostalgic about that era. We will be seeing a lot of low-rise jeans and skirts, paired with crop tops. For those who’ve managed to work on their summer bodies, this is their chance to shine. I don’t see high-waist and skinny jeans being popular this year, as we’re bringing back the flared jeans and pants that we used to call hipsters back in the day, with palazzo pants also being a very important fashion item to have in one’s wardrobe. Loungewear is still going to be a huge part of 2022’s fashion, and what’s great…

1 COLOUR COORDINATE WITH OTHER ACCESSORIES, not just shoes. Mini-bags give the space for your outfit to still be ramped up further with additional accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, bangles, sunglasses, and extravagant earrings. 2 CEMENT THE TALKABILITY OF A DRAMATIC OUTFIT. Mini-bags can solidify a dramatic outfit into a statement-making moment. It’s a subtle difference that can add gravitas to your outfit to make it not only eye-catching, but memorably stylish too. 3 ADD A TOUCH OF CHIC and cute to your street-casual look. As seen on Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lopez, even the most boho and laidback of looks will benefit from the mini-bag trend – particularly because of the contrast that’s created between the bag and the clothes – resulting in a stylish look that upscales the…

Step 1: TALK ABOUT IT As with most things to do with relationships, communication is the key to preventing money problems from poisoning your partnership. Talking about your money dreams, goals and plans will help you to keep on track and headed in the right direction, which can be half the battle when it comes to being a great money-management team. Step 2: DON’T SHARE It doesn’t matter how happy you are, or how long you’ve been together, it’s never a good idea to share credit cards, because you make yourself liable for your partner’s credit habits. Keep your cards – and your liability – to yourself, and if you must have a joint credit card, make sure it has a low limit, to minimise your risk exposure. Better yet,…

Since raising children and taking care of other family members is a load often shouldered by women, saving for retirement or investing might seem like a luxury that they simply cannot afford. With COVID -19 increasing financial strain on families, many people have been forced to cancel financial investments or have done away with having savings altogether. Even before the pandemic hit, South Africans had alarmingly low awareness about funding a decent retirement and managing it competitively – and women have historically faced the brunt of gender inequality having a direct impact on their earnings and, in turn, their retirement. According to a finding by investment company 10X Investments’ South African Retirement Reality Report 2021, 54% of women say they don’t have a retirement savings plan, compared with 46% of…

What would you do if, after leaving an abusive relationship, surviving near-fatal assault, and finally finding love and success, you suffer a major physical blow to your way of life as you know it? Fezeka Kharodi, who was born and brought up in the township of Sebokeng, in the Vaal Triangle, is a 35-year-old recently disabled woman who is also an entrepreneur. An introverted lover of life, she describes herself as God-fearing, family oriented, and having an undying thirst for knowledge and growth mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Family First “I’m my parents’ only daughter, a sister, aunt, and a wife. In 2014, my father passed away and it was a very difficult time for us – but because of our family’s strong bond, we managed to make it through. My…

TIPS: Draping can be a clever way to trick the eye and make something appear larger or smaller. For example, if you have a small bust, a blouse with draping around that area can help create volume. Clothing with this detail allows you to conceal any unforgiving areas on your body in a stylish and subtle manner. Another great thing about investing in draped and ruched pieces is that these items are not seasonal; they work well in both light and heavy fabrics, so they can carry you throughout the year.…

TIPS: Utility inspired jumpsuits in neutral shades have made a comeback. The complementary hues allow for easy styling and will carry you throughout the year with ease. Dresses with interesting pocket detail are also the new update. Not only are they unique in design, but they also allow for easy storage of your essentials such as cellphones and keys – allowing you to always keep your precious items on your body. Forget the skinny jeans and opt for flared and straight-leg variants. Usually labelled “mom jeans”, these items are a stylish-enough canvas for a chic-casual, or glammed-up look. These have been spotted recently on the most fashion-forward celebs from Halle Berry, Rihanna and Zoë Kravitz to Katie Holmes, Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston – a clear indication that they are…

Briefly tell us about who Bonolo Mashilo is. I was born in a village called Ntwane Lesehleng, in Limpopo, 29 years ago. My early childhood years were spent being dressed up by my grandmother in frilled tutu dresses made of lace, tulle and chiffon, and overly decorated braids. Some of the many highlights of my career have been interning at Elle Magazine SA as a fashion assistant, as well as working at IMBO Magazine as a fashion director, where I discovered my passion for fashion. I obtained my fashion design degree at the Tshwane University of Technology, and later worked as fashion buyer for Edcon, where I qualified as a fashion merchant in their buyer programme. This opened my eyes to the corporate world and helped me structure my business.…

1. What are the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures among African (Black) women? The most popular would definitely be body-contouring procedures. These improve the contours of the body, and they include liposuction and excision procedures with or without fat transfers. So, to clarify what this means, liposuction involves small incisions hidden in discreet areas such as skin creases/folds and/ or hidden by undergarments, to remove unwanted fat by means of “suctioning it out”. This fat can then be processed (rinsed and manipulated to obtain intact fat cells) and used as a filler for other body areas such as the face, buttocks, breasts, hips and calves. This is then referred to as a fat transfer (fat being removed from one area and placed in another area). Excision procedures just refer to…

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to wear pigmented highlighters or show off your flawless skin, then now is the time. Rosy Cheeks It’s all about flushed cheeks, so think highlighter and lots of blush. Cream blushes in brighter shades, such as pink and orange, look genuinely rosy and delicate on the cheeks. According to make-up artists and influencers, blush isn’t just for your cheeks – dab some on your nose as well, to create a sun-kissed look. Chick Flick All you need is an element of fun to your normal lash flick. A colourful shade is party-perfect, while a subtle brown shade is ideal for work. Don’t forget to curl your lashes and groom your brows to finish off your look. Golden Eyes If you’re looking for extra…

While black and white has stood the test of time in most big fashion houses i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y , you still need to be creative with it to make sure that it stands out – such as pairing it with killer stilettos, a stunning handbag, or even African beads to really give it that African feel. Although I draw my inspiration from international fashion, I always try to infuse an element of African touch in my designs We have also continued to see a lot of African prints on international stages and in magazines, and we cannot deny the fact that the big international brands continue to borrow from Africa. We are very fortunate to have some of…

1 KEEP THE WARM TIGHTS AND FUZZY PAIRINGS at the back of the cupboard. This look needs flashes of skin to avoid looking as if you’re stuck in winter fashions.. 2 FUZZY, FAUX FUR or over-the-knee boots are a no-no. Keep it low with ankle boots or a mid-calf pair to help keep cool – especially in an African summer. 3 GET TEXAN BBQ HOT. Get your hands on some mid-calf, Western boots. Match with your favourite LBD for a daytime look that’s easy, stylish, and effortless. A great plus? Change your boots into a strappy pair of heels and you’re set for a date night or a girls’ night out. 4 CONTRAST YOUR FLORAL, BILLOWY SUMMER DRESS with a pair of suede ankle boots in a neutral colour. It’s…

REDUCE unnecessary expenses and use this extra cash to increase monthly contributions to retirement savings to make up for lost time. TAKE ADVANTAGE of retirement tax deductions. Contributing to a company pension fund does not mean you cannot invest or save through other assets. Remember, diversification means spreading risk through multiple investment and savings vehicles. A RETIREMENT ANNUITY FUND (RAF) also presents an ideal retirement vehicle and can offer tax deductions regarding your contributions. Should you not be contributing your maximum allowance of 27,5% of taxable income limited to R350 000 per annum, additional contributions to an RAF can help further build your nest-egg and take advantage of tax deductions. LOOK TO INCLUDE financial vehicles in your journey to boost growth. There are a range of saving and investment instruments…

A lot has been happening this year in the world of health research. So we’ve compiled a list of the year’s top health discoveries to help you on your way to greater wellbeing. BACTERIA LEVELS IN HOTEL ROOMS ARE UP TO ... 10 times higher than the level that’s acceptable in a hospital. According to a University of Houston study, the TV remote and bedside table light switches are the most germ-laden spots. A brisk 45-minute morning walk will knock that 11am snack craving on its head, say researchers from the US’s Brigham Young University. 20/20 University of Texas scientists say people who increase their fitness by just 20% during middle age decrease their risk of developing eight chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s and heart disease, by 20%. HALF A CUP…

By now, you should have an idea of how your career passions and personal strengths can point you towards your ideal career path. There are two options: start your own business or switch careers. OPTION 1: BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR Naomi Simson, creator of RedBalloon.com.au, says you need to realise that anything is possible if you work hard. “Businesses are one percent idea and 99 percent execution. My personal motto is, ‘If it is meant to be, it is up to me’,” Simson says. Working full-time and starting a business is tough, but it will pay off with hard work. Here are a few pointers to help you start: YOU NEED A PLAN: Starting a business without a plan is time-wasting and costly. “You have to have targets. If you don’t,…

BOOK REVIEW 30 SECONDS WITH PRESENTER AND LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER, XOLI GCABASHE How do you relax? Music relaxes me. If I just put Sabrina Claudio on blast, I feel as if nothing else matters but me being in the moment. What are you currently binge-watching? I’m a huge comedy series fan, so anything that makes me laugh, I’m all for it – be it animated or just pure comedy. My ultimate fave is Modern Family. What are you reading? The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown. Who are you listening to? I don’t have a particular artist I’m listening to right now. I listen to different types of music, depending on my mood on that particular day. What are your must-have items for a sure-fire romantic look? The perfect Little Black…

ENTERTAINMENT Your experience as a producer is diverse. Please tell us more about your journey? After graduating from film school, I got my first full-time job as a production co-ordinator at Ses’khona on SABC1. Here, I got to see how the South African TV space really operated. After this, I joined Endemol Shine Africa on a few productions including All You Need Is Love, Clash of The Choirs, and Fear Factor India. Then I bagged my first international job for a production company in Doha, Qatar. This was challenging, but I got to see firsthand that there is indeed a career beyond South Africa. I worked for different production companies after I became a production manager. Later, I decided to take a break from traditional TV to try something new…