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EAT JUNK GET SLIM It’s true. We tried it!

2016 AWARDS SPECIAL

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EASY REVEALED! The 25 best buys you can’t live without

ONE-POT MEALS Fuss-free cooking LOW-CARB MENU Even the kids will love WINTER BAKES 5 tasty treats

FREE LOVE Are you ready for an open relationship?

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MAY 2016 HELLO! Over the past few months, the Essentials team has powdered, glossed and scrubbed their way through hundreds of products to find the 25 best beauty buys of them all. Thousands of you also cast your votes online and you’ll find all the results on p41. If the cooler weather is keeping you home this month, tuck into some hearty comfort food – we have all the culinary inspiration you need with our one-pot recipes on p64 (and you can follow that with something from our dessert spread on p70). And if you’re watching your waistline, check out our tips on page 54, so you can eat the junk you want, and still get slim. Yes, really – we tried it!

Kate

EDITOR ESSENTIALS.CO.ZA

COUNTRY CHIC Relax into the soft and cosy shapes of the season (p6)

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Our lucky subscribers get their magazines delivered to their homes even before it hits the shelves. Subscribe this month (p112) and you’ll save 35% (and you could win a Nuxe hamper). Bargain! And, if you love Essentials, your friends will too, so think about treating them to a subscription of their own.

BUDDING ARTIST? Show off your little one’s artworks in the most stylish way – find out how on p90.

THE FREE-FROM REVOLUTION We know just how many of you are trying to cut back, whether it’s on sugar, dairy or gluten, so check out foodie Vickie de Beer’s free-from story (and tasty recipes) on p76.

ESSENTIALS 1

Contents MAY 2016 Fashion 5 6 12 14 16

FAST FASHION What’s new COUNTRY LIVING Autumn style BLOCK VS BLOOM Bold or floral – take your pick of the catwalk trend STYLE YOURSELF SLIMMER Cheat your way to a sleeker shape POWER PIECES The ultimate edit of this season’s statement items

20 22 26

34 98

‘A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM NEVER HURT ANYONE’ Our cover star, Priyeshka Lutchman , shares MARRIED, SINGLE, OTHER Could you be in an open relationship? TO WORK OR NOT TO WORK? What’s best for the kids OUR MOTHER-DAUGHTER BONDING Four readers on how they spend time with their moms

49 50

EASY BEAUTY What’s new EASY BEAUTY AWARDS The 25 must-have buys – voted by you! LADY IN RED Warm hues of ruby and scarlet to heat up your make-up bag BRONDE AMBITION It’s the hottest hair colour – and not just for celebs

Health 53 54

YOU & HIM Kickstart your libido IT’S A CRIME Turns out our readers are a little less law-abiding! CHILDREN DON’T COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS... YOU FIGURE IT OUT... Cindy Nell-Roberts COOL KIDS What’s new

Beauty 39 41

Features 18

30 32

GOOD HEALTH What’s new EAT JUNK, GET SLIM Cut out kilojoules in your guilty treats ADD 20 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE Twelve easy habits you can adopt WHAT’S YOUR FITNESS PERSONALITY? Take our quiz and find the right workout for you

Food 63 64 70 74 76 78

16 21 31

On the cover

2 ESSENTIALS

REAL FOOD What’s new ONE-POT WONDERS Fuss-free & fab ANYONE FOR DESSERT? You bet! HOW TO MAKE... THE BEST PAVLOVA A showstopping dessert BRILLIANT BITES Vickie de Beer shares kid-friendly, low-carb recipes THE NEW SUNDAY ROAST! Enjoy a delicious, modern Asian menu

THE POWER PIECES Wardrobe essentials to add that special something FREE LOVE Are you ready for an open relationship? SAVE 30% AT TRUIMPH 30% discount when you buy fab lingerie online EASY BEAUTY AWARDS The best beauty products, as voted for by you

54 EAT JUNK, GET SLIM 56

There’s no such thing as forbidden food – hurray! ADD 20 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE Twelve easy habits you can adopt now for better health ONE-POT MEALS Whip up a fuss-free feast with our great one-pot wonders

41 12

IN THIS ISSUE

EDITOR KATE MACFARLANE ART DIRECTOR Tahra Holloway MANAGING EDITOR Kirsten Davids DIGITAL DIGITAL EDITOR Claire Sebastião FEATURES AND TRAVEL FEATURES AND TRAVEL WRITER Roxanne Fagri FASHION FASHION EDITOR Caryn Magid HEALTH AND BEAUTY HEALTH AND BEAUTY EDITOR Grace Mantjiu LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE WRITER Tamlyn Cumings OFFICE OFFICE MANAGER Carlyn Wallace INTERN Nsovo Maluleke PROMOTIONS MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Melanie Olivier Tel: 011 889 0866; Email: melanieo@caxton.co.za

Home 80 87 89 90 95

THE GREAT INDOORS Get that cosy cottage feel MAD ABOUT MOROCCAN Rich colours and bold prints MAKE IT EASY What’s new ROGUES’ GALLERY Frame your kids’ best artwork – here’s how FALLING FOR AUTUMN Craft projects that are naturally stylish

Essentialist 101

102 103 105 106

DISHY DIRECTORS We look at the fab faces behind the camera GO OUT Movies and nights out ON THE SHELF Great new reads INSIDE THE MIND OF… Johnny Depp ON THE RADAR What’s new... what’s in... what’s out

ENTER & WIN & SAVE 4 48 38 104 114 118

WITH LOVE Win a Thomas Sabo Infinity of Love necklace, worth R4 500 ESSENTIAL SKIN DEFENCE Win a SIX Sensational Skincare hamper HEALING EARTH Offers you a discount of 30% on Body Butters BUSH GIVEAWAY Win a getaway to Aquila Private Game Reserve BLOCKWORD Win a Spalicious hamper worth R3 000 LITTLE SPOILS FOR YOU Enter and win great goodies

PUBLISHING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ESSENTIALS SOUTH AFRICA Frith Thomas GENERAL MANAGER Anton Botes HEAD OF INSIGHTS Debbie McIntyre HEAD OF RETAIL MARKETING AND INNOVATION Dejane Poil FINANCIAL MANAGER Rohan French GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Reinhard Lotz PRODUCTION MANAGER Sada Reddhi HEAD OF DIGITAL Jana Kleinloog MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR Ruwaida Pillay

87 Travel

108 HOLIDAYS WITH A DIFFERENCE Destinations that are more than just a place to stay

Regulars 1 112

114 115 116 117 120

EDITOR’S LETTER SUBSCRIBE TO ESSENTIALS, get 35% off and stand a chance to win BLOCKWORD STOCKISTS LIST MAY HOROSCOPES PUZZLE PAGE THE LAST WORD… Tumi Masemola on what she loves, and loathes

MAKE I T

easy

ADVERTISING SALES JOHANNESBURG COMMERCIAL MANAGER Gary Wium; Email: garyw@caxton.co.za Caxton House, 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, 2196; Tel: 011 889 0885; Fax: 011 789 9636, 011 889 0923 or 011 889 0630 DURBAN COMMERCIAL MANAGER Eugene Marais; Email: eugene@caxton.co.za ��½�� Umhlanga, 4319; Tel: 031 536 8165 CAPE TOWN COMMERCIAL MANAGER Rickardt de Beer; Email: rickardt@caxton.co.za Founders House, Uitvlugt, 3 Howard Drive, Pinelands, 7405; Tel: 021 001 2438 or 021 001 2435 CLASSIFIEDS Tel: 011 889 0885 DISTRIBUTION RNA, 12 Nobel Street, Industria, 2093; P O Box 101, Maraisburg, 1700; Tel: 011 248 3512; Fax: 011 474 3583; Email: rna@RNAD.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS Ramsay Media Pty Ltd, Freepost CB0209, Ramsay Media Subs, Box 596, Howard Place, 7450; Tel: 0860 100 206; Email: essentialssubs@ramsaymedia.co.za PUBLISHERS Caxton Magazines, a division of CTP Limited (Reg No 05/07139/06), Caxton House, 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, 2196 REPRO CRD 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, 2196 PRINTERS CTP Book Printers, Duminy Street, Parrow Tel: 021 930 8820/8840 ESSENTIALS UNITED KINGDOM Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1, United Kingdom. Copyright of Time Inc. (UK) Ltd 2014

For editorial enquiries, call 011 889 0808 or email essentials@caxton.co.za For subscriber enquires, phone 0860 100 206

ESSENTIALS 3

ENTER AND WIN!

With love, from Thomas Sabo Five lucky readers will each win a Thomas Sabo Infinity of Love necklace valued at R4 500 each HOW TO ENTER SMS INFINITY, your full name, postal and email address and ID number to 48403 at a cost of R1,50. Free SMSs don’t apply. Errors will be billed. Closing date is 31 May 2016. For additional Ts and Cs, see page 115. Prizes may vary from images provided.

4 ESSENTIALS

o celebrate Mother’s Day, Thomas Sabo has created four very special ‘The Inﬁnity of Love’ necklaces, which are inspired by the symbols of love. Each of the pendants – available in 925

Sterling silver or 18 carat rosegold plating, either plain or with a detailed zirconia pavé – are available as ready-to-wear-sets, complete with matching necklaces. For more info visit thomassabo. com or Facebook: Thomas Sabo.

WHAT’S NEW

Essentials.co.za WINTER WARMERS As it cools do w winter’s fash n, io trends are ho n tt up. Wrap yo ing urself in layers of war wool and co m sy in style with up comfy, casual foot wear. Available fr om Rubi & Cotto n On.

Feature Caryn Magid; Rachel Bassett Photography INPRA; Supplied

PRINT ON PRINT Super-stylish Jessica Alba mixes two prints that clash and ties the look together with a bow belt – and it really works.

Star style

We love… Texture is key right now, which means that this faux-fur bag is totally on trend. Wear with simple jeans and a T-shirt for maximum impact! R999, Charles & Keith.

PAISLEY POWER Charm your way into the season with 70s influences. A floaty paisley dress with tasseled boots will tick all the right style boxes. Dress, R189,99; Boots, R585; both Rage

ESSENTIALS 5

COUNTRY

living

Relax into the soft shapes of the new season with warm shades of caramel, mixed with black, rust and berry FASHION EDITOR CARYN MAGID

Go retro Who said blouses are only for wearing to work? Give your look a nod to the ’70s with a feminine neck-tie shirt, ��¾�� Shirt, R759, �� Hat, R379,95, ��

6 ESSENTIALS

FAST FASHION

ESSENTIALS 7

Rich pickings Swap black for shades of plum and berry to instantly update your �� Poncho, R349, �� Blouse, R199,99, �� Pants, R349, �� Hat, R899, ��

8 ESSENTIALS

FAST FASHION Easy dressing Layer like a pro: keep it tonal and ��¾��½�� LEFT Gilet, R499,�� Poloneck, R549�� Pants, R899,�� Belt, R139,��

The new nudes Invest in a sheer blouse – a neutral shade is ideal �� BELOW LEFT Poncho, R990,�� Top, R550,�� Skirt, R379,�� Boots, R239,99,��

The new coat A simple, luxe-looking cape makes an effortless style statement and �� BELOW RIGHT Cape, R1 799,�� Poloneck, R749,�� Pants, R250,�� Boots, R799,��

ESSENTIALS 9

That’s a wrap Opt for a blanket coat: it’s so versatile and perfect for �� RIGHT Coat, R799; Snood, R180;�� Pants, R299,�� Boots, R699,��

Printed dress Get more wear out of your favourite summer dress by pairing it with tights and ��¾�� BELOW LEFT Dress, R1 199,�� Leather boots, R1 399,��

Sharp & chic ��½�� at the waist and cropped at the ankle, which makes it �� BELOW RIGHT Jacket, R1 299; Pants, R699;�� Jersey, R459; Heels, R759;��

10 ESSENTIALS

Photographer Troy Lee Hair & make-up Danit Gordon Model Chantelle from Boss Models Shot on location at��½�� Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

FAST FASHION

Soft suedes A suede tunic will tick two of winter’s biggest trend boxes �� Coat, R599,95; Tunic, R399,95; �� Hat, R499, ��

ESSENTIALS 11

CATWALK TREND Scarf, R250, Woolworths

Skirt, R399, Foschini

Pants, R839, River Island

Skirt, R659, Zara

Dress, R279, Miladys

Knit, R599, H&M Top, R489, River Island

FAUSKO PUGLISI

Scarf, R499, H&M

RUNWAY

EDIT

Dress, R599, Woolworths

Bag, R499, Donna Claire

Watch, R375, Woolworths

Block Bloom

Dress, R929, River Island

Bright and strong or intricate and feminine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever your style, these key trends are the perfect must-buys

Sunglasses, R170, Woolworths

Top, R399, Mango

Boots, R1 499, River Island

Jumpsuit, R129,99 Mr Price

12 ESSENTIALS

Bag, R639,95, Pierre Cardin

Pants, R299, H&M

DOLCE & GABBANA

Jacket, R1 199, Mango

Necklace, R379, Zara

Heels, R499, Queue

Feature Meghann Thorp & Eloisa Johnson; Caryn Magid Photography INPRA; Gallo Images/Getty Images; Hema Patel Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Bag, R549, Country Road

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STYLE YOURSELF FLATTER YOUR BUST Stick to V-necks that visually reduce a bigger bust. Add a wrap-style jacket with a belt to create the illusion of an hourglass shape. Coat, R799, Woolworths. Top, R299,95, Edgars. Pants, R625, Woolworths. Earrings, R114,50; Bag, R669,50; both Colette Hayman. Heels, R699, Woolworths.

STREAMLINE YOUR SHAPE

Jacket, R599; Top, R399; both City Chic. Skirt, R349,95, Edgars. Earrings, R260; Cuff, R199; both Tessa Design. Shoes, R179,99, Mr Price.

For 10 fabulous places to buy trendy plus-size clothing, visit essentials.co.za

14 ESSENTIALS

Photography Getty Images

A pencil skirt can be slimming even if you are pear-shaped. Choose a style that ends just below the knee. Finish the look with a longer-length jacket.

FIGURE FIXES

SLIMMER

Cheat your way to a sleeker shape with our insider tips and tricks

TUMMY TRIMMER Steer clear of tunic tops: they’re shapeless and can make you look bigger. Instead, stick to dresses that are belted, accentuating your waist. Rather than a bulky coat, try a longline sleeveless jacket – it’s a simple way of creating a leaner silhouette.

SKIM YOUR THIGHS Yes, you can wear prints! The vertical stripe in this print will make you instantly look taller and slimmer while the loose shape will skim over problem areas. Choose a style that sits on the knee so you can show off the slimmest part of your legs. Jacket, R625, Woolworths. Dress R139,99, Mr Price. Earrings, R120, Tessa Design. Ring, R114,50, Colette Hayman. Heels, R199,99, Mr Price.

Feature Caryn Magid Photography��Hair & make-up Lindsey Swart Model Tulie from Ice Models.

Sleeveless coat, R799,99; Dress, R399,99; both Edgars. Bag, R499,50, Colette Hayman. Boots, R1 499, Woolworths.

ESSENTIALS 15

YOUR STYLE A TIMELESS ESSENTIAL Roll-neck, R129,95, Ackermans

FUN FUR

KNEE HIGH Boots, R899, Foschini

THE POWER WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

HOT NOW TOP OF THE CROPS Pants, R499, H&M

pieces

PERFECT PLEATS Midi skirt, R379, Zara

Let us introduce you to the statement items you need in your wardrobe this season BOXY BAG Messenger bag, R1 199, Steve Madden

GOTHIC GLAM Top, R999, Zara

GO LONG Sleeveless jacket, R179,99, Mr Price

SUEDE TOUCH Boots, R599, Miladys

16 ESSENTIALS

FLORAL BOHO Dress, R1 199, Country Road

Feature Caryn Magid Photography Hema Patel; INPRA Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Faux-fur gilet, R340, Exact

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‘It would be such fun

TO BE INVISIBLE for a little while... Priyeshka Lutchman talks to Essentials about being a homebody, her secret superpower and her love of travelling

grew up in a house full of boys. I’m the youngest of four children, and my brothers used to torment me. I have to admit I was babied to a certain extent – I think that always happens to the youngest in a family – so I’m sure I got a bit of extra attention. When I got older, and especially during my teenage years, my brothers were super overprotective of me. They had a problem with me even talking to boys, so dating was absolutely out of the question! My brothers used to play pranks on me all the time. I love my sleep, so one of their favourite things to do was to wake me up and tell me I was late for school and that my mom had already left without me. There’s nothing worse than waking up in such a pan! Sadly, I fell for it more often than not.

‘I’m a real homebody – I don’t need big nights out, I like to stay in and just catch up on my favourite TV series’

If I could have one superpower it would be invisibility – I think it would be such fun. I would have loved spying on my brothers and getting my revenge by pranking them back. I probably still would, actually...

18 ESSENTIALS

My brothers all live in Durban and I miss them terribly. My mom’s all the way over in Dubai so I don’t get to see her more than two or three times a year. I’m a real mommy’s girl so when I go over to visit her, I try to stay for a few months at a time so we can really catch up properly. We don’t spend as much time together as we’d like to, but the distance between us makes us cherish the moments we’re together even more. I’m a homebody. I really enjoy just being in my own space; there’s nothing like getting a moment or two to yourself. Most of the time, when I’m home alone, you’ll find me sitting on the couch with a face mask on, catching up on my favourite TV series.

I miss my mom the most when I’m sick; it’s on those days when only a mother’s touch and home comforts can make you feel better. You’re never too old to be taken care of by your mom! Like most women, I have to watch what I eat, but a scoop of ice cream never hurt anyone. My go-to meal is

grilled chicken and steamed veggies; it’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I don’t really enjoy cooking – I’ll do my best to get someone else to do it for me! Thankfully, my partner, Tristan, does most of the cooking when we’re together. He makes an amazing chicken and olive pasta – it’s delicious. At this time of year, I start planning my holidays for the months ahead. I love seeing the world and going on adventures – I grab any opportunity I can to explore a new country. My last trip was to Thailand and it’s my new favourite destination. I’m a big fan of island living: Koh Samui was so beautiful and there’s no end to the water activites on offer. I am a total shopaholic, so it makes sense that Bangkok is one of my favourite cities. I love how busy and full of life and culture it is. There’s something incredible about experiencing different cultures – I believe you grow as a person when you interact with, and learn more about, different nationalities. My best advice to anyone is to travel as much as you can and make the most of those experiences.

COVER STAR

THE PRIYESHKA REAL CONFESSES... ME I’M REALLY SHY I need to

Photography Justin Dingwall Stylist Caryn Magid Hair & make-up Alex Botha using Dermalogica products Photographer’s assistant Eben du Plesis Main image: Dress Ted Baker Ring Tessa Design Ring Accessorize Cuff Tessa Design Dress: on cover Ted Baker

warm up to new faces before I feel like I can be myself I WEAR GLASSES I’m in denial about the fact that I need them, so I rarely wear them outside the house. I DON’T LIKE WEARING EARRINGS I avoid wearing them at all costs – they just feel weird. I’M NOT A FAN OF 3D MOVIES They give me headaches so I always opt for the normal version. I’M A TRUE ADRENALIN JUNKIE I’ll happily try just about any activity that gets the heart racing. I WANT TO LIVE ON AN ISLAND Well who doesn’t?

ESSENTIALS 19

OPINION

WHAT YOU THINK ARIANNE COHEN IS THE AUTHOR OF THE SEX DIARIES PROJECT, PLUS SHE’S AN OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATE OF OPEN MARRIAGE

NOT FOR ME ‘I personally couldn’t cope in an open relationship, I think you would have to be very �� partner and not have a jealous cell in your body.’ Lel Vest

Writer Arianne Cohen is happily married. The secret to her successful relationship? Sex with other people

here may be a point in your life when an open relationship will seem like a fantastic idea. Honestly. Perhaps you’ll come out of a 20-year relationship and not want to tie yourself down, when a wonderful man appears one month later. Or perhaps your partner will suggest a bit of spice via a third partner. Maybe you’ll fall in love with two people at once. It’ll just happen. Boom! A recent survey revealed that almost 50% of people would consider non-monogamy. But I never imagined I would be one of them. I was a needy twentysomething and the idea of my partner being with another woman was enough to make me lose my marbles. No thank you. I believed in monogamy, couples and Forever. And then I found myself in a relationship with my now-husband, who

20 ESSENTIALS

lived 4 000 km away. He loved me deeply and I felt secure. The mechanics were simple: when we were together, we were together; and when apart, we casually dated. But it wasn’t plain sailing. He’d mention other women and I’d feel sick for days. The emotional challenge wasn’t his bedroom activities: my snooping, my jealousies and my wild imagination were the challenge. He occasionally went home with another woman. End of story. I stayed with him because I found myself queen of a world ﬁlled with lovers and friends who fulﬁlled my every emotional and sexual need. I enjoyed wonderful men who would make horrible life

partners – party guys, men at different life stages. And I found my marriage improved. Non-monogamy requires expressing vulnerability. I’ve woken my husband at 3am to say things like, ‘The thought of you with someone else is making me heave,’ and ‘Sometimes when you’re in the shower, I check your phone.’ As a result, our relationship is now much deeper. I am a much more secure human being and a better partner. A psychologist told me that open relationships only work if the partners are doing it because they care about each other – and not just because they want to sleep around. I realise now that my partner is a better human being on a long leash – and so am I!

Love rarely comes neatly packaged in one perfect person who meets all your needs

HAVE IT ALL ‘It would seem that some people just want the best of both worlds. Personally, no way.’ Catherine Stocker

GIVE IT A TRY ‘I did a year of the open relationship thing last year and it was the best thing ever for our 12-year marriage. Like taking a sabbatical! It made us appreciate each other and we’re stronger than ever.’ Cassie Roberts

‘Why be in a relationship if it’s like that? Crazy!’ Dawn Barrie Get In TOUCH Is there a burning issue you want to talk about? Join the conversation by emailing us at essentials@caxton.co.za

Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images

OTHER?

‘ERMMMM NO! WHY SHARE THE BEST PERSON IN MY LIFE?’ Angie Hatton

To work? OR NOT TO WORK? Is it better for your children if you stay at home or could you be doing them a favour by having a job? Essentials investigatesâ&#x20AC;Ś

22 ESSENTIALS

ASK YOURSELF

uilt is an emotion that every mother is far more familiar with than they would like. You feel bad when you lose your temper with the kids, when you can’t get them to sleep, when you succumb to their pleas for sweets. But perhaps the most guilt-inducing issue of them all is work. The funny thing is, it doesn’t even matter if you work full-time, part-time or not at all. One way or another, part of you will worry that you haven’t made the best decision for your children. But is there really such a thing as a ‘wrong choice’?

Working mom woes Those of us who return to work full-time after having kids will know all about that wrenching feeling you get when you drop your little one at nursery school. It’s bad enough dealing with your own guilt without combining that with the sense of disapproval you feel from the stay-athome moms (SAHMs) you pass on their way to soft play, while you’re screeching past in the car trying to shake the image of your sobbing child from your head. It’s a feeling reader Sarah Harris knows all too well. ‘I’ve always loved my job as a buyer for a supermarket and although we could have scraped by on my husband’s salary, I just didn’t want to give it up. But that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with the guilt when I drop my son off early at school or pick him up late from aftercare.’ For those of us who’ve returned to work out of financial necessity rather than desire, it can be even harder to rationalise your decision. ‘I’m currently two months into a four-month maternity leave with twins and the thought of leaving them makes my heart ache,’ says university lecturer Dionne Delves, ‘but it’s just not financially viable for me to stay at home. My first child, who is five now, went into crèche as soon as my maternity leave was over. It’s not something my husband and I were able to discuss, we really had no choice.’ Research from a study conducted last year found that more than a third of

working mothers would like to give up their jobs and stay at home with their children, but only one in 10 actually does. You may envy those privileged few whose husbands earn enough to keep the family aﬂoat, especially with the economy in the state that it’s in. But is the grass really greener – for the moms, or indeed for their children?

Making sacrifices

‘There should be more assistance for moms, so they have the option to stay at home, too’

‘I chose to stop working when I had my second child because I genuinely thought it was the right thing for me and the kids,’ says Imogen Edwards, who used to work as an office manager. ‘But it was only a few months before I started feeling isolated, embarrassed and just less like myself. Eventually, I found myself losing patience with the children and became so scared that I’d start to resent them that I’m now looking for part-time work so I can get something back for myself.’ It’s not just the moms who could feel the negative impact of their decision to give up work, but also, ultimately, their daughters. According to a groundbreaking survey by the smarty-pants at Harvard Business School, daughters of working mothers are more likely to be employed, earn more and have more senior positions than girls raised by a full-time parent. While sons of working moms were found to spend more time caring for family members in later life, a habit probably adopted from having to do more from a young age by, say, ﬁnding their own PE kit, washing a few dishes or even (gasp) cooking a meal. The study concluded that having a ‘non-traditional role model’ i.e. a working mother, gives children a

‘I chose to stop working... but it was only a few months before I started feeling isolated’

more egalitarian view of genders, and what is ‘right’ and ‘normal’ for men and women. The suggestion is that the more common it is for mothers to work, the more gender inequality will be reduced. That’s a strong argument for heading into work every day.

Full-time fulfilment

There are, however, women who are more than happy with their decision to be a SAHM, such as reader Vicki Child. ‘I gave up a job as an HR manager to be a full-time mom and I wouldn’t want to change it for the world,’ says Vicki, who lives with her husband and two children. ‘I feel privileged that I get to see my son and daughter grow and develop every day, and be a full part of their lives. I realise it’s not for everyone and we are fortunate to be in the ﬁnancial position to be able to do it, which is why I think there should be more assistance for moms, so they have the option to stay at home, too.’ And if you working moms out there have felt judged by others, Vicki points out that it can be just as bad, if not worse, for the SAHMs among us who are often stigmatised: ‘Sadly, there seems to be a general attitude that stay-at-home moms aren’t contributing to society by not going out to work, and we are often expected to justify what we “do”,’ she says. ‘Surely providing a secure learning environment for our children is an important role?!’ Hear, hear!

ASK YOURSELF

balance? Perhaps, but this way of working doesn’t work for every mom. Mom-ofthree Andrea Ventress discovered this when she tried to swap full-time work as a magazine editor for a career as a freelance journalist: ‘I thought that writing from home could solve the problem of juggling childcare and a job. But all I found was that I was constantly working and checking emails when I should have been watching the boys’ swimming lessons or talking to them over dinner. Being self-employed meant I couldn’t ever switch off and I missed having co-workers to chat to.’ Eventually Andrea found a part-time job in a local school. ‘It was difficult, having to give up my career as a writer,’ she admits, ‘but it gave me back my life. I only worked the hours I was employed to and when I was with my kids, I was really WITH them. Plus, I loved having colleagues, holidays and sick pay again!’ Evidently, there is no ‘one-sizefits-all’ solution to the dilemma moms face when it comes to work. There are clear pros and cons to working full-time, OF WORK part-time, or not MOMS SA ING working at all, and WOULD LY THEY these vary from family IK E TO STAY HOM to family. But rather I work on the marketing. E WITH THEIR KID than going away from But after a few years of S this thinking ‘we’re working every day, I now damned if we do and damned make an effort to take time off if we don’t’, the important thing to and it’s been great to finally find a realise is that you have to do what is right balance between enjoying time with for YOU, refuse to judge other mothers the kids and developing the business.’ for their choices and finally kick that ever-present guilt to the kerb. None of us Different strokes are perfect parents. But we’re trying our So have moms like Anna-Lee achieved best. And that’s all that matters. the elusive Holy Grail that is the perfect

Home office It is a wish to fulfil this role, while also earning, that has no doubt motivated other moms to find a way to keep working – but from home, which explains the huge rise in moms who blog, vlog and set up their own businesses. One such ‘mom-trepreneur’ is AnnaLee Kewley, who was working for a corporate company when she decided something needed to change. ‘The cost of childcare was horrendous and it was difficult having two kids to look after as a single mom,’ she explains. Anna-Lee then noticed a gap in the market for fun, affordable baby clothes and realised she could fill it by designing and making her own. Her brand now has over 85,000 likes on Facebook and she sells to countries across the globe. ‘It’s been a hard ride,’ admits Anna-Lee, ‘my working day revolves around the kids’ schedule. I box everything up when Reece is at school and pick Mia up from childcare and we go to the post office to drop off the parcels, then in the evening,

24 ESSENTIALS

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK FIND A BALANCE This will change as your priorities change, so make sure you evaluate your situation regularly and allow yourself to adjust. Make sure there’s time for you in there as well, be it time to read a book or go for a session at the gym.

ASK FOR HELP Juggling work and family can be stressful, so talk to your partner about sharing tasks, ask a neighbour to carpool and get your parents to babysit so you can have a date night. There’s no harm in asking, they can only say no!

HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN Knowing that your child is in good hands while you’re at work is important. Around nine times a year, childcare falls through, so when this happens and you need a new plan in minutes, contact a site like sitters4u.co.za

Feature Carrie Mitchell Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images; Thinkstock

33%

PROMOTION

Thank you, MOM

Ess8153/05/16 recipes and food styling Anna Montali. images Shaun Smith and supplied

It’s the little things that mean everything, so this Mother’s Day, make your mom roast chicken with scrumptious McCain sides

ROAST CHICKEN WITH MCCAIN ROAST POTATOES, MASHED BUTTERNUT AND CREAMED SPINACH SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN FOR THE CHUTNEY ROAST CHICKEN Heat the oven to 180°C and place a whole chicken in a roasting pan that can be transferred to a stove. Rub 1 to 2 tbsp of your favourite barbeque spice all over the chicken, then pour about half a bottle of chutney over the chicken and rub it in. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock into the pan around the chicken and roast for 1 hr. FOR THE MCCAIN ROAST POTATOES Heat the oven to 210°C. Tip 1kg frozen McCain Roast Potatoes into a roasting pan and spread them into a single layer. Brush them with a little oil and roast for

18–20 min, as per the pack instructions. FOR THE GRAVY Remove the chicken from the roasting pan. Place the pan over a low heat and pour in 2 cups of chicken stock. Loosen any bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Thicken as desired with cornflour and season to taste. FOR THE MCCAIN CREAMED SPINACH & MCCAIN MASHED BUTTERNUT This part couldn’t be easier! Just follow the microwave instructions on the packaging and your veggie sides will be ready in 6 minutes.

Find McCain on Facebook: McCainSA, Twitter: @McCainSA and Instagram: @McCain_SA

CREATE A PLATE FOR MOM Make Mom feel even more special by serving this delicious meal on a beautiful personalised plate with a heartfelt message of gratitude printed on it. Go to www.mccainjoys.co.za to create your special plate and get it delivered straight to her.

FIRST MY MOTHER,

FOREVER MY FRIEND Four readers tell us about the special moments they share with their moms

‘Trying something new is less daunting when we’re together’ Natasha Balloch, 32, is an aromatherapy and reﬂexology therapist, while her mom, Christine Otte, 59, is owner of Tina Otte’s Bellies & Babies, a childbirth education centre. The pair are taking weekly motorbike lessons together. My family’s always been very close and my sister an I were encouraged from a young age to try new things. We’re a very active family and we’ve supported each other in all of our different hobbies. When we were growing up, my dad would take me horse riding on Saturdays while my mom would take my sister to dance classes. These days, my mom, sister and I have bonded over our love of the same things; we really enjoy getting together for spa days and, of course, we love going shopping. I’ve inherited my mom’s green fingers so we meet up for trips to the nursery, and she’s recently helped me do up my own garden, which I hope will someday look like hers. My dad has always been obsessed with motorbikes and riding, and occasionally

I would join him for rides on Sunday mornings, but it was never really something my mom was interested in, until two years ago when my dad convinced her to join the Harley-Davidson club. Soon she was hooked and when she bought her own bike and decided to take lessons, I suggested we do it together. There have been moments when both of us have thought we’re not cut out for riding motorbikes, but the amazing thing about sharing the experience with someone else is that you can keep each other going when things get tough – we’ve given each other loads of motivational pep talks along the way. We laugh together when we do something silly and celebrate the small victories. Doing something you enjoy is great, but doing it with someone you love is even better!

‘We’ve given each other a couple of motivating pep talks along the way’

26 ESSENTIALS

AMAZING WOMEN

‘I couldn’t imagine having a better business partner than my mom – we work well as a team’ Mikateko Khosa, 34, and her mom, Sarah, 52, are co-founders of events, décor and catering company, Miks Events. Their business has been running for more than ﬁve years. My mom and I have always been very close, which I suspect has a lot to do with me growing up as an only child. We spoke all the time and I always felt I could confide in her. She has been an amazing mother; she always put me first – I think that’s definitely a ‘mom’ thing! She’s also my biggest supporter. When I first started Miks Events in 2009, after studying event management, I knew that my mom would be behind me, encouraging me to keep going, one hundred percent. When I launched the company, I wanted to focus primarily on event hosting, because that’s where my skills lie, but in 2011, when I decided to join forces with my mom, we reassessed our offerings to suit the skills she brought to the partnership. She’s always been a brilliant organiser, so now Miks Events handles everything from wedding planning, to catering for functions, organising private events and the hiring of décor items. We’re more of a one-stop-shop now. Together, we made the decision to help a few NGOs that are close to our hearts, and we provide free services for them. It hasn’t all been smooth

sailing, we’ve certainly faced our share of challenges along the way. Like with all new businesses, we didn’t have a lot of money to start out with, so we had to make sacrifices. At one point, our finances got messy: my mom had been too conservative with what we were charging clients, and we were losing a lot of money. We sat down to chat about it and decided the way forward was for me to handle the financial side of the business. It’s tough to have these conversations with family, but there were no hard feelings between us – we’re a team and we’re in this together. We’ve gotten to a space where we know each other well enough to be able to work seamlessly side-by-side. I know that mixing family and business can be tricky, but it works for us. I love that I get to see my mom at work and that we can work together doing something we both really enjoy. I hope that our business, and our relationship, will continue to grow stronger with each passing year.

‘Mixing business and family can be tricky, but it works for us’

ESSENTIALS 27

‘Everything is just so much more fun when my mom is around – we’re inseparable’ Corrie-Robb Murdoch, 28, is a marketing manager for Glendower Golf Club and her mother, Pamela Mary Murdoch, 58, is a stay-at-home mom. This mom and daughter regularly play golf together. My family and I moved to South Africa from the UK almost 15 years ago. Starting over in a new country really brought us together as a family – for a long time, it was just the four of us so we relied heavily on each other. To help settle us in our new home, my mom and I started taking golfing lessons together. It gave us a chance to get out of the house, spend some time together and meet new people. We shared a coach and spent our off-time practising our golf swing. And it worked: we were bitten by the golf bug and made lots of friends. Soon our home was full of people: my friends spent weekends with us – sometimes I think they were really coming to spend time with my mom, who was like a second mom to all of them! Good food and great company formed the foundation of our weekends. My mom and I are big foodies so we get together for dinner as often as we can. And whenever I’ve wanted to try something new, whether it’s a cool new eatery or a potential hobby, she’s the first person I call. We’ve recently tried out bowls and our next goal is to do

a park run. I always have more fun when my mom’s around! When I finished university, my mom underwent a lot of procedures: a spinal fusion, two hip operations and a foot op – we used to call her the bionic woman! Of course, while she recovered, our golf outings had to take a back seat. Then, when I took a job as the marketing manager at Glendower Golf Club, my mom offered to accompany me on my first Ladies Open competition. She said she’d love to come along as our trolley dolly for moral support, but when one of our team members pulled out, my mom jumped straight in. She dusted off her golf clubs and saved the day! We’ve started a regular golfing group now (we play every Sunday) and we have a very strict rule: no matter how good or bad your week has been, you can’t miss tee-off time. My mom and I really enjoy each other’s company and it’s five hours that we wouldn’t usually get to spend together. It has been wonderful to start playing golf with her again and there’s no better feeling than when we’re out on the fairway together.

‘There’s no better feeling than when we’re out on the fairway together’

28 ESSENTIALS

AMAZING WOMEN

‘We’re able to watch each other’s hard work pay oﬀ’ Roxy Paige Firmani, 27, is a personal trainer and her mom, Candice Firmani, 48, is a bookkeeper. The two of them regularly compete in powerlifting competitions. I was a typical moody teenager and my mom was super overprotective, so we used to clash a lot when I was younger. It’s only now that I’ve grown up and moved out of home – and we’ve both chilled out a bit – that we’ve formed a close relationship that’s stronger than ever. My mom and I love to go shopping together, whether it’s for food, clothes, home décor stuff – or anything else, really. We also love to watch our favourite series together, chill by the pool and have lazy Sunday family braais. We’ve both always been into staying fit through weight training and, about a year ago, we decided we needed a new goal to work towards. I have a background in fitness modelling and was looking for something more challenging than what I had been doing, and my mom was hoping to find a way to change up her usual training regime. Our solution was to start powerlifting as beginners together. I don’t think either of us knew at the time how

heavily involved we would become in the sport. It has become a true passion – we train together twice a week with a trainer, and get together on other mornings for regular weight training. One of the most positive things to come out of our newfound hobby is that we’re spending so much more time together. When you’re busy, it’s easy to let life get in the way of things and before you know it, it’s been weeks since you’ve spent time together, but being dedicated to the same cause gives us a reason to meet up. It’s an awesome time to catch up and we often spend time together after our training sessions, either going for a bite to eat, or doing some shopping. An added bonus is being able to set goals together and watching each other’s hard work pay off as we progress through our training. We’re both excited to see where our weight training journey takes us and how our relationship will evolve.

Feature Roxanne Fagri Photography��

‘Our regular training schedule means we catch up and work out at the same time’

ESSENTIALS 29

RELATIONSHIPS

YOU & HIM

Misplaced your mojo? Here’s how to kick start your libido

he average person has sex four times a month*. How does that make you feel? Smug? Horriﬁed? Tired? There’s nothing more taboo than talking about how much you are or aren’t getting, but if your nookie sessions have dwindled lately, you’re certainly not the only one. Busy schedules, stress, our age, anxiety and poor health can all act as passion killers. Luckily it’s not a lost cause…

– besides, why should you hold back? ‘Try reading erotic ﬁction to arouse your most important sex organ, your brain,’ says Emily Dubberley, author of Garden of Desires: The Evolution of Women’s Sexual Fantasies (R381, Ebury Publishing). ‘Once your imagination is stimulated, explore your own body to discover what turns you on.’

Bring back the quickie Even a low sex drive can get a boost if you stimulate it in the right way. It might be that things have become routine, so throw out your sex schedule and be more spontaneous. ‘My man and I decided to ban sex in the bedroom to try and bring back some passion,’ shares Amy Forrester, 38. ‘Now we’ll have a quickie on the couch after the kids have gone to bed, or he’ll surprise me in the kitchen. It has taken us out of our comfort zone and made things much more exciting, and now we want to do it all the time!’ Best of all, quickies don’t take long, so they’re easy to factor into a manic schedule. You don’t even need to take all your clothes off!

30 ESSENTIALS

Get an early night Kids, work, hectic schedules and late-night Netﬂix binges mean, when we do ﬁnally crawl into bed, often the last thing we’re up for is action. But making time for sex will actually improve your night’s sleep when you do drift off because when oestrogen levels increase, you sleep deeper. ‘Now that we have kids, and lazy morning spooning sessions are a thing of the past, my husband and I have invented “backwards lie-ins”,’ says Amy Harris, 32. ‘Once a week we go to bed, naked, at 8pm, meaning there’s no pressure to have sex straight away and we’re not tired, so there’s plenty of time for foreplay.’

Practice makes perfect You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, so think of masturbation as taking your sex drive to the gym. ‘I started masturbating when I was single and still indulge in it

once a week now that I’m married,’ says Jill Fountain, 35. ‘It keeps sex on my brain and my man ﬁnds it a turn on.’ The hormones you release during sex are addictive, meaning the more you release them, the more you want them

Used the old migraine excuse one time too many? Well, remember, sex is actually good for your health. The hormone oxytocin, produced when we orgasm, is the body’s natural painkiller and has the power to cure headaches (that’s that excuse out of the window then), ease menstrual cramps and strengthen weakened pelvic ﬂoors. It also burns around 20kJ a minute, boosts the immune system and lowers blood pressure. And if dryness is putting a dampener on your desires, regular sex improves your natural lubrication too, so doing it more means you will enjoy it more. The bottom line? Just do it!

More HOT TIPS For more ways to spice up your sex life, visit essentials.co.za

Feature Abbie Pethullis Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images *Sex Uncovered Survey, The Observer (September 2014)

An orgasm a day…

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ESSENTIALS 31

CONFESSIONS

IT’S A CRIME! The average person breaks the law 17 times a year and it appears you guys are no angels either…

PERK OF THE JOB Office supplies! Well, my kids always need new books and pens for doodling.

SMOKE SCREEN My 17-year-old nephew is always asking me to buy him cigarettes… I’ve given in a few times, just don’t tell his mom! Anonymous, via email

Anonymous, via email

PETTY BEGINNINGS W hen I was nine my gran ran a little gr ocer y shop where she so ld these delicious sour sw eets. I stole one once and got caug ht by Margaret our shop assistant . I was in a LOT of troub le for a sweet that was 4 for R1 ! Lel Vest via Face book

SERIAL OFFENDER I’ve pinched a few hotel toiletries... I’ve also had sex outside a few times... and I stole a magazine once! STICKY FINGERS When I’m in the supermarket I’ll eat something and then I don’t pay for it! Shantelle Yanuli Kuvlone, via Facebook UNDER AGE My baby-faced 15-year-old just happens to always be ‘only 12’ when we go somewhere and children are free! Kirsty Spencer, via email

HI-TECH CHEAT My hubby’s connected our laptop to the TV so we can watch movies before they come out… Anonymous, via email

DIAL & DRIVE I use my phone in the car – doesn’t everyone? Olivia Harrison, via email

32 ESSENTIALS

SPEED QUEEN I can’t say I always stick to the speed limit when I’m late to pick the kids up from school… Anonymous, via email

SWAG BAG I’m like Ross from Friends when I stay in a posh hotel – if it’s not glued down, it’s going in my suitcase!

PINCH & GO My cupboard is full of glasses my husband’s stolen from the bar after a few too many! Sarah Gilling, via email

Jane Jones, via email

Now you CONFESS Tell us your covert crimes at essentials@caxton.co.za

Compiled by Anna Matheson Photography Thinkstock

Lisa Dolatowski via Facebook

Children don’t come with instructions...

you ﬁgure it all out... Businesswoman Cindy NellRoberts on the chaos of having toddlers, being a working mom and her love of South Africa

C 34 ESSENTIALS

indy Nell-Roberts, 34, is not only a well-known face from South African television shows like Pasella and Top Billing, but she’s also a successful businesswoman and co-owner of cosmetic company, Cosmetix. She lives with her husband, Clive, their daughter Aena, 2, and son, Ethan, 4. They recently moved to Cape Town.

were often transferred. That meant I went to my fair share of schools, and grew up all around South Africa.

We moved a lot when I was growing up. My dad was in the air force so we

My brother Chris is only 11 months younger than me. We grew up being

Moving around taught me to adjust and be adaptable. I learned to chameleon to any situation and all types of people. I also learned a lot about different cultures and communities, so now it’s easy for me to fit in and make any situation work.

CELEBRITY LIFE

I used to worry that Cape Town would be too quiet for me but I’ve found it to be quite the contrary! I like to joke with my friends and say I don’t have FOMO anymore, I now have FOBI (fear of being included), because there’s something happening in Cape Town every night. We live in an amazing country. During my time as a presenter on Pasella I traveled a lot and met so many wonderful people. I’ve spent many years travelling abroad and it’s near impossible to duplicate what we have here. I’d really like to show my kids more of our country. This is a very busy time of year for me. My cosmetic company, Cosmetix takes up most of my time and we’re

running a model search for the Caribbean Tan range. I’m also the principle judge for Mrs South Africa again this year, which takes up a bit of my time.

and lie on the grass. We go on our little boat down the river, catch fish and visit the farm animals. I find my children enjoy the simplest things the most.

Having two toddlers keeps me busy; it’s actually a lot of fun. I don’t know what I did with all my time before I had them, because I now do all the same stuff and so much more!

I’m not crazy about cooking. A standard family meal for us is chicken and salad, and we eat out a lot. I’m not too fussy: I’d be happy with a tin of tuna and rice every night! Luckily for the kids, my husband enjoys cooking. I’ve just bought a NutriBullet, which makes great smoothies. At the moment my favourite is spinach, mint, apple, cucumber and celery. Chop, chop, blitz and voilà!

‘Having two toddlers keeps me very busy, but it’s a lot of fun’

There’s no instruction manual on how to manage juggling a career with being a mom. I get up every day and I just do it. It’s not a perfect science and you might not get it right every day but I’m super organised, which helps. I wake up at 5am and go for a run before my kids get up– that’s my me-time. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who help me do great work, and still be available as a mom.

I give in to my kids all the time. I’ve given them sweets and the iPad in the past just to keep them quiet for 10 minutes, even though I know the chaos will double once the sugar kicks in. I’ve also recently discovered that my four-year-old repeats everything I say to innocent bystanders at school. Don’t say anything that you wouldn’t want getting back to the person involved. Eek! We love spending time on our farm in the Midlands.

MY kaftans and hats looking (already) BIG amazingly LOVES tanned. ✱A TAN I even have my own self-tan brand – Caribbean Tan. When I do go in the sun I do so in true Sex and the City style; with

✱ROBERT DE NIRO I met him at Madiba’s birthday party a few years ago and I’m such a fan! He’s a lot shorter than I would have liked... you know, in case we got married or

I have an enormous group of girlfriends; just keeping in touch with them is a full-time job. They are so diverse and different that they keep me grounded, inspired and always laughing. Having like-minded girlfriends is so important to me and I, in turn, try to be a very good friend to as many of them as I can. Soon I’m off to Italy to find more fabulous brands for our cosmetic company to bring to the gorgeous women of SA. I also have a few events lined up to judge and MC in the next few months. My family and I have a couple of holidays planned and are doing some renovations at home. I’d love to find more time to exercise. And who knows, there may just be a surprise or two in store for me!

something. But since I found a tall prince of my own, he can stay short and I’ll just watch him on TV. ✱ROOIBOS TEA It’s like having hugs from my mom on tap. I suspect it calms me down too, plus it’s healthy. Win-win!

✱EMPOWERING OTHERS I thrive on making other women’s lives better and I’m convinced that my purpose on earth is to enrich others. I don’t always have a clear idea of how to achieve that, but I have a couple of great ideas that I hope to pursue.

Feature Roxanne Fagri Photography supplied

very close and we still share a close bond now. We really understand one another even though we’re very different people. He has also recently moved to Cape Town and has a family of his own too.

ESSENTIALS 35

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38 ESSENTIALS

WHAT’S NEW

Essentials.co.za HI THERE! GRACE MANTJIU REVEALS ALL THE BEST TRICKS TO LOOKING GORGEOUS IN NO TIME AT ALL…

VERY BERRY Embrace a darker hue this season and update your make-up bag with ��¾�� a glossy look? Then try MAC Vamplify in Peer Pressure, R235�� It has serious staying power, while ��Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick in Plum, R125�� exfoliate with brown sugar mixed ��

always on the TRIED I’mlookout for hardworking TESTED multi-taskers to LOVED help me whittle

Additional words Sarah Allard Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images *Source Caxton Upinion Pulse reader feedback panel

down my morning beauty routine. Well, �� R110. It promises weightless ��

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ESSENTIALS 39

PROMOTION

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PHOTOGRAPHY JUSTIN DINGWALL HAIR & MAKE-UP ALEX BOTHA

EASY BEAUTY AWARDS

2016 The 25 must-have beauty buys – as voted for by YOU!

elcome to the Essentials Easy Beauty Awards 2016. Thousands of you told us about all your favourite buys – from the practical multitaskers that shave minutes off your regime, to the top budget buys that give you a sneaky midweek beauty boost. And the winners are…

ESSENTIALS 41

JOHNSON’S 24 HOUR MOISTURE BODY LOTION, R31,95 For an all-day pick-meup, you love how this body lotion leaves your skin soft, glowing and ready for the day.

Budget

BUYS

ALL UNDER

R80

You’re onto a winner when great products cost so little RIMMEL OH MY GLOSS! LIP GLOSS, R79,95 With 18 shades to choose from, you love this colour-intense, high-shine lip gloss. LABELLO LIP BUTTER, R29,99 To keep lips kissable, this affordable balm gives you the ideal combination of moisture ��½��

42 ESSENTIALS

TRESEMMÉ PLATINUM STRENGTH DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT, R59,99 However much you wash and style your hair, you agreed this was the best at keeping your locks in tip-top shape.

Multi-

TASKERS

EASY BEAUTY AWARDS

2016

These are front-runners when you want to save space and money

NIVEA Q10 PLUS FIRMING BODY LOTION, R69,99 As well as keeping your skin baby soft, this cream is your ��½�� and smoothing, too.

POND’S AGE MIRACLE BB CREAM, R169,95 When you want lighter coverage than your usual foundation, you love how ��½�� and leaves your skin glowing – and protected from the sun.

DOVE PURE CARE DRY OIL NOURISHING TREATMENT, R189,95 You like how this nourishes and repairs while leaving a sleek shine on your hair.

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE CARE 7-IN-1 NAIL TREATMENT, R109,95 Is there anything this treatment can’t do? Having show-off nails has never been easier for you.

ESSENTIALS 43

Time

SAVERS

NIVEA IN-SHOWER BODY MOISTURISER, R49,95 With precious little bathroom time, this in-shower moisturiser saves you the job of slapping on the cream afterwards. Just shower and go!

When speed is of the essence, these take some beating

REVLON NAIL CARE 60 SECONDS QUICK DRY SPRAY, R129. Who has time to wait for their nails to dry? Not you! That’s why you voted for this convenient quick-drying spray.

TRESEMMÉ INSTANT REFRESH DRY SHAMPOO, R62,99 No time to wash your hair? You’re obsessed with how a quick spritz of this gives you an extra day’s grace.

44 ESSENTIALS

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER, R79,95 No rinsing or rubbing, micellar water reigns top of your list as the best way to cleanse and remove make-up in seconds.

Cult

CLASSICS ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM, R225 This legendary cream turns 86 years old this year, and you’re still using it to calm, protect and hydrate your skin. Enough said!

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA, R99,95 Who hasn’t had this pink and green tube in their purse at some point? ��½�� after it launched, you’re still raving about this iconic mascara.

There are reasons why you always go back to the original and best

DOLCE & GABBANA LIGHT BLUE, R1 140 So fresh and vibrant – you don’t want to spray on anything else, and we can understand why! Crisp, fruity top notes, along with a woody base, makes this a chic, sensual hit.

EASY BEAUTY AWARDS

2016 BIO-OIL, R62,95 The Rolls-Royce of oils, there’s (almost) no end to what you can do with it. Plus, you can use it on the whole family. Win-win!

GHD CLASSIC STYLER, R2 199 Whether you’re going for straight locks or curls, this is the only hair tool you’ll consider.

ESSENTIALS 45

Problem-

SOLVERS Keep bugbears at bay with your pick of the best beauty fixes

AVON GLIMMERSTICKS BROW DEFINER, R99 Easy to use automatic pencil that is also self-sharpening. For perfect, natural-looking brows in minutes!

MOROCCANOIL FRIZZ CONTROL, R320 Frizz? What frizz? You say that using this miracle oil leaves your hair more manageable than ever.

VASELINE INTENSIVE CARE BODY LOTION, R38,99 In your droves, you agreed that this is your go-to lotion for sensitive, dry skin.

46 ESSENTIALS

POND’S AGE MIRACLE DUAL-ACTION EYE CREAM, R155 ��½�� ½�� hello problem-free skin! For more top performers check out our Beauty Awards special online at essentials.co.za

EASY BEAUTY AWARDS

2016

Family

Words Jess Henley and Grace Mantjiu Styling Caryn Magid Model Melissa Visser from Boss Models Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

FRIENDLY It’s not just about you, so these are the products you’ve picked that you’ll share MAYBELLINE BABY LIPS, R42,95 Chapped lips affect us all, so you always have a few tubes of this hydrating balm for everyone to use. DOVE DEEPLY NOURISHING SHOWER CREAM, R31,95 For an early morning feel-good boost, you love how this body wash makes every shower feel like a trip to the spa!

NIVEA RICH MOISTURISING DAY CREAM SPF 15, R69,95 Why buy two products when one will do? This savvy moisturiser offers sun protection, too – and it works just as well on the boys!

ORGANICS 2-IN-1 SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER NORMAL HAIR ALOE VERA AND HERBS, R42,99 Banish bad hair days! You say that washing your (and your kids’) hair with this leaves it healthier than ever.

ESSENTIALS 47

ENTER AND WIN!

Essential skin defence Thirteen lucky readers could win a SIX Sensational Skincare hamper, to the value of R2 315 each

hen it comes to taking care of yourself, your skin deserves the best, not only for appearance but also to maintain a ﬁrst line of defence against toxins, irritants, bacteria and other environmental stresses. SIX Sensational Skincare is a brand

with a simple vision: to provide women everywhere with skincare products that use effective active ingredients and fruit extracts to supply the essentials you need to maintain healthy, glowing and beautiful skin. SIX Sensational Skincare is about creating unforgettable experiences, purity, harmony and balance.

Hamper consists of the following: ✱ The Sixth Intelligence Cream 50ml ✱ Booster Elixir Serums 4 x 10ml ✱ Lifting Eye Cream 30ml ✱ Brightening Enzyme Peel 50ml ✱ Moisture Boost Mask 50ml

HOW TO ENTER SMS SENSATIONAL, your full name, postal and email address and ID number to 48403 at a cost of R1,50. Free SMSs don’t apply. Errors will be billed. Closing date is 31 May 2016. For additional Ts and Cs, see page 115.

48 ESSENTIALS

See sixskincare.com for more information or contact Marisa at SIX Sensational Skincare at marisa@thespaconsultants.co.za or 011 312 7840

CATWALK TREND GO GLOSSY Clinique Lacquer Lip Colour + Prime in Lava Pop , R285

HIGH SHINE

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 742, R300

Olay Regenerist 3 Point Age-Defying Night Cream, R239,95

MANICURE MUST-HAVE Yardley Gellac Nails in Scarlet Red, R59,95

Lady IN RED

EMILIO PUCCI

HYDRATE SKIN

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter, R170

FRUITY FRAGRANCE Beyoncé Heat Kissed, R450 for 50ml

Glam up your beauty bag this winter with shades of ruby and scarlet

THICKER LASHES

Garnier Ultimate Blends Colour Illuminator Shampoo, R59,95

Essence Get Big! Lashes Volume Curl, R44,50

POWERFUL POUT Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in Red Diva, R89,95

KENZO

Photography INPRA

ALBERTA FERRETTI

COLOUR PROTECTOR

ESSENTIALS 49

BRONDE Ambition Everyone is loving the newest hair colour. Try it once and you won’t look back – this will be your hottest style yet, we promise! THE LOW�DOWN Bronde is where glamour meets natural beauty; brunette meets blonde; and high fashion meets low maintenance. The look works on any skintone and face shape. It merges highlights or lowlights with your own colour, making root nightmares a thing of the past… hurray!

HOW TO WORK IT If you’ve got dark hair, you’ll add lighter notes for a sunkissed look. If you’re a blondie, you’ll be pulling darker hues through your lengths for more depth. Celebrity colourist Jack Howard calls bronde ‘the fresh and effortless look of the modern woman’. ��

��¾�� her bronde ��

��

CELEB STYLES �� bronde ��

The Rules ✱ LESS IS MORE �� ✱ FRAME YOUR FACE �� ✱ KNOW YOUR LINGO ��

��

�� ✱ USE YESTERYEAR ��

YOUR BRONDE GODDESS KIT ALL YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN THE LOOK

LATHER UP Keep brassiness at bay with the purple tones in John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone-Correcting Shampoo, ��.

TREAT TRESSES Give your hair a regular dose of Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Freeze Conditioner, R200, to help your new shade last longer. WEEKLY WONDER Dove Colour Radiance Deep Replenishing Mask, ��, is your go-to product to rebuild and nourish coloured hair.

��

SECRET WEAPON Fewer salon visits may mean your greys need the odd touch-up, so keep the Color Wow Root Cover Up, ��, handy just in case.

��Annie Vischer �� Elite Photo Agency; Gallo Images/Getty Images

A BOOST OF OIL Lightening your ends makes them brittle, so inject some TLC with Lee Stafford Argan Oil From Morocco Nourishing Miracle Oil, ��.

ESSENTIALS 51

When baby’s in pain, mom’s in despair! There’s nothing more heart-breaking than to watch your little one pulling up her legs stiffly and crying inconsolably; something what moms around the world dread: that period around supper time when colic strikes like clockwork. The other scenario is usually less intense but nonetheless exasperating: those teething times, from the age of around six months to baby’s third birthday or thereabouts. Let’s chat about these issues, and what we can do about them. Colic affects around 20% of babies1, starts around three weeks of age, and clears up by the age of four to five months.2 Intense crying takes place around the same time every day (usually early evening), and the baby curls up his legs in agony, with tensed stomach muscles and clenched fists. The exact cause of colic is unknown, and treatments may include conventional medication to relieve wind and cramps. Teething occurs when those primary teeth break through the gums.3 Babies usually get their first teeth around six months, with the last ‘baby’ teeth appearing around three years of age. Symptoms include sore or swollen gums, a rash on the skin, face or chest3, restlessness4 and refusal to eat or drink due to painful mouths. Treatment options include teething rings and conventional pain relief medication. If you’ve always preferred choosing the more natural treatment route, TIBB Bonnycare is the product to use, for drooling associated with teething, sleeping disturbances, cramps and colic.5 This all-natural syrup is scientifically formulated, and contains Dill oil, which has a calming effect on the digestive system, is an anti-inflammatory and an excellent remedy for winds and colic in children. It also has pain-relieving properties.6 What’s more, Bonnycare has been shown to help alleviate diarrhoea for any upset tummies, and promotes adequate weight gain.5 References: 1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162806.php 2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/basics/causes/con-20019091 3. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/teething-topic-overview 4. http://www.medicinenet.com/teething/article.htm 5. Data on file: TIBB 6. www.tibbherbals.co.za

CALL TOLL FREE : 0800 383 784 Tibb Health Sciences (Pty) Ltd I 1137 Anvil Road, Robertville, Roodepoort Tel: +27 11 991 7300 | Fax: +27 11 991 7336 www.tibbherbals.com

tibbhealth

9375Essen

WHAT’S NEW

GOODHealth Essentials.co.za HI THERE! HEALTH EDITOR GRACE MANTJIU BRINGS YOU THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF WELL-BEING

#TRENDING NOW...

Imagine starting your day with a silent dance party. The Secret Sunrise sessions being held in Joburg and Cape Town give you the chance to do just that. Well... sort of. The sessions start at around 6am and they’re a combination of dance, yoga and meditation, where the morning’s soundtrack is played through headphones (some of us are still sleeping then, you know!). It’s kind of a party, but mostly it’s an exercise class and a chance to relax and let yourself go. To add to the mystery, the venue is kept a secret until the last possible minute. Tell your friends and give it a try. Sign up at secretsunrise.com

THIS MONTH…

Photography Thinkstock *Fertility-academy.co.uk

So much more than a set of scales, the Tanita Composition Scale gives you a clear snapshot of your body – from your weight and BMI to your bone mass and metabolic range. One for the health obsessed. From R1999.

1 in 3

ADULTS I N NOT GET SA DO ENOUGH EXERCIS PREVENT E TO CHRO DISEASES NIC .

OF THE BEST... Supplements BEST FOR BALANCE A.Vogel Multiforce Alkaline Powder, R127, helps regulate pH levels, and it’s packed with minerals.

BEST FOR IMMUNITY Nativa Immune Complex, R105,50, is a great all-rounder, with added antioxidants.

BEST FOR A BOOST TIBB Enerlift, R104,95, offers you a mental and physical boost when you need it most.

FEELING FERTILE Yearning for the patter of tiny feet? We asked, fertility specialist Dr Amin Gorgy for his top tips* Lay off the lube Vaginal lubricants can affect sperm quality. Opt for options such as vegetable or mineral oil instead. Watch your weight Your ideal BMI is between 19 and 25. Avoid yo-yo dieting, eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise, but don’t overdo it. Go organic Pesticides on fruit and veg can be detrimental to conception. At least wash food well. Get checked See a doctor if you’re under 34 and have been trying for a year, 35-38 and been trying for six months, or over 39 and trying for three months.

ESSENTIALS 53

EAT JUNK

GET SLIM Go from stodgy to skinny with these tricks to cutting the kilojoules in your favourite ‘forbidden’ foods… Slim ﬁsh & chips Shun the takeaways or deep-fat fryer in favour of homemade oven chips and ��½�� ¾��

Slimmed-down pizza Get a pizza the action without piling on the kilos with these nifty swaps: ✱ Homemade thick crust instead of supermarket thin crust. The average shop-bought pizza can rack up 4200 kJs (almost your entire daily allowance), with thin crusts often containing twice as much fat per 100g as thick crust*. ✱ A squirt of tomato purée (2,7g sugar per 100g) instead of tinned tomatoes (5,6g sugar per 100g) or sugar-packed passata (15g of sugar per 100g). ✱ Go for lower fat goats’ cheese (4,7g fat per 100g) or feta (6g) instead of mozzarella (7,5g) and Cheddar (10,3g). ✱ 5-a-day toppings – forget meaty morsels and try asparagus, green peas, pepper, red onion or pineapple.

54 ESSENTIALS

Find more of our clever kilojoule-cutting food swaps at essentials.co.za

STEALTH HEALTH

CUT�BACK THE CURRY

Belt-tightening burger

Add some spice to your life – minus the fat – with these tips from television cook Monisha Bharadwaj: Fry onion, garlic and ginger then, in a blender, blitz with tomatoes to a smooth purée to give a creamy sauce without the need for cream. For a sweeter curry without added sugar, use red onions instead of white. To reduce the oil content, mix powdered spices in water to form a runny paste and use this for frying instead. Finish with a good squeeze of lemon or lime as this reduces the amount of salt you’ll need to achieve a balance of taste.

�� ¾�� ¾��

2 3

Feature Alice Whitehead Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images *According to a Which? Survey conducted in the UK

Pared-down pasta

‘A full English breakfast can load you up with an entire day’s fat allowance in just one go!’

Fitter fry-up

�� dietitian and nutritionist Gaynor �� ½��

�� ✱ �� ½�� ¼�� ¼�� ✱ �� ½�� roast cherry tomatoes and steam spinach – and ��

Kilojoulebusting brownie For a choccy treat, try nutritionist Judy Watson’s recipe for raw chocolate brownies: ✱ �� ✱ �� ✱ �� ✱ 2 tbsp raw cocoa ✱ �� Blitz the dates in a processor, then add the rest of the ingredients, blending until it forms a dough. Roll into 5cm balls and cut off pieces as you want them. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

RIGHT ON ROAST Turn a Sunday roast from greedy to godly by ditching the skin off meats, such as chicken, after roasting – you’ll get ��¾�� Dry roast veg or brush with coconut oil, says natural nutritionist Amy

Morris. ‘It’s slightly lower in kilojoules, but high in medium-chain triglycerides, which are absorbed as energy and not stored as fat.’ You can also cook veg in a stock. Just soak porcini mushrooms in boiling

water for 15 mins, then use the strained liquid. ��½�� onions baked in balsamic vinegar for 10 mins. Add chopped fresh sage leaves in the last 2 mins,’ says nutritionist Judy Watson.

ESSENTIALS 55

ADD 20 YEARS

to your life

Twelve easy habits you can adopt today… do them all and you could earn yourself two extra decades GO NUTS +3 YRS You’ll need to ��½�� times a week. ‘Nuts are high in fat, but most of it’s ‘good’ unsaturated fat. Walnuts, for instance, are packed with omega3s, which are good for both your brain and your heart,’ says nutritional therapist Judy Watson.

LIGHTEN UP & LOL! +7–8 YRS ‘Laughter can reduce anxiety and tension, boost the immune system and even relieve pain and inﬂammation,’ says laughter yoga coach Melanie Bloch. Just looking on the bright side can add seven-and-a-half years to your life, according to a recent study.

CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE +5 YRS High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, but could knock at least ﬁve years off your life. ‘In one study 8–16% of 50-yearolds with the condition were dead within two years,’ says professor of medicine Gareth Beevers. ‘Ideal BP is 115/75, so get it checked.’

Get on your feet more often +7 YRS According to research in the US, sitting down for more than three hours a day strips two years off your life – even if you exercise. When sitting, your body can’t easily control its blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes. So, stand as often as you can, or try an adjustable standing desk.

GET YOUR ZZZZS IF YOU QUIT E SMOKING BY THLL U’ YO , 40 F AGE O ADD ANOTHER NINE YEARS TO YOUR LIFE EXPECTANCY!

+3 YRS A study has found that good �� sleepers. ‘Three to 11 hours a night counts as good sleep if you wake feeling refreshed,’ says sleep expert, Dr Neil Stanley. ‘Poor sleep is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart ��

DO YOUR BODY MATHS +3 YRS A few extra kilos could tip you out of the healthy BMI range, and a BMI above 35 will take three years off your life, according to research. Divide your weight in kilos by your height in metres, then divide the answer by your height again – or let calculator.net do it for you.

HAVE LOADS MORE SEX! +1–8 YRS Two orgasms a week could add 18 months to your life expectancy, �� translate into an extra eight years of healthy �� body – including your heart – a workout,’ says Carol Martin-Sperry, author of Sexual Healing (R261, Little, Brown Book Group). ‘You also get ��¾�� busting endorphins.’

GOOD HEALTH

GIVE YOUR BRAIN A BOOST +2–3 YRS Regular mental stimulation (think sudoku, crosswords or even just reading a good book) boosts memory and can help delay the onset and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. So, spend less time in front of the TV and more time ﬂexing your body’s most important muscle!

Don’t forget to ﬂoss +1–2 YRS Studies have shown that there’s a link between oral and heart health – a person with advanced gum disease has an increased chance of developing heart disease. Even ﬂossing just once a day can boost your lifespan by up to two years.

GOOD FRIENDS = LONGER LIFE. WOMEN TEND TO HAVE STRONGER S RK SOCIAL NETWO ICH H W , EN THAN M HY MAY EXPLAIN W VE LI UT O WE THEM

Feature Karen Evennett Photography Thinkstock

DO SOME STRENGTH TRAINING +2 YRS Science shows that muscular strength (or weakness) is not only closely linked to our quality of life, but also to our life expectancy. In fact, one study found that weaker participants were up to three times more likely to die earlier than their stronger peers! Luckily, physical strength is something �� ½�� you will reap. Weight training also strengthens bones, which lowers your risk of osteoporosis.

ASK YOURSELF

at’s Your WhFITNESS PERSONALITY? Struggling to find a class that keeps you motivated? Take our quiz to discover which workout style is best for you… YOUR PREWORKOUT SNACK IS…? A It’s a protein bar or a smoothie with added chia seeds for me – I need something to keep me energised. B I think there’s some chewing gum in my car

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SUNDAY AFTERNOON? A Something outdoors – either a hike or a bike ride. B In front of the TV ﬂicking through a magazine while my husband watches soccer. C Picking the boys up from rugby, sorting the roast, maybe giving the house a quick once-over. D A nice walk around the park with the dog, probably stopping at the pub for a glass of wine.

YOUR FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME IS… A Any TV programmes that are health and ﬁtness related. – I love being in the know. B Anything on Netﬂix – I’m happiest when I’m mid-Grey’s binge. C Mister Maker – well, it’s not really mine, but it’s the only one I don’t mind watching with the kids. D A bit of Modern Family or Suits with a glass of wine – heaven!

or maybe a chocolate bar at the bottom of my handbag. C A couple of slices of apple while I’m making the kids their supper and before I take the dog for a walk. D I keep it simple with a banana.

YOUR HUSBAND IS… A What husband? I’m single and proud. B An angel! He does the housework and puts the kids to bed – he’s got so much

WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP? A 6.30am – I like to have time for a run in the morning, then I pack myself a healthy lunch to take to work. B 7.30am – I’ve got my morning routine down to a slick 30 minutes, so I can spend longer in bed. C 6am – I’ve got lunches to make, bags to pack and dogs to walk before taking the kids to two different schools. D 7am – I like to have time for a cup of tea in bed listening to the radio before I jump in the shower.

more energy than me all the time. C A hard worker. He’s always either at ��½�� clients. We rarely get time on our own. D Really hands-on with the kids – we share everything.

YOU’D DESCRIBE YOUR SEX LIFE AS… A Energetic! B We’re a once-a-week kind of couple – and we love our routine. C Non-existent. We make the effort when we’re both not tired, which is probably about twice a month. D Good enough, we make the time for each other and have regular date nights when we can get away from the kids.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY IDOL? A Cameron Diaz – she’s fun, full of energy and looks fabulous for her age. B Lena Dunham – she says and does exactly what she wants and doesn’t bow to pressure to be stick thin. C Angelina Jolie – six kids, a successful career and a rock solid marriage. Is she actually Superwoman? D Gisele Bündchen – she’s beautiful, successful and just seems so chilled out.

NOW TURN THE PAGE FOR YOUR RESULTS

ESSENTIALS 59

Mostly A’s: Hardcore hottie You could rival Gwyneth Paltrow ��½�� regime. You’re on top of the latest trends and you know your Bikram from your Kundalini. Your body is your temple and you’d rather spend your time out and about than sat in front of the TV. You’re either single or Superwoman when it comes to your organisation, because you’ve got time to dedicate to at least three workouts a week, but you need to keep things interesting. Personal trainer Kevin Foster-Wiltshire suggests starting a challenging programme that has progressions each week, or signing up to an event, like a triathlon, so you’ve got something to aim towards. If that seems too much effort, then switch up your usual gym session and try the latest class to add a bit of variety. We’re loving the sound of cardio tennis that’s being rolled out across SA. With a variety of tennis-based drills played to music on a court, you can burn over 2 500 kilojoules an hour… and you might even improve that serve.

Mostly B’s: Reluctant runner Your idea of a workout is walking the distance from the couch to the fridge to top up your wine glass, and the thought of climbing the stairs to bed at night makes you feel mentally exhausted. The problem isn’t necessarily that you’re lazy, more that you just ½�� much rather be doing something you think is more productive – like binge watching a week’s worth of CSI reruns. When you do go for a run it turns into a walk and your idea of going to the gym

60 ESSENTIALS

means sitting on an exercise bike at a snail’s pace reading a book. You need to get yourself to a class where there’s an instructor to keep you motivated throughout your workout (read: scream at you, so you feel guilty if you don’t at least try!). Classes like step or aerobics at the gym are the ones for you – the intense cardio-based 60 minute classes target the whole body with periods of aerobic exercise, followed by short rest periods. They’re intense, but you can burn up to 2 200 kJs in a

session, and just one hour a week has been said to improve your ½�� time to catch up with the soaps. If that sounds too harsh, then the best way to exercise without even thinking about it is signing up to a team sport – something competitive like netball or hockey can burn up to 1 800 kJs, and you’ll be so focused on winning you won’t even realise you’ve broken a sweat.

ASK YOURSELF

Mostly C’s: Mommy mover Between the school run, the washing and last night’s dirty dishes, you’ve barely got time to say ‘hi’ to your husband, let alone go to the gym. You need an effective regime that you can ½�� quick HIIT. That’s High Intensity Interval Training, and workouts can be as little as 10 minutes. Kevin FosterWiltshire says: ‘It’s the best way to burn kilojoules conveniently at home and a smart way because this type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up, so you burn more fat in less time!’

Try downloading a free seven-minute workout app on your phone or android, ��½�� weight only, exercises as and when you’ve got 10 minutes to yourself. If you’d rather get away from the house/ kids, why not combine your workout with your girl’s outing? That way you’ll have fun, see friends and burn some kilojoules in the process. Try Sh’bam or Just Dance classes at the gym, or get into hula-hooping at home. Just put on some great dance music – it beats braving a nightclub these days.

Mostly D’s: Laid-back lovely

Find ways to combine your workouts with spending some quality time on yourself

You know those clever women that ��½�� life, while somehow managing to run a family home and never look ¾�� love the simple things in life and you’re always searching for a little bit of balance, whether that’s sharing the housework and childcare equally with your husband or knowing where to draw the line between doing just enough and taking on too much. You believe in everything in moderation, and you know the importance of giving yourself some time to chill out. Like the multi-talented, yet always glossy, Jessica Alba – actress, mom, ��½�� way to combine your workout with spending some quality time on yourself. Kevin Foster-Wiltshire says a holistic workout can help you keep all those spinning plates in the air: ‘Exercise can really clear the ��¾�� ½�� zen.’ In fact, any kind of yoga or Pilates can be an effective way of clearing the head while also working your body. So you can continue to kill it at work and at home with that clear, calm mind of yours.

Feature Anna Matheson Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images

Top tip Exercise doesn’t have ��½�� workout you enjoy and you’re far more likely to stick to it

ESSENTIALS 61

PROMOTION

BREAKFAST

for Mom Treat your mom to a heart-healthy breakfast made with Flora Gold this Mother’s Day ROASTED FLORA GOLD GRANOLA MAKES 12 SERVINGS Heat the oven to 170°C. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 80g brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, 300g rolled oats, 100g almonds, 100g cashews, 100g pumpkin seeds and 5 big dollops of Flora Gold, melted. Spread onto a large baking tray and toast, tossing gently every 10 min to prevent catching, for 30–35 min or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool. Stir through 140g sultanas, 40g dates, chopped and 70g dried bananas, chopped.

SERVES 4 Heat the oven to 200°C. Halve 4 plums and remove the pips. Mix 3 dollops of Flora Gold with 1 tbsp honey and 5–6 sprigs of thyme, chopped. Place the plums on a baking tray and place dollops of the Flora Gold mix on top. Roast in the oven until soft and caramelised. Serve the plums with the granola and lashings of double-thick yoghurt.

FOR MORE RECIPE INSPIRATION, VISIT FLORASTRONGHEART.CO.ZA

FLORA GOLD IS APPROVED BY THE HEART AN D STROKE FOUN DATION. Ess8156/05/16 food styling Vickie de Beer images CRPHOTOGRAPHIC assisted by Julia van Maarseveen

ROASTED FLORA GOLD AND THYME PLUMS

WHAT’S NEW

REALFood Essentials.co.za HI THERE!

LIFESTYLE WRITER TAMLYN CUMINGS SHARES HER BEST BUYS, SMART CHEATS AND EASY RECIPES

THIS MONTH…

We’re extra cheesy If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that just about everything is better when it’s got a sprinkling of cheese on top. And thanks to Galbani, Italy’s leading cheese brand, we’re able to enjoy authentic, top quality fresh mozzarella and mascarpone, available at select Pick n Pay, Checkers and Spar stores. ��

WE LOVE... TREAT TIME! I'm always on the lookout for baking inspiration, and The Baking Book by Your Family (R275, leading bookstores) is full of it. From cakes to ��½�� there are over 80 scrummy bakes to try. If anyone asks, I’ll be in the kitchen.

Photography Shutterstock, Getty Images, Istock

THIS MONTH… Spoil mom... or yourself! ��½�� ¾��

¡Did¡you¡know? ¡ éFresh¡mozzar ella¡shouldn't ¡ ébeérefrigerat ed¡and¡should ¡ ébeéeaten¡as¡s oon¡as¡possibl eé éafteréit’s¡mad e...¡

OF THE you need to try BEST... AWines TRIO OF IDEAS – YOU CAN THANK US LATER

ALLÉE BLEUE L’AMOUR TOUJOURS With its full body, this red wine tastes as fancy as it sounds. Around R185.

OLDENBURG CHENIN BLANC This is crisp, tropical, lightly oaked and refreshing; what more could you want? Around R140.

KLEINE ZALZE CHARDONNAY You’ll be treated to hints of lemon, apple and pear – ideal for the cooler weather if you’re not keen on red. Around R80.

ESSENTIALS 63

One-pot

WONDERS Toss all your ingredients in together and whip up a feast – it’s fuss-free dining at its finest! Ready in a ﬂash

THAI RED CHICKEN CURRY SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MIN 1 tsp rapeseed oil 4 shallots, sliced 4 chicken breasts, cut into strips 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can reduced-fat coconut milk 150ml chicken stock 4 tsp fish sauce 1 tsp castor sugar 1 red pepper, sliced

64 ESSENTIALS

200g baby spinach leaves Juice 1 lime 1 small bunch basil leaves, torn 1 small bunch coriander, roughly chopped Lime wedges, to serve

Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan and fry the shallots for a few min,

to soften. Add the chicken and fry for around 5 min to brown lightly. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 min. Add the coconut milk, stock, fish sauce and castor sugar, and stir well to combine. Add the pepper and simmer for 15 min.

Add the spinach, lime juice, basil and coriander, and cook for 1 min more. Serve with rice and lime wedges on the side. 1 464 KJ PER SERVING 12g FAT 7g SAT FAT 6g CARBS

EVERYDAY & EASY

CHICKEN & CHORIZO WITH SWEET POTATOES

Three easy steps

SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 3 red onions, cut into wedges 3 cloves garlic, bruised 300g chorizo, cut into chunks 3 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks 1 red pepper, cut into chunks 1-2 tsp smoked paprika 6 chicken thighs 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil

250g cherry tomatoes on the vine 250g spinach

Heat the oven to 200째C. Scatter the onion wedges, garlic, chorizo, sweet potato and pepper into a large roasting tin. Sprinkle over the smoked paprika and stir.

return to the oven for a further 10-15 min until cooked through. Add the spinach for the final 5 min of cooking. Serve with crusty bread.

2 284 KJ PER SERVING 26g FAT 8g SAT FAT 40g CARBS

Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture, drizzle with the oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 25-30 min. Add the tomatoes (still on the vine) to the pan, baste with the juices and

ESSENTIALS 65

New Sunday roast Tasty & meat free

WHOLE ROAST CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT, CHORIZO & THYME SERVES 6 READY IN AN EASY 2 HR

AROMATIC PANEER CURRY SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MIN 75g raw unsalted cashew nuts 3 tbsp sunflower oil 4 onions, chopped 3 small green chillies, deseeded and chopped 25g fresh coriander, plus extra, to serve 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cumin 6 cardamom pods, crushed 1 cinnamon stick 4 garlic cloves, crushed 25g fresh ginger, grated 500g paneer, cut into chunks A few drops rose water Juice ½ lime

Soak the nuts in 200ml cold water for 20 min. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil and fry the onion until softened and lightly browned.

66 ESSENTIALS

Put the softened nuts in a blender with the soaking water, onion, most of the chilli and coriander, and blitz to a paste. Heat the remaining oil and gently fry the spices, garlic and ginger for a few min. Add the nut paste and paneer, mix and cook for a few min. Add 150-200ml water and the rose water, and simmer for 5-10 min, until the paneer is warm. Mix the remaining chilli and coriander with the lime juice. Serve alongside the curry with pilau rice, naan bread and chutney.

1 929 KJ PER SERVING 27g FAT 9g SAT FAT 19g CARBS

1 butternut, peeled and cut into chunks 2 red onions, cut into wedges 6 whole garlic cloves, unpeeled 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil 1,75kg fresh chicken 5 slices chorizo A few sprigs thyme 6 medium tomatoes, quartered

Heat the oven to 200°C. Mix the butternut, onion wedges, garlic and 1 tbsp oil in a roasting tin. Put the chicken on top of the vegetables in the tin, top with chorizo slices and the remaining oil. Tuck the thyme into the chicken cavity and among the vegetables.

Roast the chicken for 1 hr. Take the chicken out of the tin and stir the tomatoes into the veg. Put the chicken on top, basting with the juices. Cook for another 30-40 min, until the chicken is cooked and its juices run clear. Set the chicken aside to rest for 10 min before carving. Stir the vegetables and put them back in the oven to finish cooking for 10 min. Carve the chicken and serve with the mixed veg and baby potatoes.

1 565 KJ PER SERVING 11g FAT 3g SAT FAT 17g CARBS

This good-for-you roast is a great one to serve up all year round – just switch the vegetables to give it a seasonal flavour

EVERYDAY & EASY

Rich & super tasty

PORK & CIDER CASSEROLE SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN 1 tbsp dried tarragon 45g butter 1kg pork loin, sliced 8 shallots, peeled Heat the oven to 190°C. 3 sticks celery, chopped Heat 25g of the butter in 2 tsp cornflour a large, flameproof casserole 300ml dry cider dish, then add the slices of 500ml chicken stock pork. Cook over a high heat 2 apples, quartered, cored for about 5 min, until the meat and cut into wedges is browned all over, turning as 4 rashers streaky bacon, needed. Season well with salt cut into quarters and black pepper. 200ml crème fraîche Add the shallots, celery 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and cornflour, and cook for

a few min. Pour in the cider and stock – continue stirring to prevent any lumps forming. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook in the oven for 40 min. Meanwhile, heat the rest of the butter in a non-stick pan and add the apple wedges. Fry on both sides until lightly browned. Set aside and keep warm. Add the bacon and fry until crisp, then set aside.

Add the crème fraîche, mustard and dried tarragon to the casserole liquid. Bring back to the boil, then simmer gently for 3 min, until thickened and smooth. Serve the casserole topped with apple wedges and crispy bacon.

3 657 KJ PER SERVING 31g FAT 17g SAT FAT 9g CARBS

ESSENTIALS 67

EVERYDAY & EASY

Meat free & hearty For MORERECIPES For more all-in-one recipes, just go to essentials.co.za

WILD MUSHROOM MINI PIES SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MIN

Heat the oven to 210°C. Fry the leek and mushrooms in oil for 5 min until soft. Add the flour and tarragon to make a paste and cook for 2 min. Whisk in the wine

and boil until thickened. Add in the soup, peas and mustard, and heat to a simmer. Leave to cool. On a floured surface, roll out the pastry to about 0.5cm thick. Cut out 4x10cm lids and 4x12cm bases. Brush egg on the rims, divide the pie mix between all 4, then add the lids. Make a small hole in the centre of each and score. Brush with egg and bake for 15-20 min until the pastry is puffed and deep golden.

2 3

2 330 KJ PER SERVING 32g FAT 15g SAT FAT 64g CARBS

If you’re after something a bit more meaty, replace the mushrooms with leftover roast chicken and use cream of chicken soup 68 ESSENTIALS

WINTER SAUSAGE PASTA BAKE

Simple comfort food

SERVES 4 READY IN 40 MIN 1 pack mixed peppers 1 aubergine, chopped 1 courgette, chopped 2 tbsp garlic oil 450g pork sausages 300g penne 700g tomato and basil pasta sauce Handful of basil, torn 125g mozzarella, torn

Heat the oven to 200°C. Toss the peppers, aubergine and courgette in garlic oil and tip into a roasting tin. Remove the sausage meat from the skins and roll each portion into 3 meatballs. Add to the vegetables and roast for

around 20 min, until just cooked and lightly charred. Boil the pasta for 8 min, until just cooked. Drain and return to the pan, then stir through the roasted vegetables, meatballs, pasta sauce and basil. Season, stir, then tip into the roasting tin. Scatter mozzarella over the top and return to the oven for 15 min, until cheese is golden and bubbling. Garnish with basil to serve.

3 259 KJ PER SERVING 41g FAT 15g SAT FAT 64g CARBS

Feature Sophie Austen-Smith Photography timeincukcontent.com

1 leek, thinly sliced 400g mixed wild mushrooms, sliced 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 tbsp flour ½ tsp dried tarragon 100ml white wine 410g can condensed mushroom soup 125g petits pois 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 400g puff pastry 1 egg, beaten

PROMOTION

Winter WARMER ESS8163/05/16 Food styling Vickie de Beer Photography CRPhotographic Assisted by Julia van Maarseveen

The velvety flavour of Président’s butter and cheese range is perfect for this slow-cooked, hearty stew with indulgent Président Camembert dumplings

BEEF STEW WITH PRÉSIDENT CAMEMBERT DUMPLINGS SERVES 8

1 2 3 4 5

Heat 30g Président Salted Butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Season 1.2kg chuck steak, cubed, with salt, brown in the butter and set aside in a heatproof bowl. Sauté 2 chopped onions, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 chopped celery sticks and 2 chopped carrots in the pan until golden brown. Add a 400g can of whole peeled tomatoes. Mix in the chuck steak, 1 cup of beef stock and 1 bouquet garni. Season with salt and simmer for about 2 hr, until the meat is tender. For the dumplings, heat the oven to 180°C. Mix 225g self-raising flour and 1 tsp of salt in a bowl. Rub 40g diced Président Salted Butter into the mix, until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in 250g Président Camembert, diced, and 60ml milk until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into 12 pieces and place on top of the stew. Top the dumplings with a slice of Président Camembert and bake for 20 min.

Fill your pantry with the high-quality Président butter and cheese range. Available at a retailer near you.

Anyone for

DESSERT? Show off your baking skills and serve up a slice of deliciousness with these ultimate sweet treats

Wow factor!

70 ESSENTIALS

BEST BAKING

PROSECCO, WHITE CHOCOLATE & ROSE BUNDT SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN 250g butter, softened 250g castor sugar 140ml buttermilk 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 4 tbsp Prosecco A few dashes rose water Zest 1 lemon 1 tsp vanilla extract 375g self-raising flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda For the drizzle 150g white chocolate 3 tbsp Prosecco 2 tbsp cream Pink food colouring gel Rose petals

Heat the oven to 160°C. Butter a 2,5-litre bundt tin. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. In a jug, mix together the buttermilk, eggs, Prosecco, rose water, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Pour this into the butter mixture and mix well. Next, sieve the flour and bicarbonate of soda over the wet cake mix, then fold in carefully until you have a thick, smooth batter. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt tin and bake for 50 min to 1 hr until risen and firm, and a metal skewer comes out clean when inserted. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 20 min, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. To make the drizzle, gently melt the chocolate with the Prosecco and cream in a small pan. Once melted, stir through the pink food colouring, then drizzle over the cake. Scatter over the rose petals and serve.

Gluten free

1 883 KJ PER SERVING 23g FAT 14g SAT FAT 53g CARBS

IRISH COFFEE MERINGUE ROULADE SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN 4 large egg whites 125g castor sugar 2 tsp cornflour 300ml cream 3 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tbsp whisky 2 tbsp Bailey’s liqueur 1 tbsp icing sugar 50g chocolate-covered coffee beans 100g dark chocolate 2 tbsp cream

Heat the oven to 150°C. Line a 30x20cm Swiss roll

tin with baking paper. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then add the sugar until the mix is stiff. Whisk in the cornflour. Spread the meringue evenly in the tin and bake for 1 hr. Leave to cool in the tin. Whisk the cream, 2 tbsp cocoa, whisky and Bailey’s together to form soft peaks. Sieve the remaining cocoa and icing sugar over a sheet of baking paper and upturn the meringue on to it. Peel away the lining paper.

Spread the cream over the meringue and scatter with coffee beans. With a short end closest to you, lift the baking paper to roll up into a roulade. Lift onto a serving plate. Melt the chocolate with the cream and drizzle over the meringue before serving.

1 079 KJ PER SERVING 18g FAT 11g SAT FAT 18g CARBS

ESSENTIALS 71

RHUBARB FRANGIPANE TART WITH GINGER CREAM SERVES 10 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN 500g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped Zest and juice 1 orange 320g ready-rolled puff pastry 150g butter 150g castor sugar 2 large eggs 225g ground almonds ½ tsp ground ginger 25g flaked almonds 2 tbsp stem ginger syrup 8 tbsp double-thick cream 2 balls stem ginger, chopped 1 tbsp icing sugar

Simmer the rhubarb in a pan with orange juice and zest until soft and sticky, then leave to cool. Line a 22cm fluted cake tin with the pastry, trim and chill. Heat oven to 220°C. Line the pastry case with baking paper, fill with baking beans and bake for

CHOCOLATE, PRUNE & ARMAGNAC PUDDINGS

12-15 min. Remove beans and return to the oven for 3-4 min, if needed. Reduce the heat to 190°C. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and whisk. Fold in the ground almonds and ground ginger. Spoon the rhubarb mix into the pastry case, top with the almond mix and sprinkle over flaked almonds. Bake for 35-40 min until golden and springy. Meanwhile, stir the ginger syrup into the cream and top with stem ginger. Dust the tart with icing sugar and serve with the ginger cream.

4 5

2 335 KJ PER SERVING 42g FAT 17g SAT FAT 34g CARBS

New boozy fave

Recipes & food styling Sophie Austen-Smith Photography Stuart West Food styling assistant Jessica Dady Prop styling Victoria Eldridge

SERVES 6 READY IN 45 MIN 100g prunes 50ml Armagnac (or any brandy of your choice) 2 tbsp cocoa powder 150g dark chocolate 150g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 85g castor sugar 3 large eggs 3 tbsp flour 300ml cream 1 tbsp icing sugar 3 mini chocolate bars Edible gold glitter, to decorate

Gently warm the prunes and Armagnac together in a small pan for 3-4 min until almost boiling. Remove the pan from the heat, then set aside and leave to infuse. Once cooled, whizz in a blender until smooth.

72 ESSENTIALS

Heat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease 6 ramekins or moulds, then dust with cocoa and set aside. Gently melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir through the sugar, eggs and prune mixture. Fold in the flour and pour into the prepared moulds. Bake for 20-25 min until just set. Once cooked, turn out and allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whip the cream and icing sugar to soft peaks. Spoon over the desserts and top with half a mini chocolate bar and glitter.

3 4

3 502 KJ PER SERVING 63g FAT 38g SAT FAT 52g CARBS

Sweet ’n nutty

BEST BAKING

FERRERO ROCHER SUNDAES SERVES 6 READY IN 30 MIN 400g chocolate fudge brownie mix 6 Ferrero Rocher chocolates 2 tbsp hazelnuts, chopped and toasted 12 chocolate wafers 4 tbsp Nutella 2 tbsp cream 500ml vanilla ice cream

Make the brownie mix to pack instructions and allow to cool.

To make these sundaes even more indulgent, try using a cookies â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n cream flavoured ice cream instead of vanilla

Using a cookie cutter, stamp out six circles of brownie mix and put into the base of six serving glasses. Pop a Ferrero Rocher in the centre of each. Sprinkle over half the hazelnuts, then crunch up 6 wafers to sprinkle over. Meanwhile, spoon the Nutella and cream into a bowl, and microwave for 15 sec at a time,

until melted and well combined. To serve, top each sundae with a spoonful of the vanilla ice cream, then drizzle over some of the Nutella sauce, top with chopped hazelnuts and add a chocolate wafer to each.

2 636 KJ PER SERVING 27g FAT 12g SAT FAT 97g CARBS

Oh-so simple

BACK TO BASICS

How to make… THE BEST PAVLOVA Master the basics and become more confident in the kitchen

TOP CHEFFY

TIPS

✱ Get ahead Meringue can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week. ✱ Low-kJ cheat Make this ½�� instead of cream. ✱ Flavour combos Add cardamom to the ��½��

Find MORE RECIPES

CITRUS & CARAMEL DELIGHT SERVES 12 READY IN 2 HRS 30 MIN 10 medium egg whites ½ tsp ground cinnamon 500g golden castor sugar 1 tbsp cornflour 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar For the filling 600ml cream 2 tbsp icing sugar 2 tbsp vanilla extract 310g passion fruit curd 8 ClemenGolds, peeled and segmented 100g pomegranate seeds

74 ESSENTIALS

75ml caramel sauce

Heat the oven to 120°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper – draw a 24cm circle on one and a 12cm circle on the other. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. While whisking, slowly add the cinnamon and castor sugar until the mix is stiff. Stir in the cornflour and vinegar.

Spoon 1/3 of the meringue mixture onto the large circle and smoothe. Now, using another 1/3 of the mixture, spoon dollops around the edges (see photo above). Using the remaining meringue mix, repeat with the small circle. Bake for 2 hr, then turn off the heat and leave in the oven to cool. For the filling, whip the cream, sugar and vanilla

to soft peaks. Add the curd and swirl to marble. Put the large meringue on a plate and add the cream mix and ClemenGold slices. Top with the small meringue and add the filling. Decorate with pomegranate seeds and caramel sauce.

2 259 KJ PER SERVING 29g FAT 18g SAT FAT 64g CARBS

Feature Sophie Austen-Smith Photography timeinccontent.co.uk

For an easy peasy passion fruit curd recipe, go to essentials.co.za

PROMOTION

READY, STEADY,

BAKE! Celebrate World Baking Day on 17 May with Stork. For flop-proof cake ideas, visit stork.co.za or Stork’s Facebook page: I Love Baking SA VANILLA CARAMEL CAKE WITH HONEYCOMB

ESS8174/05/16 Food styling Vickie de Beer Photography CRPhotographic Assisted by Julia van Maarseveen

SERVES 12 400g STORK Bake, plus extra for greasing 400g castor sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence 8 eggs 400g self-raising flour For the caramel icing 500g cream cheese 2 x 360g tins caramel treat For the toffee sauce 350g sugar ½ cup water 50g STORK Bake 1 cup cream Honeycomb and figs, for decorating

Heat the oven to 180°C. Line two 20-cm cake pans with baking paper and grease with STORK Bake. Place the STORK Bake, sugar and vanilla essence in the bowl of an electric mixer. Cream until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at the time while mixing. Lower the speed and sift in the self-raising flour. Divide the batter between the 2 cake tins and spread evenly with a pallet knife. Bake in the oven for 30–40 min or until golden brown and a cake tester

comes out clean. Leave to rest for 15 min before turning out. To make the caramel icing, place the cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer, mixing until smooth. Beat in the caramel treat until well combined. Cut the 2 cakes in half; place a cake layer on a plate and spread some icing on top. Repeat with the rest of the layers. To make the toffee sauce, heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over a low heat. Brush the sides of the pan with warm water to remove any sugar crystals. Increase the heat when all of the sugar crystals are dissolved and bubble the syrup until it turns a golden caramel colour. Remove from the heat and add the STORK Bake and cream, stirring until it forms a smooth toffee sauce. Allow to cool. Drizzle the cake with the toffee sauce and top with the honeycomb and figs.

4 5

KIDS’ Kitchen

BITES When foodie Vickie de Beer’s son, Lucca, was diagnosed with diabetes, she wrote her own kid-friendly low-carb recipe book

KIDS’ FAVE

MOZZARELLA PIZZA MAKES 1 PIZZA READY IN 25 MIN FOR THE DOUGH 375ml (1½ cups) grated mozzarella 45ml (3 tbsp) cream cheese 1 egg, lightly whisked 166g (⅔ cup) ground almonds 2,5ml salt TOPPINGS 125ml basic pizza/pasta sauce (recipe on essentials.co.za) 6-7 pieces of streaky bacon, baked in the oven until crisp 125ml (½ cup) grated mozzarella 1 avocado, halved and scooped out of the skin Basil leaves to top

1 The Low Carb Solution For Diabetics by Vickie de Beer and Kath Megaw (R335, Quivertree)

76 ESSENTIALS

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a large baking tray with butter. Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwaveproof bowl. Microwave on full for

2 min, or until the cheeses are completely melted. Add the egg, ground almonds and salt. Mix until well combined. The dough must be very soft, if not soft enough place in the microwave for another 30 sec. Place the dough on a baking tray and roll between 2 sheets of baking paper until it forms a thin pizza base. Bake for 6-7 min or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, spread the tomato sauce over, followed by the mozzarella and bacon. Place the pizza back into the oven and bake until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and scoop pieces of the avocado on top of the pizza and finish with a few basil leaves. Cut into slices and serve warm.

KIDS KITCHEN FAB & FILLING

LOW CARB ‘BANANA’ BREAD MAKES FOR 1 LOAF READY IN 1 HR 50 MIN 125ml (½ cup) chia seeds, ground 125ml (½ cup) water 500ml (2 cups) almond flour 125ml (½ cup) xylitol 80ml (⅓ cup) coconut flour 80ml (⅓ cup) whey protein powder 15ml (1 tbsp) baking powder 2,5ml (½ tsp) salt 180ml (¾ cup) milk 3 eggs 50g butter, melted 2,5ml (½ tsp) banana extract 2,5ml (½ tsp) vanilla extract

1 2

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 22cm x 12cm loaf tin with baking paper. In a small bowl combine the chia seeds and water. Set aside to soak. In a large bowl combine the almond flour, xylitol, coconut flour, whey protein powder, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk together the milk, eggs, butter, banana extract and vanilla extract. Fold the wet ingredients and the chia seeds into the dry ingredients until well combined. Pour into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 1 hour and then turn the heat down to 100°C for 30 minutes to dry out further.

CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE SERVES 4 READY IN 10 MIN 30ml (2 tbsp) soft butter for greasing the mugs 4 eggs 50g butter, melted 60ml (4 tbsp) water 60ml (4 tbsp) Greek yoghurt 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract Grated zest of 1 orange (optional) 10ml (2 tsp) baking powder 30ml (2 tbsp) cocoa powder 45g coconut flour 40g ground almonds 60ml (4 tbsp) xylitol 5ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon 125ml (½ cup) whipped cream for serving Fresh berries for serving

READY IN A FLASH

Grease 4 x 250ml mugs with butter. Whisk all the ingredients together except the whipped cream and the berries for serving until well combined. Divide the mixture into the 4 mugs. Bake mugs for 2-2½ min in the microwave on 100% power or until a cake tester comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

ESSENTIALS 77

SUNDAY

Make it lighter & healthier

Say goodbye to your traditional weekend meal and hello to our deliciously modern Asian menu

STICKY PLUM ROAST LAMB SERVES 8 READY IN 5 HR 15 MIN + RESTING 2 large onions, thickly sliced 1 lamb leg (around 2,5kg) 6-8 unpeeled garlic cloves A few sprigs thyme ½ tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed 1 cinnamon stick 6 whole cloves 2-3 star anise 10 plums 50ml rice wine vinegar 50g light muscovado sugar Lime wedges, to serve

1 2

Heat the oven to 200°C. Put the onions in a roasting tin and set the lamb on top. Roast for 20 min. Remove the tin from the oven and turn the heat down to 130°C. Add the garlic, thyme, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, plums and 300ml water. Cover tightly with tin foil and roast for 4 hr 45 min or until meltingly tender. Remove the lamb from the tin and leave to rest for 15 min. Meanwhile, pour the pan juices into a saucepan

along with 4 tbsp of the plum mix from the roasting tin. Skim off the oil and add the vinegar and sugar – add a little water if you need to. Bubble for a few min to break up the plums and make a thick sauce (remove any plum stones). Add a squeeze of lime and lots of black pepper. Serve with sticky rice.

1 879 KJ PER SERVING 20g FAT 9g SAT FAT 15g CARBS

WEEKEND FOOD

SESAME & GARLIC GREENS SERVES 8 READY IN 10 MIN 1 tbsp sunflower oil 200g green beans, trimmed 1 tsp sesame oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 large pak choi, cut into quarters 100g sugar snap peas 100g shredded cabbage or spinach 1-2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp crispy onions or salted roasted peanuts

�� a wok and stir-fry the green beans for 2 min. Remove from

the pan and set aside. Add the sesame oil and garlic, and mix well. Add the pak choi and sugar snap peas, and mix well. Add the cabbage or spinach, stir-fry for 1-2 min, then return the green beans to the pan. Stir in the soy sauce, then sprinkle over the crispy onions to serve.

264 KJ PER SERVING 4g FAT 0.6g SAT FAT 3g CARBS

CORN & SPRING ONION PANCAKES MAKES 8 SMALL-MEDIUM PANCAKES READY IN 20 MIN water until just combined. Heat a little oil in a pancake pan and add a ladleful of the mixture. After 30 sec, add a little spring onion, corn and chilli. Flip over once it’s browned, and cook for another min. Make 1 or 2 at a time. Serve with fresh coriander, soy and sweet chilli sauce.

590 KJ PER SERVING 5g FAT 0.8g SAT FAT 20g CARBS

Photography timeincukcontent.com

ASIAN SLAW SERVES 8 READY IN 20 MIN 1 small white cabbage, shredded 1 red onion, very finely sliced 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks 250g Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar 5 heaped tbsp mayonnaise 3 heaped tbsp Greek yoghurt 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 tbsp mirin rice wine 2 tsp black sesame seeds

Mix the shredded cabbage, onion, carrot and Brussels sprouts in a bowl with the vinegar and a pinch of salt, and leave for at least 10 min.

2 KJ PER SERVING 11g FAT 1.5g SAT FAT 8.5g CARBS

The great INDOORS A calming palette, piles of cushions and rustic decor is all it takes to get that cosy cottage vibe

80 ESSENTIALS

REAL HOME

LIVING ROOM Natural elements ✱ The easy mix of blues and greys make this room a relaxing heart of the house, where Emily and Paul can enjoy open-plan living. The gorgeous free-standing fire adds to the cosychic feel and is the perfect focal point. ✱ Exposed brickwork adds a rustic look, as does the natural wood and textured accessories – check out Hertex for a similar sisal rug. ✱ Emily makes a lot of her own cushions: ‘My husband thinks we have far too many – but I say you can never have enough!’ she laughs. Mix and match plaid, plain and photographic prints to recreate Emily’s eclectic style. ✱ Putting a piece of furniture, like a dresser, in a thoroughfare is a clever way to connect the living and dining rooms and allow them to flow as one.

MANTELPIECE Upcycle & decorate ✱ Paper name tags aren’t just for presents – use them to personalise accessories like Emily’s candelabra. ✱ Don’t forget to save all your wine corks to make a quirky, fun mantelpiece decoration.

PASSAGE Wicker & wood WHO LIVES HERE? Emily Davies and her husband Paul bought this three-bedroomed house in 2013. Although they were intimidated by the amount of work it needed, the location was perfect, so they started to transform the space into the cosy beach cottage-inspired home of their dreams.

✱ Can’t find any coat hooks you love? Then make your own. Emily’s were a combination of old pieces of painted wood and hooks that she bought cheaply. ✱ Hang your coat hooks in an alcove and it will make a room feel neater and more ordered naturally. Hide any excess clutter (shoes, bags, hats, jackets, kids’ toys) in a generously sized wicker basket. ✱ Don’t be afraid of hanging large pieces of artwork, like Emily’s wanderlust print, in relatively small spaces – it’ll have much more impact.

ESSENTIALS 81

DINING AREA Back to basics

Style tip Get zig-zagging! Chevron print (like the fabric used for Emily’s blind) is still big this season

BEDROOM Relax & enjoy ✱ Vertical stripes on your walls create the illusion of height in a room. Copy Emily’s style and opt for a neutral stripe, like stone or grey, which is easier to accessorise with bedding and cushions, and makes for a much more restful, relaxing environment. ✱ A string of paper bunting (or fairy lights) adds a whimsical feel to the bedroom, and these are really easy to make. If you’re not that handy with scissors and a glue gun, you’ll find hundreds of pretty ready-made designs at belbunting.co.za.

Emily’s furniture is a mix of secondhand, homemade and chain store buys

Feature Eleanor Jones Photography timeincukcontent.com

✱ An inexpensive dining set can easily be upcycled to suit your own taste. Emily went through several colour combos before settling on pastel blue for the chairs, that she found in a second-hand shop. ✱ Mounting a shelf just above the tabletop creates extra room for when you’re entertaining, and makes a handy place for candles and salt-andpepper shakers when you’re not.

REAL HOME

KITCHEN Bright & breezy ✱ Carrying a colour through the lower level of your house creates unity, but you can keep some spaces from feeling too repetitive by adding pops of different colours. Emily added accents of red to her kitchen, including the funky vintage clock. ✱ To create extra storage space, the rack above the stove is a clever addition, as is the handy kitchen trolley on wheels. ✱ A butler’s sink is a must-have in a country kitchen like this, but the real personality comes from the quirky vintage pudding prints and cake-inspired crockery. Now, hands up, who wants a set of those fabulous mugs?

GET THE LOOK

Rope photo frame, R79,99, Mr Price Home Wooden block wall art, R259,99, Mr Price Home

Cake stand with glass dome, R359, @home

Springbok scatter cushion, R199, Woolworths

Moss-knit throw, R749, H&M

Storage basket, R229, H&M

BATHROOM Nautical style ✱ Originally the entire bathroom was painted a vivid blue, but the shade was too oppressive for the size of the room. Instead, Emily went back to basics with a coat of bright, clean white, keeping only the statement tiles for colour. ✱ Adding rope and some rustic wood summons up images of seaside getaways. Try wood panelling for the side of the bath, or a hanging rope shelf or mirror, for a contemporary take on the nautical trend.

Rope trim candle jar, R159, @home

Palma bookcase, from R3 695, Coricraft

Round platter, R299; Large bowl, R250; Pitcher, R250; Oval platter, R150; all Woolworths

ESSENTIALS 83

What window décor will help keep my room warm in winter? – Sarika, Kyalami 25mm Steel Curtain Rod (Brushed Bronze & Brushed Silver)

R159.00 Available in 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m and 3m.

DON’T FORGET Bring your measurements in store when ordering.

Mesh Ball Finial on U-arm holdback

R169.99

DBN 27523_Rev

each

Mesh Ball Finial (Brushed Bronze)

R89

.99

each

Custom-made Blockout Roller Blind (38mm Jetset)

R924.00 each

800mm width x 800mm length. Other sizes available.

Keep cosy in winter by layering your window with curtains and blinds. The combination allows you full access to the sun during the day and locks in warmth for evenings. Frame these windows using a stylish brushed bronze rod with matching finials and holdbacks, which complete the look.

Every window is an opportunity Some images are a representation only. All accessories sold separately. Prices valid while stocks last or until 31/05/2016.

/DecorlandSA

ONLY AVAILABLE AT

/DecorlandSA

Decorland.co.za

THE PERFECT GIFT ON SALE 15 April

R275

Available at leading bookstores nationwide

The ultimate baking recipe collection 192 pages of beautifully photographed bakes for you to recreate at home

✽ breads ✽ cakes ✽ cookies ✽ fruit bakes ✽ muffins ✽ pastries ✽ SA favourites ✽ puddings ✽ savoury bakes ✽ sweet tarts

INCLUDES ✽ gluten free ✽ low sugar everything today’s mom wants

CATWALK TRENDS Cairo mirror, R59,99, Sheet Street

Tantelion lantern, R599, Esque

Anchora crockery, from R59,95, Woolworths

Bud vases, R69,99 each, Mr Price Home

Glass vases, from R295; Amina lantern, from R550; Twain hurricane candle holders, from R595; Floor cushion, R895; all Coricraft

RODARTE

Round tray, R349, H&M

MAD ABOUT

Cotton Marrakesh quilt, R599,99, Mr Price Home

Picture frames, R180 each, Woolworths Riya royal scatter, R499, Loads of Living

DURO OLOWU

Feature Tamlyn Cumings Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images; INPRA; Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

moroccan

Rich hues, bold prints and a touch of luxury make this trend oh-so fab

Clover mirror, R699 for set of 3; Scalloped blue terracotta vase, R319; Ceramic tile border jar candle, R110; Moroccan ceramic lamp set, R999; Tile print frame, R99; Blue star cushion, R299; all @home.

Porcelain flower teapot, R210, Woolworths

Tall vase, R399, Poetry

ESSENTIALS 87

WHAT’S NEW

MAKE IT

easy

6 5 THINGS ONLY A CRAFTER WOULD SAY

Essentials.co.za

HI THERE! CRAFTY KIRSTEN DAVIDS SHARES THE MAKES THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE THIS MONTH

1 DON’T THROW THAT AWAY. I’ll use it for a project!

Brilliant bags

2 MONEY CAN’T BUY HAPPINESS but it can buy craft supplies.

If you’ve been searching for a ��½�� and keep coming home from the shops empty-handed, here’s the solution: make your own! Brilliant Bags (R185, Metz Press) has 12 bag projects with easy to follow instructions and step-by-step photographs. All you need is a sewing machine and a bit of creativity.

3 THERE ARE NO MISTAKES IN CRAFTING – only opportunities for embellishments.

4 ALL YOU

��

TRIED Keen to try but TESTED crafting haven’t quite LOVED! ½�� how yet? Try this cute shweshwe �� it online from ��

NEED IS LOVE... and some really pretty beads.

5 WHEN IN DOUBT add glitter. 6 MY CRAFT

·MAKE·THIS·BAG·FOR·YOURSE LF·BUT· ·BE·PREPARED,·YOUR·FRIENDS ·AND· ·FAMILY·WILL·BE·AsKING·for· oNE·AS·WELL!

THIS MONTH… I’m faking it...

Photography Fotolia; Supplied

ROOM ISN’T MESSY, I just have everything on display!

Sometimes you have to fake it ‘til you make it, which is why I’ve put together a selection of homely goods that will give you that crafty ‘made it myself’ feel you’re after, without any of the hard work. Easy-peasy!

Horizon cushion, R79,99, Mr Price Home

Gold heart cement plant holder, R99, @home

51%

OF SEW E LEAST RS OWN AT 3S MACHIEWING NES

Hand crocheted throw, R899, Woolworths

ESSENTIALS 89

MAKE IT

easy

Rogues’ GALLERY Got a budding artist in the family? Here’s how to show off their latest masterpiece in style! TAKES

IN THE FRAME

25 MINS

BRIGHTEN UP A DOOR WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES’ ART ✱ Picture frame templates ✱ Self-adhesive black vinyl ✱ Glue stick

TAKES

Enlarge the templates (go to essentials. co.za) to your desired size and print on paper. Roll out the self-adhesive black vinyl and stick the printed templates to the backing paper. Neatly cut out the frames. Peel off the backing paper and apply the frames to a door or wall, smoothing out any air bubbles. Place the artwork inside each frame with Prestik or pins.

1 2 3

MINS

PICTURE PERFECT A PROPER CLIP FRAME GIVES YOUR CHILD’S MASTERPIECE A REALLY PROFESSIONAL LOOK Clip picture frames White paper ✱ Glue stick ✱ Washi tape

✱ ✱

Take your picture frame and unclip the glass from the backing board. Cover the backing board with paper. Stick your artwork in the centre – make sure it’s nice and smooth. Place the glass on top

90 ESSENTIALS

and clip securely. Starting on one side of the frame, neatly apply a length of patterned washi tape along the edge. Take the tape round to the back of the frame and smooth out any bumps. Continue on the other sides of the frame, until all edges are taped.

DELOREMS

TAKES

30 MINS

MAGNETIC APPEAL CREATE A STYLISH DISPLAY COMPLETE WITH HOMEMADE POM-POM DRAWING PINS Small lightweight frames Cork tiles ✱ Pencil ✱ Craft knife ✱ Ruler ✱ Magnetic self-adhesive tape ✱ Small bright pom-poms ✱ Drawing pins ✱ Strong glue ✱ ✱

Remove the backing board and glass from the frame. Position the backing board on a cork tile, draw round it with a pencil, then cut out with a craft knife.

91 ESSENTIALS

Place the piece of cork and the backing board inside the frame. Measure and cut some short strips of magnetic tape, peel off the backing paper and stick to the back of the frame. Glue the pom-poms to drawing pins and leave to dry completely before pinning your child’s artwork to the frames.

2 3

ESSENTIALS 91

TAKES

40 MINS

LEVEL PEGGING USING RETRO WOODEN PEGS WILL ADD A REAL SENSE OF VINTAGE FLAIR TO THIS WAY OF FRAMING PRECIOUS ARTWORK ✱ Large frame ✱ White mountboard ✱ Craft knife ✱ Paintbrush ✱ Sky blue paint ✱ White paint ✱ Scissors ✱ String ✱ Pegs

Remove the backing board and glass from the frame. Put the backing board on

92 ESSENTIALS

the mountboard, draw around it and trim. Paint the mountboard with sky blue paint and leave to dry completely. Apply some white paint with rounded strokes to create a fluffy cloud effect and leave to dry.

Cut a length of string and lay it across the cloudy sky mountboard – don’t pull it too tight. Tape the ends of the string at the back, then place inside the frame. Finish off by pegging your artwork to the string.

ESSENTIALS 92

MAKE IT

easy

SPEEDY CRAFT

aper,ÂyouÂ ÂinsteadÂofÂp bricÂorÂ ÂcouldÂuseÂfa mplesÂtoÂ ÂwallpaperÂsa ÂlidsÂ ÂlineÂyourÂbox

CLIP & DISPLAY KEEP YOUR KIDS’ SCHOOL ARTWORK UP-TO-DATE WITH THIS QUICK IDEA … IT’S SO EASY TO DO Clipboards ✱ Patterned paper ✱ Pencil Scissors ✱ Ruler ✱ Double-sided tape ✱ Self-adhesive picture hooks ✱ ✱

Place the clipboard on a sheet of patterned paper, draw around it and cut out. Measure and cut out a hole for the metal clip section of the clipboard. Cut some strips of double-sided tape and stick along each edge of the clipboard. Peel the backing paper off the tape and neatly stick the patterned paper to the clipboard. Stick the picture hooks onto the wall and hang the clipboard. Clip your artwork to the board and hang up on a wall.

2 3

TAKES

IT’S A SHOE IN MAKE USE OF ALL THE EMPTY BOXES LEFT OVER FROM BUYING SHOES Different sized shoebox lids ✱ Light blue, green and pink paints ✱ Ruler ✱ Scissors ✱ Patterned paper ✱ Glue stick ✱ Strong glue or glue gum ✱ Pegs ✱ Skewer or bradawl ✱ String

✱

Paint the back, sides and inside edge of the shoebox lids with light blue, green and pink paint and leave to dry completely. Measure and cut some patterned paper backgrounds to fit inside the back of each lid and glue in place.

MINS

Place the lids together, with sides touching, to create a large irregular-shaped frame. When you are happy with the arrangement, stick the sides together with strong glue or glue gum – use pegs to hold in place while the glue dries. Make a hole in the corner of a lid on the left and right-hand sides of the frame with a skewer or bradawl. Cut a length of string and thread the ends through the holes. Triple knot to secure and hang on the wall.

TAKES

20 MINS

ESSENTIALS 93

MAKE IT

easy soÂaddÂ ±youÂcouldÂal dÂframes,Â ÂribbonÂtoÂol ightÂ ÂpaintedÂinÂbr rsÂ ÂpastelÂcolou

HANG ABOUT TAKES

20 MINS

SO EASY TO PERSONALISE, AND QUICK TO SWAP ARTWORK IN AND OUT ✱ Wooden skirt hangers ✱ Washi tapes in various bright colours ✱ Self-adhesive alphabet stickers

Using the alphabet stickers, spell out your child’s name on the left-hand side of the hanger. Cut out strips of washi tape in different colours and stick around the other end of the hanger, alternating the colours. Clip your child’s artwork to the hanger, and hang up on hooks.

1 2 3

TAKES

MINS

ALL TIED UP A SIMPLE SATIN BOW ADDS A PRETTY FINISHING TOUCH White frames ✱ Pencil ✱ Black card ✱ Scissors ✱ 15mm wide bright satin ribbon ✱ Small bulldog clips ✱ Glue stick ✱ Glue gun ✱

Remove the backing board and glass from the frame. Draw around the backing board on a sheet of black card and cut out. Stick the card to the backing board and insert into the frame Cut a 1-metre length of ribbon in half. Using the glue

94 ESSENTIALS

gun, stick one end of each of the lengths of ribbon to the backing board at the top edge of the frame and leave to dry. Turn the frame over, and stick a small bulldog clip to the black card at the top of the frame’s aperture. Leave to dry. Stick some picture hooks to the wall. Tie the ribbon in a neat bow on a hook and clip the artwork to the frame.

MAKE IT

easy

SPEEDY CRAFT

Falling for

AUTUMN Eco crafts are here to stay, so take your inspiration from the leaves for naturally stylish makes

TOP TABLE RUNNER BESPOKE TABLE LINEN IS THIS EASY TO MAKE! ✱ Plain white table runner

or napkins ✱ Newspaper ✱ Masking tape ✱ Clean, dry

leaves ✱ Needle and thread ✱ Stencil brush ✱ Green

stencil paint Lay the table runner or a napkin on a large flat surface covered with newspaper. Use masking tape to section off the areas you want to paint. Arrange the leaves in each masked area (tacking them in place makes painting easier). Working quickly, stipple the stencil paint inside the masked areas and around the leaf edges. Let the paint dry completely, then remove the tape, tacking thread (if using) and leaves. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fixing the fabric paint.

2 3

TAKES

40 MINS

ESSENTIALS 95

PRINT IT TOTE BRIGHTEN UP A SIMPLE SHOP-BOUGHT BAG ✱ Tote bag ✱ Artist’s paint

brush ✱ Fabric paint ✱ Leaf stamp ✱ Scrap of fabric Lay the bag flat and use the paint brush to apply fabric paint to the leaf stamp. Starting at the centre of the bag, press the stamp down firmly and lift off cleanly. Continue stamping from the centre outwards until you’re happy with the design. To get a tonal effect, you could stamp the design using more or less paint, or create a faded look by removing excess paint by stamping on a fabric scrap before you stamp the bag. Leave to dry, then fix the paint following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2 3

96 ESSENTIALS

TAKES

30 MINS

SPEEDY CRAFT dÂstatementÂ ÂcreateÂaÂbol ingÂgoldsÂ ÂandÂuseÂstrik rangesÂ ÂwithÂburntÂo reshÂgreensÂ ÂinsteadÂofÂf

SPRIG SCATTER CUSHION USE HOUSEHOLD BLEACH TO GET THIS MAGICAL EFFECT ✱ Coloured cotton cushion cover ✱ Thick

bleach ✱ Piece of firm board or newspaper ✱ Variety of paint brushes

Wash and dry the cushion cover (this helps the bleach soak in better). Practise your designs beforehand, as there is no fixing mistakes when working with bleach. Place a board or folded newspaper inside the cover to protect the back of the cover. Dip your brush in the bleach and start designing. Rather use less bleach to start with, as you can always go over your design if necessary. Leave to dry for about 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry.

1 2 3

TAKES

60 MINS

TAKES

LEAFY LAMPSHADE

MINS

GIVE YOUR BEDSIDE LAMP A QUICK UPDATE WITH DELICATE CUT-OUT PAPER LEAF RUBBINGS ✱ Clean, dry leaf ✱ Thin white paper ✱ Green wax crayon ✱ Needle and

white thread ✱ Lampshade Lay the white paper over the leaf. Holding the paper in position, rub across the leaf evenly with the wax crayon, so that it picks up the imprint of the raised ribs of the leaf, continuing until the image is complete. Repeat until you have enough leaves to cover the

lampshade, then cut them out. Position your first leaf at the centre of the lampshade and attach using a single tiny stitch in the centre. Repeat to attach the rest of the leaves, overlapping and angling them as you go until you are happy with the design. For a different look, use coloured paper or two or more coloured crayons for the leaves.

2 3

ESSENTIALS 97

COOLKids Essentials.co.za HI THERE! ROXANNE FAGRI ROUNDS UP ALL THE LATEST KIDFRIENDLY STUFF

3 3 OF THE BEST

STEPS TO A… BETTER BEDTIME

Putting the little ones down for the night can be a real challenge. Here are a few tips to help them go night-night...

1 Quiet time

calmly and make sure An hour before bedtime, they know who’s boss. remind your kids that they’ll be going to bed soon. Try to enforce Bedtime stories where ‘quiet time’ or, at least, no the characters in the screen-time before bed. book are also getting ready for bed will make your little one feel better Stand your ground even about the fact that they have to do the same. if your toddler is kicking and screaming. It’s easy Make sure you point out to get overwhelmed, but similarities throughout, the more you ignore the like ‘what a good boy he is getting straight tantrums, the easier it into bed, just like you!’. will become. Speak

2 Bedtime story

3 Keep calm

CHEATS CORNER Get your kids to WANT to help out at home! Try our top trick and attach labelled bags of money (loose change is all you need) to a chore board – the ‘nastier’ the task, the more cash they get. You’ll be amazed how keen they’ll suddenly be to wash dishes with this money-full prize! For more advice on how to get your kids to help out at home, visit essentials.co.za

98 ESSENTIALS

1 out of 3

OF OUR PULSE PAUPINION SPENDS A NELISTS R400 ONS MUCH AS CLOTHESKIDDIES’ EV MONTH ERY

#TRENDING NOW LeapFrog LeapBand

With all of us grown-ups strapping on FitBits and similar movement trackers, it’s no wonder our little ones are asking for one of their own. Enter the LeapFrog LeapBand, a cute little activity tracker that looks like a watch and is seriously fun. It encourages healthy habits and the 50 fun challenges and games will keep them busy all afternoon (so you can take a break!). From R399; takealot.com

WHAT’S NEW

7 THIS MONTH... We’re loving the new Barbie! Barbie has had a much-needed makeover and now comes in a range of skin tones, hair textures and ��½�� tall and petite dolls of different skin colours, we’re thrilled that the iconic doll is starting to look a little more representative of real women.

OF THOSE AWKWARD QUESTIONS KIDS ASK

1 CRINGE Grampa, when are you going to die?

2 ERM… TECHY TRICKS Pick and print

TRIED TESTED LOVED!

We like showing off pics of our gorgeous kids as much as the next mom, and what could be easier than printing photos straight from your Apple or Android phone? To use the Polaroid Wi-Fi Photo Printer, R2,999.95, simply download ��½�� the photos you want to print, and voilà! See polaroid.co.za

SNUG AS A BUG Just looking at these pics of the new BabySense Wrap is making us broody! We also love that you can ‘wear’ your little one without having to hassle with clasps or buckles – and it’s comfy, too. R420 each, babysense.com or Baby City.

OF THE Monopoly Mayhem! BEST... Perfect for those chilly afternoons at home FRESH TWIST Who are we kidding? This Game of Thrones Monopoly, R684, loot. co.za is really for us!

Mommy, why do you have hair down there and I don’t?

3 WING IT Mommy, how does Daddy close your tummy once he’s put the baby in there?

4 BRUTAL Mommy, is that man pregnant?

5 TIMING THAT’S COOL Perfect for Frozen-obsessed littlies: Monopoly Junior Frozen Edition, R449.99, popstoys.co.za

Is the Easter Bunny/ Father Christmas/the tooth fairy real?

6 DIVERT Mom, I thought you didn’t like Tracey’s mommy. Why are we here?

LOCAL IS LEKKER Grab your Monopoly Cape Town edition for some fun, close to home, R599.95, toykingdom.co.za

Why do boys have a penis and girls don’t? For more cringeworthy moments courtesy of your kids, visit essentials.co.za

Photography Fotolia; Supplied

7 BECAUSE

ESSENTIALS 99

TOP PICKS

Essentialist FILM TV BOOKS CULTURE

Hot-shot Directors

HOT RIGHT NOW

Lights, camera, action! We take a look at some of the fab faces behind the camera

Zack attack

Feature Roxanne Fagri Photography Elite Photo Agency; Gallo Images/Getty Images

ZACK SNYDER

Double threat

ANTOINE FUQUA We may not be able to pronounce his name but we sure as heck won’t forget it. Not only has Mr Fuqua directed ��½�� some music videos, too. Is there really anything more attractive than a multifaceted man? Look out for his most recent work, ��½��, ��½�� of the same name, out later this year.

Zack Snyder has certainly won himself a large fan base with the list of action titles he has behind his name ��½�� released earlier this year, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Frankly, we wish this brooding talent was in front of the camera, and hope that one day he’ll grace our screens as the world’s new superhero.

Funny JAKE SZYMANSKI guy We’re massive fans of this director’s

sense of humour. We’re even learning to love his facial hair! Over the years he’s directed a bunch of movies, series and short videos and has even dabbled in a few episodes of Saturday Night Live. Later this year sees the release of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates where he works alongside hottie Zac Efron and funnyman Adam DeVine. We’ll be booking our tickets early.

ESSENTIALS 101

GO OUT

Essentialist ON THE TOWN Love Factually A funny, honest and sometimes even touching look at the many differences between men and women, from marriage and dating to Tinder and texting. On from 13 April to 14 May at the Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay; pietertoerien.co.za.

COFFEE & CHOCOLATE

LOVE FACTUALLY

FILM TV BOOKS CULTURE

Kamers Kamers is a market showcase of our country’s most creative, innovative and exciting makers of unique hand-crafted products. The market returns to Joburg from 20 to 24 April at St John’s College in Houghton; kamersvol.com.

woman&home and Garnier Book a spot at w&h’s haircare event with Garnier. Expect a day where hair gurus tackle everything from colour to style inspiration, not forgetting a delicious three-course meal. On 21 May at Space

at Ten Bompas hotel; visit caxtonevents.co.za to book.

Groves & Vineyards On 28 and 29 May you can tuck into a ��½�� and artisanal foods while enjoying live music. It’s all happening at Jozi’s Casalinga Ristorante Italiano; casalinga.co.za.

Grand Designs Live The grand show returns this year with a whole bunch of inspiring designs and décor ideas, and an interactive theatre that shows you how to DIY like a boss! On at the Ticketpro Dome in Joburg from 20 to 22 May; granddesignslive.co.za.

WOMAN & HOME

This year the expo celebrates Mardi Gras! Sample and celebrate world-class whiskeys, wines and liqueurs all paired with decadent chocolate goodies. On from 29 April to 2 May at the Suncoast Casino in Durban; coffeechoc.co.za.

GROVES & VINEYARDS

Coffee & Chocolate

Print out your FREE Friday ticket to Grand Designs Live at essentials.co.za

ON THE BIG SCREEN

FREE STATE ��½�� tells the story of a forbidden love affair between a white Afrikaans girl and an Indian man. Is being happy more important than upholding ��

102 ESSENTIALS

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE It’s a tale of three birds, content and happy (despite their name), whose island paradise is rocked when a bunch of green piggies arrive. Time to bring out the slingshots. Out 13 May.

NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING If Mac and Kelly thought having a fraternity house next door to them was bad, then they won’t know what hit them when a sorority of girls move in. Out 13 May.

BASTILLE DAY Michael Mason (Idris Elba) is a pickpocket living in Paris ��½�� hands of the CIA when he steals a bag that contains more than just a wallet. ��

READ IT

ON THE SHELF BY AMANDA PROWSE (HEAD OF ZEUS) Jacks Morgan is wife to a very dedicated husband, mother to a super stroppy teenager, and daughter to a mother with Alzheimer’s. All of them live under the same chaotic roof and Jacks wonders where it all went wrong. Despite her feelings, she is adamant about giving her teenage daughter the life she had always dreamed of, but how far will she go to try and control what’s destined to happen?

KAMERS

GRAND DESIGNS

Perfect Daughter

JENNIFER LAWRENCE REVEALS THE BOOK THAT CHANGED HER LIFE… ’I wasn’t expecting to like it [Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy]. I thought I wouldn’t want to ½�� book, but then I started slowing down and reading the same chapters over and over. You fall in love with the characters.’

Icarus BY DEON MEYER (HODDER & STOUGHTON) In this, the sixth thriller in the detective Benny Griessel series, an alcoholic Griessel, who has been sober for 602 days, falls completely off the wagon after a tragedy occurs. When the body of a celebrity internet sensation is found in the sand dunes outside Cape Town, it becomes even more important for Benny to pull himself together in order to solve the case. A proudly South African novel.

The Flower Arrangement

The Last Kiss Goodbye BY TASMINA PERRY (HEADLINE PUBLISHING) Archivist Abby Morgan is sorting through a few items deep in the vault of a museum when she comes across a faded photograph of a man waving goodbye to a woman. Having recently gone through her own heartbreak, Abby becomes obsessed with the picture and the intriguing story behind it. Soon it’s revealed that there’s a lot more to the image than what meets the eye.

BY ELLA GRIFFIN (ORION PUBLISHING) ��¾�� ¾�� that bring joy to those that receive them. She uses her talent to turn frowns into smiles, anger into love, and to heal broken hearts. Having recently lost her chance at being a mother, however, it’s her own heart that needs the ��¾�� work their magic on her?

CELEB WISE WORDS

ESSENTIALS 103

ENTER AND WIN!

Win a luxury

bush getaway! Aquila Private Game Reserve is giving readers a chance to win a dream getaway for a family of four, worth R27 520

quila Private Game Reserve offers an exciting taste of the real African outdoors, and it’s just a two-hour drive from Cape Town! It’s the perfect mix of wildlife haven and luxe living, with the Big Five as well as many of South Africa’s celebrated creatures all on your wellappointed doorstep. Set in the magniﬁcent landscape of the Little Karoo, Aquila’s four-star accommodation leaves little to be desired – you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your gorgeous surrounds. And after all your animal spotting and relaxing, there’s no need to even think about cooking: you’ll get to enjoy the chef’s authentic South African cuisine paired with superb local wines.

104 ESSENTIALS

HOW TO ENTER SMS AQUILA, your full name, postal and email address and ID number to 48403 at a cost of R1,50. Free SMSs don’t apply. Errors will be billed. Closing date is 31 May 2016. For additional Ts and Cs, see page 115.

SAY WHAT

Depp is almost unrecognisable as the Mad Hatter in Alice Through the Looking Glass

re¡I’m¡pretty¡ o ¡c y r e ¡v y ¡m t ¡A ppen¡to¡ ¡shy.¡I¡just¡ha ob¡ ¡have¡a¡weird¡j essentially our employers. They’re the boss because they’re the ones who go to the cinema and spend their hard-earned money to escape for two hours to watch a ﬁlm.

Feature Anna Matheson Photography Elite Photo Agency

INSIDE THE MIND OF...

Johnny Depp

The legendary actor talks about painting, privacy and looking after his fans On learning NOT to talk about his loved ones… I remember one TV interview and they asked about my family life and kids. I talked about how I’m a proud father and how they’re great fun. Well, the show aired, and I get a phone call [from Marlon Brando]. ‘What the f&@k are you doing? That’s

none of their business! That’s your world.’ And he was right. On his loyal following… People are super nice in the street. If they want me to sign something, I don’t mind at all. I’ve never liked the term ‘fans’, but I do consider those people

On his love of Europe… It’s a very old and beautiful culture, people know how to live. You know, there you have Sunday roast or the pub lunch… it’s comforting. We don’t have that in the States. Sunday is football day, so it’s wings and pizza. On his passion for painting… I started painting people I admire, including my girl and my kids. I love to paint people’s faces – you want to ﬁnd that emotion, see what’s going on behind their eyes. On his career high… A guy told me he took his wife to Pirates of the Caribbean. She’d lost her motor skills and, when Captain Jack came on the screen, she started to laugh. He hadn’t heard that laugh in years, so he took her back to see the ﬁlm repeatedly. That’s right up there. On longing for anonymity… I’m not the most extroverted person. At my very core I’m pretty shy. I just happen to have a weird job. Anonymity: I’m sure it will be a possibility someday again – maybe when I get old. They get tired of you: ‘Didn’t you used to be Johnny Depp?’ That’ll be the clincher. ✱ Catch Johnny in Alice Through the Looking Glass, out at the end of May.

ESSENTIALS 105

KEEP UP

Essentialist DOWNLOAD

ME BEFORE YOU

FILM TV BOOKS CULTURE

DRAKE Drake’s View from the 6 is his latest album and rumour has it he’s switched up his sound. You’ll recognise the music from ‘Summer Sixteen’, and we think you’ll appreciate his twist on it.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ZAYN MALIK Yes, he left One Direction, but we still love him! His latest song, ‘Pillow Talk’, has been a huge hit, and he’s not bad to look at, ��½�� his solo album, Mind of Mine.

At last! GWEN STEFANI This Is What the Truth Feels Like was recently released by this blonde beauty. Her emotional first single, ‘Used to Love You’, �� just a taste of what’s on offer. .

106 ESSENTIALS

#TRENDING

BOOK-TO-FILM ADAPTATIONS

We take a look at some upcoming movies based on a few of our favourite books ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Alice finds herself in a reversed world after climbing through a mirror above her mantel. This time she’s on a mission to save the Mad Hatter. Along the way she encounters live chessmen, Humpty Dumpty and, of course, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. In order to save her friend, the Hatter, Alice turns to Time, a creature who is half-human, halfclock. It’s all very exciting – and confusing. The film releases at the end of May.

ME BEFORE YOU Louisa ‘Lou’ Clark, 26, is a quirky young girl who has no real direction in her life, but works hard to try and support her family. Will Traynor is a world traveller and a lover of extreme sports until an accident leaves him with quadriplegia. As all good love stories go,

the two are brought together when Lou is hired to assist the sportsman. Will is moody and bossy and the two clash regularly. Louisa finds it difficult working with him, but as they get to know each other, they help one another in ways they never thought possible. Read it and weep. Quite literally. The love story will grace our screens in July.

MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES Two delinquent brothers use Craigslist to find dates for a wedding they’re attending, and the outrageous advert goes viral. What starts out as an innocent way to not ruin a family’s special day, ends with them finding dates who are even more unhinged and irresponsible than they are. We’re so excited for this laugh-a-minute film, expected to be released in August.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME

THE IN/OUT LIST Poke. The Next Big Thing in raw ½�� out sushi! Tennis shoes worn with dresses and skirts Our cute new crush, YouTube sensation Charlie Puth THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

KEEP UP

Rainbow freckles; adding a quirky pop of colour to cheeks everywhere �� brogues

‘Artisanal’ plates – really no need to serve my salad in a spade Streetwear. Leave the tracksuits to the kids! Nick Jonas. Our love affair’s over now, like The Jonas Brothers Wispy brows. Enough! We’re channelling Cara Delevingne Pedicures – why bother?

ON THE RADAR

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

Feature Roxanne Fagri; Anna Matheson Photography Thinkstock; Fotolia; Elite Photo Agency

Rachel is an alcoholic who’s trying to get over a failed marriage after her husband, Tom, leaves her for another woman. To keep up appearances after losing her job, she spends countless hours on the train pretending to go to and from work. On one such train trip, while staring out the window at the houses ahead, she spots an incident that leads to a gripping drama. Keep your eye on the big screen in October.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN When his grandfather is killed by a mysterious creature, 16-year-old Jacob Portman travels to a magical remote island to learn more about his grandfather’s life. What he finds there are the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an eerie orphanage for ‘gifted’ – potentially dangerous – children, and some of the residents may still be alive. The film is set to hit theatres at the end of December.

Top blog What do you get when you have three kids, We’re so happy to have two dogs and one old house? An awesome blog, Victoria Secret model �� that’s what! Mother and ��½�� ¾�� ¾�� blog (3kids2dogsand1old house.co.za) to document about fashion and beauty, and we love her the precious moments of her everyday life. for it; @angelcandice.

Tweet-star

Insta-glam Take an intriguing peek into the glam world of actress and mom @katehudson who’s been sharing family ��½�� on the set of her latest movie Mother’s Day.

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ADVENTURE

HOLIDAYS Holiday destinations can offer so much more than just a place to stay ANIMAL INTERACTIONS WHERE? Sometimes you just need to wave the city goodbye and rediscover yourself in nature. You can do exactly that at Hartbeespoort Dam, where there’s more than just water sports, a zoo and a cable car to enjoy. The Elephant Sanctuary is top of our to-do list because you can enjoy a hands-on experience with the gentle giants. This is one of three sanctuaries; there are also venues in Hazyview and Plett. The ellies are good-natured and relaxed (what a relief!) and they seem to enjoy interacting with us as much as we do with them! BOOK IT Guests can enjoy an awesome two-hour elephant interaction programme which involves touching, feeding and walking trunk-in-hand with the elephants. Bliss! It’s not all just fun and games though: you’ll also learn about elephant anatomy, see the stables and learn the story behind each individual elephant at the sanctuary. This interaction costs R695 for adults and R295 for children aged between four and 14; elephantsanctuary.co.za.

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CULTURAL TOURS WHERE? Jozi may not have a giant ocean on its doorstep, but it is home to one of South Africa’s vibiest urban areas – Soweto. It’s a wonderfully colourful and diverse area that’s been attracting tourists for years. Top of your must-see list should be a visit to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, then on to famed Vilakazi Street, once home to Nelson Mandela (Desmond Tutu still owns a home in the street, too). If you’re up to it, you can brave a bungee jump from the Orlando Towers. There’s no shortage of attractions here, but these days tourists are flocking to the bustling township not only for its historical sights, but also to sample the authentic

South African fare at famous eateries like Wandies Place, Chaf Pozi or Jazz Maniacs Restaurant. BOOK IT Fancy a guided tour? Or a bicycle tour? Or a night-time shebeen tour? There’s even an Amazing Race team-building excursion! Visit soweto. co.za for prices and packages.

TRAVEL

HIKING SPOT WHERE? De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve, or the Jewel of the Cape as it’s sometimes known, is a very manageable three-hour drive from Cape Town. On arrival, you’ll find over a thousand plant species and more wildlife than you can shake a camera lens at – think antelope to zebras, and just about everything in between. The real star of the show, though, is the Whale Trail: a five-day hiking trail (including overnight accommodation in cottages) where you’ll walk the route along the coastline and into the mountains. For the best sightings of southern right whales, plan your trip from June to about September. BOOK IT The Whale Trail route stretches over 55km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen. It’s quite the excursion, so it’s not recommended for children under eight. Bookings are limited to groups of six to 12 people. You can enjoy spectacular scenery and regular catch-your-breath breaks while your luggage is transported for you to your overnight hut (you’ll just need to carry a day pack for each day’s walk). Expect to pay around R2 195 per person for the trail; capenature.co.za.

CULINARY HOLIDAYS WHERE? Located on the edge of the Great Karoo is the charming small town of Prince Albert. Known for its farming and tourism, the little town won our hearts with its authentic Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, olive and fruit farms, and - most importantly - their wine. Add a culinary adventure at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain and we’re sold! Not that we really needed much more convincing... BOOK IT African Relish is a recreational cooking school in Prince Albert that offers luxury accommodation and a cooking adventure like no other – plus, they grow all their own herbs and vegetables! You’ll feel like you’re in the MasterChef kitchen, but without the anxiety and the cameras, of course.

There are two course types run throughout the year: Anytime courses include classes on contemporary Italian and Karoo classics, tapas and vegetarian dishes; scheduled weekend courses involve demonstrations by guest chefs. The cooking courses cost between R750 and R1 250; africanrelish.com.

ESSENTIALS 109

CYCLIST’S DREAM WHERE? The Tugela Valley is just two and a half hours from Durban and its river is the largest in KwaZulu-Natal. The valley is the perfect location for cyclists to enjoy some biking through the mountainous foothills, private game reserves and historic battlefields. And if you’re concerned about safety, you’ll be pleased to know that most of the riding takes place on private farms and reserves. BOOK IT The trail begins at the foothills of the Drakensberg and continues to a bush lodge on the banks of the Tugela, eventually ending up at Spioenkop Mountain. There’s overnight accommodation at the bush lodge and enough time for a float down the river on a tube, drink in hand. The tour can also be tailored to your group’s fitness and skill level – meaning no one gets left behind. A standard two-night weekend tour will cost R3 000 per person for a group of six; R2 800 per person for a group of seven to eight; and R2 500 per person for a group of nine to 12. Prices include accommodation, all your meals and two professionally guided rides; active-escapes.co.za.

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BUNGEE JUMPING WHERE? Tsitsikamma National Park is home to the great Bloukrans Bridge, more famously known as the world’s third-highest bungee jump spot (216m). Just the thought of it gives us chills, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie then you’ll be up for the challenge. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit Tsitsikamma, it’s a national park made up of wild churning rivers, deep ravines and dense forests. It’s nothing short of magical and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for someone wanting to fling themselves off a bridge. For those who prefer life on the ground, the national park is home to the elusive Cape clawless otter, baboons, monkeys, small antelope and cute little dassies.

BOOK IT If you’re not sure whether or not to jump, there’s an option to walk out to the jumping-off point under the bridge for just R100. For those ready for action, a jump will set you back around R890 if you pay on site, R850 if you book online; faceadrenalin.com.

TRAVEL

YOGA RETREAT WHERE? Situated in the Little Karoo village of Barrydale is a beautiful bed and breakfast-cum-yoga sanctuary called Little Samadhi Karoo Retreat. Its mountainous surroundings and lush greenery make it an ideal location for yogis looking to unwind. The retreat is a blissful couple of days of regular yoga classes, meditation, massages and even personalised kundalini yoga sessions. We feel Zen just thinking about it! BOOK IT You can choose between two types of yoga: kundalini yoga and yin yoga. A retreat that includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner and two sessions a day will cost you around R1 300 per day. Prices depend on what you’re looking to get out of the retreat, so take your pick by visiting littlesamadhi.co.za.

Feature Roxanne Fagri Photography Fotolia; Thinkstock; Gallo Images/Getty Images; Supplied

ROCK CLIMBING WHERE? In the Drakensberg, of course! These magnificent mountains offer awesome accommodation and breathtaking scenery; think beautiful cliffs, forests and waterfalls, as well as many hiking routes. One of its most appealing activities (for daredevils at least) is rock climbing. Take your pick from easy scrambles to fairly difficult challenges - we love that there’s an option for almost everyone to enjoy. Even those of us who aren’t fit and don’t have any climbing experience. There are a number of routes to choose from, which will depend on your skill level and what kind of rock face you’re looking to conquer. BOOK IT You’ll want to opt for a guided rock-climbing tour if it’s your first time; this is where an instructor will give you a basic climbing course and most of the time the equipment is included. Starter equipment generally includes a climber’s harness, a chalk bag and chalk, climbing shoes, screw-gate karabiners, a belay plate, a helmet and a sling. Don’t fret if you’ve never heard of some of these terms before, that’s what the guide is for! There are a number of courses to choose from, but a three-day beginner’s mountaineering course will cost around R4 800, which includes accommodation and permits. Find a course that suits you at peakhigh.co.za.

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112 ESSENTIALS

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ESSENTIALS 113

ENTER AND WIN! SOLVE THE BLOCKWORD and you could win a delicious Spalicious hamper valued at R3 000. Follow the arrows and, when the blockword is complete, the ringed letters will spell out a word meaning ‘a long bridge-like structure, typically a series of arches, carrying a road or railway across a valley or other low ground’. Grab

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Spalicious is a high-quality It ... very A television Sincere Set burning hot today system body care range with trendsetting products for your I prefer Twenty Out or ... Steal goods to drink hands, feet and body. percent rooibos ... With ingredients and ‘ﬂavours’ that Male or create everlasting Not good True or ... female memories, you can choose your TemAn uncasperature ... at the trated favourite from male sensitive stake pig Milkshake, Kiwi (abbr) & Melon, Crème Caramel and Wild En suite Highs (abbr) and ... Ginger & Honey. The range offers An Intended Republic everything your See Disorderli- appraisal of to attract of South The act of (past hands, feet and body ness the state of notice and Africa gambling tense) affairs impress (abbr) might need to look and feel like new! SMS your answer, plus your name, surname, ID number, postal address and email address to 48403. Each SMS costs R1,50. Free SMSs don’t apply. Errors will be billed. Answers must reach us by 31 May 2016. See the Ts and Cs for the competition on page 115. Visit essentials.co.za for a list of the competition winners.

114 ESSENTIALS

Stockist list Although prices and availability of items were checked at the time of going to press, unfortunately these can change. Our advice? Call the number or visit the website listed to see when it’s arriving in your local store… @home Home.co.za A.Vogel at Clicks 0860 254 257 Accessorize 011 880 5922 Ackermans 021 900 1000 Avon.co.za Beyoncé Heat Kissed at Clicks 0860 254 257 Bio-Oil at Clicks 0860 254 257 Bobbi Brown at Edgars 0860 692 274 Catrice at Dis-Chem 0860 347 243 Charles & Keith 012 668 9730 Citychic.co.za Clarins at Edgars 0860 692 274 Clinique.co.za Colette Hayman 087 808 0080 Color Wow at twincare.co.za Coricraft.co.za Cotton On 011 268 3700 Country Road at Woolworths 0860 022 002 Dermalogica.co.za Dolce & Gabbana at redsquare.co.za Donna Claire 0860 104 764 Dove at Clicks 0860 254 257 Edgars 0860 692 274 Elements 042 200 2600

Elizabeth Arden at Edgars 0860 692 274 Esque.co.za Essence at redsquare.co.za Esteelauder.co.za Exact 011 691 4920 Eylure at Dis-Chem 0860 347 243 Forever21 011 883 0025 Foschini 086 010 4764 Garnier at Clicks 0860 254 257 Ghd at ghdhair.com/za Gosh at Edgars 0860 692 274 H&M 021 826 7300, hm.com/za Jo Borkett 011 883 7414 John Frieda at Clicks 0860 254 257 Johnson’s at Clicks 0860 254 257 L’Occitane at za.loccitane.com Labello at Clicks 0860 254 257 Lee Stafford at Clicks 0860 254 257 Loadsoﬂiving.co.za Maccosmetics.co.za

Mango 011 783 7907 Max Factor at Clicks 0860 254 257 Maybelline at Clicks 0860 254 257 Miladys 0800 310 290 Moroccanoil at twincare.co.za Mr Price 0800 212 535 Mr Price Home 0860 212 535 Nativa.co.za Neutrogena at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Next za.nextdirect.com Nivea at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Olay at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Organics at Pick n Pay, shop.pnp.co.za Palladio at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Palmers at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Physicians Formula at Dis-Chem 0860 347 2436 Pierre Cardin 011 345 8000 Poetry 021 464 5800 Pond’s at Clicks 0860 254 257 Queue Shoes 021 531 5450

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immediately and without notice. In the event of such termination, all participants agree to waive any rights that they may have in terms of this promotion and acknowledge that they will have no recourse against Caxton Publishers, its agents and promoters. Competitions run until 31 May 2016, except where otherwise stated. Lines are open 24 hours a day for the duration of the promotions. Prizes can’t be exchanged for cash. Caxton Publishers cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions and/or technical failures throughout promotions.

An SMS is charged at R1,50. Allocated free minutes that may form part of your monthly cellular subscription won’t apply. Errors will be billed. Info supplied for competitions will not be used or shared with third parties. To enter competitions, SMS your name, email address, postal address and ID number to 48403. Prizes returned to Caxton Publishers will not be re-sent to winners. In an effort to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, ID numbers of winners will be kept on record. Entries that do not include an ID number will be regarded as incomplete.

*ALL PRICES WERE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. While due care is taken to ensure accuracy, Essentials magazine is not liable for any errors in product listings or availability, pricing or any other information that was checked and has changed since the time of going to print.

ESSENTIALS 115

YOUR STARS

horoscopes MAY

Essentials astrologer Marion Williamson reveals all… Sagittarius Cancer 21 JUNE – 22 JULY

‘Give your dreams some real substance’

Sometimes sorting things out can feel like too much hard work – and May could be one of those times. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’re not making progress. DO What you can to stay alive DON’T Lose sleep

22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER

Opportunities will land in your lap this month. You’ve wanted a change, but don’t take up an offer just because it’s there. You’ll know in your heart if it’s the right thing to do. DO Wait for something better DON’T ��¾��

Capricorn Leo 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY

Your year begins on a high with the Sun, Mercury and Venus all in your sign, promising a tremendous cosmic punch if you’re planning a career change or want to expand your creative skills. The next few months look awesome if you’re looking to move and September is a good time to kick-start a project that’s been pushed to one side. Your focus in November will be on a partner – and, as long as you’re honest with those close to you, you’ll grow from strength to strength. Then from mid-April to the end of May, you’ll have the energy and knowledge to give your dreams some real substance. DO Be ready for anything DON’T Second-guess yourself

Every day you’ll learn ��½�� things. You’ll get obsessed with one idea, then wonder why it even mattered to you by the end of May. DO Keep lists DON’T Make life-changing decisions

22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY

Your boss has noticed how hard you’ve been working and will throw you a lifeline. Stay focused – by the end of May your life will be as good as it seems on social media. DO Aim to please DON’T Take your eyes off the prize

Virgo Aquarius 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER

The work you put in months ago will start paying for itself and a promotion or ��½�� with energy and optimism. Don’t slow down. DO Feel sorry for those who don’t know you DON’T Wait for everyone’s approval

20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY

You have the chance to connect with people on a deeper level this month ��½�� emotions from your own. Remember to think before you explode! DO Look at faces not screens DON’T Let it fester

Pisces Libra 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER

You really have no idea just how attractive you are. Yes, your body shape is an hour-glass with a few extra minutes added on – but you are someone’s idea of heaven! DO Stop beating yourself up DON’T Stand on Lego

19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH

Emails or applications you thought had been ignored may suddenly come back to life. It might not be great money-wise, ��½�� DO Pray for the ‘un-send text’ option DON’T Get high on fructose

Aries Gemini Scorpio Your current relationship isn’t terrible, but sometimes it can feel like it’s held together with chewing gum and string. May’s an excellent time to address any issues. DO De-bobble your jeggings DON’T Eat chocolate spread for breakfast

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23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER

Relationships are in the spotlight right now. If you’re single and looking, you’re in for a nice surprise… and even if you’re part of a happy couple, things will get delightfully intimate. DO ��½�� DON’T Keep tatty bras

21 MARCH – 19 APRIL

You’re a pillar of sensibleness this month – surrounded by ridiculous situations. Treat it as a kind of weird karmic test that will make you far stronger in the long run. DO Laugh at life’s cruelty DON’T Scrimp on the veggies

Illustrations Istock

21 MAY – 20 JUNE

PUZZLES

CODE CRACKER

SUDOKU

This one’s a bit of a toughie, so keep at it. Each number represents a different ��½�� the crossword. We’ve given you three letters, all words are from a dictionary and we haven’t used proper nouns. The puzzle doesn’t necessarily use all letters ��½��

��½��½�� that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Good luck!

What puzzleskind of you lik would e on th to see Email e is page? ss caxton entials@ .co.za

JUMBLE SQUARE Got your thinking cap on? Good! Rearrange the letters in each row to form a word. Write your answers into the blank grid. Once you have got all the words, ��½�� each word, when read down, will spell out the mystery keyword.

ESSENTIALS PUZZLES

Whether you like wondering about words or focussing on ﬁgures, we’ve got a conundrum to get that grey matter working. So sharpen your pencil, keep your wits about you and get solving!

Find the answers to the puzzles at essentials.co.za ESSENTIALS 117

ENTER AND WIN!

Hedgren These design-driven Hedgren bags boast style and functionality, meeting the demands of the modern woman. The Hedgren Diamond Touch Shoulder Bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and features include a cell phone pocket and inside organiser, keeping you organised on the go. They’re practical, sleek and a must-have accessory! For stockist enquires contact 031 205 9219.

To win 1 of 2 Hedgren Shoulder Bags and iPad Sleeve hampers, valued at R2 500 each, SMS HEDGREN

Face & Body Synergy Face & Body Synergy, the go-to medical aesthetic clinic, is 10 years old! In celebration of this milestone, they will be treating one lucky lady to a half-day pamper session and one-night stay for two at Nut Grove Manor, situated in the heart of White River, Mpumalanga. The package includes a manicure, pedicure, glycolic acid peel, and a Swedish full-body massage at Face & Body, plus a bottle of sparkling wine and breakfast at the tranquil Nut Grove Manor. Ready yourself for being spoiled and utter relaxation. Not to be missed!

To win this pamper session and one-night stay, valued at R2 830, SMS SYNERGY

Little spoils fo r y o u SMS your details and you could win some of these fabulous goodies!

Sh’Zen

HUGO BOSS

The Sh’Zen Top-to-toe Collection box contains ﬁve of their bestselling products – the Daily Moisture Repair, Feminine Body Wash, Rejuvenating Scrub, Balancing Shampoo and the Natural Treatment of Hair, all in 50ml travel-sized tubes. Great for a weekend getaway! Visit shzen.co.za for more info.

BOSS BOTTLED OUD is a magniﬁcent amber fougère in which spicy, animalic and leather facets are fused with redolent oud woods. Unapologetically masculine with a touch of pure luxury, it’s both rich and mysterious and just perfect for the man in your life. BOSS MA VIE Pour Femme draws on the pleasure she feels when she chooses to step out of her routine, slow down, loosen up and simply enjoy a moment for herself. Fragrances for every occassion.

To win 1 of 14 Sh’Zen hampers, valued at R359 each, SMS BODY

To win a Boss hamper, valued at R3 270, SMS BOSS HOW TO ENTER: SMS your name, keyword, email and postal addresses and ID number to 48403. Free SMSs don’t apply. Each SMS costs R1,50. Errors will be billed. Entries must reach us by 31 May 2016. See page 115 for Ts and Cs.

118 ESSENTIALS

BACK PAGE

The

LAST WORD... South African actress and recent solo artist, Tumi Masemola tells us what she’s loving… and loathing

What I’m cooking... Getting my kids to help me cook dinner gives us a brilliant chance to spend time together every day. Salmon is one of the dishes we cook over and over again, trying out different flavour combos and textures to keep it interesting. I’m flexing my muscles into the dance floor music space and I’m really enjoying singing my soulful melodies to some seductive club beats. With this single, The Breakout, I’m breaking away from the Gang and allowing audiences to see another side of me, a side that’s more sophisticated, playful and cheeky. My first single, Sugar Free, featuring Africa’s rap queen Nadia Nakai, is currently available on iTunes.

Enough already! I’m so over the super low-rise jeans that girls still insist on wearing – I really don’t want to know what colour underwear you have on! I’m all for the return of high-rise jeans: ��

My former stage name, Lady Naturelle, came about when the guys and I were in studio recording one day, and I noticed that I was the only one without a nickname, or an ‘aka’. We started throwing names around, and someone mentioned that I sing naturally and that I always have natural hair: I’m an allnatural kind of girl, so somehow it all culminated in Lady Naturelle.

This snap is of me in my happy place: I had just completed my HeelsInMotion dance class and was feeling rejuvenated. I feel so proud when I look at this picture because there was a time in my life – after pregnancy – when I thought I’d never be able to lose weight and wear a crop top with tights. But I did it: I’ve dropped 24kg, shaped my body and my dance moves. Follow Tumi on Instagram at @tumi_masemola

MY MUST� HAVES Liquid liner – I’m not really into wearing loads of make-up, but a slick of liquid liner gives my eyes a bit of a lift so they look fierce! Nail file – I won’t leave home without popping one into my handbag. You just never know when a nail disaster could happen, and I like to know I can remedy the situation before an important meeting if I have to. Water bottle – I need my daily dose of aqua, whether it’s infused with cucumber, lemon, ginger or all three. It has amazing health benefits.

Photography Thinkstock; Fotolia; Supplied

ay is my birthday month so it’s my favourite time of the year! I’m going to be painting the town red, eating cake, going on fabulous girls’ nights out and, of course, I’ll be realigning my strategy for world domination! I have a busy few weeks ahead of me: there are always loads of birthday activities and other gettogethers to look forward to, plus concerts and braais with friends. When I was the lead singer of Gang of Instrumentals, I was lucky enough to travel the world when we launched some of our albums, and during that time I learned vital lessons about the music industry. I’ve recently broken out as a solo artist and I’m working on my second single, which I’m wildly excited about.

My Instagram moment of the month

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